Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2019 · MAGNUM in OWC

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

09982919 · 1,5 l · 199,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping3 units available

In Andrea Cortonesi's own words, 2019 was the first vintage since the legendary 1990 that gave him the feeling that everything was in balance. A slow start to vegetation after a rainy winter, a summer without heat peaks, even ripening until September. Harvest from 25 September – clean, healthy, concentrated. Already a stroke of luck for the Annata. For the Riserva: a perfect invitation. But not every vintage becomes a Riserva. And not every grape in the best vintage. Cortonesi only uses the oldest vines for the Riserva – planted in 1975, back when the word Brunello was hardly known outside Montalcino. Seven hectares, spread over sites between 150 and 350 metres in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, calcareous-clayey soils with marl and mineral structure. What grows here has decades of life in it.

Vinification follows the same principle as with the Annata – but with more time, more depth, more patience. Cold maceration under dry ice, spontaneous fermentation at 12 to 27°C for 25 to 30 days, malolactic fermentation in steel. Then 30 months in Slavonian and French oak of various sizes. Followed by at least 16 months of bottle rest. From autumn 2019 to retail: more than six years.

Deep dark ruby red, almost impenetrable. The nose opens slowly and seductively –Black cherry, balsamic spices, dried sage, pine shavings, a hint of graphite, menthol and flint. Creamy and velvety on the palate, almost unreal in texture for such a structured wine. The fruit is dense and dark, the acidity brilliant and centred, the tannins fine-grained and of ghostly length. A finish that does not end – it only changes. Cortonesi created the magnificent 1990 at Ciacci Piccolomini. Anyone who drinks this 2019 will understand what he learnt there. And what he made of it afterwards. SUPERIORE.DE

"Opulent forest fruit aromas characterise the nose, followed by herbs and undergrowth; precise on the palate, combining noticeable acidity and supple tannins, with a long finish. Possesses fullness and yet also elegance." Vinum

"A parade of rosemary, mint, cardamom and clove immediately casts a spell. They repeat on the dense, lush palate of dark red cherry and persimmon, where confidently extracted, dry and chalky tannins firm up the edges. The juicy acidity gives it some oomph, and it's definitely more powerful than elegant; it will appeal to those who appreciate a bolder style." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva wears a heavy coat of oak that adds sweet cinnamon and vanilla flavours. Those oak tones are prominent, but they still remain sweet and hydrated; and that's a plus because you don't get drying tannins, although there is a pinch of astringency at this young stage. Blackberry and dried rose potpourri can be detected along with sandalwood and sauna wood." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of flowers, flint, graphite and smoke on the nose. Reducing in a very good sense of the word. Similar character on the palate with lots of black cherries, dark chocolate and cedar. Medium-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a lingering finish. Showing excellent balance and integrity now." James Suckling

"The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 is haunting dark and beautifully elegant. A bouquet of mentholated black cherries and balsamic spices is softened by a hint of dried sage and pine shavings. The palate is velvety soft and almost creamy, flooded with notes of ripe red and blue fruits. Its core of zesty acidity provides amazing energy and freshness. Wrapping the senses in a veil of fine-grained tannins, it is dramatically long and structured, but with a concentration of primary saturation to balance. Bury this wine deep in the cellar - it's a masterpiece in the making." Vinous