Casanova di Neri

IbBianco is a blend of Vermentino and Grechetto and smells deliciously of candied apricot and peach. Elegance and finesse in a powerful fruity and complex taste that lasts long and with a certain coolness. SUPERIORE.DE

Striking bouquet of almonds, plums and sweet cherries. On the palate full of juiciness and elegance. In its balanced and not at all over-concentrated form, it is a typical and captivating Rosso di Montalcino with the fine salty note so typical of Casanova di Neri. SUPERIORE.DE

Intense salmon pink. Seductive bouquet of cherry, raspberry, strawberry, floral notes and hints of mandarin. On the palate spices and small red berries, blessed with crisp acidity and a wonderful freshness. A high-class companion to strong Mediterranean starters, light pasta dishes or simply to convivial barbecues with Tuscany affine wine lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

Striking bouquet of almonds, plums and sweet cherries. On the palate full of juiciness and elegance. Balanced and not at all over-concentrated, it is a typical and intoxicating Rosso di Montalcino with the fine salty note so typical of Casanova di Neri. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Rosso di Montalcino opens with a bouquet laced with dark red fruits, forest floor, soil-borne minerality, and peppery herbs. On the palate, soft textures lead into wild berry fruits, minerals, and herbaceous inner florals, as hints of fine tannin slowly mount toward the finale, which is long and dramatic, showing echoes of red and black fruits, tobacco, and savory spice. There is so much going on in this glass, and with so much energy. I’m tempted to say that you should err on the side of caution and put some away in the cellar, yet you may not be able to restrain yourself, because it’s already drinking great. This is so pretty." Vinous

Fantastically structured Brunello, who benefited from the fact that the vinification of the selection Brunello "Tenuta Nuova" was abandoned in the low yield year 2014. Firm and nicely fresh with intense aromas, velvety fruit, ripe tannin, beautiful acid wire and endless long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby; seductive fresh raspberry violet bouquet, fine spice; dense on the palate, the fine-grained tannins and the vife acidity in intriguing balance, the finish harmonious and youthful. Successful." Vinum

"Bright, intense ruby with a slightly bright edge. Opened with slightly herbaceous notes, clears, then hints of hazelnuts, violets and cherries. On the palate good density, shows firm tannin, nicely wrapped in sweet fruit, in the final good pressure." Falstaff

"Deep ruby. Lifted, sweet marasca cherry with a cool edge. Sweet fruit with amazing concentration and length for this vintage. Perhaps the tannins are a little hard, but there is plenty of fruit on the finish to counteract them. Great effort for the vintage."  Jancis Robinson

"This red is dense with cherry, strawberry and floral notes, building to a juicy finish. The structure is there too, but this is more about the fruit." Wine Spectator

"For the first time in Casanova di Neri's history, the white-label Brunello incorporates grapes usually destined for their Tenuta Nuova and Cerretalto bottlings. The grapes were given a brief maceration so as not to extract any bitter tannins, yielding an immediately approachable midweight red. Dusty cherry, cranberry and redcurrant notes grace the nose and palate, with red rose and white pepper lending complexity. The tannins are fine and provide a subtle grip, while taut, tart acidity demands a rich, meaty pasta sauce. This will sit well at the dinner table." Decanter

"Wild red fruit and orange zest with cedar and wild herbs. The cherries here are fresh and lively and the tannins cut a sturdy, even frame around impressively long, fresh flavors. The only Brunello made here in 2014; there are no single vineyard bottlings." James Suckling

"This is the white label Brunello from Giacomo Neri and his son Giovanni. The 2014 Brunello di Montalcino is faithful to the vintage with a compact and streamlined style that suggests a near or medium-term drinking window. In general, I am hesitant to recommend this vintage for any significant cellar aging, and one reason is because these wines perform nicely straight out of the gate. The same goes for this relatively easy expression that is redolent of wild berry, rose hip, blue flower and moist potting soil. Because the Brunelli Tenuta Nuova and Cerretalto were not made in this vintage, this wine represents a blend of fruit from across the estate. This is the first time this has happened at Casanova di Neri." Robert Parker

