Ep. 2650 Alberto Rivera IWA interviews Leonardo Berti of Poggio di Sotto in Montalcino | Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner
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In this special Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner episode of the Italian Wine Podcast, Alberto Rivera interviews Leonardo Berti, the winemaker at Poggio di Sotto in Montalcino, exploring the estate’s philosophy, terroir, and innovative approach to Sangiovese biotypes. Berti shares how Poggio di Sotto’s identity is rooted in respect for the vineyard, minimal intervention, and a deep commitment to tradition, with 182 distinct Sangiovese biotypes forming a living genetic archive that contributes to the wine’s complexity and elegance. The conversation delves into the estate’s parcel-specific viticulture across varying altitudes and soils, the strategic multi-phase harvests driven by terroir diversity rather than climate change alone, and the role of volatile acidity as a feature—not a flaw—enhanced by organic practices and extended aging. Berti also discusses the evolution of Rosso di Montalcino as a distinct, high-quality expression, the challenges of climate change, and how the estate’s biodiversity may serve as a resilience tool. Finally, he offers insights on engaging Gen Z drinkers through authenticity and storytelling, and emphasizes humility, patience, and respect for nature as essential values for future winemakers.
Poggio di Sotto’s identity is built on preserving 182 Sangiovese biotypes, creating a natural genetic archive that drives aromatic complexity and elegance.
Volatile acidity is not a flaw but a hallmark of Poggio di Sotto’s style, shaped by clone selection, long open-top fermentation, and low-sulfur aging.
Multi-phase harvesting is a consistent agronomic strategy driven by terroir diversity, not climate change, ensuring optimal ripeness across steep, varied plots.
Rosso di Montalcino is not a declassified wine but a distinct expression, crafted after two years of aging to emphasize freshness and drinkability.
Climate adaptation focuses on preserving soil moisture and canopy shade, with genetic diversity in biotypes potentially offering resilience to drought.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Legacy of Volatile Acidity at Poggio di Sotto
“The volatile acidity is a principal component of this bouquet.”
The 182 Sangiovese Biotype Project: A Living Archive
“None of these alone will be able to make an outstanding wine. Together, they do.”
Terroir in Motion: Soil, Altitude, and Parcel Differentiation
“We need more than 30 days from the first vineyard to picking to the last.”
Climate Change and Adaptive Vineyard Management
While not driving multi-phase harvests, climate change has shifted harvest timing by two weeks compared to the 1980s. The estate focuses on preserving soil moisture and canopy shade to protect grapes from sun damage and heat stress.
Rosso di Montalcino as a Distinct Expression
Poggio di Sotto treats Rosso di Montalcino as a wine with its own identity, not a declassified Brunello. It is selected after two years of aging for freshness, drinkability, and energy, reflecting a philosophy of quality over volume.
“It's important that in your glass, talk your wine.”
“None of these alone will be able to make an outstanding wine. Together, they do.”
“Patience is always very important. And the wine teaches humility for me, for everyone, every year.”
Host
Guest
Poggio di Sotto
other
Leonardo Berti
person
Brunello di Montalcino
other
Rosso di Montalcino
other
Alberto Rivera
person
Beatrice
person
Castelnuovo della Vatte
other
University of Florence
organization
Galestro
other
Antinori
other
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