Falstaff

The red Archineri from Nerello Mascalese grapes is full of character and elegance. A very refined bouquet of redcurrants and wild berries, with a hint of dog rose, stone fruit and ethereal aromas. Very exquisite, very juicy, flavoursome and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"A herbaceous, spicy bouquet with Mediterranean culinary herbs such as sage and oregano, followed by floral accents of rose petals and peonies. On the palate, it is compact and almost sparse with a linear structure, which is reinforced by the earthy-mineral character and the supporting tannins, with the typical salty smokiness and fine red fruit on the juicy final." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Somewhat closed on the nose, delicate flint with red berry fruit. Barren and stony on the palate, shows a fine saltiness, very young, yet harmonious and balanced, constantly juicy on the final, beautiful length." Falstaff

"A floral, herbaceous bouquet with notes of sage, oregano, tomatoes, roses and peonies. On the palate, a dash of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of pepper add further nuances to the waltz of savoury herbs and flowers. The tannins emphasise the earthiness, while the acidity introduces a fruity element that is both sweet and tart." Wine Enthusiast

"An evolutionary nose of dried roses, figs and baked plums leads to a palate with lively acidity and a hint of rosewater. Exotic, bazaar-like flavours, rich exotic fruit minerality and charming floral fruitiness. Delicate smoke, round texture, fine tannins, juicy bitter cherry finish. Slightly tart." Decanter

"Ripe, spicy nose for an Etna Rosso with lots of orange peel, white pepper, cloves and mandarins. Also some stones and sage. Firm and full-bodied with a mineral texture that lightly coats the palate. Broad-shouldered tannins with a long, mineral finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Etna Rosso Archineri is earthy, dark and brooding, with a youthfully backward bouquet of ashen stones, grilled herbs and dried berries. It is silky smooth, with ripe wild berries accompanied by a hint of blood orange. A salty core of minerality saturates towards the end. This leaves a lingering tension on the palate. The lively acidity tantalises the senses and the fine tannins penetrate deeply, leading to a dramatically long, structured and intense final." Vinous

Inama's Garganega flagship is named after the wide terraces with rows of old Garganega vines trained in beads on Monte Foscarino. In 2019, thanks to the optimal orientation and careful cultivation, a selection of the best grapes was reserved for I Palchi, which will now only be released on the market in the best years in very limited quantities. It is the archetype of a Soave Classico from volcanic soils and a more than successful, independent interpretation of the Garganega grape.

Deep, rich straw yellow colour. Delicate, highly elegant nose of white flowers, stone fruit and meadow herbs, rounded off with a lovely spiciness and a hint of flint. Full-bodied on the palate, with a firm creaminess, dense, ripe fruit and complex, mineral components. A dream in velvet and silk, carried by a well-proportioned acidity and with an impressive final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant straw yellow with elegant green reflections. Appealing nose of ripe lemon, cold smoke, exotic undertones, candied pineapple, sugared coconut, cold herbal tea on the final. Very nice melting on the palate, with a racy-salty undertone, polished, with beautiful play, mouth-watering in the final and with fine length." Falstaff

"Rich, round and flinty, it's full of exotic and peachy yellow fruits, allied to lovely freshness and poised sapidity. Smoky and spicy hints emerge on the long, slightly woody finish. Class." Decanter

"The Soave Classico Foscarino Grande Cuvée I Palchi 2021 is what they describe as the most representative target for this wine. Made from 100% Garganega, the wine is beautifully structured and fresh, almost crisp and very detailed with peach, honeydew melon, exotic fruits and crushed oyster shells. I Palchi consists of terraced vineyards with 50 to 60 year old vines that are trained using a pergola-rafter system. Garganega is a very vigorous grape variety. The choice of oak wood is carefully considered here." Wine Advocate

"The moment the cork is pulled, you know you're in for a ride. The wine opens with aromas of lemon blossom, lemon peel and lemon curd. You might think that this is all the wine has to offer, but you are quickly led down a different path where flavours of hazelnut, roasted apples, magnolia and the first hint of smoke emerge. As the wine reaches the palate, you are hurled into the vineyard and feel the power of the soil. Flavours of white peach, mixed citrus, wild herbs and honey lead the way to an explosion of minerality that captivates you back into the glass. This is a wine that can hold its own with any other in the world." Wine Enthusiast

