Falstaff - West Coast Tuscany

Grottolo Rosato has a rich pink colour, a delicate red winey bouquet and a juicy taste of wild berries and peach with a pleasantly balanced acidity. Spicy and fresh, compact, with a remarkably fresh flavour on the palate and a beautiful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of Sangiovese with plenty of Ciliegiolo and Montepulciano, tinged with roses and fresh raspberries; creamy in the mouth, the acidity accompanies the evolution into a lingering berry-floral final." Vinum

"Bright, luminous old rose colour. Pleasant aroma of raspberry, wild strawberry and cherry. Fresh on the palate with pleasantly noticeable tannins and a medium, fruity finish." Falstaff

"It is bright and red-fruited with notes of sour cherries, pomegranate peel and flowers. Medium-bodied, supple and structured, with a refreshing, citrusy finish." James Suckling

Classic Vermentino from the Montecucco region: intensely floral, fruity bouquet with clear notes of hawthorn, green apple, grapefruit and white peach. Fresh and juicy on the palate, the elegant acidity opens up a beautiful fan, then salty notes in the well-proportioned final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Convinces with its refreshing bouquet of elderflower and pineapple; classic style, fine Mediterranean flavour, beautiful polish, balanced through to the animating finish." Vinum

"Bright straw yellow colour with brightening edges. Pleasant aroma of quince, apple and citrus fruit on the nose. Crisp and juicy on the palate with fine fruit flavours and a medium finish." Falstaff

"Fern and sage-like, restrained herbaceous character with mirabelle plum fruit. Light body with crisp acidity and a silky texture. Spicy, very well integrated and persistent." James Suckling

Wonderfully balanced and delicious rosato: silky, with beautiful wild berry fruit and a beguiling harmony - Cassiopea is an ideal aperitif and, with its slightly salty note, goes perfectly with light fish and vegetable dishes and bruschetta. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light salmon pink with onion-coloured nuances. Grapefruit and orange zest on the nose, underpinned by fine herbal spice. Lively acidity and pleasant juiciness on the palate with a slightly salty finish." Falstaff

"Pale golden pink. Bursting at the seams with juicy tangerine, watermelon, salty grapefruit, crisp nectarine and bursting with energy and fresh fruit. Beautiful long backbone of cold chalk. Great structure. Really, really good. Super-appetising." Jancis Robinson

"Refreshing, red-fruited character with notes of raspberries, nectarines and a hint of cherry blossom. Medium-bodied, crisp and crunchy with good length and intensity. Well made and focused." James Suckling

Bright yellow organic Vermentino with a small proportion of Grechetto. The idea came from Maurizio Castelli, who also advises the Barberani winery in Umbria. Maurizio Castelli creates this marvellous white wine from the Tuscan coast from a traditional, local blend based on a historical model and always picks the grapes quite late. The nose has a bright aroma of apple, pear, flint and a certain exoticism. Complex and full on the palate, the rich flavour is accompanied by an invigorating, fresh acidity right through to the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense straw yellow colour. Pleasant aroma of ripe fruit, honey and wild herbs on the nose. Fine acidity on the palate, firm structure, great citrus notes and final lingering final." Falstaff

"This wine is waxy and citrusy with notes of dried lemons, savoury herbs and hints of tropical fruit and caramel. Juicy and racy with a medium body. Firm and a little phenolic, with crisp, energetic acidity." James Suckling

Independent, full of character and radiant - an almost exotic white wine from the noble Bolgheri DOC appellation. Smells of flowers, peach, mint and melon and reveals the mineral richness of the ancient Vermentino grape variety and the wonderfully fresh gooseberry flavour of Sauvignon Blanc on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with golden yellow nuances. Fresh and inviting bouquet of cut grass, citrus fruit and green apple. On the palate with a beautiful fruit melt, invigorating acidity and above-average length." Falstaff

"You can taste the sea here, with salt and umami undertones to the grapefruit and dried-apple character. Medium body. Creamy finish with a touch of bitter citrus." James Suckling

