Col d’Orcia - Olmaia Cabernet Sauvignon Sant'antimo DOC

Olmaia Cabernet Sauvignon Sant'antimo DOC

Sant'Antimo DOC,

Tuscany,

italy

Latest Awards

94 points Vinous , January 2022

94 points Wine Spectator , October 2021

Background

As one of the original estates of Montalcino and now the largest certified organic vineyard in Tuscany, Col d’Orcia is a leader in Brunello di Montalcino helping to define and promote one of Italy’s most prestigious wines. Tradition, integrity, and sustainability are the pillars of the estate, whose classic style wines are marked by balance and elegance. Olmaia is dedicated to the innovative spirit and vision of Count Alberto Marone Cinzano, Count Francesco’s father, when he planted Cabernet Sauvignon in the early 1980s on the hills of Montalcino. Grapes are sourced from the Olmaia vineyard on the estate, situated 1,200ft above sea level. This vineyard was planted in 2005.

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES

The estate’s name translates to “the hill overlooking the Orcia River,” due to its position in between the undulating hills of the Orcia River and Sant’Angelo in Colle. Here, vineyards are comprised of limestone and marl soils. At 1,500 ft a.s.l., the estate is favorably positioned against Mount Amiata, which helps protect against floods and hail. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with limited rainfall coming in from the Tyrrhenian coast, 21 miles away. Winter was rather dry, with low temperatures in January and February. Spring rains, within seasonal average, provided the water reserve necessary for the months of July and August. September was temperate with good day-to-night temperature excursions, allowing a perfect ripeness of the grapes.

Winemaking & Aging

Manual harvest with rigorous selection of the best grapes in the vineyard and cellar. Grapes are fermented for 20 days in 50hl stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature. The wine is aged 18 months in new French oak barriques and a small portion in American barrels, followed by a further 8 months refinement in bottle.

Tasting Notes

Smart and elegant, with typical notes of ripe pepper and blackberries, perfectly balanced with the spicy vanilla notes from the oak. Full bodied, meaty, and well structured, culminating in a long, elegant finish.