Poggio Antico - Lemartine 2021

Lemartine 2021

Poggio Antico Lemartine 2021 is the modern Super Tuscan from this high-altitude Brunello estate, created as a counterpoint to their more classic Sangiovese wines. Lemartine takes its name from an old farmhouse nestled in the vineyards and demonstrates the potential of combining the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the tension of Sangiovese. What exactly is Poggio Antico Lemartine 2021? It's a powerful yet refined Tuscan red wine, organically grown and crafted to impress immediately and age beautifully.

Vineyards and region

The grapes for Lemartine 2021 come from Italy, Tuscany, from vineyards around Montalcino that are part of the Poggio Antico estate. The estate is situated on the highest hills of the appellation, with plots reaching well above 500 meters, but Lemartine is primarily cultivated with vineyards at around 480 meters altitude. The soils here consist of a mix of calcareous marl, clay, and stony material, with plenty of gravel and excellent drainage, which forces the vines to root deeply and keeps yields naturally low. Since the 2020 harvest, Poggio Antico has been fully certified organic; the vineyard uses natural fertilization, targeted green management, and a living soil biology to ensure the vines can adapt well to climatic fluctuations. In 2021, a cold winter and a cool, delayed spring resulted in slow budding, while abundant rain during the growing season replenished water reserves and kept the plants in balance. Large temperature differences in September and October enhanced phenolic ripening, making Lemartine 2021 ripe, concentrated and remarkably fresh at the same time.

Vinification and maturation

The grapes for Lemartine are harvested by hand once both varieties are fully ripe and brought to the cellar in small batches. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese are first fermented separately in conical vats at relatively low temperatures of around 22–23°C (72–73°F), ensuring optimal preservation of aromas and fruit. Regular fermentation is followed by a long maceration of the skins, which adds structure and depth to the wine without harshening the tannins. Immediately after harvest, the final blend is assembled, and Lemartine 2021 is aged for 12 months in 225-liter French oak barriques. The choice of barriques and the duration of aging are designed to round out the Cabernet Sauvignon's structure and preserve the Sangiovese's freshness, with a clear but not dominant oak note. The wine is then bottled at the estate and matured in the bottle before release, ensuring a beautiful combination of power and harmony.

Grape composition

Cabernet Sauvignon – high-altitude plots around the Lemartine farm
Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone of Lemartine, giving the wine depth, intensity and firm yet ripe tannins, with a clear focus on structure and length.

Sangiovese – Poggio Antico organic vineyards
Sangiovese brings freshness, rhythm and juiciness to the blend, providing the typical Tuscan signature, with lively acidity and a refined, energetic note on the finish.

Tasting notes and serving suggestions

Poggio Antico Lemartine 2021 is a deep ruby ​​red wine with a concentrated color. On the nose, it presents itself as a powerful yet controlled red wine, combining ripe, dark notes with a hint of floral elegance and a clear impression of its chalky origins. On the palate, Lemartine is full-bodied, with a solid structure and a core of ripe fruit, supported by ripe tannins and a fresh acidity that gives it tension and length. The style is direct and bold, but never flashy, with a balance between power and refinement typical of Poggio Antico. Serve Lemartine 2021 preferably at 16–18°C and allow the wine some time in the carafe in its youth to fully develop. At the table it is a wonderful accompaniment to grilled or roasted red meat, rack of lamb, beef or game stews, rich pasta dishes with meat sauce and with firm, matured hard cheeses, where its combination of concentration, freshness and refined power reveals a clear gastronomic profile.

Awards

• 2021 – 92p (James Suckling)