"The Soave Classico I Palchi Foscarino Grande Cuvée 2021 has a platinum gold colour and a youthful, intense bouquet that blends raw almonds with stone dust, dusty dried flowers and Asian pear. It seduces with its silky texture and supple personality, washing over the palate with crisp, ripe fruit accompanied by a savoury mix of spicy herbs and minerals. The 2021 tapers dramatically long and fresh, leaving an aftertaste of mint and liquid stone." Vinous

"Wow. This is fantastic with mangoes, lemons, pears and a hint of vanilla. Mineral flavours too. Full-bodied with bright fruit and a lively finish. Lots of minerality. A selection of the best grapes from Inama in the Grand Cru Foscarino. Outstanding." James Suckling

The area around the small town of Milo is the only vineyard site on Etna where an Etna Bianco is allowed to be bottled as Superiore - and for good reason: only Carricante may be planted on the steep vineyard, which consists of dozens of small terraces. The vines are trained like a small tree on poles made of chestnut wood. The eastern exposure and the proximity of the sea allow the grapes to ripen late, resulting in very consistent acidity levels and a white wine with an aromatic finesse and freshness that is unrivalled even on Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, sparkling straw yellow colour. Nose of pineapple and mango, some banana, underlaid with jasmine blossom, flint on the finish. Delicate fruit melt on the palate with fine acidity, the fruit is noticeable, citrus flavours on the finish, animating." Falstaff

"A structured white with razor-sharp acidity that combines with flavours of crisp white peach, green almond, crushed pine, lemon wax and petrol. Good tension and focus; it should open up well with short cellaring." Wine Spectator

"A burst of flint and smoke gives way to minty herbs and crushed green apples as the 2022 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Rinazzo blossoms in the glass. It washes over the palate with a texture of pure silk, while salty minerals and citrusy fruit trees saturate the palate. The 2022 keeps the energy remarkably high, fuelled by zesty acidity, while notes of sour grapefruit ripple the tongue during the long and youthfully tense final. The Rinazzo is already enjoyable today, but it also has a balance that will be worth cellaring. Wonderfully made." Vinous

As always, Castiglione is mainly based on grapes from Ravera, with smaller portions from Ginestra, Mosconi, Bricco Ravera (in Monforte), Le Coste, Costabelle, Meriame, Briccolina and Codana. Every year it is a dazzling wine that shows how convincing even an "entry-level wine" from a top producer can be. Rich, voluptuous and explosive, it has enormous fullness and resonance from the very first sip. On the nose, bright red cherry and plum fruit, wild flowers, mint, blood orange and spices. Its silky tannins are accompanied by a beautiful, mentholated brightness. A real charmer! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with garnet-red reflections. Elegant on the nose with notes of raspberries and black cherries, slightly ethereal after varnish, plus undergrowth and rose petal. Fresh fruit on the palate, carried by invigorating acidity and fine-grained tannins. Persistent." Falstaff

"Always a popular choice, the 2020 Barolo Castiglione has a lush approach with dark fruit, cola, wild berry coulis and smoky tar. The wine carries a hot vintage well, with approachable and powdery tannins for short- or medium-term drinkability. In terms of texture, the Castiglione has more power and body than a standard Barolo." Wine Advocate

"Fragrant, polished and vibrant, the 2020 Barolo Castiglione shows beautiful notes of crushed red berries, rose petals, mint, white pepper and orange peel from the start. This classically built, medium-bodied Barolo is noble through and through. Like all 2020s here, it will benefit from time in the bottle or good decanting." Vinous

"Fast-paced and concentrated. I like the aromas of lavender, violets and white roses alongside strawberry, cranberry and stone. Medium-bodied, with firm and fine tannins that are long and juicy. It is fine and polished. Needs three to four years to develop." James Suckling

Vigna San Marcellino Gran Selezione is both youthfully fresh and ripe and complexly muscular. It contains a healthy dose of the deeply coloured Pugnitello grape, and on the nose liquorice, tarragon and broom mingle with lush plum and subtle roasted aromas that are highly seductive in their complexity. Deep, taut and lively on the palate, loaded with black cherry and rich, velvety tannins. The texture is silky, while subtle chalky notes and a salty minerality give it plenty of energy and lead it into a juicy, refreshing finish. Vigna San Marcellino is a convincing wine with enormous ageing potential every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby red colour. Clearly sweet blood orange, sour cherries and black pepper on the nose, followed by an aroma of dark chocolate. Juicy, ripe cherry fruit on the palate, pleasant acidity with soft tannins, elegant and long finish." Falstaff

