Casanova Di Neri
Brunello Di Montalcino “Tenuta Nuova”
2006
93pts
100% Sangiovese
This bottle has been staring at me every time I open my wine fridge. I couldn’t drink it however, as the bottle was shared with a fellow wine drinking friend, thus making the $70 purchase price a bit easier to swallow. I have been looking for a reason to drink this bottle and finally the menu presented itself. Braised short ribs with risotto. My friend had no choice but to agree to open “the Casanova.”
We started cooking at 2pm, and I opened the bottle then, giving it over 4 hours to breathe. The bottle taunted me the whole time we were cooking, but I waited, making the first taste that much better.
It is taunting me as I let it breathe.
On the nose, the first impression was leather. Dusty old leather. Like a well worn leather jacket. The first taste revealed the dark fruits of Sangiovese, but then the leather and earth returned at the finish. The acid was strong, suggesting it’s age worthiness and the tannins were mild and smooth. As the meal progressed, and both our palates and the wine opened up, the Casanova Started to reveal some black licorice and floral hints.
This really was a great brunello. I’m glad that I agreed to going in on half of “the Casanova” and I am happy that I got to enjoy it with a great meal and great people. Now the only problem is that I have an empty spot staring at me.
Time to go shopping.
Had their wines in the past. Really great wine.
Yes, I have also had their rosso di montalcino, and wrote about it here.