If you know Tuscany then you’ve probably heard of the Val d’Orcia. This breathtaking region south of Siena is a haven for outdoor lovers. Soft undulating hills rise above winding chalk lanes, deep green valleys, vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees; a vision of quintessential Tuscan beauty. However, few make the pilgrimage here for the wine alone, despite its rich offering of history, gastronomy and viticulture.
Nestled between Montalcino and Montepulciano, and just over an hour from the heart of Chianti, the Val d’Orcia is often overshadowed by the prestige of its neighbours. Like Chianti though, the noble Sangiovese grape is the star of the region, and wine lovers will be well placed here to sample some of Tuscany's best wines.
The Region
The Val d’Orcia may be an ancient region in Tuscany and the sublime backdrop to many Renaissance paintings, but it's a relatively young appellation. Orcia wine was granted DOC status in 2000 and is still forging a name for itself in Tuscany, coming up against the greats like Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
However the area is also home to the great Brunello di Montalcino, arguably one of the most expressive of the Tuscan wines, and if its reputation is anything to go by, then the Sangiovese reds of the Val d’Orcia are well worth your attention.
Wineries in the Val d’Orcia tend to be family-owned businesses focused on the small and organic production of high-quality wines. This is not all there is to love about this underrated region either; the towns of Montalcino, Pienza and Castiglione d’Orcia are artistic and cultural hubs that are steeped in history.
The Val d’Orcia Red Wines
Like in neighbouring Montepulciano and Montalcino, Sangiovese is the star of Orcia DOC wines. This niche Tuscan red contains a minimum of 60% Sangiovese combined with 40% non-aromatic local varieties, including Foglia Tonda, Pugnitello, Canaiolo Nero and Malvasia Nera. However, some DOC producers have begun to introduce popular ‘international’ varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as well.
Well structured and savoury, the Orcia Reserve is made with at least 65% Sangiovese, while the Orcia Sangiovese DOC is produced from 90% of this single varietal. Aged in oak barrels, the Orcia DOC is a must-try for lovers of Tuscan reds; the nose is fruity with red cherry notes and spicy aromas, with the vivid acidity you would expect from a quality sangiovese wine. You will find younger Orcia wines that tend to be a brighter ruby-red in colour, while the older aged wines are deeper in hue.
Famous Neighbours: Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Forget Chianti for a moment. The Val d’Orcia, with its deep green valleys and picturesque hill towns, lies between Brunello di Montalcino to the west and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano to the east, making it the ultimate destination for wine lovers.
Sangiovese reigns supreme in Val d’Orcia and is the only grape permitted in Brunello di Montalcino, a powerful and ageworthy red with spicy notes of violet and wild cherry. 70-100% Sangiovese, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano on the other hand, is a graceful red with precise acidity and notes of morel cherry, red plum and tobacco.
Head a little further west towards Grosseto and you’ll stumble across another highly underrated red, Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva DOCG. This 90% Sangiovese Tuscan wine is dry, complex and full-bodied with notes of plums and black cherries. A niche and seductive alternative to the better known Tuscan labels too.
If this doesn’t inspire the oenophile in you, we don’t know what will! Our villas near Montepulciano offer the perfect base for exploring the unspoiled Val d’Orcia. We work with local sommeliers and winemakers that are experts when it comes to Sangiovese wines as well — why not have our award-winning concierge arrange a private tasting at your Montepulciano villa?
The Wineries
The organic family-run winery near Castiglione d’Orcia: Poggio Grande
Originally a farm, Poggio Grande has been in the same family for over a century. In 1999, owner Luca opened up his own wine cellar, dedicating himself to the organic cultivation of six hectares of vineyards and four hectares of olive groves. Along with his daughter, Giulitta, Luca produces 100% Sangiovese red wines with elegant tannins and notes of ripe cherry, dry plum and tobacco. They run wine tastings from their very own tasting room, or outside on the farm grounds overlooking the breathtaking vineyards and rolling hills beyond.
An all-female run winery and 16th-century hamlet: Fattoria del Colle
Fattoria del Colle is a 16th-century farmhouse and hamlet in Trequanda, situated between the Crete Senesi and the Val d’Orcia, south of Siena. The 17 hectare estate is home to both native and international vines, which make up the award-winning Orcia DOC wines, as well as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. The winery is run by Donatella Cinelli Colombini, and her daughter Violante Gardini. In fact, over the last three generations, the estate has passed from mother to daughter. Continuing this tradition of strong female-led winemaking, Donatella has pioneered the first Brunello wine produced exclusively by women. Donatella offers a wide range of different wine tours, tastings and masterclasses.
The Orcia winery just outside of Pienza: Capitoni Marco Azienda Agraria
The Capitoni Winery just outside of Pienza sits right at the heart of the Val d’Orcia, with vineyards to the south, olive groves to the north and meadows, woodland and cypress lined chalk roads in between. Having grown up on the estate which was purchased by his father in 1968, the region is very much in Marco, the owner’s blood. The current 6 hectares of vineyards are dedicated to Sangiovese, with some Canaiolo, Colorino and Merlot vines, which are harvested by hand. Alongside Orcia Sangiovese and D'Orcia Riserva DOC, the estate produces IGT red wines. For a truly authentic experience, you can attend a free tour and tasting in Capitoni’s Cantina, where you can sample their vintages and “old vintages” on request.