Author: Dirk Chan
The Tuscan castle and vineyard of Castello di Potentino is owned by British immigrants Charlotte Horton and her family. Nestled in the rugged terrain of Mount Amiata, it was a dilapidated mess with roofs collapsed and no plumbing or electricity. Following the long process of purchasing it from 24 different owners, they have slowly reworked this 11th-century structure into one of the great cultural spots of the Tuscan region.
Rumoured to have been visited by Saint Catherine of Siena and painter Caravaggio, this traditional, medieval castle in Tuscany boasts a distinctly British flair. A year-round bed and breakfast, the Castello hosts weddings along with yoga retreats, wine tastings, and exotic gourmandise weekends.
The tradition of winemaking here dates back to the Etruscan period, evidenced by the ancient wine stones in the valley. The microclimate of the area, combined with the four hectares of vineyards, combines the hot dry air of the Tuscan coast with the cold air coming down from Mt Amiata. The volcanic soil, never washed away at Potentino, creates a terroir that is rich in minerality and gives it a sense of terroir. Horton, who is the winemaker, grows grenache, sangiovese, and, very unusually, pinot noir grapes. Her Sacromonte, a textbook sangiovese, has won the Vino d’ecellenza from the Guida de l’Espresso, identifying it as one of the 500 best wines from Italy. Sacromonte or “Sacred Mountain” refers to Monte Amiata which was the home of the gods for the Etruscans and our flagship wine is named in honour of the volcanic peperino stone typical to the mountain and used in the construction of the Castle itself. It sees only 6 months ageing in stainless steel to produce a fresher more exuberant young wine. Hence the ‘ino’ ending which is the diminutive in Italian which means smaller or little version. It comes in a 1 Litre bottle with a crown seal. Delicious and the tannins are so smooth for such a young wine!!
The Winemaker’s Release is Sangiovese from the great 2010 vintage, held back till ready to drink. It is sophisticated and nuanced, and a must try. There are not many library releases for this price that is at peak in our market. Take advantage of it while supply lasts.
First, pictured left to right:
2020 Castello di Potentino Sacromontino Toscana (Tuscany, Italy) – 1.0L – $27.99
2010 Castello di Potentino Sangiovese The Winemaker’s Release (Tuscany, Italy) – $46.99