Considering its fame, Brunello is a relative newcomer to the wonderful world of wine investment. The region only surfaced on the viticultural radar in the 1970s (hitherto it had been Italian oenophile’s best-kept secret) and since then the region has erupted in popularity. This has led to some gems being discovered, such as Fattoria Poggio di Sotto.

Founded by the great Piero Palmucci in 1989, Poggio di Sotto has very quickly become one of Chianti’s leading wines. Piero’s search for the perfect location is well documented: he spent years driving around Montalcino researching soil types, talking to locals, asking the experts and waiting for the right opportunity to arise. Eventually, an estate in Castelnuovo dell’Abate in southern Tuscany came on the market and he snapped it up quicker than you could blink. Working closely with the scholars of the University of Milan for the perfect Sangiovese clones (only single variety would do), together they built a plan of optimisation of vineyards from planting to pruning. Opting for a 100% organic approach, Piero had struck gold; all aspects united and he had the makings of a first-rate wine.

Over the years built a reputation as one of Brunello’s leading (and perhaps the most unpleasant) producers. Palmucci sold Poggio di Sotto to Claudio Tipa, owner of ColleMassari and Grattamacco, in 2011, and thankfully Tipa has continued to operate to the same quality standards and production techniques as Poggio’s predecessor. This includes extremely low yields and extensive botti ageing which combined produce what critics, collectors and investors refer to as “the Burgundy of Brunello”.

Poggio di Sotto owes its stellar reputation to the three sublime Montalcinos: the Rosso, the Brunello and the iconic Riserva. In 2001 the estate also produced the silky smooth and increasingly scarce Brunello di Montalcino Il Decennale. This latter wine showed superb growth from April 2017-2019, growing 100% over 24 months. The Rosso is considered by many to be a better wine than many other Brunellos, while the Riserva has only been made four times since 1991. Quality and rarity certainly come at a price but believe us, it is worth it.