2016 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto

The 2016 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is one of the true icons of Montalcino and the flagship wine from this acclaimed estate. Crafted exclusively from Sangiovese Grosso sourced from the fabled Cerretalto vineyard, it represents the pinnacle of precision, selection, and terroir expression. First conceived as a Brunello made with an uncompromising focus on quality and respectful vineyard work, Cerretalto has become a benchmark for modern Brunello, regularly earning top scores from leading critics.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 Cerretalto shows a deep, intense ruby core with garnet reflections forming toward the rim, hinting at both concentration and longevity. The nose is immediately complex and seductive, with lifted aromas of violets, ripe black cherries and dark plums, interwoven with notes of sweet baking spices, balsamic tones, graphite, and a touch of licorice. Subtle hints of tobacco leaf, cocoa, and underbrush emerge with air, underscoring its depth and pedigree. On the palate, this Brunello is powerful yet supremely refined, with a full body and an almost velvety texture. The tannins are large-scaled but sweet, polished, and beautifully integrated, framing layers of ripe black cherry, blackberry, and plum alongside savory notes of spice, mineral, and a balsamic edge. There is a striking balance between richness, freshness, and structure, carried by vibrant acidity and a long, sweetly-fruited finish that seems to go on endlessly in classic Cerretalto fashion. Already impressive, it offers extremely high aging potential; with proper cellaring, it will continue to evolve gracefully for decades.

Production
The Cerretalto vineyard sits at around 350 meters above sea level on a distinctive Montalcino terroir that combines rocky, mineral-rich soils with excellent exposure and natural ventilation, yielding low yields of intensely flavored Sangiovese Grosso. Casanova di Neri harvests the grapes by hand, carefully selecting bunches at perfect ripeness, usually in late September. Fermentation and maceration occur naturally in open, conical wooden vats, where gravity alone is used to move the fruit via a drop-down system, allowing for a gentle, non-interventionist approach; maceration extends for around 30+ days to extract aromatic complexity and structure. After fermentation, the wine is aged for approximately 30 months in carefully chosen French oak barrels of 500 liters, followed by a further 30 months of bottle aging before release, ensuring harmony, depth, and remarkable longevity.

Food & Serving
This is a grand, contemplative Brunello that shines alongside equally refined cuisine. Ideal partners include slow-braised lamb shank, bistecca alla fiorentina, venison or other game, truffle-infused dishes, rich mushroom ragù, and aged Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16–17 °C (around 60–63 °F). The wine benefits greatly from aeration; open the bottle at least 2–3 hours in advance, or decant gently to allow the aromatics and texture to fully unfurl.

Producer
Casanova di Neri was founded in 1971 when Giovanni Neri acquired what would become one of the most important estates in Montalcino, gradually building a property that now spans around 39 hectares divided into four key vineyards, including some parcels over 50 years old. From the beginning, the focus has been on meticulous vineyard work, low yields, and a modern yet terroir-driven interpretation of Sangiovese. Based in the heart of Brunello di Montalcino, Casanova di Neri is widely regarded as one of the region’s leading producers, playing a defining role in the rise of the “new generation” of Brunello. The Cerretalto bottling, in particular, has achieved cult status and has earned perfect scores, including 100/100 from James Suckling for this vintage, cementing the estate’s reputation at the very top of Tuscan and Italian fine wine.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.