~ The wines of Poggio Stenti are wonderful values – but don’t overlook their estate grown saffron ~
Poggio Stenti is owned by the Pieri family. Originally a simple farm to raise cattle, the family estate now encompasses 30 hectares of vineyards, olive groves and arable land.
Poggio Stenti is located in Montenero d’Orcia, within the DOCG of Montecucco and only a stone’s throw from the Brunello production zone. Owner Carlo Pieri runs a Butcher Shop in Sant’Angelo Scalo. Here he sells meat from the animals he raises along with local products, wines and cheeses.
His philosophy is simple: kilometer zero. As a result, you’ll notice his artisan signature on every one of his products.
~ The winery is around & under the family home. Personal, hands on & attentive, Poggio Stenti is a regular stop on the Rustic Tuscany Tour ~
The quality here is second to none. As a result, Poggio Stenti is a fixture on the Rustic Tuscany Tour. In addition to the tour and tasting, we enjoy a long, relaxed al fresco lunch.
~ Lunch begins with a tasting of Poggio Stenti accompanied by the first course antipasti ~
The beauty of the above, as I’ve tried to suggest in my writing, is that everything you see on that cutting board was produced or grown by the Pieri’s. It’s a culinary explosion of flavors the likes of which freshness knows no rival. It is simply the right way to eat.
Several courses followed along with pours and re-pours of whatever wine you liked. One of the dishes was the rustic Tuscan pici pasta in a rich, unctuous ragu of meat. I finally succeeded in recreating this condimento at home – a difficult task since the struggle to add tomato is real. Resist the urge!
~ Gazing along the cypress road that leads down to vineyards at Poggio Stenti ~
For me, the most wonderful foil for the pici con ragu is the Riserva Pian di Staffa. So, when I made the pasta (yes I made it from scratch!) that’s the wine I served.
~ Just looking at the texture and lack of uniformity of this pasta, you know it was not machine made. The Recipe is coming in my next Newsletter – so subscribe! ~
The 2016 Pian di Staffa Riserva is 100% Sangiovese. Quite simply, it is the equal or superior to many Brunello. Deep ruby in the core of the glass, the wine fades lightly to the rim of the bowl and presents soft amber colors. The aromas are classic Sangiovese. Crushed wild berry sit center stage and are accented by wonderful floral aromas mixed with soft spice tones.
On the palate, the wine is juicy, fresh and vivid. Full bodied crushed cherry and berry flavors coat the palate and are accented with cured meat, fennel and new leather. Although this is fresh and very youthful, the wine drinks well right from the bottle. I’ve had it many times despite never writing a formal note and it has never failed to impress. The juicy long finish, is sweet and savory.
~ The 2016 Pian di Staffa is a gorgeous Riserva Sangiovese ~
Pian di Staffa is vinified in stainless steel before being aged in large French barrels (20 hectoliter) for a total of 30 months pursuant to the DOCG regulations. 6 months bottle aging follows before release. This is a beautiful wine from a wonderful family. 95 points. Available directly from the winery. Also, you can Find this Wine (EU only)
Salute!
