Wine Advisor
Poggio di Sotto, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2020
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
Showing a distinctly different vintage profile, the Poggio di Sotto 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva places less emphasis on mineral brilliance and instead leans into darker tones of wild plum and blackcurrant. Subtle spice and grilled herb build toward the back of the palate, followed by a finish marked by bitter almond and a gentle hint of sweetness. I am reminded of crushed coriander seed in a marble mortar and pestle. While the wine is generous and expressive, it comes close to the precision and lift of the 2021 Brunello di Montalcino, making the latter the more compelling choice in terms of value. Fruit is sourced from 20 hectares of vineyards ranging from 170 to 470 meters in elevation, with total production limited to roughly 4,000 bottles plus larger formats. I came back to this bottle 24 hours later, and it's amazing how much more expressive it became.
Reviewed by: Eric Guido
Rose petals and sour cherries combine with citrus shavings, cloves and rosemary as the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva slowly blossoms in the glass. This is a model of grace and elegance, with cooling acidity and bright wild berry fruits that ride a silken textural wave as rosy inner florals swirl throughout. It leaves a framework of sweet tannins offset by a pleasantly bitter tinge as hints of licorice mix with blackberries and spice. Don't let the 2020's gentle character fool you; this is built for the cellar. If opening today, give it a lot of oxygen to unlock it from its youthfully reductive state.
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.
