The Estate Behind Legendary Brunello – Poggio Antico
Perched high above the rolling hills of Tuscany, with views stretching from the ancient fortress of Montalcino toward the Mediterranean horizon, lies Poggio Antico.
Officially established in 1984, the estate is deeply rooted in the history of the region and was among the wineries that helped establish the modern reputation of Brunello di Montalcino. For decades, it was managed by Paola Gloder, whose passion and deep belief in the potential of the local terroir helped shape the estate’s identity.
In 2017, Poggio Antico was acquired by Belgian investment company AtlasInvest, associated with Belgian entrepreneur Marcel van Poecke, opening a new chapter while continuing the estate’s commitment to quality and precision.
What makes Poggio Antico particularly distinctive is its exceptional location. The vineyards lie at approximately 480 meters above sea level, making them among the highest in the Montalcino area.
This elevation, combined with soils rich in limestone and clay, creates excellent conditions for growing high-quality Sangiovese. Cooler temperatures help preserve the grapes’ natural acidity and freshness, contributing to wines of complexity, elegance and remarkable aging potential.
The estate places great emphasis on traditional winemaking practices, including the use of large Slavonian oak casks. The result is a collection of wines designed to express the character of their terroir with clarity and authenticity.
One of the estate’s most prestigious wines is its Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, produced only in exceptional vintages when the quality of the harvest warrants the Riserva designation.
In the glass, the wine reveals a mesmerizing deep ruby color. The nose unfolds with a complex symphony of aromas: ripe cherries, plums, tobacco leaves, fresh leather and subtle earthy, mushroom-like nuances.
On the palate, it is impressive and full-bodied, with firm yet polished tannins balanced by vibrant acidity. Flavors of dark berries, sour cherries, dark chocolate and warm spices come together beautifully, leading to a long, powerful and persistent finish.
This is a wine that captures the remarkable potential of Montalcino – a wine that tells a story of terroir, determination and passion.
