Tenuta Poggio al Tesoro

Tenuta Poggio al Tesoro is a 64-hectare estate in Bolgheri, Tuscany. Marilisa Allegrini and her late brother Walter founded the property in 2002, arriving from Valpolicella in 2001 to pursue a new viticultural venture. They were drawn to the region's soil diversity and coastal advantages—and found exactly what they were looking for. Today, run by Marilisa and her daughters Caterina and Carlotta, Poggio al Tesoro makes structured reds and characterful whites that reflect their commitment to soil health and selective viticulture. What sets them apart is their systematic approach: detailed soil mapping determines which grapes go where, ensuring Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon thrive on sandy, fossil-rich parcels while Merlot finds balance on clay and mineral-rich plots.

About Tenuta Poggio al Tesoro

When Marilisa and Walter Allegrini arrived in Bolgheri from Valpolicella in 2001, they recognised something crucial: the region's coastal position and varied geology offered exceptional potential for Bordeaux varieties. They began acquiring established vineyards along the Strada delle Sondraie and Strada Bolgherese, which already held mature plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Planting continued from 2003 onwards, with each parcel allocated according to meticulous soil analysis. Sandy, fossil-rich soils became home to varieties that demand warmth and free drainage; clay and mineral plots received Merlot to encourage aromatic refinement and structure.

Sustainability anchors their everyday practice. Since 2014, the estate has implemented multiple strategies to maintain soil biodiversity and health: establishing vegetation between rows, careful canopy management, limiting fruit production, and gathering grapes during cooler evening hours alongside precise resource management. In 2022, Poggio al Tesoro achieved Equalitas certification, formally recognising their environmental, economic and social commitments. This is not marketing rhetoric—it shapes how the wines taste. Lower yields mean concentration; careful pruning means cleaner fruit; night harvesting preserves aromatics in the heat of a Tuscan summer. The Allegrini daughters now lead the business forward, maintaining the pioneering approach their father and uncle began.

Tenuta Poggio al Tesoro Wines in Our Collection

The range spans whites and reds, each suited to different occasions. The 2024 Solosole Vermentino (91pts) is their entry point—crisp, fresh and made from a carefully selected Vermentino clone, ideal for summer drinking or seafood. A step up is the 2018 Pagus Camilla Vermentino (93pts), sourced from prime vineyard land by the river Camilla. This wine undergoes nine months on its lees with systematic bâtonnage turning to develop mineral intensity, herbaceous depth and layered complexity.

For reds, the 2023 Mediterra (90pts) blends Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah for everyday elegance. The 2023 Il Seggio Bolgheri (93pts) is a structured Bordeaux blend worth cellaring. The showpiece is the 2019 W Dedicato a Walter Cabernet Franc (95pts), a tribute to Walter Allegrini that earned scores of 97 from James Suckling and 96 from Falstaff and Vinum—a serious wine for special bottles. The 2021 Sondraia Bolgheri Superiore (93pts) pairs bold structure with refinement, scoring 97 from James Suckling and 95 from both Falstaff and Robert Parker. The 2024 Cassiopea Rosato (90pts), made from Cabernet Franc and Merlot, offers delicious red fruit character if you want something fresher but still savoury.

Food Pairing

Pair the Solosole and Pagus Camilla whites with branzino, clams, or simply grilled fish with lemon and olive oil. The Mediterra suits pasta with meat sauce or roast chicken. The W Dedicato a Walter and Sondraia Bolgheri Superiore demand red meat—grilled steak, lamb shoulder, or game—where their tannin and depth add real authority. The Cassiopea Rosato bridges both: herb-crusted roasted fish or lighter charcuterie boards.

Where exactly are Poggio al Tesoro's vineyards?

The estate spans 64 hectares across four areas around Bolgheri in Tuscany. Key sites include vineyards along the Strada delle Sondraie and Strada Bolgherese, with plantings divided by soil type to match each grape's needs.

What makes their white wines different?

The Vermentinos use a specially selected Corsican clone and benefit from precise terroir placement. Pagus Camilla is aged nine months on lees with bâtonnage; Sondraia Bianco (Viognier) ferments in stainless steel, amphora and barrique for complexity.

Are Poggio al Tesoro wines sustainable?

Yes. Since 2014, they employ cover cropping, selective pruning, reduced yields and night harvesting. In 2022, they achieved Equalitas certification for environmental, economic and social commitments.

Who makes Tenuta Poggio al Tesoro wines?

Marilisa Allegrini founded the 64-hectare estate in Bolgheri, Tuscany in 2002 with her late brother Walter. Today it's run by Marilisa and her daughters Caterina and Carlotta.

What style of wine does Tenuta Poggio al Tesoro make?

They make structured reds from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, plus characterful whites from Vermentino. The 2023 Il Seggio Bolgheri scores 93 points for its structured style.

How much does Tenuta Poggio al Tesoro wine cost?

Their wines range between £20 and £193. Entry-level bottles start around £20–£26; premium reds and aged whites reach £75–£193.