Tenuta Col d'Orcia - Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento 2016

The Col d’Orcia winery has set the standard for excellence in Tuscany’s renowned Montalcino region. Though one of the oldest Tuscan wine estates, with the original farm dating back to the 14th century, today Col d’Orcia leads the charge for cutting-edge, sustainable viticulture and winemaking, thanks to its innovative proprietors, Count Francesco Marone Cinzano and his son, Santiago. Their efforts are so well regarded, Col d’Orcia was named Environmental Advocate of the Year 2025 by Wine Enthusiast — an industry first award.

A world traveler with boundless energy, Count Cinzano has instilled a simple philosophy for making Col d’Orcia wines since taking ownership of the estate in 1992 — 20 years after the arrival of his father, Count Alberto Marone Cinzano, in Montalcino.

This raison d’etre is represented by the winery’s now-iconic logo: three rows of hills symbolizing Montalcino, rising to a hand that points toward a star. It is a steadfast reminder of Col d’Orcia’s commitment to the land, world-class winemaking, and the never-ending quest for excellence.

Inspired by the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity, Count Cinzano believes that “Montalcino possesses something precious that must be preserved.” Under his leadership, Col d’Orcia has become EQUALITAS Sustainable Winery certified and also earned organic certification in 2013. A decade later, the estate received the prestigious SNAIL award from Slow Wine. This honor is reserved for small-scale Italian wine producers who practice traditional techniques, protect the environment, and safeguard biodiversity.

Since January 2018, over 405 hectares / 1,000 acres are now being treated according to biodynamic practices, with the goal to increase the natural balance, health, and productivity of the crops. Every year, the winery partners with the University of Florence for research and development efforts, which include clonal selection, cover crop experimentation, erosion control, and carbon footprint reduction. Additionally, the team has installed solar panels on the rooftop of the winery, extending their eco-friendly initiatives into the energy they use.

Given Count Cinzano’s focus on quality and sustainable winemaking, it should come as no surprise that Col d’Orcia wines regularly win 90+ point ratings from leading wine critics. The estate has 150 hectares / 370 acres of vineyards, predominantly planted with sangiovese, Brunello’s signature red grape. With every wine, Count Cinzano strives to highlight the grape varieties’ unique qualities and ensures that they showcase the elegance, structure, and finesse for which Col d’Orcia has become internationally celebrated.

As one of the original estates of Montalcino and now the largest certified organic vineyard in Tuscany, Col d’Orcia is a leader in Brunello di Montalcino helping to define and promote one of Italy’s most prestigious wines. Tradition, integrity, and sustainability are the pillars of the estate, whose classic style wines are marked by balance and elegance. Planted in 1974, the single vineyard Poggio al Vento - meaning “windy hill”- lies 350m a.s.l. Demarcated for its exceptional quality, this wine is produced only in the best vintages and is the icon of the estate. The first vintage in 1982 was aged in large barrels and it soon became apparent that only a slow, long maturation could do justice to the powerful tannins of the wine, drawn from the sandy, limestone-rich soils of this vineyard.

“Classic to the core, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio al Vento takes its time in the glass, slowly gaining in depth and nuance as dusty roses and leather give way to dried strawberries, then hints of cedar and spiced blood orange. It’s elegant and refined, with polished red berry fruits and silken textural waves contrasted by sour orange notes. A core of vibrant acidity maintains a wonderfully fresh persona. This finishes long and staining yet also youthfully structured. A coating of fine tannins grips the remnants of red currant and spice. Ultimately, the 2016 Poggio al Vento leaves the taster longing for another sip while lamenting its impossibly youthful state. It will be many years before we can fully enjoy the depth and complexity currently in reserve, but I hope to be there when the day finally comes.” - 97 Points, Vinous

“Packed with vibrant cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and tobacco aromas and flavors, this red is racy and pure, with a superb aftertaste. Defined by its bracing acidity and precise fruit flavors, this still has some tannins to resolve. So youthful and fresh, it feels like this has hardly budged in its evolution. Best from 2027 through 2045. 2,100 cases made, 300 cases imported.” - 97 Points, Wine Spectator

“There is another leverl of refinement to the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino, with layers of pure cherry, incense, and leather woven together with rosemary, and herbs. It has fine tannins and is elegant yet structured, offering a wine with precision and length. Well-balanced, its warming spice harkens to its more southern location and sense of place. Drink 2025-2045.” - 96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

Producer: Tenuta Col d'Orcia

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Varietal: Sangiovese

Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino

Vintage: 2016

Size: 750ml