Picture it: Tuscany. That beautiful region, nestled between Florence, Pisa, and Sienna, in the rolling center of Italy.

While we can’t go there right now, I invite you to sit back and travel to the heart of Tuscany, and pour a glass of Brunello di Montalcino,

Tenuta Col d’Orcia is on a mission to produce the best Brunello di Montalcino that is possible in the stunning country side of the region, and this newly released 2016 Brunello di Montalcino does not disappoint with its philosophy of Famers First, Winemakers Second.

Stewards of the land, the biodiversity of the estate is clear in this elixir. From housing local families, to the cover crops and bio-divesrity, this is more than just a winery.

2016 Brunello do Montalcino DOCG

This blend of all of the parcels on the estate is a vintage choice, and is made when the vintage is just right. In 2016, the weather was perfect for a stress-free vineyard, producing a balanced harvest.

While young, this Brunello di Montalcino shows great promise with bright cherries, red currents, dried herbs, raspberries and leather layering over dried rose petals and eucalyptus. There is a squeeze of blood orange on the finish adding freshness and acidity, and the mineral quality on the finish leaves you wanting more.

Easily a wine that can age another 10 years, it s’ the perfect accompaniment to tonight’s episode of Tucci’s Searching for Italy and a hearty bowl of pasta or pretty much any thing else. If you’ve been watching like I have, this wine will transport you across the sea and in to the countryside

Yum Scale: A- / ~$50