Poggiotondo Toscana Sangiovese Canaiolo

After the great success of his Chianti wines, Alberto Antonini also wanted to make a lighter wine, but for that, he needed special grapes. Together with his father, Carlo Antonini, he found a beautiful vineyard in the heart of Tuscany, perfectly suited for their red wine made from Sangiovese and Canaiolo grapes. The Poggiotondo winery itself has a long history dating back to 1968, when Carlo Antonini purchased the estate from the noble Guidi family. According to Carlo Antonini, it was the most beautiful part of Tuscany, situated on the Via Francigena, a popular destination for pilgrims. Proof of its beauty is the fact that the entire estate has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. Carlo has since passed on his great passion for wine to his son, Alberto, who, together with his wife Alessandra, is trying to forge a new path with this red Poggiotondo Toscana Sangiovese Canaiolo. And they have more than succeeded: a beautifully ripe wine with a wonderfully soft character.

The harvest of the Sangiovese & Canaiolo grapes

The grapes grow in the warm Tuscan summers, where temperatures can soar. Fortunately, there's a wind blowing through the vineyards, otherwise the Sangiovese and Canaiolo would ripen too quickly. Thanks to the perfect balance of sun, water, and wind, the grapes get everything they need. The unique soil, rich in limestone and shells, also contributes to the intensity of this red wine. Once the grapes have reached full ripeness, they are harvested by hand in the early morning sun/night. Winemaker Antonini wants to maintain a pleasant freshness in the wine, and that's only possible if the grapes are cool when they arrive. Once harvested, they are aged in cement tanks to allow the wine to mature properly.

The smell and taste of the Poggiotondo Toscana Sangiovese Canaiolo

The fact that this wine is made entirely organic is clearly evident in the aroma and taste: an intensely perfumed nose of red and black berries and a spicy character. The palate is very soft and refined, with plenty of black and red fruit, with berries taking center stage. On the back of the tongue, this red wine also reveals nuances of spice and a touch of chocolate, rounding it all off.