Casanova di Neri

Imagine stepping into a world where every sip of wine tells a story of sun-drenched hills, ancient soils, and a family’s passion for excellence. This is the world of Casanova di Neri, a winery nestled in the heart of Tuscany’s Montalcino region, famous for its stunning Brunello di Montalcino wines among other captivating varieties.

Casanova di Neri was founded back in 1971 by Giovanni Neri. Giovanni wasn’t just another vineyard owner; he was a visionary who saw the untapped potential of Montalcino’s unique terroir. Fast forward to today, and the winery remains in the hands of the Neri family, with Giovanni’s son, Giacomo, steering the ship since 1991.

The estate sprawls across 63 hectares (or for us in the USA, about 155 acres) of vineyards, each plot carefully selected for its unique soil composition and microclimate. These aren’t just any soils; we’re talking about a mix of alluvial stone, degraded rock, and minerals like iron and magnesium that make Montalcino a winemaking paradise. The Neri family has expanded their holdings to include seven distinct vineyards scattered across the region, each contributing its unique character to the wines.

These vineyards are something out of a storybook. They range from the historic Fiesole to the onyx-rich Pietradonice, each offering Sangiovese grapes a unique expression. And it’s all about the Sangiovese here, the heart and soul of their wine collection. From the robust Brunello di Montalcino to the vibrant Rosso di Montalcino, each wine is a testament to the land it comes from.

Casanova di Neri doesn’t just grow grapes; they nurture them. The vineyards are managed with a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that this slice of Tuscany remains as untouched and magical as it has for centuries. The result? Extraordinary grapes that lay the foundation for their remarkable wines.

Now, let’s talk about the wines themselves. Casanova di Neri has created a lineup that’s both impressive and mouthwatering. Their flagship wines include the Cerretalto, Giovanni Neri, and Tenuta Nuova, all Brunello di Montalcino that have captured the hearts of wine lovers worldwide. But that’s not all; they also produce the Rosso di Montalcino DOC in both the Casanova di Neri and Giovanni Neri labels, along with innovative blends like Pietradonice (Toscana IGT), IR Rosso (Toscana IGT), IRROSE (Toscana IGT), and IBBianco (Toscana IGT).

The magic doesn’t end in the vineyard. The Casanova di Neri winery, mostly tucked underground, is a marvel of modern winemaking. Built to utilize gravity in the winemaking process and maintain ideal conditions naturally, it’s a testament to the Neri family’s dedication to quality and sustainability. Here, in the cool embrace of the cellar, wines are aged to perfection, slowly developing the complex flavors and aromas that make Casanova di Neri stand out.

For those of us who’ve grown up in the USA, think of Casanova di Neri as the high school all-star that went on to make it big, but never forgot where it came from. The wines, from the robust Brunellos to the refreshing IGT blends, are like the varsity jackets of the wine world – symbols of excellence and tradition.

Whether it’s the acclaimed Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova 2018, the elegant Casanova di Neri Brunello 2017, or any of their other stellar vintages, Casanova di Neri continues to be a beacon of quality in the world of wine. Each bottle is a journey through the hills of Montalcino, a taste of the dedication, history, and passion that define this iconic winery.

So, next time you’re reaching for a bottle to impress at a dinner party or to enjoy on a quiet evening, consider Casanova di Neri. It’s not just wine; it’s a piece of Italian winemaking history, brought to life by a family that knows a thing or two about crafting the perfect sip. Cheers to that!