Uccelliera

Uccelliera is not only famous for its outstanding Brunello every year, but also for the Rapace Rosso IGT, which has meanwhile become an icon, demonstrating the high quality with which the winery has been delighting wine connoisseurs all over the world for decades. A strong dark ruby red, the aroma spectrum is skilfully balanced by a mix of dark red cherries, plums, liquorice, smoke, spices and menthol. The beautifully cherry-like primary fruit is embedded in a warm texture, the silky tannin skillfully takes over on the sidelines and the wine storms into a long, nuanced and delicately mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A medium to full-bodied red with currant and plum character and some sandalwood. Rather coarse-grained tannins. Fresh on the finish." James Suckling

"The Rapace 2019 opens with a medium-dark colour and a beautiful concentration that is not too heavy and not too light. It is perfect as an accompaniment to all meals or as a versatile wine that can accompany everything from starters to main courses with meat. The bouquet offers dark fruits and plums. These primary aromas are framed by sweet spices, cedar and tobacco. These oak elements add depth and texture to the wine." Wine Advocate

"This is finding its sweet spot, with sappy cherry and blackberry fruit accented by rose hip, leather, orange peel and sweet spice aromas and flavors. Harmonious and juicy, with a lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

Uccelliera is not only famous for its outstanding Brunello every year, but the Rapace, which has become an icon in the meantime, also shows the high quality with which the winery has been delighting wine connoisseurs all over the world for decades. A strong dark ruby red, the aroma spectrum is skilfully balanced by a mix of dark red cherries, plums, liquorice, smoke, spices and menthol. The beautifully cherry-like primary fruit is embedded in a warm texture, the silky tannin skillfully takes over on the sidelines and the wine storms into a long, nuanced and delicately mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Clear, appetisingly fresh and, due to its soft fruity scent, almost feminine brandy of Brunello marc with a youthful character. Intense, ethereal nose, then harmonious on the palate and, as it progresses, powerful, intense and very long. SUPERIORE.DE

Stylish and authentic interpretation of the Sangiovese grape. Medium garnet red, bright aromas of sour cherry, red currant, blue flowers and a hint of bitter almond. Firm and lively on the palate, with present acidity and well-structured tannins. A wonderfully compact, authentic Tuscan and for us the ideal companion to strong pasta dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wild roses, cassis and lavender open the bouquet of the 2019 Rosso di Montalcino. Uccelliera offers a terrific Rosso in this vintage with slightly more concentration and volume compared to previous editions. This wine has a pretty floral component that underlines the delicate, elegant and streamlined personality of this classic Rosso." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is drop-dead gorgeous, slowly unfolding in the glass; at first smokey and herbal, yet gaining depths of dark red fruits and sweet spice over time. It’s silky-smooth in texture, contrasted by savory wild berry, plum and zesty acids, with purple tinged inner florals amassing toward the close. Licorice and hints of black currant linger, along with a coating of round tannins, making for a lightly structured yet still highly enjoyable finale." Vinous

Here comes one of the most classic Brunellos of the 2018 vintage: wonderful and rich doses of primary fruit like cherry and blackberry, flanked by well-measured hints of oak, wild herbs, cinnamon and dark smoke. This Brunello keeps up its fast pace from start to finish, it is generous, concentrated, firm and fleshy on the palate, leading into a multi-layered, phenomenal final. This red will come into its own over the next few years, it is undeniably one of the greats of this vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling ruby red. In the nose hazelnuts, cinnamon, ripe cherries, a hint of fumé and barrel. On the palate grippy and compact, shows creamy fruit core, in addition fine fruit sweetness, embedded in currently still very pithy tannin, still needs time." Falstaff

"The Uccelliera is produced from several plots at different altitudes and exposures around the town of Castelnuovo dell'Abate. The 2018 is a little more restrained and less lush than recent vintages, but still remains true to its generous, intense style and will satisfy those looking for a hearty Brunello full of flavour. Woody notes of vanilla and charcoal dissolve into nutmeg, cinnamon and herbs. The palate reveals hints of macerated fruit, underlined by sweet earth and tobacco. The rich tannins remain supple and enveloping, while a core of concentrated acidity keeps everything in check until a very spicy finish." Decanter

