Description
🏰 【 Winery Legend: Voliero 】
In the inner circles of Montalcino, Andrea Cortonesi is a revered figure, most famous for his powerhouse estate, Uccelliera. However, Voliero is his hidden gem that showcases a different philosophical expression of Sangiovese. While Uccelliera represents the muscle and warmth of the southern Castelnuovo zone, Voliero hails from the **Canalicchio** area in the north. The higher altitude and cooler soils here produce Brunello with greater elegance, verticality, and aromatic lift. In 2007, Cortonesi masterfully balanced the vintage's heat with the terroir's natural freshness, creating a wine of harmony and depth.
🌿 【 Terroir & Vinification 】
The Voliero vineyards are situated north of Montalcino, on soils rich in clay and limestone marl. This terroir imparts structure and longevity. Cortonesi employs a mix of traditional and modern techniques: extended maceration to extract deep flavors, followed by aging in large Slavonian oak casks and a small percentage of French barriques. The warmth of 2007 resulted in thick-skinned grapes rich in sugar, and after 19 years, those formidable tannins have evolved into pure silk.
📅 【 Vintage Insight & Scores 】
2007 was a "Hedonistic Vintage" in Tuscany. Abundant sunshine produced fruit of exceptional ripeness. Unlike the stern 2006s, the 2007s were charming and open from the start, known for their fleshiness and sweet fruit. Drinking a 2007 Brunello now means no waiting; it has converted all its youthful energy into profound tertiary complexity.
🏅 Score: Wine Advocate 93, Wine Spectator 93
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Antonio Galloni):
"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is a huge wine. Dark cherries, plums, spices, menthol and licorice are some of the notes that flow from this large-scaled, dramatic Brunello... The sheer depth of the fruit covers the tannins nicely."
Wine Spectator:
"Rich and decadent, offering cherry, plum and chocolate aromas and flavors. The tannins are dusty and coat the gums."
🍷 【 Tasting Notes 】
👃 Nose:
Upon opening, it offers a feast of mature Sangiovese. Intense notes of **dried black cherry**, **fig**, and sweet **balsamic** greet the nose. As it breathes, layers of **worn leather**, **tobacco**, **espresso**, and the signature **mentholated freshness** of Canalicchio emerge.
👅 Palate:
Round, plush, and full-bodied. The heat of the 2007 vintage gives the wine a fleshy core, but Cortonesi's craftsmanship ensures vibrant acidity remains. The tannins are fully resolved and velvety. The palate is washed with flavors of dried plum, licorice, and savory minerals.
✨ Finish:
The finish is warm and lingering, with an aftertaste of roasted spices and dried orange peel.
🍽️ 【 Serving Guide 】
🌡️ Temperature: Serve at **16°C - 18°C**.
⌛ Decanting: **Breathe for 30-45 minutes** in the bottle or gently decant to separate sediment. At 19 years old, vigorous aeration is not recommended.
⏳ Drinking Window: **Drink Now.** The wine is at its absolute peak. Best enjoyed within the next 3-5 years.
🍴 Food Pairing: The ultimate match for **Bistecca alla Fiorentina**. Also pairs beautifully with **Wild Boar Ragu (Pappardelle al Cinghiale)** or aged **Pecorino cheese**.
💬 【 Manager's Pick 】
⚡ Wine lovers in the know revere Andrea Cortonesi (owner of Uccelliera). Voliero is his other "child," and it offers incredible value. The 2007 vintage is simply delicious—hot, ripe, and now, after 19 years, completely devoid of any harshness, leaving only silkiness. The notes of old leather, cigar box, and black cherry are mesmerizing. If you find Biondi-Santi or Soldera too pricey but want a top-tier aged Brunello made by a master, this Voliero is a brilliant "Smart Buy." Open this tonight with a steak—pure joy! ⚡
⚠️ 【 Disclaimer 】 We strive to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. However, scores, drinking windows, and tasting notes are derived from third-party critics or general vintage characteristics and are for reference only. Actual tasting experience may vary due to personal preference, storage conditions, and bottle variation. Older vintages carry a risk of oxidation or spoilage; please assess before purchasing.
