Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2017

Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2017 is a full-bodied 100% Sangiovese red wine from Tuscany, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Rated 94+ points by Wine Advocate, this vintage stands apart because all fruit originally earmarked for the estate's Riserva Vigna Paganelli was folded into this bottling, concentrating its quality significantly.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, Italy  |  Vintage: 2017  |  Producer: Il Poggione

Production & Heritage

Il Poggione is one of the historic estates of Montalcino, owned by the Franceschi family and guided for decades by winemaker and estate director Fabrizio Bindocci. The 2017 vintage was shaped by a hot, dry growing season that reduced yields by 15–20% due to severe bunch selection. Hand-harvested from the estate's oldest Sangiovese vines, the wine underwent fermentation at controlled temperatures, during which Bindocci removed a small percentage of seeds—particularly from the earliest-picked plots—to curtail unripe tannins. Aging took place in French oak barrels, a deliberate choice that distinguishes Il Poggione's house style with its polished, structured character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with saturated dark ruby intensity, releasing blackberry preserves, plum, and dried black cherry. Deeper layers reveal underbrush, camphor, new leather, and grilled herbs, with campfire ash adding a smoky dimension.

Taste: Silky and pliant on entry, the palate presents rich, intense red and black fruit laced with chalky minerals. Mid-palate, allspice, tobacco, and licorice build alongside ample concentration. Penetrating acidity and grippy, fine-grained tannins create a burst of cheek-puckering tension, while a zesty citrus note maintains freshness through the core.

Finish: Medium-length and structured, with firm tannins clenching down in youthful poise. Notes of licorice, hard red candies, and dried thyme linger as the wine slowly releases its grip.

How to Drink Il Poggione 2017

This Brunello rewards patient, neat sipping at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 30–60 minutes of decanting to allow the firm tannins to open. A large-bowled Burgundy glass helps concentrate its complex aromatics. For food-centered pairings, the wine's structure and acidity make it a natural companion for rich Italian cuisine: slow-braised beef short ribs benefit from the wine's tannic grip; wild boar ragù over pappardelle mirrors its earthy, gamey undertones; and aged Pecorino Toscano echoes the wine's mineral backbone.

Best For

• Cellaring for special occasions—the 2017 has the structure to develop for a decade or more
• Gifting a serious Italian wine enthusiast a highly rated vintage
• Anchoring an Italian-themed dinner party with a flagship Tuscan red
• Adding a benchmark Brunello vintage to a growing wine collection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Il Poggione 2017 taste like? This Brunello delivers concentrated dark cherry, blackberry, and plum fruit layered with tobacco, licorice, allspice, and chalky mineral notes. Firm, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity give it a structured, age-worthy profile.

How does Il Poggione 2017 compare to Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2017? Both are widely available Brunellos from the acclaimed 2017 vintage, but Il Poggione earned a 94+ from Wine Advocate versus Banfi's generally lower critical scores for the same year. Il Poggione's decision to incorporate Riserva-designated fruit into this bottling gives it an extra layer of concentration not found in Banfi's standard Brunello.

Is Il Poggione 2017 good for sipping neat? Absolutely—this is a classic food-friendly Brunello that also shines on its own with adequate decanting. Its balance of ripe fruit, acidity, and structured tannins rewards attentive, unhurried sipping.

Where is Il Poggione 2017 made? Il Poggione is located in the southern hills of Montalcino within the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG in Tuscany, Italy. The estate's vineyards benefit from a warmer microclimate at lower elevations, producing wines known for their richness and generosity.

What foods pair well with Il Poggione 2017? Bistecca alla fiorentina highlights the wine's tannic structure; wild mushroom risotto echoes its earthy aromatics; slow-braised lamb shank matches its concentration and spice; aged Parmigiano-Reggiano contrasts its acidity with savory umami; and roasted root vegetables complement the wine's darker fruit tones.

What sizes does Il Poggione 2017 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this vintage.

Is Il Poggione 2017 worth the price? Il Poggione positions as a mid-premium Brunello that consistently over-delivers relative to its price tier. The 94+ Wine Advocate score and the inclusion of Riserva-level fruit in this bottling make the 2017 an especially strong value within the broader Brunello di Montalcino category.

Why Il Poggione 2017?

The 2017 vintage at Il Poggione is not a typical annual release. With production down 15–20% from rigorous bunch selection and all Riserva Vigna Paganelli fruit redirected into this single bottling, the wine carries a concentration that most standard Brunellos do not achieve. Fabrizio Bindocci's decision to remove a small percentage of seeds during fermentation—targeting the earliest-picked plots—yielded tannins that are firm yet remarkably fine-grained, avoiding the harsh astringency that plagued some producers in this hot vintage. The result earned 94+ points from Wine Advocate and 93 points from Vinous, confirming its place among the top-performing Brunellos of the year. For collectors and serious drinkers alike, this is an estate bottling that punches well above its weight.