# Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Colleoni (2017)

- **Producer:** Podere Sante Marie
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese
- **Region:** Tuscany, Italy
- **Style:** Natural
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black plum, red plum, black cherry, red cherry, cloves, cedar, vanilla, smoke, tobacco, dried fruit, earth, leather, forest floor

## About this wine

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Colleoni is a 2017 vintage wine from Podere Sante Marie, a producer in Montalcino, Tuscany, made from 100% Sangiovese. The estate, owned by Marino and Luisa Colleoni since 1989, emphasizes organic and natural farming practices on its 3-hectare vineyard, which sits on volcanic soils at approximately 500 meters elevation. The winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention, aiming to capture the pure expression of the terroir. This approach often results in wines with very little added sulfur dioxide, and without clarification or filtration, making them a distinct representation of the region and the producer's dedication to natural methods.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards are situated on terraces at 500 meters above sea level.
- Farming is strictly organic with minimal human intervention.
- Fermentation uses spontaneous yeasts in large oak barrels.
- Production is extremely small, making bottles hard to find.

## Food pairing

The wine's robust tannins and medium-plus body are well-suited to complement the richness and protein of red meats and game. Its inherent savory notes and potential for earthy undertones harmonize with herbs and aged cheeses, while its acidity can cut through fattier dishes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Colleoni begins with spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts in large oak barrels (20 hl) for 6-7 days, followed by a maceration of 20-25 days without temperature control. The wine then undergoes an extended aging period of 36 to 45 months in large oak barrels, significantly longer than the DOCG minimum. A key aspect of the producer's approach is the minimal to no use of sulfur dioxide, along with the absence of clarifications and filtrations. This philosophy of non-intervention is applied throughout the process, from vineyard to bottle, aiming to preserve the natural character of the Sangiovese grape and the specific terroir of Montalcino.