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

12 August 2022

SUSTAINABILITY IN WINE

Many wineries are committed to sustainability but few are capable of communicating it because they make ethical choices out of conviction and not out of marketing

Sustainability in wine : more real but less communicated – Fattoria del Colle – Tuscany

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

The situation is reversed but resembles that of Giulio Cesare’s wife, Pompea when her lover, Claudius, entered their home during the celebrations in honour of the goddess Bona. In the divorce process Cesare made no mention of the fact and when asked for a reason he replied that his wife should not even be touched by the suspicion.

Which meant that it was not enough that she was honest but she also had to appear honest.

SUSTAINABILITY IN WINE IS REAL BUT LESS COMMUNICATED

As regards to sustainability in wine, the reverse is true. As WineNews rightly titled << Sustainability in wine in Italy: many do it, fewer communicate it well >>.

4 August 2022

in Farm experiences

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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FATTORIA DEL COLLE A TREASURE CHEST OF VALUES TO PRESERVE

Tradition, history, nature, craftsmanship … Fattoria del Colle in the most panoramic and intact Tuscan countryside is dedicated to the preservation of these values

Orcia DOC Winery Fattoria del Colle

By Donatella Cinelli Colombini

As some people may already know, I am an art historian who has become a grape grower. For this reason I take the liberty of writing a little note on the concept of conservation and restoration. It is a very ancient practice but until the mid-twentieth century the works of art – especially paintings and architecture – were integrated with ruined parts and “updated” with respect to the fashion. In other words, they were “embellished” but substantially falsified. Cesare Brandi was the father of modern restoration that must not << commit an artistic forgery or a historical forgery, and without erasing all traces of the passage of the work of art over time >> in other words, conservation must safeguard the integrity of the works.

22 July 2022

in Forum: News and lifestyle

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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Feminine Grape varieties and male wines by Daniele Cernilli

It’s a game but up to a certain point: the vine, the vineyard, the grape, the rooted vine are feminine nouns in Italian but the word vino (wine) is male like most of the appellations

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

Vigneto Glera-per-il-Prosecco

Today 55% of regular Italian wine consumers are women. The fairer sex is the majority among those who book visits to wineries …. but wine has a masculine connotation because, for 8,000 years it has been produced and drunk by men.
Daniele Cernilli- Doctor Wine with the cultured irony that distinguishes him starts from this point for a semi-serious but very intriguing reasoning << Grammar sometimes plays bad jokes. We are used to thinking of wine as something masculine, “the” Barolo, “the” Brunello, “the” Taurasi, but there are vines and wines declined in the feminine and who knows this might also coincide with their characteristics … >>

FEMALE VINES AND MALE WINES A GENDER INTRIC THAT MIGHT REVEAL SOMETHING

The “gender” examination of the appellations, for me, starts from the decidedly female Doc Orcia because << the most beautiful wine in the world >> is born on hills with sinuous profiles. These are the sexiest and most similar views to a woman’s body that Tuscany and perhaps Italy possesses.

7 July 2022

in Characters and places

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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See, Feel, Taste Val d’Orcia

“See, feel and taste the Val d’Orcia” beautiful book by Anastasia Kellermann, American-Dutch debut writer with a Tuscan heart

Anastasia-Kellermann-shows-the-cover-of-her-book-See-Feel-Taste-Val-d’Orcia

By Donatella Cinelli Colombini

Presented at the Pieve di Vitaleta between Pienza and San Quirico d’Orcia, the book by Anastasia Kellermann takes us into her “Tuscan dream” made of flavours and people, fairy-tale places and breath-taking sunsets in what seems to be a land blessed by God for its mysterious harmony between excellence and simplicity, nature and art, lifestyle and work.

VAL D’ORCIA SEEN THROUGH THE EYES OF A DUTCH AMERICAN WITH A TUSCAN HEART

The following is the preface I wrote for the book “See Feel Taste Val d’Orcia” and reflects the importance and novelty of this beautiful book of exciting photos and texts.

30 June 2022

in Forum: News and lifestyle

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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OFFER: WINES FOR SUMMER PARTIES IN THE GARDEN

As an exception, for the members of the Donatella Club, two fresh wines for the summer: ideal for lunches and dinners in the garden, for aperitifs and for parties next to the pool with friends.

Now that we really want to participate in convivial events, also considering that in summer we prefer to be outdoors, these are two wines to keep close at hand!

Sanchimento-IGT-Toscana-Bianco-2021-e-Chianti-Superiore-2019

Sanchimento-IGT-Toscana-Bianco-2021-and-Chianti-Superiore-2019

The Sanchimento IGT Bianco Toscano, which has always been considered very versatile, is a wonderful match for savoury snacks and meals based on delicate dishes such as vegetable soups, fish, shellfish, white meats, vegetables and fresh cheeses.

While for the Chianti Superiore DOCG, a red wine, the approach to consumption changes. Even the Chianti Consortium suggests lowering the temperature in order to fully enjoy its pleasantness, freshness of perfumes and aromas in summer.

6 bottles of Sanchimento IGT Toscana 2021

6 bottles of Chianti Superiore DOCG 2019

1 corkscrew from our winery

1 recipe book from Fattoria del Colle

23 June 2022

in Forum: News and lifestyle, Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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Poolwine

A category invented by the young sommelier Vincenzo Donatiello in 2018 which includes wines for the swimming pool: fresh, immediate and pleasant but never trivial

Poolwines-vini-da-piscina-Spumante-Rosè-Metodo-Classico-Donatella-Cinelli-Colombini

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

Wine experts snub them by branding them as thirst quenchers without real quality but actually they exist all over the world. The French call them vins de soif that is wines for thirst, in English they take the name of poolwine which corresponds to the swimming pool wines proposed by the Lucanian sommelier Vincenzo Donatiello.

VINCENZO DONATIELLO AND POOLWINES

It was this thirty-year-old professional who proposed them for the first time in Italy in 2018. Vincenzo was the maître of the Piazza Duomo restaurant in Alba until February 2022, with the starred chef Enrico Crippa.

17 June 2022

in Forum: News and lifestyle

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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When the vineyard doesn’t make grapes

“Old vineyard makes good wine” says the proverb but only by following three main rules: replace failures, maintain the structure, renew the cordon

Old-vineyards-qualities-and-defects

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

“The old vines do not make grapes” say many producers and so they uproot it. But it is a mistake. By doing so, they will never produce excellent wines and there is also a way to keep them well. The more the years pass, the more failures increase and the more problems arise related to viruses, damage caused by cultivation tools or neglect in maintaining structures, or errors in soil management. This is especially true for those who use chemicals that reduce the vitality of the earth or heavy tools that compact the soil and asphyxiate the roots. Practices that push the root system of the vines upwards also have similar effects, making them vulnerable to water stress.

9 June 2022

in Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2020, 5 STARS

In Montalcino, for the first time, there have been 3 extraordinary harvests 2019, 2020 and 2021 one after the other. The one in the middle is extraordinary for its bouquet and full taste

Rosso-di-Montalcino-2020-Casato-Prime-Donne-Donatella-Cinelli-Colombini

Never before has there been such a favorable sequence. A great gift for winemakers but also a great challenge because the three vintages had very different characteristics and therefore had to be interpreted in a different way.

2020 started badly with a small frost during the bud (18-23 March) which reduced the quantity of grapes. The winter was mild and arid. The rain came in June in a very abundant way, throughout the month. The heat began in mid-July and lasted until September with almost no rain but with a strong difference in temperature between night and day. At the time of harvest, the grapes were very small, perfectly ripe and with totally lignified seeds. They gave rise to colourful and fragrant musts with the typical crunchiness of the great Sangiovese vintages.

Rosso di Montalcino 2020 comes from the same ORGANIC vineyards as Brunello. The winemakers at Casato Prime Donne, just before the harvest, divide the vineyards into small plots, by tasting the grapes. Those to be used for the Rosso di Montalcino must have a good component of polyphenols and potential alcohol but lower than those that will produce the wine destined for long aging. Rosso di Montalcino must in fact give satisfaction to those who drink it in the first years of life.

26 May 2022

in Forum: News and lifestyle

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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OFFER: A CELEBRATION OF THE 2016 VINTAGE

An opportunity not to be missed especially for the friends of Donatella’s Club. Purchase two of Casato Prime Donne’s premium wines at once, from the same vintage, and rated at 5 stars

May-Offer-Casato-Prime-Donne-Donatella-Cinelli-Colombini

The 2016 vintage is << the best vintage of an entire generation >>. This is said by Bruce Sanderson, senior editor of Wine Spectator, , a prestigious American magazine in the wine sector. According to Bruce, the Brunellos from 2016 are the most interesting wines since the 1990s.

This vintage of Brunello has also been called the year of wonders, of real masterpieces destined to make the history of the appellation, one more reason to grab and keep as many bottles of this vintage as possible, to enjoy it today as in 20 years.

3 bottles Brunello Prime Donne 2016

3 bottles Brunello Riserva 2016

2 vacuum pumps to be able to enjoy the bottle even a few days later

20 May 2022

in Farm experiences

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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RECIPES AND PEOPLE OF THE FATTORIA DEL COLLE RESTAURANT

I’m back again to talk to you about the Fattoria del Colle restaurant, introducing you to 2 people and 2 delicious recipes: ravioli stuffed with cheek and pork fillet with Brunello

Those who arrive at Fattoria del Colle know they will find a temple of the more rural Tuscan traditions. The restaurant also reflects this spirit.

Wild-pork-fillet-with-Brunello-Fattoria-del-Colle-Tuscany

Wild-pork-fillet-with-Brunello-Fattoria-del-Colle-Restaurant- Tuscany

The interior room is decorated with a floral motif taken from the villa of Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s uncle and aunt in Chianti Classico. Here there is the fireplace and the breakfast buffet with homemade cakes and biscuits, typical cold cuts and pecorino cheese … the piece of furniture is the farmer’s old desk. The queen of farm breakfasts is Patrizia Guerri who every day prepares unbeatable doughnuts, pies and sponge cakes.

ALFREDO BIAGI, ROBERTA ARCHETTI AND PATRIZIA GUERRI

On the veranda of the restaurant, surrounded by greenery, is the room where guests generally dine by candlelight. Here there is a small collection of copper objects of the farming tradition: jugs, bowls, basins … The decor is more modern with padded chairs and white tablecloths but the dishes are handcrafted in Montelupo Fiorentino inspired by those used in the countryside a century ago.
The dining room service is directed by Alfredo Biagi, AIS Sommelier of the Arezzo delegation since 2016. Alfredo is from Chianciano Terme where his family arrived at the end of the nineteenth century and experienced the golden age of this thermal wellness resort. His grandfather opened the first wine shop in Chianciano and his family managed hotels and restaurants. He himself directed Villa Nottola in Montepulciano for many years

19 May 2022

in Farm experiences

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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FATTORIA DEL COLLE RESTAURANT

It is a “wine” restaurant because it overlooks the vineyards, bases its menu on tradition and the great wines by Donatella Cinelli Colombini and it has two AIS Sommeliers

Zuppa-inglese-blancmange-and-Passito-Fattoria-del-Colle-Restaurant

Today and tomorrow, I will present to you the protagonists and the new recipes of the Fattoria del Colle Restaurant in Trequanda, in the most intact and panoramic Tuscan countryside. The restaurant is actually made up of two restaurants: the recently restored barn as a hall for banquets, conferences and parties, and the gourmet restaurant, which has existed since 1998. The latter is inside the hamlet where the farmers used to live and where today there are rooms and apartments for tourists. The restaurant is housed in the old ox stables and pigsty, although now, with the floral decorations on the walls and refined furnishings, it seems difficult to believe.

In summer, the internal rooms extend outwards into the terrace and romantic grove illuminated with small suspended light bulbs as in ancient peasant feasts. The grove and terrace above the cellar are in great demand for weddings and allow each couple to create a very personalized wedding party unlike any other. Every detail is thought out with care, even the lighting of the grove is designed by Philip Robinson – the English set designer of famous films such as “Four weddings and a funeral”.

In the menu of the Fattoria del Colle Restaurant we find the same mix of tradition, accuracy and creativity.

11 May 2022

in Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

0 Comments

Il Drago e le 8 Colombe IGT Toscana Rosso 2019

Donatella Cinelli Colombini presents her Supertuscan Il Drago e le 8 Colombe, for the first time in organic version

2019 the harvest of the super Sangiovese, the year in which the bunches and berries of the king of Tuscany grape variety looked like Cabernet, the king of the Bordeaux vineyard.A dream of a harvest, with abundant, perfect grapes that were harvested by hand and then vinified in small vats where the must quickly took on a very intense colour.

Sangiovese 2019 grape harvest after 4 days

The bunches of Sagrantino and Merlot, which also make up the blend of Il Drago e le 8 Colombe were also of the highest quality. Each grape variety was vinified separately but, to make the most of the richness of the 2019 grapes, all made a very long post fermentation maceration. For this reason the racking was postponed for a week – ten days for all types: Sangiovese, Merlot and Sagrantino.

There was also a small variation in the aging in cask compared to usual. When the wine was ready to be moved from the vats to the barrels, the Covid epidemic caused the first lockdown, forcing the cellar work to be slowed down. Too bad because precisely because of the superior quality of the vintage, the quantity of barrels purchased was greater than usual.

IL DRAGO E LE 8 COLOMBE: A WINE DEDICATED TO MEN FROM THE ALL-FEMALE WINERY

The cellars belonging to Donatella Cinelli Colombini, Casato Prime Donne in Montalcino and Fattoria del Colle, in Trequanda, where this wine is born, are the first in Italy with an entirely female staff. Il Drago e le 8 Colombe is dedicated to the only male present: Carlo Gardini, husband to Donatella and creator of small, highly awarded series of Passito and Vin Santo. He is the dragon mentioned in the name of the wine and surrounded by 8 doves: the consultant Valérie Lavigne, the oenologists Barbara, Sabrina, Giada and the cellar staff, the incoming and sales staff. An oenological gynoecium that is constantly growing in number.

SUPERTUSCAN – IGT TOSCANA IL DRAGO E LE 8 COLOMBE

Il Drago e le 8 Colombe is an “author’s wine” and does not belong to any denomination. This category arises from the need to express the creativity of wine makers without subjecting them to the rules of the Doc-Docg regulations. The name Supertuscan highlights the qualitative ambitions of the wines of this type which enjoy a great international prestige. Il Drago e le 8 Colombe contains three different grape varieties: Sangiovese, which gives the wine its elegance, Merlot (20%) which adds pleasantness and Sagrantino (20%) which increases the structure. All the grapes are grown, vinified, aged in cask, bottled and refined at Fattoria del Colle in compliance with the BIO (organic) rules.

5 May 2022

in Not only wine..., Video

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

0 Comments

Casato Prime Donne Award incubator of TOP young talents

The Casato Prime Donne 2022 Award adds to the previous activities that of incubator for future leaders. Here is the selection for pastry chefs and goldsmiths

Cake-for-the-Casato-Prime-Donne-Award-2019-made-by-Rossano-Vinciarelli-World-Champion

Communicators, goldsmiths, pastry chefs, language and agriculture students under 30 years of age will be involved in the Casato Prime Donne Award by carrying out training experiences, receiving visibility or stimuli capable of motivating them and opening up new professional and human horizons for them.
The project includes collaborations with the University of Siena – Department of Communication Sciences and with two Sienese schools. At the same time, two small competitions are held for the selection of the best young talents in the goldsmith and pastry fields.

SELECTION OF THE BEST YOUNG PASTRY CHEF FROM TUSCANY

The best young pastry chef will be chosen by a jury composed of the gastronomy journalist Marzia Morganti, Helle Poulsen Tesio, author of 16 books on Italian cuisine and the chef Doriana Marchi from Fattoria del Colle. To compete, you must be under 30 years of age and have been residing in Tuscany for at least 5 years. You need to create a new cake dedicated to women and send the photo of the cake with the recipe (without the doses of the ingredients) to info@cinellicolombini.it by May 30^th along with some biographical notes. The chosen pastry chef will make the cake (or the cakes) for 80 people which will be served in the occasion of the award giving ceremony on September 17th. Obviously, the cake will be paid for, the recipe will remain secret (subject to his/her authorization) and the young pastry chef will enjoy national visibility thanks to the photos and the social and traditional communication linked to the prize.

28 April 2022

in Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

0 Comments

93 and 93/100 to the two 2017 Brunellos 2017 by WS

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator tasting director explains the 2017 harvest and rewards Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s Brunellos with two 93/100

2017-Harvest-in-Montalcino-Donatella-Cinelli-Colombini

It is wonderful to see your wines in the Wine Spectator Insider. A weekly preview of Wine Spectator that reaches wine lovers and collectors from all over the world. It is like seeing your jewel in the Cartier window on Place Vendome in Paris, that is, in the city of fashion and in the most visible spot for the most glamorous millionaires.
There are two 2017 Brunellos made by Donatella Cinelli Colombini in the Wine Spectator Insider and both with 93/100. Excellent result that our USA Importer immediately relaunched on social networks.

BRUCE SANDERSON’S DESCRIPTION OF THE 2017 VINTAGE OF BRUNELLO

Bruce Sanderson’s description of the 2017 harvest is masterful in terms of synthesis and effectiveness << The winter was mild and rainy until March, when temperatures increased, leading to an early bud break. In mid-April, a frost occurred which caused some damage. However, the biggest impact was the drought from May to August, with high temperatures in July and August…. The rain in mid-September refreshed the vines and revived the grapes>>.

22 April 2022

in Forum: News and lifestyle

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

0 Comments

OFFER: LEONE ROSSO 2019 DOC ORCIA – 5 STARS

A unique opportunity for the friends of Donatella’s Club. Personalize three of the twelve bottles of Leone Rosso DOC Orcia purchased to be able to donate them to friends with a special label

Donatella-and-Violante-Cinelli-Colombini-present-the-Leone-Rosso-DOC-Orcia-2019

We present the 2019 vintage, classified 5 stars, of this Doc Orcia that comes from a small and exclusive production born in the vineyards, vinified and aged in cask at Fattoria del Colle, in Tuscany. Born on the hills 400 meters above sea level near Montalcino, Montepulciano and Cortona.

The Leone Rosso Doc Orcia wine is a very versatile wine that can accompany the entire meal. It is also particularly suitable to match with cold cuts and young cheeses. It adapts well to intense and even spicy foods.

Exclusively for you, 3 bottles with 3 labels to customize to celebrate a dear friend or an anniversary. For example, if Francesco invites you to his birthday, you can take a bottle with a bespoke label.

12 bottles of Leone Rosso Orcia DOC 2019

3 customizable labels

3 shopping bags with logo

SANGIOVESE WITH MERLOT FOR A BLEND OF ELEGANCE AND SOFTNESS

This wine contains Sangiovese and Merlot grapes resulting in a typically Tuscan elegance and silky softness.

Much appreciated for its drinkability by wine lovers and by the wine critics of Wine Spectator, James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast who, in recent years, have given excellent ratings of 90/100 and even higher.

What do you want to book?

Blog

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

SUSTAINABILITY IN WINE

SUSTAINABILITY IN WINE IS REAL BUT LESS COMMUNICATED

FATTORIA DEL COLLE A TREASURE CHEST OF VALUES TO PRESERVE

Feminine Grape varieties and male wines by Daniele Cernilli

FEMALE VINES AND MALE WINES A GENDER INTRIC THAT MIGHT REVEAL SOMETHING

See, Feel, Taste Val d’Orcia

VAL D’ORCIA SEEN THROUGH THE EYES OF A DUTCH AMERICAN WITH A TUSCAN HEART

OFFER: WINES FOR SUMMER PARTIES IN THE GARDEN

Poolwine

VINCENZO DONATIELLO AND POOLWINES

When the vineyard doesn’t make grapes

ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2020, 5 STARS

OFFER: A CELEBRATION OF THE 2016 VINTAGE

RECIPES AND PEOPLE OF THE FATTORIA DEL COLLE RESTAURANT

ALFREDO BIAGI, ROBERTA ARCHETTI AND PATRIZIA GUERRI

FATTORIA DEL COLLE RESTAURANT

Il Drago e le 8 Colombe IGT Toscana Rosso 2019

IL DRAGO E LE 8 COLOMBE: A WINE DEDICATED TO MEN FROM THE ALL-FEMALE WINERY

SUPERTUSCAN – IGT TOSCANA IL DRAGO E LE 8 COLOMBE

Casato Prime Donne Award incubator of TOP young talents

SELECTION OF THE BEST YOUNG PASTRY CHEF FROM TUSCANY

93 and 93/100 to the two 2017 Brunellos 2017 by WS

BRUCE SANDERSON’S DESCRIPTION OF THE 2017 VINTAGE OF BRUNELLO

OFFER: LEONE ROSSO 2019 DOC ORCIA – 5 STARS

SANGIOVESE WITH MERLOT FOR A BLEND OF ELEGANCE AND SOFTNESS

What do you want to book?

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