On Sale: $24.94 (was: $29.94)*
There’s little doubt that Casanova di Neri is one Montalcino’s powerhouses, with several 100pt Brunelli under their belt. Their Rosso di Montalcino is routinely an incredible steal, particularly so at $24.94, and their latest release is no exception. Since Rosso di Montalcino is 100% Sangiovese grown in Montalcino, just aged for less time than a Brunello, these 'baby brunellos' not only offer a tremendous bang for your buck, but give us an early look at the vintage while their bigger brother is still slumbering. For 2019, that means charming and generous red on par with 2015, but with a notch more freshness, and at under twenty five bucks this is a slam dunk for your new house red.
Giacomo Neri is one of Montalicino’s most enigmatic producers, and his “near-maniacal attention to detail in both the vineyards and cellar” (Vinous) is the stuff of legend. Every little detail has been fine-tuned to his specifications from rootstocks and vine density, to his gravity-fed cellar. Neri’s interpretation of the classic Rosso emphasizes beautifully textural fruit and perfectly balanced acidity, and “nothing is out of place in this high-energy, fun and fruit-forward Rosso” (Vinous).
This is an irresistible Rosso right out of the gate, but will develop nicely over the short term as well. For under $25, this is right in the sweet spot for a Tuscan fan’s house red, but will deliver a level of serious quality that outperforms its price. Cheers!
90 points, Vinous: "Crushed black cherries and hints of wild strawberry waft up from the 2019 Rosso di Montalcino, with smoky minerals and savory herbs evolving in the glass. Its textures are fleshy and soft, caressing the senses with ripe red fruits, as brisk acids create a juicy expression. Nothing is out of place in this high-energy, fun and fruit-forward Rosso, which finishes wonderfully fresh, framed by a hint of tart berries clinging to the palate."
*Offer publication date February 14, 2022. Pricing and availability subject to change.