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 three hectare Via Bolgherese vineyard situated at 56 metres above sea level. Composed of coarse red sand, the soils are rich in gravel, well-drained and have a clay layer at a depth of 120cms. The planting density is 9,000 vines per hectare. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and the remaining Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced 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. With a density of 7,500 vines per hectare, the vines are cordon trained and spur pruned.
Vintage Information
An unsual vintage at Bolgheri, it was rather wet and cool compared to the norm for this area. The results were, nonetheless, excellent: the grapes had optimal levels of acidity and a low pH. Harvest commenced in September, a week later than vintage 2009 and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were picked in mid-October. The rather cool weather resulted in wines that are easy to drink and unusally crisp for a coastal area. Naturally, the climate also had a particularly favourable effect on the early and mid - ripening varietals. Excellent results were achieved with Cabernet Franc. In the Bolgheri area, yield per vine was considerably lower than usual, although not as low as in Montalcino. Some light leaf thinning and cutting back ensured that grapes remained in prime condition on the vine until ripening was complete. The wines demonstrate good structure, are intense in colour and have a pristine and elegant nose. This vintage was one of the best in the last ten years.
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, 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
The Sondraia has a vivid red colour, with intense notes of fresh fruit and herbs on the nose. On the palate, the wine opens up with great class and silky smoothness. Well balanced, this is a powerful wine with great finesse.
Vintage Information
| Vintage | 2010 |
| Grape varieties | 65% Cabernet Sauvignon 25% Merlot 10% Cabernet Franc |
| Region | Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany |
| Winemaker | Nicola Biasi |
| Alcohol (ABV) | 14% |
| Acidity | 5.8g/l |
| Residual Sugar | 1.5g/l |
| Wine pH | 3.65 |
Trade customers
Liberty Wines customers can order this wine directly from us.