La Gerla Birba (750ml)
-
Wine Type
Red Wine
-
Size
750ml
-
Vintage
2019
-
Country
Italy
-
Region
Tuscany
-
Sub-Region
Montalcino
-
Grape
Sangiovese Grosso
-
Food Pairing
GamePasta DishesRed Meat
-
Farming Method
ConventionalMost products with this label come from producers who do their best to avoid any intervention at all but it’s possible that some of the aforementioned preventative measures and additions are deemed necessary. Learn More
The La Gerla estate is located at 320 metres above sea level, on the gentle slopes below Montalcino. This small wine estate has established itself as one of the great crùs in this territory in the heart of Tuscany. Sergio Rossi, a successful businessman purchased the property in 1976 and completely restructured the estate while respecting its original environment. The estate originally belonged to the famous Biondi Santi family, the Biondi Santi family accredited for making Brunello what it is today. La Gerla was officially created in 1978 and today there are 11.5 hectares under vine along with a team of experts who assist in crafting fine wine. This small wine estate has established itself as one of the great crùs in this territory in the heart of Tuscany.
Sergio Rossi passed away in July 2011. His legacy continues through his team who embody his great attention to quality and detail in the craft of growing grapes and making wine.
Tasting Notes
Pronounced aromas of ripe red berries, strawberry and vanilla. The palate is dry, harmonious, round, with velvety integrated tannins. Treat this wine right and decant it before serving; you will be rewarded with a layered and complex bouquet of scent and a plush mouthfeel if you do.
Method
First produced in 1988 from an experiment by Mr. “Birba” Sergio Rossi who decided to try and age Brunello in barriques. This wine is classified as an IGT Toscana, made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso; it starts as a Brunello di Montalcino and is then “declassified” and ages 14 months in French Allier-Vosge oak medium-toasted barriques, a third of which are new. The wine then rests in bottle for another 14 months before release.
Our Thoughts
Consider this a sneak preview of how great this vintage will be for those Brunellos you’ll be tucking away when the ’16s are released. The grapes that go into this bottle are organic, hand harvested and are the same that will eventually find their way into the 2016 Brunellos. Birba’s grapes are aged for about a year in smaller barriques, rather than the three years that the grapes have to age in order to become Brunello. This vintage of the Birba is intense; huge cherry aromas. On the palate you’ll find a silky mouthfeel with red fruits and a backbone of measured acidity.
Reviews