2016 Fattoria Poggio di Sotto Rosso di Montalcino

The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is bright and energetic, with terrific vibrancy. On the palate, the 2016 is a bit austere and clenched. It will be interesting to see if more fruit and inner palate sweetness emerges over time. To be sure, the Poggio di Sotto Rosso is usually more inviting, even in the early going.

The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino (with 18,000 bottles made) is a beautiful wine that could certainly rival full-fledged Brunello from some of the best estates in the appellation. This is especially true in the case of this vintage that over performs from all points of view. Poggio di Sotto makes a concerted effort to promote its Rosso as a stand-alone wine, and not as a little sister or Brunello inferior. Specific investments have been made to differentiate the Rosso program, and well, you might notice the expensive price point. Is the wine worth it? You can purchase some of Montalcino’s best Brunellos for less than this. However, there is a unique level of primary fruit intensity here with bold fruit aromas of cassis and wild raspberry that you would never get in a wine that ages as long as Brunello does. This is a fresh and forward wine that delivers impressive complexity and depth. The context is young fruit, not evolved fruit. In a sense, this wine embodies the true philosophy of Rosso di Montalcino more than any of its peers. The wine is not less important than Brunello, but it does strive to display Sangiovese at a different moment in its lifeline.

A ripe Rosso that shows dried berries, herbs, spices and cedar. Considering the denomination, there’s attractive concentration on the palate, which is round and flavorful but taut, thanks to driven acidity. Drink now.