Olmaia Toscana Rosso IGT 2018

A powerful, dry red wine from the south of Montalcino that does without Sangiovese entirely: at Col d'Orcia, the Olmaia is the single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, densely built, finely contoured, at 14.5% vol.

Col d'Orcia lies at Sant'Angelo in Colle, on the hills above the Orcia, the river that marks the south-western boundary of the Brunello area. 142 hectares of vines stand in the Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The estate spans 530 hectares in total, half of it forest, along with olive groves containing 400-year-old trees. Galestro and alberese shape the soils, while cool winds from Monte Amiata cool the nights.

Cabernet Sauvignon, vinified as a single varietal, is a venture the estate has pursued successfully in Montalcino for years. Ageing in barrique gives the wine structure and ageing potential without masking the fruit. Since 2010, Col d'Orcia has farmed organically: sheep and goats graze between the vine rows, and the compost comes from the estate's own cycle.

Deep ruby red with violet reflections. On the nose, blackcurrant and dark cherry, followed by cedarwood, tobacco and a hint of graphite. Full-bodied, with ripe dark fruit, integrated tannins and acidity that keeps the long, warm finish fresh.

Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised wild boar and herb-crusted rack of lamb. Aged hard cheeses such as Pecorino Stagionato or Parmigiano Reggiano also pair well. If opened young, the wine benefits from generous time in the decanter.

Starting in 1757, the Cinzano family built a vermouth empire in Turin. In 1973, Count Alberto Marone Cinzano bought the Sant'Angelo in Colle estate and renamed it after the river. Today, Santiago Marone Cinzano runs the estate together with his father Francesco. The Slow Wine Guide honoured Col d'Orcia with the SNAIL Award for sustainable viticulture in 2023, and Wine Enthusiast named it Environmental Advocate of the Year in 2025.