2016 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli

The area around Montalcino produces the most famous wines of Italy. The best of these come from the area south of the city. Here are the most famous and beautiful wineries and here is also the historic Il Poggione. The high (150-450m) location near the Amiata mountain and the Tyrrhenian Sea provides an ideal cooling influence and a wonderful microclimate which gives refinement and freshness to the wines.

This is the absolute top wine of the Tenuta Il Poggione estate. The grapes for this Brunello come from the very best vineyards of Tenuta Il Poggione from vines that are 40 years old. Il Poggione only makes the Brunello Riserva in the great wine years.

The Franchesci family, who have managed the estate for over 100 years, harvest the grapes in high-altitude (150-450 metres) vineyards, of course by hand. After another careful selection of the grapes on the selection tables, the temperature-controlled fermentation takes place on stainless steel with natural yeasts, then maturation for 4 years on large French wooden barrels and another year in the bottle. Little frills and letting nature do its work (but with that precise control). The great year 2015 gave generous open wines and at Poggione they know how to combine that with invigorating fresh acids. You smell the Tuscan fields with sage and thyme, scents of pine and pine tree, dried cherries, as if you feel the sultry heat and smell the dry soil. This powerful wine is reminiscent in the nose of black cherries, blackberries and almonds and Mediterranean herbs. What is most noticeable, however, is the rich texture of the wine in the mouth. This richness is fueled by the warmth of the vintage but also by the beautiful oak integration. The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli is a warm, inviting and velvety wine that will only improve with age.

Wine and food combinations

The powerful structure, complex aromas and long aftertaste of this Riserva make it an excellent accompaniment to refined dishes:

• Slow cooked lamb with rosemary and garlic

• Game dishes such as venison or wild boar with a rich sauce based on red wine or forest fruits

• Ossobuco or braised beef shank with gremolata and risotto alla Milanese

• Matured hard cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano

• Truffle risotto or mushroom pasta with porcini or chanterelle mushrooms

• Grilled entrecote with a reduction of balsamic vinegar and thyme

This Brunello is best served with dishes with a deep, earthy flavour, and can certainly accompany the main course of a festive dinner. Preferably serve in a large glass at 16–18°C, so that the bouquet can open up optimally.