Poggio ai Chiari 2012
Sangiovese IGT
Colle Santa Mustiola
Chiusi, Tuscany (east of Montalcino)


If I had to suggest a similarity, it would be to the great Brunello from Poggio di Sotto and Stella di Campalto, two of the greatest Brunello producers today. The nose was so perfumed, elegant but dense, filling the space around the table we were tasting with its gorgeous perfumed aromas.

Our tasting Note: Deep ruby core, the red edges are vibrant. The nose rises easily from the glass, pronounced yet refined, with a mix of primary and tertiary red fruits like cherry, raspberry and blackberries. Some savory and lightly sweet balsamic and baking spices, subtle notes of fine leather, and sandalwood, a subtle interplay of some new French oak (though most is raised in used French and botti aged). The palate is med+ in body and tannin that are long, fine and add beautifully seamless structure and acidity. The palate intensity is pronounced with along, complex and very appealing finish. This is outstanding and deserves to rank among the top wines from the region. 13% abv. This is a Brunello in all but name.

Region: IGT Chiusi, Tuscany
Variety: 100% Sangiovese from 28 different clones
Land: 4 hectares of north and east facing hillside Sangiovese vineyards in Chiusi, just east of Montalcino. The climate here is mitigated by the cooling effects of the nearby huge Chiusi Lake. Wide diurnal temperature variations between day and night.
Soil: Alluvional/Sandy w/marine Pliocene deposits and pebbles
Viticulture: Practices organic; super low yields of 35/ha, crazy high vine density of 10,000 plants per hectare!
Vines: 28 different Sangiovese clones (4 pre-phyloxera) in the late 80s, early 90s. Planted at 300 meters asl. Manual harvest by hand.
Fermentation: with native yeasts at cool temperature in stainless steel vats.
Maceration is typically 40 days, 25 days w/submerged cap
Aging: 6.5 years (78 months) in mostly used (small % new) French oak barriques and huge 20/30hl botti, plus 24 months in bottle
ABV: 13%
Production: A microscopic 800+ cases

3 Gambero Rosso Glasses for 5 years (Tre Bicchieri)

94 Points RP for the similar vintage 2009 (NOT the 2012 here which is NOT yet rated)
"The 2009 Poggio Ai Chiari, 100% Sangiovese, is a bold, flavorful wine. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2009 hits the palate with tons of Sangiovese sweet red cherry, game, anise, tobacco, worn-in leather and cedar. The aromatics are starting to show the first sign of development. As always, Poggio Ai Chiari is one of the most distinctive wines in Tuscany.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, April 2018