Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021

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

09982121 · 0,75 l · 92,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Castelnuovo dell'Abate has a character all of its own – rougher, denser and more mineral-driven than many other parts of the appellation. The loamy-sandy soils with their high proportion of stone, the vineyards situated between 150 and 350 metres, the shelter provided by Monte Amiata, and the cool nights from the Orcia Valley: anyone who plants vines here will produce Sangiovese with real character. Andrea Cortonesi has been planting vines here for almost four decades. 2021 proved a challenging year for this terroir – and for the winemaker. The late frost in April hit lower-lying plots hard, and the harvest was around 15% smaller overall than the previous year. A hot, dry summer followed, before two spells of rain in the second half of August provided the vineyards with water and gave the grapes their final aromatic depth. The long September nights did the rest: phenolic ripeness, without any signs of heat stress, and without compromising on freshness. What Uccelliera subsequently brought into the cellar was concentrated, healthy, clear – and possessed that crisp fruit intensity that makes Castelnuovo wines so distinctive.

In the glass, a deep, luminous ruby red. On the nose, the Uccelliera 2021 is initially reserved and mineral, with hints of forest floor and smoke – then, with aeration: dark cherry, mint, pine needles, dried strawberry and a touch of dusty rose. On the palate, it is powerful, dense and vertically structured – exactly where this vineyard belongs. The tannins are finely grained, firm and built to last. The acidity keeps everything in vibrant balance. A long finish that oscillates between sweet fruit and a mineral aftertaste, unable to make up its mind. And rightly so. Decanter calls the Uccelliera 2021 one of the most powerful examples of the vintage. That's true, but 'power' alone doesn't quite capture it. 'Precision', we would say. SUPERIORE.DE

"A warm, somewhat leathery and slightly woody aroma of ripe black and blue berries with hints of tree bark, tobacco and dried floral notes, meat, a touch of pepper, Mediterranean herbs, black olives and iron. Quite tightly structured, tart fruit, smoky, nutty, tobacco-like and slightly bacon-like flavours; crumbly, sandy, quite firm tannins, persistent, plenty of power, hints of ash, herbs again, a touch of pepper and salt in the background, plenty of power, but also a certain freshness, some depth, and a very good, firm, juicy and fresh, herbaceous finish with bite and grip." Wein-Plus

"A shimmering ruby red with violet highlights. A delicately fragrant nose, with notes of raspberry and cherry, as well as a hint of violets and sealing wax. Juicy and refreshing on the palate, with ripe, firm tannins and a powerful, lingering finish." Falstaff

"A captivatingly complex bouquet with notes of red berries, floral elements and a hint of wood; juicy on the palate, with acidity that provides structure yet is perfectly integrated, and a lovely finish that final long final. Another impressive vintage." Vinum

"At Uccelliera, there are no wines bottled from a single vineyard. Instead, owner Andrea Cortonesi blends a variety of plots from different altitudes, sites, soils, vine ages and clones to create a complex whole. The 2021 reveals its balsamic, south-eastern origins with all the robustness and power one would expect, whilst remaining remarkably balanced. Nevertheless, it leans more towards power than grace. A youthful hint of oak is absorbed by the rich, dark-toned fruit. Eucalyptus, nutmeg and tarragon add to the profile. The powerful, grainy tannins need more time to soften." Decanter

"The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino reveals a deep core of dark fruits and black cherries, whilst remaining gracefully vertical and bright. Notes of spices, forest floor and sweet earth interweave with the fruit, providing balance and a consistent sense of richness that carries seamlessly onto the palate." Wine Advocate

"Minty herbs mingle with pine shavings, dried strawberries and dusty earth as the 2021 Brunello di Montalcino blossoms in the glass. It displays exceptional finesse and grace, with silky waves of ripe red and blue fruits lifted by fresh acidity. Subtle rose notes and a tactile mineral touch lend it structure towards the finish. The 2021 leaves a pleasant chewy texture and a tart blackberry flavour that tapers off with excellent length and a thoroughly classic feel." Vinous

"A spicy, classic Brunello with lively aromas of wild strawberries, raspberries, violets, smoky wood and liquorice. Full-bodied, with well-balanced extraction, tamed, velvety tannins, refreshing acidity and a very spicy, mineral finish. Juicy and long." James Suckling