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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.
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 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 earned organic certification in 2013; 10 years 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 along 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.
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.
