The Tuscan and less known appellation “Orcia DOC” boasts of producing “the most beautiful wine in the world” thanks to the recognition of a large part of the Park of Orcia Valley as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2004).
A beauty that is reflected in the glass which, in turn, becomes a liquid postcard of its territory of origin. A territory that is difficult to categorize if we think of the considerable diversification that characterizes it in terms of altitudes and soil composition: it starts from 200 m a.s.l. up, where, in areas at lower altitudes, there is a greater presence of clay. Yet, it ranges from the sedimentary rocks with skeleton near the river (Orcia) to volcanic incursions near the volcano Amiata or to the fossils near Pienza. The climate is cold and for this reason, in the past, the main obstacle to the success of viticulture but with the climate change that has considerably reduced the risk of spring frosts, there has been an important evolution also marked by the creation of the Orcia DOC which today counts 60 wineries.
wines for tasting (orcia doc)
The protagonist is still the Tuscan black grape Sangiovese expected to be at least 60% in the ‘Orcia DOC’ and at least 90% in the ‘Orcia Sangiovese DOC’ (the 2 main versions we find on the label), both available in the Riserva version (aged longer). The appellation also includes the types Bianco, Rosato and the dessert wine Vin Santo.
Following the November tasting organized by the Consorzio with a tasting led by Gabriele Gorelli, here are some of my favourite ones:
- “Troccolone” Orcia Sangiovese DOC 2018 by Capitoni
Among the first to use amphora.
Young and vinous wine that suggests notes of crunchy red fruit such as red cherry and pomegranate along with wild violet and liquorice. Fresh and lively, rightly tannic with a good savouriness. To be tasted in a few months
- “di Testa mia” Orcia Sangiovese Riserva 2015 by Poggio Grande
A very young company.
The wine is complex with hints of cedarwood and fresh herbs that refresh a layer of kirsch, chocolate and walnut. Consistent on the palate, full but still balanced by a good acidity. Toasty aftertaste
- “Cenerentola” (meaning Cinderella) Orcia DOC 2016 by Donatella Cinelli Colombini, president of the Consorzio
An excellent example of finesse. The nose is layered with suggestions of official herbs, mon-cherry, paprika and sandalwood. On the palate it is lively with tannins of excellent quality, invites to the second sip
- “Memento” Orcia DOC Riserva 2013 by Olivi
They use international grapes (60% Sangiovese, 40% Syrah). The first to produce a white DOC Orcia.
A concentrate of black cherry, black pepper and a light roast with puffs of roots. “Warmer” and smooth wine. Precise, balanced and welcoming.
A still young appellation which is looking for its own identity but with a certain potential given the richness of the whole territory also famous for its white truffle we paired to some of those wines with great pleasure.
pheasant soup with white truffle of siena
