CASANOVA DI NERI, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
TUSCANY, ITALY 2018
Certain winemakers just set our pulses to racing, and among this select and rarefied group is the extraordinary Casanova di Neri, a supernova in Italian wine.
Today we honor the 45th anniversary of Giovanni's first vintage of Casanova di Neri with two of our favorites in recent years, both from the 2018 vintage: their 96-point Tenuta Nuova and their 94-point Etichetta Bianca DOCG (aka White Label).
Monica Larner of The Wine Advocate spoke for us and for many other wine lovers, too, when she called it "one of the shining stars of Montalcino," adding: "Each successive vintage released brings us renewed understanding of the focus and the dedication" of Giovanni and Giacomi Neri, the father-son team that operates the postcard-perfect estate, and their "impeccable and elaborate" approach to winemaking.
And can we just say? "Impeccable and elaborate" are on ample display here.
These are wines of layered complexity, both in their sensitively articulated aromatics and in their rich and nuanced palates.
To understand the success of this benchmark estate over the many decades is to understand the fierce and unyielding commitment to keeping this a family affair, and to the deep continuity and stability this brings. But that loyalty and fidelity is also matched by a rigorous philosophy. The Neris have long abided by a belief that single-vineyard wines, or wines made from select grapes from a limited number of vineyards, are the best way to convey the spirit of a place. And that limiting yields is an absolute must if a winery is committed to attaining the utmost quality in the glass. In the cellar, it focuses on treating the wines gently, using gravity flow, among other methods, to limit intervention.
James Suckling's review of the Tenuta Nuova speaks to its enormous power and mystery. "Elegant and perfumed nose of dried roses, violets, lemon zest, slate, cherries, aniseed and truffles," he wrote, in his 96-point love letter of a review. "Very fine, tight and precise tannins. Medium to full body. I like the floral and saline undertones. So precise and fresh with a tight finish. Crushed stones at the end. Try in 2025, but already attractive to taste and drink."
Wine Spectator pegged 2025 as the drinking window for the White Label as well. Its 94-point review raved over its deft weave of "cherry, strawberry, currant, white pepper and mineral flavors," its "fine balance," and, perhaps best of all, its "mouthwatering length," with "almond and earth accents" that "extend on the finish."
These are Brunellos that affirm our passion — that remind us why we love them so much in the first place ... and why we consider the very best, like these two glittering gems, to be collectibles.
Please take advantage of this tremendous opportunity to add two wines of distinction today that are sure to bring you deep pleasure tomorrow.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2023. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer only valid in CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, LA, MA, MN, MO, NJ, SC, TX, VA, WA, and WI. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, April 23, 2023.
*Due to limited storage space for pre-ordered product, we can only hold orders for 30 days from the first notification that your order is ready for pickup. If you are unable to pick up your order within 30 days, please contact Concierge Sales at (855) 841-2752 or conciergesales@totalwine.com to make an arrangement. A store associate may reach out periodically to notify you of your order. Unfortunately, if no arrangements have been made, after 30 days, the order will need to be cancelled and we will provide a full refund. No orders will be cancelled without multiple communication attempts.
