NEWS AND EVENTS

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News from Casato Prime Donne and Fattoria del Colle, territory, comments on the world of wine, events and wine personalities

Special Offer: Ten Years Later!

 

Would you like to have 3 bottles of Brunello Prime Donne 2016 and 3 bottles of Riserva 2016 delivered straight to your home for €397.00?

This offer features two wines from the fantastic 2016 vintage—an exceptional five-star year—perfect for special occasions, the holidays, and important dinners with friends. It is reserved exclusively for members of Donatella’s Club!

 

A MEMORABLE VINTAGE

2016 harvest in Montalcino, Casato Prime Donne Donatella Cinelli Colombini

2016 harvest in Montalcino, Casato Prime Donne Donatella Cinelli Colombini

In 2016, the growing season—the “pregnancy” of the grapes—began early and ended late, as weather conditions slowed ripening during the final stage. This resulted in a true masterpiece from the

Casato Prime Donne vineyards: perfect grapes that yielded an incredibly elegant and satisfying Brunello—silky like heavy velvet, profound, and built to stand the test of time.

🎁 Receive a complimentary wine sleeve featuring the Donatella Cinelli Colombini winery logo; it protects your bottle when visiting friends or family, ensuring it travels safely in your bag or suitcase.

MEMORABLE BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES AT FATTORIA DEL COLLE

WHEN A CELEBRATION BRINGS FAMILY AND FRIENDS TOGETHER FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENT, THE TUSCANY OF GREAT WINES IS THE PERFECT SETTING: INFORMAL, GLAMOROUS, AND FULL OF SURPRISES.

Festa di compleanno o ricorrenza alla Fattoria del Colle in Toscana

Birthday party or celebration at Fattoria del Colle in Trequanda, Tuscany

Something unique and tailor-made for the guest of honour, designed to turn a birthday party or anniversary into a truly memorable occasion.

It offers a blend of relaxed yet chic luxury—a setting as noble and historic as the Fattoria del Colle in Trequanda, surrounded by breathtaking views and featuring world-renowned wines.

This is how you transform a party into an event that will be remembered for years, making guests from different countries and backgrounds feel at ease—united by a shared desire to have fun and make new friends.

WHO ARE DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI’S GRAPE GROWERS?

EFISIO, DAVIDE, SIMONA, PAOLA, DANIELE, LUCIA, ELIA, KULBIR, MANIJNDER, EMANUELE, SAMIR. SULMAN, ENRICO, NOUREDDINE, AHMED THESE ARE DONATELLA’S GRAPE GROWERS

 

Vignaioli in vendemmia Casato Prime Donne Montalcino Donatella Cinelli Colombini

Grape growers during the harvest Casato Prime Donne Montalcino Donatella Cinelli Colombini

There are fifteen of them, and—with few exceptions—they have been the same for years. The vineyard is the only department within Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s companies where women are in the minority: there are only five. This is because the work requires physical strength and an aptitude for mechanics; indeed, only one woman—Simona De Gregorio—drives the tractor, whereas at least four of the men are able to do so.

A GRAPE GROWER’S WORK IS THE FRUIT OF PRACTICE AND INGENUITY

Years ago, underachieving students were often scolded with the phrase, “If you don’t want to study, go hoe the fields,” implying that agricultural work required no great intelligence—merely the repetition of actions and practices passed down orally.

In short, working on the land was seen as fit only for the bottom of the class. Today, that is no longer the case—or at least, not in viticulture.

FATTORIA DEL COLLE AND THE LISTS OF NAMES OF THOSE WHO BROUGHT IT BACK TO LIFE

AT FATTORIA DEL COLLE, THERE ARE LISTS OF NAMES ON THE WALLS. DONATELLA HD THEM INSCRIBED TO COMMEMORATE THE DATES AND THE KEY FIGURES BEHIND THE ETATE’S REVIVAL.

