Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG

Collosorbo either translates as ‘strong neck’ or refers to a tree growing in the vineyards – either way it’s a fitting epithet to the passion and determination with which the Ciacci women run this estate. The Ciaccis have been in this neck of the woods for centuries; this branch since 1950 and today Giovanna Ciacci and her two daughters, Laura and Lucia, run the winery.  Smack dab in the middle of ‘Millionaire’s Row’ on the gravel road between Sant’Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Collosorbo is well-suited to take advantage of the sand, clay and galestro soils for which this southern part of the DOCG is rightfully famous.

 The diversity of the soils (and altitudes) creates huge stylistic range in the Sangiovese and the estate can blend to maintain the traditional style in almost any vintage.  Certified organic from 2020, the Rosso is a true ‘Baby Brunello’ and punches well above its weight with, structure, acidity and  bursting with crushed raspberry, strawberry, earth, plum and black cherry.  Sourced from the same vineyards as the Rosso, the Brunello adds another layer of complexity and elegance.  Sangiovese from here enjoys optimal phenolic maturation and this shows classic notes of baked fruit, plum, tinned strawberry, violets, cold tea, liquorice, sandalwood and forest floor.  Brunello can often be all show and no go but this has the stuffing to develop well in bottle for many years.  It’s affordable and classically proportioned from an all-too-often disappointing DOCG.