The Orcia appellation was born in 2000 and its production area lies between the famous Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG.
The Val d’Orcia is considered to be among the most beautiful countryside in the world and that is why in 2004 UNESCO recognized the area as a World Heritage site (the first rural zone to gain such recognition).
Orcia appellation
- Sangiovese is the leading variety in Orcia DOC and indeed is the thread that runs through all the wines.
- Twelve municipalities are in the territory of the Doc Orcia: Buonconvento, Castiglione d’Orcia, Pienza, Radicofani, San Quirico d’Orcia and Trequanda, as well as areas around Abbadia San Salvatore, Chianciano Terme, Montalcino, San Casciano dei Bagni, Sarteano and Torrita di Siena.
ORCIA DOC
- Made from Sangiovese grapes (minimum 60%) and other non-aromatic grapes authorized by the Region of Tuscany. It is released onto the market on March 1st, the year following the harvest.
ORCIA DOC RISERVA
- This Orcia wine has aged a minimum of 24 months, of which at least 12 in oak barrels, and has the right to the title of Riserva. It is released onto the market on December 1st, the second year following the harvest.
ORCIA SANGIOVESE DOC
- Made from Sangiovese (minimum 90%) and a maximum of 10% grapes of Canaiolo nero, Colorino, Ciliegiolo, Foglia Tonda, Pugnitello and and Malvasia nera.
ORCIA SANGIOVESE DOC RISERVA
- The DOC Orcia Sangiovese wine, aged for 30 months, of which at least 24 in oak barrels, has the right to be called Riserva. It is released onto the market on June 1st , three years after the harvest.
ORCIA DOC ROSATO
- Made from Sangiovese (minimum 60%) with a maximum of 40% of non-aromatic grapes authorized by the Region of Tuscany and not more than 10% white grapes. It is released onto the market on March 1st, the year following the harvest.
ORCIA DOC WHITE
- Made from Trebbiano Toscano (minimum 50%), with a maximum of 50% non-aromatic white grapes authorized by the Region of Tuscany. It is released onto the market on March 1st, the year following the harvest.
ORCIA VIN SANTO
- Made from Trebbiano toscano and Malvasia bianca grapes (minimum 50%) plus maximum 50% other white grapes, authorized by the Region of Tuscany. After an accurate selection, the grapes must dry naturally in appropriate rooms. Vinification and ageing are done in wooden barrels no larger than 300 litres, the so called “caratelli”, for at least 18 months, starting from January 1st following the harvest. It is released onto the market on November 1st, three years following the harvest.
Source: Consortium Orcia Wines