The three estates that define Marilisa Allegrini

With estates in three of Italy’s most prestigious regions, Marilisa Allegrini has built a portfolio that surpasses the promise of her family’s winemaking history.

You would expect Marilisa Allegrini to be well versed in the wines of Valpolicella. For starters, there is that name. As part of a family dynasty stretching back to the 16th century, she has spent her entire life in the vineyards and wineries of north Italy. There is also the question of experience: with more than four decades in the trade, there is not much you could teach her about Italian wine.

Yet, even considering such an illustrious background, Marilisa has forged her own path. Initially, her work in the Valpolicella region is so impactful that it earned her the nickname ‘Lady Amarone’. She was promoting the region internationally as it took off in the 1980s, and by the 1990s she was at the forefront of Valpolicella’s break into the international fine wine scene.

Her ambitions, however, were larger. Now the head of her eponymous group, she has three properties that encompass three of Italy’s most notable winegrowing regions. A project of the last 25 years, it has marked her as a force to be reckoned with, famous name or no.

Moreover, she has made excellence her hallmark. Accolades have come in thick and fast – she was the first Italian woman to appear on the cover of Wine Spectator magazine (in 2017) and was named a Cavaliere del Lavaro (knight of the Order of Merit for Labour) in 2020.

Her wines, likewise, have earned appreciable acclaim. In this year’s Drinks Business Autumn Tasting, her wine Sondraia was named Grand Master – the best red of the contest.

Marking the impressive achievement, db looks at the three estates that have secured her place in the Italian wine pantheon.

2001: Poggio al Tesoro

Sondraia comes from Poggio al Tesoro, the Bolgheri estate in the group. It has a special place not only for its quality: this was the first estate of the trio for Marilisa.

In 2001, she acquired 100 hectares of land and founded the estate. Poggio el Tesoro is one of the largest estates in the area, with its 70 hectares of vineyards spanning from the foothills to the some approaching the coast.

Sondraia is the flagship wine, named after Le Sondraie, the largest plot of the estate and the first vineyard that Marilisa purchased. Its blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc is quintessentially Bolgheri – a prime example of the Super Tuscan style that launched the region’s international reputation.

It is far from the only standout wine, however. Il Seggio, a Bolgheri Rosso, leads with Merlot in its blend, offering a lively and precise take on the region’s terroir. Meanwhile, Dedicato a Walter shows the potential of pure Cabernet Franc in the region: it also won a Master medal at the Autumn Tasting.

The region is not just a story of Bordeaux varieties, however. The range of whites from Poggio al Tesoro includes pure Viognier and pure Vermentino. There is also a rosé, and even a passito Petit Manseng for those with a sweet tooth.

2007: San Polo

If Bolgheri is the more modern face of Tuscany, then Montalcino is a traditional stalwart that needs little introduction. In 2007, Marilisa acquired San Polo, an estate in the denomination’s southeast, that has 16 hectares of vineyards.

The medieval fortress, winding lanes and indeed the Sangiovese vines speak to the heritage of the Tuscan region. Yet San Polo is no relic.

Its winery was designed according to the principles of bio-architecture, using the latest thinking to minimise environmental impact while crafting artisanal wines. Since 2015, the estate has also tapped into the growing market for terroir-specific expressions.

Hence the range is led by two Brunello di Montalcino crus. Vignavecchia, a steep hillside planted with 27-year-old vines on limestone and clay, has a profile of ripe red fruit, violet and forest floor nuances. Podernovi, on the other hand, is a southeast-facing cru that has some of the oldest soils in the region. It has a notably floral character, alongside red fruits and subtle spice.

The remainder of the range is less specific, but no less impressive. It runs the gamut from Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG to Rosso di Montalcino DOCG to IGT Sangiovese, including unusual expressions such as an amphora-aged example. Although much of the estate’s production is rooted in history, the team at San Polo is pushing forward Montalcino production with its considered approach.

2008: Villa Della Torre

There are not favourites in the trio of estates, but Villa Della Torre undeniably has an emotional pull beyond that of the other two.

It is the group’s home in Valpolicella. More than that, in buying the estate, Marilisa fulfilled a childhood dream. As a young girl, she would explore the rooms of the Veneto villa, marvelling at its famous fireplaces, and then walk the vineyards with her father. Now, she is in charge of them.

From the 10 hectare vineyard garden, the Brolo of Villa Della Torre, the winery team crafts two emblematic wines of the Valpolicella denomination. The Valpolicella Classico Superiore is an expression led by fresh raspberry and spice, made largely from Corvinone. The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is, of course, a richer expression, full of wild black cherry aromas and mature tannins.

The range is not limited, however, to the famous wines of Valpolicella. It has taken an outward-facing approach with its Peaks & Valleys brand.

These wines explore the landscapes of the Veneto beyond the estate’s walls, It comprises a Valpolicella Classico, a Lugana and two Soave Classico expressions.

Although the Villa della Torre is still the beating heart of the operation – indeed, it is the headquarters of the Marilisa Allegrini Group – it demonstrates Marilisa’s appetite to explore widely in the region.

Then again, that should be no surprise; over the past 25 years, exploring Italy’s viticultural diversity has become her hallmark.

Sondraia 2021 was named Grand Master at The Drinks Business Autumn Tasting 2025. Below, Patricia Stefanowicz MW offers her take on the wine.

Poggio al Tesoro Sondraia Bolgheri Superiore DOC 2021

 

• Producer: Poggio al Tesoro
• Region: Tuscany
• Country: Italy
• Grape varieties: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
• ABV: 15%
• Approx. retail price: £75

A brilliant Super Tuscan, comprising the usual Bordeaux suspects, the wine is aged in French oak barriques for 18 months. Deep ruby-coloured with a cherry-hued rim, the wine is just beginning to develop. Earthy, with lovely blackcurrant, blackberry and dark plum fruit, accented by cedar wood and notes of crushed roses and violets. Dry, sweet-fruited, the palate has racy acidity and linen-textured tannins framing the flavours. Beautifully integrated, the wine develops across the palate, giving layers of flavour and an intriguing note of Indian spices adding complexity on the lingering finish. Exciting to match grilled sweetbreads with mustard seed glaze.

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