4/25/2018

Overview Estate Owned by: Marilisa Allegrini Wine Region: Toscana Winemaker: Nicola Biasi Total Acreage Under Vine: 40 Estate Founded: 1990 Winery Production: 170,000 Bottles

Location San Polo is located in the area called Località Podernovi on the southern slope of the Municipality of Montalcino, a charming hill town in Southern Tuscany. The locals call the area "Mezzopane", meaning that to take in the majestic view is like "eating one's fill" simply by looking, like food for the soul. The vineyard, situated at 1,350 feet above sea level, forms a natural terrace facing the enchanting valley of Sant’ Antimo. It consists of 52 acres, of which 40 are dedicated to vines. Only 20 acres are currently producing Brunello di Montalcino.

Location Montalcino's geographical position renders it one of the most suitable areas for the cultivation of Sangiovese. The poor soils are composed of porous grey rock (galestro), calcareous rock composed of fine-grained limestone (alberese), fine sandstone, fine and marly limestone and loam containing fossil deposits.

History The vineyards at San Polo were planted between 1990 and 2000 and the first wines were produced in 1997. In February 2007 the estate was purchased by Marilisa Allegrini and Leonardo LoCascio Winemaker, Nicola Biasi, meticulously manages the estate grown fruit and strives to keep energy consumption to a minimum.

Philosophy San Polo is a tribute to the principles of integration with the environment, with vineyards cultivated according to organic and sustainable farming practices and a cellar dedicated to aesthetes and environmentalists alike. The ultimate goal is to present the best qualities of the oldest and most traditional area of viticulture in Montalcino while preserving the natural heritage of the terrior. 

The Vineyards The Estate is composed of two holdings: San Polo, planted in 1990 with a plant density of 1,618 vines per acre. Monteluc, planted more recently with a density of 2,833 vines per acre. Of a total of 54.3 acres, 39.5 acres have been planted with vines and 19.7 acres of these are registered as Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used. Restricted numbers of buds, high plant density and minimum amounts of fertilization

Owner Marilisa Allegrini Introduced to the wine business at a very early age by her father, Giovanni Allegrini. Earned degrees in teaching and Physiotherapy. In 1980, Marilisa re-joined the family business and was put in charge of sales and marketing. Went about analyzing the problems and opportunities in the marketplace, and articulating clear objectives. In 2002, in partnership with Leonardo LoCascio, America’s leading importer of fine Italian wines, Marilisa founded Poggio al Tesoro In February 2007, Marilisa and Leonardo decided to strengthen their presence in Tuscany by acquiring San Polo.

Winemaker Nicola Biasi Born in the region of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia When Nicola was just a boy, he began working at the winery Collio Roncada, where his father was the manager. Studied Enology in high school and worked at the Jermann winery outside of school. In 2001, he penned a thesis on the production of Rovere barriques. Worked for five years at Collio Zuani as assistant enologist. In 2006, he worked the harvest at Victorian Alps in Australia and afterwards returned to Italy and worked at Marchesi Mazzei in Chianti. In 2007, he worked the harvest at Buchard Finlayson in South Africa. May of 2007 he became the general manager and winemaker (under the director of Carlo Ferrini) for San Polo. April 2009 he the winemaker for Poggio al Tesoro.

Key Selling Points No chemical pesticides or herbicides are used in the vineyards Winery award (CasaClima) for ecological use of renewable energy, sustainable viticulture, and environmentally friendly business practices. High-elevation, estate vineyards located on southeastern slope where appellation pioneers originally matched Sangiovese Grosso to terrior. Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino offer “single” vineyard expressions of unique estate terrior.

Building The Brand San Polo represents a new direction for Montalcino, crafting wines that honor a traditional past while maintaining a keen awareness of the priorities of the present, such as sustainable vineyard management and ecological packaging. Position as an innovative producer in traditional area of appellation. Rubio is a tremendous value in Tuscan wine. Build as a “Montalcino” wine BTG and alternative to Chianti BTG.

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG San Polo Rubio Toscana IGT Distribution Channel On Premise: 60% Off Premise: 40% On Premise: 80% Off Premise: 20% Varietal Composition  100% Sangiovese Grosso 100% Sangiovese Grosso Competitive Set Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo (Folio) $45-50 Argiano (Vias) $45-55 Casanova di Neri (Dallaterra) $60-70 Ciacci Piccolomini (Indigenous) $55-65 Barbi (Pasternak) $50-60  Antinori Santa Cristina (St. Michelle) $11-13 Caparzo Toscana Rosso (Vineyard Brands) $12-13 Monte Antico (Empson) $10-12 Col d’Orcia Spezieri Rosso $16 Pricing SRP: $79.99 Min. SRP: $64.99 BTG: NA Wine List: $120-180 SRP: $15.99 Min. SRP: $13.99 BTG: $9-11 Wine List: $28-38

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 100% Sangiovese Grosso San Polo is able to employ organic and biodynamic methods of viticulture that keep these wines pure. Aromas of violets, small red berries, and more subtle notes of coffee and tobacco. It is warm and full-bodied on the palate, with ripe, firm tannins balanced by a lively acidity, and the flavors unfold into a long, well-rounded finish. It is an excellent accompaniment to roasted meats, wild fowl, grilled filet mignon.

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 100% Sangiovese Grosso The bouquet is full and harmonic, with notes of plums, spices, dried flowers and earthy undertones such as tobacco, anise and coffee. This Brunello is dry, warm and well-structured, with an elegant and persistent finish. Pair with roast meat and wild fowl.

Mezzopane Sant` Antimo DOC 60% Merlot, 30% Sangiovese, and 10% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot The people of the Montalcino area were known to be perennially hungry. Eating half of a loaf of bread, or a “mezzopane,” meant having their belly full - a feeling of absolute contentment. Aromas of ripe currants, black cherries and violets. On the palate, the Sangiovese offers juicy fruit flavors while the Merlot lends the lush, velvety texture. This is the perfect companion for wild game, roast beef and medium-aged cheeses such as Pecorino.

Rosso di Montalcino DOC 100% Sangiovese Grosso A 'baby' Brunello. Aromas of blackberries, black cherries and a sweet hint of vanilla. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. It is ideal with pasta with meat-based sauces, roasted poultry, barbecue or cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano.

Rubio Toscana IGT 100% Sangiovese Grosso Aromas of red cherries, violets and currants, followed by a hint of spice. Well-structured and balanced on the palate. Rubio is easy-going and versatile, but also notable for its intensity and elegance. Try it with antipasti or tapas, pasta dishes with tomato sauce, or grilled sausages.