Rosso di Montalcino Toscana Colombini

£37.95 per bottle

ABV 14.0%

Tasting Notes
Made from Brunello grapes from the Colombini estate vineyards, selected to emphasise the alluring softness and rich, flattering fruit flavours that resonate without the dominance of oak and tannin. The nose is wonderfully fragrant with red berries, spice and herbs whilst the rich and vibrant palate offers hints of black cherry and mineral with a warm, opulent and very long finish.

Food
A good match for rich meat dishes, full flavoured or spicy pastas and mature cheeses.

Region
The gentle rolling hills of Tuscany are not only home to Italy`s culture and language, but also to the grand wine estates of Chianti to the north and the more modest yet superb estates of Montalcino and Montepulciano in the south. Sangiovese is the red grape variety that unites Tuscany`s wine producing districts in its various distinct clones. However, planting of international grape varieties, such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, have given rise to the world renowned `Super Tuscan` wines.

Producer
The roots of the Colombini family in Tuscany go back to 1592, and their tradition of excellence in winemaking began in 1790 with the founding of the Fattoria dei Barbi. It was in the 1960’s that Francesca Cinelli Colombini made a name for herself as the stalwart leader of Barbi’s top notch production, and when the next generation came into the spotlight her son Stefano took over the family estate while daughter Donatella branched off to create the neighbouring Azienda del Casato. Donatella is a major force in the world of quality Italian wine and has spurred important advances in enotourism. With 50 hectares total, 13 of which are dedicated to viticulture, Donatella creates a classic Brunello as well as a Riserva and a Rosso di Montalcino; she also runs the Azienda del Colle at Trequanda, where she produces Chianti Classico Superiore, Orcia, Vin Santo, and a Super Tuscan. Her most innovative creation, though, is Casato’s Brunello ‘Prime Donne,’ a wine designed by an all-female team of respected wine experts who based their decisions on instinct and organoleptic observations. Donatella, who is grooming her daughter Violante as heir to the business, appointed Valérie Lavigne as winemaker in 2010 thus completing the first all female team at an Italian winery.