Day 3
Poggio San Polo in Montalcino was our destination first on Friday. Nicola di Biasi, the technical director and winemaker, welcomed us and took us through a fascinating journey of organic vineyards, an ecologically designed winery and extremely clever natural humidifiers. No matter how many times you visit wineries you almost always find something new and innovative. We contrasted 2012 and 2013 Brunello from the barrel and tasted their recent releases in the guesthouse. This estate has benefitted by being acquired by the famous Allegrini family and the reputation of this property is going from strength to strength.
In complete contrast we headed over to Cantina di Montalcino. This is a very modern, innovative cooperative with 140 hectares and 97 growers. Progressive and high quality are their watchwords. Agnes showed us briefly round and it is a shining glory of stainless steel and oak. The wines were excellent. We had a lovely light lunch of salumi, cheeses, salads, chickpea soup and various bruschetta – all washed down with Vermentino, unoaked Sangiovese, Rosso di Montacino and their 2007 Brunello. A wonderful Vin Santo and Cantucci rounded off the lunch.
We rounded off a big day with a visit to Alfonso Baldetti in the lesser known Cortona DOC. Gianluca Baldetti took us through an engaging tasting of Grechetto, Sangiovese and Merlot and gave us a great insight into their flagship wine which is comprised of 100% Syrah. As if we needed more food – a delicious apple tart was served with their 2000 vintage Vin Santo.