Le Gode, Brunello di Montalcino, 2017
Le Gode, Brunello di Montalcino, 2017
- 75cl
- 15.5%
- Red Still
- Sangiovese
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2028
Le Gode produces quintessential Brunello on a small scale in the north on Montosoli hill, which is known for its high altitude and silt clay and marl soil dotted with limestone and gravel. The production from this area is synonymous with sumptuously smooth and elegant wines, delicate minerality, longevity and striking aromatics.
Though no official classification system is in place, Montosoli is regarded a Grand Cru area of Montalcino. Le Gode’s minimal intervention methodology contributes to the pure expression of Sangiovese from this iconic terroir and delivers a resulting freshness that lends structure and finesse. Their Brunello di Montalcinos are aged in Slavonian oak for three years and then six months in French oak before spending up to 8 months in bottle.
The Ripaccioli family of Le Gode recommends a glass of this before any important decision, a recommendation we take very seriously!
Currently showing primary black cherry fruit balanced with oak-derived cedar and spice, this 2017 will integrate beautifully over the next 3-5 years as the tannins soften and the various elements marry. From 2029 onwards, expect secondary complexity to emerge - leather, tobacco, and dried herbs alongside concentrated fruit. The wine should reach its plateau around 2032-2038, showing the full majesty of mature Brunello with tertiary aromatics of truffle, forest floor, and aged balsamic. With proper cellaring, it will drink magnificently until the early 2040s, when the fruit may begin to fade though the structure will remain intact.
What the critics say:
"A very fresh and firm 2017 with black cherry, lemon rind and bark character. It’s full and chewy with polished tannins and a black mushroom and cedar aftertaste. Give it time to soften. Best after 2023."
"The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino from Le Gode is smoky and intense, with a burst of black raspberries, savory herbs and exotic spices wafting up from the glass. It washes across the palate with silky textures propelled by vibrant acidity, as ripe berries and minerals saturate all that they touch in primary concentration. This tapers off long and heroically structured, yet with enough persistence to balance, as nuances of licorice, hard candies and balsam herbs slowly fade. Nicely done."
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby with garnet highlights at the rim.
NoseSmoky intensity opens with black cherry and cedar bark, followed by exotic spices and savory herbs. There's a mineral thread running through it all, plus subtle balsamic complexity from the oak ageing.
PalateFull-bodied with silky textures propelled by vibrant acidity that carries ripe berries and minerals across the palate. The tannins are polished but firm, providing structure without heaviness. Primary fruit concentration balances beautifully with cedar and spice elements.
FinishLong and heroically structured with lingering liquorice, hard candies, and balsamic herbs slowly fading.
Overall impressionA Brunello built for patience that rewards those who understand the magic of Montosoli.
Food Pairings
In Montalcino, this would pair with wild boar ragu over pici pasta, the hand-rolled local specialty that captures the wine's robust character. Bistecca alla Fiorentina, the massive T-bone grilled over chestnut embers, matches the wine's power and tannin structure perfectly. Local pecorino cheeses aged in the town's caves provide an ideal bridge between the wine's fruit and mineral elements. Game birds like pheasant or guinea fowl, roasted with rosemary and garlic, complement both the wine's savory herbs and its elegant intensity.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 18°C to allow the complex aromatics to fully express themselves. Decant for at least two hours to soften the youthful tannins and integrate the smoky, spicy elements. Use large Burgundy bowls rather than Bordeaux glasses to concentrate the intense nose whilst providing enough surface area for the wine to breathe. If cellaring, store on its side in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature.
Le Gode sits on Montosoli hill in northern Montalcino, one of the most prized sites in the appellation. The high altitude vineyard benefits from silt clay and marl soils dotted with limestone and gravel, a combination that delivers both power and elegance. This geological mix provides excellent drainage whilst retaining enough moisture for the vines, creating wines known for their striking aromatics, delicate minerality, and exceptional ageing potential. The elevation brings cooler temperatures that preserve freshness even in warm vintages.
Brunello di Montalcino represents the pinnacle of Sangiovese expression, requiring 100% of the grape and a minimum five years ageing before release. The zone encompasses diverse microclimates and soils around the hilltop town of Montalcino, with Montosoli in the north considered among the finest sites. The DOCG rules mandate specific ageing protocols - two years minimum in oak followed by bottle time - that ensure wines reach market with complexity and structure. Brunello stands as Italy's most age-worthy expression of Sangiovese, capable of decades of evolution.
The 2017 growing season in Tuscany delivered exactly what winemakers hope for but rarely receive: steady temperatures, well-timed rainfall, and a long, unhurried ripening period that stretched into October. Spring arrived without drama, summer stayed mercifully cool compared to recent scorching years, and crucially, September brought just enough rain to refresh the vines before harvest began. It was the sort of vintage that reminded everyone why Tuscany became famous in the first place, allowing each variety to ripen at its own pace rather than racing against heat stress.
What emerged from the cellars shows remarkable consistency across the region. Sangiovese developed its characteristic cherry brightness while maintaining proper structure, Cabernet Sauvignon ripened fully without jammy excess, and even the international varieties that sometimes struggle here found their footing. The wines show immediate charm but carry enough backbone to develop gracefully, making 2017 one of those rare vintages that works for both early drinking and patient collectors. Most are singing beautifully now and should continue until 2030, though the finest examples will reward those who wait even longer.
FAQs
What does this Brunello taste like?
Fresh and firm with black cherry, smoky cedar, and polished tannins. There's mineral depth from the Montosoli hillside and a long finish with liquorice and herbs.
When should I drink this 2017 Brunello?
It's approachable now but will reward patience. We'd suggest 2029 onwards for peak complexity, drinking beautifully until the early 2040s.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Think Tuscan classics - wild boar ragu, bistecca alla Fiorentina, or roasted game birds. The structure handles rich meats whilst the minerality works with aged pecorino.
Should I decant this Brunello?
Absolutely. Give it at least two hours to soften those youthful tannins and let the smoky, spicy complexity integrate properly.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Definitely. This is built for the long haul with excellent ageing potential until the early 2040s. The Montosoli site produces some of Montalcino's most age-worthy wines.
How does this compare to other Brunellos?
The Montosoli location gives this particular elegance and mineral depth. It's more refined than some southern Montalcino sites but with excellent concentration and structure.
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