Casanova di Neri, Tenuta Nuova Brunello di Montalcino 1996

Casanova di Neri’s Tenuta Nuova Brunello di Montalcino 1996 is a benchmark vintage from one of Montalcino’s most acclaimed modern estates. Sourced from southeast-facing vineyards on schist, marl and limestone, this Brunello marries classical freshness with depth and structure in a way that has made the 1996 particularly sought-after by collectors. Today it stands as a textbook example of traditionally crafted, cellar-aged Brunello showing its full tertiary complexity while still retaining remarkable vitality.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 1996 Tenuta Nuova shows a deep, mature ruby core shifting towards brick and garnet at the rim, a clear sign of its long, graceful evolution. The nose is layered and expressive: sour cherry and dried red berries interwoven with dried violets, leather, cedar, tobacco leaf and Mediterranean herbs, all lifted by a subtle balsamic note and gentle sweet spice from long cask aging. On the palate, this is a refined, medium to full-bodied Brunello with beautifully integrated tannins and a vibrant, cool-vintage acidity that keeps everything precise and lively. Flavors of dried cherry, blood orange, licorice and undergrowth unfold slowly, supported by hints of forest floor, savory spice and a mineral, almost saline undertone. The finish is long, persistent and harmonious, with tertiary nuances that continue to develop in the glass. While the 1996 is fully mature and in its prime drinking window, well-stored bottles still have the structure and acidity to offer pleasure for several more years, rewarding careful service and extended aeration.

Production
Tenuta Nuova is sourced from south-east facing parcels in Montalcino, where the combination of long sunshine hours and cool night-time temperatures allows Sangiovese Grosso to reach full phenolic ripeness without losing its natural acidity. The soils are a complex mix of schist, marl and limestone, contributing both structure and a distinct mineral edge to the wine. In the classic, cooler 1996 vintage, the grapes were rigorously hand-harvested with careful selection in the vineyard. Traditional vinification followed, with extended skin contact to draw out color, tannin and aromatic depth. The young wine was then matured for roughly 30 months in large Slavonian oak casks, a time-honored Brunello approach that favors slow evolution and finesse over overt oak flavor, before undergoing an extended period of bottle aging prior to release.

Food & Serving
This mature Brunello is a natural partner for classic Tuscan cuisine: think bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised beef or veal shank, roast lamb with rosemary, and game dishes such as wild boar ragù or venison. It also pairs beautifully with aged Pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano and truffle-infused dishes, where its savory, tertiary notes shine. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16–18 °C and decant 2–3 hours before serving to allow the wine to open fully and shed any remaining bottle bouquet. Handle older bottles gently, keeping them upright prior to opening, and pour carefully to avoid disturbing any natural sediment.

Producer
Founded in 1971 by Giovanni Neri, Casanova di Neri has become one of the leading names in Brunello di Montalcino, renowned for meticulous vineyard work and a precise, quality-driven approach. The estate helped redefine modern Brunello through carefully chosen sites such as Tenuta Nuova, showcasing the grape’s capacity for both power and elegance. Over the decades, Casanova di Neri has earned high acclaim from critics and collectors worldwide, with several vintages achieving benchmark status and top scores. Their work has played an important role in elevating Montalcino’s international reputation, demonstrating just how profound Sangiovese Grosso can be when matched with great terroir and patient, traditional élevage.

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