iL Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2017

Tenuta Il Poggione is one of Montalcino’s major wineries: it covers a surface area of 600 hectares, of which 125 hectares are planted with vines, 70 with olive groves and the rest are arable and woodland. The estate’s guiding principle is to pay meticulous attention to the vineyards, because the secret of producing great red wines lies in tending the vines. Diversified agriculture is also essential to Tenuta Il Poggione, so that vines are alternated with a variety of crops and wild animals are allowed to live in harmony with nature. Along with constant efforts to preserve the typical characteristics yet improve the quality of its wines through research and selection, Tenuta Il Poggione has also drastically reduced the quantity of grapes it produces. By practising the green harvest, regularly monitoring the condition of the vineyards and constantly checking the need for soil nutrients, an excellent product is achieved even in less favourable years. On the Poggione estate, the grapes are harvested entirely by hand and the wine is made by the traditional method, though modern, state-of-the-art equipment is used. Total control of the vinification process is guaranteed, thanks to the new cellar built in the centre of the estate in 2004 and the introduction of extremely advanced technology, but as tradition is important, the company keeps the large French oak barrels used for aging the great Tenuta Il Poggione red wines five metres below ground.