Poggio al Sole - Chianti Classico 375 mL 2023

After nearly two decades of working at his family’s Swiss winery, husband and wife Johannes (Giovanni) and Kathrin Davaz founded Poggio al Sole, a picturesque estate nestled in the commune of Tavernelle Val di Pesa, on a dozen hillside hectares in the heart of the Chianti Classico region in 1990. As is the case with all great wines, the wines of Poggio al Sole are made in the vineyard, not the cellar.

The Davazes are farmers first, pioneering sustainable agriculture and later, organic winemaking in the region. In 2019, the couple were joined by their second son Valentino and his wife Stephanie, a union of the two generations that are shaping the future of the estate. Poggio al Sole’s pristine vineyards — spread across almost 24 hectares — are planted to Sangiovese, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Canaiolo and Chardonnay, ranging in age from 10 to 50 years. Natural farming and low yields create wines with incredible power, intense extraction of fruit and formidable, yet well-integrated tannins. What is most fascinating about the wines of Poggio al Sole is that despite the concentration and power, they are still wonderfully complex and delicate.

Poggio al Sole always do an exemplary job with their Chianti Classico. The wine pours a brilliant ruby with garnet highlights. The nose is expressive and wildly aromatic with notes of fresh cherry, earth and savory herbs. On the palate, the wine displays a brisk acidity with wonderful suave, soft tannins and a rich, textured mouthfeel and body. The finish is refreshing and inviting, highlighted by the gorgeous interplay of cherry and spice. Enjoy this wine with a plate of finochietta (cured meat seasoned with fennel seeds and pollen) and pecorino cheese, baked pasta dishes. This is such a brilliant food wine the pairing possibilities are almost endless!