Col dOrcia Olmaia Cabernet 2016

Col d’Orcia is one of the historic estates of Montalcino in southern Tuscany, owned by the Cinzano family since 1973. The estate is certified organic, with a strong commitment to sustainable viticulture. Vineyards lie on the southern slopes of the Brunello di Montalcino zone, where a warm, dry climate and well drained soils of galestro, clay and limestone promote ripeness, structure and aromatic intensity. The 2016 vintage was marked by a warm, dry growing season, producing concentrated and expressive wines with excellent ageing potential.

Olmaia 2016 is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapes are carefully hand harvested and rigorously sorted to ensure only the healthiest berries are used. Fermentation occurs in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts, with regular pump overs and délestage to extract colour, flavour and structured tannins without harshness. After fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic conversion in stainless steel before being transferred to small French oak barriques, of which around 30% are new, for approximately 18 months of ageing. The wine is then blended and gently fined, but not filtered, before bottling and additional bottle ageing to allow integration and complexity. Olmaia 2016 shows cassis, blackberry, cedar, graphite and spice notes, with a rich, layered texture and firm, fine grained tannins. It pairs beautifully with grilled red meats, game, hearty stews and mature pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses, and has excellent potential for further ageing in bottle.