Generations of Tuscan winemaking knowledge found a new home in the picturesque appellation of Red Mountain, Washington State, when Tuscany’s own Marchese Antinori partnered with Washington State’s renowned Château Ste Michelle.
The winemaking legends set out with ambitions to produce a world-class Sauvignon blend, using celebrated Old World techniques in a promising New World region. Their winemaking philosophies proved to be a perfect match, as the first vintage of Col Solare (Italian for “Shining Hill”) in 1995 offered the same elegance and structure of Tuscan greats, with a new American edge.
Named after the earthy-red grass growing on its gentle slopes, Red Mountain offers ideal growing conditions for bolder vinifera varietals, with its nutrient-poor soil comprising silt, sand, and loam. In the long, warm summer days, the fruit develops an intensely ripe character, pronounced aromatics and full tannins. Every element of the terroir and climate works in perfect harmony to create conditions for winemakers to reimagine Italian excellence.
When establishing the Col Solare Estate, winemaker Darel Allwine worked closely with the Antinori family to replicate Tuscan planting philosophies on the Red Hill slopes. Vine density, radial pattern, and side orientation were all meticulously planned when planting the 11.7ha estate. The vineyard’s specifications mirrored that of the family’s own vineyards in Tuscany and Umbria. Every measure was taken to enhance the intensity of the fruit’s flavour and honour the vineyard's Tuscan roots.
Col Solare has been dedicated to perfecting their craft for over two decades, and now stands as the most prominent Cabernet Sauvignon on Red Mountain.