Federico Trost has been general manager of Poggio Antico since 2017.
He arrived at the winery when Marcel van Poecke became its owner. Whilst continuity and respect for tradition has always been maintained, this was a moment of transformation. At this point, some innovative elements have been introduced, which led to the reorganization of work within the company as well as the introduction of a new way of viewing the vineyards.
Federico, how did you get to Poggio Antico?
After getting my degree, I started working for a company offering administrative and tax consultancy services. However, after attending a sommelier course, I had a brilliant realization. I realized that I could put my degree to good use, combining it with my growing interest for food and wine, my passion for foreign languages and cultures as well as travelling abroad. I started working as an export manager for important wine groups, such as Genagricola and Santa Margherita in Veneto. Then, I moved to Tuscany in order to challenge myself and have the chance to work with the most renowned wines in the world. This is how I got chosen to manage Poggio Antico. I knew that it was an important yet very delicate task because the previous owners directly managed the property for more than thirty years.
What is your first memory of Poggio Antico?
Just like a wine tourist, I arrived at Poggio from the sea. I clearly remember the road that rises from the plain and climbs up towards the highest hills of Montalcino. I can still remember how the vineyards looked like gardens opening to the woods, the majestic entrance lined with cypresses and the panorama from the valley. Reaching Poggio Antico gives an exciting feeling, even before tasting the wines. Visitors will immediately be in awe of the magnificent landscape and appreciate its exceptional beauty.
What were your first objectives?
I wanted to greatly enhance Poggio Antico’s incredible potential and take it to another level. Our initial operation focused on carefully analyzing the land and classify it into Units of Soil. We were aware of the extraordinary natural resources present in this area and the detailed analyses of the distinct pedoclimatic characteristics of each vineyard has allowed us to make better choices in terms of quality. The classification into Units of Soil required the complete reorganization of work in the vineyard and in the cellar.
And how about hospitality?
We have also greatly invested in this area. We worked with Droulers studio from Milan to develop the concept for the new Wine Shop. The final result is a modern space where visitors can purchase and taste wines. A place that harmoniously combines history and high-end design, in accordance with our company’s philosophy based on producing excellent quality and attention to detail. We will soon be renovating Le Martine and Madre. The former will become a dedicated space for special events, while the latter will turn into an exclusive accommodation facility. These projects will complete the 360° wine experience that we offer here at Poggio Antico.
What can we expect in terms of wine production?
We would like Poggio Antico to fully identify with Brunello. We are planning to completely plant our vineyards with Sangiovese. This native variety embodies Montalcino’s history, tradition and excellence: it represents who we are and what we stand for. Furthermore, the zoning operations that started in 2017 are yielding a new Brunello label: Vigna I Poggi, a “super cru” selected from the best Units of Soil in I Poggi, will be launched in 2024. We will also expand our production area and renovate the machineries present at Madre. And there are new projects in store for the cellar.
Can you tell us more about those projects?
We are considering the construction of a new production plant that is in complete harmony with the landscape and that makes use of gravity in all stages of winemaking. We are working on a new concept of integrated and sustainable winery, one that will further add value to the wines produced «on the highest hills of Brunello».