2016 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Grape: Sangiovese
Culinary Suggestions: Bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine Steak), lamb chops, rich pasta dishes or charcuterie
Vineyard Practice: Sustainable
About
Uccelliera is the name of an old homestead laid on the hillslope of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, overlooking the ancient volcano of Mount Amiata. Some Middle Age papers report of the existence of this place, called Uccelliera (aviary), near Sant' Antimo Abbey and the alabaster quarries, attributing the origin of its name to the use of raptors for hunting.
Andrea Cortonesi is the only son of a family of sharecroppers and has been working in the vineyards and in all the related activities of the farm since his childhood, when he started helping his father.
Both his passion and the mentorship of some of the most respected wine personalities sharpen his skills as a winemaker and entrepreneur so that in 1986 he acquires the farm with century-old olive trees, pastures and a small vineyard. Andrea grew up in that culture of farmers made of sacrifice and hard work where you learn to have deep respect, love and humility for the land. - Winery Note
“Andrea Cortonesi’s biggest competition these days is oddly enough from himself! The Uccelliera wines are as good as they’ve ever been, but it is impossible not to compare them with the wines Cortonesi makes under the Voliero label. Uccelliera is located in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, in the southern part of Montalcino, where the terroirs yield big, dramatic Rossi and Brunelli.” – ANTONIO GALLONI
Tasting Notes
Rich and deeply alluring, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva wafts up to display crushed ashen stone mixed with hints of ginger, dusty florals and black cherry preserves. This is velvety-smooth and pliant in feel, lifted by cooling herbal and mineral tones, as an opulent wave of ripe red and black fruits washes across the palate, leaving a staining of minerals and spice in its wake. It’s long and structured, in need of further time to come fully into focus, yet somehow the 2016 Riserva remains completely fresh, tapering off to inner earth tones and hints of blueberry. Time will reveal further depths. This is an utterly classic Uccelliera Brunello in the making.
97 points - Eric Guido, Vinous Media October 2021
Drink: 2024 - 2034
The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a terrific wine: bold, well-defined, powerful and balanced. There are many good things to relate, but the high alcohol content (measured at 15.5%) is the only distraction. This is a trend in the Riserva category in the 2016 vintage. The bouquet shows black cherry, cassis, earth, leather and dried roses. The palate offers soft fruit flavors supported by firm oak tannins. Coming back to the bottle 24 hours later, I found impressive integration and smoothness that took away from that alcohol heat. Production is 9,600 bottles.
96 points - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate February 2022
Drink: 2025 - 2045