Full confession: I absolutely pinched myself several times when I received the invitation to sip the celebrated wines of Col d'Orcia with Count Francesco Marone Cinzano. I'm thrilled to report that the wines and the Count exceeded my expectations: both were stylish, elegant, timeless, and approachable. These are all excellent qualities in counts and wines, don't you agree?
Count Francesco Marone Cinzano
Situated on the outskirts of the medieval hilltop village of Montalcino in Tuscany's Siena province, Col d'Orcia produces one of Italy's most prestigious and coveted wines - Brunello di Montalcino. One of these days, I'll make the trip there but the Count graciously brought a taste of Tuscany to Del Posto restaurant in New York City so that we were able to experience the wines minus the jet lag! The Col d'Orcia estate has a winemaking history that dates back to the 1700's and has been in the hands of the Cinzano family since 1973. Count Cinzano manages Col d'Orcia and the winemaking is entrusted to chief enologist Antonio Tranchida. Col d'Orcia is the third largest owner of Brunello vineyards in Montalcino and their wines are organic.
With the longest aging requirements of all Italian wines, Brunello di Montalcino truly showcases the artistry and patience required to create a stellar wine. Believe me, if someone pours you a glass of Brunello, they really like you - you don't share Brunello di Montalcino with schmucks! Brunello translates to "little dark one" and is the local term for the Sangiovese clone that produces these incredibly lush, rich, and voluptuous wines that age beautifully. Not inexpensive, Brunello pairs perfectly with special meals and very special people. Here are three of my favorites from the Col d'Orcia portfolio that you can enjoy even if you don't have a Count nearby!
Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino Riserva "Poggia al Vento" DOCG 2006 ($149.99)
Aged 4 years in oak and followed by 2+ years of refinement in bottle, this 100% Sangiovese vino is absolutely stunning. Beautifully balanced, it is a deep ruby red wine with soft tannins that lavish the palate with flavors of dark cherry, spicy oak, chocolate, green grass, and soft earth. If my ex-boyfriend sent me a bottle of this, I would consider giving him another chance. This is a statement wine that pairs perfectly with a thick and juicy medium rare steak, roast, and pâtés.
Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 ($54.99)
Earthy and intense, I would buy two bottles of Col d'Orcia 2010 Brunello - one to drink now and one to age for a few more years. Full-bodied and oaky with ripe soft tannins, this wine is bold and balanced but you can taste the potential of how absolutely extraordinary it will be over time.
Col d'Orcia Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2012 ($24.99)
Also made from 100% Sangiovese, Rosso di Montalcino is not required to be aged more than a year - hence the more affordable price point. Less oaky and tannic than Brunello, Rosso di Montalcino is lighter and more fruit-forward. Col d'Orcia Rosso di Montalcino 2012 is a perky wine with flavors of cherry and just a hint of pepper and anise. Pairs nicely with veal, pork, and poultry.
If you're planning a trip to Tuscany, Col d'Orcia offers tours and tastings.
