Winemaker Notes
Poggio ai Ginepri means "little hill of junipers" and refers to the juniper bushes that dot the Argentiera property. Argentiera's vineyards, located only 2 km from the sea, are situated at Bolgheri's highest altitude point and benefit from breezes that provide constant ventilation in the vineyard. After harvest, each of the three varietals that make up Poggio ai Ginepri are vinified separately. 50% of the wine ages in 2–3 year old French and Hungarian oak barrels for 10 months and 50% in stainless steel tanks. High density planting and low yields create a wine of great fruit concentration and intensity.
Deep ruby-red core with a purple rim. Red fruit and floral notes on the nose with hints of spicy oak. Full-bodied and smooth, this wine is wellstructured and complex with a long, satisfying finish.
The Argentiera estate is situated on the coast of Alta Maremma, about 100 km west of Florence in the DOC appellation of Bolgheri. The estate is part of the historic Tenuta di Donoratico dei Serristori, an influential Florentine family that in 1512 acquired this land from the Medici family. Today this property is owned by Corrado and Marcello Fratini, well known entrepreneurs from Florence, and by Marchese Piero Antinori. The estate is planted with specialized vines all of which have the appellation DOC Bolgheri. The vines have an average age of 4–5 years and are situated on a plateau at an elevation of 150 to 200 meters above sea level, the highest altitude level in Bolgheri. Argentiera’s vineyards, located only 2 km from the Tyrrhenian Sea, benefit from breezes that provide consistent ventilation to the vines. They are surrounded by verdant macchia mediterranea, Mediterranean underbrush. Soils of various compositions are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah - international vines very much representative of the Bolgheri area. In fact, here, these vines assume their own character and reach proven elevated quality standards.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.