At a glance

Producer

Poderi Boscarelli

Region

Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile) with small percentages of Mammolo and Colorino

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$85-130 USD (depending on market and retailer)

Tasting profile

Vivid red cherry, pomegranate, wild herbs, rose petal, sandalwood, and mineral undertones. Youthful yet complex, showing both ripe fruit and savory notes.

Evolution: Over the next 3-6 years, tannins will soften and tertiary notes (leather, forest floor, dried thyme, tobacco) will emerge. Minerality and aromatic lift expected to intensify.

At peak: At peak, an elegant, harmonious wine balancing fruit, acid, tannin, and subtle oak. Profound aromatic complexity; very fine, long finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus, characteristic of Sangiovese from Montepulciano

Tannins

Firm, refined and integrated; structured for aging

Alcohol

13.5%-14% ABV (varies by bottling and vintage)

Aging potential

10-15 years with potential to reward longer-term cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2034

Optimal window

2026 to 2036

Current status

Young, suitable for early enjoyment but benefits from additional cellaring

Current condition

Structured and vibrant, developing complexity, but primary fruit and youthful tannins dominate at present

Costa Grande is a single-vineyard bottling from a renowned slope within Boscarelli’s estate. Old-vine Sangiovese and careful élevage give this wine structure and longevity, typically peaking 7-13 years after vintage when its fruit, acidity, tannin, and aromatic elements achieve synthesis.

Food pairing

Ideal with Tuscan game dishes (pigeon, wild boar), bistecca alla Fiorentina, aged pecorino cheese, or mushroom risotto. Pairs well with rich poultry or braised lamb.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has firm, refined tannins and is structured for aging, which benefits from aeration to enhance its flavors and soften the tannins.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Sulphite usage minimized; no chemical herbicides; estate vineyard managed under organic principles; cover crops for biodiversity; manual vineyard work reduces fuel consumption; energy-efficient gravity-flow winery; water conservation via rainwater recapture; local cork and lightweight glass for bottles.

Poderi Boscarelli is a Tuscan family estate committed to ecosystem stewardship and transparency. The Costa Grande cru is farmed organically; production eschews systemic chemicals and promotes biodiversity through cover cropping and hedgerows. The winery has reduced packaging weight and implemented energy-saving measures. While not yet fully carbon-neutral or biodynamic, and still exporting (which increases the footprint outside Italy), their efforts place them above average in the sustainability spectrum for Italian fine wine estates.