Orcia Wine in the Townships with the Orange Flag

Radicofani, Montalcino, Pienza, Sarteano, Trequanda, Montefollonico and San Casciano dei Bagni: historical centers awarded with the mark of Orange Flag

All these are the names of historical centers situated mainly in the heart of the Val d’Orcia (UNESCO heritage site since 2004) to which the Italian Touring Club has awarded the mark of quality “Bandiera Arancione” (Orange Flag). This is an acknowledgement of the excellence of reception in the field of tourism and environment of those towns that distinguish themselves. The qualities recognized in these places are the valorization of the cultural patrimony, care of the environment, excellent hospitality and incredible resources.

It certainly was not by chance that Orcia Doc wine became one of the protagonists of the agricultural/alimentary products of this territory. Born in 2000 the new denomination is considered the youngest sister of the older more well-known wines of Brunello of Montalcino and Vino Nobile of Montepulciano. At present there are 42 member wineries, some present in the Orange Flag areas. In most cases it is the producer himself who makes the wine and follows the entire process of production and marketing. As the president of the Consortium Donatella Cinelli Colombini says “It is a territory where agricultureworks in an extraordinary harmony with history and nature. A territory full of small towns of art and spas where every year a million tourists come and about the same number of hikers and lovers of slow tourism. Moreover many foreigners and famous people have bought holiday houses in the area.”

Let’s have a more detailed look at the townships awarded the Touring Club recognition which also have wineries associated with the Consortium of Orcia Doc.

San Casciano dei Bagni not only has important historic monuments but offers excellent spas. Nothing better than discovering the place and at the same time relaxing at a spa. In this municipality there is the winery “Il Poggio” (Celle sul Rigo).

Pienza, a UNESCO heritage site, is all emotion, from the streets to the square and the churches. In this area there 4 Orcia wineries: ”La Bandita” and “Lunadoro”, Marco Capitoni, Franco Petri and Luchino Grappi (Monticchiello).

Then there is Montalcino, a splendid medieval town home to the famous Brunello. Orcia Doc is produced in the wineries of “Sassodisole” (Torrenieri) and “La Canonica” and “Loghi” (San Giovanni d’Asso).

Another member of the Consortium is the winery “Il Pero” at Radicofani, the last stop in Tuscany on the Francigena route. Here there is the imposing fortress of Ghino di Tacco and splendid artistic monuments.

On the border between the Crete Senesi and the Val d’Orcia there is Trequanda, a precious gem in a journey between history, human events and breathtaking scenery  where you can find numerous wineries producing Orcia wine:”Trequanda”, “La Bandita”, “Belsedere”, “Podere Albiano”, Antonio Aldeghi, “Fattoria del Colle” (Cinelli Colombini) and Pometti.

The town of Sarteano is of Etruscan origin and you can find Orcia Doc at the Olivi winery “Le Buche”.

A journey immerged in history, uncontaminated nature and the taste of authentic flavors. It’s a must to try in the company of the wineries producing Orcia Doc wine!!!