A magnificent single-estate Brunello from Gaja’s Pieve Santa Restituta property in Montalcino, Rennina 2019 combines the power and longevity of Brunello with the extraordinary polish and precision associated with the Gaja family.
The exceptional 2019 vintage produced a Rennina of beautiful balance: concentrated and structured, yet remarkably elegant, fresh and aromatic. This is serious Sangiovese with considerable aging potential.
Producer: Pieve Santa Restituta – Gaja
Region: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Grape: 100% Sangiovese
Vintage: 2019
Style: Dry, full-bodied, structured red
Alcohol: 14.5% ABV
Nose: Beautifully aromatic, with ripe cherry, raspberry, and red plum accompanied by wild rose, violet, and Mediterranean herbs. With air, deeper notes of tobacco, cedar, orange peel, licorice, sage, and subtle spice emerge.
Palate: Rich and layered, yet with impressive energy. Juicy red and dark cherry fruit is framed by savory herbs, tobacco and mineral notes. The tannins are fine-grained and polished, while vibrant Sangiovese acidity provides freshness and remarkable definition.
Structure: Full-bodied but never heavy. Rennina combines concentration with tension and elegance, displaying the refined side of Brunello rather than relying purely on power.
Finish: Long, savory and persistent, with red berries, bitter orange, herbs, tobacco and mineral notes lingering alongside beautifully integrated tannins.
Rennina comes from three vineyards surrounding the historic Pieve Santa Restituta estate, covering about 10 hectares. The vineyards feature predominantly clay and limestone soils.
Each vineyard is vinified separately, with fermentation lasting approximately three weeks in stainless steel. The wines mature separately in oak before blending and further aging in larger oak vessels, followed by extended bottle maturation before release.
The Gaja family acquired Pieve Santa Restituta in 1994, bringing its philosophy of precision and terroir expression from Piedmont to Montalcino.
2019 is an exceptional Brunello vintage, and Rennina is one of the standout wines from Pieve Santa Restituta.
The vintage combines ripe, beautifully defined fruit with excellent acidity and substantial but refined tannins. Rennina captures the elegant side of Sangiovese while retaining the structure needed for long-term aging.
Critical reception has been outstanding, with scores reaching 98 points and particular praise for the wine's balance, refinement, and longevity.
2027–2046+
Rennina 2019 is still youthful and will reward additional cellar time. Over the next two decades, expect its vibrant cherry and floral character to evolve toward dried flowers, tobacco, leather, forest floor, herbs, and complex savory notes.
If you enjoy it now, I recommend decanting for about 1½–2 hours and serving at 16–18°C.
Exceptional with Bistecca alla Fiorentina, prime ribeye, roast lamb, venison, braised beef, wild boar ragù, porcini mushrooms, truffle dishes and aged Pecorino Toscano.
Its combination of acidity, tannin and savory complexity makes it particularly well suited to rich meat dishes.
A superb Brunello for collectors and one of the most elegant expressions of Sangiovese from the Gaja portfolio.
Rennina occupies an interesting position between the estate's classic Brunello and the more powerful Sugarille. Rennina tends toward elegance, perfume, and finesse, making it especially attractive to guests who appreciate the sophistication of Gaja's great Piedmont wines.
For lovers of Brunello, Barolo and Barbaresco, Rennina 2019 is an outstanding addition to the cellar—and a wine that should become considerably more complex with age.
The Tasting Room Rating: 97/100 — Collect • Cellar • Special Occasion
