Poggio di Sotto

Due to the rather demanding climatic conditions and the resulting smaller harvest quantities, the winery decided not to bottle Brunello from the 2014 vintage. Therefore, the grapes from the top vineyards of the estate are now all used for the Rosso di Montalcino, which gives it more pressure and strength.

Open-hearted, opulent bouquet of cherries and flower meadows. Very much fruit on the palate, subtly mineral-salty, good tannin, balanced. Super-expressive and a real pleasure with potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid ruby with watery orange tinges. Gorgeous, perfumed nose of cherry and just a touch of oak. Super-elegant, fine and lively with fine tannins. Stunning balance and length. Beautiful wine from a difficult vintage. Blueprint stuff." Jancis Robinson

"A little lean but some pleasing berry and tile character. Medium body, lovely fruit and a juicy finish. Delicious." James Suckling

The now organic certified Rosso from Poggio di Sotto is a wonderful wine and equal to many a Brunello. Open-hearted, opulent bouquet of cherries and flower meadows. Very much fruit on the palate, subtly mineral-salty, good tannin, balanced. Super-expressive and a real treat for the next 10 years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid ruby with orange tinges. Subdued fruit with hints of stalks and oatmeal. Succulent, fine cherry fruit lined with posh, creamy oak and perfectly built grainy tannins. Cherries with a note of sour cream on the finish. Elegant and irresistible but, me being always the moaner, it could have easily done without the new oak." Jancis Robinson

"The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a beautiful wine that could certainly rival full-fledged Brunello from some of the best estates in the appellation. This is especially true in the case of this vintage that over performs from all points of view. Poggio di Sotto makes a concerted effort to promote its Rosso as a stand-alone wine, and not as a little sister or Brunello inferior. Specific investments have been made to differentiate the Rosso program, and well, you might notice the expensive price point. Is the wine worth it? You can purchase some of Montalcino’s best Brunellos for less than this. However, there is a unique level of primary fruit intensity here with bold fruit aromas of cassis and wild raspberry that you would never get in a wine that ages as long as Brunello does. This is a fresh and forward wine that delivers impressive complexity and depth. The context is young fruit, not evolved fruit. In a sense, this wine embodies the true philosophy of Rosso di Montalcino more than any of its peers. The wine is not less important than Brunello, but it does strive to display Sangiovese at a different moment in its lifeline." Robert Parker

Open-hearted, lush bouquet of cherries and meadow flowers. A lot of fruit on the palate, subtly mineral and salty, good tannin, balanced, complex and at Brunello level. Super-expressive and a true pleasure for the next 10 years. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Poggio di Sotto Rosso di Montalcino will need some time to fully open up. The nose is reticent, requiring quite a bit of coaxing, before a bouquet of fresh sweet strawberry, cherry, Tuscan spice box, dusty florals and hints of mint lift from the glass. On the palate, soft textures flood the senses, offset by tart red fruits, minerals and spice, as the 2018 seems to hover - well poised, almost weightless, yet still fully satisfying. The finish is long and very pretty, as fresh red fruits resonate above a tactile mix of acid, minerals and light tannin, giving way to a singular red floral note that seems to go on for minutes." Vinous

Beside the Brunello of Biondi Santi probably the best red of the appellation. Vinified only in the best vintages, it surprises with every edition with bright garnet red, one could almost think it would be a rosé. Bouquet of blackberry and small sweet forest berries, cherry on the palate and then not at all arbitrary with a gripping acidity and a fine-grained tannin. A great intellectual Brunello for the advanced connoisseur who loves it subtle and extraordinary. SUPERIORE.DE

"If the Brunello di Montalcino were an actor, he could be called the Marcello Mastroianni among James Bonds: one of the last, perhaps the last, sincere Brunello in a sea of wines that sometimes hides, sometimes openly pays homage to the good taste common today. Not that there's anything to criticize about the dinky James Bond Brunellos, if they're good. But the Brunello of Poggio di Sotto wants to be more than just good." Dr. Jens Priewe

"Bright, rich ruby garnet. Wonderful nose with notes of ripe cherries and plums, dried rose petals and rhubarb in the background. Juicy and clear in the attack and course, shows much fine-meshed tannin, builds up well, embedded in sweet melt, in the finale fine cloves." Falstaff

