2016 Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione Alta Valle della Greve

The 2016 Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione Alta Valle della Greve is a powerful yet remarkably refined expression of 100% Sangiovese di Lamole from the hills above Greve in Chianti. From one of Tuscany’s finest recent vintages, this is a benchmark Super Tuscan-style red that marries intensity of fruit with classical structure and poise. With rave reviews, including 93 points from Robert Parker and 97 from Sutter, it has quickly become a reference wine for the region. Il Carbonaione’s uniqueness lies in its old-vine Sangiovese and its dramatic, terraced vineyards set on stony, sun‑drenched hillsides—an environment that naturally limits yields and concentrates flavor. First produced in the 1990s as a pioneering single‑vineyard Sangiovese, it helped redefine what Tuscan Sangiovese could be outside the traditional Chianti Classico framework, placing Poggio Scalette firmly among Tuscany’s modern greats.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 Il Carbonaione shows a deep, vibrant ruby core with garnet hints at the rim, signaling both concentration and the first touch of evolution. The nose is strikingly pure and expressive—James Suckling famously described it as a “crazy nose of pure fruit.” Expect layered aromas of ripe black and red cherries, redcurrants, and wild berries, interwoven with notes of dried roses, fresh garden herbs, tilled earth, and a subtle mineral edge. Background nuances of licorice, tobacco, tar and sweet spice from barrel aging add complexity without overwhelming the fruit. On the palate, this is a robust yet beautifully balanced Sangiovese: medium to full-bodied with a core of juicy cherry and redcurrant fruit framed by vibrant acidity and fine, chalky tannins. Flavors of sour cherry, pomegranate, black tea, dried thyme, liquorice and a touch of graphite unfold in layers, leading to a long, savory, slightly smoky finish. The structure and energy of the 2016 vintage give this wine excellent aging potential; it is already compelling, but will continue to gain nuance and softness over 10–15+ years from vintage, depending on storage conditions.

Production
Poggio Scalette’s vineyards sit in the Alta Valle della Greve, in the heart of Greve in Chianti, on steep, stone‑walled terraces that give the estate its name (“Scalette” refers to little stairways or terraces). The soils are predominantly stony and well‑draining, with a mix of galestro and limestone that naturally restricts vigor and enhances concentration, while the altitude and optimal sun exposure preserve freshness and aromatic lift in the Sangiovese di Lamole. Grapes are hand‑harvested at optimal ripeness and carefully sorted to ensure only the healthiest berries make it into the final wine. Fermentation and maceration last about 12 days, extracting color, aroma, and fine tannins from the skins. The wine is then aged for 18 months in a selection of French oak barrels (Allier, Vosges, Nevers) and a portion of American oak, followed by a further 6 months of bottle aging before release, allowing the components to harmonize.

Food & Serving
Il Carbonaione is a natural partner for rich, savory Tuscan and Mediterranean dishes. Think bistecca alla fiorentina, roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, braised beef, wild boar ragù, game birds, or slow‑cooked tomato and herb‑based pasta and risotto. It also complements aged Pecorino, Parmigiano‑Reggiano, and other hard, mature cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and balance. In its youth, decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to soften the tannins and fully open the bouquet; older bottles may need only a brief decant to remove any sediment.

Producer
Poggio Scalette is a respected, family‑run estate located in the hills of Greve in Chianti, one of the historic hearts of Tuscan winegrowing. The winery takes its name from the characteristic dry‑stone terraces that support the steep vineyards, a traditional landscape feature that both defines the estate and contributes to its distinctive terroir. Since its inception, Poggio Scalette has focused on expressing the character of Sangiovese—particularly the prized Sangiovese di Lamole—through meticulous vineyard work and thoughtful, site‑driven winemaking. Il Carbonaione, their flagship wine, has played a key role in elevating the estate’s reputation and is now considered one of the great Tuscan reds, consistently earning high scores from leading international critics and reinforcing Poggio Scalette’s status as a benchmark producer in the region.

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