Casanova di Neri - Tenuta Nuova - Brunello di Montalcino DOCG - 2021

In the glass, the wine reveals an intense ruby ​​red color with garnet reflections. A rich, complex nose reveals aromas of ripe cherries, black plums, rose petals, wild herbs, balsamic vinegar, licorice, graphite, and a hint of cedar. Full and powerful on the palate, with a core of juicy red and black fruit. Silky yet firm tannins. Fresh acidity provides balance. A long, mineral finish with notes of spice and a light earthiness.

Vineyard:
The grapes come from southeastern Montalcino, where Casanova di Neri planted new vineyards in the early 1990s with the vision of creating a "new interpretation" of Brunello – hence the name Tenuta Nuova ("new estate"). The Tenuta Nuova vineyards were planted between 1993 and 1996. The soil consists of poor, stony soils with a mix of galestro (schist), clay, and limestone. This contributes to the wine's elegance and minerality.

The 2021 vintage in Montalcino is characterized by power and elegance. It has been rated an excellent five-star vintage, on par with greats like 2016 and 2019. This has resulted in grapes with thick skins, high flavor concentration, and—crucially for Brunello—high, fresh acidity.

The harvest took place between late September and early October 2021, entirely by hand and after strict selection of the bunches.

The grapes are harvested entirely by hand and rigorously selected, followed by spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The must remains in contact with the skins for 24 days, ensuring maximum extraction of aromas and structure. The wine is aged for approximately 30 months in large Slavonian oak barrels, followed by a further 12 months of bottle aging before release.

Wine and food pairing:
Perfect with game dishes such as venison or pheasant, leg of lamb, stews, truffle risotto, or osso buco. Also wonderful with aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Toscano.

About Casanova di Neri:

Casanova di Neri is one of Montalcino's leading wineries. Since its founding in 1971 by Giovanni Neri, the estate has become a global name under the leadership of his son, Giacomo. Their Brunello wines combine modern elegance with classic depth.

The estate owns top vineyards such as Tenuta Nuova and Cerretalto, each with its own distinct character. Casanova di Neri operates sustainably, respecting the terroir, and uses a blend of traditional and modern techniques.

The style? Rich, refined, with concentration and freshness. Year after year, the wines receive high ratings from international critics – and that's no coincidence.

98/100 Points James Suckling

Dark berry, walnut, cedar, thyme and some caramel aromas that follow through to a medium to full body with firm tannins and a tight and racy mouthfeel. Citrus and cherries at the end. Needs time to open and soften, but this is a solid Brunello. Try after 2028.

96/100 Points Robert Parker

The Casanova di Neri 2021 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova comes across as more lifted and punchy compared to recent past vintages, showing a brighter fruit profile and added energy. I know that some whole-cluster fruit is used in the Giovanni Neri bottling, and there is a reminiscent aromatic effect on this wine that contributes to its primary freshness. The mouthfeel is medium-rich, and while the wine initially felt reserved, a return to the open bottle revealed a more expressive and harmonious profile, indicating that it benefits from time or a quick double decant. Introduced in the early 1990s, Tenuta Nuova marked a stylistic turning point for the estate, emphasizing precision, ripeness and site expression. The tannins are well managed and elegant, and the freshness arrives with well-judged intensity.