2016 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto Magnum

Bottled in the generous magnum format, the 2016 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is one of the most coveted wines from Montalcino, and a benchmark for modern Brunello at the very highest level. Sourced from the celebrated Cerretalto vineyard and produced only in top vintages, this wine marries meticulous craftsmanship with a profound expression of terroir. As one of the first Brunellos made with a laser-focus on quality and soil health, it helped redefine what Brunello di Montalcino could be on the world stage.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 Cerretalto Brunello shows a deep, vibrant ruby core with garnet highlights that hint at both concentration and classic Sangiovese refinement. The nose is strikingly pure and layered: intense aromas of violets and rose petals rise from the glass, followed by ripe black cherries and plums, notes of licorice, graphite and crushed stone, and a savory spine of spice, balsamic tones and fine cocoa. With air, more complexity emerges—dried herbs, subtle tobacco leaf, and a whisper of wild Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, this is powerful yet supremely polished Brunello. The entry is silky but immediately expansive, with a dense core of sweet, ripe dark cherry and black berry fruit framed by profound but velvety tannins. Sweet and savory elements intertwine—liqueur-like black cherry, exotic spice, balsamic depth, mineral graphite and a touch of dark chocolate. The tannins are large-scaled and sweet, giving a sense of architecture rather than aggression, and the finish is very long, mouth-coating and gently sweet in the classic Cerretalto style. The 2016 vintage brings impeccable balance of fruit, acidity and structure, promising an extremely long life in the cellar; this magnum format in particular is built to evolve gracefully for decades, rewarding 15–30+ years of careful cellaring.

Production
Cerretalto is a singular vineyard within Montalcino, planted on poor, stony soils rich in minerals that naturally limit yields and intensify flavor, set at an altitude of roughly 350 meters where warm Tuscan days are tempered by cooler nights. The Sangiovese (Brunello) grapes are harvested entirely by hand, with rigorous selection in the vineyards to ensure only perfectly mature fruit is brought to the cellar. Fermentation and maceration occur using gravity-fed methods in open conical vats, allowing for a long, gentle extraction that can extend to around a month, preserving both aromatic purity and fine tannin texture. After fermentation, the wine is aged for an extended period in carefully chosen oak—large French oak vessels rather than small, heavily toasted barriques—followed by a long repose in bottle, giving Cerretalto its signature combination of depth, complexity and harmony by the time it is released.

Food & Serving
This is a grand, meditative Brunello best matched with equally refined cuisine: think slow-braised lamb shank, bistecca alla Fiorentina, venison with truffle, rich stews, aged Tuscan pecorino or other hard, mature cheeses. The wine shows best served at 16–17°C (about 60–63°F) to highlight its aromatics and structure. Given its youth and concentration, especially in magnum, it benefits greatly from air: open the bottle at least 2–3 hours before serving, or decant gently to allow the wine to unfold its layers of fruit, spice and minerality.

Producer
Casanova di Neri was founded in 1971 when Giovanni Neri purchased a substantial estate in Montalcino with the ambition of crafting Brunello at an unprecedented level of quality. Over time, the property was carefully developed into a mosaic of prime vineyards—today totaling around 39 hectares and divided into four main parcels, including the famed Cerretalto—some of which are more than 50 years old. Situated at about 350 meters above sea level, these sites combine altitude, exposure and soil diversity to deliver wines of both power and finesse. Casanova di Neri is widely recognized as a leading light of the so‑called “new generation” of Brunello producers, uniting meticulous vineyard work, modern precision in the cellar and deep respect for terroir; the estate has garnered numerous top scores and international accolades, with Cerretalto regularly ranked among the most important and collectable wines of Brunello di Montalcino.

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