Casanova Di Neri
7 min read
Step into the world of Casanova di Neri: one of Montalcino’s most iconic and sought-after wineries, where tradition meets uncompromising innovation. Founded in 1971, this family-run estate has earned a revered place on the global stage, winning accolades and hearts with wines that define the very essence of Brunello di Montalcino.
Casanova Di Neri Cerretalto Brunello 2019 750mL
The 2019 growing season in Montalcino was exceptional for Sangiovese, beginning with a cool spring that slightly delayed budbreak, followed by a warm, dry summer without extreme heat, and marked by significant diurnal temperature variation that promoted slow, even ripening and enhanced aromatic and phenolic development. Moderate, well-timed rainfall supported healthy vines and minimized disease pressure. The resulting 2019 Cerretalto Brunello offers an intense bouquet of black cherry, licorice root, lavender, wild herbs, truffle, and graphite, leading into a powerful, structured palate layered with dark plum, bitter chocolate, and blood orange zest, supported by vibrant acidity and muscular tannins, and finishing with mineral depth, spice, and lingering floral-fruit echoes. Best served at 18°C in large bowl-shaped glasses, it benefits from 2–3 hours of decanting if consumed within 5–10 years and pairs beautifully with rich Tuscan fare like wild boar ragu, roast lamb, porcini risotto, or aged Pecorino Toscano. This brooding yet elegant wine is built for longevity and will evolve gracefully over the next two to three decades.
Casanova Di Neri 2020 Tenuta Nuova 750mL | 1.5L
The 2020 vintage in Montalcino was marked by a challenging yet ultimately rewarding growing season, with a mild winter and warm spring prompting early budbreak and vigorous growth, followed by a hot, dry summer that accelerated ripening but lowered yields. Thanks to Casanova di Neri’s high-elevation vineyards and attentive vineyard management, the resulting fruit maintained freshness and balance, leading to an early harvest with excellent phenolic maturity and concentration. The 2020 Tenuta Nuova opens with vivid aromas of dark cherry, rose petals, cedar, and subtle notes of blood orange and leather. On the palate, it achieves a graceful equilibrium of richness and vibrancy, featuring flavors of black raspberry, iron-tinged earth, licorice, and spice, framed by silky tannins and bright acidity. The finish is long and layered, with mineral tension, wild herbs, and a dusting of cocoa. Best served at 18°C in large tulip or Burgundy-style glasses, it benefits from a 2–3 hour decant in its early years to fully reveal its complexity. Ideal with dishes like porcini risotto, duck confit, braised short ribs, or herb-roasted lamb, and firm aged cheeses, this magnum promises to evolve beautifully over the next 20–25 years.
Casanova Di Neri Brunello Giovanni Neri 2020 750mL
The 2020 vintage in Montalcino saw a warm, dry season with favorable conditions, including a mild spring and a hot summer tempered by Casanova di Neri’s high-altitude, breezy southern vineyards, which allowed for slow, even ripening and preserved acidity and aromatic clarity. This bold and expressive wine opens with dark cherry, black plum, and dried violet on the nose, layered with cedar, leather, and pipe tobacco, while the palate delivers crushed blackberry, cocoa, iron-tinged minerality, and herbal undertones, framed by silky tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is persistent and refined, with spice, balsamic lift, and a trace of graphite. Best served at 18°C in large-format glasses to highlight its depth and texture, it benefits from a 2–3 hour decant within the first 7–10 years to reveal its complexity. It pairs beautifully with roast venison, wild boar ragù, Florentine steak, truffle mushroom risotto, and aged cheeses like Pecorino di Pienza or Parmigiano Reggiano. With proper cellaring, it promises to evolve over 20–30 years, gaining layered nuance while preserving its structure and elegance.
Casanova Di Neri Brunello 2020 White Label 750mL | 1.5L
The 2020 growing season in Montalcino brought a mild spring and warm, dry summer, leading to an early harvest with healthy, well-ripened fruit. Casanova di Neri’s high-elevation vineyards and meticulous viticultural practices helped preserve the Sangiovese’s freshness and aromatic clarity, producing wines that are immediately accessible yet built for graceful aging. The 2020 White Label Brunello in magnum opens with lifted aromas of crushed cherry, dried rose, cedar, and subtle spice. The palate is elegant and finely balanced, showcasing red currant, sour plum, orange zest, and earthy minerality, framed by polished tannins and bright acidity. The long, savory finish is laced with graphite, sweet tobacco, and wild herbs, while the magnum format allows for a slower, more refined evolution over time. Best served at 18°C in large tulip-shaped glasses, it benefits from a 1.5 to 2.5 hour decant when enjoyed young. With proper cellaring, this wine will deepen in complexity and finesse over the next 15–20 years.
Casanova Di Neri Irrosso 2023 750mL
The 2023 vintage in Tuscany featured a cooler, wetter spring that delayed budbreak and flowering, followed by a moderately warm summer with intermittent rain. While the growing season required attentive vineyard management, Casanova di Neri’s high-altitude sites and skilled handling ensured vibrant acidity, moderate sugar levels, and aromatic purity—perfect for crafting a fresh, early-drinking wine like Irrosso. The 2023 Irrosso is already expressive, opening with aromas of crushed red berries, rose petals, and fresh herbs. On the palate, it’s juicy and energetic, offering flavors of sour cherry, raspberry, subtle spice, and mineral undertones, supported by smooth tannins and bright acidity that lend elegance and food-friendliness. The finish is crisp and refreshing, with lingering notes of red plum, earth, and floral lift. Best served slightly cooler than typical reds, at 16–17°C, it’s ready to enjoy without decanting and pairs effortlessly with wood-fired pizza, grilled sausages, tomato-based pastas, or roasted vegetables. Designed for youthful enjoyment, it will drink beautifully over the next 3–5 years.