"This wine is creamy and open with delicious notes of sour cherries, plum stones, roasted nuts, mocha and sandalwood. Full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins that provide a silky frame. Juicy finish." James Suckling

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino opens beautifully in the glass, gaining intensity and depth. It shows taut lines and a fleshy mouthfeel that favours plenty of layering and textural richness. This velvety quality is the enduring signature of this winery, which has achieved consistent results over the years." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is undeniably pretty and slightly exotic, exuding a multi-faceted bouquet of wild strawberries, fresh mint, balsamic herbs, cloves and a hint of sweet smoke. Luxurious, silky and supple, Brunello di Montalcino coats the palate with ripe wild berries, while an enticing inner sweetness and a hint of tobacco develop towards the end. Salty minerals give the wine an almost crisp finish, and although tannic, this in no way detracts from the graceful nature of the 2018, which is still energetic with notes of plum and liquorice. This is a spectacular Brunello of the vintage." Vinous

"Broad and dense, delivering plum, cherry, leather, tobacco and earth flavors underlined by assertive tannins, which show solid grip on the lingering finish. Reveals fruit buried within, so give this some time to integrate more fully." Wine Spectator

Uccellieras Riserva 2015 is a dark, thoughtful and powerful wine. It only gradually reveals its richness and complexity of spices, tobacco, cured meat and dried blackberries and plums. This wine monument is only at the beginning of a long maturation development and yet already convinces us on all levels. It offers breathtaking intensity, power, integrity and at the same time excellent balance. Its aromatic momentum continues to grow and becomes more extensive and complete the more air the wine takes in the glass. Only the too impatient will not give it more years in the cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense aromas of ripe berries, dried cherries, spicy bark and hints of orange rind follow through to a medium to full body with fine, firm tannins that are coated with fresh, spicy and citrusy notes that linger long. Well balanced acidity provides even greater length." James Suckling

"The Uccelliera 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a great achievement and is among my top favorite wines from Andrea Cortonesi tasted in the 20 or so years I have followed this estate. There is a lot of power here, thanks to that golden Castelnuovo dell'Abate sunshine, so I cannot liken this wine to some of the more ethereal and delicate expressions that I also love. Instead, this Riserva delivers brawn, dark fruit and muscle, but it does so with sincerity and honesty. You can't help but appreciate the complexity on offer. The wine offers plenty of dark fruit, but you also get licorice, balsam herb and crushed limestone. There is a lot of beauty to admire." Wine Advocate

"An enticing version, whose vibrant character sets the pace for fresh black cherry, blackberry, iron and tobacco, with a frame of oak spice. Round and solidly built, this persists with lingering accents of fruit, mineral and spice." Wine Spectator

This coveted Riserva is only vinified in top vintages and comes from the highest vineyards of the winery. On the nose, the essence of dark cherries, blackberries, flowers, violets, liquorice and spices, which are then carried away on the palate by firm, structured tannins. The Brunello Riserva 2016 impresses with its remarkable fruit and a big, explosive finish. It presents itself fresh and surprisingly lively, yet very focused and balanced. A great wine that is already a real joy to drink. SUPERIORE.DE

"Andrea Cortonesi crafts distinctly umami Brunello from various parcels at diverse altitudes and exposures in the warm reaches of Castelnuovo dell’Abate. After trying the sensuous 2015 Riserva at the estate in September 2021, I was excited to taste the 2016 release. It too is voluptuously shaped yet shored up by sturdy, muscular tannins. Pronounced clove and nutmeg meet prune, dried raspberry and tar. And there is a saline beef broth undertow. While it offers plenty to unpack over the years, I actually prefer to drink Uccelliera’s wines when they are still full of vim and vigour." Decanter

"This is really polished and refined, yet remains polished and beautiful, with cherries and berries, as well as light hazelnut and walnut undertones. Compact and silky. Drink after 2024, but already so attractive." James Suckling

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a terrific wine: bold, well-defined, powerful and balanced. There are many good things to relate, but the high alcohol content (measured at 15.5%) is the only distraction. This is a trend in the Riserva category in the 2016 vintage. The bouquet shows black cherry, cassis, earth, leather and dried roses. The palate offers soft fruit flavors supported by firm oak tannins." Wine Advocate

