San Polo, Brunello di Montalcino `Podernovi`
Vintage: 2016
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | SP606W16 | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
San Polo was purchased by Marilisa Allegrini in 2006, who has since invested heavily in the estate. This investment is now evident in the ever-increasing quality of the wines. Situated in the eastern part of Montalcino, the San Polo estate comprises 22 hectares of which 16 are planted under vine. They produce classic wines, with a bit more weight than those made in the north of Montalcino. The winery has been certified sustainable, by the respected Casa Clima organisation, since 2013. It has also been organic certified from 2017 and vegan certified from 2019.
The Brunello di Montalcino is a fine example of this regions modern style, rich and cedary with fine-grained tannins and excellent length. The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a step up in quality and illustrates why San Polo is often considered to be one of Brunello’s top producers. They also produce two Brunello’s released only in the best vintages. The single vineyard ‘Podernovi’ is an energetic, elegant and deep expression, hailing from one of the most beautiful and iconic vineyards in Montalcino. The ‘Vignavecchia’ hails from 30 to 40-year-old vines in a western-facing vineyard, planted on galestro soil. It is intense and complex and has great potential for lengthy ageing. The Rosso is delicious and offers fantastic depth for the price, while the perfumed Rubio is made from a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Vineyards
The Podernovi vineyard is a three hectare single vineyard site with excellent south-east exposition situated at 450 metres above sea level. Here, the vines planted in 1990, have found their perfect habitat with a soil rich in galestro and minerals, with a good presence of clay, giving grapes that are extremely concentrated.
Vintage
After a somewhat mild Winter, Spring arrived earlier than usual with above average temperatures. The vine shoots had the opportunity to develop in a balanced, uniform way. Frequent rainfall allowed water reserves to build up while alternating periods of dry weather meant the growth continued without any problems. Some damp conditions at flowering meant bunches formed which were more sparse than usual with rather small berries. The resulting grapes at harvest time were perfectly ripe and healthy. The feature which makes 2016 particularly memorable however is the excellent temperature range.
Vinification
Harvest was carried out by hand. On arrival at the winery, the grapes were carefully sorted and then softly pressed. Fermentation took place in 25 hectolitre Slavonian oak vats at temperatures of up to 30°C for about 30 days. Malolactic fermentation took place in 40 hectolitre casks. The wine was aged for 30 months in lightly toasted 40 hectolitre casks. Finally, the wine rested in bottle for six months before release.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
In the glass, this wine is ruby red with light garnet reflections. The nose is enticing with floral aromas of violet, cyclamen and jasmine, along with notes of fresh fruit and spices. On the palate, it is well balanced, with good structure, bright acidity and smooth tannins. Flavours of violet, plum, cherry and sweet spice. The finish is long and lingering
Alcohol (ABV)
14.5%
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Polo | Rosso di Montalcino | SP601 | R | Factsheet | |
| Brunello di Montalcino | SP602 | R | Factsheet | ||
| Rubio | SP604 | R | Factsheet | ||
| Brunello di Montalcino Riserva | SP605 | R | Factsheet | ||
| Brunello di Montalcino `Vignavecchia` | SP607 | R | Factsheet |