Solosole is a West Tuscan Vermentino in its purest form and shines with a rich, full-bodied flavour as well as a beautiful spiciness and acidity. Candied lime, ginger, passion fruit and crushed rocks are beautifully emphasised in this crisp, exotic Vermentino. The unusual flavour profile makes Solosole a delicious and serious white wine that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with dinner. One of our absolute favourites. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with a sparkling centre. Crisp fruit on the nose of nectarine and grapefruit, with light mineral notes on the finish. Taut on the palate, with plenty of tension, very present, compact fruit core, also slightly full-bodied." Falstaff

"Honeysuckle and lemon verbena on the nose, followed by apricot, pineapple and Meyer lemon, the acidity pulsates like an electric current. The fine-grained texture winds around and through the penetrating purity of the fruit, giving the wine an astonishing length. And then there is a silky finish that tingles with heather, thyme and white pepper. An infinitely superior Vermentino." Jancis Robinson

"Fresh and characterful Vermentino, with notes of apples, white peaches, raw almonds and peach pits. Lots of flowers too. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and structured with good volume and delicious fruit. Dry, juicy and mineral with a lingering finish. A hint of liquorice." James Suckling

Occhione is a racy, fresh cuvée made from 90% Vermentino and 10% Viognier. Bright light yellow in colour with greenish reflections. Fine notes of peach, mango and grapefruit on the nose, medium-bodied on the palate with floral, fruity notes and well-balanced acidity. Overall, a lively and elegant wine that not only goes perfectly with fine Mediterranean fish dishes, but also brings the typical Maremma maquis into the glass. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow with silver-grey tendencies. Fresh nose of crisp apple, citrus fruit and warm grass. Full-bodied on the palate, with concentrated fruit at the core, animating acidity and a lovely persistent finish." Falstaff

Pure Cabernet Sauvignon from Barbara Widmer's Maremma estate. Deep, dark ruby red in colour, with an animating aroma of dark berries, coffee, cocoa, eucalyptus and spices on the nose. Notes of green pepper, fine sweetness and juiciness on the palate. The tannins are polished and pave the way for a long, racy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, very dense ruby colour with a light sheen. Open nose with black cherry, plum jam, followed by some undergrowth and leather. Full-bodied palate, wide-ranging acidity, taut tannins. Good palate pressure with tension, retronasal sour cherry, long-lasting, slightly acidic finish." Falstaff

"This wine is very pure and delicious, with notes of dark and blue fruits, crushed stones and spice box. Medium-bodied with firm but very fine tannins and a juicy mid-palate. Already very attractive. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"The 2022 No. 2 is packed with blackberries, chocolate, cloves, liquorice and espresso. This friendly, racy Maremma red wine has a lot of appeal to offer. Soft contours round it off. " Vinous

Rich bouquet of sweet red berries, balsamic notes, fine flavours of tobacco and chocolate. Very harmonious on the palate of dark cherries, flatteringly full flavour, perfectly balanced tannins, fresh acidity and good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable ruby red with violet reflections. Pickled plum and amarena on the nose, followed by mocha, clove and tobacco. Balanced on the palate with velvety tannins and lively flavour, long-lasting." Falstaff

"A fresh, expressive red that also shows tension and adds energy to its blackcurrant, cherry, liquorice and cedar flavours. Graphite and savoury accents add detail on the long, tightly wound finish." Wine Spectator

"Very aromatic, with flavours of raspberries, orange peel and flowers. Beautiful transparency. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Drinkable now, but better from 2026." James Suckling

40 years after acquiring the Montalcino branch Campogiovanni, the Tuscan flagship winery San Felice, which belongs to the Allianz insurance group, has decided on a further expansion called Bell'Aja. In the Bolgheri locality of Le Sondraie, 6 hectares of vineyards with clayey-sandy soils were selected, where mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were planted over 12 years ago. There are only two wines from this new Bell'Aja appellation, Bolgheri Rosso and Bolgheri Rosso Superiore.

