Wine Advisor
Poggio di Sotto, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2004
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a stunning wine that captures every bit of the potential I sensed when I first tasted it from barrel a few years ago. Freshly cut roses, red berries, minerals, and mint are just some of the nuances that emerge from this layered, sensual wine. In 2004 most Riservas tend towards the dark end of the spectrum but Poggio di Sotto’s Riserva is decidedly fresh and bright. The wine’s purity, depth, detail, and finesse are utterly remarkable. Once again, a comparison with Bruno Giacosa’s Barbaresco from the Asili vineyard seems appropriate. This is a hypnotizing, totally transcendental Brunello readers won’t want to miss. In fact, it is so profound, it is a shame to spit! The estate’s 2004 Riserva spent a whopping 60 months in cask prior to being bottled. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. Proprietor Piero Palmucci is not only making some of the most brilliant wines in Montalcino, he is now inspiring a whole new generation of young growers with his non-interventionalist philosophy to viticulture and traditional approach to winemaking. A visit to these small cellars is always fascinating, particularly spending some time tasting through barrel samples cask by cask. This is a stunning set of wines readers will not want to miss. The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino may very well end up being the wine of the vintage, while the Rossos reach a level matched by very few other wines. Importer: Robert Chadderdon Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 332-4999
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is quite possibly the best wine that has ever been made at Poggio di Sotto. A towering, structured Brunello, the 2004 hits all the right notes with a captivating tapestry of aromatics, huge fruit and equally dramatic tannins that give the wine its vertical, imposing feel. The 2004 could use another few years to fully soften, but it is spellbinding today.
About the Producer
Majestic Location of the Winery That is not a secret how much we all love Tuscany for its mesmerizing landscapes and rich red wines. Founded in 1989, near Montalcino, Poggio di Sotto is as a perfect embodiment of what wine tourists all over the world look for in Tuscany: 48 hectares of vineyards on the hills, sea breeze in the air, soils that remember the times when the nearby volcano was exploding. The vineyards are accompanied by olive groves and forest. Poggio Di Sotto: the Temple of Sangiovese For its fair organic practices and continuous loyalty to local winemaking traditions, the winery can be entitled as “”The Temple of Sangiovese””. 100% of grapes grown in Poggio Di Sotto are nothing but the most widespread grape varietal in Tuscany – Sangiovese. Brick red colored Sangiovese is obtained by aging the wine in Slavonian oak casks for 2 years, Dark Garnet – for 4 years, and Dark Garnet Riserva – for 5 years. The interesting fact: Sangiovese is also used for producing Grappa. It is characterized by cherry, tomato, oregano, and coffee aromas. Served at the temperature of 16-18 degrees Celcius, it is best paired with florentine steak and mushroom or truffle risotto. Top Ranked Wines The crown on the top of the brand emblem is not a coincidence. The wines of Poggio Di Sotto have a small range of wines, but all are of the highest and widely acknowledged quality. That helped those wines to receive the highest grades from Wine Spectactor, Wine Advocate, Vinous and many other honored wine assessment organizations.