Podere Poggio Scalette

The Podere Poggio Scalette estate is located on the Ruffoli hill at an altitude of about 600 metres, in the municipality of Greve in Chianti. It is passionately managed by the young Jurij Fiore under the guidance of his father Vittorio Fiore, who is a highly respected and internationally renowned enologist. Vittorio is undoubtedly one of the most illustrious names in the Italian wine world as he contributed to the revival of Tuscan winemaking in the 1980s and 1990s. After important experiences in San Michele dell'Adige and Conegliano, and after holding important institutional and university roles, he concentrated all his experience on establishing his own independent company. This is how Podere Poggio Scalette came into being in 1991, with a second property added in 1996, reaching a total surface area of 40 hectares. This includes 10 hectares of olive trees, 2 hectares of arable land, 5 hectares of woodland, 8 hectares of buildings and only 15 hectares of vineyards.

The vineyard estate consists of some 25 vines with variable south-west and south-east exposures, which climb between 350 and 600 metres above sea level. These hillsides are characterised by the presence of extraordinary dry stone walls that support the vines and olive trees, forming small terraces that resemble small staircases (from which the estate takes its name). The vines are very old, with the "Carbonaione" variety, from which a great Tuscan excellence is produced, reaching 90 years of age. The soil is sandy and rich in stones, marl and gravel. The estate also has small plots of land in the small hamlet of Lamole, where the vines are trained using the spurred cordon and alberello systems, and are mainly cared for by Jurij and his daughter Sara. The dominant variety is Sangiovese, together with Bordeaux blends including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Additionally, the Sangiovese of the Podere is not just any old variety, but is one of the few and rare clones that has been reconstructed from the original Lamole vine, following the devastation caused by the phylloxera.

The wines of Podere Poggio Scalette are based on the most ancient traditions and are created by the expert hand of Vittorio. The grapes are cared for with great respect and sensitivity to create healthy and perfectly ripe fruit. Fermentation takes place in steel tanks, while the wine is aged in French oak barriques or tonneaux. The style reflects the ancient Bordeaux tradition, while the wines made in Lamole, which are interpreted by his son Jurij who studied in Beaune, are more similar to the Burgundy types. The red wines reveal a refined, elegant and high-class profile and are among the most noble and important names in the Chianti Classico territory. Among these, a special place of honour is reserved for the majestic and outstanding "Piantonaia" and the iconic and monumental "Carbonaione", which is particularly well remembered and appreciated for being the first excellence produced by the winery.