Bright purple in colour, the bouquet is full of dark forest berries. The palate is then full of harmony with a delicate acidity and soft, very enveloping tannins. A warm, flattering red with a profile that fully lives up to its noble origins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby colour with purple hues. Intense on the nose, with notes of blackberries and blueberries, dark chocolate, leather and cedar. Powerful and gripping on the palate, with compact fruit, tightly woven tannins and a lingering finish." Falstaff

"A fruity red wine with aromas and flavours of plums, redcurrants and tobacco. A hint of walnuts. It is medium-bodied, creamy and balanced. Excellent drinkability." James Suckling

Lots of fullness and personality in the elegant aroma of lush fruit with spicy, toasty accents, notes of cherry, plum, herbs and undergrowth. The flavour is rich in contrast and full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins, well-balanced acidity and a fruity, berry finish. This powerful Morellino Riserva still needs some time to show its best side. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright cherry red with a ruby red centre. Intense aroma of violets, raspberries and strawberries, reminiscent of mandarin mint on the finish. Spans the palate with gentle pressure, showing juicy berry fruit and fine herbal notes, with a beautiful acidity and fine tannins on the final." Falstaff

"Promising raspberry bouquet, fine spice and violet notes; flawlessly built with tightly woven tannins, invigorating acidity, finishes on flavours of forest fruits and spices. With game birds." Vinum

Rich ruby red colour, with a delicate woody note on the nose resulting from the fact that around 45% of the wine is aged for a short time in barriques. Fresh aroma of cherries, dense, pithy flavour with good structure and length. The tannins are still strong, but by no means aggressive. A wine with a strong personality from Antinori's Tenuta di Biserno winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby-coloured core with a delicate rim. Delicate bouquet of blackcurrant, ripe plum, some nutmeg and a hint of mocha. Silky on the palate, persistent and harmonious with concentrated fruit, freshness and tightly woven tannins." Falstaff

A convincing and racy cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, as well as small parts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot with a marvellous bouquet of dark cherries, leather, mocha and lavender. Multi-layered and powerful on the palate with a cornucopia of spice and dark fruit. Well-structured tannins flank the extremely flavourful and expressive finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark, ruby-red centre with a delicate rim. Initially shows earthy notes on the nose, then cassis, plum and toasted wood. Full-bodied fruit on the palate with velvety tannins, balanced and persistent through to the juicy finish." Falstaff

"Smooth and expressive, with aromas of blackcurrants, black cherries and blackberries as well as hints of liquorice, iron and rosemary. This red wine is taut, with firm tannins that give it a compact finish." Wine Spectator

"The popular Marchesi Antinori 2022 Bolgheri Rosso Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that offers generous black fruit, plum, black prune, spice and light toasty flavours. On the palate, the wine tapers to a medium-weight texture. This hot vintage reveals ripe fruit characteristics with soft tannins and an approachable style." Wine Advocate

The elegant blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot surprises with its aroma full of purity and intensely aromatic fruit flavour. Elegance and finesse trump muscle in Turpino, a wine that is always light on its feet. Fermentation in wooden barrels and ageing in barriques lend the spicy, balsamic notes of the grape blend a softness, a fine frame and a beguilingly long finish on the palate. With its tangy acidity balancing the ripe fruit, Turpino manages to be generous and restrained at the same time, making it a great accompaniment to Mediterranean meat dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, dark ruby red colour. Captivating nose with aromas of black cherry, tobacco and ebony, also some iodine. On the palate, with a good length, young but fine tannins, lots of chocolate, still needs time, lots of potential." Falstaff

"Infused with plum, cherry and blackberry fruit, this well-balanced red wine is soft in texture. Hints of Mediterranean scrub, iron, earth and tobacco complete the flavour profile. The finish is fresh and long." Wine Spectator

"Lots of black liquorice and aniseed with blackberries and blueberries. Medium-bodied with very refined and polished tannins that run the length of the wine. Crisp, firm and juicy. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot. Needs time to mellow, but is very nice." James Suckling

"The Turpino 2020, which I tasted from the barrel last year, has developed wonderfully. The 2020 is rich, multi-layered and expansive and captivates from the very first sip. The blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot is very well done. The Syrah contains some whole bunches (50%), another good choice that works very well. All the elements are very harmonious. This is another fabulous wine from Querciabella." Vinous

With Cifra, star oenologist Luca D'Attoma has vinified a wonderfully agile and elegant Cabernet Franc. Dark ruby purple in colour, with a deep aroma and notes of blackberries and liquorice. Rich fruit on the palate with firm tannins and a mineral final. A delight from the Tuscan coast from biodynamic (Demeter) cultivation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Gently shimmering ruby red colour. Dark and deep on the nose, of blackcurrant, blackberry, also smoky, with a hint of cinnamon. Velvety texture on the palate with concentrated fruit on tightly woven tannins right into the long finish." Falstaff

