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Casanova di Neri's 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of pleasurable contrasts but also massive structure. Ripe dark fruits and autumnal spices offset savory herbs and hints of animal musk. It enters the mouth silky, cooling and lifted, with a noticeable inner sweetness to its polished cherry/berry flavors, but it then sways more toward inner earth, minerals and grippy tannins. The 2016 urges you to take another sip, as there’s so much upfront appeal; yet each time you do, it reminds you once again that it’s a painfully young Brunello in need of cellaring. That said, the potential here is incredibly high.
- By Eric Guido on November 2020
Modern by definition but undeniably Montalcino and Brunello in every way, Casanova di Neri has a gorgeous selection of wines heading in the market in early 2021, from the 2016 Brunellos to the 2015, late-release Cerretalto. The winery is located in the northeastern section of Montalcino, yet it tends seven different and distinct vineyards throughout the region to be able to create a balanced yet unique wine from vintage to vintage. The 2016 “White Label” Brunello is a wonderful example of this balance, once again ranking high in its peer group. On the horizon is the new Tocci vineyard acquired in the south of Montalcino. We will see its debut as a specially labeled 2018 Rosso di Montalcino named Giovanni Neri in honor of the estate's founder; more on that wine at a later date. However, in 2023, the estate will release its first Brunello made from Tocci fruit, yet another example of Montalcino producers trying to make better use of the region's diverse terroir. Whether you consider your palate for Brunello to be international or traditional, you really owe it to yourself to check in with Casanova di Neri.
