Podere Poggio Scalette, 'Il Carbonaione’ Alta Valle della Greve IGT, Tuscany, Italy, 2019

Overview The Wine
Poggio Scalette takes its name from the landscape, which is characterized by dry, stone walls supporting terraces on which the vineyards and olive groves are planted. From a distance the impression is of a series of stairs climbing the slopes of Greve. After the death of its previous owner, Poggio Scalette remained abandoned for years until Vittorio Fiore, one of Italy’s most famed winemakers, discovered the property in 1991 with his wife, Adriana. In 1996, 42 additional acres of land became available, enabling them to expand. It was discovered that the plot of land known as Il Carbonaione was the first area to be replanted after World War I (1914-1918), which means these vines, more than 90 years old, are a rare example of the original clone of the famous Sangiovese di Lamole variety in the Chianti Classico area.

The slopes of the Greve Valley are without question some of Italy’s most ideal locations for vineyards and olive groves. The combination of exposure and soil composition contributes to the excellent quality of the wines and the extra virgin olive oils of the area. Named for the river that passes through as it travels from a medieval hilltop town, this area happens to be one of the most important historical centers of the Chianti Classico region. Il Carbonaione, Poggio Scalette’s signature wine, is the culmination of knowledge and experience and therefore an important message of quality. Vittorio Fiore dedicates this wine to Tuscany and to Sangiovese — the region and the variety that have allowed him to fulfill his aspirations to produce superb wine.

Grape / Blend 
100% Sangiovese

Origin
Alta Valle della Greve IGT, Tuscany, Italy 

Tasting Notes
This is the wine conceived and desired by Vittorio Fiore after long years of study, thought, and working experience and it is the result of an exceptional pairing and synergy: Sangiovese and the Ruffoli vineyards in Greve in Chianti. The results of this synergy – the grapes harvested in the Carbonaione vineyard – are worked with passion and dedication by Vittorio Fiore and his son Jurij in order to obtain a wine of great power and elegance, one capable of expressing in all of its richness the terroir in which it is born.

95 Points - James Suckling
Wonderful aromas of sour cherries and orange peel follow through to a full body with layered tannins that are creamy and juicy. Intense finish with excellent structure. Give this time to soften and come more together. Drink after 2024.

93 Points - Vinous
The 2019 Il Carbonaione is silky and racy in the glass. Scents of new oak are a clear sign the 2019 doesn't quite have the density of the very best years, but Il Carbonaione has a brilliant track record of aging. Let's see what happens here. Ripe red/blush fruit, sweet spice, mocha and rose petal linger nicely. 

92 Points - Wine Spectator
Intense, yet supple and fluid, this red is signaled by a smoky aroma, with blackberry, plum, earth and charred wood balanced by lively acidity and firm tannins. Fine length. Sangiovese. Best from 2024 through 2035.