For more than a century, Il Poggione has been one of the defining names of Brunello di Montalcino. Founded in the late 19th century and located in the prestigious hills of Sant'Angelo in Colle, the estate has earned an international reputation for producing traditional Brunello that combines power, elegance, and remarkable longevity.
The 2017 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is a superb expression of both the estate and the vintage. Produced exclusively from 100% Sangiovese Grosso grown at approximately 450 meters above sea level, the wine benefits from mineral-rich galestro soils, warm Tuscan sunshine, and meticulous vineyard management. During the challenging 2017 growing season, Il Poggione dramatically reduced yields through strict bunch selection, sacrificing quantity in favor of exceptional quality. Fruit originally destined for the estate's prestigious Riserva was incorporated into the Brunello, resulting in one of the strongest wines of the vintage.
Following hand harvesting, the grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks with an extended maceration lasting approximately 21 to 25 days. The wine is then aged for 24 months in large French oak casks, followed by an additional 8 months of bottle refinement, preserving the purity and elegance that have made Il Poggione one of Brunello's benchmark producers.
The result is a beautifully structured Brunello that balances rich fruit, refined tannins, vibrant acidity, and outstanding aging potential.
Tasting Notes
Deep ruby red with garnet reflections beginning to emerge, the bouquet is intensely aromatic with layers of blackberry, black cherry, wild plum, licorice, tobacco leaf, cedar, dried herbs, campfire ash, leather, and sweet spice.
The palate is full-bodied, silky, and remarkably balanced, revealing flavors of ripe black cherry, blackberry preserves, dark plum, espresso, baking spices, cocoa, graphite, and balsamic herbs supported by polished tannins and vibrant natural acidity. Mineral nuances from the galestro-rich soils carry through the exceptionally long finish, leaving lingering impressions of licorice, dried flowers, and savory earth.
While already impressive with decanting, this Brunello has the structure to evolve gracefully for decades.
About Il Poggione
Il Poggione traces its history to the late 1800s and remains one of the most respected estates in Montalcino. The modern winery was shaped by the vision of Fabrizio Bindocci, whose family transformed the estate into one of Brunello's most consistent producers.
Located in the southern zone of Montalcino, the estate farms vineyards with a deep respect for sustainability and terroir. Their philosophy centers on preserving the purity of Sangiovese while allowing each vintage to express its natural personality through traditional aging in large oak casks.
Today, Il Poggione is recognized worldwide as one of the benchmark producers of Brunello di Montalcino.
Vineyards & Terroir
The vineyards sit approximately 450 meters above sea level on the hills surrounding Montalcino, where warm days and cool evenings encourage slow, even ripening.
The soils are composed of sandy loam, clay, and abundant galestro rock, providing excellent drainage while contributing the minerality, freshness, and structure that characterize the estate's wines.
Sustainable farming practices, careful canopy management, and rigorous fruit selection ensure exceptional quality in every vintage.
Winemaking
- 100% Sangiovese Grosso
- Estate-grown fruit
- Hand harvested
- Stainless steel fermentation
- 21–25 day maceration
- Temperature-controlled fermentation
- Aged 24 months in large French oak casks
- 8 months bottle refinement
- Traditional Brunello production
- Sustainable vineyard practices
Critical Acclaim
94 Points – Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a saturated and shiny dark ruby color. Loaded with blackberry preserves and plum followed by spice, tar and campfire ash. Il Poggione always makes some of the smoothest and most texturally enriched wines in the appellation."
93 Points – Vinous
"Masses of ashen earth, smoke, dusty cherry and roses with nuances of clove. Silky and pliant with chalky minerality, vibrant acidity and youthful structure. A huge success for the vintage."
Food Pairing
An outstanding companion for:
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina
- Braised beef short ribs
- Wild boar ragù
- Osso Buco
- Grilled lamb chops
- Venison
- Porcini mushroom risotto
- Truffle pasta
- Aged Pecorino Toscano
- Parmigiano Reggiano
Why You'll Love This Wine
- 94 Points Wine Advocate
- 93 Points Vinous
- Benchmark Brunello producer
- 100% Sangiovese Grosso
- Traditional large oak aging
- Fruit from one of Montalcino's historic estates
- Sustainable vineyard practices
- Exceptional balance and freshness
- Long aging potential
- Outstanding value among premium Brunellos
Serving Suggestions
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Serving Temperature: 60–64°F (16–18°C)
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Decant: 2 hours recommended.
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Cellaring: Drink 2026–2045+.
