Chianti & Chianti Classico

Vernaiolo is one of the oldest members of the Rocca delle Macìe family and has always been the estate's most traditional example of Chianti. Its name is derived from the Latin vernāle, which means "of spring" and indicates the season in which the Chianti was bottled after it had survived the winter. Even today, this lively, ruby-red wine is ready to drink in the spring after the harvest and retains its fresh and fruity characteristics for a long time.

Fruity red with lots of dried berries and a hint of dried flowers and a touch of milk chocolate. Medium body, round tannins and a fresh finish. Delicious and very entertaining. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, fruity and delicious Chianti with cherries, raspberries and warm spices on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Round and juicy, with a velvety core of cherries and a satisfying finish." James Suckling

Fresh, fruity Chianti with a lot of esprit and drinking flow. Smells of cherries and redcurrants, harmoniously round on the palate with lively acidity and well-dosed tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

Strong ruby garnet, violet reflections and light rim. Correct, delicious, clear, fruity, juicy, spicy, original and yet modern. Beautiful dark berry fruit, delicate herbal spice and a hint of tobacco. This Chianti, from the inventor of Chianti and named after him, is worth every cent of its purchase price. SUPERIORE.DE

The Chianti Colli Senesi from Fattoria del Cerro is a dark, lively wine with beautiful fruit, minerality and leather flavours on the nose. Pleasantly round and balanced on the palate. A drinkywine with a certain sophistication. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried flowers, sour cherries and oranges on the nose. It’s juicy with medium body, easy tannins and zesty acidity." James Suckling

Rich blackberry fruit, spices and cherry stones on the nose and equally fruity on the palate. Lively cherries, raspberries and potpourri on the palate with a medium body, fresh acidity and firm tannins. Chianti Biskero from Salcheto is a juicy, open and cheerful wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Youthful and fragrant nose of wild cherries, raspberries, licorice and cinnamon. It’s medium-bodied, crunchy and firm." James Suckling

Vigna di Pallino offers an excellent quality-price ratio. Its bouquet shows the typical fruit and spice notes and a well-balanced acidity. Lively and buoyant on the palate, the primary aromas and juicy soft tannins correspond in beautiful balance and make this Sangiovese a wonderful companion to medium-bodied Tuscan cuisine. SUPERIORE.DE

Balanced Chianti Colli Senesi with plenty of sweet cherry and plum flavours balanced by spice and tobacco notes. The assertive tannins and good acidity and subtle salinity make the Berardenga a complex and very flavoursome version of the Senesi. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cherry, bitter almond, rose hip and iron aromas and flavors mark this taut red. A dense cluster of tannins emerges on the finish. Rustic in a good sense." Wine Spectator

"A well-crafted, juicy and delicious Chianti with aromas of cherries, currants and some anise on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Subtle texture with a bright and playful character and a flavorful, crunchy finish." James Suckling

Medium cherry red colour. Tobacco, leather and liquorice on the nose, with a beautiful cherry aroma on the palate, supported by a good acidity and tannin structure. An excellent interpretation of Sangiovese with a great value. SUPERIORE.DE

"A soft red whose core of dark cherry is accentuated by wood smoke and clay flavours. Balanced and fresh, this wine flows through to the long-lasting finish, in which the smoky note lingers." Wine Spectator

"Nose of fresh red berries, citrus peel and a hint of hibiscus. Medium-bodied, bright and refreshing, with dusty tannins and a crisp aftertaste." James Suckling

Intense ruby red colour. Harmonious interplay of fruit, barrel and spice flavours on the nose, hearty and engaging on the palate, reminiscent of dark fruit, violets and spices. Despite its seriousness, the final is full of warmth and elegance. As always with the completely organic-certified winery: top value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Olives, tomato leaves, mushrooms and cherry stones on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, nicely balanced and with tasty salty and savory undertones. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"This organic Classico made from a blend of Sangiovese and other red grape varieties shows all the typicality of the terroir. Beautiful freshness on the palate, which tastes of red mulberry, with a hint of pink pepper and marjoram. Salty on the palate, with a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

