2014 Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione IGT

A Tuscan Value Stunner That Bests Italian Icons

For just a second, try to forget the big names and even bigger prices that come to mind when we say ”iconic Tuscan red.” Now, make some room in your mind—and in your cellar—for Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione.

This gem is produced from a variety of Sangiovese that is unique to the Poggio Scalette site, and miraculously remains under the radar, even with its stunning track record: Antonio Galloni has rated the last nine vintages between 93+ and 97 points. Bursting with rose petals, violets, and cloves that segue into full-bodied wine that dances between flavors of currant, blackberry, and plum, it’s no surprise. But even more arresting is the price: Today, we are offering the 95+-point 2014 Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione at 36% off retail.

As far as the 2014 Carbonaione, Galloni called it “beautifully persistent” and “one of the truly exceptional wines” of the 2014 season, a claim that is borne out by his ratings: The 95+-pointer crushed Solaia (94 points, $325), equaled Fontodi’s Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo (95+, $86), and is knocking on the door of Tignanello (96, $110) and Flaccianello del Pieve (96, $120). At SRP of $75, the Il Carbonaione is a no-brainer. At $48, it’s a straight-up steal for your cellar, and one you will have a blast watching develop over a decade and more.

Just how cherished is Il Carbonaione? Consider that Galloni, perhaps the most respected American critic of Italian wines, saw fit to write about a retrospective tasting of Il Carbonaione—a massive endorsement in itself. He came away from the 15-vintage marathon raving about how the “elegant, finessed wines” aged with grace, regardless of whether they were from blockbuster vintages or more humble seasons.

Poggio Scalette was born in 1991 when Vittorio Fiore and his wife Adriana purchased their property in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. Vittorio, one of the vanguard consultants of Tuscany, had for years made stellar wines for other producers, and Poggio Scalette was his long-awaited opportunity to apply his formidable talents to his own estate. Il Carbonaione is Vittorio’s flagship—a wine made from a unique clonal selection called Sangiovese di Lamole, which grows on some of the first Sangiovese vines to be planted in the area after the first World War. The result is the only red wine from the area that can keep pace with top Brunellos and Bolgheri-area Super Tuscans.

The grapes in Il Carbonaione, which come from vines averaging 80 years of age, are harvested in early October, and the wine spends 14 months in 350-liter French oak tonneau before being bottled. The 2014 iteration is yet another rave-worthy gem that outshone some of the biggest names in Tuscany in 2014.

Il Carbonaione is pure Tuscany: a 100% Sangiovese boasting elegance, purity, depth, and the opulence of great Brunello. Trust us. This one will be tempting to enjoy after a 30-40 minute decant, and we encourage you to do it. But be sure to get several bottles to watch them evolve until 2030 and beyond. Truly one of the great finds in Tuscany, and at a fantastic price.

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Acidity
• Tannin

• ABV 13.50%
• 30 mins
• Now – 2030
• % Sangiovese
• Serving temperature – 60°
• Cork