Col d'Orcia
Summary
Col d'Orcia is a family-owned, 540-hectare estate on Montalcino's southern slopes, with 140 hectares of primarily Sangiovese vineyards at 150-450 meters elevation producing Brunello di Montalcino from diverse soils of marl, clay, limestone, and sandstone. Tuscany's largest certified organic wine producer since 2010, they balance traditional winemaking methods—aging Brunello in both French and Slavonian oak for at least two years—with modern techniques like temperature-controlled fermentation to authentically express their southern Montalcino terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Col d'Orcia's history begins with the Fattoria di Sant'Angelo in Colle, a historic estate in the Montalcino region of Tuscany. The modern era of the winery commenced in 1973 when the property was acquired by the Cinzano family, who renamed it Col d'Orcia, meaning "hill overlooking the Orcia river." Count Francesco Marone Cinzano currently leads the estate, representing the third generation of family ownership. Under his direction since the early 1990s, Col d'Orcia has expanded its vineyard holdings and implemented significant quality-focused initiatives.
The estate's transformation includes a milestone achievement in 2010 when Col d'Orcia became the largest certified organic wine estate in Tuscany. This certification marked the culmination of a three-year conversion process that began in 2007. The winery maintains extensive historical documentation of the property, including weather records dating back to the 1970s, providing valuable data for understanding the evolving climate conditions of the region.
Vineyards & Wines
Col d'Orcia encompasses 540 hectares of land with 140 hectares dedicated to vineyards. The estate occupies a distinctive position on the southern slope of the Montalcino territory at elevations ranging from 150 to 450 meters above sea level. This southern exposure provides optimal sunlight for grape ripening while the proximity to Mount Amiata offers protection from extreme weather conditions.
The vineyard soils vary across the property, featuring combinations of marl, clay, limestone, and sandstone that contribute to wine complexity. Sangiovese dominates the plantings, comprising approximately 70% of the vineyard area, with the remainder dedicated to international varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. The estate produces several wines, with Brunello di Montalcino DOCG as its flagship offering. Additional wines include Rosso di Montalcino DOC, Sant'Antimo DOC varieties, and IGT Toscana classifications.
The Poggio al Vento vineyard, situated at 350 meters elevation, serves as the source for Col d'Orcia's single-vineyard Brunello Riserva, produced only in exceptional vintages. This vineyard's specific microclimate and soil composition yield grapes with particular concentration and aging potential.
Philosophy & Practice
Col d'Orcia's approach to viticulture and winemaking centers on organic principles, formalized through certification in 2010. The estate employs cover crops between vine rows to enhance soil health and biodiversity while avoiding synthetic chemicals. Vineyard management includes green harvesting to control yields and ensure optimal grape ripeness.
In the cellar, Col d'Orcia combines traditional and modern techniques. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise management of the process. The winery's aging protocols adhere strictly to Brunello di Montalcino regulations, with standard Brunello aged for a minimum of two years in oak (using a combination of French oak barrels and larger Slavonian oak casks) followed by at least four months in bottle before release. The Poggio al Vento Riserva undergoes extended aging of three years in oak and at least six months in bottle.
The estate maintains an experimental vineyard in collaboration with the University of Florence, dedicated to researching Sangiovese clones and sustainable farming practices. This research informs their viticultural decisions and contributes to the broader understanding of Sangiovese cultivation in the region. Col d'Orcia also implements water conservation measures through a system of small lakes and reservoirs that collect rainwater for use during dry periods, enhancing their environmental sustainability beyond organic certification requirements.