The Colombini family has had properties in Montalcino since 1352 and has owned Fattoria dei Barbi since 1790. It is famous for producing one of Italy's greatest wines, Brunello di Montalcino. The vineyards cover an area of 86 hectares, or about 20% of the estate. The exposure is east/south-east and the soil is mainly "galestro" (stony) with small components of mud and clay.
Fattoria dei Barbi continues all the traditional activities of a Mediterranean farm, producing wine from its vineyards, cold meats from pork, pecorino cheese from sheep's milk, olive oil, honey and even traditional cuisine.
Francesca Colombini and her son Stefano are directly involved with winery operations, combining family traditions with a dynamic style of modern wine making. Francesca Colombini has been a great ambassador for Brunello di Montalcino, striving to keep Brunello made in the traditional manner to maintain its exceptional quality and distinctive nature. She is so identified with these activities that her peers call her "Signora del Brunello" (the lady of Brunello).
Brusco dei Barbi
Giovanni Colombini started production of this Brusco in the 1970's, after years of research and experimentation. His goal was to produce a wine that had many of the characteristics of Brunello di Montalcino but a fraction of the price, thereby making it accessible to a wider range of consumers.
The wine takes its name from the brigand, or highway man, Bruscone (1864-1949), who lived in the Fattoria dei Barbi woods. He was a great hunter and, most of all, a womanizer. He loved strong sensations in life including at mealtimes, when he preferred intense wines.
The Brusco's patented method of vinification produces a full-bodied wine with fruity and spicy aromas. Grapes are de-stemmed but not pressed, and pumped into stainless steel tanks for a prolonged fermentation. The wine is kept on the lees under a carbon dioxide blanket for three months to develop its unique character. It is then pressed and aged for one year in the tank followed by six months bottle conditioning before release.
Grape: Sangiovese.
LCBO # 299073 $11.50
Brunello di Montalcino
This red wine has been produced since 1892 and has won many awards. It is made with 100% Sangiovese grapes from Fattoria dei Barbi's best vineyards in Montalcino. The wine is aged for three years in oak barrels followed by a further 12 months in the bottle.
Grape: Sangiovese.
LCBO # 928028 $47.00