"Bright deep red. Perfumed nose of red cherry, Oriental spices, flint and graphite. Rich, dense and suave on entry, then lighter and more linear in the middle, but with a plush juicy mouthfeel that makes it hard to put the glass back down once you’ve started tasting it. Very pure black/red cherry and spice flavors linger impressively on the long, refreshing finish. A knockout 2014 Brunello that lacks the size of the bigger vintages (very appropriately, I may add, given what the 2014 growing season was like) but showcases enchanting purity and grace. Vey well done." VINOUS

Neri's new wine was born with the purchase of a very special vineyard. True to the winery's philosophy of producing wines only from the best terroirs around Montalcino, the 7 hectare plot of land with over 45 years old vines was finally purchased in 2018. This was preceded by more than 40 years of friendship with the previous owners, with whom Giovanni Neri planted the vines and tended them over the past decades. It is still "only" a Rosso, but in 2023 the new star in the firmament of the Neri range will be born here - a Brunello, which will then set new standards in the appellation in terms of quality, expression and uniqueness.

Fine fragrance of strawberries, herbs and young leather. Taut and lively on the palate, the Sangiovese fruit is very precisely nuanced, flanked by strong but by no means aggressive tannins. Long and round on the palate and of remarkable freshness and cheerfulness. Will continue to gain in the next few years as it matures further in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lively dark red. Perfumed aromas of red berries, spices and flowers, with a whiff of minerals. Vibrant and tangy in the mouth, with lovely acidity nicely framing and lifting the red berry, pepper and spice flavors. Noteworthy fruit purity on the sweetly tannic finish, with the flavors nicely extended thanks to a firm edge of acidity. An absolutely excellent Rosso, made with grapes picked in a roughly 50-year old vineyard that owner Giacomo Neri bought three years ago in the Sesta area." Vinous

Bright, deep red. In the nose captivating aromas of sweet red berries, cinnamon, violet and liquorice. Fruity and full on the palate: Refined, juicy aromas of red plums and raspberries remain bright and lively at the fresh back end. Neri's 2015 vintage is hard to beat in terms of opulence and complexity. In its price range, it is one of the benchmark wines of the appellation's 5-star vintage for us! SUPERIORE.DE

"There’s beauty and drinkability to this wine that really is enticing with blueberry and cherry aromas, as well as hints of hot stone and licorice. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a fresh and polished finish. Shows focus and brightness. Very drinkable now, but better in a year or two." James Suckling

"Good deep red. Saline aromas and flavors of red cherry, blueberries, herbs, blood orange and sweet spices. Smooth and long on the bright, very sweet finish. Really quite good." Vinous

"The Neri family has created a classic expression of Sangiovese from a classic vintage, while remaining faithful to the house style. In a nutshell, these wines always tend to offer dark plum, clove and fig confit over the tiny berry and blue flower aromas you get from the traditionalists. That said, this Brunello needs ample time to open, and I suggest you splash it into the decanter. The Casanova di Neri 2015 Brunello di Montalcino stays safely within your expectation of the vintage with its variety-driven aromas of wild berry, licorice, blue flower and balsam herb. This wine sees fruit sourced from a vineyard on the northeast side of Montalcino, with Galestro soils ranging from 330 to 480 meters above sea level." Robert Parker

"The Casanova di Neri estate is located in the northeastern zone of Torrenieri. Besides five distinct sites there, the Neri family also has three vineyards in the south between the villages of Sant'Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell'Abate. The 'white label' as this Brunello is called blends plots from the cooler Torrenieri area. It is mid-weight and classy, offering gleaming bright, fresh red cherry flavours. Hints of rust and warm stone as well as subtle sweet spice add complexity. Tactile but fine sandy tannins give appropriate support and the finish is vibrant and perfumed." Decanter

Pietradonice from the dream vintage 2016 is Cabernet Sauvignon on the highest level and meanwhile a legend. Monumental and very concentrated, with hints of sour cherries and a fine note of cedar wood and liquorice. Clearly recognizable as a Montalcino plant, yet with its herb-spicy nature just as typical of Neri and grape varieties. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, dark ruby. Opened with a pronounced earthy note of slate and truffle, followed by plenty of currants and ripe plums. Juicy at the base and in the course, very well worked out fruit, fine-meshed tannin." Falstaff

