We recently tasted a Sangiovese from a classic Tuscan estate — Brunello di Montalcino's Col d'Orcia — and it blew us away with its freshness, fruit purity, and polished, supple texture.

Col d’Orcia really has it all. Nestled in the beautiful UNSECO-protected Val d’Orcia in the shadow of mount Amiata, this estate calls itself an ‘organic island’, where olives, tobacco, grapes, wheat, and other crops are grown not just organically but with biodynamic practices added. It’s also one of the oldest Brunello di Montalcino producers, and home to some of the choicest terroir in the region.

Like the estate itself, Col d’Orcia’s Rosso di Montalcino also has it all. It has nice purity of fruit (deep red cherry) and a silky-fine, “just noticeable” tannic structure, and unlike the Brunello bottlings, you don’t have to wait years to drink it. It was the lunchtime red of former owner Count Alberto Marone Cinzano after he bought the estate in the 1970s, and who fought for the creation of the Rosso di Montalcino DOCG in 1983.

Really, the wine is so versatile, it’s like a Tuscan swiss army knife; you can drink it with lunch or dinner, or just have it on its own. Because of this – and because of the wines straightforward, juicy deliciousness – we think you’ll probably want to stock up here.

Col d'Orcia, Rosso Di Montalcino, 2020 $22.99
“The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino wafts up with a classic mix of earth tones, Tuscan dust and bright strawberries. It’s silky yet cool-toned in feel with inner violet and lavender tones over a core of tart wild berry fruit. The 2020 leaves a coating of youthfully grippy tannins, yet it keeps the mouth watering as sweet minty herbs slowly fade. This is a fun and fruit-focused Rosso that maintains wonderful balance, and I love how savory, almost salty it is at times. 91 pts.” – Eric Guido, Vinous