ITALY, Montalcino
Fattoria dei Barbi is one of only five estates in Montalcino that have continuously operated for over 100 years. The Colombini family founded the prestigious estate in 1790. Today, it extends over 306 hectares (around 757 acres) at Montalcino and Scansano. The family helped build the reputation of Brunello di Montalcino as a wine of great quality and prestige worldwide.
Winemaker & owner
“The Fattoria dei Barbi estate is owned and managed by the 20th generation heir, Stefano Cinelli Colombini. He follows the enlightened directions of his grandfather Giovanni, managing and innovating the estate with the same devotion to tradition and taste for modernity, disenchanted wit and spirit of initiative, tenacity, and infinite love for his land.”
“To me, wine is pure pleasure. You can enjoy it with your senses and with your mind. It’s also something to share, whether with your friends or with your lover.”
Winemaking
The Cinelli Colombini family’s philosophy has always been that of marrying state-of-the-art technology with tradition in order to improve all of its products without ever altering its classic character.
Collection
The most famous wine undoubtedly is the Brunello, one of the most renowned and looked for wines of Italy.
RED WINE
Information
Brusco dei Barbi was first released with the 1969 vintage as an IGT Toscana. The wine is named after a free-spirited gentleman named “Bruscone” that lived in the woods near the Barbi estate. This wine is very versatile and approachable, ideal as an everyday companion to be shared around a table with family and friends. It is produced mostly with Sangiovese, enhancing the typical fruity aspect of this varietal when it is drunk young.
Tasting notes
A bright fruit nose presents red berries and wild strawberries, enriched by subtle floral notes. Supple on the palate, soft tannins, fresh-tasting and delightfully drinkable.
Rewards
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RED WINE
Information
This red wine is produced since 1892 and was awarded many times for its quality. This wine is the “heart” of the Barbi production and it is made with 100% Sangiovese grapes from their best vineyards in Montalcino.
Tasting notes
Spicy, hints of pink pepper, wild herbs, plum, blueberry and rhubarb. A well structured wine, long, juicy and savoury. Very persistent.
Rewards
Wine Spectator
Author: Bruce Sanderson
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2020
“Plum, cherry, iron, earth and salty notes mark this vibrant red. Lean and sinewy, with firm, dusty tannins plying the finish. This comes together well overall, delivering a solid core of ripe fruit. Best from 2023 through 2040. 200 cases imported.”
Score: 92 Points
Wine Enthusiast
Author: Kerin O’Keefe
Date: Friday, March 27, 2020
“Menthol, blue-flower and tilled soil aromas emerge from the glass along with a whiff of dried tobacco leaf. The full-bodied palate offers dried cherry, vanilla and clove before finishing on a note of powdered sage. Close-grained tannins grip the close. Drink 2023–2030.”
Score: 91 Points
The Wine Advocate
Author: Monica Larner
Date: Friday, January 31, 2020
“The Fattoria dei Barbi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is a extremely polished and precise expression that hits all the right buttons for those seeking a classic expression of Sangiovese. In appearance, the wine shows a bright ruby hue with brilliant garnet reflections. The bouquet is tempered and shy at first, but it opens quickly to reveal those characteristic aromas of wild berry, candied cherry, licorice and pressed blue flowers that are so beautifully tied to this mighty Tuscan grape. Some 149,000 bottles were released in January 2020.”
Score: 94 Points
JamesSuckling.com
Author: James Suckling
Date: Friday, October 4, 2019
“Ripe plum and cherry aromas with dried flowers and spices. Some lavender and cedar, too. Full bodied, tight and chewy. Needs time to soften and come together. Better after 2022.”
Score: 96 Points
