Col d’Orcia
A family property synonymous with quality and that is among the oldest in Montalcino
Col d’Orcia is one of the largest and oldest properties in Montalcino. It was created with the name “Fattoria di Sant’Angelo in Colle” more than 400 years ago (XVII century) on the southern part of the terroir of Montalcino by an old noble family from Siena. The property remained in the hands of this family until the nineteenth century and changed owners repeatedly. In 1958, following a family succession the heirs Léopodo Stefano Franceschi divided themselves the “Fattoria di Sant’Angelo in Colle”into two properties each with the obligation to rename their fields.
Stefano Franceschi was assigned the south he renamed “Col d’Orcia“. There he planted vines, olive trees and kept some of the forest. Today this former “Fattoria di Sant’Angelo in Colle” remains the current coat of arms of Col d’Orcia which was the coat of arms of the noble family, of very old plants Sangiovese (variety) as well as centuries-old buildings. In 1973 having no children and having reached an advanced age Franceschi S. decided to sell his property to the Count Alberto Marone Cinzano, a family member who owns Cinzano alcohols.
©Col d’Orcia
Count Alberto Marone Cinzano then launched a major renovation project of the buildings, production facilities, replanting and extension of the field so for it to look like the “Fattoria di Sant’Angelo in Colle” was in the past. Currently the property extends over 540 hectares of which 142 are planted with vines with the remainder used for various crops such as tobacco, wheat, cereals, olives (35 hectares) or occupied by forests (200 hectares).
“We have a very familiar atmosphere in Col d’Orcia! Despite the success of our wines and the size of the business we want to continue working in a family spirit. The team here is highly regarded and a big family is formed. All this allows us to keep an artisan profile, vigneron profile, farmer profile. ”
Can you tell us about the vineyard of Col d’Orcia?
“It has a wonderful and unique terroir! Most of our vineyards are planted with Sangiovese. It has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers, light rains in spring and sometimes a little snow in winter. It is located on a hill with a beautiful southern exposure allowing to have good ripeness of grapes at an altitude of about 300 mètres. It is protected from different weather (hail …) by Mount Amiata (1750mètres). The soils are poor in clay and rich in limestone.
Great attention is paid to the maturity of our grapes. Our harvest is entirely manual and is done by successive pickings. For example in 2015 we harvested with 65 people for three weeks.
Respect for nature is also a concept that is dear to us. We always brought and continuously continued to bring attention to the vineyard, its health and its biodiversity. There is fragmented management of our vineyard. In 2010 we decided to develop this policy by initiating the procedures for the certification of organic agriculture ‘. Thus vintages 2010, 2011 and 2012 were ‘Organic Conversion’ and 2013 was our first certified organic vintage. We conducted this approach not only for vineyards but also for our other crops (cereals, olives, tobacco …). It is in organic farming by conviction and not by market opportunity.
Our life, our mission is to protect our land because that is what we are, is our passion, our terroir and we were born here. We are winegrowers by passion and by love for this place, for the vine and wine. You can not make wine by greed. “(Nicola Giannetti, Marketing & Communication Manager)
Apart from the terroir and the history other specifics characterizes this vineyard Col d’Orcia. The property has very old Sangiovese plants. To preserve this unique genetic heritage Col d’Orcia is partnered with the Universities of Florence and Pisa to study these very old Sangiovese clones. Today most of the Col d’Orcia vineyard is planted or replanted with these old clones, clones that come from 100 years ago. “75% of our production is made from Sangiovese from our own genetic heritage. “(Giuliano Dragoni, agronomist)
Another feature of this property, is that they have, for ten years planted Pinot Gris. “Despite the fact that Montalcino is not the favorite place of this grape the Pinot Gris is very well acclimatized here. It gives good white wines marked by the terroir. “(Nicola Giuliano Giannetti and Dragoni)
Where does the name of the Tenuta Col d’Orcia come from ?
“Col d’Orcia” means “hill above the Orcia river”.
The Orcia is a river that marks the southwestern border of the Brunello di Montalcino appellation. This location allows the property to benefit from an exceptional terroir.
The Val d’Orcia is a unique area that was classified in 2004 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
What is the signature wines of Col d’Orcia?
“These are typical/racy wines, balanced and elegant. These are pleasant wines where Sangiovese is recognizable and put in value. The fruit is not masked by the wood. “(Nicola Giannetti, Marketing & Communication Manager)
I think what characterizes the wines of Col d’Orcia is the quality of Sangiovese, but also a beautiful matter, a beautiful harmony in mouth, freshness, elegance, good ripeness and tension in mouth. Commonly found slight spicy notes, fine pepper note on the nose. These are wines of Brunello di Montalcino made in a “traditional” style (grape varieties, blend, winemaking, ageing).
Could you define / introduce the Tenuta Col d’Orcia in two or three words?
“Tradition, unique terroir, biodiversity, history and respect for the land. “(Giuliano Dragoni, agronomist)
“As for me I would add: uniqueness of the terroir, perfect land for the Sangiovese and respect / protect / sustainability of forests in our area. “(Nicola Giannetti, Marketing & Communication Manager)
Anecdotes side:
©Col d’Orcia
Of the 540 hectares that make up the property thirty hectares are dedicated to cereals, olive trees and tobacco growing. As well as visit the property you have the opportunity to buy authentic Italian pasta manufactured based on an old variety of wheat, Senatore Cappelli. This variety contributes a lot in maintaining healthy soils of the property. Thanks to that there is found in the ground 35 different polyphenols antioxidants whereas with “current” varieties we found only two.
What is especially “anecdotal” is the tobacco growing. Col d’Orcia also plans within a few years, to produce its own cigars.
Another anecdote is that the property has very old and majestic cypress trees. Upon the restoration of the property Count Alberto Marone Cinzano wanted to know the age of these trees. Finding no records and failing to determine the age he appealed to memories of the old villages. Through them he could determine that these very old cypress trees are over 200 years old.
Thanks to the Col d’Orcia team for the great hospitality.
Jonathan Choukroun Chicheportiche
Col d’Orcia S.r.l. Società Agricola
Via Giuncheti
53024 Montalcino – Italia
+39 0577 80891
