Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova 2016

Casanova di Neri is a family estate on the edge of Montalcino in southern Tuscany, founded by Giovanni Neri in 1971 and now grown to around 63 hectares. Tenuta Nuova is its Brunello di Montalcino, made entirely from Sangiovese grown on well-drained hillside plots chosen for their exposure. Montalcino is warmer and drier than the rest of Chianti, and its mix of galestro and heavier soils gives ripe fruit with the structure to age, while altitude keeps enough freshness. The 2016 vintage was long and even, which shows in the balance. After fermentation the wine spends sixteen months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange builds tannin structure and adds spice and a savoury depth. The colour is a deep garnet. The nose shows ripe dark cherry and plum over tobacco, leather, cocoa and sweet oak spice. The palate is full and firm, with high acidity, dense but polished tannin and a long finish that carries the fruit and earth together. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant one to two hours ahead. It suits roast red meat, game and hard cheese.