From the day we opened Bellavitae, Casanova di Neri was one of the most important wineries on our wine list.  We went through cases and cases of Giacomo Neri’s wine, from the Rosso, to White Label, the Tenuta Nuova, Pietradonice, and finally the Cerretalto.  Giacomo was a frequent guest at Bellavitae and our guests loved his wines!

Wine Spectator magazine named the 2001 Tenuta Nuova Brunello di Montalcino the best wine in the world a few years ago.  How can you top that?  With the 2006 vintage, which James Suckling describes:

“a perfect wine with everything in proportion from the ripe fruit and fine tannins to the bright acidity and rich alcohol . . . 100 points.”

Click here to watch a quick interview and tasting with James Suckling and Giacomo in his dinning room in Montalcino.  See Giacomo’s emotional response when James tells him the wine is perfection.

Here’s what James Suckling ultimately writes:

“So much ripe fruit here with currants and sultanas, yet fresh and very clean.  Dark berries too.  Incredible ripe Sangiovese character.  Full body, with masses of fruit and chewy tannins.  Plus, there’s black licorice and dried berries.  Give it time to soften.  What a bottle.   Will it ultimately be better than 2001 Tenuta Nuova?  Yes.  Best after 2013”

I believe that Giacomo has been a successful winemaker because he’s a farmer at heart.  The great wines are first made in the vineyard, not the cellar.  Casanova di Neri isn’t always easy to find, as the vintages usually sell out.  I see that wine.com has the 2005 Tenuta Nuova vintage still in stock.  To purchase, click here.

Complimenti, Giacomo!

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