MAY 16, 2024
Crafting a bottle of Wine
A Labor of Love
Reading Time: 4 mins
Have you ever stopped to think about all the hard work that goes into making a single bottle of wine?
Recently, I had a chat with a passionate winemaker from the Montecucco region in Tuscany, an area I really like a lot for the freshness of its wines, which enjoy lower temperatures compares to their neighbors. An important added value in today global climate change.
During our conversation, Carlo Pieri, the owner of Poggio Stenti, shared some fascinating insights.
“Making wine, good wine is a tribulation” he said “You have to work hard in the vineyard, wait patiently in the cellar, and last but not least find customers who truly appreciate your wine and are willing to buy it.“
What I found quite funny was their choice of name for one of their wines: ‘Tribulo‘, which means literally ‘Tribulation’ in Tuscan dialect. In an ironic way, it symbolizes the challenging journey of growing grapes and crafting wine. This particular wine comes from a small estate in Grosseto, where the Pieri’s family pours their heart and soul into every bottle.
From the initial preparation of the soil at the beginning of the season, to meticulously caring for the vines amidst varying weather conditions and threats from pests and disease, especially when working in an organic way, every step of the winemaking process is an intense labor of love. However, what emerges from this dedication isn’t merely a bottle of wine — it’s a symphony of flavors and aromas that tell a proud story of perseverance.
The journey doesn’t end with the harvest; it continues in the cellar, where the wine matures for a remarkable 18 months, patiently awaiting its moment to be bottled. It’s a meticulous process that demands time, attention, and a very deep commitment to excellence.
Tribulo is a single varietal Sangiovese that express the essence of the hard work on the land, a rich red wine with a strong character. Its deep and silky tannins, well balanced by volume and freshness, give this wine a harmonious and persistent taste and a long aging perspective in the bottle.
In a world where many wines are mass-produced by larger wineries, it’s essential to support small wineries like Poggio Stenti. While their wines may come with a slightly higher price tag, they represent more than just a beverage—they embody a tradition, and a way of life.
So, let’s raise our glasses to the dedicated individuals behind every bottle of wine. Let’s savor each sip and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into making it. And when you choose to purchase wine directly from Italy, you’re not just acquiring a drink — you’re contributing to the preservation of the most authentic traditions.
Winemakers and wine producers are the guardians of tradition, and their dreamers.
And always remember, when you support small wineries, you’re not only supporting wine—you’re supporting a way of life.
Would you like to enjoy a sip of Tribulo Montecucco Sangiovese
but can’t make to Italy or find it nearby?
No worries!
I’ll be more than happy to ship the finest expressions of
Poggio Stenti Montecucco straight to your door
(nearly) worldwide.