"Fattoria dei Barbi is one of the historic, grandfather estates of the appellation... The wines always show a distinctly traditional side that is just part of this estate's DNA, and I'd like to think that this defining characteristic would not change even if a concerted effort was made to do so. " — Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
Fattoria dei Barbi is one of the most important Brunello di Montalcino producers, crafting beautiful wines since the 15th century. As the first Brunello producer to export its wines outside of Italy, Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello has become a prized possession for enthusiasts across the globe. Today, Stefano Cinelli Colombini represents the family's 20th generation of winemaking, an incredible feature in today's wine industry.
Fattoria Barbi: Colombini Family History
The Colombini family has owned Fattoria Barbi since its inception, first producing wines in the 15th century. However, the family has roots in Italy dating back to 1352, where they transitioned from wool merchants to bankers. The career change bolstered the family's wealth, allowing the Colombini's to acquire land throughout Montalcino and, eventually, Tuscany and Scansano.
After centuries of Italian winemaking, Giovanni Colombini came to power in the family, forever revolutionizing Fattoria Barbi. Giovanni opened Montalcino's first public wine shop in 1936 and began mail-order selling wines overseas to the United States and Japan. Wines were produced in large numbers, with hundreds of thousands of bottles crafted each year, priced for a broad consumer base, rather than just selling to a wealthy clientele. Then, in the 1950s, Giovanni opened Fattoria Barbi's cellar to the general public, helping open wine tourism in Italy. Today, Fattoria Barbi continues operating as one of Italy's most successful estates, with around 800,000 bottles sold each year, 200,000 of which are Brunello.
Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino: Top-Class Italian Wine
As one of the 25 original estates in operation once Montalcino achieved DOC status in 1967, Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello has played an integral role in shaping the region's wines. Its flagship Blue Label has been praised as a traditional Brunello, featuring a firm, full-bodied structure, warm and enveloping tannins, and liquorice and rose aromas. The 100% Sangiovese is grown from 300-500 meters from vines planted in 1975, producing low yields, and is subject to strict fruit selection.
One of the estate's top wines is the 2016 Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, which placed second in Wine Spectator's 2022 'Wine of the Year' award. The bottle was celebrated for its vibrant fruit and herbal flavors and dense, dusty tannins. Furthermore, the Wine Advocate rated the wine 95+ points for its pure expression of Brunello.
Buy A Bottle of Fattoria dei Barbi Today
Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello not only represents a historic Italian wine, but a delicate bottle every wine enthusiast needs in the cellar. A traditional expression of the famed Brunello di Montalcino, Fattoria dei Barbi wines are strong, full-bodied, herbal, and tannic, perfect for dishes with roasted or grilled red meats and to share with loved ones. Browse through our selection of Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello and find your next cellar gem today.
What is the history of Fattoria dei Barbi?
Fattoria de Barbi dates back to the 15th century and has been owned by the Colombini family since its inception. The estate helped put Brunello di Montalcino on the map by exporting its wine to the foreign countries.
Is Fattoria dei Barbi the best Brunello?
Fattoria dei Barbi has been noted as one of the best Brunello di Montalcino, alongside Biondi Santi. As one of the first estates to sell its wine internationally, Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello has become a global icon.
Where is Fattoria dei Barbi located?
Fattoria dei Barbi is based in Montalcino but owns land in Scansano and Chianti as well. Ultimately, Fattoria holds 350 hectares of land total.
