POGGIO DI SOTTO, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
TUSCANY, ITALY 2020
WHY BUY: The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino releases continue to shine, and this just-released bottling from Poggio di Sotto – awarded four separate 97-point ratings – 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: "The Poggio di Sotto 2020 Brunello di Montalcino shares many similarities with the epic 2016 vintage in terms of its pretty perfumes and polished length," gushed Monica Larner, reviewing the vintage for The Wine Advocate. She adds: "If you consider these three factors—consistent quality over many vintages, a steadfast adherence to a classical winemaking tradition and a ready influx of capital—you might agree that Poggio di Sotto has few rivals in Montalcino."
THE STORY: Pierro Palmucci launched the estate in 1989, after comprehensive study of soil types and climates and, eventually, finding his ideal site 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, rocky soil, and a dry climate, with strong contrasts in temperatures from day to night to stress the grapes even more, deliver 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 2025. 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. The price reflected on your order form is subject to change after the order is placed in the event of a change in tariffs or taxes that are imposed by the U.S. government, or in the case of currency fluctuations of 10% or greater. Offer not valid in KS, KY, MA, MI, NE, NM, NV, NY, OK & TN. This offer is for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, April 24th, 2025.