Established by Piero Palmucci in 1989, Poggio di Sotto has, in a short
time, become one of Montalcino's cult wines. Piero's search for the perfect
location was meticulous and he spent several years researching the regions soil
types and climates to best suit Montalcino's Sangiovese Grosso. He settled on
Castelnuovo dell'Abate in the southern part of the region and collaborated with
the University of Milan to assist in selecting the best clones.
Although
the climate here is warmer than other communes within Montalcino, the hot sea
breezes from the Mediterranean are blocked by Monte Amiata and the Ombrone river
generates cooling breezes at night. Biodynamic viticulture, high
vine density, extremely low yields and extended cask ageing combine to produce
what many refer to as 'the Burgundy of Brunello'. Piero had an uncompromising
committment to Sangiovese in purezza and enthusiastically supported the creation
of sub zones for Montalcino, saying "I would love for Castelnuovo dell'Abate to
become an official sub-appellation so consumers can know that this Brunello is
made in one of the sunniest parts of Montalcino where Sangiovese matures
perfectly". The wines are characteristically light in colour, with
complex aromas of red berry fruit, earth, leather and tobacco. Firm acidity and
silky yet substantial tannins give the wine a long-lasting flavour.
In
2011, with no descendants, Piero sold his beloved estate to Claudio Tipa of
nearby Colle Massari. Claudio has no plans to change any aspect of Poggio di
Sotto.