Poggio di Sotto - Rosso di Montalcino 2021

Established in 1989, Poggio di Sotto is known in Montalcino for its unique ecological niche of old Sangiovese vineyards (more than 50 years old). Together with the University of Florence 120 unique biotypes of Sangiovese were discovered. This biodiversity is the cornerstone of the unique brightness and complexity that is found in Poggio di Sotto wines and the leader of its distinctive style.  Since its foundation, the estate has become famous for the high quality of the Sangiovese that it cultivates and has quickly achieved cult status.

Poggio di Sotto is located on a hill to the southeast of Montalcino. Located in Castelnuovo dell’Abate at the foot of Monte Amiata, the steep vineyards on the south-facing slopes are at altitudes of between 650 and 1,300 feet above sea level. The stony soils are composed of gravel and clay in the lower sections, as well as sandy loam in the higher areas.

Rosso di Montalcino Poggio di Sotto is actually a 3 years old Brunello (Brunellino) which shows to be ready  to be bottled up earlier than its bigger Brother Brunello. Grapes are managed in vineyars and cellar in the same way as a Brunello. The only difference is after two years of aging, we taste each cask and select some of them to be bottled as Rosso di Montalcino, and some as Brunello. It has the same ability to age as a high end Brunello.  

Vinification is in oak vats, spontaneous fermentations lead by indigenous yeasts, long macerations and several aeration with pumping-over during the day. The wine ages 24 months in 30 hl oak casks and it was bottled up on December 2017. This technique is the same used for the Brunello and helps to enhance the authentic flavor of our grapes.

"The 2021 Rosso di Montalcino is dark and intense, smoldering up with masses of smoky black cherries, sage and incense. This possesses a core of ripe wild berry fruit underscored by saline minerals and savory spice, all guided by zesty acidity. The 2021 finishes structured and long, with a concentration that reminds me more of Brunello than Rosso, leaving grippy tannins and hints of sour citrus that keep me looking back to the glass for more. There will be a 10% reduction in quantity for 2021 due to hail in August. The decision was also made to reduce maceration time down to a month, using a gentler practice to counterbalance the character of this warm and dry vintage." - 94 Points, Vinous

"Restrained raspberries, leather, violets and cherry pits with rusty minerality. Supple palate with a full body, tension from lifted acidity and dense, velvety tannins. Precise and lingering in the finish. One of the best of its category in a promising vintage. Drinkable now, but will age well." - 94 Points, James Suckling

Producer: Poggio di Sotto

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Varietal: Sangiovese

Appellation: Rosso di Montalcino

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml