LEONE ROSSO ORCIA DOC 2022
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Orcia Leone Rosso 2022 Fattoria del Colle Trequanda Toscana
2022: THE YEAR IN WHICH THE GRAPES WERE THE SIZE OF CHICKPEAS AND THE MUST HAD ABUNDANT TANNINS THAT WERE MADE SILKY THROUGH A LONG MACERATION
The summer of 2022 had been very hot and dry, but thanks to a storm in August, the grapes arrived at harvest with ideal analytical parameters. The grapes had very particular characteristics: small bunches, miniature berries, and very thick skins. For this reason, the vinification was extremely delicate, followed by a long maceration, and the maturation in wood began earlier than usual. These attentions allowed the production of an intense yet velvety Leone Rosso with good acidity.
THE LEONE ROSSO (RED LION) IS THE RAMPANT LION FROM THE COAT OF ARMS OF DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI’S ANCESTORS
The Fattoria del Colle, home to the vineyards and cellar that produce this Leone Rosso, was built in 1592 by the Socini or Sozzini family. This was an important Sienese family that, in the 16th century, was among the protagonists of the Protestant Reformation in Italy. “The ideas and writings of Lelio (1525-1562) and Fausto (1539-1604) Socino are studied in philosophy books at school. As a student, I was very proud to have such important ancestors,” says Donatella Cinelli Colombini. “Important but persecuted like all “freethinkers” who criticized the Church. And indeed, they lost everything.” “Fattoria del Colle was repurchased in 1919 by my great-grandfather Livio Socini, almost by chance,” Donatella continues to explain. “He fell in love with this place and restored it to its former splendour, just as I have tried to do.”
To honour her ancestors, Donatella dedicated her first wine produced at Fattoria del Colle to them and placed on the label the same rampant lion visible in the coats of arms that adorn the chapel, the entrances to the villa, and the ceilings of the interior rooms.
LEONE ROSSO DOC ORCIA 2022
The Fattoria del Colle vineyards are located at an altitude of 404 meters above sea level on soil rich in marine sands. They are organically farmed and surrounded by woods. Biodiversity is preserved using organic fertilizers and growing fava beans and other plants between the rows during the winter.
The 2022 harvest was entirely done by hand, with manual and mechanical selection of bunches and berries. The grapes were vinified and the wine aged in the Fattoria del Colle cellar. We can therefore say that Leone Rosso is a family wine that originates in the vineyards of those who bottle it.
DOC ORCIA: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WINE IN THE WORLD
Orcia DOC was born on February 14, 2000, under the sign of love. It is produced in a region of high hills that extend between the Brunello and Vino Nobile wine regions. This area of extraordinary scenic beauty was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004 for its agricultural character and the small art cities along the Via Francigena.
For this reason, Orcia DOC is called “the most beautiful wine in the world.”
Orcia wines are “liquid postcards” of their territory, and the tourists who visit this marvellous land every year are their first customers and first ambassadors around the world. This favourable circumstance has rapidly increased the quality and reputation of Orcia DOC.
LEONE ROSSO 2022 PRODUCTION DESCRIPTION
TYPE: Dry red.
PRODUCTION AREA: Tuscany, Trequanda, Fattoria del Colle
VINTAGE CHARACTERISTICS: A hot and dry year that was interrupted on August 18th by a violent storm. This rain helped the vines ripen the grapes with perfect analytical parameters.
GRAPE VARIETY: Predominantly Sangiovese grapes, over 60%
HARVEST: From September 8th to 26th. Manual harvest with selection of the bunches in the vineyard and the berries on the sorting table in the cellar.
VINIFICATION: The vinification process was extremely gentle; cap punching down was almost eliminated to prevent the increase in tannins, which were naturally very abundant. Thanks to the cold nights, the temperature of the musts naturally remained within ideal parameters. Post-fermentation maceration was longer than usual, and the wine was placed in the barrel earlier. These measures made the wine’s tannins velvety.
LEONE ROSSO 2022 ON THE TABLE AND IN THE GLASS
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Orcia Leone Rosso 2022 Fattoria del Colle Trequanda Toscana
BARREL AGEING: 6 months in French oak tonneaux
PRODUCTION QUANTITY: 27,800 bottles
COLOUR: Intense and brilliant ruby red
AROMA: Reminiscent of must, ripe red berries, spices, and undergrowth.
TASTE: Very communicative and satisfying wine, harmonious and smooth despite the evident tannins. Good persistence.
FOOD PAIRING: Very versatile, it can accompany an entire meal. Leone Rosso is also particularly suited to snacks based on cold cuts and young cheeses. It pairs well with intense and even spicy dishes.
SERVING TEMPERATURE: Room temperature (16-18°C), in large tulip-shaped white crystal glasses.
CELLARING: 4-5 years after harvest. Store bottles flat in a cool, dark place.