Fattoria dei Barbi is one of Montalcino's historic houses: the Colombini family, present in the area for centuries, has owned the estate since 1790 and was among the first to bottle Brunello. In 1938 Giovanni Colombini opened one of Italy's first public wine shops here and began selling Brunello by mail order and abroad, when few outside Tuscany knew the name.
The Brunello comes from Sangiovese vineyards on the south-eastern slope of Montalcino. After fermentation the wine ages for at least two years in wood, first in medium-sized casks and then in larger ones, in the traditional manner.
2016 is one of the finest recent vintages in Montalcino, fresh and complete, with healthy, ripe grapes. The wine shows cherry, plum, sweet spice and forest floor, with fine tannins and great tension; it is now starting to reveal its first evolved notes. A classic Brunello, for steak, roasts and aged cheeses.
At a glance: Sangiovese Grosso 100% · 14.5% ABV · 0.75 l · Fattoria dei Barbi, Montalcino (SI)
