PODERE POGGIO SCALETTE
TUSCANY, ITALY 2021
Why Buy: Old, old vines + the masterly touch of legendary winemaker Vittorio Fiore + remarkable value (including a 95+ pointer and a 95-pointer of pedigree and polish for around $50 a bottle). Add to that a 2021 vintage in Tuscany that Vinous declared rife with "majestic wines endowed with striking aromatics, layered fruit and all the energy that is such a signature of the appellation," and this is a set of wines you’ll want to stock up on, for sure.
What They're Saying: Vinous was moved to pure poetry by these three releases. Of the Piantonaia 2021, the publication declared it “superb,” awarding 96 points and writing: "in fact, the 2021 might be the best edition I have tasted." The review praised its "rush of dark red/purplish fruit, blood orange, pomegranate and spice" that "saturates the palate." Il Carbonaione 2021 prompted a 95+-point review that was nearly as ecstatic: “A regal, elegant wine. Silky, beautifully perfumed and persistent, the 2021 is everything I want from Il Carbonaione. All the purity of Sangiovese caresses the senses in a wine that is both texturally intense and also light on its feet. ... Silky, polished tannins wrap it all together in style.” Completing the trio: the Capogatto 2021, a “terrific” expression that "shows all the energy of the year,” Vinous gushed, in its 95-point review. "Bright saline notes cut through a core of super-ripe blue/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, mint and mocha. All the elements are so well put together in this deep, racy Merlot blend."
Our Tasting Notes: Each of these wines tells its own story of the extraordinary 2021 vintage. The Piantonaia shows remarkable depth and textural intensity while maintaining perfect balance. Il Carbonaione demonstrates why old-vine Sangiovese is so prized, with a silky texture and persistent finish that keeps you coming back for more. The Capogatto offers a masterclass in blending, with its Merlot-based composition flexing a seductive combo of power and precision.
The Story: The tale of Poggio Scalette's begins with its distinctive landscape — a series of dry-stone walls supporting terraced vineyards that appear to climb the slopes of Greve like stairs (scala in Italian). After years of abandonment, the estate found new life in 1991 when Vittorio Fiore, one of Italy's most celebrated winemakers, discovered it with his wife Adriana. The property's crown jewel emerged when they discovered that the Il Carbonaione plot contained vines planted immediately after World War I — making them among the oldest examples of the original Sangiovese di Lamole clone in Chianti Classico. In 1996, they expanded the estate by 42 acres, solidifying Poggio Scalette's position among Tuscany's elite producers.
The Specs: The estate's position on the slopes of the Greve Valley provides ideal exposure for both vines and olives. The combination of altitude, aspect, and soil composition — particularly in the Il Carbonaione vineyard — creates perfect conditions for producing wines of exceptional quality and character.
What to Pair Them With: If they weren’t so stand-alone great, you might think that these wines had been built expressly to accentuate the glory of such Tuscan classics as bistecca alla fiorentina, wild boar ragu, or aged pecorino; that’s how indisputably perfect the fit is. The complexity and structure in these wines also makes them excellent companions for grilled meats, aged cheeses, and mushroom-based dishes.
Fun Fact: The estate's name "Poggio Scalette" (meaning "stepped hill") isn't just poetic — it's historically significant. The terraced vineyards were originally built by monks in the Middle Ages, who understood that not only would this careful landscaping prevent erosion, but it also would maximize sun exposure for the vines.
Our Guarantee: Remember, friends – we always buy direct and we only source direct, so you can rest assured that your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2025. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY & TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Friday, November 8th, 2024.