Introduction
The 2017 Podere Giodo Brunello di Montalcino is a stunning expression of Sangiovese from the heart of Tuscany, produced by acclaimed winemaker Carlo Ferrini. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and passion for Sangiovese, Ferrini has crafted a wine that beautifully captures the elegance, complexity, and power of Brunello di Montalcino. This vintage, marked by warm and dry conditions, showcases concentrated fruit, fine tannins, and a well-balanced structure, making it a remarkable example of Brunello from a challenging year.

Terrior
Montalcino’s unique terroir, with its varied elevations, limestone-rich soils, and Mediterranean climate, is ideal for Sangiovese. The region’s warm days and cooler nights during the growing season allow the grapes to develop intense fruit flavors while retaining acidity. Podere Giodo's vineyards, positioned at an altitude of about 300-400 meters, contribute to the wine's freshness and complexity. The 2017 growing season was notably hot and dry, which reduced yields but resulted in concentrated, ripe fruit with deep flavors.

Appearance
Deep garnet with ruby highlights, displaying excellent clarity and medium-high viscosity, indicative of both richness and aging potential.

Nose
The nose is expressive and layered, with aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, and wild strawberry, interwoven with floral notes of violet and rose petal. Secondary notes of leather, tobacco, and dried herbs are complemented by hints of vanilla, clove, and sweet spices from oak aging. A touch of earthiness and minerality adds depth and complexity to the aromatic profile.

Palate
On the palate, the 2017 Giodo Brunello di Montalcino is full-bodied and elegantly structured, with flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, and red plum. Earthy notes of truffle, tobacco, and Mediterranean herbs enhance the complexity, while the fine-grained tannins provide structure without overpowering the fruit. The wine’s vibrant acidity brings freshness, balancing the ripeness and adding precision. The oak influence is well-integrated, with gentle spice notes that elevate the wine's overall complexity.

Finish
The finish is long, complex, and refined, with lingering flavors of dark fruit, leather, and a touch of minerality. The balanced acidity and polished tannins leave a clean, refreshing aftertaste, promising further evolution in the bottle over the coming years.

Overall Impression
The 2017 Podere Giodo Brunello di Montalcino is a masterfully crafted wine that demonstrates both power and finesse. Despite the warmth of the vintage, this wine achieves remarkable balance and elegance, showcasing the potential of Brunello di Montalcino even in challenging conditions. It is drinking beautifully now with decanting but will continue to develop and gain complexity with another 10-15 years of cellaring. Ideal pairings include roasted lamb, wild game, or aged cheeses.

Published Rankings
Wine Enthusiast Rating: 94
James Suckling Rating: 96
Robert Parker Rating: 95
Vinous Rating: 94
Wine Spectator: 94

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.5%
Farming Practices: Sustainable
Producer Name: Podere Giodo
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Grape Varietals: 100% Sangiovese
Vintage: 2017
Wine Style: Red, Full-Bodied
Winemaking Techniques: Fermented in stainless steel, aged for 24 months in a combination of French oak barrels and large Slavonian oak casks, followed by additional bottle aging before release
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork