Vines and wines

29 September 2026

in Forum: News and lifestyle, Vines and wines

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.

23 September 2026

in Vines and wines

by Donatella

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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.

8 September 2026

in Forum: News and lifestyle, Vines and wines

by Donatella

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2026 HARVEST UNDERWAY

WHITE GRAPES AND THOSE DESTINED FOR SPUMANTE HAVE ALREADY ARRIVED IN THE CELLAR; NOW, HOWEVER, WE ARE HARVESTING THE RED GRAPES FOR SUPER TUSCANS, CHIANTI SUPERIORE, DOC ORCIA AND FINALLY FOR THE BRUNELLO The time has come! For Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s estates—Casato Prime Donne in Montalcino and Fattoria del Colle in Trequanda—the most important time of the year has begun. The 2026 season was marked by heavy winter rains that persisted into spring, disrupting the flowering stage. This situation had two effects: reducing the size of the developing grape clusters and building up water reserves in the soil. THE 2026 WEATHER AND ITS...

11 August 2026

in Forum: News and lifestyle, Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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RED WINE SERVED CHILLED IS BETTER

I ONCE SERVED MY BRUNELLO AT THE TEMPERATURE OF A HOT BROTH, AND I WAS MORTIFIED. YOU NEED TO USE AND ICE BUCKET FOR REDS TOO

Tormaresca Antinori -fichimori- vino rosso da bere fresco

Tormaresca Antinori -fichimori- red wine to be served chilled

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

Until a few years ago, the problem for us Brunello producers was bottles getting too cold in winter; however, global warming has reversed the situation. Now, the focus is on cooling the wine, as no one wants to serve it at a temperature that makes it resemble herbal tea. That is why using ice buckets—a practice once reserved for whites and rosés—has become common for reds as well. And I am not referring only to young wines that emphasize freshness, but also to great reds meant for aging.

RENOWNED SOMMELIERS AND WINEMAKERS ALIKE AGREE ON THE PRACTICE OF CHILLING WINES

A delightful article by WineNews discusses this trend, featuring insights from prestigious sommeliers such as Paolo Porfidio (Excelsior Hotel Gallia, Milan), Sebastien Ferrara (Enrico Bartolini al Mudec, Milan), and Marco Reitano (La Pergola by Heinz Beck, Rome).

25 March 2026

in Forum: News and lifestyle, Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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PREVIEW OF THE ORCIA DOC RISERVA CENERENTOLA

Cenerentola DOC Orcia Riserva 2020 Fattoria del Colle Donatella Cinellicolombini Toscana

10 VINTAGES OF ORCIA DOC CENERENTOLA TOGETHER WITH FASHION, DESIGN, EVENTS, SONGS AND FILMS FROM THE SAME YEARS TO DISCOVER HOW WINE IS CULTURE AND A MIRROR OF HUMANITY

Donatella Cinelli Colombini and her daughter Violante transformed the presentation of the 2020 Orcia DOC Riserva Cenerentola into a true workshop centred on the concept of “wine is culture.” A new and stimulating experience that engaged 60 guests, including journalists and industry professionals.

We’ll try to understand if wine changes its interpretation of the vineyard like a great piece of music. To illustrate the concept with an example, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 has a different character whether the orchestra is conducted by Toscanini, von Karajan, or Muti. The score is the same, just as the grapes and terroir are the same, but the final result changes based on an interpretation of the historical moment.

On Monday, March 23, at the Fattoria del Colle di Trequanda, for the first time, the wine will be tasted alongside the civilization in which it was born, an experience that will likely open new horizons for wine storytelling.

The tasting includes 10 vintages: 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018 of Orcia DOC Cenerentola, and the new 2020 Riserva, under the impeccable guidance of Ilaria Lorini, the first woman to be crowned Best Italian Sommelier (AIS) in 2025. From the first Italian wineries with an all-female staff, one could not expect anything different.

4 March 2026

in Forum: News and lifestyle, Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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THE VALUE OF “ONLY THERE” IN TOURISM

FROM TOURISM SHOPPING BASED ON AUTHENTIC, IDENTITY-ORIENTED, AND EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS TO THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL STRENGTHENING OF TERRITORIES. THIS IS NON-CANNIBAL TOURISM.

l'importanza dei prodotti autentici e identitari per il turismo soprattutto quando sono esclusivi di un luogo

Famous street food in Naples – pizza margherita. Authenticity at its best!

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

When I first went to the UK, I bought a kilt that I wore for years. I was 17, and in Italy, especially in Siena, it wasn’t possible to buy anything similar. There were pleated skirts with tartan patterns, but not in the same wool and not with such beautiful designs.

Over the next 50 years, the industrial production of clothing, food, and originally handcrafted objects, as well as globalization, led to a progressive diffusion of “ethnic products” in world markets. Kilts could also be purchased in Tuscany and later online, at prices much cheaper than my first tartan skirt. But the quality was no longer the same, nor was the charm of an authentic object purchased in the production area.

Once upon a time, the greatest appeal of travel was the possibility of immersing oneself in a reality different from one’s own, where the sights, lifestyle, sounds, flavours, and smells allowed one to discover a civilization whose artistic monuments were the jewels of its crown.

9 February 2026

in Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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An offer of “Wines for Her”, and not just for her!

Would you like to receive a preview of 3 bottles of Brunello Prime Donne 2021, and 3 bottles of Cenerentola 2021, delivered directly to your home for €234,00?

Offerta wine club Donatella Cinelli Colombini Cenerentola doc Orcia Brunello Prime Donne 2021

wine club offer Donatella Cinelli Colombini Cenerentola doc Orcia Brunello Prime Donne 2021, Fattoria del Colle, Casto Prime Donne Tuscany

A tribute to women who make a difference

An offer designed to celebrate femininity in wine, the strength of women who innovate, and the courage of those who have paved new paths towards gender equality. Two iconic wines, born from a unique winery in Italy: the first with an entirely female staff.

This selection is designed to:

🎁 Give to a special woman, as a sign of esteem and recognition
💪 Celebrate women who break down barriers, in work, in society, in life
🕊 Remember and honour all those who have paved the way in the fight for gender equality

Each bottle contains a story of commitment, talent and female passion

🍇 Offer of the Month – For Donatella Club Members

3 bottles of Brunello Prime Donne 2021 and 3 bottles of Cenerentola Orcia DOC 2021

2 bottles of each wine with its own label

And one bottle of each type with a customizable label

+2 shopping bags, 2 tissue papers, and 2 package sealers customized with the Donatella Cinelli Colombini logo

Price: 234,00 euro instead of 268,50 euro

For those who wish to double

459 euro instead of 537,00

12 December 2025

in Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI PRESENTS HER BRUNELLO RISERVA 2020

THE BRUNELLO RISERVA 2020 IS EXCELLENT AND WILL BECOME WONDERFUL. A WINE FOR COLLECTORS AND LOVERS OF RED WINE TO CELLAR THAT REQUIRES PATIENCE.

vendemmia del Brunello 2020 Toscana Montalcino Casato Prime Donne

Brunello 2020 harvest in Toscana Montalcino Casato Prime Donne

The highly elegant style that characterizes all Donatella Cinelli Colombini wines is enhanced in the Brunello Riserva. These are wines designed to last. In the 2020 vintage, this characteristic is extremely evident in the silky yet taut tannins and the acidity that lends vitality to the palate and is well balanced by the intensity of the flavour and the alcohol. Those who drink it now will find a great Brunello in their glass, but those who have the patience to wait two or three years will enjoy truly extraordinary powerful and velvety harmonies.

THE BRUNELLO RISERVA 2020 IN THE VINEYARD AND IN CELLAR OF CASATO PRIME DONNE

In 2020, the winter was mild and dry, so the vines budded early, and the frost of March 18-23 caused more damage than expected for that time of spring. The result was a reduction in the number of grapes in the vineyards. A very rainy June allowed the vines to withstand sixty days of scorching heat from mid-July to mid-September. The leaves were used for shade, leaving the rows with an unattractive but highly protective bushy appearance. For the same reason, pre-harvest leaf removal was avoided.

At harvest time, the grapes were perfectly ripe, healthy, with well-lignified seeds, and had the typical crispness of great vintages. Analytical data even better than 2019: smaller berries, higher extractable polyphenols, potential alcohol around 14%, and a good acidity. Very colourful and fragrant musts.

6 November 2025

in Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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CHIANTI SUPERIORE DOCG 2024 FATTORIA DEL COLLE

FOR DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI THE 2024 HARVEST WAS AN ABUNDANT ONE WITH AN EXTRAORDINARILY FAVOURABLE FINISH THANKS TO THE SHOWERS IN SEPTEMBER.

At the end of August, after 60 consecutive days of scorching heat, the vines were at a standstill, and Donatella Cinelli Colombini was very worried. Then the weather changed, with heavy thunderstorms and a drastic drop in temperatures, dropping to 10°C at night.

These were ideal conditions for grape ripening, skin softening, and the synthesis of aromas.

The harvest was carefully prepared, leaf-pulling and removing excess bunches from the vines.

The harvest calendar was then planned like a military operation, monitoring the weather forecast, analysing the grapes, and tasting them to position machines and workers on the best day for each vineyard or portion of the vineyard.

A planning that called for very long days and work even on holidays, but the result was excellent.

11 July 2024

in Forum: News and lifestyle, Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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Leone Rosso 2021 Organic Orcia Doc

Leone Rosso 2021 Doc Orcia was born in a harvest of excellent quality, 5 stars, but scarce quantity due to a serious frost at the beginning of April...

28 June 2024

in Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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OFFER: COMPARE THE TWO VERSIONS OF BRUNELLO 2019

Receive this proposal at home that includes 3 bottles of Brunello 2019 and 3 bottles of Brunello Prime Donne 2019 for €279.00

NEWS ON THE 2019 VINTAGE

This harvest has two surprising characteristics: on the day of harvest the vines were still in vegetation, an unusual circumstance that also occurred in 2010. As in that magical year, the grapes fro Brunello 2019 were excellent and abundant. An increasingly frequent characteristic with the new climate in which the vines find balance with a higher number of bunches than in the past, but we maintain a production per hectare of 60 quintals.

The 2019 Organic Brunello di Montalcino from Casato Prime Donne celebrates the effects of the new climate which has especially rewarded the cooler areas of Brunello. The northern area of the Montalcino hill, where Casato Prime Donne is located, has always been considered the humid and less sunny side. A circumstance that was once a misfortune and is now however a fortune because, together with the richness of clay that makes the soil cold, it allows a gradual maturation of the grapes even in the current hot summers.

Brunello di Montalcino 2019 e Brunello di Montalcino Prime Donne 2019

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BRUNELLO AND BRUNELLO PRIME DONNE

Brunello and Brunello Prime Donne are born in the first Italian winery with an entirely female workforce. Brunello Prime Donne, however, is the first long-aging red created for female consumers. Every year 4 super experts taste all of Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s Brunello and choose the barrels or tonneaux in which to mature it as well as the final blend. They are the Masters of Wine, Rosemary George and Madeleine Stenwreth, the wine shop owner Astrid Schwarz and the Sommelier Daniela Scrobogna. Therefore, based on their decisions, Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s winemakers create Brunello Prime Donne which is generally the most structured and is produced only in the best harvests.

THE RATINGS OF THE TWO VERSIONS SPEAK CLEAR

31 May 2024

in Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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OFFER: NEW SANCHIMENTO WITH ROSSO DI MONTALCINO

A proposal that includes a wine from each of Donatella’s farms: 6 bottles of Sanchimento and 6 bottles of Rosso di Montalcino at your home for €219.00

The Sanchimento 2023 from Fattoria del Colle is a real treat for lovers of Donatella Cinelli Colombini wines. It is partly produced in amphora as was done in antiquity. This is a very small series of only 1200 bottles. The Rosso di Montalcino by Casato Prime Donne, on the other hand, is a wine already known and appreciated by international wine critics. This offer proposes something new to discover, and a confirmation!!

