It’s a year-end finale with fireworks for the Marilisa Allegrini Group, called to showcase the excellence of Poggio al Tesoro—a winery that in 2026 will celebrate its 25th anniversary—through a U.S. market tour that, under the banner of Dedicato a Walter, will ideally connect the New York Wine Experience by Wine Spectator to the upcoming edition of OperaWine. The iconic red wine from the Bolgheri-based estate, with its 2021 vintage named Best Cabernet Franc by DoctorWine and already awarded Tre Bicchieri by Gambero Rosso and Cinque Grappoli by Bibenda, is rising to prominence in critics’ reviews and has been selected among the Italian labels featured in the showcase that, as tradition dictates, will inaugurate Vinitaly.
“The recognition from top Italian and international expert panels honors Dedicato a Walter,” said Marilisa Allegrini, Cavaliere del Lavoro and president of the namesake group. “We are looking at a true oenological excellence, capable of enhancing Poggio al Tesoro, the entire Bolgheri region, and a grape variety that, when vinified in purity, expresses its finest potential here. This wine, which will be our flagship at the New York Wine Experience and OperaWine, is especially dear to me because of the name it bears: that of my brother Walter, who, together with me, passionately pursued the Tuscan adventure”.
From the New York Wine Experience to OperaWine: Poggio al Tesoro’s Pure Cabernet Franc Dedicato a Walter Captivates International Critics
From the Wine Spectator’s New York Wine Experience to the announcement of OperaWine, passing through the Best Cabernet Franc award from DoctorWine, the Tre Bicchieri from Gambero Rosso, and the Cinque Grappoli from Bibenda: the end of 2025 marks the grand consecration of Dedicato a Walter, the signature red of Poggio al Tesoro.
It’s the perfect prelude to what promises to be a memorable year for the Bolgheri winery of the Marilisa Allegrini Group, which in 2026 will celebrate its 25th anniversary—a milestone that not only marks the history of a company but also the affirmation of a visionary project born from a deep love for a great terroir and destined, from the outset, to leave a lasting mark on the industry.
An endeavor born from the shared vision of Marilisa Allegrini and her brother Walter, and carried forward by her with determination and passion after his untimely passing.
As mentioned, the celebrations begin even before the new year: a crescendo of accolades is now consecrating Poggio al Tesoro, making its Dedicato a Walter, a pure Cabernet Franc, an undisputed protagonist on the global wine stage.
For the first time, Poggio al Tesoro has been selected and invited to participate in the Wine Spectator’s New York Wine Experience, one of the most prestigious wine events in the world, kicking off this weekend. Another announcement came recently from Chicago, where the Bolgheri winery was named among the featured producers of OperaWine 2026, the showcase that opens Vinitaly and brings together the finest Italian labels selected by Wine Spectator.
Two debuts—and two milestones—that confirm the appreciation of international critics, validating the path built over the years with passion and expertise, and once again affirming the entrepreneurial courage and appeal of Marilisa Allegrini.
It’s a hot autumn for Poggio al Tesoro, matching the successes achieved in Italy, where in recent weeks Dedicato a Walter 2021 was named Best Cabernet Franc by DoctorWine and received Tre Bicchieri from Gambero Rosso and Cinque Grappoli from Bibenda.
