Donatella Cinelli Colombini : Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino 2020

Tasting characteristics and advice for Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino 2020 by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep ruby red hue.

Nose

The nose reveals intense aromas of black cherry and fragrant raspberry, accompanied by balsamic notes. Hints of tarry smoke, forest floor, and campfire ash add a tertiary dimension characteristic of Sangiovese.

Palate

On the palate, this wine shows an accessible generosity with a enveloping texture that unfolds harmoniously across the palate. Dark fruits express themselves with intensity, supported by a mineral backbone. The tannins—long, firm, and well integrated—lend the whole structure with elegance. The finish reveals gentle woody notes.

Food and wine pairings

This Brunello di Montalcino is an ideal match for game preparations such as wild boar stew. It also pairs perfectly with braised or roasted meats, notably veal and pork, as well as with aged cheeses such as pecorino.

Serving and cellaring

Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino 2020 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. This wine can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve until around 2038.

An elegant and pure Brunello di Montalcino from the Casato Prime Donne estate in Tuscany

The estate

Located in the heart of Tuscany, the Casato Prime Donne estate lies in Montalcino. Owned by the family of Donatella Cinelli Colombini since the 16th century, the estate has undergone a turning point over the last three generations, with the land being 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-women team, making the property the first winery composed entirely of women in Italy.

The vineyard

The vines for this Brunello di Montalcino are planted on the north-facing slopes of the Montalcino hills, at around 225 meters above sea level. The soils, composed mainly of clay and silt, offer ideal density and structure for cultivating Sangiovese. The northern exposure allows the vines to benefit from regular cool periods, helping preserve balanced acidity and optimal aromatic complexity.

The vintage

The year 2020 in Tuscany began with a mild winter without frosts, followed by a dry spring that encouraged steady vine growth. June brought welcome but also abundant rainfall, creating fungal pressure. July and early August saw heat peaks reaching 40°C, moderated by rain in the second half of August. September offered classic conditions with warm days and cool nights, despite significant rainfall at the end of the month. This vintage produced elegant, energetic wines with excellent aging potential.

Winemaking and aging

Casato Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino 2020 is vinified in cement tanks with indigenous yeasts. Aging takes place in several stages: a minimum of two years in 500-liter barrels, followed by time in 15-hectoliter casks for additional maturation. The wine then benefits from bottle aging prior to release, allowing its aromatic complexity to develop and its tannins to fully integrate.

Grape variety

100% Sangiovese