Casanova di Neri

Giovanni Neri founded the estate in 1971 when he purchased the Podere Casanova farm in the eastern part of the Montalcino commune. Neri was originally a grain merchant based in Arezzo, but he pursued a vision of creating a significant Italian red wine in the then emerging Brunello di Montalcino region. At the time of purchase, the property was a traditional mixed use farm where grapes were a secondary crop. Following his death in 1991, his son Giacomo Neri assumed management of the property and significantly expanded the vineyard holdings through the acquisition of diverse sites. Today, the third generation of the family, including Giacomo's sons Giovanni and Gianlorenzo, manages the daily operations. Giovanni handles the technical winemaking duties while Gianlorenzo oversees the commercial and marketing aspects of the business.

The estate manages approximately 63 hectares of vineyards divided into seven distinct plots throughout the Montalcino area, including Fiesole, Cerretalto, and Tenuta Nuova. Terroir varies significantly across these locations, with soils ranging from the traditional friable clay shale known as galestro to mineral rich deposits containing iron, magnesium, and even onyx fragments. Winemaking takes place in a multi level, gravity fed cellar built into a hillside to maintain naturally regulated temperatures. This facility allows for the movement of grapes and wine without the use of pumps. The production process involves manual and optical sorting of grapes followed by fermentation in temperature controlled, open topped conical vats made of steel and wood. Aging occurs in two large barrel rooms where the wines rest in various sizes of oak cooperage.

Casanova di Neri is primarily known for its single vineyard Brunello di Montalcino bottlings, particularly the Cerretalto and Tenuta Nuova labels. The winery helped popularize a style of Sangiovese characterized by concentration and richness that often receives high scores from international critics. Notable recognition includes the 2001 Tenuta Nuova being named Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator and the Cerretalto bottling receiving several 100 point ratings from multiple publications. While Sangiovese is the core focus, the producer also crafts a Toscana IGT from Cabernet Sauvignon called Pietradonice and a white blend from Vermentino and Grechetto. The portfolio also includes Rosso di Montalcino and a broader Toscana IGT red called IrRosso, which uses fruit from younger vines and blends Sangiovese with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.