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 2019 Podere Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione is a remarkable red wine that epitomizes the excellence of Sangiovese. Hailing from the renowned region of Tuscany in Italy, this wine showcases the mastery of the winemaking craft by Podere Poggio Scalette. With its deep red color and enticing aromas, it is a true delight for the senses.

Upon pouring, the 2019 Il Carbonaione reveals a captivating bouquet of sour cherries and orange peel. These vibrant and expressive aromas entice the nose and prepare the palate for an extraordinary tasting experience. On the palate, this wine exhibits a full body with layered tannins that are both creamy and juicy, providing a velvety texture that is truly indulgent.

The finish of the 2019 Il Carbonaione is intense and enduring, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. Its excellent structure ensures that the wine will continue to evolve and improve with time, making it an ideal candidate for cellaring. James Suckling, a renowned wine critic, recommends drinking this wine after 2024 to allow it to soften and further develop its complexity.

Antonio Galloni from Vinous also praises the wine, giving it a score of 93+ points. While noting the presence of new oak scents, Galloni acknowledges the wine's potential for aging, as Il Carbonaione has a brilliant track record in this regard. He identifies ripe red and blush fruit, sweet spice, mocha, and rose petal flavors that linger harmoniously on the palate.

The Wine Spectator, another esteemed publication, rates the 2019 Il Carbonaione with 92 points. They describe it as intense and supple, with a smoky aroma that is complemented by blackberry, plum, earth, and charred wood flavors. The wine's lively acidity and firm tannins provide a balanced structure, and it is recommended to be enjoyed from 2024 through 2035.

Overall, the 2019 Podere Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione is a wine of exceptional quality and finesse. Its impressive reviews from esteemed critics attest to its excellence, and it is a testament to the artistry of Sangiovese winemaking in Tuscany. Whether savored now or aged for future enjoyment, this wine is certain to captivate the most discerning wine enthusiasts.