Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2019

Uccelliera | Tuscany
Az. Agr. Uccelliera | Podere Uccelliera 45 | IT 53024 Castelnuovo dell'Abate

09982119 · 0,75 l · 89,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Podere Uccelliera is located on the south-eastern slope of the hill of Castelnuovo dell'Abate, where the view falls on the extinct volcano Monte Amiata and the breeze from the Orcia Valley blows through the vineyards. Not a large estate, not a marketing machine. Nine hectares, one man, one idea of wine. Andrea Cortonesi comes from a Mezzadria family that cultivated these lands for generations, long before Brunello was a word the world knew. In 1986, he bought the old Podere – with centuries-old olive trees, half a hectare of vines and the firm intention of creating something lasting here. He had previously worked at Ciacci Piccolomini, Poggio di Sotto and Mastrojanni – as a cellar master, as an observer, as a learner. What he took with him was not a recipe. It was a flair. He vinified his first Brunello in 1991.

The terroir of Castelnuovo dell'Abate is one of the most unique in the entire appellation: loamy, sandy soils with a high proportion of skeleton, sites between 150 and 350 metres, the natural wind protection of Monte Amiata, cool night air from the valley. Wines that Andrea Cortonesi himself describes as having "pronounced complexity, elegant tannin structure and a special mineral-balsamic character" – and which experienced tasters can taste blind from the field. 2019 was the vintage Cortonesi had been waiting for. Balanced growth, even fruit, no stress, no pressure. Harvest on 12 October – clean, crisp, juicy. "After the 1990 at Ciacci, I thought I would never experience anything like it again," he said. "2019 proved me wrong."

Deep ruby red, clear and bright. The nose is simultaneously powerful and fine – dark cherry, plum, cedar wood, pine resin, autumn spices, a hint of leather and tree moss. Full-bodied and powerful on the palate, with a density that is kept in balance by vibrant acidity. The tannins are present – firm, chalky, with a future. Long, multi-layered finish, mineral-balsamic, sweet and sour all in one. Already exceptional today. In five years: a different story. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multifaceted bouquet with aromas of dark berries, leather and chocolate; the attack is full-bodied, the tannins perfectly integrated, develops full of esprit towards an extremely fruity final." Vinum

"Ripe ruby red with a brick-coloured rim. Fairly developed, ripe and brooding cherry fruit nose with hints of tobacco. The palate is much more backward but well put together, with plenty of chewy tannins that don't overpower the fruit. It's an old-school wine, and I'd wait another two years before approaching it. Very long and captivating." Jancis Robinson

"It opens with aromas reminiscent of cedar and pine forest, undergrowth and leather. The palate is full and powerful, but more square than round. A compact core of dark cherry is surrounded by chewy, generous tannins. A hint of dryness from the wood comes through. Still, this wine feels very real, and the underlying acidity provides a brightening effect." Decanter

"Perfumed and attractive with flavours of black cherries and berries, as well as lavender and rosemary flowers. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a juicy finish. Needs to age in the bottle to mellow." James Suckling

"Dense and muscular, this red wine offers a wide range of cherry, plum and floral flavours, complemented by iron, eucalyptus and red cherry notes. It tightens up on the finish and leaves a compact impression, but is persistent overall." Wine Spectator

"The Uccelliera 2019 Brunello di Montalcino offers ripe fruit, a hint of cooked blackberries and pomegranate juice. Together with oak spice and dried bay leaf, there is a hint of creaminess in the centre of the palate, reminiscent of cheese rind or matured chèvre with a crust of black pepper and thyme. This note fades, however, and the wine returns to dried cherry with a medicinal or herbal flavour. There is a lot going on. The wine needs more time in the bottle to work through the fine, chalky tannins. It's already elegant now, but it will improve." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is a broodingand intense wine that shoots from the glass with a wave of autumnal spices, crushed cherries, cedar shavings and soaked plums underpinned by pine notes. This wine is highly structured, elegant and refined, with a dense wave of ripe forest fruits accompanied by vibrant acidity underscored by orange and balsamic herbs. It finishes grippy and lingering with a black hole of tension and a sweet and sour sensation that lingers on and on as crisp tannins echo within. The 2019 is youthfully backward today, but its balance is undeniable, especially as it has opened up over twenty-four hours. It is an absolute pleasure to taste this wine. Bury the 2019 deep in your cellar." Vinous