Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino 1997

This weekend I opened two different Brunellos from the same year, 1997. What this caused was nothing less than an epiphany.

Produced in the area of Montalcino in Tuscany, Italy, Brunello is comprised of 100% Sangiovese grapes. However the grapes from this area are a clone, or variety that is considered to be different from your run-of-the-mill Sangiovese. The Brunello wines have distinct floral notes on the nose, that are completely different from anything I have smelled before. It was a wonderful and glorious smell. I suspect for those that have spent time in Tuscany, it may even remind one of the smells while walking though a meadow there.

The Casanova had some age yet still seemed somewhat youthful and tannic. It was smooth, full bodied, and delicious. At nine years this wine could stand at least four or five more years to fully develop.

The second Brunello we tried was a 1997 Ciacci Piccolomini d'’Aragona. (Italian only...) This one was done to perfection. It had aged seemingly to it's peak. It was starting to change color by gaining some slightly brown tinge at the edges, and had developed a smooth consistency that typically requires bottle age to obtain. This also was a remarkable wine, but should be drunk soon if your bottle is in the same condition mine was. (Whatever that is, I don't know...)

What was remarkable was that the grape, the land, and the vintner can produce wine so alike smell. The difference was in taste. Do you like wine younger and fresher, or aged to a smooth delicate perfection. The choice is yours.

If Cabernets are your thing, then Brunellos can give you a wonderful alternative. Just don't look on grocer's shelves for this. The 2000 version of Ciacci Piccolomini d'Argona Brunello is selling here for $60.00.

A less expensive alternative would be the second wine of the region, Rosso di Montalcino at about half the price.

But be aware, the 1997 is considered to be one of the best years in history for Brunello, so you and I may never see another bottle. :(

If you have never had a Brunello, I suggest you go right on down to your local wine monger and get some now!

[Want to know more about Brunello? An excellent treatise on the subject is here.]

(And yes, you eagle eyed devil. The label date is wrong. Actually the date on the label is right. Although this article was about the '97!)