Dark, bright ruby red colour with a fine garnet rim. Opulent bouquet of sweet cherries, blackberries and plums. Full and juicy body with present fruit, soft, finely woven tannins and a medium-bodied, polished and long finish. Very delicate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright ruby red colour. Lots of ripe fruit on the nose, cherry and cassis, plus liquorice and earthy notes. Smooth on the palate with sweet fruit flavours, youthful, fine tannins, fresh through to the juicy finish." Falstaff

"Raspberries, sour cherries and walnuts on the nose. Some citrus peel. It’s crunchy, lively and tight, with a medium body and lightly grainy tannins." James Suckling

Rich, dark shimmering ruby colour. Open-hearted, dense bouquet of blackberry, plums and a delicate hint of clove in the background. Juicy flavour, shows supple tannins, spreads out beautifully. A great Chianti Classico every year with an exemplary price/quality ratio. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very clear flavour with crisp cherries, blackberries and sour cherries. Animating with good freshness, raspberry notes, polished tannins, precise, lean, vertical style." Weinwisser

"Brilliant ruby red with brightening edges. Animating aroma of cherry and blackberry, with a slight spiciness behind it. Juicy on the palate with stimulating acidity and length." Falstaff

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is a flavoursome, fruit-driven wine that can be drunk now and over the next few years. Juicy red cherries, spices, leather, tobacco, cedar and mint are beautifully brought to the fore. The 2022 has a lot of charm." Vinous

"The Barone Ricasoli 2022 Chianti Classico Brolio is a bright, perfumed wine where the primary fruit takes centre stage. There is a strong cherry theme that adds verve and accessibility to the bouquet. This beautiful wine also benefits from an elegant mineral tone that frames the light fruit. A small percentage of Colorino is added to this red wine made from Sangiovese." Wine Advocate

"A burst of pure cherry in both aroma and flavour underlines this elegant red wine, while pink and mineral notes add detail along with a subtle hint of white pepper. Charming and long on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A textbook Chianti Classico, offering a fragrant juxtaposition of damp earth and spring flowers on a well-padded background of redcurrants, cranberries and sour cherries. Tightly knit with an elegant frame of light, powdery tannins and firm, steely acidity. Very impressive indeed." Decanter

"Lively and floral nose with lots of berries, Mediterranean herbs and red flowers. Juicy and well-balanced, with a medium body and light, crisp tannins. Really fresh, pure and beautiful. This wine is medium-bodied, drinkable, and a little more length on the finish would certainly take it to the next level. Enjoy now." James Suckling

"One of the impeccable landmarks of its kind, it is both balanced and complex. The nose opens with aromas of pomegranate, then notes of star anise and sensations of rhubarb. The sip is iodised, with hints of small fruits and nuances of sweet spices, closing with nuances of undergrowth." Luca Gardini

Dark ruby red in colour. Opens with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spices and Spanish cedar. The delicate blackberry flavour is also very seductive on the palate, which in turn blends with tobacco, minerals and well-integrated wood. The final is fresh with pinpoint acidity and an intense, spicy length. The Chianti Classico from Poggio Bonelli is very attractive, stylish and in tune with the times every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Open and accessible nose with notes of plums, some smoke and vanilla in the background. Characterised by grippy tannins on the palate" Falstaff

"The Poggio Bonelli 2021 Chianti Classico shows a beautiful combination of candied cherries and powdery mineral notes. These are characteristics I often find in the Sangiovese wines that are best suited for a pizza or pasta night. This casual presentation hits the mark, offering plump dark fruit and good acidity to finish. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and leans slightly towards the more robust side of the spectrum." Wine Advocate

"Spiced cherries, wild berries and hints of liquorice, walnuts and wet stones. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. The aftertaste is toasty and cedary. Bright and concentrated." James Suckling

