Vintage: 2022

VintageProduct CodeFormatClosureAvailability
2022TE205B226 x 75Agglomerated CorkAvailable
Producer

Poggio al Tesoro is a 70-hectare Bolgheri estate acquired in 2002 by the Allegrini family. The first vineyard they bought, ‘Le Sondraie’, is next door to Ornellaia and was previously rented by them. It comprises 50 hectares planted with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Vermentino. All of the Poggio al Tesoro vineyards are located in “soprastrada”, the area east of the Bolgherese road considered the best vineyard site in Bolgheri. The soils here are complex and varied thanks to the mineral composition created by the Seggio stream from the nearby hillsides. A careful soil mapping has also allowed Allegrini to match each plot to the grape variety best suited to its unique growing conditions. This attention to detail continues today with a sustainable and organic approach in the vineyard and winery, where different vessels and techniques are utilised to optimise the potential of each variety and plot. Every year the quality of these exceptional wines continues to improve, reflecting the unique characteristics of the Bolgheri territory.

The ‘Solosole’ Vermentino is crisp and fresh, made from a specially selected Vermentino clone from Corsica. The ‘Pagus Camilla’ is a step up, made from Vermentino sourced from a prime vineyard planted on deep sandy soils by the river Camilla. It is aged on its lees with regular bâtonnage for nine months, creating aromas of Mediterranean herbs and citrus with a marked minerality on the finish. The ‘Sondraia Bianco’ is a small production of 100% Viognier, sourced from the ‘Le Sondraie’ vineyard. Partially fermenting in stainless steel, amphora and barrique results in a wine defined by a characterful bouquet rich in floral and fruity aromas, orange peel and typical Mediterranean scrub. The Cabernet Franc and Merlot-based ‘Cassiopea’ Rosato is a deliciously fruity rosé, softly pressed and fermented in stainless steel.

The ‘Mediterra’, a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, is a fragrant and intensely fruity red wine. ‘Il Seggio’ is the name of the creek that runs through Bolgheri. The wine that bears its name is a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot blend aged in 225 litre barriques for 15 months. It is structured, concentrated and fresh. The ‘Sondraia’, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc has a pure cassis note on the nose that gives way to a lovely depth of fruit on the palate. ‘W Dedicato a Walter’ is their pure Cabernet Franc, first produced in 2003. It is lifted yet ripe, intense yet balanced.

Vineyards

The grapes for this wine were sourced from the 5-hectare, west-facing Le Sondraie vineyard, situated 25 metres above sea level. Soils here are deep and free draining, consisting of a mixture of clay and sandy silt with a high presence of magnesium and iron. Planting density is almost 8000 vines per hectare and the 14-year-old vines are trained using the Guyot system and spur pruned. Yields average around 63 hectolitres per hectare.

Vintage

The 2022 vintage in Tuscany was not what was expected, but resulted in high quality fruit nonetheless. The winter was mild and dry until may, it was then that the temperatures rose meaning flowering and veraison came earlier than usual. The summer months were hot and dry but the rains finally arrived in mid-August, resulting in a great diurnal range aiding to restore balance to the grapes.

Vinification

Whole bunches were gently pressed and fermented in stainless-steel tanks at controlled temperatures of 14ºC to 16ºC, for around 20 to 25 days. No malolactic fermentation was allowed to take place, and the wine remained in stainless-steel tanks on the fine lees until bottling, to add texture and complexity. The wine was then aged for a further month in bottle prior to release.

Tasting Notes & Technical Details

Cassiopea is salmon-pink in colour with a fresh, lively perfume of fragrant spices and woodland berries. Its distinctive aroma blends well with its crisp flavour and easy-drinking style. On the palate, it is crisp but beautifully structured.

Alcohol (ABV)

13%

Other wines from this producer

Producer
Wine
Product Code
Features
Style
Poggio al Tesoro`Sondraia` Bolgheri SuperioreTE201
Vegetarian
Vegan
R
Red
Factsheet
`W Dedicato a Walter` Cabernet FrancTE202
R
Red
Factsheet
`Solosole` VermentinoTE203
W
White
`Mediterra`TE204
Vegetarian
Vegan
R
Red
Factsheet
`Il Seggio` BolgheriTE209
Vegetarian
Vegan
Practising Organic
R
Red
`Sondraia` BiancoTE210
W
White
Factsheet