Brunello di Montalcino 'Cerretalto' Casanova di Neri 2012

Brunello di Montalcino "Cerretalto" from the Casanova di Neri winery is a thick, complex and powerful red wine produced in the eastern part of the territory of the municipality of Montalcino, in the province of Siena, Tuscany. This label is made from rigorously selected pure Sangiovese grapes sourced from a single vineyard, the Cerretalto cru, located on hillsides set at an altitude of about 270-290 meters (1,500-2,500 feet) and facing east. The vines are trained using the spurred cordon method on soils characterized by rich marl soils with alluvial stones, degraded rocks and a strong presence of minerals, including iron and magnesium. The winery, which owns about 500 hectares, 63 of which are planted with vines, is a highly prestigious entity that has been able to build its reputation over the years both nationally and internationally thanks to the production of the highest quality and practices that respect the dictates of organic farming.

"Cerretalto" Brunello di Montalcino is made from carefully selected grapes harvested by hand, generally around the first ten days of October. Upon reaching the winery, the grapes are gently crushed and destemmed and then alcoholic fermentation, using only indigenous yeasts, takes place in temperature-controlled truncated conical wooden vats with frequent punching-down and maceration on the skins that extends for about 32 days. This is followed by racking with pressing, after which the wine is aged for at least 36 months in French oak barrels before being bottled and remaining to mature in the bottle for another 24 months before release.

Casanova di Neri's Brunello di Montalcino "Cerretalto" shows a ruby red colour with garnet hues. Intense aromas of ripe red fruit appear on the nose, including cherry and raspberry, floral notes of violet and dried flowers, spicy hints of tobacco, liquorice and aniseed, ending with slight mineral, graphite and hints of noble wood and dried fig. In the mouth, it is vigorous, robust, rich, round and flavorful, characterized by beautiful minerality and fine tannins. This Brunello from the Casanova di Neri winery is a red of unique fabric, made with artisanal methods and capable of keeping its refinement and great intensity intact over the years.