In the 15th and 16th centuries, Tuscany was a
mosaic of warring city-states and shifting alliances, governed by influential
families such as the Medici.
During this period, Montalcino began to
establish itself as a notable wine region: the early attempts at rationalizing
viticulture were part of a broader trend across Tuscany, where the cultivation
of grapes was becoming increasingly systematic. These formative years set the
stage for Montalcino’s rise as a beacon of quality wine production; as early as
the 16th century, the historian Leandro Alberti remarked on the exceptional
quality of the “good wines that come from those lovely hills” highlighting
Montalcino’s burgeoning reputation.
By the 18th century, significant efforts were
underway to rationalize viticulture in Montalcino. During the reign of Grand
Duke Pietro Leopoldo of Tuscany, significant administrative reforms were
enacted: the Leopoldine cadastral system was introduced to systematically
document and manage land use across the region. The inclusion of the estates
I Poggi and Madre in this cadastral survey in 1765 – the first written record
of the existence of these plots – was more than an administrative measure;
it represented a deliberate effort to enhance and regulate viticultural
practices.
The pivotal transformation for Brunello, and Poggio
Antico, came in 1869.
Amid the unification of Italy – a period marked by figures like Giuseppe
Garibaldi – Montalcino’s winemakers made a groundbreaking shift: they moved
away from traditional blends of lesser Tuscan varieties, such as Canaiolo and
Ciliegiolo, to embrace varietal purity with 100% Sangiovese – a decision
that gave birth to the Brunello di Montalcino we cherish today.
Poggio Antico was founded in the 70’s, transitioning from its earlier
role as a traditional farmstead that produced cheeses and other local products.
The decision to focus exclusively on winemaking was driven by a vision to
create wines that would fully capture the extraordinary character of our
high-altitude terroir. It was a bold decision: at that time – before the
dramatic effects of climate change – having vineyards in high-altitude areas
was considered a disadvantage due to the difficulty of achieving full ripeness,
as the market favored wines with lower acidity and softer profiles. Not only
that, but it was also technically challenging: it was only in 1976 that
electricity and running water were brought to Poggio Antico!
Our commitment to this tradition was soon
recognized on the global stage. By 1966, Brunello di Montalcino had achieved
official recognition as a Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC), further
solidifying its prestige. Poggio Antico’s 1985 vintage achieved a notable
milestone in 1990 when it was ranked 4th in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines.
The turn of the millennium marked a new era for
Poggio Antico, as we undertook a comprehensive modernization of our cellars.
This initiative ensured that our facilities met the highest standards of
winemaking technology, allowing us to blend cutting-edge innovation with our
storied heritage. This commitment was further recognized in 2012 when our
Altero 1997 vintage received a prestigious honor: President Barack Obama
presented a bottle to Deputy John Boehner for his birthday.
In 2017, Poggio Antico entered a dynamic new
phase. Marcel van Poecke acquired the estate and established a team of local
agronomists and enologists dedicated to advancing our legacy: from then on,
we have been working tirelessly towards building a sustainable future for this
cherished land and the people who work on it. Our focus remains the same:
preserving the health and longevity of our high-altitude vineyards and
showcasing their character in wines made with respect, care, and openness.
You can learn more about our more recent
history in other blog posts. The legacy of Poggio Antico continues to unfold – join
us as we shape the future of the highest hills of Montalcino!