Established in 1989, Poggio di Sotto is known in Montalcino for its unique ecological niche of old Sangiovese vineyards (more than 50 years old). Together with the University of Florence 120 unique biotypes of Sangiovese were discovered. This biodiversity is the cornerstone of the unique brightness and complexity that is found in Poggio di Sotto wines and the leader of its distinctive style. Since its foundation, the estate has become famous for the high quality of the Sangiovese that it cultivates and has quickly achieved cult status.
Poggio di Sotto is located on a hill to the southeast of Montalcino. Located in Castelnuovo dell’Abate at the foot of Monte Amiata, the steep vineyards on the south-facing slopes are at altitudes of between 650 and 1,300 feet abovce sea level. The stony soils are composed of gravel and clay in the lower sections, as well as sandy loam in the higher areas.
Integrity, quality and teamwork are the values that are upheld by the Tipa Bertarelli Family. They apply Italian passion and Swiss precision in crafting wines that represent top quality, history and identity of the region. The winery practices sustainable and natural methods in full respect of Nature. Their final pillar and belief is to protect and maintain the identity of Tuscany and its traditions. While innovating in the vineyard and cellar, their wines always reflect the tradition of the region.
97 Points Wine Advocate
Made with certified-organic fruit, the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is an impossibly graceful wine from a challenging vintage. This bottle defies the odds—and the dry heat of the growing season—to reveal soft layers of cherry, cassis and more vibrant fruit. It glides clear over the palate with silky momentum, and you only notice the tannins at the very end. Even those should soften and integrate as this collectible wine continues it bottle evolution. Production is 19,000 bottles. 2024-2045
97 Points Vinous
A captivating mix of ripe plums, strawberries, cloves, violet pastille, balsam herbs and white smoke emanates from the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino. This is undeniably elegant in feel, showing a weight unexpected from a young Poggio di Sotto, yet working in perfect harmony, with tart cherries and wild berries drenching the palate in primary concentration, as saline-minerals and brisk acids add energy and verve. There’s simply so much going on here that each return to the glass reveals something new. The tannins are sweet and rounded, and while structured, this remains fully satiating and fresh, as hints of lavender and black currant slowly fade. It’s totally atypical of a young Poggio di Sotto, yet also a wonderfully unique expression of the vintage, one that should mature evenly in spite of the drastic climatic conditions. In order to create the best wine possible, severe selection reduced production by 40%, and there will be no Riserva from 2017, as all of that juice was added to the Brunello. What’s more, winemaker Luca Marrone chose to shorten the aging in wood by an entire year. It may not be classic in style, but the 2017 is a wine that’s not to be missed.