 

Toscana Fattoria del Colle agriturismo targa con nomi

Toscana Fattoria del Colle agriturismo list of names

By Donatella Cinelli Colombini, winedestination, Fattoria del Colle Trequanda, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino

Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s family displays two contrasting approaches: some cover the walls with inscriptions and commemorative phrases, while others do not even affix plaques to their most significant achievements. Donatella’s great-grandfather, Pio Colombini, placed his name everywhere at the Universities of Cagliari and Modena, where he served as Rector. Her grandfather, Giovanni Colombini, did not put up even a small plaque at the Fortress of Montalcino, which he restored in 1940, rescuing it from a state of severe disrepair (at the time, there were even graves inside).

 

DONATELLA AND HER HABIT OF WRITING NAMES EVERYWHERE

Donatella likes to make names and dates visible, yet she dislikes the rhetoric often associated with commemorations. That is why, in various spots around Fattoria del Colle, one finds actual lists of names—just names, without commentary—which has led to some misunderstandings.

THE 2026 HARVEST HAS CONCLUDED

THE EARLIEST HARVEST ON RECORD, MARKED BY INTENSE HEAT, TWO DAYS OF RED LEVEL WEATHER ALERTS, EXCEPTIONALLY GREEN VINEYARDS AND STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL GRAPES- WRAPPED UP ON SEPTEMBER 28TH

By Donatella Cinelli Colombini, Wine Destination

 

The 2026 harvest may well be the first of the new “tropical era,” characterized by heat and rainfall throughout the summer.

 

Brunello-vendemmia-2026-Casato-Prime-Donne-Davide-Rinaldi-mostra-l'uva-di-Sangiovese

Brunello-harvest-2026-Casato-Prime-Donne-Davide-Rinaldi-shows-Sangiovese-grapes

GRAPE HARVEST BEGINS EARLY AMID SCORCHING HEAT

During the initial days of the red grape harvest at Fattoria del Colle (in the Orcia DOC appellation)—from September 3rd to 9th—the heat severely tested both the pickers and the vat cooling systems, with temperatures peaking at 36°C for four consecutive days. Then, on September 10th, autumn arrived: 44 mm of rain fell, and the daily high temperature dropped from 33°C to 23°C. This brought a sigh of relief to the cellar staff, who had been struggling to maintain fermentation temperatures for the white wines by using unprecedented amounts of dry ice. The red wines fermented at higher-than-usual temperatures, but nothing more could be done.

In nearby Sinalunga, a tornado tore the roofs off houses, destroyed sports facilities, and killed a woman.

DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI IGT SANCHIMENTO 2025 (ORGANIC)

THE 2025 VINTAGE IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE BEST OF THE LAST 20 YEARS DUE TO EXTRAORDINARY QUALITY OF THE GRAPES. GRAPE HARVEST BEGAN MID-AUGUST.

Vendemmia 2025 Violante Gardini Cinelli Colombini

2025 Harvest Violante Gardini Cinelli Colombini

By Donatella Cinelli Colombini – Wine Destination – Fattoria del Colle Trequanda, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino

 

Sanchimento wine is at the heart of an experimental project shaping the future white wines and vineyards of Donatella Cinelli Colombini. The grapes used include Traminer and Sangiovese grown at Fattoria del Colle, alongside purchased Procanico and Grechetto—two native Tuscan varieties. Procanico is a Trebbiano variant with smaller clusters, while Grechetto is highly prized by our female winemakers for its exceptional quality potential. However, in southern Tuscany, it bears a name that strikes fear into the sales team: *pulcinculo*—(fleas in the bottom) a term derived from the small black dot found at the base of the berries.

 

SANCHIMENTO: AN ALMOST-ORANGE SUPERTUSCAN

To determine the best way to express the qualities of each grape variety, the winemaking process utilized a variety of vessels: two terracotta amphorae, a Clayver, a concrete egg-shaped tank, and, naturally, temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats. The vinification process was thus complex and bold—almost like an experimental laboratory.

WHAT  ARE “LOW-NAT” WINES AND WHY I LIKE THEM

I NOT ONLY ENJOY WINES WITH LOW NATURAL ALCOHOL CONTENT, BUT I ALREADY MAKE ONE: THE ROSA DI TETTO IGT ROSE’. LOW -NAT WINES ARE LESS PROCESSED AND TASTE BETTER

Rosa di Tetto, IGT Toscana rosato Low Nat

Low Nat Rosa di Tetto, IGT Toscana di Sangiovese Fattoria del Colle Donatella Cinelli Colombini

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini, winedestination, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino, Fattoria del Colle Trequanda

 

A wonderful article by Gianluca Atzeni in “Trebicchieri” explains the reason for the great enthusiasm surrounding “LOW-NAT” wines—a category with an alcohol content similar to beer, yet which is unequivocally wine. This enthusiasm has led to amendments to the production regulations for appellations such as Orvieto, Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Prosecco, and Garda.

 

LOW-NAT WINES:  A WINNING FORMULA FOR EVERYONE

The fact is that temperatures are rising and consumer needs are shifting. There is a decline in overall consumption—including daily home consumption—alongside an increase in social drinking away from home. Coupled with this is a growing focus on health and waistlines.

2026 CASATO PRIME DONNE AWARD

ON SEPTEMBER 19TH IN MOTALCINO: AN AWARD DEDICATED TO WOMEN SHAPING THE FUTURE-LIKE SANDRA MISALE- AS WELL AS TO THOSE WHO PROMOTE BRUNELLO AND TO YOUNG TALENTS.

 

Francesca Ciancio vincitrice del Premio Casato Prime Donne 2026

Francesca Ciancio winner of the journalism section of the Casato Prime Donne Award 2026

Sandra Misale, recipient the 2026 Prima Donna award, is one of the world’s leading cancer scientists; she studies the KRAS gene, which enables tumours to replicate and metastasize. “She has a laboratory named after her at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, yet she was born in Calabria 41 years ago and completed her studies in Italy. If patients with pancreatic, lung, or colon cancer can have hope today, it is also thanks to her,” explains Donatella Cinelli Colombini, president of the award.

2026 CASATO PRIME DONNE JOURNALISM AWARDS GO TO CIANCIO AND CUOMO

The 2026 Casato Prime Donne Award ceremony will also feature two Italian journalists who have effectively promoted Montalcino and its wines: Francesca Ciancio and Andrea Cuomo.

Francesca Ciancio wins the award in the “Montalcino and I” category for her article “Montalcino Beyond Brunello,” published in “Wine and Travel”. Ciancio is a professional journalist, video maker, creator of TV and web formats, content creator for wine industry companies, sommelier, and an instructor in Wine & Food

Andrea Cuomo Premio Casato Prime Donne 2026

Andrea Cuomo Casato Prime Donne Award 2026

Communication. She began her career in Naples with “traditional” journalism before moving to a major publishing group, Class Editori. From there, she transitioned toward a more contemporary style of journalism, eventually specializing in the food and wine sector online.

Her article on Montalcino demonstrates “how, alongside Brunello, there exists a mosaic of production and stories that helps define the territory’s agricultural identity.”

The Consorzio del Brunello Award, presented by President Giacomo Bartolommei, is awarded to Andrea Cuomo for his article “Brunello di Montalcino: the 2021 vintage is fragrant, defined, and vertical,” published on “IlGiornale.it”.

CASATO PRIME DONNE BECOMES THE SUBJECT OF A UNIVERSITY THESIS

GAIA D’AMBROSIO GRADUATED FROM LUISS WITH A THESIS TITLED “FEMALE LEADERSHIP AND INCLUSION: WHEN DIVERSITY BECOMES STRATEGY. THE CASE OF CASATO PRIME DONNE”

 

Gaia d’Ambrosio con la sua tesi di laurea in Economia e Management allìUniversità Luiss - riguardante il Casato Prime Donne

Gaia d’Ambrosio with her thesis regarding Casato Prime Donne

It is gratifying when one’s work inspires others and one’s choices are viewed favourably in an authoritative setting. That is why Gaia d’Ambrosio’s thesis filled us with pride. Gaia earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics & Management from Luiss University in Rome, with Professor Cinzia Calluso—of the Chair of Business Organization within the Department of Business and Management—serving as her thesis supervisor. Below, I present the final section of her thesis, containing the conclusions.

 

CONCLUSIONS OF GAIA D’AMBROSIO’S THESIS

This thesis analysed how female leadership and gender diversity can be transformed into a strategic asset. Through a theoretical analysis and an empirical case study of Casato Prime Donne, it became evident that the presence of women in business acts as a tangible driver of innovation, differentiation, and competitiveness. The issue extends beyond mere social equity.

COCA COLA CI INSEGNA IL VALORE DELLE EMOZIONI

ROBERT JOSEPH HA PUBBLICATO SU LINKEDIN UN POST INTITOLATO “WORLD CUP LESSONS TO LEARN FROM COCA COLA” LA LEZIONE DA IMPARARE DA COCA COLA SUI MONDIALI DI CALCIO

Coca Cola è un esempio di capacità comunicativa che può insegnare molto al vino

Coca Cola è un esempio di capacità comunicativa che può insegnare molto al vino

Di Donatella Cinelli Colombini, winedestination, Fattoria del Colle Trequanda, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino 

Il post inizia con un pistolotto che mi apre il cuore: ogni volta che Robert Joseph cerca di parlare di Coca Cola o McDonald’s a chi si occupa di vino riceve insulti <<Perché mai dovresti dare ascolto a qualcuno della Coca-Cola o di McDonald’s? Sono entrambi prodotti e aziende orribili, e non hanno nulla a che fare con il vino>>. Quante volte è successo anche a me!
Il punto è che colossi industriali come Coca Cola o McDonald’s hanno esperti di livello stellare. Professionisti che il vino non può permettersi e imparare da loro permette di affrontare le sfide che il vino ha di fronte con soluzioni più nuove e originali. In altre parole copiare costa meno che creare soluzioni in autonomia ed è anche meno rischioso.
Ed ecco a voi la lezione.

SPECIAL OFFER: A COMPARISON OF TWO ROSSO DI MONTALCINO!

Would you like to receive—delivered straight to your home—an exclusive preview of 4 bottles of 2024 Rosso di Montalcino and 1 Magnum of 2023 Rosso di Montalcino for €119.00?

This is a unique opportunity to enjoy Rosso di Montalcino from two different vintages, both crafted from Sangiovese grapes grown in the organic vineyards at Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s Casato Prime Donne estate. The different bottle sizes give you the flexibility to choose the perfect occasion for each. It is an ideal wine for the final days of summer and the autumn season—perfect for aperitifs, lunches, dinners, and parties, whether for an intimate gathering with close friends or a lively celebration!

🎁 Bonus gift: An artistic resin “sail” sculpture by Riccardo Marzi, featuring real Sangiovese vine leaves. This handcrafted décor piece is made in the heart of Tuscany; the sails capture the poetry and magic of nature’s colours within their translucent form, each one housing a tiny natural microcosm inspired by our landscapes.

🍇 Offer of the Month – For Donatella Club Members

4 bottles of Rosso di Montalcino 2024 (0.75L) – PREVIEW RELEASE

1 Magnum of Rosso di Montalcino 2023 (1.5L)

1 resin “sail” sculpture featuring vine leaves from Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s vineyard, created by Riccardo Marzi—an expression of Tuscan creativity

SHELL ROYSTER

SHELL ROYSTER, THE HIGHLY ACCLAIMED AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHER AND JOURNALIST, VISITS FATTORIA DEL COLLE—AND I ONLY REALIZE IT AFTER SHE HAS LEFT—BUT SHE LOVES WHAT WE DO.

 

Fattoria del Colle Trequanda Toscana

Fattoria del Colle Trequanda Toscana

By Donatella Cinelli Colombini, winedestination, Fattoria del Colle Trequanda, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino

 

Shell Royster is an award-winning food journalist and photographer based in Atlanta. After studying at the International Center of Photography in New York, she began travelling the world, driven by passion and “the art and magic of transforming experiences into powerful images.” Her work has appeared in numerous publications, including “National Geographic Traveller”, “Afar”, “Kraft”, Oprah’s “Oh That’s Good” Food, and Qantas Airlines. She is, in short, a prominent figure—though I only realized this after her stay at Fattoria del Colle, when it was already too late to invite her to dinner. It was only when she sent me questions for an interview that I recognized her talent and began to look into her background. After all, asking questions is far more difficult than giving answers, and only someone with a true journalist’s instinct knows exactly what to ask.

                                                                       
Cinelli Colombini
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