I could not miss the annual appointment with the Consorzio of Orcia DOC wines with such an actual logan “the most beautiful wine in the world” which, not surprisingly, has the tourism as its main market.

The producers of a small but cohesive denomination work all in the same direction: the pure quality mainly of red wines which distinguish for the more or less long aging – also based on the choice of whether or not to rely on the mention “Riserva” – the proportion of the blend or for the more or less contemporary approach that wants lean and immediate wines.

Orcia denomination was born in 2000 for Sangiovese-based wines: min 60% for “Orcia”, min 90% for “Orcia Sangiovese” both also in the Riserva version, as well as white, rosé and Vin Santo (dessert wines). We are in the hills of southern Tuscany and the guided tasting is typically planned in the Crete Senesi truffle season and this year presented by the colleagues Pallini e Vitale (Gambero Rosso magazine/guides).

Here is my top list without forgetting a special mention for the excellent lunch based on truffles and local products at L’ombelico del mondo in Montisi.

CENERENTOLA ORCIA DOC 2018 (DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI)

SESTERZO ORCIA SANGIOVESE DOC 2018 (POGGIO GRANDE)

SASSODISOLE ORCIA SANGIOVESE DOC 2019 (SASSODISOLE)

VILLAGGIO ORCIA SANGIOVESE DOC 2019 (PODERE FORTE)

FRASI ORCIA SANGIOVESE RISERVA DOC 2019 (CAPITONI)

GIOVESONE ORCIA DOC RISERVA 2019 (LA NASCOSTA)