2018 Castello ColleMassari "ColleMassari" Rosso Riserva, Montecucco, Tuscany, Italy

ABOUT THIS WINE

These soils contribute to preserving Sangiovese’s authentic expression of its Montecucco hills terroir and are an important element in the formation of the identity classic to ColleMassari Riserva. The grapes are quality-selected in the oldest vineyards, averaging 17 years old and cultivated in accord with the natural practices of organic viticulture. Spontaneous fermentation with ambient yeasts is in small oak vats, with lengthy macerations of 3-4 weeks. The wine then matures for 18 months in large oak oval.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Wine has been made in Montecucco since the time of the Etruscans in the 8th century, though it recently received DOCG status. This longstanding wine making tradition is carried on by Maria Iris Bertarelli and Claudio Tipa, who purchased the vineyard in 1998 to be the heart of the Montecucco DOC they aimed to create. ColleMassari produced its first vintage in 2000 and in 2014 the group was named Cellar of the Year by the prestigious and renowned Gambero Rosso guide. Montecucco is located between Montalcino, and Scansano, and benefits from microclimates similar to both of those regions. The Castello ColleMassari winery is located in Cinigiano in the foothills of Monte Amiata, about 1050ft above sea level. The Castello ColleMassari is not entirely a medieval castle. Its structure is more reminiscent of a fortified hamlet or even a grancia, a type of protected agricultural operation, founded by Cistercian Monks in the 8th century