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.

Allow me to introduce you to the magnificent 2018 Podere Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione, a red wine hailing from the esteemed region of Tuscany, Italy. This wine, crafted with the utmost care and expertise by Podere Poggio Scalette, showcases the Sangiovese varietal in all its splendor, delivering a sensory experience that is bound to captivate even the most discerning palates.

In the glass, the Il Carbonaione exhibits a deep, ruby red color that hints at its intensity and richness. With each swirl, the wine gracefully coats the glass, leaving behind elegant legs that promise a luxurious mouthfeel. The nose is immediately greeted by intense aromas of blue fruit, lavender, and violets, adding a touch of floral elegance to the bouquet. Delicate notes of sandalwood further enhance the aromatic profile, granting an alluring complexity.

On the palate, this wine truly shines. Full-bodied and exquisitely balanced, it unveils a tapestry of flavors that dance across the tongue. The firm yet silky tannins provide a velvety texture, while the beautiful fruit character harmoniously intertwines with the wine's racy acidity. It is a symphony of tastes, with each sip revealing new layers of depth and complexity. The finish is remarkably long, leaving a lasting impression that lingers on the palate.

Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this masterpiece an outstanding score of 97 points, praising its refined nature and predicting that a few years of bottle age will only further enhance its beauty. Additionally, Vinous bestowed a score of 96, commending the wine's elegance and remarking on its beguiling yet weightless character.

The 2018 Il Carbonaione is a wine that demands attention and appreciation. While it can certainly be enjoyed now, it possesses the potential for further development and evolution with some time in the cellar. I highly recommend experiencing this remarkable expression of Sangiovese after 2023 to fully unlock its true potential.

With only 2,200 cases produced, this wine is a true gem that deserves a place in any collector's cellar. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the pure essence of Tuscany encapsulated within the 2018 Podere Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione.