Casanova di Neri Irrosso

Casanova di Neri Irrosso is a Sangiovese-based red blend from Montalcino, Tuscany, bottled at 750ml with an ABV typically between 13.5% and 14.5% depending on vintage. Scored 92 points by James Suckling and awarded Gold at the India Wines and Spirits Award (2019 vintage), Irrosso has earned recognition as a compelling, fruit-forward expression of one of Italy's most celebrated wine estates.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5–14.5%  |  Origin: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy  |  Blend: 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot  |  Producer: Casanova di Neri

Production & Heritage

Casanova di Neri is one of Montalcino's most respected estates, known internationally for producing benchmark Brunello. Irrosso draws primarily from young Sangiovese vines in the Fiesole vineyard, located adjacent to the winery — the same terroir that feeds the estate's top-tier Brunello bottlings. The wine undergoes spontaneous fermentation without added yeasts in conical stainless steel vats over 13 days, followed by 15 months of aging in oak barrels. The inclusion of 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot adds structural depth without overshadowing the Sangiovese core, resulting in a wine built for approachability rather than extended cellaring.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with fresh cherry and red roses before revealing layers of licorice, tobacco, and toasted walnut. Hints of ground spice and dark berries add complexity as the wine breathes.

Taste: The entry is lush, led by ripe cherry and strawberry fruit with a floral lift. At mid-palate, red fruit mingles with meaty, savory undertones while silky, well-integrated tannins provide firm but enveloping structure. A velvety core of dark fruit anchors everything, balanced by bright acidity.

Finish: Medium in length with a juicy, spice-laced fade and lingering notes of brambleberry and a whisper of dark chocolate. The tannins resolve cleanly, leaving a polished, drinkable impression.

How to Drink Irrosso

Irrosso shows its best character at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, poured into a wide-bowled glass that allows the aromatics room to develop. Decanting for 20–30 minutes can open up the mid-palate richness. While this is primarily a food wine, it stands comfortably on its own. Pair it with a Negroni Sbagliato for an aperitivo moment that echoes its Italian roots. Its savory depth also makes it a natural companion to a Sangria Rossa built with Italian reds, and its dark fruit profile pairs surprisingly well alongside a Boulevardier served as a pre-dinner cocktail course.

Best For

• Weeknight Italian dinners where Brunello feels like overkill
• Introducing someone to the wines of Montalcino without the price of Brunello
• Hosting a Tuscan-themed dinner party with grilled meats and aged cheeses
• Building a case of versatile, food-friendly Italian reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Irrosso taste like? Irrosso delivers a fruit-forward profile dominated by cherry, strawberry, and brambleberry with secondary layers of tobacco, toasted walnut, and ground spice, all carried on silky, medium-bodied tannins.

How does Irrosso compare to Casanova di Neri Rosso di Montalcino? Both wines come from the same estate and are Sangiovese-driven, but Irrosso is a blended wine (incorporating Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot) designed for earlier drinking, while Rosso di Montalcino is a 100% Sangiovese wine produced under the Rosso di Montalcino DOC regulations with stricter aging requirements. Irrosso tends to be softer and more immediately approachable.

Is Irrosso good for everyday drinking? Yes — Irrosso is specifically designed as an accessible, fruit-forward red that pairs easily with a wide range of foods and does not require extended decanting or cellaring to enjoy.

Where is Irrosso made? Irrosso is produced by Casanova di Neri in Montalcino, a hilltop town in southern Tuscany, Italy, renowned for Brunello di Montalcino. The Sangiovese grapes come primarily from the estate's Fiesole vineyard, situated directly beside the winery.

What foods pair well with Irrosso? Grilled lamb chops benefit from the wine's savory tannins and dark fruit. Wild mushroom risotto mirrors its earthy undertones. Aged pecorino Toscano echoes the Tuscan terroir. Tomato-based pasta dishes like pappardelle al ragù find natural harmony with the bright Sangiovese acidity. Roasted pork loin with herbs complements the spice and tobacco notes on the finish.

What sizes does Irrosso come in? Casanova di Neri Irrosso is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Irrosso worth the price? Irrosso positions as an entry-level wine within the Casanova di Neri portfolio, offering a gateway into a world-class Montalcino estate at a fraction of the cost of their Brunello bottlings. A 92-point James Suckling score reinforces its strong value within the Tuscan red category.

Why Irrosso?

What separates Irrosso from countless other approachable Tuscan reds is its pedigree — the grapes grow in the same Montalcino terroir that produces one of Italy's most celebrated Brunello programs. By using younger Sangiovese vines from the Fiesole vineyard and blending in small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, Casanova di Neri creates a wine that delivers immediate pleasure without sacrificing structure. Spontaneous fermentation preserves the site-specific character that industrial yeasts would flatten. For anyone drawn to the depth of Montalcino wines but seeking something ready to open tonight, Irrosso earns its place as one of the most reliable values the region produces.