Alejandro Bulgheroni purchased the Poggio Landi and Podere Brizio estates in Montalcino in December 2012, and only now is it possible to taste the vineyard and cellar work that fully bears the new owner’s signature. Shortly after they were acquired, the two wineries were revolutionized from an agronomical and oenological perspective, applying the technology and changes required according to the group’s entrepreneurial and agronomical vision: organic viticulture techniques and cellars without barriques. Leading the teamwork are the in-house winemaker Giovanni Alberio and agronomist Lorenzo Bernini, supported by consultant winemaker Alberto Antonini. The group’s production philosophy insists that the vineyards are kept in optimum balance due to maintaining the soil’s natural vitality. The constant oxygenation of the ground enables the roots to benefit from a rich and vibrant soil, delving deep, and thereby permitting a maximum expression of the terroir as the vines produce the finest grapes. A key element in producing authentic, terroir-driven wines, according to the philosophy of the ABFV Group, is spontaneous fermentation using solely indigenous yeast. The technical team at the group’s Montalcino wineries recently introduced concrete vats, already in use at the Castelnuovo Berardenga and Bolgheri wineries, aimed at producing fresh terroir-focused wines through better micro-oxygenation and partial heat absorption that leaves the acidity unchanged. Malolactic fermentation takes place in untoasted 40-50 Hl French oak casks, where the wine also ages, followed by bottle refinement. “Our philosophy is to valorise every estate we own and its grapes while creating jobs and economic and social development,” explains Giovanni Alberio, the young winemaker in charge of the group’s Tuscan wineries. Since their acquisition the two wineries have shaped their identity and on the occasion of Benvenuto Brunello 2018, the wineries are proud to debut wines that fully express the new owner’s philosophy:  

POGGIO LANDI

  Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2013 An intense yet fresh wine. Gentle, untoasted wood accompanied by ripe red fruit. Fresh on the palate, vaunting body and the typical tannins of the northern areas of Montalcino. Silky, soft tannins. Very mature. Enduring finish. Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Docg 2012 Austere, intense and deep wine. Intense garnet colour. Hot nose with spice and ripe black fruit aromas. Soft and rich on the palate with elegant, mature tannins. Long, enduring finish. Rosso di Montalcino Doc 2016 Very intense wine. Brilliant ruby red colour. Rich and vibrant red fruit aromas. Soft, enticing body. Young, well-balanced tannins with bright acidity. Gentle, enjoyable finish.  

PODERE BRIZIO

  Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2013 An extremely elegant wine that fully reflects the vintage. Direct and neat on the nose. Ripe fresh fruit and resin aromas. Incredibly fresh, vibrant and intense on the palate. Outstandingly mature and balanced tannins. Mineral-rich and flavourful finish. Enduring, evolving finish. Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Docg 2012 A profound and intriguing wine. Deep garnet colour. Spices, ripe black fruit and toast aromas. Opulent, full-bodied and expansive on the palate. Long, enduring and soft finish with nuances of liquorice, pepper and jam. Fine tannins. Rosso di Montalcino Doc 2016 A fresh and intense wine. Brilliant ruby red colour. Ripe red fruit aromas. The fresh acidity of Sangiovese makes its presence felt on the palate, accompanied by pleasing tanginess and young tannins. Easy-drinking and enduring finish. “Now more than ever, the ABFV Group vaunts an important presence on the Italian winemaking scene,” emphasizes Stefano Capurso, General Manager of the group. “This means having an important sense of responsibility that we feel ready to face, in the knowledge that our project encompasses all the requirements needed to surpass market expectations and to represent our region at the highest level. Our work in the vineyards and in the cellar is absolute and this forms the foundation to achieve the results we have set for ourselves in all our estates. Our expectations for Montalcino are very high and our objectives very ambitious. We hope that this “debut” will garner acclaim among critics and the general public.” Vintage reports: 2013 was a good year, hailed as a 4-star vintage. Typical of Montalcino, the summer did not prove excessively hot with variations in day/night temperatures, resulting in well-developed aromas, freshness and acidity. Good phenolic ripeness. 2016 was an outstanding year, hailed as a 5-star vintage. Fairly rainy spring, hot, dry summer with excellent weather and variations in day/night temperatures. Outstanding phenolic and technological ripeness with fantastic acidity and normal alcohol content.  

PODERE BRIZIO

  Podere Brizio is a young winery works with the utmost respect for the history of the land. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, the hill where the winery stands looks to the southwest, toward the sea, which can be glimpsed on clear days from the estate’s windows. The rich red soil, typical of this Montalcino slope, provides perfect conditions for viticulture. 11.5 hectares are under vine, 7 of which are dedicated to Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. Sangiovese is the undisputed king, achieving its utmost expression here. The philosophy in the vineyards and in the cellar is the same shared throughout the ABFV Group: authenticity and respect for the land, vines and all their singularities, aiming to achieve the fullest expression of the terroir. Podere Brizio vaunts healthy, vibrant soils, brimming with microbiological interaction, capable of producing the freshest of wines with unmistakable aromas and flavours. The farmhouse apartments reopen for the season in mid-February for Benvenuto Brunello.  

POGGIO LANDI

  Poggio Landi is an estate that dominates an extraordinary hill affording all-round views over the surrounding scenery. The 74 hectares under vine, with 33 planted to Brunello DOCG, cover some of the most prestigious areas of the appellation, from historic vineyards north of Montalcino to more recently plantations further south. A vast area that ensures diverse soil types and expositions, with altitudes that vary from 180 to 500 metres above sea level, guaranteeing the utmost expression of diversity that the same terroir can give.