"People tasting wines at home seem to interpret wines in a different way. Maybe it's because they're surrounded by the usual tastes and aromas. And maybe it's also because they're more relaxed. They tend to sense wine a lot better and I think that's important."
- Count Francesco Marone Cinzano
It isn't everyday that you get to beam a count into your living room for a wine tasting, but thanks to technology, that's exactly what I did! The charming and erudite Count Francesco Marone Cinzano recently joined me on Instagram Live for a tasting of his beautiful Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino. Col d’Orcia means “the hill overlooking the Orcia River” and it is one of the original estates of Montalcino -- its rich winemaking history dates back to the 1700s. Committed to sustainability, Col d’Orcia is now the largest certified organic estate in Tuscany and they poetically refer to themselves as an organic island.
Joining the Instagram Live chat from the vineyard, Count Cinzano shared tasting notes on Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 ($55) and Col d’Orcia Poggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2013 ($150). Both wines are a pure, powerful, and elegant expression of 100% Sangiovese. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Count Cinzano is offering wine lovers around the world to join him online for a guided Smart Tasting from the comfort of their homes. He loves the input that he receives from these tastings and says "People tasting wines at home seem to interpret wines in a different way. Maybe it's because they're surrounded by the usual tastes and aromas. And maybe it's also because they're more relaxed. They tend to sense wine a lot better and I think that's important."
Watch our conversation on YouTube or IGTV.
Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 ($55)
Aged three years in oak casks and another year in bottle before release, this 2015 may be young by Brunello standards but it is remarkably approachable and balanced. Over time it will reveal even more complexity, but 2015 is an exceptional Five Star Vintage and the wine is singing beautifully now. Classic and fresh with a kiss of spice.
Col d’Orcia Poggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2013 ($150)
During our chat, Count Cinzano shared that this was the first certified organic vintage of this Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. The wine is aged a minimum of six years prior to release; four years in Slavonian and French oak casks followed by at least two years refinement in bottle. This wine is an excellent example of the aging potential of a meticulously crafted Brunello di Montalcino. This wine will reveal even more nuance and finesse in the decades to come but right now it is superb. Intense and graceful with impeccable balance.
