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J.G. Benda's 2nd vintage is here
06/10/25
It's only John Benda's second vintage – and yet, this release arrives with the anticipation of an established fan club.
His first vintage was one of our most memorable new landings last year, a rare new entry for the mostly at-capacity Brunello zone, with biodynamic vineyards at its highest elevation.
The wine is equally unforgettable: intoxicatingly pure-fruited Sangiovese that's reflective of the freshness and wildness of a far-flung edge of Montalcino.
When it comes to Montalcino, we run with a tight group of producers who represent what we love about Sangiovese Grosso: wild herbs, aromatics and an ability to meld its intoxicating red fruit quality with exotic citrus flavors. It’s a high bar that we’re thrilled to say J.G. Benda leaps over.
A region historically gated by wealth, it's not often we see a fresh face in Montalcino. After years in the banking industry followed by two years at Il Maronetto, John Benda and his partner, Zoë Johnson, entered a seldom-seen auction. The prize: 18ha of untouched forest, two 1ha vineyards within.
The location is magic: isolated deep in the woods at the highest point of the Brunello zone (at 500+ meters), with soil rich in sand, limestone and Tuscany’s famously rocky ‘galestro.’ This combination of elevation and soil (and, biodynamic farming) produces fresh, pure fruited wine.
Not your average vineyard in Montalcino; John and Zoë. Photos via @j.g.benda
John and Zoë have worked incredibly hard to revamp the vineyards, which were planted in 1998 and 2006. They immediately set to work with biodynamic farming and the old "capovolto" Tuscan vine training method, which increases foliary surface for sun protection. In the cellar, all native fermentations and aging is in used large botti. No fining or filtration, minimal SO2.
The land was acquired in 2019 and the '21 Rosso was their first bottling; naturally, Brunello will follow in later vintages. In the meantime, we absolutely cannot wait to crack these '22s.