Kim Uncorked: Welcome to my weekly wine recommendation.
Hi, I’m Kim, a passionate lover of wine, food, and any experience that brings the two together! In this weekly blog post, I share my thoughts on a wine that I’ve recently purchased from one of our local independent wine merchants. If you’d like to know more about me, I’ve included a brief bio following the post.
2023 IL Poggione Rosso di Toscana
IGT Italy
Everything Wine
$31.98
Various locations
Vancouver, BC
2023 Il Poggione Toscana Rosso | Tuscany, Italy
Not every great Tuscan red needs to be a Brunello. Sometimes, a more approachable bottle is exactly what you’re looking for, and the 2023 Il Poggione Toscana Rosso fits the bill nicely.
Produced by Tenuta Il Poggione, one of the historic founding estates of Brunello di Montalcino, this wine comes with an impressive pedigree. Founded in the late 19th century by Florentine landowner Lavinio Franceschi, the property first caught his attention through stories he heard from local shepherds. Intrigued, he travelled to the area, fell in love with its landscape and people, and decided to establish a vineyard. Today, the estate remains family-owned and operated by the Franceschi family.
While Brunello is the estate’s flagship, this Toscana Rosso takes a more relaxed approach, offering an approachable, easy-drinking style. Made from a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, it brings together Tuscany’s signature grape with two familiar international varieties. Think of it as a Super Tuscan’s mini-me.
In the glass, it shows a lovely ruby-red colour, with inviting aromas of red fruit, sweet spice and vanilla, alongside subtle earthy and cedar notes. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with fresh acidity, soft, polished tannins and plenty of approachable fruit. French oak adds a little spice and structure without overshadowing the wine’s fruit-forward character.
At 13.5% alcohol, this is an easygoing, versatile red that pairs perfectly with pizza, pasta, grilled meats or simply enjoy a glass on its own.
Kim Mead is a Vancouver-based wine and food writer. She holds the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines with Merit, the French Wine Scholar designation with Honours, the Bordeaux Masters designation with Honours, and the Italian Wine Essentials certification. Kim serves as Cellar Master for the Vancouver chapter of the International Wine and Food Society and is a member of the Commanderie de Bordeaux. Follow her @agalandaglass