Podernovi

2018

2017

2016

2015

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

Podernovi, San Polo’s new single vineyard Brunello, makes its debut with the extraordinary 2015 vintage. Crafted with Sangiovese grapes grown in the vineyard synonymous with the wine, it is among the most beautiful and archetypal of Montalcino. Podernovi is an elegant and poignant Brunello.

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Climate trend

The 2018 Vintage was characterized by a trend that can best be summarized in a single word: calm. The harvest started on 20th September and ended on 5th October. From the outset, nature took its time; due to a harsh winter, the season started with a slight delay compared to the norm, and vegetative growth in spring was slow and steady, thanks to cool temperatures and heavy rainfall in May and June. The hot but never scorching summer and excellent temperature ranges enabled the vines to continue their development in a very balanced manner. This calm trend was subsequently mirrored in the harvest, which was among the longest in recent years. Nature took its time, and we like to be guided by its rhythms, so we adapted by arranging a phased harvest, according to parcels and sometimes even harvesting grapes from the same plot separately, so as to wait for the perfect ripeness of the lovely grapes that this vintage has bestowed on us. The wines have undergone fermentation in the cellar, again with the same calm that typified the entire harvest, which we are certain will also characterize the ageing period. We will wait to taste them, albeit impatiently, but know that by respecting nature’s rhythms we will appreciate them even more.

Vintage rating

Grape varieties

Sangiovese 100%

Vineyard

Podernovi – 3 hectares

Harvest

Grapes are hand harvested in small 17 kg crates during the first October weeks

Size

750 / 1.5 lt / 3 lt

Vinification

Soft crushing of the grapes after careful selection of the berries

Ageing

30 months in lightly toasted 4000 L casks. This is followed by at least 6 months of bottle ageing before its market release.

Fermentation

In 2500 L tapered Slavonian oak vats

Malolactic fermentation

In 4000 L wooden casks

Awards

93

Wine Advocate

The San Polo 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Podernovi shows a very earthy side that evokes savory spice, smoke and gamey aromas. The core of this organic wine is colored by black fruit and baked plum, but the wine is primarily driven by the aromas it has picked up during oak and bottle aging. This adds a medium-heavy constitution and a good amount of warm-vintage fruit weight for a Sangiovese. The wine also has an accessible character that makes it best to drink over the next 10 years. The fruit represents a selection from over two hectares. Production is 10,000 bottles.”- Monica Larner

92

Vinous

The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Podernovi is rich and woodsy in the glass, as forestry herbal tones and underbrush complement notes of crushed plum and licorice. This is round and soothing, with ripe wild berries and sweet inner spices that swirl throughout. It finishes gently tannic and classically dry, with pretty inner florals and hints of sour cherry that slowly taper off. San Polo achieved a lovely balance with their 2018 Podernovi, which should carry it beautifully through medium-term cellaring.

94

James Suckling

Expressive and expansive nose of fresh plums, cherries, cloves, nutmeg, flowers and sandalwood. It’s so transparent and vibrant, with a medium to full body and fine, tight tannins. Gorgeous fruit. From organically grown grapes. Try from 2024.

93

Decanter

Reaching 450 metres, the three-hectare Podernovi vineyard inclines slightly to the southeast on vigorous clay-rich soil. While it generally yields relatively big, juicy grapes, it shows no sign of dilution in 2018. Woody scents give way to broom, cinnamon and dried Mediterranean flowers. Confidently extracted tannins are powdery, sophisticated and padded by soft plush fruit. There's a satisfying core of ripe red cherry, and a smooth, silky texture prevails. Well put together.