How One Man Changed Brunello Forever: Poggio di Sotto

I talk about icons and wines built on centuries of family tradition, but it’s not often that I have the chance to simply talk about a true visionary, one who not only sought out a perfect terroir, but also created a wine that would go on to be the high water mark for the region, hunted the world over by collectors and inspired a generation of winemakers in his path.

That man was Piero Palmucci of Poggio di Sotto.

Pierro spent years researching soil types and microclimates that were best suited to Sangiovese Grosso, seeking out expert opinions, as well as befriending locals to help find the absolute best parcels. This search led him to Castelnuovo dell’Abate in the southern part of Montalcino, and just outside of the town, where he established Poggio di Sotto in 1989. Next came a study to find the best clones with the University of Milan while researching plant density, pruning and the best practices to bring in perfectly ripe fruit at harvest. In the end, this man with no family of winegrowers to back him or centuries of tradition to teach him created one of the greatest Brunello di Montalcino that this world has ever seen. He didn’t always follow the rules, nor did he agree with the idea of darkening, or pumping up Brunello with international varieties. Instead, he made honest wines, which have gone on to become not only one of the best investments in the region, but also the pinnacle of what Montalcino can produce.

It was a sad day when collectors learned that Pierro was leaving the winery in 2011, having sold it to Claudio Tipa, owner of ColleMassari and Grattamacco. However, his message was clear: nothing would be changed from the standards that Pierro devoted himself to, through to the winemaking process itself.

Today, that promise has proven to have been fulfilled as Poggio di Sotto continues to be one of the top producers of Brunello di Montalcino, with a limited and highly sought-after production of the finest Brunello you can ever hope to acquire.

We have just received our allocation of the 2010 Riserva, an epic wine from an epic vintage, guaranteed to be placed among the finest ever produced at this estate.

Enjoy!

Eric Guido