Donatella Cinelli Colombini : Casato Prime Donne Rosso di Montalcino 2019

The refinement and aromatic brilliance of a Rosso di Montalcino wine

The estate

Donatella Cinelli Colombini's estate, Casato Prime Donne, is located in Montalcino, in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. It is the first wine estate to be staffed entirely by women.

Born into a family of Brunello Di Montalcino producers since the 16th century, Donatella Cinelli Colombini founded her own estate, Casato Prime Donne and the Fattoria del Colle in Trequanda in 1998.

Renowned for her work and the quality of her wines, Donatella Cinelli Colombini was awarded the Oscar for best Italian producer by the Italian Sommelier Association in 2003. She is also one of the 210 producers to be part of the Consorzio Brunello di Montalcino.

Comprising a 40-hectare surface area, 16 of which are planted with vines, the Casato Prime Donne vineyard overlooks the hills of Montalcino and is perched at an altitude of 225 metres.

The wines by Donatella Cinelli Colombini are produced with the utmost rigour and elegantly and authentically reflect the characteristics of this exceptional terroir. The prolonged ageing process gives these fine wines with a promising ageing potential, at the pinnacle of the Italian appellation hierarchy, a rich aromatic palette and a rare elegance recognised by wine critics.

The vineyard

This 2019 Casato Prime Donne Rosso di Montalcino by Donatella Cinelli Colombini comprises six plots of the estate's 17 hectares of Sangiovese. In order to preserve the richness of her terroir, Donatella Cinelli Colombini has been managing her 40-hectare vineyard using organic farming methods since 2018.

Situated in a cool area to the north of Montalcino and at an altitude of around 225 metres, the south-facing vineyard, resting on sandy-clay soil, produces one of the finest Rosso di Montalcino wines.

The wine

Casato Prime Donne Rosso di Montalcino is Brunello’s younger brother. Made from the same grape variety and from the same region, this wine is destined to express the sheer beauty of its identity in its youth.

The vintage

The mild, dry winter preceded a spring with heavy rainfall that delayed the start of the vegetative cycle and affected the size of the grapes. The hot summer was marked by stormy spells which helped lower temperatures and build up the soil’s water reserves. The weather conditions in September, alternating between sunny days with cool nights, were ideal and refined the ripeness and aromatic richness of the grapes.

The vinification and ageing

The grapes are harvested by hand with the utmost care and are rigorously sorted before destemming. Vinification with selected yeasts in open truncated steel and concrete vats, along with punching down. Long maceration. Aged for 6 to 12 months in 5 to 7-hectolitre oak barrels.

The blend

Sangiovese (100%).

Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s 2019 Casato Prime Donne Rosso di Montalcino: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

This wine is an intense and brilliant ruby colour.

Nose

Rich and intense, the nose combines fruity (cherries, raspberries, blackberries) and floral (violet) notes.

Palate

Full and harmonious, the mouth reveals fine tannins and a silky feel. The palate is well-balanced and unravels seductive persistence throughout the tasting experience.

Food and wine pairing

Donatella Cinelli Colombini's 2019 Casato Prime Donne Rosso di Montalcino will complement roasted or grilled meats, cold cut meat or mature cheeses.

Service

For an enjoyable tasting experience, serve between 16 and 18°C.

Cellaring

This Tuscan red wine can be enjoyed now.