Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019

Alcohol: 15%

Grape(s): 100% Sangiovese 

Localization: Tuscany, Italy 

Tasting Notes: Layers of black cherry, plum, and dried rose unfold, backed by notes of tobacco, leather, and Mediterranean herbs. The tannins are firm yet polished, giving the wine incredible length and aging potential. A mineral streak from the vineyard’s limestone-rich soils adds further complexity, while bright acidity keeps everything in perfect balance.

97 Points, Eric Guido, Vinous Media: "Hauntingly dark, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva displays a lovely elegance. A bouquet of mentholated black cherries and balsamic spices is lifted by whiffs of dried sage and pine shavings. Velvety smooth and nearly creamy in feel, it floods the palate with hints of ripe red and blue fruit. It has a core of zesty acidity maintains amazing energy and freshness. This leaves the senses enshrouded in a veil of fine-grained tannins, dramatically long and structured but with a concentration of primary saturation to balance. Bury this deep in the cellar—it's a masterpiece in the making." 11/23

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.