POGGIO SAN POLO Rosso di Montalcino 2007 This property was bought and established as a rising star in Montalcino by Silvia Fertonani and her husband Mario Calzolari. Poggio San Polo won a double Gold Medal at the 2004 International Wine Challenge and the 1999 Brunello was awarded the Sangiovese trophy. The estate was sold in 2006 to Marilisa Allegrini, who is investing heavily in the wines and has brought in winemaker Nicola Biasi to build on the already impressive levels of quality. The estate covers 22 hectares of which 16 are planted with vines. The grapes for this Rosso come from 3 hectares of vineyards planted between 1990 and 2000. They are situated at an altitude of 450 metres above sea level, facing south-southeast on chalky clay soils. The vines are spur-cordon trained and planted at a density of 4,000 - 7,000 vines per hectare. The yields are 49 hl/ha. The 2007 vintage was rather uncharacteristic, with an unusually warm winter and spring followed by a torrid July which created near-drought conditions and put the vines at risk. Some much-needed rain fell during a relatively cool August which was folowed by a warm September. This stabilized the vines, resulting in well-proportioned bunches. Harvest took place at the normal time in the first week of October. Sugar levels were above average, but balanced by a good acidity. The grapes were hand picked into 17 kg boxes in the first week of October. After gentle pressing, fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with maceration on the skins lasting around 14-16 days at 27-30°C. The wine was then aged for 12 months in French oak barriques (Allier) and followed by a month of bottle ageing. It was bottled in February 2010. Ruby red in colour with notes of fresh fruit, particularly blackberries and black cherries, on the nose with a touch of vanilla. Warm and ripe on the palate, with an easy, rounded structure and nicely balanced tannins and oak ageing. Lovely spicy fruit character on the finish. Vintage 2007 Grape varieties 100% Sangiovese Region Montalcino Winemaker Nicola Biasi Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 13.5% Residual Sugar 1.8g/l Wine pH 3.77 Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £103.48 (Including VAT at 20%)