Viniou Reviews
Poggio di Sotto’s Rosso di Montalcino 2021 is a classic expression of Sangiovese from one of Tuscany’s most celebrated producers. Crafted exclusively from 100% Sangiovese Grosso, this wine is meticulously hand-picked from vineyards situated on the slopes of Montalcino. The 2021 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, marked by warm days and cool nights, supporting optimal ripening while retaining the grape’s distinctive freshness. Vinification is typified by careful selection and harvesting, followed by fermentation in large oak casks, favouring a gentle extraction and preserving the delicate floral and red fruit notes characteristic of the estate’s wines. The result is a vibrant, medium-bodied red, bursting with aromas of sour cherry, wild berries, delicate spice, and hints of undergrowth, supported by refined tannins.
The region of Montalcino, located in southern Tuscany, is renowned for its rolling hills and clay-limestone soils mixed with marl and galestro. This unique terroir contributes to the elegance and structure of the wines. The Mediterranean climate, with its warm summers and mild winters, ensures excellent ripening conditions, while cooling breezes from the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea add an element of freshness to the wines. Since its establishment as a DOC in 1984, Rosso di Montalcino has offered a more accessible, youthful counterpart to its Brunello sibling, often selected from younger vines but still championing the purity and character of Sangiovese.
When it comes to food pairings, the wine’s bright acidity and supple structure make it an outstanding match for Italian classics such as pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta), Tuscan sausages grilled over vine wood, or a hearty ribollita stew. It also pairs well with roast chicken, lamb cutlets with rosemary, and mature Pecorino cheese.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for an hour to allow its aromatic complexity to unfold. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to reveal its freshness, silkiness, and depth. This Rosso di Montalcino offers pleasure in youth but can also evolve beautifully over the next five years.
