2019 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova Balthazar (12 liter)

the story behind Tenuta Nuova

Tenuta Nuova is the flagship wine in the Casanova di Neri range. It's the cuvée in which the Neri family clearly demonstrates their style: ripe fruit, concentration, depth, and a perfect balance between power and finesse. The vineyards for Tenuta Nuova are located in the southern part of Montalcino, where the soil consists of slate, limestone, and ancient clay structures that produce ripe tannins and a striking aromatic intensity.

Casanova di Neri was founded in 1971 and is now one of Montalcino's most esteemed producers. Giacomo Neri and his sons continue this legacy with meticulous attention to detail, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. The grapes are harvested late, often at perfect phenolic ripeness, and the wines are aged extensively in large wooden barrels and tonneaux before bottling.

the meaning of the Balthazar format

The 12-liter Balthazar is a rare and exclusive edition. Its large capacity allows the wine to mature more slowly and retain its freshness and structure longer. This allows the expression of ripe fruit, tension, and complexity to emerge even more subtly. Moreover, a large bottle is not only impressive to present but also offers a longer drinking window and often a more elegant development.

the 2019 wine year in Montalcino

The 2019 vintage is considered one of the most harmonious of the recent decade. The summer was warm, but not excessively so, with sufficiently cool nights that ensured excellent aromatic freshness. The harvest was even, yielding perfectly ripe Sangiovese with deep color, ripe tannins, and excellent acidity.

For Tenuta Nuova, 2019 was a standout year. The combination of long barrel aging and the natural concentration of the year resulted in a wine with layers, tension, and impressive aromatic depth.

vinification and maturation

The grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously selected. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature, after which the wine is aged in tonneaux for a full thirty months. This maturation gives the wine its characteristic texture and softness, without the oak overpowering its freshness.

After aging in wood, the wine rests in the bottle for a long time. In a Balthazar, the wine develops more slowly, giving both the aroma and flavor additional depth and finesse.

color, aroma and taste of the 2019 Tenuta Nuova

The color is deep ruby red with dark hues. The aroma opens powerfully with notes of black cherries, plums, and berries. Subtle spices like star anise, licorice, and black pepper emerge, along with dark floral nuances. The nose is full and intense, yet retains a striking precision.

The elements from The Wine Advocate's review are subtly incorporated here: dark notes of roasted spices, black fruits, a hint of ink, and a hint of ripe blackberry give the wine its deep character. Notes of dried herbs and balsamic vinegar also clearly emerge as part of the complexity.

On the palate, the wine has a powerful structure with ripe, present, yet refined tannins. The attack is generous and rich, filled with ripe fruit, followed by an energetic mid-palate with tension and depth. The wine displays concentration without becoming heavy. The long oak aging translates into a silky texture that contrasts beautifully with the firm core of Sangiovese.

The finish is long, warm, and spicy with notes of herbs, black fruit, and an elegant mineral touch. The structure is robust and clearly offers potential for extended bottle aging. The Balthazar version further enhances this potential by slowing the development, allowing the wine to retain its youthful tension for longer.

official reviews

The Wine Advocate : 97 points – Monica Larner. She emphasizes the enormous concentration, the dark spices, the intensity of the black fruit, and the striking elegance compared to Cerretalto. According to her, the wine has a solid structure, very long lifespan, and exceptional precision.

Would you like to order Casanova di Neri wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. 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 "Pickup" at the checkout page. 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 publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator. 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 pairings

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Its powerful texture and dark fruit aromas are a perfect match for grilled beef.
• Wild boar stew with rosemary. The rich spiciness and concentration of the wine enhance the flavor of the meat.
• Mushroom and Parmesan risotto. The creaminess and earthy notes complement the firm texture beautifully.
• Rack of lamb with thyme and garlic. The juiciness of the meat complements the ripe tannins and dark fruit.
• Pappardelle with duck ragù. The depth of the wine enhances the umami of the dish.
• Roasted eggplant with tomato and herbs. The wine displays sufficient freshness and tension to carry the aromatic intensity.