Poggio di Sotto : Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019

Tasting characteristics and advice for the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva from Poggio di Sotto

Tasting

Appearance

The color shows a deep garnet hue with bright ruby highlights, reflecting the wine’s youth and its potential to evolve.

Nose

The bouquet reveals remarkable aromatic complexity. First come notes of wild cherry, sweetbriar and violet, followed by aromas of blood orange, citrus peel and fresh mint. With aeration, tertiary nuances of tobacco leaf, fresh almond and minerality emerge, alongside darker touches of star anise and dried orange.

Palate

On the palate, the wine unveils silky, refined tannins, perfectly integrated. Structure and elegance are harmoniously balanced, carried by vibrant acidity that runs through the entire tasting. Flavors of red and black fruit intertwine with botanical notes of violet and citrus, enriched by evolved aromas of coffee, cocoa and leather from extended aging. The finish, exceptionally long and complex, lingers with balsamic and saline notes.

Food and wine pairings

This 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva pairs beautifully with grilled red meats, truffle beef cuts, as well as game preparations and dishes featuring morels.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva between 16 and 18°C, after one hour of decanting to allow the wine to open gradually. This wine has exceptional aging potential and can evolve until around 2049, or even beyond.

An exceptional Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, the ultimate expression of Poggio di Sotto’s Tuscan terroir

The estate

Founded in 1989 in Castelnuovo dell'Abate by Piero Palmucci, Poggio di Sotto quickly established itself as one of Montalcino’s benchmark estates. Since 2011, the property has belonged to Claudio Tipa and Maria Iris Tipa Bertarelli, owners of the ColleMassari Wine Estates group. The estate spans 48 hectares, including 20 hectares of vineyards farmed organically since the beginning. Poggio di Sotto is renowned for its traditional, elegant style—often compared to the great wines of Burgundy—and for its commitment to preserving 182 distinct Sangiovese biotypes, a truly unique genetic heritage in Tuscany.

The vineyard

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva comes from the Terra Rossa and Pietranera parcels, located in the southern hills of Montalcino. Terra Rossa, at 220 meters above sea level, lies on reddish soils rich in pebbles and organic matter. Pietranera, close to the Orcia River, is characterized by a strong presence of galestro, this clay schist typical of central Tuscany that lends minerality and precision to the wine. The vines benefit from north and southwest exposures, a remarkable diurnal range thanks to the influence of Monte Amiata and the Orcia River, as well as maritime breezes from the Tyrrhenian Sea. This geological and climatic diversity allows Sangiovese to reach optimal ripeness while preserving essential freshness.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage is considered one of the most exceptional of the decade in Montalcino. After a mild, rainy winter, spring was warm and dry. Summer saw moderate temperatures and well-distributed rainfall, allowing ideal ripening without excessive water stress. Harvest took place from September 5 to October 4, during the classic window, with parcel-by-parcel selections carried out at optimal ripeness. These conditions produced grapes of remarkable quality, combining balance, structure and freshness.

Winemaking and aging

The winemaking of the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva was carried out according to Poggio di Sotto’s traditional protocols. Spontaneous fermentations took place in truncated-cone wooden vats and concrete tanks, alongside extended macerations and frequent pump-overs to extract aromas, structure and tannins with intensity and consistency. The wine was then aged for 40 months in 30-hectoliter Slavonian oak casks, for around 48 months of total maturation to reach the Riserva classification. Only the best casks were selected after extensive tastings to compose this exceptional cuvée.

Grape variety

100% Sangiovese