Today we are releasing, for the first time, the exciting new Estate of the Antinori family. The family have given the world of wine Solaia, Tignanello, Guado al Tasso, Cervaro della Sala, Tenuta Biserno, Masseto and Ornellaia; although the latter two are no longer part of the stable. It is a remarkable accomplishment and proof that when the Antinoris pick an Estate out for greatness, greatness will be achieved. As such we are thrilled to give a first look at the next big thing, Poggio alle Nane from the Le Mortelle Estate.
The Beautiful Le Mortelle Estate is located near Castiglione della Pescaia, an area which has established its exceptional potential. It is sited near the Maremma coast, close to Guado al Tasso in Bolgheri. The estates are a quick drive from each other, though Le Mortelle is closer to the sea. The Antinori family purchased the Estate in 1999, however, Renzo Cotarella, chief oenologist and CEO at Marchesi Antinori, who has been making wine for more than four decades, waited for the vines to mature before submitting the wine to be reviewed for the first time with the wine we release today, the 2015.
In fact, Poggio alle Nane has become an obsession for Renzo who along with the Antinori family has marked it out for greatness. Poggio alle Nane is getting the kitchen sink thrown at it. An investment of €11 million Euros was made a Le Mortelle, the winery was constructed underground, creating a vast circular cavern excavated from solid rock, with a 60 metre diameter. A more detailed view of this majestic estate can be seen here. The vineyard boasts sandy loam, siliceous-clay composition with abundant fine gravel. Piero Antinori and Renzo Cotarella are using their vast knowledge and resources to create something special, Poggio alle Nane the cru ‘Nobile’. The Estate’s proximity to the sea and its stunning terroir means the wine showcases rich fruit, with freshness, saline minerality and Tignanello-esque balance and complexity.
The stunning 2015 vintage has been met with acclaim, awarded 93 points by James Suckling, while Antonio Galloni awards the 2016 93, having not yet tasted the 2015. This speaks of the potential of this wine, with most critics unwilling to give uber scores until they have pedigree of many vintages. As such, Poggio alle Nane is undar the radar, a stunning value proposition. It is priced today on release at £215 per case of six, exceptional for a 93 point scoring wine from Antinori and at a 10% discount to the lowest price in the UK. The score is very much in line with Guado al Tasso and Tigannello’s average scores which trade at £400 upwards per case of six. Poggio alle Nane is the Antinori’s focus on producing a world beating Cabernet Franc dominant wine, with a fascinating blend of 78% Cabernet Franc, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest made up with Camenere.
The grapes are hand-picked, fermented with wild yeast and matured in new French oak for 16 months, then another 10 months in bottle. The 2015 provides gorgeous perfumed notes, along with tobacco, mixed herbs, juniper, sandalwood and mocha on the nose. The palate boasts fine tannin, with graphite, blueberries and sweet spice. All of this is underlined with a mineriality that finishes with salinity. It displays all the sunshine of the Tuscan coast, along with the cool breeze of the ocean.
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