"Rich and deeply alluring, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva wafts up to display crushed ashen stone mixed with hints of ginger, dusty florals and black cherry preserves. This is velvety-smooth and pliant in feel, lifted by cooling herbal and mineral tones, as an opulent wave of ripe red and black fruits washes across the palate, leaving a staining of minerals and spice in its wake. It’s long and structured, in need of further time to come fully into focus, yet somehow the 2016 Riserva remains completely fresh, tapering off to inner earth tones and hints of blueberry. Time will reveal further depths. This is an utterly classic Uccelliera Brunello in the making." Vinous

"Offers forthcoming aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currant, licorice, tobacco and vanilla backed by vivid acidity and dusty tannins, with a long, saline finish. Showing enough fruit and structure to absorb the oakiness over time, this is balanced overall and poised for a promising future." Wine Spectator

Costabate is a matter of the heart for Andrea Cortonesi and is only released in the best years and then in just 500 magnum bottles in selected specialist shops and the top gastronomy. This exceptional wine is vinified in barrique barrels from over 300-year-old oak trees.

This wine is made from a selection of the best Sangiovese grapes from the Uccelliera vineyards. These are located at three different altitudes and thus different microclimates. It is an expression of the unique terroir around Castelnuovo dell'Abate and, strictly speaking, corresponds to a Brunello declassified as IGT. Bright ruby, then black fruits, some tar, teryaki notes and exotic spices. Fine-grained tannin and an almost inexhaustible complexity lead the wine connoisseur into new realms of experience. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe, expressive and harmonious, this majestic red has blackberry, black currant, eucalyptus, menthol, wild rosemary and mineral flavors framed by vanilla and toasty oak. Gains support from firm tannins, yet the lasting impression is sweet fruit, so be patient." Wine Spectator

This coveted Riserva is only vinified in top vintages and comes from the highest vineyards of the winery. On the nose, the essence of dark cherries, blackberries, flowers, violets, liquorice and spices, which are then carried away on the palate by firm, structured tannins. The Brunello Riserva 2016 impresses with its remarkable fruit and a big, explosive finish. It presents itself fresh and surprisingly lively, yet very focused and balanced. A great wine that is already a real joy to drink. SUPERIORE.DE

"Andrea Cortonesi crafts distinctly umami Brunello from various parcels at diverse altitudes and exposures in the warm reaches of Castelnuovo dell’Abate. After trying the sensuous 2015 Riserva at the estate in September 2021, I was excited to taste the 2016 release. It too is voluptuously shaped yet shored up by sturdy, muscular tannins. Pronounced clove and nutmeg meet prune, dried raspberry and tar. And there is a saline beef broth undertow. While it offers plenty to unpack over the years, I actually prefer to drink Uccelliera’s wines when they are still full of vim and vigour." Decanter

"This is really polished and refined, yet remains polished and beautiful, with cherries and berries, as well as light hazelnut and walnut undertones. Compact and silky. Drink after 2024, but already so attractive." James Suckling

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a terrific wine: bold, well-defined, powerful and balanced. There are many good things to relate, but the high alcohol content (measured at 15.5%) is the only distraction. This is a trend in the Riserva category in the 2016 vintage. The bouquet shows black cherry, cassis, earth, leather and dried roses. The palate offers soft fruit flavors supported by firm oak tannins." Wine Advocate

"Rich and deeply alluring, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva wafts up to display crushed ashen stone mixed with hints of ginger, dusty florals and black cherry preserves. This is velvety-smooth and pliant in feel, lifted by cooling herbal and mineral tones, as an opulent wave of ripe red and black fruits washes across the palate, leaving a staining of minerals and spice in its wake. It’s long and structured, in need of further time to come fully into focus, yet somehow the 2016 Riserva remains completely fresh, tapering off to inner earth tones and hints of blueberry. Time will reveal further depths. This is an utterly classic Uccelliera Brunello in the making." Vinous

"Offers forthcoming aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currant, licorice, tobacco and vanilla backed by vivid acidity and dusty tannins, with a long, saline finish. Showing enough fruit and structure to absorb the oakiness over time, this is balanced overall and poised for a promising future." Wine Spectator