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Vineyards producing Brunello in Montalcino

The Wines of Val d'Orcia

Discovering the flavors of a territory of excellence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Val d'Orcia area, located in the heart of southern Tuscany, is an area of extraordinary beauty and scenic harmony, so much so that it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An endless expanse of rolling hills, unpaved roads with cypress trees alongside them, medieval villages still intact and lush nature make this valley not only a symbol of the Tuscan landscape, but also an area with ideal conditions for viticulture.

The soil, made up of clay, sand and marine sediments, combined with a temperate climate, favors the growth and ripening of the grapes, contributing to the development of complex aromas and full-bodied wines. The sunny position and hilly location of the vineyards allow for perfect ventilation and drainage, essential elements for the health of the vines.

These conditions make Val d'Orcia an area of excellence, where top quality wines are made, including elegant and intense reds like Brunello di Montalcino and Orcia DOC, as well as sweet wines such as Moscadello di Montalcino.

Contents
  • 1.
    Brunello di Montalcino
  • 2.
    Orcia DOC
  • 3.
    Moscadello di Montalcino DOC

Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is one of the most prestigious wines in the world: it was created in the mid-19th century by a group of local winemakers, who selected the Sangiovese grape variety, called “Brunello" in Montalcino.

Its quality has evolved significantly since the 1980s, with recognition as a DOCG wine in 1980, becoming the first in Italy. This initiated its international fame. 
Brunello is produced exclusively from Sangiovese grapes, it is a wine created for long aging and is cultivated using systems that guarantee high quality. It can only be put on the market after at least five years of aging, starting from the year of harvest.

Wine cellar with barrels of Brunello di Montalcino.
Wine cellar with barrels of Brunello di Montalcino. - Credit: consorziobrunellodimontalcino.it

Orcia DOC

Orcia DOC, produced mainly from Sangiovese grapes, is much more than simply a wine: it represents an authentic declaration of love between winemakers and the captivating Val d'Orcia territory, which is where it gets its name. In fact, is no coincidence that the designation was officially recognized on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2000, sealing this deep bond. Its protection and promotion are entrusted to the Orcia Wine Consortium, which guarantees its quality and identity.

In addition to the classic red version, Orcia DOC has other interesting variants: the fresh and fruity Orcia Rosato, Orcia Bianco, produced mainly from Trebbiano Toscano, and Orcia Vin Santo, a fine dessert wine, perfect for drinking with traditional Tuscan desserts.

For those who wish to discover this wine and all its nuances, the Orcia Wine Festival is the ideal opportunity: an annual event that celebrates the excellence of the area with tastings, visits to wineries and meetings with the wine producers - a true sensory journey.

Close-up of a glass of red wine at the Orcia Wine Festival.
Close-up of a glass of red wine at the Orcia Wine Festival.

Moscadello di Montalcino DOC

Moscadello is produced exclusively in the territory of the municipality of Montalcino. There are three different types of this wine: Still, Sparkling and Late Harvest, each with distinct characteristics.

To the eye, the color varies depending on the version: the Sparkling type is a light straw yellow and the Still tends to have a more intense color, while the Late Harvest takes on golden hues. It has the unmistakable fragrance of Muscat grapes with elegant floral notes, especially in the version made from dried grapes.

The taste also changes according to the type: the Still wine is sweet and aromatic, the Sparkling has a striking freshness and a light perlage, while the Late Harvest version has a distinctive smoothness and elegance, typical of dessert wines.

Moscadello di Montalcino is perfect at the end of a meal, to enjoy with dry desserts or pastries and it goes particularly well with blue cheeses. In cooking, it is also sometimes used as a base for sweet sauces to be served with delicate dishes. The Still and Sparkling versions are at their best when drunk young, while the Late Harvest wine can be stored for several years.

Montalcino wine cellar with wooden barrels.
Montalcino wine cellar with wooden barrels.

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