Giacomo Neri

Giacomo Neri, a name synonymous with the pinnacle of Brunello production in Montalcino, Tuscany, has been a transformative figure in the world of Italian wine. When Giacomo took the helm of Casanova di Neri from his father, Giovanni, in 1991, he was stepping into big shoes. Giovanni had founded the estate with a vision of excellence in a region already revered for its Sangiovese-based wines. However, it was Giacomo who would bring this vision into the modern era, steering the winery into uncharted territories of innovation and acclaim.

Under Giacomo’s stewardship, Casanova di Neri has not only upheld but elevated the tradition of Brunello di Montalcino, crafting wines that are lauded worldwide for their depth, complexity, and expressiveness. A visionary in his own right, Giacomo was among the first in the region to shift focus from the conventional normale/riserva categorization to a more nuanced approach, highlighting the unique characteristics of single vineyards and multi-site bottlings. This methodology allows each wine to serve as a vivid portrayal of its origin, showcasing the diversity and richness of Montalcino’s terroir.

The estate’s Cerretalto vineyard, which has been producing a single-vineyard Brunello since 1981, exemplifies Giacomo’s dedication to terroir expression. The introduction of Tenuta Nuova in 1993 and Pietradonice in 2000 further expanded the estate’s portfolio, each wine a testament to the distinctiveness of its source and a reflection of Giacomo’s relentless pursuit of quality.

Casanova di Neri’s winery, designed with an eye toward minimal environmental impact and maximum quality preservation, embodies Giacomo’s philosophy. Mostly built underground, the winery utilizes gravity flow and other low-impact practices to treat the wines as gently as possible while conserving energy. This approach not only aligns with sustainable winemaking principles but also ensures that every bottle of Casanova di Neri wine is a pure expression of its vineyard.

Adjacent to the winery is a modern tasting room and the Fiesole vineyard, signifying the seamless blend of tradition and innovation that Giacomo champions. Across a ravine, the estate’s relais, complete with luxurious rooms and an infinity pool, invites guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of Montalcino, reflecting the hospitality and depth of experience that Casanova di Neri offers.

Since the 1990s, the acclaim for Casanova di Neri has been both consistent and international, with Giacomo Neri’s wines receiving numerous awards and high ratings from critics around the globe. This international recognition is not just a testament to the quality of the wines but also to Giacomo’s skill, passion, and dedication to his craft.

Giacomo Neri’s impact on Brunello di Montalcino and Italian winemaking at large cannot be overstated. Through his innovative approach to vineyard management and winemaking, he has not only continued his father’s legacy but has also elevated Casanova di Neri to new heights. His commitment to expressing the unique character of each vineyard, coupled with a respect for the environment and a forward-thinking approach to technology and sustainability, has set a new standard for excellence in the wine world. As Casanova di Neri continues to thrive and evolve, it stands as a beacon of innovation, tradition, and unparalleled quality in Montalcino, with Giacomo Neri leading the way.