"A fresh and delicious Cabernet Franc with blackcurrant and notes of lemon blossom and light stones. It is medium-bodied and crisp with a delicious and energetic finish." James Suckling

Here comes a great and completely underrated wine from the Tuscan coastal region. Tenuta Belguardo Riserva is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, with 70% of the wine aged for 18 months in new French oak. It is matured in cement barrels before being bottled. The bouquet is broad with dark fruits, spices and toasted oak that are well integrated and elegant. Fresh on the palate with still young but fine tannins, it opens up very well, with elegant, precise fruit and plenty of potential. Everything hits the right note here! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark shimmering ruby colour at the core, fine rim. Elegant and multi-layered nose of dark chocolate, ripe blackberries, coffee and a touch of sealing wax. Spans the palate with a velvety texture, firm tannins, concentrated fruit and a round, long finish." Falstaff

"Sweet vanilla oak and rich blueberry fruit with herbal notes, juicy and powerful with woody notes and length." Decanter

"A perfect balance between freshness and ripeness with aromas of cassis, tobacco, pencil shavings, dark cherries and black olives on the nose. It is juicy and medium to full-bodied with fresh tannins and a long, fruit-driven finish adorned with some fine spices." James Suckling

Piastraia fully lives up to the classic image of a great and delicate Bolgheri Rosso Superiore. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller portions of Merlot and Sangiovese, it fills the glass with its intense aroma of fruit and a hint of leather flavours. The flavour is powerful, concentrated and pure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Promising bouquet of blueberries and cherries, also sandalwood, liquorice and flowers; the tannins are powdery, the acidity skilfully integrated, combines race, juiciness and a lot of melting and at the same time not at all pretentious, but very drinkable." Vinum

"Dark and full ruby colour. Open, elegant bouquet of blackberry, underlaid with spicy notes of liquorice, leather and undergrowth. Powerful on the palate, round, juicy and easy to drink. The tannins are well integrated, retronasal black cherry and chocolate, long final." Falstaff

"A firm and compact red wine that shows walnuts, dried herbs, loam, black fruit and cedar on the nose. It is full-bodied, polished and compact, with firm but fine-grained tannins. Roasted walnut notes on the long finish." James Suckling

"The core flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry and pomegranate are overlaid with notes of mint, violet, iron and toasted oak. This red wine is dense and rich, with a matrix of polished tannins in support. The balance and finish are outstanding." Wine Spectator

Prima Pietra is the flagship wine of the small Maremma branch of Castiglion del Bosco. The grapes come from what is probably the highest vineyard site on the Costa Toscana, 450 metres above sea level. Bright ruby red in colour with violet hues. Inviting spicy notes on the nose, finely characterised, with lots of dark berries and some dark chocolate, very profound. Full of tension on the palate, shows good density, with lots of fine-meshed tannins, polished, but also juicy, present fruit. Very precise progression into the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark, ruby-red centre with a delicate rim. Deep and seductive nose of dark chocolate, blackberry compote and cherry jam, on ebony. Polished attack, with precise fruit, on a tightly woven tannin structure, harmonious and persistent." Falstaff

Scenario is Argentiera's new top-quality Vermentino from the Bolgheri DOC. The grapes were matured in equal parts in ceramic eggs (clayvers) and long barrique barrels (cigars). Fine nutty notes and the aroma of pale green apples emerge in the glass, accompanied by floral notes with a hint of lime and melon peel. Beautiful texture, mouth-filling, taut freshness with citrus and orange flavours. A delicious wine both young and with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Vermentino, animates with its suppleness, but also the harmony of finesse and above all fruitiness, discreetly supported by a ripe acidity and pleasant balsamic notes." Vinum

"Sparkling, light golden yellow colour. Delicate, finely characterised bouquet of lemon zest, yellow peach, plus notes of wet stone and a hint of nutmeg. Velvety texture on the palate, with a delicate grip and invigorating acidity, juicy and persistent through to the mineral finish." Falstaff

