2016 Tenuta Col d'Orcia Poggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG

Brunello is always a favorite, but 2016 is considered the region’s best vintage ever, and wine lovers and collectors are clamoring to fill their wine racks and cellars with these lauded Tuscan bottles. The longer the bottles from the 2016 vintage are on the market, the scarcer they’ll become. We all know scarcity drives up the price, so NOW is the time to secure the critically acclaimed 2016 Brunello di Montalcino.

When it comes to deciding whether or not to buy wines from the vintage, James Suckling makes the decision easy for you when he says, "If you ever wanted a Brunello for your cellar, buy the 2016 vintage." The critics are raving about this specific 2016 Brunello Riserva from Col d'Orcia, and it deserves your attention.

"One of our favorites in Montalcino is Col d’Orcia. Apart from making superb wines, the owner, count Francesco Marone Cinzano, is passionate about biodiversity and fighting climate change." ~Forbes

One of the original estates of Montalcino and now the largest certified organic estate in Tuscany, Col d’Orcia is a leader in Brunello di Montalcino. The estate is known for helping to define and promote one of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions. Tradition, integrity, and sustainability are the pillars of the estate, whose classic style wines are celebrated all over the world. Proudly defined as an ‘organic island,’ Col d’Orcia is committed to maintaining the natural environment in which it operates and has, for many years, employed organic farming practices. 

The estate’s name translates to “the hill overlooking the Orcia River,” as its position lays in the undulating hills between the Orcia River and Sant’Angelo in Colle. Here, the southern orientation provides vines with abundant exposure to sunshine. The vineyard soils are comprised of limestone and marl which facilitates natural irrigation. Located at about 1500 feet above sea level, the estate is favorably positioned against Mount Amiata (5,700 feet) which helps shield the property from floods and hail. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with limited rainfall coming in from the Tyrrhenian coast, 21 miles away.

The Cinzano family, renowned for their global spirits brand established in 1757, became the owners of Col d'Orcia in 1973. The Cinzanos, known for their expertise in vermouth and sparkling wines, used their extensive distribution network to introduce Col d'Orcia’s early vintages. Under the leadership of Count Alberto Marone Cinzano, the family expanded the vineyards, growing them from just a few hectares to 70 by the 1980s. This expansion continued under his son Francesco, reaching 140 hectares, with 108 dedicated to Brunello. Today, Col d'Orcia stands as Montalcino's third-largest Brunello estate, a testament to the Cinzano family's vision and legacy in both the spirits and wine industries.

The complexity of this Brunello di Montalcino  Riserva is derived from its aging period where it slowly absorbs the wood aromas and fragrances. This amazing Brunello is carefully cellared by the winery and released until it's ready, that's at least 5 years after harvest.