Description
Poggio Bonelli is a historic property located in Castelnuovo Berardenga, the heart of the Chianti Classico zone of Tuscany. It traces its roots back to the Middle Ages, when it was in the hands of the Spennali family; several subsequent noble and prestigious families of Siena have taken ownership of the land over the ensuing centuries. More recently in the 20th century, it was presided over by the Croci and Landucci families until they left it to Monte dei Paschi Di Siena, a real estate company that specializes in vineyard and winery management. Today the estate is run by the celebrated enologist, Leonardo Pini, who directs a dedicated team of talented agronomists, winemakers and cellar workers who care for the 835-hectare estate, with 17 hectares of vines in the Chianti Classico zone and 63 hectares of vines just outside in Chianti. The rest of the land, which also includes two small lakes, is covered in olive trees (they make an award-winning olive oil) and forests. The vines are farmed "Agriqualità" certified, which is "an integrated agriculture system based on limited treatments, organic fertilizers, and green harvesting." The winery operation is also run as a "green winery" that is powered by solar panels and has very low carbon dioxide emissions, which are mainly absorbed by the trees in the vast forest lands of the property.
We know there are oceans of Chianti on the market but it's ironically rather challenging for us to find good examples that fit within our criteria for being first of all a great wine, but also appropriately priced and not so over exposed that it can be found everywhere. The 2023 Poggio Bonelli VILLA CHIGI SARACINI Chianti fits that bill perfectly with great character at a great price, just what we look for in a wine for our club. 100% Sangiovese, it was fermented in stainless steel vats and then aged in concrete tanks. The nose offers fragrant aromas of red cherry, dried roses and a slight note of violets and potpourri. Fruity, but not sweet, with ripe cherry and red plum flavors, along with savory herbal notes. The palate is medium-bodied and has a silky, almost voluptuous texture. The finish is clean with fresh acidity, fine, dusty tannins and a nice lingering spice.
