Colombaia was established in the early ’70s in the hamlet of Mensanello. Piero Lomazzi—who was brought up in a southern Italian winemaking family— reclaimed a long-abandoned Tuscan farm and extending the existing vineyards.Two decades ago Piero’s son, Dante and his wife Helena took over the winemaking reins at Colombaia.
The complete conversion to organic farming methods (certified by Istituto Meditteraneo di Certificazione) took place in ’90. Dante and Helena have recently begun making the switch from organic to biodynamic farming methods. The house and wine cellar are located on a wide hill that is surrounded by 4 hectares of vines containing the indigenous Sangiovese, Colorino, Malvasia Nera and Canaiolo varieties.
The vineyard is 220 meters above sea level and benefit from an outstanding Southwest exposure. Dante, named for his winemaking grandfather, is a third generation winemaker and he takes a great deal of pride in farming his vines organically. His respect for the environment and complete rejection of industrial-produced wine is a refreshing change for Tuscany.
Press:
http://saignee.wordpress.com/2010/07/18/day-29-2-metodo-ancestrale-or-whatever-the-italian-term-is-for-it/
Certification: Certified Organic (IMC) and Practicing Biodynamic.
Toscano IGT Rosso: — Back to the top
print Colombaia IGT rosso sheet
Age of Vines: 10 to 80 Years
Yields: 13,000 bottles produced
Pruning Method: Runner
Soil: Clay and Limestone.
Varietals: 95% Sangiovese, 5% Colorino.
Vinification Method: Grapes are harvested by hand and taken to the winery in small baskets. The fruit is gently pressed and fermentation occurs in cement tanks. Only native yeasts are employed and no enzymes are added to the wine. The wine is aged in large Slovenian oak casks for one year. The wine is bottled without filtration.
Tasting Note: Ruby red in the glass with lovely, vinous scents of plum, red currant and cedar. The palate is supple with elegant red berry fruit backed by a herbaceous mineral core. This medium bodied gem has pleasant acidity and easy tannins.
Pairing: Enjoy with hearty pasta dishes, fowl, baked chicken and grilled steak.
Toscano IGT Red: — Back to the top
Age of Vines: 40 Years
Yields: 40 Q/ha Harvest
Pruning Method: Runner
Soil: clay rich in fossil shells.
Varietals: Sangiovese, Colorino Malvasia nera, Canaiolo.
Vinification Method: natural fermentation, submerged cap Aged 24 months Slovenian Oak Barrels (26 Hl), 6 months in bottle.
Sparkling Rosé: — Back to the top
Age of Vines: 40 Years
Yields: 40 Q/ha
Pruning Method: Runner
Soil: Clay rich fossil shells.
Varietals: Sangiovese 80%, Colorino 5%, Malvasia nera 10%, Canaiolo 5%.
Vinification Method: natural fermentation in bottle, no added SO2 Total Number. Bottles/bottles 75 cl. available: 600 bottles
Toscano IGT (Blanco): — Back to the top
Age of Vines: 10 to 80 Years
Yields: 1,000 bottles produced
Pruning Method: Runner
Soil: Clay and Limestone.
Varietals: 50% Trebbiano, 50% Malvasia
Vinification Method: Grapes are harvested by hand and taken to the winery in small baskets. The fruit is gently pressed and a cool fermentation occurs in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine undergoes a malolactic fermentation. Only native yeasts are employed and no enzymes are added to the wine. The wine is filtered at bottling.
Tasting Note: Greenish straw in the glass with shimmering silver highlights. Pear flesh, yellow apple core and warm hay are present on the nose. The palate is medium bodied and supple with white fruit and elegant mineral notes. The wine finishes dry with a note of fresh herbs.
Pairing: Works well with shellfish, grilled seafood, grilled chicken and pasta dishes, hearty garden salads, vegetable tarts and casseroles.
Bianco Frizzante IGT (COMING SOON) — Back to the top
Print Bianco Frizzante tech sheet
Age of Vines: 40 years
Yields: 130h/ha: 500 bottles
Pruning Method: Runner
Soil: Clay rich in fossil shells.
Varietals: 50% Trebbiano, 50% Malvasia
Vinification Method: Methode Ancestral (natural fermentation in the bottle), manual disgorgement. Residual sugar is less than 1g/L. No sulfites added.
