About Poggio al Tesoro

By Paul Caputo

Poggio al Tesoro is a seventy hectare property situated in Bolgheri, close to the Tuscan coast. It was bought by the Allegrini family in 2002. The first vineyard parcel they sought to acquire was Le Sondraie, right next to the famous Ornellaia. Planted with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Vermentino, the large fifty hectare plot was once rented by Ornellaia.

Here the white ‘Solosole’ Vermentino is produced - often crisp and fresh but generally full-bodied and capable of ageing beyond what is traditionally expected. The Cabernet Franc and Merlot based ‘Cassiopea’ Rosato is a fruit forward rosé, gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel. The ‘Pagus Camilla’ is a selection of Vermentino aged for nine months on the lees in stainless steel while the Syrah-driven ‘Mediterra’ is a fragrant and intensely fruity red wine.

A Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot blend aged in 225 litre barriques for 15 months takes the name ‘Il Seggio’, after a creek that runs through the heart of Bolgheri. Traditionally, ‘Il Seggio’ is deep, structured, concentrated and yet elegantly fresh. Finally, ‘Sondraia’, captures the harmony of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, giving cassis on note on the nose and a rich, velvety palate.