Wine Advisor
Casanova di Neri, Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova 2001
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Description
Tenuta Nuova is a pioneering and visionary vineyard project emboding the belief and passion of Casanova di Neri. Tenuta Nuova means new property; Tenuta Nuova is a place where nobody planted Sangiovese before; Tenuta Nuova is the will of Casanova di Neri to produce a powerful yet drinkable Brunello with a high ageing potential. The project began with the study of varied local microclimates and their optimal exposures. Through a cautious and passionate research Casanova di Neri has used the most sophisticated scientific investigations to determine the clones, rootstocks, cultivation practices, plant density per hectare and every possible particular to obtain excellent Sangiovese grapes.
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is Neri’s modern-styled Brunello. It is made from vines planted in the southern part of the zone and aged in small oak barrels. It displays a darker, almost saturated color and notable concentration with masses of sweet dark fruit, smoke and licorice flavors that flow onto the palate with exceptional length and balance in a powerful, brooding style. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is an interesting proposition. Either the wine has not fully opened, or perhaps it remains stuck in a shy or reticent phase. There is so much brooding dark fruit, right there at an arm's distance that, seemingly wants to bubble to the top. For whatever reason, it remains stuck at the back. Maybe it needs more time? The wine flaunts deep concentration and an inky dark appearance. The bouquet is all about those dark fruit tones with blackberry pie, black spice, tar, licorice and smoke. Mineral notes and campfire ash appear on the dusty, polished finish.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
There is so much ripe fruit here with a decadent richness that is just crazy. Verges on raisins but it goes instead to pure fruit. Very full and velvety with a long finish. I love this.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
Incredible aromas of blackberries, hot crush stones, cinnamon, dried flowers and cedar. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a powerful finish. This underlines the focus and beauty of the post-modern Brunellos. Drink or hold.
About the Producer
Casanova di Neri is founded by Giovanni Neri, a 48-year-old grain merchant from the town of Montevarchi in the Arno valley south of Florence. Passionate about wine, Neri had long dreamed of making a great Italian red, and although the long-established wine zone of Chianti Classico was just on his doorstep, it was remote Montalcino and its austere Sangiovese wines that fascinated him. Brunello di Montalcino had achieved DOC (controlled origin) status just four years previously, and there were still only around thirty producers in the whole area, compared to more than 250 today. One rural property on the market had caught Neri’s attention during his frequent forays to Montalcino: Podere Casanova, a working farm of around 200 hectares on the eastern side of town. Wine represented only a small part of the farm’s production at the time, and what was made was sold in bulk, but Neri recognized that thanks to its altitude, aspect and soil composition, the place had the potential to make great Brunellos. In May 1971, he bought Podere Casanova, changed its name to Casanova di Neri, and in consultation with some of Tuscany’s leading winemakers, immediately began work to restore the estate’s existing Sangiovese vines and plant new ones.
