Olmaia Cabernet Sauvignon (2015)

About this wine

The 2015 Olmaia Cabernet Sauvignon from Tenuta Col d'Orcia presents deep aromas of ripe blackberries and currants, complemented by hints of sage and mint. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied experience with rich dark fruit flavors, balanced by fine tannins and subtle notes of licorice and minerals. This wine showcases the warmth and sunlight of the vintage, resulting in a rich and soft fruit profile. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, it offers a polished structure and a long, elegant finish. This vintage is noted for its potential to age gracefully over the next decade.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety originating from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th-century France, is renowned for its thick skins and resilience, making it adaptable to various climates. In the early 1980s, Count Alberto Marone Cinzano introduced this grape to the Montalcino region of Tuscany, planting it on the hills of his Col d'Orcia estate. The Olmaia vineyard, established in 2005 at an altitude of approximately 1,200 feet, benefits from a Mediterranean climate and limestone-rich soils, providing ideal conditions for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon. This initiative reflects a broader trend in Tuscany, where international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon have been embraced to create distinctive wines that complement the region's traditional offerings.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 2015 Olmaia Cabernet Sauvignon from Tenuta Col d'Orcia is crafted exclusively from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, showcasing the varietal's pure expression in Tuscany's unique terroir.
• 🌿 This wine is produced by Col d'Orcia, one of Montalcino's original estates and the largest certified organic vineyard in Tuscany, emphasizing sustainable and organic farming practices.
• ⛰️ The Olmaia vineyard is situated at approximately 1,200 feet above sea level, benefiting from abundant sunshine and natural irrigation from limestone and marl soils, contributing to the wine's distinctive character.
• 🏆 The 2015 vintage of Olmaia received high praise from critics, including a 94-point rating from Wine Spectator, highlighting its purity of cherry and berry fruit, dense tannins, and excellent length.
• 🍷 The 2015 Olmaia is aged for 18 months in new French oak barriques, followed by further refinement in the bottle, resulting in a full-bodied, well-structured wine with a long, elegant finish.

Palate profile

Producer

Tenuta Col d'Orcia, meaning "the hill overlooking the Orcia River," is a historic winery located in Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy. The estate's winemaking heritage dates back to at least 1890, when the Franceschi family purchased the property, then known as Fattoria di Sant'Angelo in Colle. In 1973, the Cinzano family, renowned for their vermouth and sparkling wine production, acquired the estate and expanded its vineyards, focusing on producing high-quality Brunello di Montalcino wines. Under the leadership of Count Francesco Marone Cinzano, Col d'Orcia became the largest certified organic vineyard in Tuscany in 2010, emphasizing sustainable and biodynamic farming practices. The estate spans approximately 1,300 acres, with 350 acres dedicated to vineyards, primarily cultivating Sangiovese grapes.