VAL DI SUGA
TUSCANY, ITALY 2020
WHY BUY: The Montalcino marvel Val di Suga reminds us why we love traditional Brunello, with a trio of beauties from a great 2020 vintage, including their 96-point Brunello Poggio al Granchio and 95-point Brunello Vigna del Lago. As the only producer in Montalcino with vineyards in three distinct zones of the appellation, their geographical diversity gives them an unparalleled palette from which to craft their wines. Coupled with their long fermentations and patient aging, the result is, as we see here in this impressive quartet, wines that balance power and grace, structure and silkiness, energy and maturity.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Very elegant and graceful, with ultra-fine tannins," Jebdunnuck.com declared in a 95-point assessment of the Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Lago 2020, praising its "clean, silky finish" and noting that it "retains lovely ripe, pure fruit throughout... a gorgeous wine.” They were even more effusive in a 96-point review of the Brunello Poggio al Granchio 2020, which possesses "a rounded, seamless feel and texture and a long, delicately savory finish, with notes of blood orange to close.”
OUR TASTING NOTES: The Brunello Poggio al Granchio 2020 combines opulence and depth with a striking clarity and definition: a true showcase wine. The blood orange notes on the finish provide a thrilling counterpoint to the wine's savory core. The Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Lago 2020, with its silky texture and pure fruit expression, is elegance personified, a wine that whispers rather than shouts but leaves, nevertheless, an striking and even indelible impression. The standard Brunello di Montalcino 2020 is a wine with a lot going on (from its aromatic complexity to its mid-palate intensity to its lingering minerality), but it's all so seamlessly and winningly knitted. Last but not least: the Rosso di Montalcino 2022 overdelivers big-time, delivering serious Montalcino character at an everyday price.
THE STORY: What continues to fascinate me about Val di Suga — beyond the sheer quality of their wines, that is — is their unique and advantageous geographical position. The Vigna del Lago vineyard sits on the northern slope at about 300 meters elevation, bringing freshness and aromatic complexity. Poggio al Granchio, on the southeast slope at nearly 400 meters, contributes structure and aging potential. And though not represented in this particular offer, their Vigna Spuntali vineyard in the southwest adds depth and richness. While many Montalcino producers have chased ripeness and extraction in recent years, in response, perhaps, to changing critical tastes or climate pressures, Val di Suga has remained steadfastly committed to tradition. Their winemaking approach feels refreshingly old-school: long fermentations, extended maceration, and patient aging in a combination of French oak and concrete. The result is wines that speak clearly of place while possessing that elusive quality that separates good wine from great: character.
THE SPECS: Long fermentations are the norm here, with around 20 days post-fermentation maceration on the skins. The Brunellos are then aged in French oak for 24 months, with six months in concrete vats to follow. This final aging period helps to preserve freshness while allowing the wines to integrate fully before they’re bottled.
WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH: Think: a rich Bolognese; pan-seared duck breast with cherries and wild herbs; roasted mushrooms with thyme; and charcuterie and cheese boards.
OUR GUARANTEE: We always buy and source directly from the estate, so rest assured: your wines 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 Winter 2025 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2026). 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, MI, MO, NC, NE, NY, OK & TN. This offer is valid for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, August 17th, 2025.