Region
The gentle rolling hills of Tuscany are not only home to Italy`s culture and language, but also to the grand wine estates of Chianti to the north and the more modest yet superb estates of Montalcino and Montepulciano in the south. The Sangiovese is the red grape variety that unites Tuscany`s wine producing districts in its various distinct clones. However, planting of international grape varieties, such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, have given rise to the world renowned `Super Tuscan` wines.
Producer
The roots of the Colombini family in Tuscany go back to 1592, and their tradition of excellence in winemaking began in 1790 with the founding of the Fattoria dei Barbi. It was in the 1960’s that Francesca Cinelli Colombini made a name for herself as the stalwart leader of Barbi’s top notch production, and when the next generation came into the spotlight her son Stefano took over the family estate while daughter Donatella branched off to create the neighbouring Azienda del Casato. Donatella is a major force in the world of quality Italian wine and has spurred important advances in enotourism. With 50 hectares total, 13 of which are dedicated to viticulture, Donatella creates a classic Brunello as well as a Riserva and a Rosso di Montalcino; she also runs the Azienda del Colle at Trequanda, where she produces Chianti Classico Superiore, Orcia, Vin Santo, and a Super Tuscan. Her most innovative creation, though, is Casato’s Brunello ‘Prime Donne,’ a wine designed by an all-female team of respected wine experts who based their decisions on instinct and organoleptic observations. Donatella, who is grooming her daughter Violante as heir to the business, appointed Valérie Lavigne as winemaker in 2010 thus completing the first all female team at an Italian winery.
Tasting (Long)
Leone Rosso was created in 1998 as a blend of Tuscany`s Sangiovese grape softened and made complex by the addition of Merlot at the Fattoria del Colle in Trequanda. The wine bears the origin Orcia, a Chianti region in the south of Tuscany between the towns of Montalcino and Montepulciano, and it is dedicated to Donatella Colombini`s ancestors who built the estate in 1592. It is an intense wine with ruby red colour, the aroma is rich and complex and enhanced with hints of red berries. This well structured wine has an alluring fragrance with hints of smoke and spice, soft tannins that are beautifully balanced by sweet red fruits.
Tasting (Short)
An intense Tuscan red with fragrant aroma of red berries and rich and complex palate enhanced with hints of red berries and oak beautifully balanced by ripe fruit.
Food
Exquisite as an accompaniment to red meats, pastas with rich tomato sauce and with aged cheeses.
Awards
Wine Spectator 91 points.