Biondi-Santi’s original holdings in the village of Montalcino are the stuff of legends. Here were produced some of the greatest Tuscan wines of the 20th century, and even earlier.

While Biondi-Santi continues to make great wines, not all of these holdings have been kept together. When Tancredi Biondi-Santi died in the early 1970s, his land was split up between his children. One daughter sold her inheritance to a Milanese named Sergio Rossi. This became the kernel of Fattoria la Gerla.

La Gerla has produced Brunello ever since, and it is consistently one of our favorites. The holdings in Montalcino were supplemented by a site in Castelnuovo, where Sr. Rossi was the first to plant vines. As a consequence, La Gerla’s Brunello is one of the few artisanal examples that blends grapes from different villages. In this case, it makes a lot of sense, as the Montalcino site is quite cool and offers the wine a nervy energy, while the Castelnuovo offers warmth and power. Together, you get great Brunello.

La Gerla takes a light and traditional touch in the cellar, but wants to make sure the wines are accessible and have broad appeal. There is no french oak here, and fermentations are kept fairly cool. The result is focused and polished Brunello that we are confident you will love.


La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino 2017 - $69.99