Established in 1890, Tenuta Il Poggione has become one of the most highly regarded and sought-after Brunello di Montalcino producers. This Tuscan estate, or tenuta, is owned by the Franceschi family, who continue to build on their already stellar reputation.Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino is made with carefully selected Sangiovese grapes handpicked from estate vines that are at least 15 years old and aged in French Allier Oak barriques for 12 months.

Ruby red in color, this nose had some basement characteristics which were a little too much for me — I decanted a number of times and came back to it a couple of hours later and the nose had softened quite a bit — some stewed rhumbard and dark plum. Medium body, with good tannins and acidity, with some sour cherry. I had a glass of this the day after I opened it, the nose was much more approachable — and while I thought it was quite drinkable, I would put this wine in the food wine category. It’s a decent wine, but I think it probably shows better served with food — and probably with a slight chill (52-56 degrees).