"Andrea Cortonesi reflects the best of the artisan spirit in Montalcino. The Uccelleria wines are rich, layered and beautifully textured." – Antonio Galloni
"Without a shadow of a doubt, Andrea Cortonesi of Uccelliera lands high on my list of favorite Brunello di Montalcino producers." – The Wine Advocate
The Uccelliera estate was at once part of neighboring Ciacci Piccolomini until 1986, when winemaker Andrea Cortonesi purchased it from his friends and former employers. After refining his trade as cellar master for Ciacci, Andrea ventured out on his own with the formation of Uccelliera. His first vintage was 1991 with the production of a mere 500 bottles!
The wines have quickly become cult favorites amongst the cognoscenti. Tucked away in the southeast corner of the appellation in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, the soil here is loose and stony which when coupled with a warm microclimate gives the wines of Uccelliera a rich and ripe expression, vintage after vintage. Two hectares adjacent to Ciacci's famous 'Pianrosso' vineyard were recently added to this boutique estate, bringing the total to a mere six hectares. Andrea Cortonesi is tireless in his approach to winemaking, with all vineyard work done exclusively by hand. The wines from this estate regularly sell out; often times even before they even hit our shores! In addition to Brunello, the Rosso is very limited production and features an unusually powerful nose and ripe, rich fruit. Also available is the new 'Costabate' bottling. This 100% Sangiovese is produced from a selection of grapes from three different vineyards with completely different microclimates, and is a pure expression of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate terroir. Only 300 magnums produced. Rounding out the lineup is the tiny-production Super Tuscan, "Rapace", which is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot (late harvested), and 10% Cabernet and aged in barrique.
Farming Practice:Practicing Organic
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Wine Advocate 92+ "The 2013 Rapace is a fantastic wine. The blend used here is mostly Sangiovese with smaller parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It opens
Decanter 94 "Elegant aromas of cigar, tea leaf, tobacco, smoke and spice. The palate reprises the bouquet with grippy tannins and a persistent, spicy finish." James
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Italy » Montalcino
Wine Advocate 93+ "The Uccelliera 2014 Brunello di Montalcino exhibits the elegant and delicate side of this mighty Tuscan appellation. This vintage is characterized by mid-weight
Wine Advocate 96 "I am always such a big fan of Andrea Cortonesi's work. Like his previous releases, the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino shows an uncanny
Wine Spectator 98 "Asphalt and tar on the nose, with lots of dried dark fruits. Full and very powerful, with layers of chewy tannins and masses
Robert Parker 89 "The 2007 Rapace (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet) is sleek and racy in layers of red fruit that emerge from its silky, textured frame. This
Wine Enthusiast 92 Editor's Choice "Andrea Cortonesi's Rapace blends Sangiovese with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. There's a lot of action in the nose with layers of
Wine Advocate 91 - AG "The 2009 Rapace bursts from the glass with dark red cherries, plums, licorice, spices and menthol. The 2009 possesses marvelous inner
Wine Advocate 95+ "The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva flows with the essence of dark cherries, blackberries, flowers, violets, licorice and spices, all supported by firm,
Wine Advocate 95 "The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino shows an impressive level of richness and density that starts with a long succession of black fruit aromas,
Robert Parker 96 "The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a striking wine blessed with gorgeous clarity and precision in an effortless, weightless style. Dark cherries, tobacco,
Wine Advocate 98 "The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a dark, brooding and powerful wine. It shows immediate richness and evident complexity with spice, tobacco,
James Suckling 93 "Layers of red fruits with ruby stone, pine tree and balsamic on the nose. Fresh but round tannins with sufficient character of wild
Wine Enthusiast 94 "Here’s a beautiful interpretation from the 2008 vintage that shows balance, harmony and intensity all zipped up into one tight package. That seamless
Antonio Galloni 90 "Uccelliera's 2010 Rapace, a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, is gorgeous in this vintage. Juicy dark cherries, plums,
Wine Advocate 92 "The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino is a fleshy and meaty wine that carries its weight and concentration with grace. The wine oozes personality
Robert Parker 89 "The 2008 Rapace big, full-bodied wine that needs time to find its focus. Dark fruit, cedar, tobacco and scorched earth are among the
Wine Spectator 93 "Aromas of blackberry, spice and dried mushroom follow through to a full-bodied palate, with big velvety tannins and a long finish. This is
Wine Spectator 92 "Shows wonderful aromas of ripe berry, fresh mushroom, cigar box and spices. Full-bodied, with superfine tannins and a long finish. Excellent for the
Wine Enthusiast 92 "Andrea Cortonesis Rapace blends Sangiovese with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Theres a lot of action in the nose with layers of sugar beet,
Robert Parker 94 "The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino is one of the unqualified successes of the vintage. Dark, vibrant fruit melds into graphite, spices, menthol and
Robert Parker 90 "The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous entry-level wine. Flowers, mint and tobacco add complexity to the layered fruit, while the focus
Robert Parker 94 "The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is lush, sweet and inviting. Today the 2007 doesnt quite have the sheer visceral thrill and excitement of
Wine Advocate 88 "The 2010 Rosso di Montalcino shows the muscle and depth of Castelnuovo in its richness and power. Layers of dark red fruit wrap
James Suckling 91 "This is fresh and tangy with pretty cherries and a fine, citrus character. Medium to full body and a clean finish. Drink now.