Sugarille — 2019
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Introduction
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WINERY Pieve Santa Restituta is Gaja’s estate in Montalcino, purchased in 1994. It is the family’s first expansion outside the Barbaresco and Barolo areas since its establishment in 1859.
WINE Sugarille is the name given to the parish estate, as a result of the inventory drawn up in 1547 by Giovanni Sampieri. Sugarille is the name both of the vineyard and the wine.
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Vineyard Profile
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A single vineyard facing south and covering a surface of 4.5 hectares mainly consisting of clay and limestone, with the presence of galestro.
- Vineyards: Sugarille
- Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino D.O.P
- Location: Tuscany
- Cultivation: Sustainable
- Soil: Clay and limestone, with the presence of galestro (a rocky, schistous clay soil)
- First Year of Production: 1990 (the first vintage produced by Gaja was 1995)
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Vintage Report
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Winter and spring were cold and dry. Budding was delayed and the grape bunches were small in size. It rained heavily in May, but the lower temperatures helped to prevent disease. Total rainfall during the vintage was in line with seasonal averages, but most of the rain occurred in May and from July to September. The weather was hot from June through August. Rain at the end of July into August played an important role in preventing thermal shock. Mistral winds help avoid the formation of mold. Throughout September, the temperatures fluctuated significantly and a final rainfall around the middle of the month helped the grapes reach full ripeness. The harvest began on September 22 and ended October 6. The grapes were healthy and fully ripened, with a balanced proportion between skin and juice.
Considering the continued warm and dry temperatures that Montalcino has witnessed in the last years, 2018 is a vintage characterized by freshness and finesse with bright fruit, medium body, and excellent acidity.
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Vinification
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Fermentation and maceration for around three weeks followed by 24 months of aging in oak and another six months in concrete vats.
- Aging: 24 months of aging in oak and another six months in concrete vats
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Sangiovese
- Alcohol: 14.5%
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Tasting Notes
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Intense perfumes of black berry, plums and roots, together with a earthy and petrol hint. Delicate mineral notes, with a taste of bloody oranges and dark fruit; it is compact, with a sweet entrance and fullness in the mid-palate. The wine boasts mature, soft, and enveloping tannins that give length and intensity.
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Images
Reviews
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Sugarille — 2019 – Wine Spectator – 96 Points
"An elegant version, this red exhibits cherry, graphite, earth, blood and eucalyptus aromas and flavors, turning darker and more brooding as it evolves in the mouth, with both savory and mineral elements. Yet this remains very Sangiovese, with a firm, peppery aftertaste that echoes fruit, iron and underbrush accents."
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Sugarille — 2019 – Jeb Dunnuck – 97 Points
“A bright magenta/ruby color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino is floral and expressive with aromas of wild roses, raspberry liqueur, blood orange, and fresh pine. Medium-bodied, it’s graceful throughout, with refined tannins, even, mouthwatering acidity, and a salty finish.”
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Sugarille — 2019 – Decanter – 95 Points
“Powerfully constructed, this will appeal to drinkers seeking a vigorous style of Brunello. Sweet oak spice and plum take on earthy forest undertones. It's ample and expansive in fruit, yet austere and tight in structure: dark cherry and plum hang off steely, vertical grape tannins. Thicker wood tannins build through the core but crisp acidity offsets the dense structure, and medicinal herbs are tucked into its layers.”