Rich ruby red colour. Bouquet of rose hips and ripe raspberries, juicy and gripping on the palate. For us, another beautiful facet of Chianti Classico, just as it should be: authentic, drinky and excellent value! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Briefly reductive on the nose, then opens up to lush wild berries and fine spice, with a slight hint of sage and dried ginger. Beautiful juiciness and compact fruit on the palate, savoury, comes in several layers, classic." Falstaff

"A juicy, fruity and bright Chianti Classico with wild berries, dried herbs and some dried flowers, developing into a medium body with fine tannins. Juicy yet structured and compact. Focused finish with excellent length." James Suckling

Very fine, finesse-rich Chianti Classico in organic quality with intense aromas of berries, red fruits and violets. Refined flavour, harmonious and spicy, the light tannins are velvety soft. This wine is pure drinking pleasure! SUPERIORE.DE

"An open, lacy version, whose cherry, strawberry, earth and Mediterranean scrub flavors are backed by a dense, tightly wound structure. Though balanced and long, this red will benefit from another year in bottle." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of red and dark berries with chocolate orange, spice box and wet stones. Juicy and racy with a medium body and velvety texture. Flavorful finish." James Suckling

Bright ruby red colour, open-hearted notes of cherry, raspberry and violet, paired with green pepper and cloves. Delicate on the palate, with a nice tang. Delicate, fine tannins, vivaciously supported by a fresh acidity structure with subtle extract sweetness, round off this incredibly authentic and juicy Tuscan experience. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Chianti Classico is a fine entry-level offering from San Felice. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, new leather and a kick of orange peel all grace this soft, open-knit red. Drink it over the next few years." Vinous

"A cool earthiness defines the nose, with aromas of flint, wild herbs and tart blackberries, and then umami notes of mushroom and balsamic. The palate brings cherries and more berries, but dusty, chewy tannins and notable acid emphasize that flinty earthiness, which continues to anchor the wine." Wine Enthusiast

Pèppoli is an entertaining, very relaxed red wine with a firm fan base. A sparkling, intense ruby colour with a slight garnet hue. The Pèppoli expresses its strong personality through its bouquet of ripe fruit with light mineral accents. The flavour spreads gently yet powerfully on the palate with lively tannins and a long finish. Very easy to drink, very classic and, incidentally, excellent value! SUPERIORE.DE

"Graceful and familiar, Pèppoli is like a cheerful postcard from the Chianti region. It enchants with shiny cherries, cinnamon and chopped basil. Accents of leather and smoky toast are appropriately restrained. On the palate, the fruit takes centre stage: stewed plums and blackberries meld effortlessly with light, supple tannins that bring just a hint of dust. Juicy on the finish." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Pèppoli 2022, Antinori's entry-level offering, is a fine start to the year that shows just how compelling this vintage can be. The 2022 is bright, floral and beautifully lifted and has class. The understated, refreshing style is so compelling." Vinous

"Balanced and moderately long, this bright, fruity red offers cherry, strawberry and light earth flavors in a charming, approachable profile." Wine Spectator

The Chianti Classico from Tenuta Sant' Alfonso is a sophisticated wine of authentic style: aromas of plums, dark cherries, clay, mushrooms and oregano. Medium-bodied with fine, creamy tannins and fresh acidity. Round and balanced with a velvety texture. Intense and multi-layered, followed by a long, smooth finish - everything in the right place! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red with slightly brightening edges. On the nose, hearty cherries, plums and violets, with a light white pepper aftertaste. Fruity on the palate, with fine tannins, savoury." Falstaff

"The intensely savory nose is full of cured meat, new leather and pencil lead, with zippy undertones of cranberry and hibiscus. The meatiness escalates on the palate, while pepper, fresh cherry and orange provide balance. Tannins are approachable, while the acidity is substantive enough to make itself known." Wine Enthusiast

