What kind of wine is Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG “Poggio al vento” 2016 - Col d'Orcia
The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG “Poggio al vento” 2016 - Col d'Orcia is one of the most representative Tuscan red wines of the denomination, made exclusively from Sangiovese Grosso grapes from a historic vineyard located in the Sant'Angelo in Colle area, about 300 meters above sea level. The “Poggio al Vento” Riserva comes from vines over 50 years old, capable of offering grapes of extraordinary concentration and aromatic complexity. It is a Brunello of great structure, elegant and profound, where the strength of the grape variety combines with the refinement of a long aging process.Vintage details
The 2016 harvest is considered one of the best of the decade for Montalcino. The climatic conditions, with a dry but never scorching summer and a regular autumn, favored a slow and complete ripening of the grapes. The result is a perfect balance between freshness, aromatic intensity, and soft tannins, elements that make the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva “Poggio al vento” 2016 a wine of exceptional harmony and longevity.Winemaking and aging
Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature and lasts about 18-20 days, followed by a long maceration on the skins which allows for the best extraction of aromas, color, and structure. Aging continues for three years in large Slavonian oak barrels, a wood that imparts elegance and softness without overpowering the character of the Sangiovese. After aging in wood, the wine rests for another two years in the bottle to reach its perfect maturation before being released onto the market.Tasting Notes
Color
Visually, it presents an intense ruby red color with delicate garnet reflections, a distinctive sign of maturity and aging in wood.Nose
The bouquet is complex and refined: aromas of ripe red fruits, cherry, and black cherry emerge, accompanied by elegant spicy notes of vanilla, tobacco, and light leather. Over time, the aroma evolves towards balsamic notes and slight hints of Mediterranean herbs.Taste
In the mouth, the wine opens with a broad and enveloping structure, supported by mature and perfectly integrated tannins. The persistence is long and harmonious, with a savory and mineral finish that invites another sip. It is a Brunello of great balance, capable of combining strength and finesse.What dishes to pair with Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG “Poggio al vento” 2016 - Col d'Orcia
This Brunello Riserva is the ideal companion for the richest dishes of Tuscan and Italian cuisine. It pairs perfectly with:- Grilled or roasted red meats
- Game, especially wild boar and pheasant
- Aged hard cheeses, such as Tuscan pecorino or Parmesan
- Truffle dishes and braised meats
Storage and aging: how to store Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG “Poggio al vento” 2016 - Col d'Orcia wine
To preserve the qualities of this wine, it is advisable to store it in a dark place, with a constant temperature between 14°C and 18°C and controlled humidity. The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva “Poggio al vento” 2016 has an extraordinary aging potential: it can evolve in the bottle for over 20 years, developing increasingly complex and refined aromas. It is recommended to uncork the bottle at least an hour before tasting to allow the wine to oxygenate and fully reveal its elegance.Col d'Orcia
The History of Col d'Orcia Winery Col d'Orcia winery is an icon of the Italian wine scene, with a history that intertwines tradition, heritage, and innovation. Located in the heart of Tuscany, Col d'Orcia has always been a benchmark for wine enthusiasts thanks to its high-quality wines. Producti...
How to best open and serve Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG “Poggio al vento” 2016 - Col d'Orcia
1. Bottle positioning
To ensure that Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG “Poggio al vento” 2016 - Col d'Orcia expresses its best qualities, it is important to position the bottle correctly before opening. If it has been stored horizontally, place it in an upright position at least 24 hours before tasting. This way, any natural sediments resulting from aging will settle at the bottom, preventing the wine from becoming cloudy when served.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The ideal temperature for serving this Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is around 18°C. If the wine is too cold, the aromas will be closed; if too warm, the alcohol will overpower the aromas. Bring it to the correct temperature by letting it rest in a controlled environment, avoiding sudden temperature changes.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a lever or double-hinged corkscrew to gently remove the cork. Follow these steps:
- Remove the capsule below the bottle's neck ring.
- Carefully clean the bottle mouth with a dry cloth.
- Insert the corkscrew spiral into the center of the cork and extract it slowly, avoiding sudden movements to prevent breaking the cork.
Pay particular attention if the cork is old or fragile: it might be appropriate to use a two-pronged cork puller to ensure safe opening.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, check that the wine is clear and has clean aromas. Pour a small amount into the glass and observe the color: a mature Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG “Poggio al vento” 2016 - Col d'Orcia shows beautiful garnet reflections. Smell the wine to detect any unwanted odors, then taste it to ensure it is in optimal condition.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
As it is a structured and aged wine, decanting is highly recommended. This process has two main objectives:
- Separate the wine from natural sediments deposited over time.
- Promote oxygenation, enhancing the aromatic complexity and softening the tannins.
Slowly pour the wine into a clean decanter, keeping the bottle slightly tilted and well-lit to avoid transferring any sediment. Let it rest for at least 30-60 minutes before serving, depending on the evolution of the aromatic bouquet.
6. Serving
Serve Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG “Poggio al vento” 2016 - Col d'Orcia in large red wine glasses, ideal for concentrating and opening up the aromas. Pour a moderate amount into the glass to allow the wine to breathe further. This great Tuscan red pairs magnificently with red meat dishes, game, and aged cheeses.
7. Storage after opening
If not fully consumed, close the bottle with an airtight stopper and store it in the refrigerator, preferably for no longer than 2-3 days. Before serving it again, bring it back to 18°C. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum pump to better preserve the aromas and limit oxidation.