Podere Poggio Scalette became an autonomous wine-producing estate in 1991 when Vittorio Fiore, one of Italy’s famed winemakers, and his wife Adriana Assje di Marcora acquired several neglected plots of land and a rural building on the hill of Ruffoli in the heart of the Chianti Classico appellation.

The first part of the estate was expanded in 1996 with the addition of an adjoining property, including functional cellars, bringing the property to a total of 40 hectares subdivided into vineyards, olive groves, grain fields, woods, buildings and uncultivated areas.

Poggio Scalette takes its name from the configuration of lovely dry stone walls supporting the terraces on which the vineyards and olive groves are planted, giving the impression from a distance of a series of staircase steps climbing the slopes of the hill of Ruffoli. These slopes are called “Il Carbonaione" by the local peasants and were among the first vineyards to be re-planted following the First World War (and the European phylloxera plague), making the vines more than 80 years old. These vines are from an important member of the Sangiovese family, the “Sangiovese di Lamole”, producing grapes with intensity and character.

The estate is directly run by Adriana and son Jurij Fiore, a graduate of the School of Viticulture and Oenology of Beaune in Burgundy, with the overall supervision of Vittorio Fiore.

Podere Poggio Scalette ‘Il Carbonaione’, named for the terraced slopes of the Ruffoli hill, is fermented in stainless steel tanks, then aged in 350-liter French oak barrels for 14 months. It ages at least another six months in bottle before release.

The 2017 Podere Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione is a captivating wine that exudes elegance and complexity. With its deep red color and enticing aromas, this Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy is a true gem for wine enthusiasts.

Upon pouring, the wine reveals a rich and inviting bouquet. The nose is filled with notes of ripe berries, chocolate, and a hint of vanilla. As the wine breathes, it unveils additional layers of complexity, including cappuccino and light floral tones. The aromas are harmonious and well-integrated, showcasing the wine's impeccable craftsmanship.

On the palate, the Il Carbonaione delivers a full-bodied experience that is both velvety and structured. The ripe tannins provide a solid backbone, while the core of fruit adds depth and intensity. The wine displays a remarkable balance between richness and finesse, showcasing the skillful winemaking techniques employed by Podere Poggio Scalette.

Notable wine critics have praised the 2017 Il Carbonaione for its exceptional qualities. James Suckling awarded it an impressive score of 95 points, describing it as a "creamy, ripe-tannined red" with a solid core of fruit and polished tannins. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also commends the wine, noting its concentration, rich fruit, and touches of terracotta and toasted spice.

Furthermore, Vinous highlights the beauty and expressiveness of the wine, predicting that it will mature faster than other vintages. They mention enticing flavors of sweet pipe tobacco, leather, mint, game, and licorice that are woven into the finish. Wine Spectator, on the other hand, praises the pure fruit character of the Il Carbonaione, along with its harmony, length, and refined tannins.

Overall, the 2017 Podere Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione is a remarkable red wine that showcases the best of Sangiovese from Tuscany. Its elegance, complexity, and well-crafted structure make it a wine worth savoring. Whether enjoyed now or cellared to allow further development, this wine promises a memorable experience for any discerning wine lover.