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| ~ Vinous history at Col d’Orcia ~ |
Proprietor Francesco Cinzano is not one to rest on his vast laurels. For decades he has helmed Col d’Orcia yet about 10 years ago when it became apparent that some of the focus at the estate was lost, Cinzano acted with passion and direction.
Since 2010, Col d’Orcia, literally the hill overlooking the Orcia river, is proud to call itself an “organic island in Tuscany.” The entire estate has been certified organic and operates naturally in complete respect for the land it guards.
Col d’Orcia is located in the southern part of the Brunello zone and is one of the appellations largest producers – I’m reiterating a theme here that large producers can make excellent wine and never before has it been as obvious as it was in 2010.
Col d’Orcia is located in the southern part of the Brunello zone and is one of the appellations largest producers – I’m reiterating a theme here that large producers can make excellent wine and never before has it been as obvious as it was in 2010.
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| ~ Vineyards at Col d’Orcia ~ |
Today we’re re-visiting the 2010 Col d’Orcia estate Brunello which was part of my comprehensive report on the vintage. Since the 2008 vintage, Col d’Orcia has been producing elegant, aromatic Brunello and this example continues that trend.
The Brunello is vinified in stainless steel vats and then aged in large and medium Slavonian Cask for 3 years. An additional year of bottle aging is completed before the wine is released to the market.
The color of the 2010 remains a bright ruby with violet reflections but despite its lack of deep color, don’t let that convince you that this is a light bodied wine. This is cask aged Sangiovese! The aromatics are just lovely, with fresh flowers, crushed fresh herbs, wet stones and ripe cherries present. It’s a lovely feminine ball room dancer.
On the palate, the wine exudes that same sense of class; though it displays more brawn given the vintage – brawn that I more typically associate with it’s Riserva sibling, Poggio al Vento. This is full bodied, with juicy fresh wild berry fruit, mineral dust tones, leaf tobacco, fresh sage and anise. The tannins are intricately woven and not at all intrusive; a hallmark I find in many wines from the 2010 vintage. Graceful, which lends itself to a myriad of food pairings, this was a success with simple grilled pork tenderloin. 94 points, about $50.
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| ~ Lovely, elegant Brunello ~ |
Salute!
April 19, 2016
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