Tenuta le Potazzine

Experience the fascination of one of the most charming wineries in Tuscany: Tenuta le Potazzine from Montalcino.

The beginnings and history of Tenuta le Potazzine

Tenuta le Potazzine owes its name to a loving expression – “Potazzine” stands for small, lively birds in the Tuscan countryside. A name that promises warmth, family tradition, and zest for life.

The history of the estate begins in 1993: with the birth of the first daughter, Viola, and the expansion by two hectares of vineyards, the founders laid a delicate foundation for the future. Since then, the winery has grown to a total of five hectares registered for Brunello, three hectares near the cellar (at 507 m above sea level), and two more in the Sant’Angelo in Colle area (approx. 420 m).

The people behind Tenuta le Potazzine

Behind this special place stand above all three women – the family who, with the choice of the name “Potazzine,” lovingly connect traditional heritage, the personal, and family values. The founders, mothers, and often also winemakers are the driving force behind the vision of this winery, which is rooted in the spirit of their family history and region.

Philosophy of Tenuta le Potazzine: Naturalness, elegance & respect

At Tenuta le Potazzine, the philosophy is key: balance, elegance, and personality – created through the most natural, sustainable winemaking possible. The wines come from organically certified cultivation (100% Sangiovese) and nature-focused vinification.

A special approach: spontaneous, long fermentations (e.g. 42 days in 2018) with natural yeasts, without temperature control – an expression of absolute authenticity and terroir focus. The result: wines with depth, elegance, and an unmistakable structure.

Geography & growing area: Montalcino in the heart of Tuscany

Tenuta le Potazzine is located in Montalcino, only about 4 km from the medieval town – a renowned center for Brunello wines. The growing area is at high altitude (between 420 m and 507 m above sea level) and offers ideal climatic conditions.

Special features of the terroir:

• High-altitude sites with south-west (Le Prata) and south-east exposure (La Torre)
• Well-drained soils: ideal in wet springs – for example in 2023, good drainage was crucial
• Large temperature differences between day and night in September favor phenolic ripeness

Vineyard sites of Tenuta le Potazzine

The winery manages two core domains:

1. Le Prata – south-west exposure, at about 507 m, near the cellar
2. La Torre – south-east exposure, at about 420 m in the Sant’Angelo in Colle area

The grapes from both sites are fermented separately and only blended later – for optimal complexity.

Grape varieties in the vineyard

All wines are based on a single grape variety – organically certified:

• 100% Sangiovese (Brunello & Rosso di Montalcino; also pure Sangiovese in stainless steel)

Soils and terroir in detail

The soils are characterized by strong drainage – ideal in an extended, rainy spring (e.g. 2023). The altitude plus the exposures create a balanced climate for Sangiovese with clear fruit, elegance, and structure.

Winemaking and maturation

The philosophy focuses on natural vinification:

• Long spontaneous fermentations with indigenous yeasts, without temperature control (e.g. 42 days in 2018)
• Fermented separately and blended only later
• Maturation in large Slavonian oak casks (30–50 hl, made by Garbellotto)
• Brunello: approx. 40 months barrel ageing; Riserva (only in 2004, 2006, 2011, 2015): approx. 50 months
• Rosso di Montalcino: at least 12 months in Slavonian oak (although not required by law)
• Pure Sangiovese “vinified in steel only” – young, fresh, with elegance and personality

Style and wine types

The wines of Tenuta le Potazzine are characterized by the following style:

• Elegant, finely structured Brunello wines with floral notes, velvety tannins, and traditional freshness 
• Rosso di Montalcino as a younger, more accessible “Brunello brother” – velvety with good acidity, pleasant freshness, and long aromatic persistence 
• Pure Sangiovese in stainless steel – youthful, fresh, lively, yet with remarkable elegance and personality 

Wine ranges & proprietary names

The winery produces the following wine ranges:

1. Brunello di Montalcino – classic, approx. 40 months of barrel maturation
2. Brunello Riserva – only produced in exceptional years (2004, 2006, 2011, 2015), approx. 50 months of ageing 
3. Rosso di Montalcino – younger wine from the same sites with 12 months of barrel ageing 
4. Pure Sangiovese (Vinified in Steel Only) – pure, fresh Sangiovese without oak contact 

Awards & ratings

Brunello di Montalcino 2020 received an impressive collection of awards:

• 110 cum laude – Gardini Notes #thewinekiller 
• 17 ++ points – Jancis Robinson (Walter Speller) 
• 98 points – Vinous (Eric Guido & Antonio Galloni) 
• 97 points – Golden Glass / Italy's Finest Wines (Jean Marco Palmieri) 
• 96 points – Robert Parker – Wine Advocate 
• 96 points – Aldo Fiordelli – Decanter 
• 97 points – Kerin O'Keefe #KOwine 

For Rosso di Montalcino 2023:

• 17.5 points – Jancis Robinson (Walter Speller)

In addition, the 2019 vintage was highlighted by Aldo Fiordelli as “best wine to drink, cellar and invest in”.

Why buy Tenuta le Potazzine?

• Authentic expression of Sangiovese and Montalcino terroir, shaped by elegance and personality
• Organically certified cultivation and sustainable, nature-oriented vinification
• Highly awarded wines with excellent ratings from renowned critics
• Ideal for connoisseurs who consciously want to discover high-quality, traditional wines

Conclusion

Tenuta le Potazzine is not just another winery – it is a moving story of passion, tradition, female leadership, and respect for the environment. The result is wines that captivate with clarity, elegance, and authenticity. Whether you are looking for an elegant Brunello, a lively Rosso, or a fresh pure Sangiovese – you will find it at Tenuta le Potazzine.