A masterpiece. A glorious wine for a glorious celebration
Poggio di Sotto’s 2019 Brunello is a true masterpiece of Montalcino. Its radiant garnet-red color hints at the complexity within. The enticing bouquet reveals layers of cherry, autumn spices, exotic flowers, candied orange peel, undergrowth, white smoke, and wild berries.
On the palate, this Brunello is exceptionally well-balanced, offering a symphony of sweet cherry and raspberry flavors with a soft, pure texture that delivers a dazzling array of sensations. Structured tannins and lively acidity provide depth and finesse, capturing the essence of Montalcino in a wine that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern. A beautiful wine to savor now or cellar for future enjoyment.
Poggio di Sotto is known in Montalcino for its unique parcel of old Sangiovese vineyards (more than 50 years old), in which there have been identified 120 Sangiovese biotypes through a study managed by the University of Florence. This biodiversity produces the characteristic brightness and complexity that is found in Poggio di Sotto wines. The Sangiovese is sourced by parcels at 200, 300 and 450 meters with various exposures.
Poggio di Sotto Brunello di Montalcino rests in 30hl Slavonian oak casks for 42 months, which is nearly twice the DOCG's requirement for aging in oak (24 months for Brunello). The finished wine is bottled unfiltered.
Parallels are often drawn to the red wines of Burgundy. The Sangiovese wines released from this special property always favor elegance and restraint over opulence and power, yet they never lack depth. Normally a paler hue of ruby than other Brunello wines, Poggio di Sotto’s tameness of color belies concentrated aromas and flavors. A profile anchored in bright cherry fruit is framed by highlights of balsamic, baking spice, and candied orange peel. The tannin structure is firm yet ripe and will carry the wine well through decades of cellaring. A classic wine from one of the world’s great wine regions.
"Full of elegance on the final. A classic." Vinum
"Oh my, that's another seductive, elegant fragrance: ripe heart cherries and raspberries, engaging, distinctive floral notes reminiscent of violets and lavender, backed by earthy herbal spice with juicy liquorice and a touch of blood orange. Wow, this is complex. Elegant, fine-meshed style on the palate, great tension from transparent, precise fruit and balsamic, melting freshness. Once again one of the best. Bravo!" Weinwisser
"Medium ruby red colour. Very restrained nose with just a hint of minerals. Elegant palate that is still firmly closed, yet supple and finely balanced with grainy but fine tannins. Very long, concentrated and exciting." Jancis Robinson
Sweet cherry and floral aromas with some orange peel and lilac character. Medium body with beautiful depth and concentration. Ripe, fine tannins and an attractive finish. Subtle richness and class. Give this wine three or four years to develop." James Suckling
"Dusty roses, worn leather, dried strawberries and dry earth form a classic bouquet when the dynamic 2019 Brunello di Montalcino blossoms in the glass. It is feminine, deep and structured, with ripe plums and black cherries supported by lively acidity. Purple flowers and hints of liquorice emerge towards the end. The 2019 leaves a salty minerality intermingled with fine-grained tannins and spice, while finishing with incredible length and yet so fresh. This wine is incredibly youthful and introverted today, but it has enormous potential. I expect the 2019 to gain weight and blossom over the next five to ten years. Glorious." Vinous
Sometimes referred to as "Vino da Meditazione," this is a wine to sip and savour ( a thinking wine) due to its sheer elegance and complexity. However, it can handle flavourful and grilled meats, as well as more delicate game such as duck or quail.
3 hours
98/100 Falstaff
98/100 Wine Advocate Robert Parker
98/100 Luca Gardini
97/100 Decanter