1-Hour Experience With Brunello. Visit to the Vineyard and Cellar

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, the Casato Prime Donne winery offers a captivating one-hour experience for oenophiles seeking to enjoy the world of Brunello di Montalcino. This renowned wine, crafted from the prized Sangiovese grape, is the centerpiece of a guided tour that takes visitors through the sprawling vineyards, impressive cellars, and culminates in a tasting that unveils the complexities and nuances of this iconic Italian varietal. As visitors uncover the rich traditions and meticulous process behind Brunello, they’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the care and dedication that goes into every bottle – an experience that promises to linger long after the last sip.

Quick Points

• Tour the historic vineyards of the Casato Prime Donne Winery in Montalcino, learning about the cultivation of Sangiovese grapes essential for Brunello wines.
• Observe the winemaking process, from fermentation to aging, gaining insights into the craftsmanship and dedication behind Brunello production.
• Taste a selection of renowned Brunello di Montalcino and Brunello Riserva wines, pairing them with local delicacies to enhance the tasting experience.
• Explore the winery’s impressive cellars, where the Brunello wines undergo extended aging in French and Slavonian oak casks, developing their complex flavors and structure.
• Meet Donatella Cinelli Colombini, the owner and winemaker, who represents a long lineage of Montalcino winemakers and is a passionate advocate for women in the wine industry.

Exploring the Casato Prime Donne Winery

Upon arrival at the Casato Prime Donne Winery, visitors are greeted by the stunning Tuscan countryside.

The winery, located in the picturesque town of Montalcino, is home to the Cinelli Colombini family’s vineyards and cellars.

Visitors are invited to explore the vineyards, where they’ll learn about the grape-growing process and the region’s unique terroir.

The tour then leads them to the winery’s impressive cellars, where they’ll witness the intricate process of Brunello di Montalcino production.

Throughout the experience, guests will have the opportunity to sample the estate’s renowned Brunello wines, accompanied by local breads and sausages, providing a true taste of Tuscan hospitality.

Vineyard Tour and Winemaking Process

Visitors are led through the estate’s sprawling vineyards, where they’ll witness the intricate process of grape cultivation.

They’ll learn about the meticulous care and attention required to grow the Sangiovese grapes used in Brunello di Montalcino wines.

The tour then takes them to the state-of-the-art winery, where they’ll observe the intricate steps of the winemaking process, from fermentation to aging in oak barrels.

Guests will gain a deeper understanding of the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into producing these renowned wines.

Throughout the experience, they’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the knowledgeable staff, enhancing their appreciation for the art of Brunello winemaking.

Tasting the Brunello Di Montalcino Wines

The tasting experience transports guests into the world of Brunello di Montalcino, where they savor the nuanced flavors and rich history of these renowned Italian wines.

Visitors are invited to sample a selection of red, Brunello di Montalcino, and Brunello Riserva, each offering a unique taste profile. The tasting is accompanied by local delicacies, including freshly baked bread and flavorful sausage, creating a harmonious pairing that enhances the wine-drinking experience.

During the tasting, guests have the opportunity to:

• Appreciate the complex aromas and flavors that distinguish Brunello di Montalcino
• Gain insights into the winemaking process that has shaped the region’s winemaking tradition
• Develop a deeper understanding of the terroir that gives these wines their distinctive character

Pairing the Brunello With Local Delicacies

Pairing the Brunello with local delicacies enhances the tasting experience, allowing guests to fully appreciate the nuanced flavors of these renowned Italian wines.

The experience includes bread and sausage, which complement the bold, complex profiles of the Brunello di Montalcino and Brunello Riserva.

The bread, with its warm, crusty exterior and soft, pillowy interior, acts as a palate cleanser, preparing the senses for the next sip.

The savory sausage, made with local spices and seasonings, echoes the earthy, robust notes of the wines, creating a harmonious interplay of tastes.

This thoughtful pairing elevates the tasting, providing a deeper understanding of the Brunello’s unique character and regional terroir.

