Donatella Cinelli Colombini

Donatella Cinelli Colombini explained that even though both of her wineries are staffed and managed entirely by females, Il Drago e le Otto Colombe (“the dragon and the eight doves”) was a wine inspired by her husband. I found this unique Tuscan blending of Sangiovese, Merlot and Sagrantino, which was grown from cuttings delivered to Donatella from Arnaldo Caprai in Umbria, to be a fascinating wine. Each of the varieties in Il Drago matures separately in a combination of French oak, which varies in size. Valérie Lavigne continues to be the consulting winemaker at both estates, and the changes she’s implemented since coming on board in 2010 are evident. Donatella Cinelli Colombini is once again a winery to watch.