Poggio all'Oro Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (1988)

About this wine

The 1988 Poggio all'Oro Brunello di Montalcino Riserva from Castello Banfi is a full-bodied wine that showcases the depth and complexity characteristic of aged Sangiovese. On the nose, it presents rich aromas of black fruit and spice, with hints of tobacco, violet, and chocolate. The palate is well-structured, featuring supple tannins and good acidity, leading to flavors of plum and cherry that give way to a long finish. This wine is produced exclusively in exceptional vintages, highlighting the unique terroir of the 'Golden Knoll' vineyard, situated 820 feet above sea level on the southern slopes of Montalcino. Aged for at least five years, including a minimum of two and a half years in French oak barriques, it exemplifies the dedication to quality and tradition that defines Castello Banfi's winemaking philosophy.

About the grape

Sangiovese, whose name means "blood of Jove," is a red grape variety that has been cultivated in Italy for centuries. In the mid-19th century, Clemente Santi of Montalcino identified a particular clone of Sangiovese, known as Sangiovese Grosso or Brunello, which produced wines with deeper color and greater aging potential. This clone became the foundation for Brunello di Montalcino wines, which are made exclusively from Sangiovese Grosso grapes. The unique terroir of Montalcino, with its varied soils and favorable climate, allows Sangiovese to fully express its characteristics, resulting in wines renowned for their complexity and longevity.

Quick facts

• 🏞️ The name 'Poggio all'Oro' translates to 'Golden Knoll,' reflecting the vineyard's prime location on the southern slopes of Montalcino, Italy.
• 🏆 The 1988 vintage of this wine received a 90-point rating from Wine Spectator, highlighting its exceptional quality.
• 🍇 Brunello di Montalcino wines, like this one, are made exclusively from the Sangiovese grape, known locally as 'Brunello.'
• ⭐ The 1988 vintage was among the select years awarded a five-star rating by the Brunello di Montalcino Consortium, indicating an outstanding harvest.
• 🍷 Castello Banfi, the producer of this wine, was founded in 1978 by Italian-American brothers John and Harry Mariani, blending tradition with innovation in winemaking.

Palate profile

Producer

Castello Banfi, located in Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, was founded in 1978 by Italian-American brothers John and Harry Mariani. They transformed the historic Poggio alle Mura castle into a state-of-the-art winery, pioneering research on Sangiovese clones to enhance Brunello di Montalcino production. The estate spans approximately 2,830 hectares, with about one-third dedicated to vineyards, and the remainder comprising olive groves, fruit trees, and forests. Notably, in 2007, the fossilized remains of a Pliocene-era whale, estimated to be around 4 million years old, were discovered on the property, highlighting the region's rich geological history.