The Mantengoli family has owned the La Rasa property in Tuscany since 1933, but it wasn’t until 1988 that Andrea Mantengoli and his brother Marcello became involved in the production of high quality Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino wines. Starting at just 1 hectare of vineyard, the first production of their “La Serena” range was only 2,700 bottles of Brunello. This has since been increased to 30,000 bottles as the organic vineyard has been extended to 8.5 hectares.

La Serena Brunello Riserva ‘Gemini’ arises from the winery’s best vineyard, harvested during the first weeks of October. Alcoholic fermentation occurs in special steel pools, followed by the malolactic fermentation inside French oak barriques, where the wine remains for 12 months. Then a further 12-month refinement takes place in large barrels of 20/40 hl.

The 2015 La Serena Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gemini is a captivating red wine that embodies the essence of the Tuscan region in Italy. With a deep, ruby-red color, this wine is a true feast for the eyes, enticing you to explore its complex aromas and flavors.

On the nose, this Sangiovese varietal reveals an enticing bouquet of plums, dark chocolate, and berries, all intertwined with earthy notes of mushrooms. It is a wine that exudes elegance and refinement, with each aroma gracefully unfolding as you delve deeper into the glass.

On the palate, the 2015 La Serena Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gemini showcases a firm and linear structure, showcasing the classic characteristics of a traditional red wine. Ripe fruits, such as plums and berries, take center stage, accompanied by a solid core of tannins that provide structure and depth. These tannins are well-integrated, contributing to a balanced and harmonious mouthfeel.

This wine is full-to-medium-bodied, offering a delightful play between richness and finesse. It displays a remarkable balance between its ripe fruit profile and brisk acidity, creating a wine that is both luscious and refreshing. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of sweet violet florals.

With an alcohol percentage of 15.0%, the 2015 La Serena Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gemini is a wine that demands patience. It is recommended to cellar this wine until 2024 to allow it to fully develop and reach its peak potential.

Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive score of 95 points, praising its traditional and tight character. Vinous also recognized its excellence, awarding it 94 points and highlighting its fruit-forward and extroverted nature. Wine Spectator, on the other hand, awarded it a score of 95 points, emphasizing its fruity profile and solid structure.

Overall, the 2015 La Serena Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gemini is a wine of exceptional quality, showcasing the best of Sangiovese from the Brunello di Montalcino region. Its complexity, balance, and aging potential make it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.