Two wines to drink now, without having to wait. Two fresh wines with an extraordinary aromatic richness.

THE NEW SANCHIMENTO 2023 BIO IN ORANGE VERSION

Sanchimento comes from organic Traminer grapes and, in the cellar, is produced according to organic protocols. The particular production process of this wine is the result of the creativity of Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s three oenologists, who in three years of experimentation have developed a method capable of enhancing the characteristics of the vine, increasing the complexity of the wine and giving it distinctive characteristics.

Upon their arrival in the cellar, the grapes are cooled in small baskets then a quarter of them are fermented in terracotta amphorae from Impruneta with the orange system, i.e. with the skins and without the addition of yeasts. The wine remains closed in the jar almost until bottling when it is combined with Sanchimento produced with the traditional method.

6 December 2022

in Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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94 and 93 points for the Brunello 2018 by Donatella

James Suckling, as always, is the first of the great international critics to publish his judgments on Brunello, and he rewards those by Donatella with 93 and 94 points

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

WHO IS JAMES SUCKLING

James-Suckling-with-ErikaRibaldi-DonatellaCinelliColombini

He was born in Los Angeles in 1959 and lives between his home in Borro (Arezzo) and Hong King but is also an honorary citizen of Montalcino.
After his studies in political science and journalism at the Universities of Wisconsin and Utah he began to write and from 1981 for the new born magazine Wine Spectator. In 1984, he followed his passion for wine by making his first trip to Europe and the following year he became the European correspondent of the Wine Spectator, a role he held until 2010.
Subsequently his activity as a taster continued with an online magazine that bears his name and that organizes splendid events all over the world. He was among the first to understand the potential of digital communication and is on the podium as one of the strongest wine influencers in the world.
Suckling is internationally regarded as one of the most knowledgeable and influential critics for wine and vintage cigars. His sophisticated style is known in life as in tastings. For example, Suckling has always tasted only with his glasses and now uses a line of crystal goblets created especially for him.

20 October 2022

in Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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Brunello di Montalcino 2018 BIO

2018 crowns the talent of Tuscan winemakers. A vintage that is very reminiscent of those of our grandparents and has given us a modern, elegant and richly scented Brunello

2018-grape-harvest-in-Montalcino-sangiovese-Donatella-Cinelli-Colombini

After a very dry 2017, the first half of 2018 was very rainy and replenished the soil’s water reserves. A positive element for nature but also a challenge for those who cultivate the vineyards. 16 rainy days in January, 16 in February, 20 in March, 11 in April and 18 in May. In June the Sangiovese vines for Brunello had few bunches and a lot of grass also because we grow organically and therefore without herbicides.

THE 2018 VINTAGE IN MONTALCINO

An English summer, with an umbrella always at hand and, at the end of August an Arctic disturbance that whitened the Alps and stiffened the skin of the grapes in our vineyards. September had sunny days and almost winter nights. An anomalous climatic situation that has greatly helped the vineyards. The grapes became smaller and as they matured they softened and an amazing synthesis of aromas took place.

The aromatic richness is the characterizing element of the 2018 vintage.

13 October 2022

in Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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Rosso di Montalcino 2021 from Casato Prime Donne

Donatella Cinelli Colombini presents Rosso di Montalcino 2021 born in an amazing vintage. Never before 4 super vintages one after another in Montalcino

harvest-2021-Sangiovese-Casato-Prime-Donne-Montalcino-Violante-Cinelli-Colombini

Montalcino’s series of extraordinary harvests does not seem to want to stop: 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Never before has the land of Brunello lined up such a dazzling sequence.

Each vintage with different characteristics to create the desire and curiosity to taste them all. Rosso di Montalcino offers this opportunity rather quickly and here is the 2021, vigorous and velvety after six months spent in cask.

The young appellation of Montalcino is experiencing a period of particular success. A growing market demand that has literally emptied the cellars, monographic tastings by Sommeliers and journalists, an event that highlights “RED Montalcino” and a number of articles never seen before. In short, it is a trendy wine that young wine lovers like for its drinkability and pleasant and understandable style.