Poggio di Sotto Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016
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Parallels to the red wines of Burgundy abound in discussions of Poggio di Sotto. The Sangiovese wines released from this special property do 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. The Brunello Riserva reflects the characteristics of its vintage, but with a degree of power and purity that is incomparable. A classic wine from one of the world’s great wine regions.
Equally at home with flavorful meats from the grill as with refined and layered dishes. Considered a "Vino da Meditazione," Poggio di Sotto Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is also enjoyable on its own.
Organically grown
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a stunning wine and an archetype of classic Sangiovese from Montalcino. I could drink this wine all day if it weren't so expensive. This Riserva is extremely fine and nuanced with the thinnest of fibers that wash over the palate like fine silk. Certified-organic fruit shapes aromas of cassis, cranberry, peony, tea leaf, orange and rusty nail. The aromas are tight and contained, yet they become increasingly expansive and expressive as the wine opens in the glass. It has contained power and, most importantly, a relatively moderate 14% alcohol, which makes all the difference in terms of balance and elegance. 8,000 bottles were made. Best after 2024.
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James Suckling
This is so perfumed with cherry, floral, hot stone and chalk aromas that follow through to a medium to full body, with chewy, velvety and slightly dusty tannins. Bark and truffle add to the complexity of the finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2024.
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Wine Spectator
This elegant, detailed Brunello has a beautiful display of pure cherry and strawberry fruit. Rich and saturated with fruit yet also vibrant and long. Features floral, mineral and tobacco accents that add depth. Balanced, this red is more about finesse than power.
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Wine & Spirits
Abundantly floral and fresh, this Riserva unfolds with generous flavors of succulent cherry and raspberry infused with tangy mandarin acidity. Notes of thyme, lavender and warm spice weave through the wine, enlivening the bold red-fruit tones. This is an exciting expression of sangiovese that is delicious now for its finely woven structure and beautiful balance. It will continue to improve for years.
Other Vintages
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The estate changed ownership in 2011 when the original founder Piero Palmucci sold to Claudio Tipa, owner of the famed Grattamacco estate in Bolgheri and Castello di ColleMassari. The wines of Poggio di Sotto have continued to enjoy a meticulous commitment to the long-standing tradition of excellence, giving them a soaring reputation which is among the finest few in Montalcino.
Among Italy's elite red grape varieties, Sangiovese has the perfect intersection of bright red fruit and savory earthiness and is responsible for the best red wines of Tuscany. While it is best known as the chief component of Chianti, it is also the main grape in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and reaches the height of its power and intensity in the complex, long-lived Brunello di Montalcino. Somm Secret—Sangiovese doubles under the alias, Nielluccio, on the French island of Corsica where it produces distinctly floral and refreshing reds and rosés.
Famous for its bold, layered and long-lived red, Brunello di Montalcino, the town of Montalcino is about 70 miles south of Florence, and has a warmer and drier climate than that of its neighbor, Chianti. The Sangiovese grape is king here, as it is in Chianti, but Montalcino has its own clone called Brunello.
The Brunello vineyards of Montalcino blanket the rolling hills surrounding the village and fan out at various elevations, creating the potential for Brunello wines expressing different styles. From the valleys, where deeper deposits of clay are found, come wines typically bolder, more concentrated and rich in opulent black fruit. The hillside vineyards produce wines more concentrated in red fruits and floral aromas; these sites reach up to over 1,600 feet and have shallow soils of rocks and shale.
Brunello di Montalcino by law must be aged a minimum of four years, including two years in barrel before realease and once released, typically needs more time in bottle for its drinking potential to be fully reached. The good news is that Montalcino makes a “baby brother” version. The wines called Rosso di Montalcino are often made from younger vines, aged for about a year before release, offer extraordinary values and are ready to drink young.