If you need a refresher course in why the world loves Brunello, Pick up a bottle of Poggio Antico. I was lucky enough to taste the 2005 Brunello and Altero in Las Vegas with the Mike Tadich, Italian Wine Specialist for Wirtz Beverage. I knew from the look in his eyes when he poured me a taste that these wines are truly something special.
The straightforward Poggio Antico Brunello was clean, full of ripe berry fruit, all bracketed by a firm, grippy tannic structure. It is everything you could ever want from Sangiovese- generous fruit, an acidity that will allow the wine to age gracefully FOREVER, and an ashy, earthiness that just screams “Tuscany”.
Poggio Antico’s “Altero” bottling is even firmer, as it is the winery’s attempt to create a more “modern” Brunello. Even with the use of French Tonneaux, the oak influence is well-balanced, especially for such a young wine. The Altero is a masterpiece that I would love to taste in 50 years.
Today the Poggio Antico Altero is structured, elegant, pure… tomorrow (or in 50 years) it just might change your life.
