Brunello di Montalcino Riserva from Poggio di Sotto is the estate’s most refined and age-worthy expression, produced only in outstanding vintages from carefully selected parcels of Sangiovese. The vineyards, located in the southern part of Montalcino near Castelnuovo dell’Abate, benefit from a warmer microclimate balanced by altitude and diverse soils, allowing for full ripeness without losing freshness.
Winemaking follows a strictly traditional approach, with long fermentations using indigenous yeasts and extended maceration to build structure and depth. The wine is aged for several years in large Slavonian oak casks, ensuring slow evolution and preserving the purity of the grape rather than emphasizing oak influence.
Aromatically, it is complex and layered, with notes of red cherry, dried rose, and plum, alongside hints of tobacco, leather, spice, and earthy nuances that develop with time. On the palate, it shows a balance between elegance and power, supported by firm yet refined tannins and a vibrant acidity that underpins its longevity.
The texture is precise and structured, indicating a strong potential for long-term aging over decades. With bottle age, it gains additional complexity, revealing tertiary aromas and greater harmony.
The finish is long, persistent, and mineral, leaving a refined and evolving impression. This Riserva stands as a benchmark example of traditional Brunello, defined by finesse, depth, and a clear expression of Sangiovese and terroir.
Producer
Poggio di Sotto is a highly regarded estate in the southern part of Montalcino, founded in 1989 by Piero Palmucci, who focused on restoring abandoned vineyards and establishing a philosophy rooted in traditional, low-intervention winemaking. The estate is located near Castelnuovo dell’Abate, an area known for its warmer microclimate and well-exposed slopes, which contribute to the ripening of Sangiovese.
Vineyards are farmed with careful attention to biodiversity and low yields, emphasizing the natural balance of the vines and the expression of terroir. In the cellar, the approach is strictly traditional, with long fermentations using indigenous yeasts and aging in large Slavonian oak casks rather than small barriques, allowing the purity of Sangiovese to remain central.
The wines are known for their elegance and precision rather than sheer power, often showing red cherry, floral notes, herbs, and subtle earthy complexity. Despite their finesse, they possess a firm structure and notable aging potential, evolving gracefully over decades.
Poggio di Sotto has built a reputation as one of the benchmark producers of Brunello di Montalcino, respected for its consistency and authenticity. The estate avoids excessive intervention or stylistic manipulation, focusing instead on clarity, balance, and a transparent expression of its southern Montalcino terroir.