winery

Donatella Cinelli Colombini

Tuscany, Italy

Philosophy

Native fermentation in stainless steel and unlined concrete tanks without pumps; aging in 500-litre tonneaux followed by 15-40 hectolitre French and Slavonian oak casks, eschewing barriques. Pioneering use of selected indigenous Montalcino yeasts for terroir expression.

Reputation

Casato Prime Donne was founded in 1998 by Donatella Cinelli Colombini, who hails from a family of Brunello producers. The estate dates back to the 16th century, with records showing the property belonged to the current owner's ancestors as far back as 1592.

AllocationCasato Prime Donne is the singular winery entity for Brunello production; Fattoria del Colle (second property in Trequanda, southern Chianti/Orcia) produces different wines (Chianti, Orcia DOC) and is not directly relevant to this 2020 Brunello entry. Producer name on labels appears as 'Donatella Cinelli Colombini' with estate designation 'Casato Prime Donne.' All-female staffed winery (unique at founding in 1998); succession planned for daughter Violante. Organic certification achieved 2018 after conversion. Annual production ca. 150,000 bottles across both estates; Casato Prime Donne (Montalcino) produces 15,000–40,000 Brunello bottles depending on vintage. UK and Japan importers not verified from search results; Le Sommelier agency handles Canada (LCBO); Banville and Bourget confirmed for USA. No specific conflict in sources regarding producer fundamentals. | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): 'Bourget Imports (Minnesota)' | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): 'Le Sommelier Wine Agency (Canada/LCBO)'

No benchmark products catalogued for this producer yet.