Dear,
Some wineries you write about because they're having a moment. Others you want to write about because they simply make brilliant wines—year in, year out, without any fuss. Col d'Orcia is very much in the second camp.
When the Marone Cinzano family arrived in Montalcino in 1973, Brunello was still far from becoming one of the world's most coveted reds. But this storied Turin family—winemakers since the 16th century and creators of the legendary Cinzano vermouth in 1757—had sharper instincts than most.
Fast forward fifty years, and Col d'Orcia is now the third-largest Brunello producer by vineyard area—and the largest certified organic estate in all of Tuscany. Scale and integrity, all in one.
Why I love Col d'Orcia
In a region that can sometimes overdo it—too much extraction, too much new oak, too much everything—Col d'Orcia has always charted its own course. The wines age in large Slavonian botti, not flashy barriques. Sangiovese gets to be Sangiovese: bright acidity, fine-grained tannins, that unmistakable mix of dark cherry and stony depth.
Count Francesco Marone Cinzano sums up the philosophy nicely: "We think and act like farmers, not winemakers."
Recent vintages have been turning heads internationally: the 2019 Brunello scored 95 points from Wine Enthusiast, who called it a "benchmark Brunello." The legendary Poggio al Vento Riserva 2016 came in at #2 on Wine Enthusiast's "Enthusiast 100."
The wines
Nearco Toscana Rosso IGT 2021
Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
A polished, easy-drinking introduction to Col d'Orcia. Don't let the price fool you—at just €24.50, this is serious Tuscan winemaking.
Vigna Banditella Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2022
100% Sangiovese · €23.50
Count Alberto once called this "the young Sangiovese for lunch." Fresh, fruit-forward, with 12 months in barrique and tonneaux. A Rosso punching above its weight—perfect for everyday drinking with high standards.
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020
100% Sangiovese · from €25 (375ml) to €279 (5L)
The estate's flagship. Three years in large oak, at least one more in bottle. Silky tannins, vibrant acidity, dark cherry, vanilla, warm spice. Built to age 20–30 years, but already lovely now.
Available in: 375ml · 750ml · Magnum · Double Magnum · 5L
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Vigna Nastagio 2018
100% Sangiovese · €59.50
Born from a 20-year partnership with the University of Florence. Richer and more approachable than the classic Brunello, aged in a mix of French tonneaux and large casks. One for those who want something a bit special.
⭐ Poggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016
100% Sangiovese · from €112 (750ml)
The crown jewel. Made only in great years, for the patient collector. This windswept hilltop at 350 metres, with its sandy, limestone soils, ranks among Montalcino's finest sites. Cedar, tobacco, crushed stone, and a texture like silk. Antonio Galloni gave it 95+ points, calling it "exceptionally beautiful, refined, and nuanced."
Available in: 750ml · Magnum · Double Magnum 2015
Olmaia Toscana Rosso IGT 2018
100% Cabernet Sauvignon · €42
Montalcino's first pure Cabernet, from vines planted in 1984. It's built a loyal following over the years—for those who want to explore Tuscany's international side beyond Sangiovese.
Pascena Moscadello di Montalcino DOC 2018
Moscato Bianco · 375ml
A rich, honeyed dessert wine for moments that call for something special. Late-harvest Moscato Bianco—lovely with cantucci, a wedge of Gorgonzola, or simply on its own to end the evening.
CMC LOT.1 Conti Marone Cinzano Brunello 2019
100% Sangiovese
The family's new top-tier cuvée. A selection of their very best barrels—for collectors and connoisseurs chasing something truly exceptional.
Biodynamics at scale
The shift to organic farming started in 2010; by 2013, the entire 538-hectare estate was certified. Since 2018, they've gone biodynamic. Sheep roam between the vines, 200 beehives buzz across 60 hectares of wildflower meadows.
In an era when sustainability is often more slogan than reality, Col d'Orcia does the opposite: all substance, no spin.
The bottom line
Col d'Orcia represents everything I love about Italian wine: deep roots, real elegance, and a sense of joy. These are wines made for right now and for decades to come. I'm thrilled we can finally offer them to you.
Warm regards from the world of wine,
David & the team at
Lebendige Weine
P.S.: Got questions about vintages or food pairings? Just hit reply. the boss reads every email personally.
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