Count Francesco Marone Cinzano  is a descendant of the Spanish royal family  and descendant of the founder of Cinzano, the world-renowned  vermouth business created in 1757.

He is the owner Col d’Orcia in Montalcino , south of Siena amongst the picturesque most beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany.

Brunello di Montalcino is a world renowned wine made from 100% Sangiovese grapes  from this area. It possesses aromas of  cherries, plums, flowers,earth, coffee, liquorice and chocolate – a kind of scent which makes you stop to ponder. The Italians have a phrase for this, vini di meditazione – wines for meditation.

We were lucky enough to have the Count  present the following fantastic Col d’Orcia wines

PINOT GRIGIO Organic 2013

ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2012

BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010

BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2001

“POGGIO AL VENTO” BRUNELLO RISERVA 2007

OLMAIA, CABERNET 2009

Moscadello  Passito 2010

Most popular on the night , the phenomenal 2001 Brunello , the 2010 showing great signs too.

The Rosso in Magnums also proved very popular as sampling continued until the early hours.

The Count was happy to share his secrets  during his interview.