SKU: 03900

Uccelliera Rapace 2019

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wa92
js91

750ml

$39.99

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Category	Red Wine
Varietals	Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Sangiovese
Origin	Italy, Tuscany
Brand	Uccelliera
Alcohol/vol	15%

This unique wine from a boutique Brunello di Montalcino producer is made of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, at elevations of 150-350 meters on well-exposed hill slopes south-east of Montalcino. Maturation takes place in small French oak barrels for a minimum of 18 months, with further bottle aging for a minimum of 6 months before released for sale. It is named Rapace, which is a 'bird of prey' such as an eagle or a hawk. 'Proprietor Andrea Cortonesi fashions big, full-bodied wines from his vineyards in the southern part of the Montalcino zone. He represents the finest of the artisan approach to making wines in Montalcino.' -- The Wine Advocate

We had the amazing opportunity to visit the Uccelliera estate during the 2009 harvest, and literally watched Andrea and his team bringing in and sorting handpicked grapes on the back of a pick-up truck. Located in the Montalcino zone, his vineyard was part of the Ciacci Piccolomini estate until 1986 when Andrea purchased the land. He renovated an existing building, as well as built, with his own hands, another building on the estate, from rocks and stones he sourced from part of the land that he would ultimately make into a vineyard parcel. He is a big, larger-than-life man, with a passion for winemaking and a true lust for life. His full-bodied Rosso has a limited production, featuring a powerful nose, and lush, concentrated fruit; his Brunello has a cult following and big scores to match. It features gorgeous aromas of exotic spices and dark red fruits with a lush expansive palate, super concentration and a caressing, velvety texture.

Wine Spectator

ws93

This is finding its sweet spot, with sappy cherry and blackberry fruit accented by rose hip, leather, orange peel and sweet spice aromas and flavors. Harmonious and juicy, with a lingering aftertaste. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2038. 800 cases made, 200 cases imported.

2023

Wine Advocate

wa92

A blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Rapace opens to a medium-dark color and nice concentration that is not too heavy and not too light (although the 15% alcohol content is a lot). It's perfect as an all-meal option or a versatile wine that can pair with everything from appetizers to meat-based mains. The bouquet offers dark fruit and plum. Those primary aromas are framed by sweet spice, cedar and tobacco. Those oak elements work to create greater depth and texture in the wine. This is a production of 10,365 bottles and 484 magnums.

March 9, 2023

James Suckling

js91

A medium-to full-bodied red with currant and plum character and some sandalwood. Rather chewy tannins. Fresh at the end.

Uccelliera Rapace 2019

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Wine Spectator

Wine Advocate

James Suckling