Elegant Brunello di Montalcino 2020 from Casanova di Neri. Rich in cherries, herbs and finesse. Traditionally matured, powerful and refined.
The White Label Brunello 2020 opens with an elegant nose of ripe red cherries, wild berries and dried flowers. Subtle hints of liquorice, cedar, mint and tobacco make the bouquet complex and layered. As the wine breathes, earthy notes and a hint of balsamic also emerge. On the palate, this Brunello is powerful and refined at the same time: juicy cherries and blackcurrants combine with fine acidity, a firm structure and ripe, silky tannins. The wine has an energetic, mineral freshness and a long, persistent finish with notes of spices and cocoa.
Casanova di Neri's vineyards for this wine are located in various locations around Montalcino, with soils ranging from clay and loam to galestro (weathered shale) and limestone. This diversity contributes to the complexity and balance of the wine. The grapes for the White Label Brunello come from several of Casanova di Neri's own vineyards, including vineyards on the eastern and southern slopes of Montalcino. This exposure provides optimum sunshine and cooling winds, ideal for slow and balanced ripening of the Sangiovese grapes. Many of the vines used for this wine were planted in the 1990s, with some parcels of older vines dating back to the early 1980s. Due to the age of the vines, yields are low but of high quality.
The 2020 vintage in Montalcino was marked by a relatively mild winter and a warm, dry summer with some refreshing rain showers at the end of August. This allowed the grapes to ripen perfectly without losing their freshness. The harvest was carefully planned to capture the ideal moment of ripeness.
The grapes for the 2020 White Label were harvested manually in the first half of October, slightly later than average, which ensured a beautiful concentration and aromatic finesse. After careful selection of the grapes, they undergo spontaneous fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, followed by a long maceration of the skins for maximum extraction of colour and aromas. Malolactic fermentation then follows to soften the acids.
The wine is aged for approximately 42 months in large Slavonian oak barrels (botti), followed by additional bottle ageing before release. This traditional method gives the wine its typical balance between power and finesse, without overpowering the fruit expression.
Good to know: In 2020, the Neri family did not produce their flagship wine, Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto. However, the grapes for that wine were used for the 2020 white label Brunello di Montalcino. It’s exciting to see how the style of this winery has evolved now that a new generation is fully involved in the cellar. Giacomo Neri’s winemaking style was focused on more concentration with pumping over and pumping down, but sons Giovanni and Gianlorenzo have adapted the house style, emphasizing less extraction and more fruit balance.
Wine and food pairing:
This Brunello is a perfect match for classic dishes such as ossobuco, game stew, mushroom risotto or a well-matured pecorino. This wine also comes into its own with truffle dishes or a robust Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
About Casanova di Neri:
Casanova di Neri is one of the leading wineries of Montalcino. Since its foundation in 1971 by Giovanni Neri, the estate has developed into a world name under the leadership of his son Giacomo. Their Brunellos combine modern elegance with classic depth.
The estate owns top vineyards such as Tenuta Nuova and Cerretalto, each of which shows its own character. Casanova di Neri works sustainably, with respect for the terroir, and uses a mix of traditional and modern techniques.
The style? Rich, refined, with concentration and freshness. Year after year, the wines score high with international critics – and that is no coincidence.
