Brunello di Montalcino (2017)

About this wine

The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino from Tenuta Il Poggione presents a deep ruby color and opens with aromas of blackberry preserves and plum, accompanied by hints of spice, tar, and campfire ash. On the palate, it offers a rich display of intense red and black fruits, laced with chalky minerals that drench the palate. The wine's firm tannic backbone and penetrating acidity create a burst of cheek-puckering tension, leading to a structured, medium-length finish. Notably, the 2017 vintage was marked by a hot and dry climate, yet Il Poggione managed to produce a wine that balances power and elegance, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the Sangiovese grape in challenging conditions.

About the grape

Sangiovese, whose name means "blood of Jupiter," is a grape variety with roots tracing back to ancient Italy. In the mid-19th century, Clemente Santi of Montalcino identified a particular clone of Sangiovese, known as Sangiovese Grosso or Brunello, for its potential to produce wines capable of long-term aging. This clone, characterized by its thick skins and small berries, thrives in Montalcino's unique climate and limestone-rich soils, contributing to the robust tannic structure and complex aromas of the region's wines. The 2017 Tenuta Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino is crafted exclusively from this Sangiovese Grosso clone, reflecting the rich history and meticulous cultivation practices of the area.

Quick facts

• 🏰 Tenuta Il Poggione, established in the late 19th century, is one of the original three producers of Brunello di Montalcino, contributing significantly to the wine's esteemed reputation.
• 🌿 The estate spans 1,500 acres, with 350 acres dedicated to vineyards and 175 acres to olive groves, promoting biodiversity and sustainable farming practices.
• 🍷 The 2017 vintage of Il Poggione's Brunello di Montalcino received high praise, including a 95-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, highlighting its complex aromas and structured palate.
• 🍇 Brunello di Montalcino is produced exclusively from Sangiovese grapes, locally known as 'Brunello,' and must be aged for at least five years before release, ensuring its depth and complexity.
• ⛰️ The vineyards of Il Poggione are situated at elevations up to 1,315 feet above sea level, benefiting from a unique microclimate influenced by the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea and Mount Amiata.

Palate profile

Producer

Tenuta Il Poggione, established in the late 19th century by Florentine landowner Lavinio Franceschi, began after he was captivated by the Montalcino region's beauty and community. The estate was among the first to market Brunello di Montalcino in the early 1900s and played a pivotal role as a founding member of the Brunello di Montalcino Consortium. Spanning approximately 530 hectares, it includes 140 hectares of vineyards and 50 hectares of olive groves, with the remainder dedicated to other agricultural uses. The winery emphasizes sustainable practices, such as installing solar panels and maintaining manual vineyard work, to ensure high-quality wine production.