Olmaia Toscana Rosso IGT 2018

Wine description for Olmaia Toscana Rosso IGT 2018 by Col d’Orcia

Colour & Appearance

Deep, luminous ruby red with youthful intensity – a wine that displays its power already in the glass.

Nose

The bouquet reveals the classic elegance of a Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon: blackcurrants, black cherries and blueberries meet cedarwood, graphite and fine vanilla notes. Behind these shimmer tobacco, leather and a subtle peppery spice – opulent and fresh at once, with noble depth.

Palate

On the palate, the youthfulness of the 2018 vintage is evident: still powerfully concentrated, yet already invitingly juicy. The tannins are gripping and structured, yet ripe enough to show no harshness. A clear, fine acidity carries the dark fruit fullness and lends the wine balance. After a few hours of air contact – ideally in a decanter – the full harmony between power and finesse unfolds.

Finish

Impressively long and intense, yet elegant and nuanced. The Olmaia bids farewell with noble complexity and underscores the potential that Cabernet Sauvignon can develop in Montalcino.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from the single vineyard site Olmaia in the hills of Sant’Angelo near Montalcino, 350 metres above sea level, with ideal south-southwest exposure. The vines, planted in 2005, benefit from a balanced 2018 vintage with even winter rainfall, a hot summer and cool September nights.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux clones, hand-harvested and rigorously selected. Fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperature, followed by 24 months ageing in French (95%) and American (5%) barriques with medium toast. Malolactic fermentation also took place in stainless steel.

Food Pairing Recommendations

A powerful companion to grilled Bistecca alla Fiorentina, lamb rack with herb crust, braised wild boar or aged Pecorino Toscano. Also an excellent choice with beef fillet with truffle sauce.

Special Features

The Olmaia impressively demonstrates that Cabernet Sauvignon in Montalcino is not solely Sangiovese territory. A wine with considerable ageing potential that already offers drinking pleasure now, but will gain further complexity over the coming 10-15 years.