Casisano Brunello di Montalcino 2015
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Wine
Spectator -
James
Suckling - Decanter
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Robert
Parker
Product Details
Winemaker Notes
This elegant, traditional style Brunello is produced at a mid-sized estate located in the southern hills of Montalcino, between the towns of Sant’ Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell’Abate, one of the most quintessentially picturesque areas in Tuscany.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
This hits all the right notes, from the cherry, black currant, mineral and tobacco flavors to the lively structure and polished tannins. A woodsy mushroom element adds interest as this builds to a lingering aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2042.
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James Suckling
This is a very floral red, showing hibiscus, rhubarb, citrus and rosemary. Medium-to full-bodied with attractive depth of fruit, fine yet chewy tannins and a zesty, building finish. Tightly wound and understated, this Brunello will need time to come together fully, but is already showing a soft-spoken, graceful persona. Drink from 2024.
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Decanter
The first vintage in which the Tommasi family had full control over the production at the southeast facing Casisano property, which sits at 480 metres above sea level. Despite warm conditions, the cooler microclimate is evident in this fresh, perfumed Brunello. Fragrant mint, cedar and forest floor lead to a savoury rather than fruity palate. Dense fruit is framed by tactile, textured tannins and countered by bright, tangy acidity. Well done! Drinking Window 2021 - 2031
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
This vintage represents the first wine made entirely under the care of the estate's new owners, the Tommasi family of Valpolicella, and winemakers Emiliano Falsini and Giancarlo Tommasi. The Casisano 2015 Brunello di Montalcino reveals classic Sangiovese aromas of wild cherry, blue flower, licorice and moist earth. I can't help noticing that the mouthfeel is shorter and less impactful than other expressions from this vintage. The wine fades on the finish, but that snappy variety-driven acidity kicks in on the close. This is a more accessible and informal expression of Brunello. Fruit comes from a nine hectare vineyard located at 500 meters above sea level with Galestro rich soils. The wine was bottled in July 2019 and hits the market in February 2020.
Other Vintages
2016-
James
Suckling -
Wine
Spectator -
Jeb
Dunnuck -
Robert
Parker -
Wine &
Spirits -
Wine
Enthusiast
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James
Suckling -
Tasting
Panel -
Wine
Enthusiast
Podere Casisano was purchased in 2015 from the Ciarpella family of Rome. Nestled among rolling hills in the south-eastern part of the appellation, between the villages of Montalcino, Castelnuove dell'Abate, and Sant' Angelo in Colle, the estate is situated on a splendid natural terrace overlooking the famous abbey of St. Antimo. The total property covers 131 acres, of which 57 acres are vineyards for Brunello and Rosso and 30 acres are planted with olive trees. The winery, which was known as Casisano-Colombaio under its previous ownership, has for years produced a very traditional style of Brunello, with a long aging in large Slavonian oak casks - a classic style of winemaking favored by the Tommasi family. Tommasi has retained the original winemaking team, now under the guidance of head winemaker Giancarlo Tommasi, and is set to take the wines to even greater heights.
Among Italy's elite red grape varieties, Sangiovese has the perfect intersection of bright red fruit and savory earthiness and is responsible for the best red wines of Tuscany. While it is best known as the chief component of Chianti, it is also the main grape in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and reaches the height of its power and intensity in the complex, long-lived Brunello di Montalcino. Somm Secret—Sangiovese doubles under the alias, Nielluccio, on the French island of Corsica where it produces distinctly floral and refreshing reds and rosés.
Famous for its bold, layered and long-lived red, Brunello di Montalcino, the town of Montalcino is about 70 miles south of Florence, and has a warmer and drier climate than that of its neighbor, Chianti. The Sangiovese grape is king here, as it is in Chianti, but Montalcino has its own clone called Brunello.
The Brunello vineyards of Montalcino blanket the rolling hills surrounding the village and fan out at various elevations, creating the potential for Brunello wines expressing different styles. From the valleys, where deeper deposits of clay are found, come wines typically bolder, more concentrated and rich in opulent black fruit. The hillside vineyards produce wines more concentrated in red fruits and floral aromas; these sites reach up to over 1,600 feet and have shallow soils of rocks and shale.
Brunello di Montalcino by law must be aged a minimum of four years, including two years in barrel before realease and once released, typically needs more time in bottle for its drinking potential to be fully reached. The good news is that Montalcino makes a “baby brother” version. The wines called Rosso di Montalcino are often made from younger vines, aged for about a year before release, offer extraordinary values and are ready to drink young.