Perched on a windy hilltop, Quercia al Poggio sits across the valley from Castello di Monsanto, at the southern tip of San Donato in Poggio. A rare outcropping of calcareous sandstone known as pietraforte contributes to the sturdy signature here. Bearing a significant oak imprint, the Riserva leads with smoky toast, tobacco and mint aromas. Robust and dense, this is savoury rather than fruit driven, showing accents of hazelnut, bay leaf and pine. Assertive tannins wrap securely around earthy dried berries, and an appealing saline twist marks the finish.