The estates 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Altero is a bit more fruit-forward and dense than the straight bottling. It, too, appears best suited for drinking over the near and medium term. There is excellent brightness and energy in the red fruit flavors, while floral and spice overtones add an upper register that is undeniably pleasing. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. 91 points from Robert Parker, The Wine AdvocateWinery NotesAltero was created back in 1983 with the intention of making a more modern style of Brunello. Altero is a proprietary wine that is distinguished by being aged in 500-liter French oak tonneaux for a period of two years rather than for three years in the large new Slavonian oak barrels used for the traditional Brunello. Altero completes its aging requirement by spending two years in the bottle before release.In 2000, sixteen years after the first release of Altero, the new regulations for Brunello confirmed the validity of this innovative alternative. In effect the formula for Altero anticipated the new trend for Brunello, and at Poggio Antico today it is possible to choose between a new and a classic style of Brunello.Since its introduction Altero has received very favorable reviews and enjoyed great commercial success, so every year an increasing part of the crop is set aside for it.Altero is a deep and intense ruby red, which shows great concentration. The bouquet is wide, very fruity, persistent and elegant. The taste is full, warm, and round with a complex structure and fine ripe tannins. This wine is very smooth on the palate and suited for a long bottle aging.In addition to the traditional 750 ml bottles, Poggio Antico produces a limited number of Magnums (1,500 ml) of Altero. In exceptional vintages, Double Magnums (3,000 ml) are also released. Both these special formats are packaged in beautiful wooden cases, which are also available - upon request - for the regular bottle format (750 ml.).
