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Sitting next to the infinity pool at Casanova di Neri’s new on-property relais and gazing up at the silhouette of the hill town of Montalcino less than 3 miles away, it’s pretty easy to start dreaming about becoming a Brunello producer yourself. Giovanni Neri had that dream 50 years ago, although he didn’t have the infinity pool at the time. Neri wanted to establish a new winery here in one of the most hallowed venues in the Italian wine world, the commune of Montalcino, home of what many consider the best Sangiovese-based wines anywhere—indeed, among the very best Italian wines of any description.
Even back then, vineyard land in the production zone for Brunello di Montalcino was very expensive and hard to find. But in 1971, Giovanni Neri was able to purchase a plot east of the town—the Cerretalto vineyard—that was less desirable because the area was considered too cool for proper ripening. Understanding the limitations of the location, Neri took a new approach in the viticultural practices, accepting a lower yield in order to achieve top-quality grapes. In 1978 Casanova di Neri produced its first Brunello. Over time, climate change has worked in Neri’s favor, as the Cerretalto vineyard with its natural amphitheater overlooking the Asso River now has no problem reaching optimum ripeness.
Vineyard acquisition has been a continuing goal for the Neris, and the estate has grown to include seven different vineyards in various parts of the denomination, totaling 156 acres of vines along with forested tracts, arable fields, and 50 acres of olive trees. The vineyards have been planted or replanted mostly with cuttings propagated from old Sangiovese vines in the Cerretalto vineyard that produced distinctive, high-quality fruit.
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LOCATIONWINERY: Montalcino, Tuscany VINEYARD: Montalcino, Tuscany VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS REGION DETAILS |
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91
OCTOBER 2021
Casanova di Neri "Giovanni Neri" Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2019
 Juniper, thyme and earth accents join bright cherry fruit in this supple red, which carries the fruit theme through the lingering finish, where light tannins lend support. Drink now through 2025. 580 cases made, 100 cases imported 93
DECEMBER 2022
Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (White Label) 2018
 The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino keeps me coming back to the glass to take in its pretty bouquet of dusty florals, exotic spices and dried strawberries. This is like pure silk on the palate, seamless and supple, with depths of dark red fruit and mineral tones that add a more tactile feel toward the close. Balsam herbs, cedar and tobacco all resonate throughout the long and dramatic finale, as fine tannins frame the experience with youthful poise. As is often the case, Casanova di Neri is a master at creating one of the region's most balanced and enjoyable “entry-level” Brunellos. 98
JANUARY 2021
Casanova di Neri Cerretalto Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016
 Cerretalto is bottled separately in selected vintages only. It is given an additional year of ageing and is typically still patently austere when released. While the 2015 was almost uncharacteristically fleshy, 2016 is a return to Cerretalto’s sinewy personality. It opens gradually with distinct flint, creosote and smoke-infused wild black currants and thyme. The palate is powerful without being weighty, with chiselled tannins that are rigid but not hard-edged. A concentrated core of black salted liquorice, black raspberry and iron is pierced by tangy acidity. Ultimately an elegant wine, this will need time to express all its nuance.Drinking Window 2025 - 2045 94
MARCH 2023
Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (White Label) 2018
A bright, fruity style, this red offers cherry, strawberry, currant, white pepper and mineral flavors. Reveals almond and earth accents as this extends on the finish. Features fine balance and mouthwatering length. Best from 2025 through 2042. 98
MARCH 2022
Casanova di Neri Cerretalto Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016
A dense, racy and expressive red, offering black cherry, black currant, violet, iron and a hint of rosemary aromas and flavors. This is driven by vivid acidity and refined tannins, which lend both finesse and length. Features great harmony and elegance. Best from 2025 through 2047. 95
AUGUST 2022
Casanova di Neri Pietradonice Toscana IGT Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
 Blackcurrants, hints of chocolate and black licorice with some violet undertones. Full-bodied with linear, tight tannins that give the wine tension and structure. Needs time to open and soften. Best after 2025.  NOVEMBER 2022
Casanova di Neri Cerretalto Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016
 98
MARCH 2023
Casanova di Neri "Giovanni Neri" Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018
 The 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Giovanni Neri is a relatively new addition to the range from the southeast in Sesta. It pours a rich ruby hue, with aromas of perfumed red raspberry, herbes de Provence, wild strawberry, and a light note of cinnamon. It offers elegance and purity, with a refined texture, vibrant red berries, and beautiful notes of fresh blood orange, tea leaf, a fine tannic structure. and. This is a vintage with a lot of finesse as well as a more transparent nature that is refreshing. Drink 2024-2044. |
