NEARCO SANT'ANTIMO DOC

Col d'Orcia

APPELLATION

Tuscany

GRAPE VARIETIES

50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot

WINEMAKERS

Antonino Tranchida

TECHNICAL DATA

Alcohol
13.5%

2015

95POINTS

JamesSuckling.com

SEPTEMBER 2018

2016

92POINTS

Wine Advocate

JANUARY 2020

Where To Buy VIEW BRAND PORTFOLIO

BACKGROUND

As one of the original estates of Montalcino and now the largest certified organic estate in Tuscany, Col d’Orcia is a leader in Brunello di Montalcino, helping to define and promote one of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions. Tradition, integrity and sustainability are the pillars of the estate, whose classic style wines are celebrated all over the world. Proudly defined as an ‘organic island,’ Col d’Orcia is committed to maintaining the natural environment in which it operates and has, for many years, employed organic farming practices.

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES

The estate’s name translates to “the hill overlooking the Orcia River,” due to its position in the undulating hills between the Orcia River and Sant’Angelo in Colle. Here, southern orientations provide vines with abundant exposure to sunshine and vineyard soils comprised of limestone and marl facilitate natural irrigation.

Located at about 1500 feet above sea level, the estate is favorably positioned against Mount Amiata (5,700 feet) which helps shield the property from floods and hail. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with limited rainfall coming in from the Tyrrhenian coast, 21 miles away.

WINEMAKING & AGEING

The three grape varieties are fermented separately in shallow 150hl stainless steel tanks to obtain efficient yet delicate tannin and color extraction. Fermentation on the skins lasts 20 days at controlled temperatures below 86°F.

The varieties are kept separate during their 12 months of aging in French oak barrels. To enhance the fruit qualities, the Merlot is aged in 500l French oak tonneaux. Once blended, the wine is returned to barrel for an additional 6 months, followed by one year of bottle refinement prior to release.

TASTING NOTES

On the nose, spicy notes characteristic of Cabernet are rendered more delicate by the striking fruit of Merlot, with hints of Syrah’s clove aromas and vanilla from barrel aging further enriching the blend. The palate demonstrates an impressively structured wine with powerful tannins from Cabernet intertwined with multi-dimensional flavors and luscious body from Merlot and Syrah, all brought together with elegance and finesse. Splendid with steaks, roasts and hearty red meat dishes.