From: Tuscany, Italy
Varietal: Sangiovese Grosso
Taste and Critical Acclaim:
94 pt Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The Uccelliera 2017 Brunello di Montalcino does a great job showcasing that extra power and brawn of the vintage and the richer textural structure of the southern side of the appellation. The bouquet is up front and beautifully measured with lots of red and purple fruit definition followed by spice, tar and earthiness. What sets this wine apart in this hot and dry vintage is the mouthfeel. It delivers fiber, flesh and soft tannins. The alcohol is a bit much at 15% in this production of 28,666 bottles. Best after 2024.
JS 93 James Suckling
A solid 2017, but there’s tangy freshness to this, and relatively fine tannins that frame the wine nicely. Plenty of ripe fruit. Some fresh mushroom, too. Drink after 2023.
WS 92 Wine Spectator
Cherry and plum fruit flavors are allied to mint, camphor and spice flavors in this dense, powerful red, which is lively and resonates on the finish with echoes of fruit, herbs and spices. Best from 2025
Taste: On the nose, the wine offers a complex bouquet of red fruits, spices, and a hint of leather. The aroma is intense and refined, with prominent notes of black cherry, ripe raspberry, and a touch of floral perfume. The spice component is equally as impressive, with hints of cinnamon, clove, and black pepper. A subtle layer of leather and tobacco provides additional depth and complexity to the wine's aroma, rounding out the nose perfectly. On the palate, the 2017 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino is full-bodied and robust, with a firm tannic structure and vibrant acidity. The wine boasts flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, and plum, with a subtle hint warm baking spices in the background. As the wine opens up in the glass, notes of dried herbs and earthy undertones become more apparent, adding another layer of complexity to the palate. The finish is long and lingering, with a hint of minerality and a pleasant bitterness that is characteristic of the Sangiovese Grosso grape. Despite its young age, the 2017 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino is already showing remarkable balance and depth, with a smooth and elegant mouthfeel that lingers on the palate.
Pairing: This gorgeous red is a wine of exceptional quality and complexity, with a rich and robust character that pairs well with a variety of dishes. When it comes to food pairing, the wine is well-suited to traditional Tuscan dishes, as well as a range of international cuisines. Speaking of which, we’re going to share a recipe from David Tanis below that marries braised lamb and Mediterranean flavors perfectly for this wine.
For a classic Tuscan pairing, try serving the 2017 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino with a hearty bowl of pappardelle pasta tossed with a rich ragù sauce. The wine's bold tannins and bright acidity complement the flavors of the slow-cooked meat sauce, while the wine's dark fruit notes provide a perfect contrast to the dish's savory elements.
Another traditional Tuscan dish that pairs well with the 2017 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino is a grilled bistecca alla Fiorentina. The wine's firm tannins and full-bodied character stand up well to the meat's bold flavors, while the wine's spice notes provide a nice contrast to the dish's smoky charred flavors.
For a vegetarian option, try pairing the 2017 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino with a mushroom risotto. The wine's earthy undertones complement the dish's rich mushroom flavors, while the wine's acidity provides a nice counterbalance to the dish's creaminess.
In addition to Tuscan specialties, the 2017 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino pairs well with a variety of international dishes. For example, the wine's bold character makes it an excellent choice for pairing with spicy Indian curries or hearty Moroccan tagines.
Lamb Shank Tagine With Dates
By David Tanis
About. Uccelliera is a prestigious winery located in the Brunello di Montalcino region of Tuscany, Italy. 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 2017 vintage year in Brunello di Montalcino was marked by hot and dry weather conditions, resulting in small grape clusters and lower yields. However, despite the challenging weather conditions, the 2017 vintage produced wines of exceptional quality, with intense flavors and aromas. The Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino 2017 is no exception, with its rich and complex taste and aroma.
