This beautiful estate, which lies 3 miles south of Montalcino, dates from the early 19th century. Its 50 acres of vineyards were planted in the early 1970s. It was purchased in 1984 by Giancarlo and Nuccia Gloder, originally from Milan, who had fallen in love with the wines of Montalcino and the unique geographical position of Poggio Antico. Their youngest daughter, Paola, has managed the estate since 1987 and was joined by her husband, Alberto Montefiori, in 1998. Together they have elevated Poggio Antico to worldwide recognition as a star of its appellation whose wines stand out for their elegance and charm. Located at an average altitude of 1500 feet, Poggio Antico boasts some of the highest vineyards in Montalcino. The elevation brings constant maritime breezes which prevent fog, frost and mildew, allowing the grapes to be grown in the most environmentally-friendly way possible. The south and southwest exposures exploit the sunlight and enhance ripeness, while the cool nights bring refinement and elegance to the wines. The vines are planted on a perfectly drained terroir with a mix of galestro and calcareous rocks. The traditional Brunello is aged in large Slavonian oak for 3 years. The more modern-styled Altero is aged for 2 years in French tonneaux and is more approachable in its youth. A Brunello Riserva is produced from the oldest vineyards reaching their peak of expression only in the greatest vintages. It spends one year in new French tonneaux before being racked into the Slavonian uprights for another 2½ years. In addition, Poggio Antico produces a very fine Rosso di Montalcino and Madre — an IGT blend of equal parts Sangiovese Grosso and Cabernet Sauvignon. Both are refined in French tonneaux.

Rating

Wine Advocate 94 points (May 2011) The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Altero is aged for two years in 500-liter French oak barrels and another two years in bottle. Here the oak gives the wine much of its volume and shape without coming across as over bearing. Dark wild cherries, new leather, spices, minerals and menthol flow effortlessly from this seamless, beautifully ripe Brunello. The intensity of the fruit carries through nicely on the long, polished finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026.  Wine Enthusiast 94 points (Apr 2011) Here’s a modern, plush and extracted expression of Sangiovese Grosso that has been enhanced by elegant oak aging. Still young, it exhibits notes of vanilla, toasted coconut, smoke and resin along with a solid base of cassis and dried berry fruit. The texture here is polished and smooth with zesty spice on the close. — M.L.

Technical notes

Altero was created back in 1983 with the intention of making a more modern style of Brunello. Altero is a proprietary wine that is distinguished by being aged in 500-liter French oak tonneaux for a period of two years rather than for three years in the large new Slavonian oak barrels used for the traditional Brunello. Altero completes its aging requirement by spending two years in the bottle before release. In 2000, sixteen years after the first release of Altero, the new regulations for Brunello confirmed the validity of this innovative alternative. In effect the formula for Altero anticipated the new trend for Brunello, and at Poggio Antico today it is possible to choose between a new and a classic style of Brunello. Since its introduction Altero has received very favorable reviews and enjoyed great commercial success, so every year an increasing part of the crop is set aside for it. Altero is a deep and intense ruby red, which shows great concentration. The bouquet is wide, very fruity, persistent and elegant. The taste is full, warm, and round with a complex structure and fine ripe tannins. This wine is very smooth on the palate and suited for a long bottle aging.