"A firm and linear red with crushed stone to the cherry and chocolate character. Medium body. Lightly chewy finish. A little tight now at the end." James Suckling

Classic Chianti Classico from stainless steel tanks with a rich and intense bouquet of black cherries, fresh plums, menthol and liquorice. Full-bodied but not voluminous on the palate, very typical of Sangiovese. Clearly structured, pure in texture and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Noble, shiny ruby colour with a delicate garnet-red hue. Fine, dark nose of cherries clothed in chocolate, with a hint of clove and the scent of roses. Silky on entry, opens up nicely, fine tannins, precise fruit, fresh, persistent." Falstaff

"A hint of vanilla and nutmeg on the attack, plus a reductive flinty note. Strawberries and fleshy red cherries emerge on the palate; clean and good-natured with a cheerful juiciness and discreet tannins." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is a beautiful, open wine that can be drunk now and over the next few years. Crushed flowers, bright red fruit, chalk, mint and rose petals are some of the notes that adorn this breezy, medium-bodied Chianti Classico from Brancaia." Vinous

"This wine is bright and full of flavours of cherries, strawberries, flowers and earth, with a hint of wild herbs. Straightforward profile that firms up on the finish with dusty tannins." Wine Spectator

"A serious, structured and delicious Chianti Classico. The nose reveals notes of spiced cherries, warm herbs and baking spices. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy, with an attractive core of wild berries that brings energy and freshness to the mid-palate and spicy finish." James Suckling

Castellares Chianti Classico with refined aromas reminiscent of juicy sweet cherries, flowers and spices such as mint. Silky and polished on the palate, the final is long and creamy with a ripe cherry flavour. A radiant, seductive wine. SUPERIORE.DE

As always, the Chianti Classico La Selvanella Riserva presents itself as an exemplary wine. Deep, dark ruby red in colour. Complex aromas of ripe plums, raspberries, candied orange zest and hints of spice harmonise perfectly. Well-articulated and rich flavour with polished tannins, full-bodied and progressive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear aroma of ripe black berries and rose hips with dried floral and slightly herbal aromas, a hint of leather, some dark ethereal spice, tobacco ash and hints of herbs. Ripe, clear and firm, tart-juicy fruit, present, yet quite fine tannins, some smoke and toast on the palate, a certain acid bite, dried-vegetable to herbaceous tones, good persistence. Has power, but still a certain coolness, very good, firm finish with oregano." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Smells of graphite, dark berry fruit and fine earthy tones on the nose. Polished on the palate, with a juicy core and a clear fruit flavour, the tannins remain subtly in the background." Falstaff

"A fragrant red with a timid nose of blue fruit, dried herbs and some crushed stones and raspberries. Tightly wound and medium- to full-bodied with tender red fruit. Very compact, with an elegant rigidity that is very appealing. Pure Sangiovese from a single vineyard in Radda in Chianti, which is one of the highest villages in Chianti Classico. This is already drinkable, but I would love to revisit it in a couple of years." James Suckling

Blackberries, raspberries, tomato leaves, lemon peel and bark on the nose. Also some tar and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with fine, slightly chunky tannins. Beautiful character of rose petals. Fresh and mineral on the finish, very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Youthful nose of raspberry, cassis and mint, with a tobacco and smoky aftertaste. Surprisingly dense on the palate with chocolaty nuances, juicy, pleasant tannins, persistent fruit." Falstaff

"Brilliant carmine red colour. Concentrated and deep cherry nose and luscious, tangy cherry palate, with a helping of firm tannins on the finish to give grip. Immediately, a little rich and delicious. Just a tiny bit of spiciness on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Here is an easy-drinking entry-level wine from a winery that maintains a classic approach to all of its fine wines. The Castello di Monsanto 2022 Chianti Classico offers very bright and vibrant fruit with forest-fresh raspberries and blueberries giving this wine a particularly charming profile. It shows a primary intensity with sweet fruit and without being affected by excessive ageing." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is forward, juicy and very easy to like. A burst of dark red fruit, spice, cedar and leather makes a strong statement at the start. Although the 2022 doesn't offer the nuance of most vintages, it makes up for it with its charming, inviting personality." Vinous

