2022 Giodo La Quinta (750ml)

Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Anyone who describes himself as a “Sangiovesista” is decidedly serious about Tuscany’s revered grape, but when that Sangiovese devotee is renowned enologist Carlo Ferrini, be assured there is some equally serious Brunello di Montalcino backing it up. From the secluded hillside vineyard producing “Montalcino’s best kept secret” according to the Wine Spectator’s Robert Camuto, the sensational 100 pt. 2016 Giodo Brunello di Montalcino offers true Sangiovese perfection from an outstanding vintage, its aromatic ripe, earthy fruit elegantly balancing mouthwatering acidity and silky-smooth, polished tannins, already delivering enjoyment today and promising to age beautifully for a decade or more.

Bordered by mature trees and ancient cypress with stunning views of the towering Monte Amiata, the nearly hidden Podere Giodo estate spans 5.5 hectares of organically farmed vineyards at 300 to 400 meters above sea level, its newly built contemporary stone buildings and state of the art winery seamlessly blending into the garden-like hillside setting. Boasting an A-list of customers in the region including Barone Ricasoli, Fonterutoli, Talenti and Romitorio, winemaker Carlo Ferrini quietly started his personal Montalcino project in 2002, clearing 2.5 hectares of mostly oak forest on mineral-rich slopes and planting it with specially selected, low yielding Sangiovese clones for the Brunello, its optimal southeast exposure protecting the vines from the intense afternoon sun. Produced only in top vintages like 2016, declared one of Brunello’s “greatest ever” by James Suckling, Ferrini practices green harvesting to further reduce yields, dropping about 40% of his crop in August and hand harvesting the first selection for the Brunello in September. Utilizing short macerations to minimize extraction and fermenting in stainless and concrete with native wild yeasts, the sophisticated 2016 Podere Giodo Brunello was aged for 30 months in large 500 and 700 liter oak casks, followed by additional time in concrete vats and now over 2 years in bottle, yielding an exquisite, brightly focused Brunello described as “a career defining wine” by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, a remarkable feat considering Ferrini’s 30 plus year legacy as one of Tuscany’s greatest consulting winemakers.

Initially trying to keep Podere Giodo under the radar so as to not compete with his high-profile clients, perfection is simply hard to keep under wraps, the meticulously crafted 100 pt. 2016 Giodo Brunello di Montalcino reflecting Carlo Ferrini’s uncompromising devotion to “celebrating the pleasures of Sangiovese” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson and now with increased demand, requiring quick action for collectors to secure their cellar-ready stash in original wooden cases of six.

94WA

94JS

This wine is a bit of a provocation because, although it could technically qualify as a Rosso di Montalcino, it aims much higher and wears its IGT Toscana appellation very proudly as a result. The Giodo 2022 La Quinta is all Sangiovese from eight-year-old vines planted in front of Carlo Ferrini's stone-clad winery. If anything, Ferrini tells me that his inspiration for this bottle is Chianti Classico more than Montalcino. The wine shows terrific volume (with aging in amphorae and oak) and lots of bright primary fruit with cherry, fresh cranberry, incense and spice. This area withstood the summer heat of 2022 because it is located on the eastern side of the appellation and is surrounded by cooling forests. There is so much pretty fruit in this wine, and you get the freshness of Sangiovese along with elegant, powdery tannins.

94+ points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Dec 2023)

Lively red fruits of strawberries, red cherries, and violets followed by a mix of spices and fresh herbs. Medium-bodied, with fine and sophisticated tannins with delightful acidity. Elegant and artful wine with beautiful purity and complexity. Already fascinating now but it will go further as it ages. Try after 2027.

94 points, James Suckling (Oct 2023)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.0%

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$39.98

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This item is a pre-order estimated to arrive 8/10/2024. 47 bottles available.

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