Podere Uccelliera: family estate with a vision

Andrea Cortonesi, the man behind Uccelliera, is a familiar face in Montalcino. His Brunellos are among the region's finest. With Costabate, however, he deliberately chooses a different approach. This unique cuvée is not a Brunello, but a Tuscany IGT—produced exclusively in magnum format—and designed as a powerful alternative to the elegant style for which the estate is so renowned.

Region, grapes and positioning

Costabate 2010 is a wine made from 100% Sangiovese, sourced from various high-altitude plots around Montalcino. The wine is not produced every year and is intended as an experiment in which barriques play a key role. Cortonesi deliberately positions Costabate as an IGT wine, as its profile differs so much from its Brunellos that it deserves its own place.

A wine with an emphasis on wood

What distinguishes Costabate 2010 is the use of specially selected barriques. The wood comes from French oak trees over 300 years old. The exceptional density of the wood and the toasting method give the wine a distinctly toasted and smoky character. The wine was aged for two years in these barriques and then for another two years in the bottle.

Review of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2010 Costabate received 91 points from Monica Larner of The Wine Advocate . She describes the wine as follows:
The 2010 Costabate is a wine whose mandate is to let the oak speak for itself. It shows black fruit, followed by tar, teriyaki sauce, and exotic spices. The oak is prominent—perhaps even a little too much for the delicate Sangiovese—but the wine delivers strength and determination. This is not Brunello; it's something completely different.

Color, smell and taste

The wine reveals a deep ruby red in the glass. The aroma opens with black fruit, plum compote, and balsamic vinegar, followed by smoke, tar, licorice, and dried herbs. On the palate, it is powerful and compact with firm tannins, a concentrated structure, and a pronounced oak character. The finish is long and warm, with notes of toasted spices and sweet oak.

Would you like to order Uccelliera wines online?

In the "Attachments" tab, you'll find the official fact sheet for this fine wine. We'll automatically send it to you when you order it. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address .

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. This is a free service for our customers.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier . Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food suggestions

1. Wild boar stew with bay leaf, cloves and rosemary
The dish's distinctive flavours call for Costabate's smoky intensity and powerful structure.

2. Grilled leg of lamb with black olive tapenade and aubergine
The juicy meat and savoury notes enhance the dark fruit and wood character of the wine.

3. Pappardelle with porcini mushrooms, garlic and truffle oil
The earthy depth of mushrooms and truffles pair beautifully with the full, spicy profile of the wine.

4. Grilled rib-eye with rosemary and smoked sea salt
The intensity of the meat and the grilled notes match seamlessly with the structure and toasted notes in the wine.

5. Lamb tagine with dates, cinnamon and roasted almonds
The combination of sweet and spices forms a surprisingly harmonious whole with the warm wood tones and ripe fruit.

6. Hard-matured pecorino with fig compote
The salty, ripe cheese and sweet fruit counterbalance the power and concentration of the wine.