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.
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.
CASATO PRIME DONNE IN MONTALCINO
Casato Prime Donne is the first Italian winery with an all-female staff and is a symbol of women-led winemaking. It is located in the northeast, the coolest part of Montalcino, with cool, clay-rich soils. The estate covers 40 hectares, 20 of which are vineyards. It is organically farmed and grows exclusively Sangiovese. It has been owned by Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s family since the late 16th century. In the past, the stone building that currently houses the barrel cellar was used for hunting and honeymoons.
PRODUCTION DESCRIPTION OF BRUNELLO RISERVA 2020
VINEYARD: Montalcino, Casato Prime
CLIMATE: Mild and dry winter. A light late frost, when bud break was just beginning, reduced grape production. A very rainy June was followed by a hot, dry period interrupted by a major storm at the end of August. In September, sunny days and cold nights favoured regular grape ripening and an excellent blend of aromas.
GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Sangiovese
HARVEST: September 23rd, the grapes were hand-picked, selecting the bunches in the vineyard and the berries in the cellar on the sorting table.
VINIFICATION: In truncated cone-shaped concrete vats with open tops, punching down the cap, and automatic temperature control. Fermentation temperatures kept spontaneously low. Maceration on the skins was extended compared to usual, delaying racking by 10 days.
BARREL AGEING: In 15-20 hl barrels and 5-7 hl French oak tonneaux, produced by small artisan workshops using wood seasoned for over two years.
QUANITY PRODUCED: 5,300 bottles
Brunello riserva 2020 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Casato Prime Donne Montalcino Toscana
SENSORY DESCRIPTION AND SERVING SUGGESTION OF BRUNELLO RISERVA 2020
COLOUR: Bright ruby red
AROMA: Fine, rich, and complex with hints of red fruits, spices, and oak from the barrel ageing
TASTE: Excellent structure for a wine with long aging potential, the wine expands in the mouth with evident yet velvety tannins and good acidity. The finish is long and pleasant.
FOOD PAIRING: Rich meat dishes and mature cheeses. It pairs well with intensely flavoured, low-fat foods.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Room temperature (16-18°C). Wide-bowled, clear crystal glasses. Uncork a few hours before serving and decant.
AGEING POTENTIAL: 30 years and more. Store the bottles flat, in a dark, cool place. Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s winery replaces the corks, certifying the operation 20 years after bottling.