Poggio al Tesoro
One of the most exciting estates to have emerged from Italy in recent...
years, Poggio al Tesoro is a 70 hectare property in Bolgheri acquired in 2002 by the Allegrini family. The first vineyard they bought, Le Sondraia, is next door to Ornellaia and was previously rented by them. It is 12 hectares in size and is planted with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Vineyards
Most of the Cabernet Sauvignon fruit for this blend was sourced from the 3 hectare Via Bolgherese vineyard situated at 56 metres above sea level. Soils here are composed of coarse red sand, rich in gravel, well-drained and with a clay layer at a depth of 120 centimetres. The planting density is 9,000 vines per hectare. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and the remaining Cabernet Sauvignon was soured from the 12 hectare Le Sondraie vineyard situated 35 metres above sea level. These soils are free-draining, a mixture of clay and sandy silt, with high levels of magnesium and iron. Vines are planted at a density of 7,500 vines per hectare, are cordon trained and spur pruned. The vines are an average of 9 years old producing yields of approximately 35 hectolitres per hectare.
Vintage Information
2008 proved to be an excellent vintage, with a mild spring and rainy month of June which allowed the vineyards to accumulate reserves of water to last through the dry and breezy summer. Showers on 15th August prevented over-ripening of the grapes and ensured they maintained a good degree of acidity. Harvesting was carried out in good weather, with scarce rain and with very cool night temperatures in late August and early September. This permitted the grapes to ripen fully and the lower night temperatures meant the grapes were of prime quality and perfectly healthy, despite the brief showers that occurred during the last few days of the harvest.
Vinification
After de-stemming and soft pressing, fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at 28-30°C for 10 days. Frequent 'delestage' or rack and return, as well as punching down the cap, was used to extract good colour and ripe tannins. Post-fermentation maceration took place for 22 days as the tannins were so ripe, the wine was then aged in 50% new and 50% one year old French barriques for 18 months. It was released after nine months in bottle.
Tasting Notes
A wine with intense aromas of fresh fruit and herbs which are matched on the palate, where the wine opens up with great class and a silky smoothness.
Vintage Information
| Vintage | 2008 |
| Grape varieties | 65% Cabernet Sauvignon 25% Merlot 10% Cabernet Franc |
| Region | Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany |
| Winemaker | Nicola Biasi |
| Alcohol (ABV) | 14.5% |
| Acidity | 5.39g/l |
| Residual Sugar | 1.9g/l |
| Wine pH | 3.64 |
Trade customers
Liberty Wines customers can order this wine directly from us.