Gianni Brunelli
Summary
Gianni Brunelli is a small family estate in Montalcino spanning 5-8 hectares across two complementary zones, producing classically styled Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino from Sangiovese grown in diverse soils ranging from northern galestro to southern clay and marl. Under Laura Brunelli Vacca's leadership since 2008, the winery maintains traditional methods including fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel and aging in large Slavonian oak casks rather than barriques, preserving the pure expression of their terroir with minimal intervention.
Heritage & Leadership
Gianni Brunelli established his wine estate in the Montalcino region of Tuscany during the 1980s, reviving family vineyards at a property called Le Chiuse di Sotto. Before dedicating himself fully to winemaking, Gianni operated the restaurant "Osteria Le Logge" in Siena, which helped him build valuable connections within the wine community. The estate began modestly and expanded gradually over the years.
Following Gianni Brunelli's passing in 2008, his wife Laura Brunelli Vacca assumed leadership of the estate. Under her direction, the winery has maintained the approach and focus that Gianni established during his tenure. The Brunelli estate represents a continuation of family winemaking traditions in one of Tuscany's most distinguished wine regions.
Vineyards & Wines
The Brunelli estate encompasses vineyards in two distinct locations within the Montalcino appellation. The original property at Le Chiuse di Sotto is situated in the northern sector of the region, while additional vineyards at Podernovone are located in the southern area. This geographical diversity provides the estate with complementary growing conditions. The northern vineyards feature higher altitude, cooler conditions and predominantly galestro soil, while the southern vineyards benefit from warmer temperatures with more clay and marl in the soil composition. The estate's total vineyard holdings are estimated between 5-8 hectares.
The winery focuses primarily on producing Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Rosso di Montalcino DOC, both made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes as required by appellation regulations. Their Brunello di Montalcino is characterized by a traditional style with substantial structure and aging potential while maintaining balance. The Rosso di Montalcino serves as a more approachable offering, typically produced from younger vines or declassified Brunello lots.
Philosophy & Practice
The Brunelli estate adheres to traditional winemaking methods that honor the regional heritage of Montalcino. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving the purity of the fruit. For aging their Brunello, the winery employs large Slavonian oak casks (botti) rather than smaller French barriques, following time-honored Montalcino practices that allow for more subtle oak influence and slower maturation.
The winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the distinctive characteristics of their vineyard sites to be expressed in the finished wines. As a producer of both Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Rosso di Montalcino DOC, the estate maintains membership in the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, the regional consortium that oversees and promotes Brunello production and quality standards.