Voliero Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2019
(Tuscany, Italy) - [VM 96] [TS 95] [JD 94] [JS 93] [WA 93] [WE 93]

About the Winery:
In 2010, Antonio Galloni was visiting the estate and tasted the Voliero wines. He flipped his lid for them! With such high praise, even though Cortonesi had not intended Voliero for export, the wines immediately found an audience abroad.

Now in its 11th year of production, some things have changed at Voliero, while most have remained the same. Production is still very limited, with only about 600 cases of Brunello and 400 cases of Rosso produced each year. The vinification, as always, has been fairly traditional: spontaneous fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel with fermentation/maceration lasting about 20 days. The wine then goes into large Slavonian oak casks of 20 hectoliters and larger for 30 months. But the source of the fruit has migrated from Canalicchio to closer to the winery: the vineyards are now located in both the higher elevation areas of Castelnuovo dell’Abate and Sant’Angelo in Colle. Andrea describes the differences between his two labels eloquently: Uccelliera is a single subzone wine, and reflects the very specific and determined characteristics of Castelnuovo: power, fruit, and profundity. Uccelliera’s vineyards are near Ciacci’s Pianrosso (about 150 meters above sea level), and reflect the warmth of the area, the flavor profile showing chocolate, leather and “amarena”—sour cherry. Voliero comes from vineyards 200 meters higher in elevation than Uccelliera, and gives the idea of the classic blend of Montalcino Brunello. It combines two high altitude vineyards of Castelnuovo and Sant’Angelo, and plays on the elegance, finesse and brightness that its elevation imparts.

About the Wine:
100% Sangiovese from 15-25 year old vines grown in clay soils
Cold maceration with the skins at 10-12 degrees Celsius 
Fermentation in steel with temperature control for 20/25 days
The wine matures in large Slavonian and French oak casks (20-50 hl) for 30 months
Approximately 650 cases produced annually

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - Vinous Media:
"A mentholated freshness introduces the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino, as a vibrant wave of crushed cherries, mint leaf, clove and dusty roses make up its absolutely gorgeous bouquet. This is silky and enveloping yet lifted and full of energy, with crunchy red berry fruits that leave a crackle of primary concentration toward the close. It finishes pretty saline and spicy in character, leaving edgy tannins to mingle with a residual bump of acidity that maintains a wonderfully fresh sensation as tart cranberry notes fade. This is one of the most exciting young renditions of Voliero I have ever tasted. It captivates with its precision and spry personality while holding depths of complexity in reserve. Wow. (Drink between 2025-2040)" - Eric Guido (Dec 2023)

95 Points - Ian D'Agata Terroir Sense:
"Medium bright deep red. Expressive aromas of red cherry, tobacco, mocha and underbrush are lifted by notes of tar and licorice. Sweeter and pliant on entry, with a risingly tannic texture to the dark plum, red cherry and smoky underbrush flavours. Quite concentrated and powerful, with bright acidity focusing the flavours on the long back end. Drinking window: 2032-2045."

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
“A medium red/garnet hue, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino is sunny and expressive with ripe cherries, blood orange, cypress pine, and incense notes. Medium to full-bodied, it floats across the palate with ripe tannins, even-keeled fresh acidity, and a chalky texture through the finish. It’s a very appealing wine that will improve if given another year or two. Drink 2025-2037." – Audrey Frick (Feb 2024)

93 Points - James Suckling:
"Aromas of dried fruits, figs and tobacco leaves with an underlying nutty note. Refreshing acidity. Medium to full-bodied. Savory yet succulent finish. Better after 2026." (Sep 2023)

93 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The Voliero 2019 Brunello di Montalcino has ripe cherry fruit and blackberry, with soft and ripe layering throughout. This wine shows the rich and plump side of 2019, a vintage that offers more concentration than average. Dark fruit flavors cede to spice, earth and toasted chestnut husk. This wine shows solid, chalky tannins. Some 7,600 bottles (and larger formats) were made, and they're almost ready straight out of the gate." - Monica Larner (Dec 2023)

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"The nose features savory aromas of earth, tar, gunpowder, balsamic, herbs, leather and black cherry. Sweet strawberries and cherries on the palate are light and bright, while flexible tannins provide structure to an overall umami feel." - Danielle Callegari (2025)