Italy · Tuscany

Uccelliera

Uccelliera is a small, artisan Brunello di Montalcino producer based in Castelnuovo dell'Abate in the southeastern sector of the denomination, considered a warmer and more generously productive zone within Montalcino. Andrea Cortonesi runs the estate with a focus on modern-leaning Brunello production: shorter aging in smaller barrels (including barriques alongside traditional casks) to produce wines that are more immediately approachable but retain depth. The estate covers approximately 9 hectares of Sangiovese. The single Brunello di Montalcino is the primary wine, producing approximately 25,000–30,000 bottles annually, supplemented by Rosso di Montalcino and a small IGT. At auction, prices range from $27 to $179 with an average of $83 per bottle across 126 lots. Uccelliera's Brunello regularly scores 91–95 from the Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator, offering reliable quality at competitive pricing. Castelnuovo dell'Abate's warm microclimate produces wines of ripe, generous character that often over-deliver on scores relative to their pricing.