Le Gode is the quintessential classic producer in Montalcino. Apart from a few concessions to the modern world, such as stainless steel fermentation tanks and a computer in the office, things are pretty bare-bones at this tiny azienda, which produces between 25 000 and 30 000 bottles annually. Not exactly large-scale production!

Located in the north of Montalcino on the hill of Montosoli, Azienda Agricola Le Gode owns about 16 hectares, of which 6 are dedicated to the production of Brunello di Montalcino. Owned by the family since 1960, it was Claudio’s grandfather Ilano who laid the groundwork for the current production. Bottling their first official vintage of Brunello in 1995 Claudio and his family continue year after year to craft beautifully expressive, classic Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino. 

From a production perspective, things are quite minimalist. Intervention in the vineyard is very limited and winery work is conducted according to biological practices. Fermentations take place in stainless steel tanks of 50 to 75 hectolitres using natural yeasts. Subsequently, the wines are aged in barrels with an average capacity of 25 hectoliters, made from Slavonian oak, for a period that varies according to the vintage. For the Rosso it is a minimum of 3 months, although invariably longer, and for the Brunello a minimum of 2 years.

Le Gode’s wines are truly classic interpretations of their terroir. A truly prized Cru, with an elevation of over 300 m above sea level, subsoil made up of silty clays and marls, with intrusions of limestone, marly limestone, calcarenites and gravel, Montosoli is famous for making Brunelli of softness and elegance, which are highly aromatic and very age-worthy. Le Gode’s wines are no exception. Quite concentrated, yet highly aromatic, Le Gode crafts elegant and classic Sangiovese. The current releases speak volumes for this classic house. 2014 was a challenge for Brunello, but excellent for the younger drinking Rosso di Montalcino. Having spent 6 months in Slavonian oak, it shows beautiful red fruit delineation, with leather and smoke and an underlying hint of menthol. This is a perfect Rosso for immediate enjoyment or short-term ageing. And the Brunello, currently the 2011, is a blockbuster. Aromatically a bit more open and ripe than one might expect from a traditionally made Brunello, this still has the classic structure, along with spice, herbs and tobacco that one might expect. What really makes it stand out, though, is its elegance and finesse. This Brunello could certainly age for at least a decade or more, but will also reward drinkers now. Truly gorgeous wines!