Plum, blue flower, star anise, leather and eucalyptus aromas mingle together on this polished fragrant red. On the taut medium-bodied palate, elegant tannins and fresh acidity balance wild cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and tobacco flavors. Producer Information Gianni Brunelli is a small wine producer in the Tuscan hillside region of Montalcino, producing the eponymous Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino wines from the ubiquitous Sangiovese grape. The Gianni Brunelli estate was was founded in 1987 when Brunelli himself purchased Le Chiuse di Sotto, a small estate in the northeast of the DOCG zone that had once belonged to his father. Today, the estate makes two Brunello di Montalcino wines, a Rosso di Montalcino, and a Toscana IGT wine called Amor Constante. The Le Chuise di Sotto vineyard covers two hectares (five acres) of vines, most of which were planted in 1989 (although a small parcel dating back to 1947 was retained). It is one of the cooler sites in Montalcino, and produces wines with bright acidity. In 1998, Brunelli purchased and planted the four-ha (10-acre) Podernovone vineyard at a warmer site further south in the Montalcino zone, near Sant'Antimo. The regular Brunello wine is now a blend from both sites. Farming has been organic since the beginning, and all work throughout the growing season is carried out by hand. A green harvest is performed in July to leave seven or eight bunches on each vine, lowering the yield and ultimately giving a more intese, concentrated wine. Gianni Brunelli's portfolio includes the familiar trio of standard Brunello di Montalcino, a powerful Riserva from the best vines in the best vintages, and a Rosso di Montalcino. All three are aged in large-format Slavonian oak casks, or "botti". The Toscana IGT wine, Amor Constante, is an 80/20 Sangiovese – Merlot blend, and is matured in French barriques. Brunelli also makes a Sangiovese rosato from the Podernovone vineyard.
