The producer
A relative newcomer in quality terms to Brunello di Montalcino, Poggio di Sotto was founded by Piero Palmucci in 1989. The estate is located in the south-eastern corner of the region, around Castelnuovo dell’Abate, and are widely known as being stalwart traditionalists in their approach to Brunello di Montalcino, with the wines maturing on traditional Slavonian oak botti thus fully allowing the grape material and vineyards to express themselves.
Only 16 ha of vineyards, entirely planted to Sangiovese and organically farmed, produce only 3,000 cases of wines in total per year. In 2012 Palmucci sold the estate to Claudio Tipa, owner of the Grattamacco estate in Bolghero.
The wine
Fruit for Poggio di Sotto’s Brunello Riserva is derived from high hills overlooking the Orcia River valley, with vineyards at three different altitudes used to achieve the most balanced wines. Only produced in exceptional vintages, the Riserva ferments and macerates in 70 hl Slavonian oak vats and finally ages for 5 years in 25 to 35 hl Slavonian oak botti and 1 year in bottle. A wine of power, finesse, and balance, with immediate approachability in youth yet immense ageing potential.
