POGGIO AL LUPO


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Poggio al Lupo - 'Hill of the Wolf' - was founded by Antonio Moretti of Tenuta Sette Ponti in the Tuscan coastal region of Maremma in 1999. Historically Maremma was notoriously 'savage' - wild, rugged, marshy, and isolated - which presumably inspired the excellent name for the magnificent property, so different from pastoral Central Tuscany. The region is warm and dry, benefitting from cooling breezes from the Mediterranean. The estate covers 115 acres (just 35 are planted); the vineyards are a diverse patchwork of rich clay and classic Tuscan 'Galestro' - well drained marly limestone. The Poggio al Lupo rises to 330 above the nearby Mediterrean; the principal vineyard is on the south-facing slope, and is planted primarily to cabernet sauvignon, with 5.5 acres each of petit verdot and, interestingly, alicante bouchet. The 2012 is the first vintage to be made using only cabernet sauvignon. The grapes are hand-harvested, macerated for 25 days during primary fermentation, followed by malolactic fermentation and 18 months elevage in 100% new barriques. The wine is dark and rich, with complex aromas and flavours of herbs, black fruit, and leather. Satisfyingly mouthfilling without being overly concentrated or heavy, the wine has lovely balance and a fresh lingering finish. Its elegant structure makes it eminently age-worthy.

British Columbia