SKU: 03900

Uccelliera Rapace 2021

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js91
ws90

750ml

$39.99

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Category	Red Wine
Varietals	Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Sangiovese
Brand	Uccelliera
Origin	Italy, Tuscany
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 Advocate

wa91

The Uccelliera 2021 Rapace is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Production is 10,800 bottles and 500 magnums. This wine is light on its feet with bright fruit, redcurrant and fresh plum. There is a hint of toasted wood that cedes to spicy cinnamon. Rapace is medium-bodied and easy to pair with your favorite pasta or grilled meat dishes. However, the alcohol content is on the strong side, measured at 15%.

Monica Larner, November 21, 2024

James Suckling

js91

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

Wine Spectator

ws90

This is broad and ripe, delivering plum, cherry, leather, iron and eucalyptus flavors. Fresh and persistent, with a wall of burly tannins shoring up the finish. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2026 through 2040. 800 cases made, 400 cases imported.

Bruce Sanderson, August 12, 2024

Uccelliera Rapace 2021

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Wine Advocate

James Suckling

Wine Spectator