Donatella Cinelli Colombini : Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2013

The elegance of a balanced, refined Brunello Riserva with exceptional aging potential

The estate

In the heart of Tuscany, in the southern part of the Chianti appellation, lies the Donatella Cinelli Colombini estate: Casato Prime Donne in Montalcino. Owned by the Donatella Cinelli Colombini family since the 16th century, the estate took a new direction over the last three generations, as the land has been passed down from mother to daughter. Since 1998, Donatella Cinelli Colombini has worked closely to restore the prestige of her ancestors’ estate. To achieve this, she relies on the expertise of a highly skilled all-female team, making the property Italy’s first winery entirely run by women.

The vineyard

Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2013 is produced each year from the estate’s finest hectares of Sangiovese vines. Out of 17 hectares of vines, only one or two are selected each year to craft the Brunello Riserva, following grape tastings and chemical analysis. This same process also determines the harvest date. This meticulous work ensures that only perfect grapes are used, and above all at the same level of ripeness. Generally, the grapes come from the vineyard known as Ardita. To preserve this precious terroir, Donatella Cinelli Colombini farms her vines organically.

The wine

Of truly extraordinary quality, the Brunello Riserva is among the world’s finest red wines. It promises exceptionally long aging, as these wines grow more magnificent with time, with some even aging for centuries to offer a sublime expression. Brunello is produced only in great vintages, when the climate creates small, low-yielding clusters with small, perfectly ripe berries.

Winemaking and aging

After hand-harvesting, the finest clusters are brought to the cellar. The grapes ferment in concrete vats with a punch-down system that allows vinification without pumping. After fermentation, the wine begins its maceration period, with contact between the must and the skins for 15 to 30 days. The wine then ages in barrels for 2 and a half to 3 years. Over these years, the wine changes vessels : it begins aging in 5- to 7-hectoliter casks and finishes in large vats of 15 to 40 hectoliters. Before bottling, the wine rests once again in concrete vats. Racking is carried out every year to make the Brunello clearer and more brilliant. Finally, this Tuscan wine completes the development of its complex, refined character in bottle for 6 months to a year.

Blend

Sangiovese (100%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2013 from Donatella Cinelli Colombini

Tasting

Color

Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2013 displays a ruby-red color with garnet highlights.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet stands out for its finesse, depth, and complexity. Ripe red fruits and fruit notes meet spices in a sublime aromatic expression.

Palate

Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2013 embodies an elegant wine with vibrant acidity and perfect balance. Fresh and linear, this exceptional wine offers silky tannins and remarkable length. 

Food and wine pairings

Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2013 is the ideal companion to fine meats and aged cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2013 is an exceptional wine that will express the finesse of its style through 2043 and beyond. For optimal tasting, serve between 19 and 20 degrees in balloon-shaped wine glasses.