NEARCO SANT'ANTIMO DOC
Col d'Orcia
APPELLATION
Sant’Antimo DOC
GRAPE VARIETIES
55% Merlot, 20% Petite Verdot, 15% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
WINEMAKERS
Antonino Tranchida
TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol
14.5%
95POINTS
92POINTS
As one of the original estates of Montalcino and now the largest certified organic vineyard in Tuscany, Col d’Orcia is a leader in Brunello di Montalcino helping to define and promote one of Italy’s most prestigious wines. Tradition, integrity, and sustainability are the pillars of the estate, whose classic style wines are marked by balance and elegance.
Nearco is a demonstration of the power, quality and singularity of the Montalcino terroir when planted with international varieties. This Bordeaux blend benefits from the Mediterranean climate of the region, which aids in the structured wines that are also soft and fruity.
The estate’s name translates to “the hill overlooking the Orcia River,” due to its position in between the undulating hills of the Orcia River and Sant’Angelo in Colle. Here, vineyards are comprised of limestone and marl soils. At 1,500 ft a.s.l., the estate is favorably positioned against Mount Amiata, which helps protect against floods and hail. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with limited rainfall coming in from the Tyrrhenian coast, 21 miles away.
The mild winter accelerated the vegetative season, then the spring rains brought the season back to average. From latter June and the whole month of July, the temperatures raised gradually. August had notable jumps in high temperatures and the absence of rain allowed for optimal conditions in order to perfectly mature the grapes.
Grapes are hand-harvested and selected based on perfect ripeness, except for the Syrah, where slight over-ripeness is desired to increase the complexity of the wine. The three grape varieties are fermented separately in shallow stainless-steel tanks, designed to extract tannins and color efficiently but delicately.
Each wine is aged separately for 18 months in 500L French tonneaux. Once blended, the wine is aged an additional 6 months in barrel, followed by one year of bottle refinement.
The nose is intense and harmonious, with hints of ripe fruits like blackcurrant and blackberry that blend perfectly with the spicy notes and vanilla from the oak. Soft and rich to the palate, with ripe tannins, well-balanced by nice freshness. Good persistence that leads to a fruity finish.
RESOURCES
Col d'Orcia Portfolio
