Poggio di Sotto, Brunello di Montalcino 2018

Variety: Sangiovese

Producing Brunellos of the highest quality, so elegant and subtle they’re often described as ‘Burgundian’, Poggio di Sotto commands a great amount of respect in a category of fierce competition. Vineyards at three different altitudes grow exclusively Sangiovese Grosso, all of which qualifies for the Brunello appellation and the plots are cooled by near-constant breezes that, among other things, eliminate any necessity to use pesticides. The twenty to twenty-five-year-old vines are hand-harvested which, along with the use of indigenous yeasts, reflects a philosophy toward production at Poggio di Sotto which focuses on sustainable farming, and to let the terroir dictate the style of the wine as much as possible. This choice is further exemplified by ageing the wines in Slavonian oak barrels and bottling unfiltered. A powerful Brunello from a top-grade producer that nevertheless showcases finesse over strength.

This Brunello has a lengthy vinification journey before its release, which only extends its life in the cellar. The Sangiovese ages in small oak barrels for 30-35 days. Next it will age in even smaller Slavonian oak barrels for 58 months, and finally another eight months in bottle before release. This bottle can cellar easily for years to come.