POGGIO DI SOTTO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
TUSCANY, ITALY 2019
Why Buy: 2019 was an extraordinary vintage for Brunellos, and this just-released bottling – awarded 98+ points by The Wine Advocate – is one of the stars of a starry class of wines. Yet another massive hit from this much-revered cult estate.
What They're Saying: "Hits all the high notes of Sangiovese," gushed Monica Larner, reviewing the vintage for The Wine Advocate. She called it a "classic beauty with slender lines, firm structure and a sparkle of brilliant acidity. The oak is integrated to the point of invisibility, the tannins are elegant and fine, and the acidity is that proverbial cherry on top."
The Story: Pierro Palmucci launched the estate in 1989, after comprehensive study of soil types and climates and, eventually, a methodical search for the ideal site. He found it in a small patch of land in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, in southeastern Montalcino. The vineyard occupies an enviable position for a winery, overlooking the Orcia valley from a mountainous perch 400 meters above sea level. (In the distance, the 12th century Benedictine abbey of St. Antimo sits in stately repose.) High elevations and rocky soil, as we know, are essential components for producing elegant wines that can age gracefully. Add to this a dry climate, with strong contrasts in temperatures from day to night to stress the grapes even more, and you have conditions as optimal as any in the Mediterranean. Another secret to the estate's success over the years is the use of cordon spur pruning in the vineyards, which results in a very low yield per hectare — a vital component to the production of high-quality wine. That Poggio di Sotto has also moved to all-organic farming is not surprising; it was inevitable, we think, and perfectly in keeping with its larger philosophy of respecting and honoring the terroir.
Our Tasting Notes: This will reward you with a long decant. But what a wine! This is an unfolding experience, one you'll want to settle in for, as it evolves over the minutes and hours, moving from nervy tension and vibrance to a kind of rich, finessed elegance. The tannins are beyond polished, they're practically invisible, and the finish is fine and poised. Sublime. (And just to note: endowed as it is with such excellent structure, we have every expectation that it will age well and gracefully for many, many years.)
Fun Fact: Palmucci is a stickler when it comes to the color of his Brunellos. He has gone so far as to say that dark Brunellos are inauthentic Brunellos (i.e., that they are not varietally pure). A Poggio di Sotto Brunello is always a beautiful medium-red.
What to Pair Them With: Steak Florentine; truffle risotto; pan-seared duck breast; pan-seared mushrooms with thyme; charcuterie and cheese boards.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the estate, so rest assured: your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Order yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2024. 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, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, April 28th, 2024.
