2020 Uccelliera Brunello di Montealcino

The 2020 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino is one of the most critically acclaimed releases from Montalcino's southern hills, scoring 96 points from Jeb Dunnuck and 95 from both Kerin O'Keefe and Vinous. Founded by Andrea Cortonesi, Uccelliera farms organic Sangiovese in the warm Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone, where its vineyards neighbor the legendary Pianrosso cru. This is 100% Sangiovese fermented with native yeasts and aged at least 24 months in large French and Slavonian oak botti, yielding a Brunello that balances the concentration of the southern zone with the lift and precision Montalcino demands. Uccelliera sits in one of Montalcino's warmest microclimates, where the southern exposure and proximity to Monte Amiata create riper, fuller-bodied fruit without sacrificing the acid structure that defines great Brunello. Andrea Cortonesi has farmed organically since the estate's founding, working with old-vine Sangiovese that roots deep into the region's characteristic galestro and clay soils. The winemaking is traditional: spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel followed by extended aging in large-format neutral oak, allowing the site and the vintage to speak without oak overlay. The result is a wine that captures both the power of the southern zone and the elegance that has made Uccelliera a benchmark producer in Chicago's fine wine circles. The 2020 vintage shows layered aromas of black cherry, wild berry, violet, tobacco, leather, and warm Tuscan spice, opening to a rich, concentrated palate held taut by fine acidity and velvety tannins. The finish is long and mineral-driven, a signature of Montalcino's rocky soils and one of the reasons this wine will age gracefully over the next 15 to 20 years. It's approachable now with an hour in a decanter alongside bistecca alla fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or aged Pecorino Toscano, but patience will be rewarded — this is built for the cellar. Pair it with rosemary-rubbed lamb, porcini risotto, or any preparation that honors the wine's structure and depth. The 2020 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino is available now at Off Premise in Lincoln Park for pickup at 1128 W Armitage Ave, local Chicago delivery, or nationwide shipping.