Il Colle Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2019

Il Colle Rosso di Montalcino DOC is a dry red wine, meticulously crafted from 100% Sangiovese grapes, cultivated in the sun-kissed vineyards of Montalcino, in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. As a younger sibling to the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino, this Rosso di Montalcino offers a more approachable, yet still sophisticated, expression of the Sangiovese grape, embodying the characteristic finesse and depth of the region's wines. Il Colle's dedication to traditional winemaking techniques, combined with the unique terroir of Montalcino, results in a wine that is both rich in flavor and elegantly structured, showcasing the potential of Sangiovese in a more immediate style.

Despite the fact that Il Colle winery was only founded in 1972, the truth about its origin remains a mystery. One of the versions says that the vineyards were acquired in 1972 by Alberto Carli together with his wife Ernesta. But, according to another version, Alberto himself planted vines together with Giulio Gambelli and, being on his deathbed, prepared a surprise for Ernesta - a full wine cellar. Il Colle (one of the small gems of the Montalcino wine region) was formerly part of the Colle al Matrichese estate, which belonged to the Count of Constant, which rose at an altitude of 400-450 meters above sea level. The harvest from this vineyard, from which wines with a particularly delicate taste were obtained, began to be mixed with grapes from Castelnuovo del'Abate, located to the south, at an altitude of 220 meters. The family acquired this vineyard in 1998. Working with Gambelli, Alberto strictly adhered to the traditional technique of the maestro of Tuscan wine, and today Caterina Carli, who took over the leadership of the winery after her father's death in 2001, follows the tradition. Alberto used only natural yeast and vats without temperature control; he subjected his Brunello to a long maceration on the skins, never filtered and aged in botti produced in Slovenia. There have been few changes in the winery over the past 35-40 years. Gambelli has always held a high value for tradition, letting the grapes speak for themselves. The wine is not exposed to any external influences, apart from the vineyard and the harvest year.

Upon tasting, Il Colle Rosso di Montalcino DOC reveals a vibrant bouquet of fresh red berries, cherries, and hints of floral notes, followed by a palate that balances these fruit flavors with subtle hints of spice and earthiness, underpinned by smooth tannins and a refreshing acidity. The wine’s medium body and elegant finish make it a versatile and engaging choice for a variety of occasions and palates.

This Rosso di Montalcino pairs excellently with classic Italian dishes such as pasta with rich tomato sauces, where its acidity and fruit notes complement the flavors of the sauce. It also makes a delightful companion to grilled red meats or aged cheeses, providing a harmonious balance to the savory qualities of the food and enhancing the overall dining experience with its Tuscan charm.