Uccelliera

Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

2019

Vintage

Varietal

Sangiovese

ABV

15.0%

Peak 2032-2045

Where it is, June 2026

Too Young: holding.

In May 2026, the 2019 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino is approaching its drinking window, which opens in 2027, just one year away. The wine is still relatively young and compact, with the chalky tannins providing firm structure and the aromatics beginning to loosen from the fruit core. Those who open a bottle today will find a wine of obvious quality but one that rewards patience. By 2027 and certainly through the peak window of 2032 to 2045, the wine will reveal the full complexity and aromatic depth that Uccelliera's finest Brunello is known for. If drinking before 2027, a minimum two to three hour decant is strongly recommended.

Related vintages

The ‘19 Brunello di Montalcino.

A precise, chalky-tannic Brunello di Montalcino from an admired small estate in a five-star vintage, built for a decade or more of cellaring.

Drinking window

The arcYou are here · too young, 2026

Tasting note

Uccelliera is one of Brunello di Montalcino's most admired small estates, and the 2019 standard Brunello is a compelling expression of the estate's philosophy: precision farming of Sangiovese Grosso on the southern slope of Montalcino, with winemaking that allows the fruit and terroir to speak directly without excessive intervention or new oak influence. The nose opens with black cherry and ripe plum at the forefront, with walnut and cedar providing a structural and aromatic counterpoint. Cooked blackberry and pomegranate add depth and secondary fruit character, while oak spice, dried bay, and dried cherry notes suggest both the extended aging in large Slavonian oak barrels and the vintage's richness. The palate is full-bodied with a dense, concentrated texture and the firm chalky tannins that are a hallmark of great Brunello, providing backbone without hardness. The acidity is lively and focused, driving the wine toward a long, persistent finish that carries dried herb, mineral earth, and fruit through an extended conclusion. This is a Brunello that balances the warmth of 2019 with the precision and structure the DOCG demands.

The 2019 vintage

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino vintage was exceptional, building on a series of strong years with a growing season of ideal conditions. Warm summer temperatures produced Sangiovese Grosso grapes of excellent concentration and color, while the natural acidity of the hillside soils kept the wines fresh and structured. The harvest was conducted in optimal conditions, with fruit ripeness and acidity in excellent balance. The vintage has been awarded five stars by the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, its highest rating, reflecting the quality of wines across the appellation. Uccelliera's precise farming and restrained approach made full use of the vintage's gifts.

About Uccelliera

Uccelliera is a small, family-owned estate in Camigliano on the southern slope of Montalcino, operated by Andrea Cortonesi with a philosophy of minimal intervention and maximum terroir expression. The estate works with traditional Slavonian oak botti for aging, eschewing new French barriques in favor of a style that emphasizes fruit purity, tannic precision, and the extended cellar potential that defines classic Brunello. Uccelliera has steadily built a reputation as one of the appellation's most authentic and reliable producers, with wines that reflect both the southern slope's fruit richness and the estate's commitment to precision.

From the cellar: pair with

Bistecca alla Fiorentina with sea salt and olive oil

Brunello's firm tannins are traditionally paired with Tuscany's great steak, and the wine's acidity cuts through the fat while the fruit mirrors the char-kissed beef.

Wild boar or venison ragu with pici pasta

The wine's dried herb and black cherry character aligns naturally with the earthy, gamey depth of wild boar, a classic Montalcino pairing.

Aged Pecorino Toscano with acacia honey

The chalky tannins and long mineral finish of Brunello are beautifully counterbalanced by the creamy, fatty richness of aged Pecorino.

Service & cellaring

Serving Temp: 16 to 18 degrees C (61 to 64 degrees F)
Decanting: If opening before 2027, decant 2 to 3 hours minimum. After 2027, a 60 to 90 minute decant is recommended.
Cellar Storage: 12 to 14 degrees C (54 to 57 degrees F)

Track this bottle Read the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG guide

The drinking window on this bottle is calculated with the Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) v1.0, a 10-factor model. Try the free drinking window calculator on any wine, or read when to drink wine for the practical signals.

Frequently Asked

What is the 2019 Brunello vintage rated?

The 2019 vintage received a five-star rating from the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, the highest possible assessment, reflecting outstanding quality across the appellation.

When is the best time to drink the 2019 Uccelliera Brunello?

The drinking window opens in 2027, with peak drinking from 2032 through 2045. The wine is built for medium to long-term cellaring.

How does Uccelliera's Brunello style differ from others?

Uccelliera uses traditional large Slavonian oak botti rather than French barriques, resulting in wines that prioritize fruit purity and tannic precision over new oak flavor.

How long can I cellar this wine?

The hard decline is projected around 2050, giving the wine over two decades of cellaring potential from today.