Sangiovese Merlot `Orcia` Colombini Organic 2020
Country
Italy
Region
Tuscany
Producer
Estates of Donatella Colombini
Grape(s)
Sangiovese (60%)
Merlot (40%)
Type
Red
Style
Rich
Oaked Style
Oaked
Body Style
Full bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Not applicable
Alcohol Content
14%
Closure Style
Cork
Organic/Biodynamic
Organic
Sustainable
Yes-certified sustainable
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
No
Vegan
No
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
No
Egg
No
Region
In the heart of central Italy, Tuscany is one of the most prestigious and celebrated wine growing regions in the world. These gentle rolling hills 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. 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
Donatella Cinelli Colombini has 33 hectares of vineyard in Tuscany cultivated according to the BIO (organic) regime and by hand. These vineyards are divided in two estates that were already being cultivated by her ancestors 400 years ago. Producer 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. Since 2018 all of Donatella Cinelli Colombini`s wines are certified organic, following a process of conversion started many years before, the respect of nature it`s an important part of the winery`s aim.
Tasting Notes
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. This well structured and complex wine has an alluring fragrance with hints of smoke and spice, soft tannins that are beautifully balanced by sweet red fruits.
Food
A fine accompaniment to red meats, pastas with tomato sauce and aged cheeses.
Media
James Suckling 92 points.
