San Polo, Brunello di Montalcino
Vintage: 2019
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | SP602B19 | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
San Polo was purchased by Marilisa Allegrini in 2006 after several years spent searching for a suitable property in Montalcino. Located in the eastern part of the region, the estate covers 22 hectares, with 16 hectares under vine. The vineyards lie between 400 and 450 metres above sea level on poor, stony soils composed mainly of galestro (schistous clay), which naturally limit yields and suit the production of high-quality Sangiovese. Detailed parcel mapping allows each vineyard to be managed individually to maximise the potential of this distinctive site.
The estate produces classic Montalcino wines with slightly more weight than those from the northern part of the appellation. Today, the property is run by Marilisa and her daughters, Carlotta and Caterina, with a focus on precise winemaking and sustainability. As part of this vision, the winery has been certified sustainable by CasaClima since 2013, organic since 2017 and vegan-certified since 2019.
The Brunello di Montalcino shows the hallmarks of the region’s modern style, with ripe fruit, cedar notes, fine-grained tannins and impressive length. The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva offers greater depth and demonstrates the estate’s standing within the region. Two additional Brunello wines are produced only in the best vintages. ‘Podernovi’, from a single vineyard, is an energetic and elegant expression from one of Montalcino’s most recognised sites. ‘Vignavecchia’ hails from 30–40-year-old vines in a west-facing vineyard planted on galestro soils and is intense, complex and suited to long ageing. The Rosso di Montalcino offers excellent depth and approachability, while ‘Rubio’, a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is fragrant and supple.
Vineyards
The grapes for this wine come from vineyards covering approximately eight hectares, planted between 1990 and 2000. They are situated at an altitude of 450 metres above sea level, facing south-southwest on chalky, clay soils. They are spur-cordon trained with a density of 4,000-7,000 plants per hectare.
Vintage
The 2019 winter in Tuscany was cold and dry, although February was warmer than average. Regular episodes of rainstorms in the spring helped replenish the vines' water supply. However, a temperature drop delayed bud break and May was particularly wet. The summer started with temperatures above average in June, while June and August saw several hailstorms, but generally, the weather remained stable until harvest time. Compared to other regions of Italy, affected by heatwaves causing grape sunburn in some areas, Tuscany produced about 10% more grapes than the 2018 vintage. The winemaker describes 2019 as a good vintage, with the wines showing a good structure and balance.
Vinification
The grapes were hand picked into 17 kilogram crates at the end of September. Once at the winery, the berries were selected and softly crushed. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled concrete tanks for up to 22 days with temperatures reaching a maximum of 28-30°C. The wine was then aged for 30 months in a mixture of 10, 20 and 40 hectolitre oak casks. This was followed by a period of at least six months in bottle before release.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
An intense ruby red with garnet hues. The typical aromas of violets and small red berries are followed by hints of vanilla, cedar and coffee. On the palate it is full-bodied and warm with a densely-woven texture and robust tannins, while the finish is persistent and rounded.
Alcohol (ABV)
14%
Acidity
6.24 g/l
Residual Sugar
0.5 g/l
pH
3.5
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Polo | Rosso di Montalcino | SP601 | R | Factsheet | |
| Rubio | SP604 | R | Factsheet | ||
| Brunello di Montalcino Riserva | SP605 | R | Factsheet | ||
| Brunello di Montalcino `Podernovi` | SP606 | R | Factsheet | ||
| Brunello di Montalcino `Vignavecchia` | SP607 | R | Factsheet |