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La Gerla: A Testament to the Heritage of Montalcino

In the picturesque region of Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, a staunch commitment to preserving the storied tradition of winemaking is epitomized by La Gerla. This esteemed winery, which inherits the legacy of the esteemed Biondi-Santi family, will commence the sale of its products in January 2026. Among these, the collection features six unique offerings, including three varieties of Brunello, each reflecting the rich heritage and exceptional quality that Montalcino wines are renowned for.

A Glimpse into Montalcino Wines

Montalcino wines, particularly the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino, are considered jewels of Italian viticulture, highlighting the Sangiovese Grosso grape's potential. Over the years, these wines have garnered accolades globally, particularly when it comes to their remarkable depth and elegance achieved through prolonged aging. Brunello di Montalcino ranks among Italy's top three wines, alongside Barolo and Barbaresco, earning it a distinguished place in the world of fine wines.

The Journey of Sergio Rossi

Founded by Sergio Rossi, La Gerla's roots can be traced back to his acquisition of the Colombaio estate in the northern part of Montalcino, nestled at an altitude of 320 meters. This vineyard was once owned by Biondi-Santi, the forefather of Brunello di Montalcino. After finding success in the advertising industry, Sergio transitioned to winemaking in 1976, embarking on a journey that would soon lead La Gerla to become recognized as a prestigious producer. By blending traditional methods with modern techniques, he respected the land’s legacy while pursuing his vision of exceptional wine.

La Gerla, a name that derives from the ancient term for a 'backpack' used in the Alpine regions of Italy, symbolizes hard work and dedication. Sergio's fusion of the timeless knowledge of local winemakers with cutting-edge innovations has resulted in wines that transcend mere beverage, embodying the essence of their origin. Those who savor his wines can expect to experience flavors reminiscent of forest fruits and rosemary, all infused with the passion of those who cultivate these vineyards.

The Vineyard's Unique Characteristics

The vineyards cover six hectares surrounding the winery, characterized by medium-sized soil with rich clay and limestone. The unique conditions, including a cool and dry summer climate, allow for a slow maturation of the grapes, resulting in wines with elegant and concentrated aromas. Additionally, La Gerla owns 5.5 hectares in Castelnuovo, where the soil composition of sandy silt rich in limestone contributes to optimal grape maturation, producing robust wines with fine structure and unique aging characteristics.

The Cru Vineyards

La Gerla boasts two notable single vineyards: Gli Angeli and La Pieve.

• - Gli Angeli: This two-hectare vineyard, located near the historic church signaling the essence of the Canaricchio region, produces fruit from 55-year-old vines. The unique microclimate and lean soils result in an unparalleled Brunello.
• - La Pieve: Acquired in 1997, this vineyard has recently unveiled its potential due to climate changes, producing grapes that yield wines with a warm, smooth texture rich in flavor.

Philosophy of Winemaking at La Gerla

At La Gerla, harvesting is meticulously performed by hand, reflecting a belief that no machine can match the precision of human touch. The careful selection process begins with a first-pass sorting and culminates in the main harvest, normally conducted at the end of September. To maintain the integrity of the grapes, only 15 kg are packed in cases for careful transportation to the winery.

Upon arrival, the grapes are destemmed and moved into stainless steel tanks, where they undergo a period of maceration lasting 15 to 20 days to extract the polyphenols that contribute to the wine's complexity. Attention is constantly given to ensure the wine’s elegance is preserved throughout the fermentation process.

Once fermentation is complete, the wines are transitioned from steel tanks to traditional Slavonian oak barrels for aging. While the entry-level wine, Poggio Ri Angeli, is bottled after a shorter aging period of four months, others are aged for a minimum of 12 months, with riservas maturing for up to 48 months.

Beneath a 14th-century tower, the cellars maintain ideal conditions for aging, safeguarding each vintage since La Gerla’s inception in 1976.

The Legacy Continues

Though Sergio Rossi passed away in July 2011, his vision continues through his wife, Donatella Monfolte, and the dedicated team. The winery is currently managed by Vittorio Fiore, a winemaker from the establishment’s early days, alongside agronomist Albert Paseri, who oversees daily operations.

Upcoming Releases

La Gerla is gearing up for the launch of several wines, including:

• - Poggio Ri Angeli (Toscana Rosso) - Retail Price: 4,000 JPY (Tax excluding) - Available May 2026.
• - Rosso di Montalcino - Retail Price: 6,800 JPY (Tax excluding).
• - Brunello di Montalcino - Retail Price: 13,000 JPY (Tax excluding).
• - Brunello di Montalcino Riserva - Retail Price: 29,000 JPY (Tax excluding).

With roots deeply entwined in the landscape of Montalcino and a firm commitment to quality, La Gerla stands as a beacon of tradition and excellence in Italian winemaking.