~ Vineyards on the Col d’Orcia Estate ~
For more than a decade, Count Francesco Cinzano has helmed the Col d’Orcia estate and dutifully returned the passion to this once proud property. Under his direction, the estate has been certified organic since 2010. That certification extends beyond wine production. Crops, olives, even the gardens that decorate the landscape, are organic. Cinzano refers to the property as an “Organic Island in Tuscany” and it’s the largest such estate in the region.
Located on the southern slopes of Montalcino, Col d’Orcia is an integral part of the Val d’Orcia. Extending for over 540 hectares, the position of the vineyards are optimal as they face directly south. During my 2015 Brunello coverage, I spotlighted the Estate Brunello. Today, we’re discussing the newest Cru release; Nastagio.
~ Organic Vineyards on the Col d’Orcia Estate ~
The Nastagio vineyard was planted in 2006 and with the 2012 vintage became certified organic. The vineyard sits about 200 meters above sea level and covers approximately 8 hectares. The Sangiovese is aged for the first year in French tonneaux and then transferred to large Botti for the balance of the aging.
The 2015 Col d’Orcia Nastagio Brunello is a deep crimson in the glass with a slight copper fade at the rim. We decanted the wine at home and then toted it along to our favorite Trattoria. On the nose, the wine is primary with loads of crushed cherry, fresh fennel and toasted tobacco notes. Fully structured on the palate, even with decanting this needed time to soften. Black cherry, dried fennel, salume and spice notes are prevalent but chewy, powdery tannins shorten the finish. Will need time to unwind but I don’t think there’s any risk to cellaring this Cru Brunello. Fairly priced too given some of its contemporaries. 93 points. Find this wine.
~ Nastagio is excellent in 2015 but its best days may lie ahead ~
Coming soon are more TuscanSnips, the debut of my 2016 Brunello coverage, new recipes and more. Salute!
