2019 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino

2019 in Brunello di Montalcino is looking to be one of the greatest vintages of recent years. Decanter says: ‘The strength of the vintage is that the wines will be enjoyable at any stage along the way, given the quality in 2019, Brunello enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice.”and referred to it as “A Superb Vintage!” Stock up on this amazing vintage today!  

Andrea Cortonesi's inspiration stems from his profound connection to the land of Castelnuovo dell’Abate. His mission is to create wines that reflect the purest expression of this exceptional terroir, utilizing vineyards that span elevations from 160 meters to 440 meters. The diverse soils, ranging from calcareous-compact clay to sandstone shist, impart a distinct character to the wine. This meticulous approach results in a Brunello that embodies richness, power, complexity, and refinement.

Cortonesi's expertise in oak integration is evident in the 2019 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino. The wine is matured for three years in a harmonious blend of large Slavonian oak barrels and French barriques, with an equal mix of first and second passage. This careful aging process enhances the wine's depth and elegance, making it a true masterpiece. 

Vinous Media says, “Cortonesi is also a master of oak integration, maturing the wines in a combination of large Slavonian oak and French barrique, with an equal blend of 1st and 2nd passage, for three years. The end result is a wine of richness and power but also complexity and refinement, which is perfectly displayed in the new 2019s.” 

Nestled on the hillslope of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Uccelliera boasts ten hectares of vineyards dedicated almost entirely to Sangiovese. The vines, aged between 5 and 45 years, thrive in a unique microclimate influenced by the natural barriers of Mount Amiata and Poggio d’Arna, as well as the Orcia river and marine breezes.This exceptional environment, coupled with sustainable agricultural practices, ensures the production of perfectly ripe, healthy, and aromatic grapes.

Andrea Cortonesi's journey began in his childhood, working alongside his father in the vineyards. His passion for winemaking, honed through mentorship from esteemed wine personalities, led him to acquire the Uccelliera farm in 1986. Since then, Cortonesi has dedicated himself to crafting wines that honor the land and its rich history.

The 2019 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino is a wine that demands attention. A perfect candidate for cellaring, promising to evolve beautifully over the years.

Aging: in Slavonian and French oak vessels of various sizes for a minimum of 24 months.

100% Sangiovese Grosso.
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

A ripe red color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino is expressive of its place, with warming notes of licorice, black cherries, anise, cedar, and dark soil lifting from the glass. As it opens, it becomes purer in its fruit profile, shining through beautifully.Full-bodied, with ripe tannins and a savory slanting profile, notes of espresso and mocha float across the palate, filling it with purity of fruit and lovely concentration through its long finish. It’s a fantastic Brunello with a warming richness that can stand up to hearty winter foods and will be best enjoyed over the next 15 years. Drink 2026-2040.

Located in Castelnuova dell’Abate, Uccelliera’s first vintage was in 1991. Andrea Cortonesi purchased the farmland in 1986, and he continues to operate the estate today. His philosophy is simply to respect the terroir and to hold a strong commitment to the sense of place. He believes in a homeopathic approach to viticulture, to observe, listen, and work together with nature. The property includes vineyard holdings in three areas that range from 150 to 350 meters in elevation. They utilize large Slavonian 40-hectoliter barrels as well as 225-liter French barrique.~96 Jeb Dunnuck

The Uccelliera 2019 Brunello di Montalcino offers ripe fruit, a note of cooked blackberry and pomegranate juice. Along with oak spice and dried bay leaf, there is a spot of creaminess on the mid-palate that recalls cheese rind or aged chèvre with a crust of black pepper and thyme. That note blows off, however, and the wine returns to dried cherry with a medicinal or herbal twist. There's a lot going on. The wine needs more time in bottle to address the fine, chalky tannins. It is elegant now but poised to improve. ~95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Perfumed and attractive with black-cherry and berry aromas, as well as lavender and rosemary flowers. Medium body with firm tannins and a juicy finish. Needs bottle age to soften.Best after 2027. ~94 James Suckling

Dense and muscular, this red delivers a broad swath of cherry, plum and floral flavors, supplemented by iron, eucalyptus and sanguine notes. Tightens up on the finish, leaving a compact impression, yet this is persistent overall. Best from 2027 through 2045. ~94 Wine Spectator

Having tasted its component parts from barrel in 2021, I was fascinated to see how Uccelliera’s Brunello came together. Andrea Cortonesi assembles this from a handful of plots all located in the denomination’s southeastern corner. It opens with fragrances redolent of cedar and pine forest, undergrowth and leather. Full and vigorous, the palate is foursquare rather than round. A compact core of dark cherry is surrounded by chewy, generously extracted tannins. A touch of dryness from wood pokes through. Nevertheless, this feels very genuine and underlying acidity gives a lightening effect. ~93 Decanter

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