Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Poggio Antico is one of Montalcino’s highest elevated estates, with vineyards averaging 1476 feet above sea level, southwest of the famed medieval citadel.
- Both the unique location and altitude privilege the wines of Poggio Antico, which benefit from the perfect exposure and enjoy favorable overnight drops in temperature, ideal conditions that increase finesse and intense bouquet.
Varietal Composition: 100% Sangiovese
Elaboration: Short fermentation (8 days) with temperatures never exceeding 27°C followed by a 30-day maceration. Aged for 30 months in 40 hl traditional Slavonian oak casks, followed by 18 months of bottle refinement.
Tasting Notes: Intensely mineral, with lots of red fruit flavors, garrigue, and geranium notes.
PRESS
2019 – 94 Wine Spectator | 93 Jeb Dunnuck
2018 – 94 Wine Advocate | 94 Wine Spectator
2016 – 96 Wine Enthusiast | 95+ Wine Advocate | 95 James Suckling | 94 Wine Spectator
2017 – 93 Wine Advocate
2016 – 96 Wine Enthusiast | 95+ Wine Advocate | 95 James Suckling | 94 Wine Spectator
2015 – 97 James Suckling | 95 Wine Advocate | 94+ Vinous | 94 Wine Spectator | 92 Wine Enthusiast
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Poggio Antico was founded in 1976 and consists of 50 clay, calcareous acres of Brunello di Montalcino. The estate has seen a phenomenal growth, going from 50 to the present 80 acres under vine, developing two parallel Brunello worlds – the more traditional, larger-barrel Brunello, aged longer in Slavonian oak and the modern, finesse-driven Altero, aged in tonneaux of French oak; securing a stellar position in the global market and extending and upgrading the facility to ultrahigh-tech standards. In 2017 Poggio Antico changed hands and was purchased by Atlas Invest, and it is now directed by the new General Manager Federico Trost. Poggio Antico recently lead a soil survey to approach the plot-by-plot management which started with the 2018 vintage by identifying, and consequently harvesting and fermenting separately, the micro terroirs inside each vineyard. All the estate is currently under organic conversion and a renovation of the cellar and of the hospitality center are part of the new plans.