Pieve Santa Restituta is Gaja's Tuscan estate in Montalcino, acquired in 1994 — the family's first expansion beyond Piedmont in their 135-year history. The estate takes its name from the ancient Pieve (church) at its heart, whose foundations date to the 4th century AD. Wine has been made here since the 12th century. This Brunello di Montalcino blends grapes from three distinct vineyards on clay-calcareous Galestro soils at 320–350 metres elevation. The 2019 vintage is one of the finest Brunello has seen in decades.
Details
Producer: Pieve Santa Restituta (Gaja)
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Grape: 100% Sangiovese
Aging: 24 months in Slavonian oak, then 6 months in concrete
Alcohol: 14.5%
Drinking Window: 2025–2040 (drinking beautifully now)
Tasting Notes
The 2019 opens with mineral flint, sweet nutmeg, bergamot, and delicate rosehip, followed by wild roses, raspberry, blood orange, and a hint of balsamic. The palate is sweet and juicy at entry, medium-to-full bodied, warm and spicy with excellent freshness. Bright acidity beautifully balances the structure; the long, savory finish recalls ripe plums and dried cherry. 97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck.
Food Pairings
- Bistecca Fiorentina
- Braised wild boar or lamb shank
- Roasted rack of lamb with garlic
- Truffle pasta or risotto
- Venison
- Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Hard aged Tuscan cheeses
Sustainability
Angelo Gaja famously stated: "We are not biodynamic, we are Gaja." The estate applies sustainable viticulture across all properties — minimal chemical intervention, focus on soil health and biodiversity — while deliberately choosing not to pursue formal certification. The Gaja name, they believe, is the standard.
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