Brunello Riserva 2018

The wine in this vintage

2018 in Montalcino was cooler and wetter than usual, demanding care in the vineyard and producing less concentrated Brunellos that were often fragrant, elegant and highly drinkable. In the hands of Poggio di Sotto, which has always favoured finesse, these conditions yielded a Riserva of great grace: strawberry, cherry, rose, tea, herbs and delicate spice on the nose; a light, transparent palate with fine tannins and a savoury vein that extends the finish. Robert Parker awarded it 97 points. The Brunello Riserva 2018 is already enjoyable and can be kept for several more years.

The producer · Poggio di Sotto

Poggio di Sotto was founded in 1989 in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, on the south-eastern side of Montalcino, by Piero Palmucci, who saw in these hills overlooking the Orcia valley and Monte Amiata an ideal terroir for Sangiovese. The vineyards lie at varying elevations on diverse, well-drained soils, benefiting from a mild but breezy climate and wide day-night temperature swings. With the advice of the legendary Giulio Gambelli, Palmucci defined a strictly traditional style: spontaneous fermentations, long macerations and ageing in large Slavonian oak casks, seeking transparency, finesse and depth rather than power. Within a few years the estate had become a cult name among enthusiasts. Since 2011 Poggio di Sotto has belonged to the Tipa family, owners of ColleMassari and Grattamacco, who have carefully preserved its identity. The Brunello and above all the Riserva, made only in the finest years, are regarded as among the purest and most elegant expressions of Montalcino Sangiovese.

Critics' scores

• 97 Robert Parker
• 90 Wine Spectator
• 17.5/20 Jancis Robinson

Technical details

Producer

Poggio di Sotto

Region

Toscana

Country

Italia

Type

Rosso

Vintage

2018

When to drink

Hold, still evolving

Critics' average

93.5/100

Sizes

75 cl, Magnum 150 cl, Case of 6 × 75 cl

eWibe code

0880118