Tenuta le Potazzine

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

The Beginnings and History of Tenuta le Potazzine

Tenuta le Potazzine owes its name to an affectionate expression – “Potazzine” refers to small, lively birds in the Tuscan countryside. A name that promises warmth, family tradition and joie de vivre.

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

The People Behind Tenuta le Potazzine

Three women in particular stand behind this special place – the family, who lovingly connect traditional heritage, personal identity and family values through the name “Potazzine”. The founders, mothers and often also winemakers are the driving forces behind the vision of this winery, rooted in the spirit of their family history and region.

The Philosophy of Tenuta le Potazzine: Naturalness, Elegance & Respect

At Tenuta le Potazzine, the focus is on balance, elegance and personality – achieved through a restrained, natural approach to winemaking. The wines are made from organically certified vineyards (100% Sangiovese) and with a close-to-nature vinification method.

A distinctive approach: spontaneous, extended fermentations (for example, 42 days in 2018) with natural yeasts, without temperature control – an expression of authenticity and a focus on terroir. The result: wines with depth, elegance and unmistakable structure.

Geography & Growing Area: Montalcino in the Heart of Tuscany

Tenuta le Potazzine is located in Montalcino, just around 4 km from the medieval town – a renowned centre for Brunello wines. The growing area is situated at a high elevation (between 420 m and 507 m above sea level) and offers favourable climatic conditions.

Special features of the terroir:

• High-altitude sites with south-western (Le Prata) and south-eastern exposure (La Torre)
• Well-draining soils: advantageous during wet springs – for example, good drainage was crucial in 2023
• Large temperature differences between day and night in September support phenolic ripeness

Vineyard Sites of Tenuta le Potazzine

The winery cultivates two core estates:

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

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

Grape Varieties in the Vineyard

All the wines are based on a single grape variety, from organically certified cultivation:

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

Soils and Terroir in Detail

The soils are characterised by excellent drainage – advantageous during a longer spring with rainfall, as in 2023. The altitude combined with the different exposures creates 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 (for example, 42 days in 2018)
• Fermented separately and blended only later
• Matured in large Slavonian oak barrels (30–50 hl, made by Garbellotto)
• Brunello: approx. 40 months of barrel ageing; Riserva (only in 2004, 2006, 2011 and 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 Types of Wine

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

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

Wine Ranges & Proprietary Names

The winery produces the following wine ranges:

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

Awards & Ratings

Brunello di Montalcino 2020 received an impressive collection of accolades:

• 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 

Regarding the 2023 Rosso di Montalcino:

• 17.5 points – Jancis Robinson (Walter Speller)

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

Why Buy Tenuta le Potazzine?

• Authentic expression of Sangiovese and the Montalcino terroir, defined by elegance and personality
• Organically certified cultivation and a careful, close-to-nature approach to vinification
• Highly acclaimed wines with excellent ratings from renowned critics
• Ideal for enthusiasts who consciously wish to discover premium, traditional wines

Conclusion

Tenuta le Potazzine is not simply another winery – it is a moving story of passion, tradition, female leadership and respect for its surroundings. The result is a range of wines that impress 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.