Alcohol: 14.5%
Grape(s): 100% Sangiovese selected from Montalcino
Localization: Tuscany, Italy
Tasting Notes: Bright ruby red. The nose is fresh, fruity, cherry and red fruit, with a tannic note in the finish. The palate is dry, supple, quite tannic, well-balanced, medium body, with good persistence.
95 points, Vinous: “Brooding yet intense, the Brunello di Montalcino bursts from the glass with a wave of autumnal spices, crushed cherries, cedar shavings and steeped plums lifted by pine hints. This is deeply textural, elegant and refined, with a dense wave of ripe wild berry fruit, all guided by vibrant acidity, offset by oranges and balsam herbs. It finishes grippy and extended with a black hole of tension and a sweet and sour sensation that lingers on and on as crunchy tannins resonate throughout. The wine is youthfully backward today, yet there’s a balance that can’t be denied, especially as I watched it open up over twenty-four hours. This is a total pleasure to taste. Bury it deep in the cellar. Drink: 2025-2040. 95 points.” –Eric Guido, Vinous, Nov 2023
Notes: Vineyards in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, at elevations of 150-350 meters on well-exposed hillslopes southeast of Montalcino. Maturation in Slavonian and French oak barrels for a minimum of 24 months, in special vintages up to 36 months. Bottle aging for a minimum of 6 months before being released for sale.
Food Pairing: Pairs well with pasta and rice dishes, pies, vegetable dishes, red and white meat dishes.
The Domain: The Uccelliera estate was at once part of neighboring Ciacci Piccolomini until 1986 when winemaker Andrea Cortonesi purchased it from his friends and former employers. After refining his trade as cellar master for Ciacci, Andrea ventured out on his own with the formation of Uccelliera. His first vintage was 1991 with the production of a mere 500 bottles!
The wines have quickly become cult favorites amongst the cognoscenti. Tucked away in the southeast corner of the appellation in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, the soil here is loose and stony which when coupled with a warm microclimate gives the wines of Uccelliera a rich and ripe expression, vintage after vintage. Two hectares adjacent to Ciacci’s famous ‘Pianrosso’ vineyard was recently added to this boutique estate, bringing the total to a mere six hectares. Andrea Cortonesi is tireless in his approach to winemaking, with all vineyard work done exclusively by hand.
