Donatella Cinelli Colombini : Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino 2017

The smoothness and finesse of a red wine from Brunello di Montalcino

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 Brunello di Montalcino 2017 is produced in Montalcino, an exceptional historical terroir for the cultivation of the Sangiovese rgape variety. Casato Prime Donne watches over a 40-hectare vineyard that has been farmed in an organic manner since 2018. Of the 17 hectares planted with Sangiovese grapes, each year 10 hectares are rigorously selected to produce this Casato Prime Donne Brunello Montalcino wine. The vineyard is located at an altitude of 225 metres in a cool area of northern Montalcino. Facing south, the vines are rooted in rich soil composed of clay and silt, resulting in one of the most iconic Brunello di Montalcino wines.

The vintage

Although the winter and spring were particularly dry, a frost at the end of April had an impact on the vineyard and reduced yields. The summer was marked by heat waves of over 40°C, punctuated by a rainy episode on August 10th. The drop in temperature during September favoured the slow and even ripening of the grapes.

The vinification and ageing

The grapes are harvested by hand and by plot, and are rigorously sorted. Gentle vinification for 15 days in bare concrete truncated cone tanks, using selected yeasts. Maceration is shorter than other vintages in order to preserve a high quality extraction. Aged in large 5-7hl French oak barrels and casks made from wood aged for over two years in small artisanal workshops.

The blend

Sangiovese (100%).

Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino 2017: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The wine is a beautiful ruby red colour.

Nose

Complex and delicate, the nose gives off floral, fruity (red fruit) and woody (cedar, sandalwood) fragrances.

Palate

Well-balanced, the mouth seduces with its soft and silky tannins, its beautiful length and its freshness.

Food and wine pairing

Donatella Cinelli Colombini's Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino 2017 is ideal with meats and mature cheeses.

Service

For an optimal tasting experience, we recommend decanting the wine one hour before serving at 18°C.

Cellaring

This red wine from Tuscany can be cellared until around 2037.