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 IMPACT ON THE VINEYARD

The summer was scorching, with six heatwaves between July and August that kept daytime temperatures well above 25°C and prevented nighttime lows from dropping below 20°C.

This heat was punctuated by intense thunderstorms—notably on August 12, 20–21, and 25—which delivered a total of 65 mm of rain to the vineyards. It was an almost a tropical climate; yet, despite the African-style heat, the vines suffered no water stress. Consequently, veraison (the onset of ripening) was the slowest ever observed; the colour change in the berries is typically triggered by thirst—a sensation the vines did not experience this year. The vineyards reached harvest time in superb condition, boasting lush green canopies free of withered leaves. The clusters are perfectly healthy, loose, and pliable, featuring small berries, thick skins, and well-lignified seeds. Remarkably, there are no dried-out clusters or signs of sunburn.…

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