2019 Brunello di Montalcino, San Polo

• Style: Full-bodied Sangiovese
• Taste: Dark cherry, violet, forest spice, coffee and cedar
• Food: Braised beef, game, aged cheese, steak
• Occasion: Date night, gifting, cellar worthy
• Serve: 16–18°C, now through early 2030s

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

A wine of real substance. The 2019 San Polo shows dark cherry, violet and mineral snap that speaks to the chalky clay soils at 450 metres altitude. The palate is dense and warm, built on well-woven tannins that frame the fruit without bullying it. Secondary aromas of coffee and cedar emerge as the wine opens, with a length that lingers and evolves. This is serious drinking, but not austere — a vintage that came together with good structure and balance across Tuscany.

The Winery — San Polo

The property has been under Marilisa Allegrini's stewardship since 2006, with sustained investment raising quality year on year. Situated in Montalcino's eastern hills, the estate's eight hectares of vineyards, planted between 1990 and 2000, now deliver wines with real depth and personality. These eastern slopes produce Sangiovese that is classic in style yet carries more weight than northern examples in the zone. The 2019 spent 30 months in mixed oak casks (10-, 20- and 40-hectolitre vessels), softening the tannins while preserving the varietal's natural savour. The vintage was kind to Tuscany — Montalcino escaped the worst of summer heatwaves, yielding riper fruit and better balance than 2018.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

Think braised beef, game birds, roast dinners, or aged Parmesan — dishes that need a wine with backbone and acidity to cut through richness. The tannin structure supports BBQ and grilled fare equally well. Chill to 16–18°C and open now, or lay down through the early 2030s to track how secondary aromas deepen. This sits alongside the rest of our Brunello di Montalcino selection as proof that Montalcino's eastern slopes deliver wines of serious respect. Whether you're exploring what the region does best, marking a special occasion, or building a cellar, this is a gateway into Italy's finest Sangiovese-driven wines. Vegan and vegetarian friendly, sealed with natural cork.