"A streak of cherry runs through the center of this red, surrounded by plum, leather, tobacco and saline notes. This is dense and long, with echoes of tobacco and mineral extending on the lively finish." Wine Spectator

"Situated in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Poggio di Sotto consists of three vineyards at varying altitudes on marly soil, rich in decomposed seashells. While the property changed hands in 2011, little has changed in the winemaking, which includes long ageing in large Slavonian oak botti. This is a fascinating juxtaposition of sous bois and leather with ripe, wild red berries and fragrant flowers. Finessed tannins provide a balanced framework, but ultimately this still needs time to knit together." Decanter

"Mid ruby with orange tinges. Savoury and a little stalky on the nose – reductive. Classy cherry fruit on the palate and for the moment overlayered with the savoury, meaty notes. Beautiful tannins delivering real grip and support, needs more time." Jancis Robinson

"Leathery and earthy rather than fruity, this has plenty of body and tannin for the vintage and makes a bold statement. The tannins are rather polished and the long finish is well balanced and quite generous." James Suckling

"Dark bright red. Crushed red cherry, blueberry, perfumed violet and sweet spices on the knockout nose, accompanied by hints of super-ripe fruit nectar. Then very ripe but fresh and lively in the mouth, offering red cherry, plum jelly, mocha and mineral flavors. Outstandingly pure, juicy red cherry fruit nuances carry through on the long, laser-precision finish. Another knockout Brunello from Poggio di Sotto." Antonio Galloni

"The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is downright gorgeous. The wine is inward-looking at the very beginning, but it quickly revs up to deliver soaring intensity and profound elegance. It goes from first to sixth gear in seconds and grabs all your attention and admiration in the process. The bouquet reads like a textbook Sangiovese, with wild berry, rose hip, pressed violets, cola, balsam herb, licorice and cigar ash. The bouquet underlines the wine's enormous finesse and pedigree, but the mouthfeel is all about frankness, directness and power. This is a naked and pure Brunello that glows bright with confidence and pride." Robert Parker

Vinified only in the best vintages, it surprises with a bright garnet red, almost making you think it was a rosé. Bouquet of blackberry and small sweet forest berries, cherry-like on the palate and then not at all arbitrary with a gripping acidity and fine-grained tannin. A great, intellectual Brunello for the advanced connoisseur who likes it profound and extraordinary. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, bright garnet red. Finely drawn, very clear nose of fresh cherries and plums, some china bark in the background. Rolls juicy and salty over the tongue, fine, handy tannin in many layers, much tension, very long finish." Falstaff

"Tasted blind. Just mid ruby. Gorgeous, perfumed red-fruit nose with an elegant note of oatmeal. Bright, concentrated red fruit with plenty of acidity. Very elegant and understated, with fine sandy tannins. Long and complex finish." Jancis Robinson

"There’s a real Burgundian feel here to the sour cherries, five spice, citrus, nutmeg and fresh oregnano. The tannins have a beautiful, porcelain-like feel; the acidity cuts a wide and long shape. Delicate, floral and refined. All about grace and elegance." James Suckling

"On steep slopes in the southeast of Montalcino, Poggio di Sotto's vineyards are cooled by breezes coming off the nearby Monte Amiata. The Brunello is crafted from plots that range in altitude from 200 to 450 metres. Fermentations are spontaneous, maceration lasts one month and ageing is in 30-hectolitre Slavonian oak casks. This demonstrates the generosity of the vintage but is still fresh and graceful. Sweet fennel, underbrush and thyme blossoms give intricacy to pure red cherry fruit. Abundant chalky tannins build stealthily across the palate and provide a welcome dimension of texture, while Sangiovese's appetising juiciness shines through." Decanter

"Luminous red. Delicately smoky and ripe on the nose, with deep raspberry and red cherry aromas complicated by notes of sandalwood, licorice, graphite and sweet pipe tobacco. Full and rich but also very bright, with red and dark berry flavors given life by juicy, harmonious acidity and very nicely framed by supple tannins. Closes long, fresh, and expansive, deeper and less sweet than the estate’s 2018 Rosso di Montalcino also released this year. Utterly delicious and already accessible, this boasts noteworthy elegance and freshness for such a big ripe wine." Vinous

