Col d'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy

Producer Information

• Wine region:  Tuscany

Producer Description

Col d’Orcia is one of the best known and most respected names in Montalcino. Owner Francesco Marone Cinzano was elected president of the Brunello consorzio in 2007. The large estate includes 130ha of vines but the wines are made to a high standard. Ex-BANFI winemaker Pablo Harri now directs winemaking and there is consultancy from Maurizio Castelli. The regular Brunello shows plenty of fruit. A tendency to firm, slightly drying tannins can detract and structure can be too dominant in the regular Riserva. The Riserva Poggio al Vento comes from 5.5ha of south-facing slopes and can develop a marvellous complexity with a decade’s ageing. As well as Brunello there is a consistent and gutsy, characterful Rosso di Montalcino, while Rosso degli Spezieri is a bright, fruity blend of Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo and Merlot for early consumption. Olmaia is the major concession to foreign varieties and is a very powerful, rich, oaky Cabernet Sauvignon, although it still wants for a little more refinement both in its structure and flavours. Moscadello di Montalcino is very honeyed with intense, very ripe fruit yet is not in the least heavy. Some Chardonnay (Ghiaie) and Pinot Grigio are also made. Information supplied by Wine Behind the Label

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