Soulful & Expressive: 2021 J.G. Benda Brunello di Montalcino

It is incredibly rare to find a brand-new estate in Montalcino that instantly rivals the region's heavyweights, but today's inaugural release does exactly that. This is, without a doubt, some of the most focused, soulful Brunello we’ve tasted this year. The moment you experience its vibrant, mineral-driven tension, the obsessive dedication behind it makes perfect sense.

The secret to this energy lies at the very top of the appellation. Just a five-minute drive from Montalcino, along the road to Tavernelle in an area known as 'Pietrafocaia,' sits a secluded, 18-hectare property of virtually untouched forest. Tucked deep within these woods are two one-hectare vineyard plots sitting at 500-520 meters above sea level, the absolute highest point of the Brunello zone.

While founder John Benda did leave behind a 13-year career in finance to start this project, make no mistake: this is no hands-off vanity label. Before striking out on his own, John moved to Montalcino and spent two years getting his hands dirty at the legendary Il Marroneto. When this isolated, high-altitude property came up for auction, he seized the opportunity to create his own domaine.

John is the absolute core of the estate, spending 90% of his time among the vines.

Above: J.G. Benda Vigna del Bosco courtesy of @j.g.benda.

He has toiled tirelessly to restructure the vineyards, introducing biodynamic methodologies that have transformed these secluded parcels, rooted in sand, limestone, and rocky galestro, into vibrant, thriving oases.

That obsessive dedication carries over into the cellar, where a minimalist but highly precise approach reigns. The wines ferment with native yeasts and are aged in traditional large botti before being bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal SO2. Yet, there is nothing careless about his low-intervention style.

In a collaborative effort alongside Dr. Giacomo Buscioni from the University of Florence, the famed microbiologist who worked with the late, great Giacomo Soldera, John closely monitors the wines for microbiological stability.

I am thrilled to offer this debut release from one of Montalcino's most exciting new properties. The quickest way for you to secure your wines is the links below but, as always, we are here for any questions you have at shop@mwcwine.com.

• 2021 Brunello di Montalcino - 12 btls @ $175/btl
  The inaugural vintage from the domaine, sourced from the "Vigna del Bosco," a plot encircled by forest. The tannins are soft, round, and silky, making them immediately approachable, but they will last in your cellar for decades.
• 2021 Toscana Rosso, Pietrafocaia di Sopra - 9 btls @ $215/btl
• 2021 Toscana Rosso, Pietrafocaia di Sopra - Magnum - 1 Mag @ $475/mag