The earliest recorded history of Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s estate speaks of the Fattoria del Colle’s 12th century, underground caverns which house some of the oldest wines produced by Donatella’s forebears. Her current estate is the union to two separate ancestral properties: on her father’s side… Fattoria del Colle in Chianti and from her mother’s side, the Casata in Montalcino. From her Casata Prime Donne property — completely female-run — Donatella produces world-class Brunello. At Fattoria del Colle, there is a state-of-the-art restaurant and a culinary school. Together, the two properties are joined under her name encompassing a 370-hectare empire.

Donatella’s Brunello di Montalcino pours a deep ruby red with mouthwatering aromas of red berry and stone fruits bursting from the glass, tinged with notes of forest floor and sandalwood. The medium- to full-bodied palate displays succulent notes of wild cherry, red plum and raspberries supported by a tingling, underlying acidity and ultra-smooth tannins. This is — without question — one of the best representations of the 2019 vintage from Tuscany. This Brunello coasts toward a seemingly endless, invigorating finish that is highlighted with a savory, umami quality. Right out of the bottle, this wine is perfect, but if you have the willpower, be sure to stash some away. This beauty will age wonderfully for the next 10+ years.