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| ~ Cypresses line the road to Poggio Antico ~ |
High atop the Montalcino hill sits the manicured estate of Poggio Antico. For decades, this pristine location has been overseen by the Gloder family and today, it is helmed by their youngest daughter Paolo and her husband. The estate was acquired in 1984 when the Gloders, who were from Milano, fell in love with the wines of Poggio Antico during a vacation and decided to purchase the estate.
Located at an average of almost 1,500 feet above sea level, Poggio Antico’s vineyards are some of the highest in the zone. At that height, the vineyards receive cooling breezes off the Mediterranean which helps prevent mold and rot among the vines and also moderates temperatures in the vineyards. In addition to the vineyards, the 500 acre estate is also comprised of grain, forest, and olive groves.
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| ~ Montalcino Centro at night ~ |
From the 500 acres, almost 80 are under vine and only 30 of that total are dedicated to Brunello. Some of the vineyards were replanted in 1997 in order to increase the density of the plantings and simultaneously, add a minor amount of additional acreage. Carlo Ferrini consults on the winemaking. Today, we’re focusing on the 2006 Brunello.
I last reported on the 2006 in the summer of 2013 so it’s interesting to compare the advancement in the wine since that time. And to that point, things don’t seem to have changed much.
The 2006 displays a deep ruby color with an almost garnet hue. Only at the rim does the wine seem to lighten. Aromatically intense, the wine features chestnut, cherry pie, balsamic notes, and pipe tobacco that are wonderful to smell. On the palate, the wine is full bodied with well integrated tannins that are becoming more fleshy. Throwing an enormous sediment, we had to decant the wine in advance. The flavors echo the nose with grace and subtle, but not understated power. Truly a memorable wine. The wine is aged for 48 months prior to release, 36 of which are in traditional large Slavonian casks, followed by a year in bottle. 95 points, about $50.
August 2, 2016
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