Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021 (BIO) · MAGNUM in OWC

Poggio Antico | Tuscany
Poggio Antico s.r.l. s.a. | Loc. Poggio Antico | IT 53024 Montalcino

09412321 · 1,5 l · 99,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping6 units available

Founded in 1970, Poggio Antico is one of the defining names of the last fifty years in Montalcino, having been run for over three decades by the Milanese couple Paola Gloder and Alberto Montefiori. In 2017, Paola Gloder sold the estate to Marcel Van Poecke, a Belgian energy entrepreneur and founder of Atlas Invest – a graduate in agricultural science for whom entering the wine business was less a hobby and more a return to his first love.

What has made the estate special ever since is an unusually precise understanding of its own terroir: Rather than thinking in terms of traditional vineyard boundaries, Poggio Antico has mapped its soils into so-called "soil units" – fifteen micro-units and six macro-units that run across the individual plots and together form what the estate itself calls its "geological symphony". The Brunello is born from the harmonious union of these different voices, each with its own character, brought together to form a whole that seeks not extravagance, but coherence. Van Poecke has now commissioned the star architect Marco Casamonti – who is also responsible for Antinori's acclaimed winery at Bargino – to undertake an ambitious new-build project: a commitment to the future that continues the estate's history of over fifty years, rather than replacing it. The vines are planted across 37 hectares, at altitudes between 480 and 612 metres, on ancient soils rich in galestro. Just 50 kilometres from the sea, the constant air circulation ensures significant temperature fluctuations, which guarantee the freshness and health of the grapes.

A deep, luminous ruby red, barely lightening at the rim. The bouquet initially reveals ripe cherry and wild forest berries, followed by subtle spice, earthy-mineral notes and mature, fine tobacco – with a little air, delicate hints of undergrowth and dried herbs also emerge. On the palate, there are well-balanced, supportive tannins with a fine-grained, almost velvety texture, underpinned by lively, yet never aggressive, acidity. The fruit remains present right through to the long finish, where it is accompanied by a hint of mineral freshness and a spicy aftertaste that makes the high-altitude origin of these grapes distinctly apparent. SUPERIORE.DE

"A sparkling ruby red. Needs a little time to breathe before the nose fully opens up, revealing notes of mint and sage, as well as cherry and raspberry. Elegant on the palate, with a silky tannic structure, a lively acidity and final juicy final." Falstaff

"Spicy bouquet, with hints of stone fruit and Mediterranean scrub; well-balanced in style, with tightly integrated tannins and acidity in balance, and a long finish. Reliable once again in this vintage." Vinum

"It displays remarkable fruit ripeness, attributable to these heady altitudes and the intense sunshine. The nose is an aromatic symphony of mint, tarragon and grilled fennel. On the palate, these sweet herbal notes blend with raspberry purée, red cherries and a hint of coconut. Polished and flawless, it has plenty of vigour; the tannins are sweet and gentle. On the finish, there is just a hint of alcohol." Decanter

"Poggio Antico's invigorating and radiant organic Brunello di Montalcino 2021 captivates with its lively energy and vertical character, defined by fruit that has ripened with determination on the estate's nutrient-poor soils. The wine impresses with its clarity and concentration, unfolding on the palate as silky and full-bodied with length and balance, making it one of the most immediately appealing expressions of the vintage. The freshness underpins the structure without requiring long ageing, suggesting it will be ready to drink early on without compromising its integrity." Wine Advocate

"This red wine exudes aromas and flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries, cherries, pomegranate and flowers, whilst being both lush and firmly structured. The intense expression of pure fruit ensures a long and pronounced finish on the palate. It is characterised by outstanding harmony and a chalky finish." Wine Spectator

"Incredible nose of mangoes, peach skin, blood oranges and clementines. Medium-bodied, bright and enveloping, with a refined, delicate texture that sets it apart. Supple tannins turn precise and focused toward the finish. Beautifully balanced and vibrant. Drink now, though it will also evolve gracefully." James Suckling