2016 Brunello di Montalcino

Valérie Lavigne and the ladies at Donatella Cinelli Colombini continue to be focused on the traditions of Montalcino winemaking, while also keeping an open mind and a constant willingness to experiment. This should come as no surprise when you consider the pioneering Colombini, who started it all. The estate is located in the northern section of Montalcino, just under Montosoli at 250 meters, and it has become known for a style that can best be described as undeniably elegant. While the wines from over a decade ago were bent more toward opulence and richness, aided by the use of barrique, today’s examples show a dramatic shift toward purity, the result of Valérie Lavigne’s influence in the vineyards and cellar since 2010. That said, all maturation is now carried out in a combination of tonneaux and large botti. More recent changes include the replanting of vineyards through massale selection, organic certification in 2018, and the introduction of small truncated concrete tanks, which have replaced stainless steel, in the pursuit of achieving a more delicate maceration and fermentation process. Looking forward, the winery has already begun to identify choice parcels within their vineyards, using their original toponyms as names, with the purpose of possibly creating single-vineyard expressions in the future. Let’s just say that Donatella Cinelli Colombini is a Montalcino producer to have on your watchlist.