What kind of wine is Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 'Colombaiolo' 2016 - Casisano
The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 'Colombaiolo' 2016 - Casisano is a red wine of great elegance and intensity, produced entirely from Sangiovese Grosso grapes, the emblematic grape variety of the Montalcino area. This Riserva comes from the most prestigious cru of the Casisano Estate, located on the southern hills of Montalcino, where the combination of altitude, soil, and microclimate yields wines of structure, balance, and extraordinary longevity. It is a label that tells the true essence of the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, offering an authentic, complex yet accessible experience for those who wish to discover the most refined soul of Brunello.Vintage details
The 2016 vintage in Montalcino is considered one of the best in recent decades. The balanced climate — with a warm but never extreme summer and excellent temperature excursion between day and night — favored a slow and homogeneous ripening of the grapes. The result is a profound wine with a clear aromatic profile and silky tannins that promise an extraordinary evolution over time.Winemaking and aging
The winemaking of Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 'Colombaiolo' 2016 - Casisano follows an artisanal philosophy that respects the raw material. The grapes are hand-picked and fermented in wooden vats at controlled temperatures (28–30 °C), with a maceration of about 20–25 days, which allows for harmonious extraction of color, aromas, and structure. This is followed by a long aging process:- 4 years in Slavonian oak barrels of various capacities, which impart complexity and softness;
- 6 months of further rest in the bottle, to reach perfect balance before release.
Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, it presents a deep ruby red, tending towards garnet with evolution, a clear sign of the maturity and long life of this wine.Nose
On the nose, it reveals an elegant and layered bouquet. Notes of ripe cherry, plum, and delicate hints of sweet spices, leather, and tobacco are discernible. With aeration, balsamic scents and a hint of the Tuscan land emerge, adding authenticity and charm.Taste
On the palate, the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 'Colombaiolo' 2016 - Casisano is structured but perfectly balanced. The tannins, dense but velvety, blend with a vibrant freshness and a long persistence that invites another sip. The warm and harmonious finish leaves a sensation of elegance and depth.What to pair with Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 'Colombaiolo' 2016 - Casisano
This great Tuscan red is best expressed with dishes of strong and rich flavor, capable of accompanying its structure. Ideal with:- grilled or roasted red meats;
- traditional Tuscan braised and stewed dishes;
- game, such as wild boar or hare;
- aged cheeses, especially Pecorino di Pienza or long-aged Parmesan.
Storage and aging: how to store Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 'Colombaiolo' 2016 - Casisano wine
To best preserve the quality of this wine, it is important to store it in a dark, cool environment with a constant temperature between 14 °C and 18 °C. The bottle should be kept lying down, so that the cork remains moist, preventing air infiltration. Thanks to its structure and complexity, the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 'Colombaiolo' 2016 - Casisano can evolve in the bottle for over 15–20 years, developing increasingly refined aromas over time. It is therefore a perfect wine both for an important dinner and for enriching a cellar destined for special occasions.Casisano
The history of the Casisano winery The Casisano winery, nestled in the heart of Tuscany, boasts a history that intertwines tradition, family heritage, and modern innovation. Since its foundation, the company has been dedicated to producing high-quality wines, respecting traditional methods while ...
How to best open and serve Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 'Colombaiolo' 2016 - Casisano
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 'Colombaiolo' 2016 - Casisano, ensure the bottle has been stored horizontally, away from sources of light and heat. Approximately 24 hours before serving, place it upright: this will allow natural sediments to settle at the bottom, facilitating opening and decanting.
2. Ideal serving temperature
This Brunello di Montalcino Riserva best expresses its elegance and complexity when served at a temperature of approximately 18°C. If the bottle is stored in a cellar, simply bring it to a slightly warmer environment for an hour before serving. It is preferable to avoid sudden temperature changes that could compromise the wine's bouquet.
3. Opening the bottle
To avoid damaging the cork, use a lever or double-bladed corkscrew. Follow these steps:
- Remove the capsule by cutting just below the neck ring.
- Clean the rim with a clean, dry cloth.
- Insert the corkscrew's worm into the center of the cork and, with a steady motion, extract it without shaking the bottle.
In case of a particularly fragile cork, use caution: you might use a twin-prong cork puller to keep it intact.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, briefly sniff the cork: it should have a clean and harmonious aroma. Pour a small amount of Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 'Colombaiolo' 2016 - Casisano into the glass for the first taste. This serves to check that the wine has no defects and to begin perceiving the aromatic evolution.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Being a structured and aged wine, decanting is strongly recommended. Proceed as follows:
- Slowly pour the wine into a decanter, avoiding shaking the bottle so as not to stir up the sediments.
- Allow the wine to rest for at least 45-60 minutes before serving, to encourage oxygenation and full aromatic expression.
During decanting, you will notice how the bouquet evolves, enhancing the notes of ripe red fruit, spices, and light balsamic hints typical of Brunello di Montalcino.
6. Serving
Use large tulip-shaped glasses, ideal for concentrating the complex aromas of this wine. Pour the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 'Colombaiolo' 2016 - Casisano in moderate quantities to maintain a consistent temperature during tasting. Pair with red meat dishes, game, or aged cheeses for a perfect combination.
7. Storage after opening
If you do not consume the entire bottle, re-cork the wine with the original cork or an airtight stopper and store it in a cool place, preferably in the refrigerator. Consume the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 'Colombaiolo' 2016 - Casisano within 2-3 days to still appreciate its aromatic complexity. Before serving again, slowly bring it back to the ideal temperature.