2015 San Polo Brunello di Montalcino Podernovi DOCG, Tuscany

The Southeast facing Podernovi vineyard is the highest on San Polo and the soil profile shows a larger percentage of chalk from limestone to complement the ancient Galestro. The result is an incredibly pure and more elegant example of Brunello di Montalcino from the classic 2015 vintage. Podernovi spends 24 months in oak and at least 12 months in bottle prior to release. Ruby red colour, not excessively bright, and with light garnet reflections. On the nose, floral aromas of violet, cyclamen and jasmine, notes of fresh fruit and spice. In the mouth it is well balanced, with a good structure and acidity as well as very smooth tannins and excellent persistence.

97 points jamessuckling.com

The 2015 San Polo Brunello di Montalcino Podernovi DOCG is a standout single-vineyard Brunello from one of Tuscany’s most exciting estates. San Polo is located in the southeastern quadrant of Montalcino, near Castelnuovo dell’Abate, where altitude, cooling breezes and galestro-rich soils produce Sangiovese Grosso of remarkable elegance and depth. Owned by the Allegrini family since 2007, the estate has focused on organic and sustainable viticulture, elevating the quality of their wines to sit comfortably among Montalcino’s finest. Podernovi, one of their flagship crus, is a vineyard with a reputation for purity, finesse and terroir-driven character.

The 2015 vintage in Montalcino was widely celebrated as one of the greatest in recent memory, offering warmth, ripeness and balance. In the glass, the Podernovi shows a deep garnet core with ruby edges. The nose is refined and perfumed, bursting with ripe red cherry, raspberry, and dried rose petals, layered with notes of tobacco, cedar, leather, spice and a touch of balsamic. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins and vibrant acidity framing flavours of red berries, plum, savoury herbs and mineral earthiness. The finish is long, graceful and mouth-watering, showing both power and restraint.

Food pairings celebrate its Tuscan roots: wild boar pappardelle, bistecca alla Fiorentina, slow-braised lamb shanks with rosemary, or aged pecorino. It is also superb with truffle risotto or roasted duck. With 15 to 20 years of cellaring potential, this 2015 Brunello will evolve into a complex wine layered with dried flowers, leather and earthy spice.

Critics were effusive about this release, with James Suckling awarding it 97 points, praising its depth, polish and intensity. Wine Enthusiast and Vinous also rated it in the mid-90s, highlighting the vineyard’s balance of ripe fruit and savoury elegance. The 2015 Podernovi is now considered a benchmark release for San Polo, confirming the estate’s place among the top tier of Montalcino producers.