Classic for a Reason: Poggio al Sole Chianti Classico
There’s always a great deal of anticipation around the warehouse when we have a container about to arrive. It takes a lot of planning ahead and often reflects a visit we made 6 months or more prior, so I like to remind myself of some of the great wines that are arriving. Since we’ve managed to eek in our latest container full of Italian wine before any potential tariffs go into effect, I reached for one of my favorites to celebrate the good timing and opened up a bottle of Poggio al Sole Chianti Classico with some friends.
What a treat! While I find Sangiovese incredibly inviting and versatile, too much of it can be bland and unremarkable. Not the case with Poggio al Sole - this is aromatically explosive, high-toned fruit on the palate, and refined structure to the last drop. This is a showcase of the mastery of craft the Davaz family has achieved, and the remarkable property they have been stewarding for almost 35 years.
As a reminder of what Poggio al Sole is about, here’s a recap below. If you’re already in the know about the perennially popular Chianti Classico, then I don’t need to tell you twice: this is one to stock up on straightaway.
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Up a long dusty road outside the village of Badia a Passignano, deep in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, the Poggio al Sole estate occupies a site where grapes have been grown since the 12th century. However, this is not some throwback to the Middle Ages, but a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation that displays dedication to stewarding the land, leading to incredible wines as a result.
Johannes and Kathrin Davaz, who came to Tuscany from Switzerland in the early 90s, have preserved and renovated several ancient stone buildings while adding modern touches like solar panels that provide most of their energy needs, a clean and spacious cellar, and a swimming pool for good measure!
The vineyards reflect the same set of values: Neat rows of vines, organically farmed with incredible attention to detail, while preserving much of the property as woodland to maintain biodiversity and a vibrant ecosystem.
Now in the hands of the next generation, their children are dedicated to that vision with the same passion. As Valentino Davaz explained to us on our last visit, a beautiful and meaningful place to work, creates beautiful and meaningful results. It’s hard to argue with that when you taste the wine.
Poggio al Sole Chianti Classico 2022
Pure Sangiovese packed with fresh cherry fruit, savory herbs and energetic freshness, with the elegance and refined structure of Côte d'Or Pinot Noir. Lovely aromatics in the glass give way to a mouthful of pure pleasure--silky, with delicate tannins, and a generous complexity. A delight to drink now, this wine will continue to reward you for time in the cellar for years.