Casanova di Neri : Brunello di Montalcino 2019

Characteristics and tasting advice for the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino from Casanova di Neri

Tasting

Color

The color reveals an intense, deep ruby hue with brilliant highlights.

Nose

The nose opens on a complex, generous bouquet, combining floral notes of violet and iris with aromas of ripe red fruits such as cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, enhanced by a touch of blood orange. Spicy nuances of cinnamon and white pepper gradually emerge, accompanied by subtle woody notes evoking dried tobacco, leather, and dark chocolate. A mineral dimension adds further depth to the whole.

Palate

On the palate, this 2019 Brunello di Montalcino reveals a finely chiselled tannic structure, with smooth, ripe tannins creating a silky texture. The palate expresses rich, concentrated red fruits, supported by a lively, refreshing acidity that brings balance and elegance. The finish stands out for its remarkable length, leaving a persistent impression of polished cherries, spices, and minerality, with a slight salinity characteristic of the terroir.

Food and wine pairings

This Brunello di Montalcino pairs beautifully with refined game dishes such as braised wild boar or roast venison. It also wonderfully complements rustic stews, braised red meats, and filled pasta. Aged cheeses, notably pecorino toscano and Parmigiano-Reggiano, are also excellent partners. Truffle- or porcini-based dishes reveal the full complexity of this wine.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve this 2019 Brunello di Montalcino at a temperature between 16 and 17°C. Decanting for at least one to two hours will allow the wine to fully open and express all its aromatic complexity. This wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve harmoniously until around 2038, with an optimal drinking window between 2027 and 2033.

An exceptional Brunello di Montalcino by Casanova di Neri

The estate

Founded in May 1971 in Montalcino, Tuscany, Casanova di Neri covers around 500 hectares, including 63 to 75 hectares of vineyards spread across seven DOCG vineyards, showcasing varied microclimates and soils (clay-limestone, galestro, rocky terrain, altitudes up to 450 meters). Planted predominantly with Sangiovese, the estate practices hand harvesting and double sorting. The current owner, Giacomo Neri, has run the estate since 1991.

The vineyard

This Brunello di Montalcino comes from a rigorous selection of the best grapes from several plots located in different areas of the appellation. These vineyards benefit from varied microclimates and soil compositions, including clay-limestone terrain, galestro, and rocky soils, at altitudes that can reach 450 meters. This diversity of terroirs makes it possible to craft a wine that expresses the richness and complexity of the Montalcino area. Sangiovese, the appellation’s exclusive grape variety, thrives in these privileged conditions.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage in Tuscany was an exceptional climatic year, marked by remarkable weather consistency. After a mild winter with average rainfall, spring saw a cool, rainy May that slightly delayed flowering. June and July were hot and dry, encouraging the vine cycle to catch up. Well-distributed rainfall at the end of July provided beneficial hydration, while August was hot and stable. September’s gradual nighttime cooling, combined with warm, dry days, enabled slow, harmonious ripening, characterized by a progressive build-up of natural acidity and aromatic complexity. The harvest revealed berries in outstanding health, combining full phenolic ripeness with preserved freshness.

Winemaking and aging

The harvest is carried out by hand, with double sorting of both bunches and berries. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is vinified plot by plot, with fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks. The wine then undergoes aging for 43 months in botte, followed by 6 months of bottle aging before release. This long maturation period allows the wine to develop its aromatic complexity and to integrate its tannic structure harmoniously, while preserving the purity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir.

Grape variety

100% Sangiovese