Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG 'Colombaio

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Colombaio 2018 is the cru of Cava d'Onice, made from 100% Sangiovese grown in the Colombaio vineyard in Montalcino, Tuscany. The name comes from the farm the owner's parents bought in 1983. The first vintage made just 266 bottles; today it is about 2,000 a year. Aged in French oak tonneaux, it is a deep, brilliant ruby with a balanced, solid palate, well-knit tannins and a very long finish. Serve at 16 to 18°C. Delivered across Ontario.

The producer

Cava d'Onice is a Montalcino estate. Its Colombaio farm was bought by the owner's parents in 1983, and the Colombaio Brunello was first made in 2000, with only 266 bottles.

The vineyards

The Colombaio vineyard in Montalcino sits at 450 m above sea level on 1.1 hectares facing south and south-west. The soil is a medium mix rich in clay and calcium, with 4,000 vines per hectare on spurred cordon, an average vine age of 28 years and a yield of 40 hl/ha. Picked by hand in the last week of September.

How it's made

Fermented in stainless steel below 30°C for 10 days, with 28 days on the skins. Matured 30 months in second-use 500-litre French oak tonneaux, then 18 months in bottle in a temperature-controlled cellar.

How it tastes

Brilliant, deep ruby. The palate is balanced and solid, with tannins well blended into the wine and a long, lingering finish.

How to serve it

Try it with Chianina beef tartare and white truffle, or with Maremma tortelli in a rich sauce. Serve at 16 to 18°C.