Poggio al Tesoro, `W Dedicato a Walter` Cabernet Franc

Poggio al Tesoro was established in 2002 by Marilisa Allegrini and her late brother Walter, who came to Bolgheri from Valpolicella in 2001 in search of a new viticultural adventure. After extensive exploration in other regions, they had been drawn to the diversity of soils and the quality potential of Bolgheri’s coastal sites. Their first purchases included vineyards along the Strada delle Sondraie and sites on the Strada Bolgherese, where plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot were already established. Further acquisitions from neighbouring growers soon formed what is now Poggio al Tesoro.

Planting began in 2003, guided by detailed soil studies that divided the property into parcels according to geology and exposure. Sandy, fossil-rich soils were selected for varieties that thrive in warm, free-draining sites, particularly Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, while Merlot was planted on clay- and mineral-rich plots to encourage balance and aromatic lift.

Sustainability has been central to the estate’s philosophy since 2014, with practices such as cover cropping, selective pruning, reduced yields, night harvesting and careful resource management employed to preserve biodiversity and soil health. In 2022, Poggio al Tesoro achieved ‘Equalitas’ certification in recognition of its environmental, economic and social commitments.

Today, the estate covers 64 hectares across four areas around Bolgheri, making it one of the largest in the area. Marilisa now runs Poggio al Tesoro with her daughters, Caterina and Carlotta, who continue the pioneering spirit and respect for the environment that shaped its beginnings.

The ‘Solosole’ Vermentino is crisp and fresh, made from a specially selected Vermentino clone from Corsica. The ‘Pagus Camilla’ is a step up, made from Vermentino sourced from a prime vineyard planted on deep sandy soils by the river Camilla. It is aged on its lees with regular bâtonnage for nine months, creating aromas of Mediterranean herbs and citrus with a marked minerality on the finish. The ‘Sondraia Bianco’ is a small production of 100% Viognier, sourced from the ‘Le Sondraie’ vineyard. Partially fermenting in stainless steel, amphora and barrique results in a wine defined by a characterful bouquet rich in floral and fruity aromas, orange peel and typical Mediterranean scrub. The Cabernet Franc and Merlot-based ‘Cassiopea’ Rosato is a deliciously fruity rosé, softly pressed and fermented in stainless steel.

The ‘Mediterra’, a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, is a fragrant and intensely fruity red wine. ‘Il Seggio’ is the name of the creek that runs through Bolgheri. The wine that bears its name is a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot blend aged in 225-litre barriques for 15 months. It is structured, concentrated and fresh. The ‘Sondraia’, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, has a pure cassis note on the nose that gives way to a lovely depth of fruit on the palate. ‘W Dedicato a Walter’ is their pure Cabernet Franc, first produced in 2003. It is lifted yet ripe and intense yet balanced.