Uccelliera and Voliero – Two souls, one hand: the Montalcino of Andrea Cortonesi
The quarry, also known as “l’Uccelliera”, was already famous in the Middle Ages and lay near the Abbazia di Sant’Antimo.
From here came a particularly prized material: Siena alabaster, used for columns and decorative elements in important buildings such as the abbey itself, the Baroque Church of San Martino in Siena, and even the cathedrals of Siena, Grosseto and Orvieto.
The old quarry stood exactly where the Uccelliera estate is located today, giving the winery its name.
Every time I begin to tell the story of a visit to a winery in Montalcino, I uncover a new fragment of history — sometimes local, sometimes national.
The history of wineries mirrors the history of the land itself: a mosaic of events, traditions and people. And that is what makes it so fascinating.
The cellar visit: between large casks, barriques and distinct identities
Uccelliera is a place where time is measured in vintages.
Walking among large oak casks and barriques, one of the most captivating experiences is tasting different vintages and ageing styles directly from the barrels. Here, the dual soul of the project truly reveals itself.
Tasting
Voliero 2023 – Rosso di Montalcino
Wonderful, explosive and immediate.
Aromas of blackcurrant, sweet and generous fruit. A pure joy to drink.
Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino 2023
More spicy, deeper and more intense.
Aromas of red fruit and mushrooms.
Cryomaceration with dry ice.
Two different styles, two interpretations of the same vintage.
Rapace 2022
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese.
The grapes are harvested separately, followed by cryomaceration and co-fermentation to obtain a more integrated wine.
Aged for about 10 months in French oak.
Notes of spices, liquorice, red fruit and a light touch of green pepper.
Brunello di Montalcino 2020 – Voliero
Aromas of blackberry, sour cherry, dark fruit and eucalyptus.
Brunello di Montalcino 2020 – Uccelliera
More powdery tannins, aromas of cherry, wild cherry and Mediterranean herbs.
Full-bodied, savoury and structured.
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 – Uccelliera
Explosive, broad and savoury.
Powdery tannins.
Sour cherry, plum, aromatic herbs (sage, rosemary), dried violet and eucalyptus.
A wine that speaks slowly, but for a very long time.
Uccelliera and Voliero: not two labels, but two estates
It is often thought that Uccelliera and Voliero are simply two different lines of the same Brunello.
In reality, they are two distinct estates, guided by the same talented winemaker: Andrea Cortonesi.
The vineyards are never blended — as happens in many other wineries — but are vinified and bottled separately.
Two vineyards.
Two slopes.
Two souls.
- Uccelliera – South-East, Castelnuovo dell’Abate
Area: South-East of Montalcino, Castelnuovo dell’Abate
Soils: calcareous-clay with sand and marl
Altitude: 150–350 m a.s.l.
Climate: warmer
Style: explosive, structured, deep wines
Ageing: Slavonian and French oak casks of various sizes for a minimum of 24 months, plus at least 6 months in bottle
- Voliero – South-West, Sant’Angelo in Colle
Area: South-West of Montalcino, near Sant’Angelo in Colle
Altitude: higher
Climate: cooler and more ventilated
Style: more elegant, refined, fresh and savoury wines
Conclusion
Uccelliera and Voliero are not just two different Brunellos:
they are a lesson in geography, sensitivity and winemaking philosophy.
Each year, comparing them is like walking two parallel paths of the same story:
one more solar and powerful, the other fresher and more elegant.
Two territories, two expressions, guided by a single hand.
And this is where the true magic of Montalcino is born.
