Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino 2013

Designation

Brunello di Montalcino

Grapes

Sangiovese

Alcohol

12.8

Vintage

2013

Winery

This historic estate is situated on the south west side of Montalcino. The name Col d'Orcia literally means 'hill overlooking the Orcia river.'

Considered to be one of the traditional producers of Brunello, they're still aging their wine in large Slavonian oak casks for a minimum of 3 years before bottling.

Winery website: http://www.coldorcia.com/

Review

Certified organic, they practice winter pruning and green harvesting to produce low yields, hand picking every single bunch at harvest.

This 2013 was a little tight at first. After a 2 hour decant, it started expressing itself in a wide array of aromas: red forest fruit, porcini mushrooms, dried herbs such as rosemary and thyme, and pronounced spices such as clove and black pepper.

On the palate the wine is smooth and balanced. The tannins are polished and integrated, the acidity provides a backbone to stand up to the full body of the wine. The finish is long and refined, with an aftertaste of red fruit and some dried tobacco. Excellent food wine.

It drinks well now, but I would buy another bottle and revisit in a few years. It definitely has good aging potential.

Food pairings

• Red meats (beef, lamb, deer)
• Poultry