2006 Uccelliera Brunello

2006 Uccelliera Brunello

2006 Uccelliera Brunello

Following his family agricultural tradition, Andrea Cortonesi bought a property in 1986 with ideal soils for viticulture and olive groves. The vineyard extension is now approximately six hectares, the vine clones are carefully selected and vineyard density is high in order to ensure the production of top quality wines. A new winemaking facility gives Andrea additional controls to create his magnificent wines. Color: Intense ruby red Nose: Intense fruity tones of ripe cherries and prunes, floral tones of violet, chocolate Flavor: Warm, pasty, well-balanced, evident tannins, fresh, ample finish Serving suggestions: Wine for meditation, red meat, game, seasoned cheese.

James Suckling (96/100)
Such purity of fruit here, makes me smile, with dark fruits and milk chocolate. Full body, with fine tannins and a clean finish. Delicious. Chewy. Better in 2014 to soften the acidity.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (95/100)
The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva flows with the essence of dark cherries, blackberries, flowers, violets, licorice and spices, all supported by firm, structured tannins. The 2006 boasts striking inner perfume, big fruit and a huge, explosive finish. The 2006 Riserva is surprisingly vibrant, focused and balanced for such a big wine. The Riserva was made from the estate’s highest altitude vineyards and aged one year in barrique and a second year in cask. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026.

The Uccelliera estate was at once part of neighboring Ciacci Piccolomini until 1986, when winemaker Andrea Cortonesi purchased it from his friends and former employers. After refining his trade as cellar master for Ciacci, Andrea ventured out on his own with the formation of Uccelliera. His first vintage was 1991 with the production of a mere 500 bottles!

Famous for its bold, layered and long-lived red, Brunello di Montalcino, the town of Montalcino is about 70 miles south of Florence, and has a warmer and drier climate than that of its neighbor, Chianti. The Sangiovese grape is king here, as it is in Chianti, but Montalcino has its own clone called Brunello.