The Il Colle estate was born in 1972 when Alberto Carli bought the medieval farm house and 11 hectares of land.  The full name of the property is "Il Colle al Marchese da Nater Ecclesiae," indicating prior ownership by the Church.  In 1998 Mr. Carli purchased a small parcel of vineyards near the Castle of La Verona.  The winery boasts of 1,200 olive trees, mostly "Correggiolo" with a few "Moraiolo" variety.  Enologist Giulio Gambelli produces traditional Brunello, Rosso and D.O.C. Sant'Antimo, and Brunello Riserva in rare, exceptional vintages, without the use of small French oak barriques.  Total production at the winery rarely exceeds 42,000 bottles. 

The Vine

The Sangiovese is a red grape varietal that dates to the Roman classical era.  Its etymology, “Sangue di Giove” (“Blood of Jupiter”) is an indication of its power and grandeur.  It is one of Italy’s most important grapes, producing Brunello di Montalcino and providing the basis for Chianti, Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. 

The Wine

Il Colle produces about 30,000 bottles of Brunello di Montalcino annually.  Careful, manual bunch selection and low yields in the vineyards permit for excellent quality.  The Brunello is patiently aged in a variety of Slovonian and Allier oak casks, ranging from 5 to 50 hectoliters (500 – 5,000 liters) in size.  Further refinement in the bottle takes place in a special subterrean grotto cut into the tufo sub-soil.  Only 600 bottles are available for sale in the USA.

Technical Facts

Characteristics: A brilliant, intense ruby red with complex persistent fragrances of berries and flowers.  A harmonious, concentrated, balanced, rich, dry, taste and a lingering finish.  .

Grapes: 100% Sangiovese

Food Affinities: Elegant preparations of red meat, steaks, chops, rack of lamb, venison, game dishes, and aged cheeses.