November 17, 2008
Gianni Brunelli, Montalcino Producer, Dies at Age 61

This weekend Montalcino mourns the loss of one of his true sons, Gianni Brunelli, owner of the artisanal estate known as Le Chiuse di Sotto, who passed away on Saturday night at the early age of 61. Sad news of his death broke out yesterday on the blog of Italian wine journalist Franco Ziliani.

His loss will also be felt in the city of Siena where since 1977 Brunelli and beloved wife Laura ran the popular Osteria Le Logge, near Piazza del Campo—a spot frequented by producers and oenophiles alike and a must stop for anyone visiting Siena, “se vai a Siena vai a mangiare dal Brunelli” (“when in Siena you must eat at Brunelli’s”).

The worlds of food and wine are intimately connected, and it is frequently the case that one leaves one for the other. Such was the case for Gianni Brunelli, who turned to the restaurant business shortly after his father sold the family’s small plot of land in Montalcino. The transition was a propitious one, as his new stomping ground, Osteria Le Logge, became one of Siena’s most esteemed dining establishments.

In 1987 Brunelli return to his roots and to Montalcino. With wife Laura at his side, he reclaimed his father’s original small vineyard advantageously situated in the Le Chiuse di Sotto area, purchasing the 5-hectar eponymous Tenuta comprised of 2.5 hectares of olive groves and 2 hectares of vines, of which 1.5 designated for the celebrated Brunello, the reminder for the equally excellent Rosso di Montalcino. Ten years later the husband and wife team purchased an additional property in Sant’Antimo, designating more vines to the production of Brunello, 5 hectares in total today. This expansion facilitated significant qualitative enhancement, achieved in part in collaboration with enologist Paolo Vagaggini —of Il Palazzone, Fuligni, and Poggio Antico fame.

In a relative short time the estate gained praise and critical acclaim and has come to be regarded as a noteworthy artisanal producer of elegant cellar-worthy Riserve—the 2001 Riserva representing Gianni's best effort to date. The world of Italian wine will surely miss this “larger than life” winemaker and beloved restaurateur. His legacy at both the estate and restaurant will continue on under the capable direction of wife and longtime business partner Laura.