Italy · Tuscany

Il Poggione

Tenuta Il Poggione is one of Montalcino's most historically important estates, with origins dating to the late 19th century and continuous Sangiovese Grosso cultivation on its 250-hectare property south of Montalcino. The Franceschi family, which has owned the estate for over a century, produces Brunello di Montalcino from some of the oldest and most established vine selections in the appellation, including the celebrated Il Poggione clone — a high-quality Sangiovese Grosso biotype selected and studied at the estate. Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Paganelli, the estate's single-vineyard Riserva from a 6-hectare parcel, is the flagship offering and one of Montalcino's most consistent 95+ point wines. Across 1,240 auction lots averaging $83 per bottle — modest relative to Biondi-Santi and Cerbaiona — Il Poggione represents outstanding value-to-quality ratio at auction. The standard Brunello trades at $60–$100; Vigna Paganelli averages $175–$300 for top vintages. Key vintages: 1990, 1995, 2004, 2010, 2016. Rosso di Montalcino provides entry-level access below $40. Il Poggione's large production scale (approximately 350,000 bottles annually across all labels) keeps prices accessible, while Paganelli's small volume (15,000–20,000 bottles) justifies its premium. The estate is regarded as demonstrating that traditional Brunello viticulture and long maceration can produce wines of international collectibility at reasonable prices.