OFFER

2021 Rosso di Montalcino from a top estate: Poggio di Sotto

Rosso di Montalcino is a great buy. It has much of the appeal of Brunello, yet sells for a fraction of the price. When you combine a top producer with a top vintage such as 2021, you are onto a winner. Poggio di Sotto‘s Rosso is outstanding and it is rated joint best in the appellation on Vinous.

Poggio di Sotto makes an ethereal style of Sangiovese: “one of the most Burgundian of all Brunellos”, as Eric Guido puts it on Vinous. Much of this elegance and finesse comes from the vineyard. The estate was founded in 1989 by terroir-obsessive Piero Palmucci with the help of superstar consultant Giulio Gambelli. It comprises just 20 hectares in Castelnuovo dell’Abate. The high altitude at the estate helps moderate temperatures, bringing freshness to the wines.

The wines at Poggio di Sotto are made using traditional methods. The grapes are de-stemmed but not crushed before vinification in wooden vats. Maturation is in 30hl Slavonian oak. The Rosso comes from the same vineyards as the Brunello; the earlier drinking barrels are simply selected for shorter maturation.

The best Rosso di Montalcinos are in high demand. They tend to be made in smaller volumes than Brunello, and they disappear from the market soon after release. Immediately approachable, they nevertheless drink well for up to a decade.

This Rosso is a superb example of its type. With pure, sculpted fruit underpinned by long, fine tannins, it delivers a huge amount for the money. Don’t miss it.