"A multi-layered and very pretty Vermentino with sliced pears and green apples with a little lemongrass. Full-bodied, but not heavy. Hints of lime and minerals. Aromatic finish. Matured in clay ceramic vessels and small cigar-shaped barrels." James Suckling

Dark ruby purple in colour, with a blackcurrant aroma and an outstanding length, firm tannins, fine extract sweetness and a pronounced spicy note on the final. We are excited to see what elegant heights this great Tuscan Merlot will reach in the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, ruby-red core, with a brightening rim. Dark, fleshy fruit on the nose of blackberry, black cherry, on ebony, pipe tobacco, juniper. Soft and creamy on the palate, juicy fruit coated in chocolate, firm tannins, long finish." Falstaff

"This red wine is decidedly fruity with aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, plums, liquorice, cedar wood and oak spices. A smooth version with excellent balance and a long aftertaste. Shows just enough grip to give it weight." Wine Spectator

Since Guidalberto has been vinified from its own grapes, most of which also grow in the Sassicaia DOC monopoly position, San Guido's "second wine" has grown beyond itself. Spicy, earthy bouquet with hints of tobacco, clove and lavender, dense and juicy on the palate with fresh red and black berry fruit. The tannins are well balanced and the finish is complex with a majestic elegance that will become even more refined with years of ageing in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Guidalberto is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and has its own vines, some of which are inside and some outside the Sassicaia DOC. A very subtle wine with ripe, charming fruit and a velvety texture. It is more elegant and refined than before." Weinwisser

"Gently shining ruby red colour. Multi-layered bouquet, opens on ripe wild berries, redcurrant, notes of juniper, cedar and black pepper, a touch of lilac. Silky attack, precise fruit on very well-integrated, fine tannins, elegant and with gentle pressure in the long final." Falstaff

"The 2022 is full of aromas of herbs and sea breeze amid bright, tangy berries. In the mouth, it is savoury and precise, with a juiciness to the concentrated core of plums and black berries and a gracefulness to the tannin and acidity structures that weave through it. Juicy and incredibly flavoursome, with a wonderfully ripe red berry finish, this wine really stands on its own two feet." Decanter

"Lots of mint with sage and fresh rosemary to go with the redcurrants and oranges on the nose, as well as some ripe raspberries. The palate is very refined with creamy and crisp tannins that run the length of the wine. It shows a crisp and energetic personality. It should be given another year or two to develop, but it is already very good for the vintage." James Suckling

"The Guidalberto 2022 gives you a good taste of the same DNA that gives us one of Italy's greatest wines, Sassicaia, but it is offered here in a more immediate style. This warm vintage opens with a medium-dark concentration and very powerful aromas that immediately remind you of blackberries and blackcurrants lying in the sun at the farmers' market. The wine shows a soft and gentle side with a nice level of elegance conveyed by the freshness of the fruit and the slight oak spice that is noticeable here, but with grace." Wine Advocate

"This red wine is elegant, despite its firm structure and dense tannins. The flavours of black cherry, blackcurrant, plum, tobacco, iron and rosemary hold court, with all components balanced. The finish is long, with a salty flavour." Wine Spectator

Poggio Alle Gazze is a very elegant Sauvignon Blanc with a large amount of Vermentino and small amounts of Viognier, Verdicchio and Semillon. Fabulous flavours of flowers, pineapple, peach and a little mint. Refined and expressive on the palate, well-structured and wonderfully long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium straw yellow with light golden reflections. Intense and present on the nose of elderflower, sage, citrus and pineapple. Juicy and full-bodied on the palate with beautiful freshness, present fruit, slightly salty notes and good tension." Falstaff

"The 2022 Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia, composed of 53% Sauvignon Blanc, 37% Vermentino, 6% Viognier, 2% Verdicchio and 2% Semillon, is fragrant and fresh with aromas of lemongrass, sweet sage, honey and green apple floating high in the glass. Pretty mineral notes of flint and gravel round it off. A tart, beautifully drinkable white wine." Wine Advocate

"Expressive aromas and flavours of elderflower, passion fruit, gooseberry and chives combine with the silky texture of this balanced and seamless white wine, which has floral and grapefruit accents on the finish. Wine Spectator

"Lots of sliced grapefruit with lemon peel and aniseed. Medium body. Lively. Shows beautiful brightness." James Suckling