Understanding the Brunello Riserva Difference

As visitors explore the tasting, they’ll discover the unique distinctions between the Brunello di Montalcino and its esteemed Brunello Riserva counterpart.

The Riserva designation signifies a more complex and refined wine, crafted with additional aging requirements. Specifically:

• Brunello Riserva must be aged for a minimum of 5 years, compared to the standard 2-year aging for Brunello.
• The extended barrel and bottle aging imparts deeper flavors, increased structure, and greater longevity in the Riserva.
• These meticulous production methods result in a more concentrated, harmonious, and cellar-worthy expression of the Sangiovese grape.

Savoring the Brunello Riserva alongside the standard bottling allows visitors to fully appreciate the nuances that elevate this premier Italian wine.

Cellar Visit and Barrel Aging Insights

Visitors’ eagerness to unravel the cellar’s secrets mounts as they step into the hushed sanctuary of oak barrels.

During the guided tour, they learn about the meticulous barrel-aging process that distinguishes Brunello di Montalcino from other Italian red wines.

Rows upon rows of French and Slavonian oak casks fill the dimly lit cellar, each imparting its unique oenological notes.

As the host explains, the extended maturation in these vessels, sometimes up to three years, is crucial for developing Brunello’s renowned complexity and longevity.

Participants savor the opportunity to peek into the evolution of these prized wines, gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry and patience behind each bottle.

Meeting Donatella Cinelli Colombini, the Winemaker

Stepping out of the cellar, the tour now shifts focus to the winemaker herself, Donatella Cinelli Colombini.

As the owner and driving force behind this historic Brunello estate, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the experience.

Some key insights about Donatella:

• She hails from a long lineage of winemakers, with her family’s roots in Montalcino dating back centuries.

• Along With running the winery, she’s a published author and advocate for women in the wine industry, having founded the Casato Prime Donne, an all-female winery.

• Donatella’s hands-on approach and dedication to quality are evident in every step of the winemaking process, from grape to glass.

Memorable Moments of the Experience

During the visit, travelers are treated to a captivating journey through the historic Brunello vineyards and cellar.

They witness the meticulous attention to detail that goes into crafting these renowned wines. From inspecting the lush, well-tended vines to exploring the centuries-old underground cellars, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and tradition behind Brunello di Montalcino.

The highlight is the tasting, where they savor the complex flavors and aromas of the Brunello and Brunello Riserva, perfectly complemented by the accompaniment of locally baked bread and cured sausage.

Guests leave with a newfound understanding and respect for the winemaking process and the passion that Donatella Cinelli Colombini pours into every bottle.

Since You Asked

Is There a Dress Code for the Winery Visit?

There is no specific dress code for the winery visit. Visitors are recommended to wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for walking around the vineyard and cellar. Sturdy shoes are advised as the terrain may be uneven in some areas.

Can I Purchase Wines Directly From the Winery?

Yes, visitors can purchase wines directly from the winery. The experience includes a tasting of Brunello di Montalcino and Brunello Riserva wines, and there’s an opportunity to purchase these wines from the cellar before or after the visit.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Wine Tasting?

The experience does not mention any age restrictions for the wine tasting. However, it’s likely that participants must be of legal drinking age in Italy, which is 18 years old, to participate in the wine tasting portion of the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food or Snacks?

Participants are not allowed to bring their own food or snacks to the experience. The tasting includes bread and sausage to accompany the Brunello wines. All food and beverages are provided as part of the curated tasting experience.

Is the Experience Available in Languages Other Than English?

The experience is available in languages other than English, though the specific languages offered may vary. Visitors should check with the tour provider for details on available languages when making their booking.

The Final Verdict

Immersing oneself in the artistry and heritage of Brunello di Montalcino at Casato Prime Donne is a captivating experience. From the picturesque vineyards to the meticulous cellars, visitors gain unparalleled insights into the making of this renowned wine. Tasting the complex flavors, exploring the aging process, and connecting with the passionate winemaker all contribute to a truly unforgettable Tuscan adventure.