The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva shows remarkable depth and concentration. In the dense bouquet complex aromas of dark red cherries, plums, exotic spices and notes of menthol and black tea. Full-bodied on the palate, elegant, with infinite fruit, silky tannins and smooth texture. Long and balanced in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, clear garnet red. Shows discreet smoky notes, some hazelnuts and flint, then pomegranate, cherries, goji berries, exciting. Compact and dense fruit on the palate, unfolds with a lot of polished, present tannin, starts in the back third once again fully through, long reverberation and sweet melt." Falstaff

"This wine floored me. The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a stunning beauty and a wine well worth the attention (if you can afford its lofty pricing aspirations). Thankfully, the beauty of the contents will help alleviate some of the sticker shock. This is a supple and silky expression with an infinite array of Sangiovese-based aromas. You'll recognize wild cassis, forest floor, autumnal leaf, button mushroom, grilled herb, rosemary, balsam herb and red rose petal. The effect is fragrant and delicate. The mouthfeel is equally ethereal and nuanced. With only 3,500 bottles made, not many of us will have the luxury of trying this beautiful wine. And, that is really too bad." Robert Parker

"Initially reserved, this ethereal red took some time to open but it was worth the wait, revealing enticing scents of violet, wild berry, rosemary and Mediterranean brush. The palate is all about extreme elegance, offering wild cherry, crushed strawberry, grilled herb and star anise alongside firm, refined tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Mid ruby with orange tinges. Hints of undergrowth and malt. Almost a tad jammy on the palate and then tangy strawberry fruit. Exotic, zesty, rich, multi-layered finish that goes on and on. Beautiful, chewy tannins." Jancis Robinson

"Fresh and vivid aromas of cherry and flower with cream undertones. Full body, firm and very silky with a beautiful intensity and precision. Excellent winemaking here." James Suckling

"A total pleasure bomb, Poggio di Sotto's 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva races across the palate with layers of intense, perfumed fruit and striking aromatics. Macerated dark cherry, spice, menthol and deeply spiced layers built to the huge, intense finish. The typical Poggio di Sotto volatile acidity is pretty much buried by the sheer density of the fruit. Best of all, the Riserva remains incredibly fresh and saline, which is so remarkable for the year." Antonio Galloni

Vinified only in the best vintages, it surprises with a bright garnet red, almost making you think it was a rosé. Bouquet of blackberry and small sweet forest berries, cherry-like on the palate and then not at all arbitrary with a gripping acidity and fine-grained tannin. A great, intellectual Brunello for the advanced connoisseur who likes it profound and extraordinary. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, bright garnet red. Finely drawn, very clear nose of fresh cherries and plums, some china bark in the background. Rolls juicy and salty over the tongue, fine, handy tannin in many layers, much tension, very long finish." Falstaff

"Tasted blind. Just mid ruby. Gorgeous, perfumed red-fruit nose with an elegant note of oatmeal. Bright, concentrated red fruit with plenty of acidity. Very elegant and understated, with fine sandy tannins. Long and complex finish." Jancis Robinson

"There’s a real Burgundian feel here to the sour cherries, five spice, citrus, nutmeg and fresh oregnano. The tannins have a beautiful, porcelain-like feel; the acidity cuts a wide and long shape. Delicate, floral and refined. All about grace and elegance." James Suckling

"On steep slopes in the southeast of Montalcino, Poggio di Sotto's vineyards are cooled by breezes coming off the nearby Monte Amiata. The Brunello is crafted from plots that range in altitude from 200 to 450 metres. Fermentations are spontaneous, maceration lasts one month and ageing is in 30-hectolitre Slavonian oak casks. This demonstrates the generosity of the vintage but is still fresh and graceful. Sweet fennel, underbrush and thyme blossoms give intricacy to pure red cherry fruit. Abundant chalky tannins build stealthily across the palate and provide a welcome dimension of texture, while Sangiovese's appetising juiciness shines through." Decanter

"Luminous red. Delicately smoky and ripe on the nose, with deep raspberry and red cherry aromas complicated by notes of sandalwood, licorice, graphite and sweet pipe tobacco. Full and rich but also very bright, with red and dark berry flavors given life by juicy, harmonious acidity and very nicely framed by supple tannins. Closes long, fresh, and expansive, deeper and less sweet than the estate’s 2018 Rosso di Montalcino also released this year. Utterly delicious and already accessible, this boasts noteworthy elegance and freshness for such a big ripe wine." Vinous