Il Colle Brunello Di Montalcino 2016

Caterina Carli took up winemaking at the family estate, Il Colle, after inheriting it from her father in 2001. This grand Montalcino estate, located between 400 and 450 meters, was previously a part of the Colle al Matrichese. Today, wines with depth and rich concentration, along with freshness and delicacy, are produced by blending grapes from a more southern vineyard in Castelnuovo dell'Abate.

Caterina is dedicated to making wine that is a transparent reflection of the vineyards and vintage working as naturally as possible. Because she solely employs wild yeasts, there is no filtering or temperature regulation. The winemaking is very traditional, there are no barriques to be seen on the premises, simply massive, antique botti made from Slavonian oak that range in capacity from 3,000 to 5,000 liters.

2018 was cooler than average with rain throughout and showers close to harvest. The nose starts hot, dark and powerful, with dominant notes of tar and coffee, but earth, spices, dried cranberries and a light woodiness eventually emerge from the shadows. In contrast, the palate turns sweet with cherries and mixed berries, before tight tannins and exuberant acid crescendo into a meaty, metallic finish.