Potazzine (Gorelli), Le
Summary
Le Potazzine is a family-owned estate in Brunello di Montalcino led by Gigliola Gorelli and her daughters, farming just 5-6 hectares of high-elevation vineyards across northern and southern zones where Sangiovese grows in well-draining galestro and alberese soils. The family maintains traditional winemaking methods, fermenting in temperature-controlled stainless steel and aging their Brunello exclusively in large Slavonian oak casks rather than smaller barriques, preserving the authentic expression of their vineyard sites.
Heritage & Leadership
Le Potazzine was established in the early 1990s (around 1993) in Montalcino, Tuscany, by husband and wife team Giuseppe and Gigliola Gorelli. The estate's name "Le Potazzine" holds special significance, referring to a local bird species (a type of tit) that is also the affectionate nickname the couple gave to their two daughters, Viola and Sofia.
Following Giuseppe's passing, Gigliola Gorelli took the helm of the family estate, maintaining continuity in their winemaking approach and business philosophy. In recent years, daughters Viola and Sofia have become increasingly involved in various aspects of the family business, representing the next generation of this Montalcino producer.
The Gorelli family has maintained a deliberately small-scale operation since its founding, prioritizing quality and attention to detail over expansion. This family-focused approach has remained a defining characteristic of Le Potazzine through its history in Montalcino.
Vineyards & Wines
Le Potazzine's vineyard holdings span approximately 5-6 hectares strategically positioned in both the northern and southern zones of the Montalcino appellation. This geographical diversity provides the estate with grapes expressing different facets of the Montalcino terroir. Their primary vineyard is situated near Sant'Angelo in Colle at an elevation of approximately 500 meters above sea level, benefiting from favorable diurnal temperature variations that contribute to gradual, balanced ripening.
The estate's vineyards feature soils predominantly composed of galestro (clay schist) and alberese (limestone), geological formations typical of the Montalcino region that contribute to drainage and mineral complexity in the resulting wines.
Sangiovese, which produces the wine known as Brunello in Montalcino, forms the cornerstone of Le Potazzine's production. Their portfolio centers on two classic expressions: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Rosso di Montalcino DOC. The estate also produces a small quantity of IGT Toscana wine, rounding out their focused offerings.
Philosophy & Practice
Le Potazzine adheres to traditional winemaking methods that honor the established practices of the Montalcino region. Their approach begins with careful grape selection to ensure only quality fruit enters the winemaking process.
The estate conducts fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise management of this critical phase of winemaking. For their flagship Brunello di Montalcino, aging takes place in large Slavonian oak casks (botti) rather than smaller French barriques, reflecting a traditional approach that emphasizes subtle oak influence and slower maturation.
This measured approach to winemaking aligns with the estate's minimal intervention philosophy, where technical decisions aim to express the distinctive character of their high-elevation vineyards and the unique qualities of each vintage. The estate's approach to vineyard management focuses on traditional methods, though specific sustainability certifications are not documented in available research.
All Le Potazzine wines are produced in accordance with their respective appellation regulations, carrying either the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino DOCG or Rosso di Montalcino DOC designations that verify their adherence to the strict production standards of these protected denominations.