What kind of wine is Alta Valle della Greve Rosso IGT 'Piantonaia' 2021 - Podere Poggio Scalette?

The Alta Valle della Greve Rosso IGT 'Piantonaia' 2021 - Podere Poggio Scalette is a Tuscan red wine of great character and elegance, produced from 100% Merlot, grown in vineyards that stretch across the hills of the Alta Valle della Greve, in the heart of Chianti Classico. The fruit of the enological vision of Vittorio Fiore, a leading figure in the Italian wine scene, "Piantonaia" represents a perfect balance between power and finesse, expressed through a Merlot of rare personality. Its full body, harmonious structure, and soft tannins make it a red wine capable of satisfying even the most demanding palates.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage stood out for its balanced climate, characterized by sunny days and cool nights, ideal for the ripening of Merlot. This trend favored excellent aromatic concentration and perfect phenolic ripeness, resulting in a wine with a complex and intense profile. The contained yields contributed to a greater concentration and depth of flavor, making 2021 one of the most promising vintages in recent years for "Piantonaia".

Winemaking and Aging

The vinification of 'Piantonaia' follows a traditional style, but with attention to detail. After manual selection of the best grapes, the wine ferments in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature, with a maceration – that is, the prolonged contact between must and skins – of about 20 days, which allows for the extraction of color and noble tannins. Aging then takes place for approximately 18 months in new French oak barriques, where the wine acquires roundness, complexity, and spicy notes. This is followed by further resting in the bottle, which refines its aromatic profile and perfect taste balance.

Tasting Notes

Color

Visually, the Alta Valle della Greve Rosso IGT 'Piantonaia' 2021 presents an intense ruby red color with brilliant garnet hues. A deep shade that anticipates the richness and concentration of the wine.

Nose

The aroma is broad and enveloping, with hints of ripe red fruits such as cherry and plum, to which elegant notes of sweet spices, cocoa, and tobacco are added. The influence of wood is delicately manifested, giving a balsamic touch and a complexity that evolves with oxygenation in the glass.

Palate

On the palate, 'Piantonaia' is full-bodied and rounded, with velvety and well-integrated tannins. The structure is solid but balanced, supported by a pleasant freshness that prolongs the taste persistence. The finish is long, elegant, and characterized by returns of black fruit and light toasted nuances.

What dishes to pair with Alta Valle della Greve Rosso IGT 'Piantonaia' 2021 - Podere Poggio Scalette

This Tuscan Merlot is best paired with rich and flavorful dishes. Perfect with red meats and traditional Tuscan cuisine, it also goes very well with aged cheeses or game-based dishes. Some ideal pairings:

• Roast beef or roast pork
• Wild boar stew or "peposo alla fiorentina" (Florentine beef stew)
• Tagliatelle with hare ragout
• Aged cheeses such as Tuscan Pecorino or Parmigiano

Thanks to its softness and the balance between freshness and body, it also successfully accompanies modern cuisine dishes and gourmet interpretations based on white meats or mushrooms.

Storage and Aging: How to store Alta Valle della Greve Rosso IGT 'Piantonaia' 2021 - Podere Poggio Scalette wine

To preserve the qualities of this wine, it is advisable to store it in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature around 14-16°C, avoiding temperature fluctuations and direct light. The bottle should be kept horizontally, so that the cork remains moist.

Thanks to its structure and aging in barriques, "Piantonaia" has an excellent aging potential: it can evolve harmoniously for 8-10 years, developing increasingly complex aromas and a taste profile of great finesse. An ideal wine both to drink today, to appreciate its youthful freshness, and to patiently cellar to discover its more mature evolution.