Tasting wine with Count Francesco Marone Cinzano is a sure-fire way to banish boredom. Bold and elegant with a quick wit, Cinzano and his wines never fail to captivate. I’ve sipped wine with Cinzano several times over the years at events in New York City and I finally had the pleasure of visiting his acclaimed winery, Col d’Orcia, when I was in Italy several months ago for the Brunello di Montalcino anteprima to preview the 2014 vintage.Col d'Orcia vineyards
image courtesy of Col d'Orcia
A picturesque Tuscan hilltop town located south of Siena, Montalcino is the birthplace of one of Italy’s most revered wines, Brunello di Montalcino. Should I ever leave my cozy Manhattan apartment for more spacious digs, rest assured that my wine cellar would be well stocked with Brunello di Montalcino. Crafted from Sangiovese, which is known locally as Brunello, Brunello di Montalcino is an incredibly expressive and delicious red wine that ages beautifully.
At a dinner hosted by Cinzano at his country home on the Col d’Orcia estate, I experienced first-hand Brunello di Montalcino’s impressive longevity when he surprised us with bottles of rare vintages from 1969 and 1979.
Artful winemaking and the natural acidity of the Sangiovese grapes imbue Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino with a natural freshness that endures for decades. Located on a hill overlooking the Orcia river that inspired its name, Col d’Orcia is the largest certified organic estate in Tuscany and they have designated themselves “an organic island in Montalcino”.
But you don’t have to wait decades or travel to Montalcino to enjoy these gorgeous wines. Take your palate on a elegant Tuscan journey with Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino 2014 ($59).
Aged three years in oak and another year in the bottle, it is a classic expression of Brunello – complex and full but beautifully balanced. By Brunello standards, 2014 is still considered a young wine so if your budget permits, buy one to enjoy now and tuck a few away to revisit over the years to experience the evolution of the wine.
I also recommend Col d’Orcia Rosso di Montalcino 2016 ($29). Aged for 12 months in Slavonian oak casks, it is a younger and fresher expression of Sangiovese with charming fruit flavors and a kiss of spice.