"I am happily impressed by the 2016 Pietradonice. This wine is so easy and pleasant to drink, I'd say it's almost dangerous: The bottle finishes much faster than you'd like. When in Montalcino, there are few alternatives to the local Sangiovese grape, and wines of this quality made with Cabernet Sauvignon can be counted on one hand. Evidently, the potential for others is there. This vintage shows a rich and darkly saturated color followed by ripe aromas of blackberry, plum, spice and sweet tobacco. I am especially impressed by the optimal ripeness of the tannins that gives this wine a smooth and supple approach. This wine could age, but it also performs beautifully straight out the gate. I am a fan." Robert Parker

Tenuta Nuova with a clear scent of red berries, nuts and spices fills the palate with infinitely juicy, complex fruit and super-fine tannins. Irresistibly attractive! SUPERIORE.DE

"This is another fabulous wine from Giacomo Neri. The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is a deeply layered expression with bold tones of dark fruit that are softened and enhanced by spice, leather, tobacco and balsam herb. The wine is very beautiful and polished with slightly less depth and complexity compared the outstanding vintage that precedes it. Despite the vintage variation, this is a wine of enormous pedigree and importance. It is generous and confident with a presentation that offers purity, intensity and persistence." Robert Parker

"The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is dark, sensual and inviting, with lovely textural depth and fine balance. Macerated dark cherry, plum, smoke, lavender and spice flesh out in a succulent, expressive Brunello that should drink well with minimal cellaring." Antonio Galloni

"A red with earthy, meaty, salty, ripe fruit aromas and flavors. Full body with round, velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. So much richness and depth. Needs at least a year or two to come together." James Suckling

The second lace from the Podere Casanova seduces with its scent of dark fruits, pepper and other spices. The taste is rich and compact with a lively fruit-acid game to the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of spice, balsamic and ripe-fruit character to this one. Walnut undertones. Full to medium body, a compressed structure of ripe tannins and packed-in fruit. Vibrant finish." James Suckling

"Precise balance sets the stage for cherry, black currant, violet and tobacco flavors in this smooth, intense red. The tannins are present yet well-integrated and this persists with echoes of fruit and tobacco. Reveals an element of spice on the aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The Casanova di Neri 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is a beautiful wine that recalls many of the stunning characteristics found in its high-scoring predecessor. The bouquet offers black cherry, spice, leather, balsam herb, cola and licorice. The complexity is absolutely impressive. The 2012 vintage shows aromatic intensity and persistence on the finish. Having said that, this remains one Bellissimo Brunello." Robert Parker

Undeniably - and not only in the top vintage 2013 - one of the cult wines of Italy: in the nose beguiling scent of sour cherries and black berries, with hints of spices. In the mouth a variety of aromas, especially dark fruits. The perfectly integrated acidity and soft, almost sweet tannins characterise the long aftertaste. A wonderfully powerful, juicy and dense Brunello with excellent storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, sparkling ruby, clear. Opened in the nose with fine spicy notes, some anchovies, in addition dark rose petals and much dark cherry. Very clear and precise, juicy cherry and elderberry, much fine-meshed, gripping tannin, salty and long, polished." Falstaff

"Casanova di Neri's 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is celebrating its 20th anniversary (1993-2013), and a special gold-label edition of the wine was made to commemorate this important milestone. I tasted the white label for this review. This is a bold and expressive Brunello that displays tightly knit aromas of Morello cherry, spice, leather and balsam herb that are the building blocks of the most beautiful Brunellos that come to mind. The Casanova di Neri house style implies a modern and sophisticated approach for sure. But the inner spirit and texture of Sangiovese is so fine and polished in its natural state that it hardly matters. The personality of the grape shines through with a loud and confident voice." Robert Parker

"This is a red that has such depth on the nose with red fruits, mushroom, rose petal and bark. Extremely complex. Full body, powerful and layered. Superb length. Exceptional wine. So much energy." James Suckling

"Tenuta Nuova hails from the Cetine vineyard, on a ridge near Sant'Angelo in Colle, in southern Montalcino. The Neri family developed this plot with clonal material from their Cerretalto vineyard. Ageing is in French tonneaux, with a small percentage of new oak. It's an intense, compact wine - though not necessarily rich - offering captivating nuances of brambly blackcurrant, wild fennel, smoke, and coffee. The palate is vibrant, framed by muscular but sophisticated tannins." Decanter

