GAJA, PIEVE SANTA RESTITUTA
TUSCANY, ITALY 2020
Some say the 2020 Brunello vintage was one in which producer expertise made all the difference, and it would be almost impossible to argue that point after tasting this triumphant trio from the great GAJA, including a "layered and expressive" 96-pointer (Jeb Dunnuck) and a "polished, velvety" 96-pointer (James Suckling). All three wines hail from GAJA's famed Pieve Santa Restituta estate, demonstrating what happens when a pedigreed producer, hallowed terroir, and expert vineyard and cellar management all come together. This is Brunello at its most seductive and most rewarding, friends, and will instantly elevate any collection.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:
James Suckling hailed the Rennina, in a 96-point paean, for its "aromas of dark fruit, mushrooms and rich earth [that] follow through to a full body with creamy, round tannins that are long and beautiful. Deep fruit and a polished, velvety texture. Excellent depth and intensity." Jeb Dunnuck was equally enamored of the Sugarille, also awarding 96 points and describing his experience in lyrical and sensually precise terms: "expressive and layered on opening, with pure aromas of preserved red cherries, anise, delicate oak spice, and red flowers... [with] tension through the palate, with a refreshing spine of acidity, fine, angular tannins, and more mineral persistence."
OUR TASTING NOTES:
The 2020 vintage has borne out the wisdom of GAJA's decades-long focus on climate adaptation. These wines demonstrate extraordinary balance despite the vintage's challenges, a credit to GAJA’s comprehensive and thoughtful approach (from incorporating cultivated organic matter into the soils for better water retention to tending the vineyard as a complex ecosystem composed of many different terroirs). The Brunello di Montalcino presents a deep bouquet of ripe red cherries and wild strawberries, touched with Mediterranean herbs and wonderful (and evocative) mineral undertones. The Rennina intensifies this character, with darker, fuller fruit expressions: black cherry, violet, and licorice weave in and around one another, in a marvelous braiding of flavors and tonalities. The Sugarille displays the most powerful personality, offering dark plum and blackberry aromas alongside savory spices, leading to a structured palate with nice and refined tannins.
THE STORY:
Angelo Gaja, the patriarch, transformed not just his family's estate, established in 1859, but the entire landscape of Italian wine when he commandeered the reins, in the early 1960s. His controversial methods, from the use of barriques to his reliance on single-vineyard expressions, once raised eyebrows throughout Piedmont; today, the Piedmontese are raising only their glasses, in acknowledgment and praise of this enfant terrible-turned-prophet. In 1994, GAJA set its sights on Montalcino, acquiring Pieve Santa Restituta, an 86-hectare estate with roots stretching back to the 12th century. Situated at an altitude of 320-350 meters and blessed with a sun-drenched, windswept microclimate, it has proven to be an absolutely ideal parcel for the Gaja family to explore and work its magic.
THE VINEYARDS:
Pieve Santa Restituta's terroir provides the foundation for these exceptional single-vineyard expressions. The Rennina and Sugarille crus each contribute distinct characteristics — Rennina offering intensity and aromatic complexity, while Sugarille delivers power and structure. The estate's elevated position and favorable microclimate, combined with the Gaja family's meticulous vineyard management, create ideal conditions for expressing Sangiovese's noble character.
WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH:
These sophisticated Brunellos deserve equally thoughtful companions. The estate Brunello pairs beautifully with roasted meats, aged cheeses, or wild mushroom risotto. The Rennina's intensity all but demands something rich and saucy — say, a pot of braised short ribs. The powerful Sugarille stands up magnificently to a (ha) standing rib roast, or any number of preparations of game.
FUN FACT:
It's said that Angelo Gaja can often be found walking the rows of the vineyards, not just observing the vines, but listening to them — a testament to the almost mystical connection between this visionary winemaker and his beloved terroir.
OUR GUARANTEE:
As always, we only buy directly from the estate. You can rest assured that your wines will arrive in pristine condition, ready for your cellar — or your glass. Order your bottles and cases today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2025 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2026). All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. The price reflected on your order form is subject to change after the order is placed in the event of a change in tariffs or taxes that are imposed by the U.S. government, or in the case of currency fluctuations of 10% or greater. Offer not valid in KS, KY, MI, MO, NE, NY, OK & TN. This offer is valid for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Monday, July 28th, 2025.