Fossacolle

Fossacolle is a four-hectare estate in south Montalcino, Tuscany, owned by the Marchetti family since the 1700s and now managed by winemaker Adriano Bambagioni alongside his son Stefano. What sets Fossacolle apart is the direct lineage of craft: Adriano trained for ten years under Giacomo Tachis, the oenologist who pioneered Super Tuscan wines, and that expertise translates into consistently supple, well-structured Sangiovese. You're buying not just Brunello, but decades of refined technique applied to a single, focused terroir.

About Fossacolle

The estate comprises 2.5 hectares planted to Brunello and the remainder to Rosso di Montalcino. Positioned in Tavernelle, south-central Montalcino at 300 metres elevation, the south-facing vineyards sit on firm clayey soils. Planted in 1984, the vines are spur-pruned and cordon trained at 4,000 vines per hectare, yielding approximately 54 hectolitres per hectare—a disciplined approach that favours concentration over volume.

Adriano's ten-year apprenticeship under Giacomo Tachis shaped his winemaking philosophy: blend tradition with modern rigour. Hand-picked grapes undergo gentle pressing followed by a cold-maceration phase in stainless-steel tanks. Following this chilled pre-fermentation period, the must ferments under precise temperature control, with regular punch-downs and pump-overs during fermentation to extract flavour and tannin without harshness. The Brunello is aged in Slavonian oak casks of generous volume alongside smaller French oak barriques, a dual-vessel maturation that imparts the wines' characteristic suppleness and structural complexity. Stefano's involvement ensures continuity and fresh perspective. This is not improvisation; it is applied knowledge passed down and refined across family generations.

Fossacolle Wines in Our Collection

The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino scored 91 points (Falstaff), 94 (James Suckling), and 90 (Jancis Robinson)—a wine that demonstrates the estate's ability to balance power with elegance. It is the flagship: drink it with time, or now if you prefer suppleness over austerity. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, aged longer in oak, achieved 91 points (Falstaff) and 94 (James Suckling), offering deeper complexity for the collector. For immediate drinking without ageing, the 2024 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresher expression of the same terroir and Sangiovese, scoring 90 points (Falstaff). Choose Brunello for cellaring or special occasion; choose Rosso for discovery and everyday pleasure.

Food Pairing

Fossacolle's supple tannins and structured acid make these wines excellent with slow-cooked beef, wild boar ragù, game birds, and aged cheeses such as Pecorino. The 2024 Rosso works beautifully with cured meats, tomato-based pasta, and medium-bodied meat dishes. The Brunello reserves itself for grilled steak, roasted lamb, and mushroom-heavy risotto. Avoid heavy cream sauces; instead pair with herbs, Tuscan olive oil, and earthy ingredients that echo the clayey, mineral foundation of the vineyards.

What makes Adriano Bambagioni's winemaking approach distinctive?

Adriano trained for ten years under Giacomo Tachis, pioneer of Super Tuscan wines. He blends tradition with modern method: hand-picking, low-temperature maceration, temperature-controlled fermentation, and ageing in both French barriques and large Slavonian oak for suppleness and structure.

How long can I age Fossacolle Brunello?

The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino (91–94 pts) and 2019 Riserva (91–94 pts) are built for cellaring. Brunello DOCG requires minimum five years ageing before release; these will develop further over 10–15+ years. The younger Rosso is ready to drink now.

What is the difference between Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino from Fossacolle?

Both are Sangiovese from the same south-facing Montalcino terroir. Brunello is aged longer in oak (both barrique and large cask) and is more structured and complex. Rosso is fresher, lighter, approachable younger. 2024 Rosso scored 90 pts; drink within 5 years.

Who makes Fossacolle wines?

Fossacolle is a four-hectare estate in south Montalcino, Tuscany, owned by the Marchetti family since the 1700s. Winemaker Adriano Bambagioni, trained for ten years under oenologist Giacomo Tachis, now manages it alongside his son Stefano.

What style of wine does Fossacolle make?

Fossacolle makes Sangiovese-based reds: supple, well-structured Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino. The 2021 Brunello scored 91 points (Falstaff), showing the estate's balance of power with elegance.

How much does Fossacolle wine cost?

Fossacolle wines range between £26 and £93.35. The 2024 Rosso di Montalcino is £26; the 2021 Brunello is £49.40; the 2019 Riserva is £93.35.