Vineyards and winemaking
Collazzi is the estate's Cabernet Sauvignon-led flagship blend, supported by Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot from rocky clay and limestone soils near Florence. Each variety and parcel was harvested by hand and vinified separately to preserve its contribution to the final wine.
After rigorous sorting, fermentation took place below 30°C in stainless steel with approximately 18 to 20 days of maceration. Malolactic fermentation was completed in barriques, followed by 18 months in French oak and further bottle ageing before release. The magnum format has encouraged slow, even development.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Deep garnet with a dark ruby core and a fine brick-red edge.
Nose
Blackberry, blackcurrant and plum are layered with balsamic herbs, violet, coffee bean and damp earth.
Palate
Full-bodied and silky, with mature dark fruit, fine but persistent tannins and balancing freshness. Black truffle, cedar and savoury spice unfold through the long, composed finish.
Food pairing
The magnum is ideal for a larger table alongside slow-roast beef rib, wild boar ragù, braised ox cheek, or a porcini and Parmesan polenta bake. Stand upright before serving and decant carefully for around an hour.
Background story
Collazzi lies at Impruneta, a few kilometres south-west of Florence, on a historic estate owned by the Marchi family since 1933. The Renaissance villa is traditionally associated with designs by Michelangelo, while the modern vineyards were substantially restructured from the mid-1990s under Lamberto de' Frescobaldi and oenologist Alberto Torelli.
The flagship Collazzi was first produced in 1999 and is built for extended bottle ageing. James Suckling awarded the 2012 93 points. This listing is for a single 150cl magnum, whose slower maturation has helped retain fruit and harmony while tertiary notes have begun to emerge.
