Wines Unspecified Le Mortelle - Poggio alle Nane - 2017

Viniou Reviews

Le Mortelle Poggio alle Nane 2017 is a prime example of the finesse and character that Tuscan reds can express. This wine is a distinguished cuvée, crafted from a blend that often includes Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, bringing depth, structure, and aromatic intensity. The 2017 vintage benefited from a warm growing season, giving the grapes optimal ripeness while retaining their natural acidity—a key for balance and longevity. The winemaking at Le Mortelle is meticulous, with careful selection of berries and a nuanced approach to fermentation and ageing, frequently utilising both stainless steel and French oak barrels to craft a wine that gracefully melds fruit vibrancy with subtle spice and rounded tannins. In the glass, you can expect deep ruby hues with a complex bouquet of ripe blackberries, cassis, plums, hints of tobacco, and Mediterranean herbs, complemented by a fine thread of vanilla and sweet spices from barrel maturation.

The Tuscan region, set in the heart of Italy, is famed for its rolling hills, clay and limestone soils, and a climate defined by warm days, cool nights, and refreshing maritime breezes. These conditions foster slow, even ripening, allowing the grapes to achieve remarkable balance. Tuscan viticulture boasts a legacy that stretches back centuries, making it one of the world’s foremost wine regions, celebrated for both tradition and innovation. While classics like Chianti and Brunello put Sangiovese in the spotlight, estates such as Le Mortelle showcase Tuscany's prowess with Bordeaux varieties.

For food pairings, Poggio alle Nane excels with richly flavoured dishes. Think traditional Tuscan fare like bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), wild boar ragù, or roast lamb with rosemary and garlic. The wine’s bold structure and nuanced aromatics also pair well with aged cheeses, truffle-infused dishes, or a hearty wild mushroom risotto. Its international character lends itself seamlessly to refined beef or game preparations, roasted meats, and slow-cooked stews.

When serving, decant the wine for at least an hour to allow its bouquet to fully open. Ideal tasting temperature is between 16 and 18°C, ensuring the wine’s fragrant complexity and tannic elegance are at their most expressive. This vintage will age gracefully, but offers immense pleasure now with the right culinary company.