A solid and beautiful red with aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, sage, rosemary and thyme. Medium-bodied with bright acidity and firm tannins that give this length and deliciousness. Pure sangiovese. You can drink it now, but it will be better in three or four years. Drink or hold.

Made with 100% Sangiovese, the Fattoria Le Pupille 2023 Poggio Valente was bottled in June 2025 and is scheduled for release soon. The 2023 vintage was challenging across much of Tuscany due to persistent spring rain and widespread mildew pressure that severely affected Merlot and other early-ripening grapes, but conditions in southern Maremma were more balanced thanks to the area’s naturally ventilated setting. Poggio Valente benefits from its position between two hills with the sea directly in front, creating constant airflow and a luminous quality to the wines. The Sangiovese is planted on heavier soils rich in clay and limestone, lending structure and depth, and the estate is in the process of refining its élevage by moving away from smaller oak toward larger vessels, with more than 50% of the wine now aged in botti grandi to achieve a crunchier and more transparent expression. The plan for this wine is working out beautifully.- ML

The 2023 Poggio Valente is laced with sweet red cherry, mint, pipe tobacco, dried herbs, licorice, mocha and a kiss of French oak. I would give it a year or two in bottle to soften. Floral, savory and earthy notes add the closing shades of nuance.- Antonio Galloni