Collemattoni Rosso 2019

~ The Farmhouse that houses the Offices and Wine Cellar at Collemattoni ~

Collemattoni takes its name from the ancient farmhouse which is the centerpiece of the property.  Documents illustrate that the estate was established in 1672.  However, since 1798, the estate has been in the hands of the Bucci family.  Several generations have come and gone but today the farm is run by Marcello Bucci and his parents.

Collemattoni owns just over 11 hectares of vineyards that are scattered throughout the Brunello zone.  During 2012, the production area and aging cellars were completely renovated.  As a result of that project, the entire winemaking process is now gravity fed.  These sustainability efforts also extend to the estate’s power consumption as solar panels generate 80% of the property’s electricity.  Since 2012, they are certified organic.

~ The vineyards of Collemattoni pictured here during harvest ~

It has been a while since I’ve had the opportunity to write about Collemattoni’s Rosso di Montalcino in advance of its release.  At the time, the 2015 Rosso was the subject and it was very enjoyable.  Today, I am even more impressed.

The 2019 Collemattoni Rosso di Montalcino is a brilliant violet color in the glass with the slimmest of iodine rings at the edge of the bowl.  We did not decant the wine, nor did we open it in advance.  Popped and poured and this pretty Rosso hit the ground running!

Aromas of crushed cherry, irises, lavender and toasted spice are easily discernible and complex.  On the palate, the freshness is so noticeable it’s almost shocking.  Juicy, lively, mouthwatering flavors of wild berry mix with baking spices, fresh fennel and hints of new suede.  Fruit, acids and soft tannins are all in balance.  There’s enough structure here to age this wine but given how delicious  this is now, I’m not sure why you’d want to hold it.  This is a wonderful value too as it should be available for about $25 once it’s released.  Organic.  92 points.  Find this wine.

~ This is the first Rosso I’ve tasted from the wonderful and highly anticipated 2019 vintage. It really is a wonderful preview of what’s to come ~

The 2019 vintage provided excellent growing conditions and the wines from Montalcino will likely be the best since the 2016s which are just now coming to market.  A generalization of course, but do take note and save some room in your budget for the 2019 Rossos.  I’ll be spotlighting a few more 2019 Rossos in the near future and will also include the 2016 Collemattoni in my Annual Brunello coverage.

Stay tuned and salute!