The Essence of Tuscany: Discovering Its Iconic Wines
If I say “holiday in Italy,” Tuscany is probably the first region that comes to mind. It’s one of the most renowned Italian destinations worldwide. Rolling hills, breathtaking panoramas, calming color palettes, and an unmatched wealth of art and gastronomic treasures make it a dreamlike escape.
Tuscany is the birthplace of Fiorentina steak, cantucci biscuits, and pappardelle. In Italy, every dish finds its perfect pairing with a local wine. Tuscany’s offerings include Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Orcia DOC, two gems that embody the region’s winemaking excellence.
But let’s dive deeper into The Essence of Tuscany to uncover its wines and their unique characteristics.
Orcia DOC: A Modern Classic with Ancient Roots
Orcia DOC, located in southeastern Tuscany, is among the region’s younger appellations, inaugurated in the year 2000. Although it lacks the prestige of names like Chianti, Orcia DOC represents a fascinating new chapter in Tuscany’s wine story. One standout from Orcia DOC is Foglia Tonda, a red grape variety with a remarkable history. Twice forgotten and twice revived, it has reemerged thanks to passionate winemakers in central Tuscany, including Donatella Cinelli Colombini. The name Foglia Tonda, meaning “round leaf,” highlights the shape of its foliage.
Foglia Tonda is celebrated for its deep pigmentation, which adds color and richness to wines. Its characteristics perfectly complement Sangiovese, a variety known for its translucent wines. The result is a wine with vibrant color, expressive aromas, and balanced structure. A perfect representation of Tuscany’s innovative yet traditional spirit.
Brunello di Montalcino: A Timeless Masterpiece
Brunello di Montalcino is one of Tuscany’s most revered wines, made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes. This DOCG-classified wine requires patience, as it undergoes extensive aging to develop its complex profile.
To earn the appellation, Brunello must age for at least five years before its release for the “Normale” version, and a minimum of six years for the “Riserva.” This lengthy process softens its firm tannins and enhances its flavour profile.
When young, Brunello offers bold fruit and floral notes, including cherries, wild strawberries, violets, and liquorice. Over time, it evolves to reveal sweeter aromas of dried figs, hazelnuts, and sun-baked leather. The tannins grow velvety, while the acidity becomes succulent, delivering a perfectly balanced experience.
The Orcia DOC Cenerentola truly lives up to its name, representing a “Cinderella” among the wines from the Orcia appellation in Tuscany. This wine blends Sangiovese with the rare Foglia Tonda grape, a variety almost forgotten over time.
Currently, fewer than 20 hectares of Foglia Tonda are cultivated in southern Tuscany.
It boasts rich, intense character with aromas of berries, plums, and dark chocolate. The full body is complemented by velvety tannins, leading to a vibrant and well-balanced finish. Enjoy it now or cellar it until 2026.
In the Brunello territory the 2012 vintage is considered a top year with 5 stars, and this wine really is something special.
The nose shows a round, complex and persistent aromas, rich in spices with hints of vanilla and nuances of ripe berries. Elegant and harmonious palate with good tannins and long finish.
Only produced in exceptional vintages, this Brunello di Montalcino Riserva represents the pinnacle of the winery’s craft and is the wine for which the estate is celebrated worldwide.
” 94/100 Robert Parker and Monica Larner”, ” 95/100 James Suckling”, ” 93/100 Decanter”
Sustainable Excellence with Donatella Cinelli Colombini
At WinesnVines, we collaborate with Casato Prime Donne by Donatella Cinelli Colombini, the first Italian winery staffed entirely by women. This pioneering estate embodies the essence of Tuscany ’s spirit of innovation and tradition. Their Orcia DOC Foglia Tonda and Brunello di Montalcino showcase the best of sustainable winemaking, offering you an authentic taste of Tuscany.