Events

Cerretalto vertical
«Magnum» №6-7(19) June-July 2007

Casanova di Neri is a recognized leader in the Brunello di Montalcino zone.

Owner-winemaker Giacomo Neri considers his single vineyard Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto as best wine in the range. The vineyard in a form of a natural amphitheatre is located next to the river. It is planted on eight hectares at the altitude of 250-300 metres above the sea level. The vineyard enjoys special microclimate, alluvial, stony soils and low yielding vines. The wine is aged for 2 years in barriques and minimum 18 months in bottles. In the past ten years Cerretalto was not released in 1998 and 2002. Eleonora Scholes attended the tasting.

Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto 1995. A mild rainy winter, good summer with average precipitation. Rains in the end of September delayed harvesting by a week. Cherry colour with nuances of evolution at the rim. Complex, intertwined aromas — juicy fruit, also licorice, fresh meat, herbs. The palate is fresh, persistent, medium intensity, dark fruit and chocolate. Ripe, embossed tannins, slightly drying on the finish. A concentrated finish. +++ (4,5 stars)

Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto 1996. Cold winter, dry spring, summer temperatures below average. Heavy rain in the first two weeks of September. The nose is more open and elegant, but with less complexity than the previous wine. Fruit, spices and cured meat in aromas. The palate is rather ‘vertical’, on flavours of chocolate and balsamic, tannins more pronounced. Powerful finish, black chocolate and toast. +++(4,5 stars)

Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto 1997. Not especially cold winter, rainy spring and hot summer starting from June. The August rain helped the grapes to ripen well. A nuanced nose, sweet balsamic, notes of fruit, chocolate, herbs. Fresh palate, medium weight, juicy fruit, excellent balance, solid tannic structure. Concentrated finish, with balsamic, licorice and mineral notes. +++(5 stars)

Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto 1999. Dry frosty winter, rainy spring and hot summer with rain in June. Intense ruby colour. Deep, concentrated, complex aromas with notes of iodine and herbs. Highly concentrated palate is adequately supported by powerful tannic structure. Wine with excellent balance. Finish on black fruit, coffee and chocolate. A very bright, powerful example. +++(5 stars)

Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto 2000. Cold January, warm spring with average precipitation and a very hot summer, rain in August and September. Sweet cherries and wild berries in more reserved, elegant aromas. Palate is also calm, elegant, easy to drink, fruit are underlined by pleasant spice. Frontal finish. ++(+) (4 stars)

Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto 2001. A mild winter, warm spring and summer with average temperatures. Frosts in April, rain in spring, drought in summer. Deep dark ruby colour. A complex nose with intense notes of blackberries, herbs. A concentrated palate with fruit dominating, especially black cherries. Nuances of iodine, spices, minerals in the depths of flavour. Excellent balance of all parts. Full, lifted finish. +++(5 stars)