"Ripe and juicy, this red wine begins with flavours of cherries, raspberries and flowers, underlined by iron and wild undergrowth. It firms up on the finish and shows a pleasant astringency." Wine Spectator

"The youthful violet colour suggests a healthy dash of Colorino. Deep red cherries and wild strawberries are infused with fragrant Mediterranean herbs and a distinct note of orange blossom. The palate is richly filled with tangy, tart berries infused with light, grainy tannins that add nuance to the texture. A hint of pepper and a savoury saltiness whet the appetite." Decanter

"Fresh, racy strawberries, red cherries and a hint of pastry and pomegranates on the nose. On the palate, it is firm and expressive, with beautifully chewy tannins and a medium body. Plenty of berry fruit in its elegant, long finish. Drink now or keep." James Suckling

"A cornerstone of the Classico, a label with precise and impeccable workmanship. On the nose, red mulberry, hints of rhubarb and eucalyptus, with a touch of black pepper. The mouthfeel is intense, with ionised tannins. Closes with a hint of undergrowth and balsamic notes. Great length." Luca Gardini

Medium, bright ruby red colour. The bouquet and flavour are dominated by interesting notes of fresh cut flowers, sweet red berries, liquorice, mint, pine and cedar wood. As the wine progresses, the Chianti Classico reveals a marvellous precision and spiciness, which is enveloped by a well-measured extract sweetness. The overall impression is one of grace and an open-hearted style, which impresses with all its components and not least with its typical Radda Sangiovese freshness from the high altitudes of the Chianti Classico. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Multi-faceted nose, pleasant cherry and blueberry fruit, followed by pepper and tobacco. The fruit also predominates on the palate, paired with stimulating acidity and a mineral finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Chianti Classico is a lovely wine from Volpaia. Aromatic, light on its feet and gracious, the Chianti Classico here is a consistently fine example of Radda. Clean mineral notes shape this bright, taut offering. A burst of red fruit, chalk, white pepper and mint lingers on the finish." Vinous

"A delicious, well-rounded and velvety Chianti Classico with aromas of strawberries, raspberries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins and texture. Juicy and velvety with elegance and a pure character. Fresh and delicious finish." James Suckling

Open-hearted, very appealing bouquet of tart berry fruit, forest floor, bitter almond, blue flowers and grilled herbs. The palate has the typical Sangiovese profile of bright red berries, with wonderfully integrated acidity and freshness. A classic from Castellina in Chianti, rich in finesse every year and unbeatable with white meat dishes and sugos. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby colour with a brightening rim. Pronounced, savoury bouquet of fully ripe cherry, black pepper, a hint of coffee and rose petal. Velvety tannins on the palate, fresh fruit, lively acidity and a persistent finish." Falstaff

"The Mazzei 2022 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is always a solid choice on the wine list, offering fresh cherries and blueberries along with varietal tones of sweet earth and orris root. The wine is 90% Sangiovese with smaller proportions of Malvasia Nera and Colorino. It matures for 12 months in oak. This medium-bodied red wine shows good intensity and silky tannins." Wine Advocate

"The 2022 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is a great, elegant wine - one of the best 2022s I've tasted. Silky, layered and super-expressive, it's class from start to finish. The ripeness of the year is evident, but the 2022 retains a good amount of freshness to play off its overt dark red/purple-coloured fruit. It is impeccably made." Vinous

"A lively, juicy and composed Chianti Classico with aromas of wild berries, dried flowers, thyme and warm spices with a slightly dry tone. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins and fresh acidity. Bright and agile, with a lively centre on the palate and a tactile, driving finish." James Suckling