Poggio di Sotto, Sangiovese, Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy 2017

100% Sangiovese

Built like a Brunello, the Poggio di Sotto Rosso di Montalcino is powerful and age-worthy. This is a complex and classically structured medium-bodied Sangiovese.

Maceration in stainless steel and oak tanks lasts 30-35 days, with regular pumping over. The wine then ages for 24 months in 25 to 35-hl Slavonian oak botti, and 6 months in bottle.

Established in 1989, Poggio di Sotto is known in Montalcino for its unique ecological niche of old Sangiovese vineyards. In collaboration with the University of Milan, they were able to select the finest Sangiovese clones and optimize the vineyards, from planting density to pruning and sorting during the harvest. Dedicating the entire estate to this single variety, the vines saw meticulous organic care and over the years Poggio di Sotto built reputation as one of Brunello’s leading producers.

The vines of Poggio di Sotto sit on high hills overlooking the Orcia River Valley, with parcels at three different altitudes combining to make a particularly well-balanced wine. A marl soil of decomposed seashell deposits and breezes from the Monte Amiata across the valley contribute to a cool microclimate that produces a noticeably Burgundian-style Brunello.

All of the grapes grown here are of the same very high quality and qualify for the Brunello appellation, so the Rosso di Montalcino is differentiated only by its vinification in stainless steel and shorter aging; in great vintages they also produce a Brunello Riserva. The stellar reputation of Poggio di Sotto is built on powerful wines that nevertheless leave the limelight to finesse and balance.