Donatella Cinelli Colombini : Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016

A silky, refined Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

The estate

The Casato Prime Donne estate in Montalcino is located in the heart of Tuscany, in the southern part of the Chianti appellation. Owned by Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s family since the 16th century, the estate has shifted over the last three generations, with the land being passed down from mother to daughter. Since 1998, Donatella Cinelli Colombini has been tirelessly working towards bringing her ancestor’s estate back to its former glory. Thus, she relies on a team of women who provide their expertise and boundless know-how, making the estate the first Italian winery to be made up entirely of women.

The vineyard

Casato Prime Donne overlooks a 40-hectare vineyard that has been farmed in an organic manner since 2018. Of the 17 hectares planted with Sangiovese grapes, 1 or 2 hectares are meticulously selected each year to produce the Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. Harvested at optimum ripeness, the grapes undergo a masterful vinification process to produce one of the finest Brunello di Montalcino wines.

The vintage

Winter and spring were marked by heavy rainfall. The summer was warm and sunny, and was punctuated by rainy spells that enabled the temperatures to drop, as well as supplying the soil with water reserves and boosting the ripening of the grapes. Veraison began on July 20th. During the ripening phase, the temperature differences between daytime and nighttime favoured the slow and even ripening of the grapes and led to the perfect synthesis of the aromas.

The vinification and ageing

Harvested by hand at optimum ripeness, the grapes are rigorously sorted in the vineyard and on a sorting table in the cellar. Alcoholic fermentation is carried out with selected yeasts before a long maceration in small truncated concrete tanks. Aged in large French oak barrels.

The blend

Sangiovese (100%).

Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

Brilliant, this wine is a beautiful ruby red colour.

Nose

Complex and delicate, the nose combines fruity fragrances (ripe red berries) with delicious notes of cedar, nuts, coffee, but also chocolate and tobacco.

Palate

Concentrated, this wine seduces the palate its silky tannins and its beautiful length.

Food and wine pairing

Donatella Cinelli Colombini's Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016 is ideal with meats and mature cheeses.

Service

For an optimal tasting experience, decant the wine a few hours before serving at 18-20°C.

Cellaring

This fine Tuscan wine can be cellared until around 2046.