The Fattoria Le Pupille 2020 Poggio Valente is a powerful and elegant 100% Sangiovese from Tuscany’s Maremma—drenched in dark cherry and rose-petal aromas, framed by savory herbs and grilled rosemary, with refined tannins, brilliant freshness, and off-the-charts structure. A true modern icon, it’s scored 94–95 points and built to age through 2035.

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🍷 Quick Overview

• Varietal & Region: 100% Sangiovese from Poggio Valente vineyard (planted 1970), located 280 m above sea level on sandstone-clay soils in coastal Morellino di Scansano, Tuscany

• Vintage & Maturation: 2020 was a warm, low-yield year; wine is fermented in stainless steel, then aged ~18 months in 500–600 L French oak tonneaux (≈50% new) 

• ABV & Cellaring: Robust 15% ABV with structured tannins and acidity; optimal drinking window through 2035 

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👃 Aromatics

Lavish aromas of wild cherry, marasca cherry, orange peel, and red berries segue into pressed violet, lavender seed, tobacco, cedar, licorice, and balsamic herbs often described as "pressed violet and grilled rosemary" 

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👄 Palate & Structure

• Fruit & Spice: Flavors of juicy cherry, raspberry compote, pomegranate, and hints of bergamot, layered with baking spices (clove, nutmeg) and soft tobacco 

• Tannins & Acidity: Silky yet firm tannins weave through bright acidity and a mineral-laced core—resulting in a balanced, vibrant mouthfeel 

• Finish: Long, elegant, and lingering, with a final flourish of blackberry, spices, dried herbs, and mineral depth

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🎯 Critical Reception

• James Suckling: 95 pts – “rose petals, orange peel and cherries… long and bright fruit” 

• Wine Advocate: 94+ pts – “wild cherry, pressed violet, balsam herb and grilled rosemary… not dominated by oak” 

• Vinous (Galloni): 94 pts – “heady, effortless Tuscan red… dark red/purplish fruit, rose petals, licorice, cedar and tobacco… superb balance and class” 

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🥂 Food Pairing & Enjoyment

• Serving: Decant for an hour; serve at 58 °F in large red wine glasses to appreciate structure.

• With Food: Matches beautifully with red meats (wild boar, grilled lamb), game, aged cheeses, mushroom dishes, and hearty Tuscan fare 

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✅ Final Take

Poggio Valente 2020 is a show-stopping Sangiovese—dense with fruit, fragrant florals, and savory elegance—yet polished enough to highlight finesse and freshness. A superb value for a modern Tuscan classic destined for both sipping now and cellaring into its prime.

"Following a challenging harvest for Sangiovese, the Fattoria le Pupille 2020 Poggio Valente generates aromas of wild cherry, pressed violet, balsam herb and grilled rosemary. There is a lot of good freshness (this was the difficulty of the vintage), and the wine has good tannic support for a rich core of fruit. Poggio Valente is not dominated by oak, and that is also what sets it apart." Robert Parker 94+ Points