"Bright deep red. The youthfully reticent nose hints at flinty red cherry, blueberry, graphite, cedar and pepper. Then flavors similar to the aromas, and a tight acid spine and serious but polished tannins nicely extending and framing the brooding fruit notes and peppery flintiness on the long, deep, complex finish. A truly outstanding Tenuta Nuova Brunello that seems less fruit-forward and more shut down than usual but holds exciting promise. Interestingly, some of this wine’s elements, such as its flinty nuances, reminded me of Casanova di Neri’s Cerretalto Brunello (made with grapes grown at the opposite end of the Montalcino territory). I guess my palate needs to take a vacation. This knockout wine will age splendidly and will likely merit an even higher score in eight to ten years’ time." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

"Sweet, ripe strawberry and cherry fruit melds seamlessly with the dense, refined structure of this red. Saline, licorice and spice accents add complexity as this lingers gracefully on the finish. Terrific harmony and expression." Wine Spectator

Deep, glowing ruby. In the nose it builds up slowly, we discover deep red cherries, blueberry, some cedar wood, graphite and pepper. Then on the palate it is firm and direct, immediately captivating all the senses with its peppery-salty note, paired with a fruit cocktail and polished tannins, which gives the overall impression an inimitable complexity and originality. It is a demanding wine, which is guaranteed to reward full devotion, and with a few years of bottle maturity will impressively show its full spectrum. The Neri-typical minerality in the finish is especially remarkable and almost unique in the 2015 edition! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with garnet. Fine, clearly drawn nose of raspberry and rose petals, then lots of crisp cherry. On the palate gripping, hearty tannin, salty, very deep and with a lot of tension, in the final firm pressure, very long aftertaste with much present fruit." Falstaff

"Rich, boasting ripe cherry, plum, incense and wild herb aromas and flavors, this red is expressive and charming. All that up-front appeal is matched by dense yet civilized tannins. Fine balance and a lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and savory elements bode well for the future." Wine Spectator

"Bright full red. Redcurrant, red cherry, violet, sweet spices, and orange zest on the scented nose. Not in the quite sweet and fleshy style this bottling is famous for, but suave and very well delineated, with the orange peel note providing inner-palate lift. Closes very clean with excellent length." Vinous

"Tenuta Nuova has been produced since 1993. It represents Casanova di Neri's 'newer' vineyard of Le Cetine in the southern reaches of Montalcino which boasts stony galestro soils. This manages the warmth and ripeness of the vintage with tremendous sophistication. Balsamic herbs, Mediterranean shrub, juniper and crushed stone overlay layers of focused, luscious currants and black cherries. A bit of an iron fist in a velvet glove - but much more velvet glove than iron fist. Finishes long and invigoratingly salty." Decanter

"Giacomo Neri and his family have crafted a wine that impresses from the first sip forward (especially when the wine is given ample time to open). The Casanova di Neri 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova must be treated with patience, and that patience is returned with many great rewards. Blackberry, plum and summer cherry are slowly folded into lasting flavors of spice, leather and beautiful balsam or medical herb. These are always a distinctive signature of this estate. The aromas flow with seamless transitions, and that fluid and ever-changing nature of the bouquet is what helps to build intensity and staying power. Fruit is harvested from a south- and southeast-facing slope at 250 to 300 meters above sea level. The soils are mixed loosely with crushed rock, allowing access to air and moisture. Indeed, pretty mineral accents appear as the wine takes on more air in the glass. What stands out most in this Brunello is the quality of the bouquet that is rigid and firm, yet not excessively so. You feel the structural texture of the wine as it sits firmly over the palate, yet there is mobility and softness to its many moving parts. I tasted this wine at various intervals over a 24-hour period." Robert Parker

"The purity of fruit in this wine really strikes you with black cherries, combined with sage, lavender and rosemary. Extremely aromatic. Full-bodied, yet so tight and polished with incredible tannin structure that gives the wine an endless mouth feel of caressing tannins, acidity and fruit. There’s a fabulous saltiness and oyster-shell undertone to the fruit. Unique. Drinkable already, but this year there’s the structure to last decades." James Suckling