"Lots of Sangiovese with some Pugnitello from the vineyard of the same name: engaging bouquet of black cherries and lilac, spicy notes; the lively acidity and the excellent, still youthful tannins are well balanced, the finish is long on notes of redcurrants and minerality." Vinum

"Beautiful complexity and spice, with walnuts, grilled citrus, plums and sweet spices. Full-bodied yet quite restrained, with fine, dusty tannins and a long finish. Polished." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto San Marcellino 2019 is a dark, brooding wine. Black cherry, leather, smoke, incense and tobacco contribute to an impression of seriousness and pure power. This is a particularly dark, virile edition of San Marcellino. Give it a few years to mature." Vinous

"Aromas and flavours of violets, blackcurrants and black cherries take centre stage in this supple, energetic yet elegant red wine. Vibrant and straightforward, with a firm line of tannins and great length on the iron-rich finish. It ends with fruity, mineral and spicy notes and shows solid grip." Wine Spectator

The Paesaggio Inatteso selection comes from Camigliano's 3.5-hectare "La Magia" vineyard, which has mineral and calcareous soils. Only just under 3,000 bottles are bottled. It offers a more robust style and a stronger aromatic intensity than the Annata. Bright red with an amber-coloured rim. On the nose, round notes of walnut shells, roasted hazelnuts and linseed, as well as red plums, pomegranate seeds and green olives. Traces of incense and cardamom in the background. Full-bodied, lively tannins on the palate, with hints of red berries and flowers leading to an intense and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-intense red; inviting fruit and gum notes; round, sweetness, depth of fruit, lots of good tannin, long, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"Nose of blackberries and tobacco; the attack is pithy, the tannins powerful, has race and polish." Vinum

"Attractive bouquet with wonderfully crisp red berry fruit, raspberry, fragolino, tobacco. Juicy in the mouth, clearly red-fruity, fine tannins, good freshness, crisp, fresh style, fine tannic grip, elegant and powerful, long, fresh, mineral final." Weinwisser

"Clear, bright ruby red colour. Mint, blackberry and juicy cherry on the nose, with a hint of candle wax, reminiscent of fresh honey, complex and inviting. Compact on the palate, with tightly woven tannins and fine pressure, constantly juicy again, also slightly salty hints, great harmony." Falstaff

"The organic Camigliano 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Paesaggio Inatteso shows plenty of ripe fruit with dark plums, prunes and blackcurrants. It also shows notes of smoked tobacco and cigar box. The difference between this wine and the village bottling is that the Paesaggio Inatteso matures a little longer in oak (30 months instead of 24 months) and the oak barrels are smaller (25 hectolitres instead of 60 hectolitres). A medium-heavy mouthfeel ends with still dusty tannins." Wine Advocate

"This version has it all, from the cherry, plum, earth and iron aromas and flavours to the well-integrated structure and long aftertaste. Fresh, supple and powerful, it shows finesse with a lingering mineral element on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Vibrant and vibrant red fruits of cranberry, red cherry and potpourri, followed by dried rosemary and pleasant orange peel that enhance the experience. Medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and firm but soft tannins. Pure and elegant. Needs time." James Suckling

A study commissioned by Francesco Ricasoli has shown that there are 19 different types of soil on Brolio. This made it possible to precisely define the sites that are particularly good for Merlot, from which wines with a unique structure and unmistakable flavour are produced. With the 2018 vintage, Francesco Ricasoli is now presenting the "new" Casalferro, whose grapes come from the three different vineyards Vigna Casalferro, Vigna Pecchierino and Vigna Sodacci. Although the production volume has been drastically reduced, the result is impressive!

A Tuscan Merlot as it is written in the book. On the nose, complex aromas of dark red fruit, delicate cedar wood, leather, very spicy. Initially taut and dense on the palate, it opens up as it progresses and expands with impressive elegance. The interplay between bouquet and complexity on the palate is perfectly balanced and its impressive size is already unmistakable. This Merlot will have a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with a garnet-red rim. Fresh sour cherries and plums on the nose, with violets and a touch of coriander in the background. Fruity and juicy on the palate, with well-integrated tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"A rich, dark expression of Merlot, this red walks the fine line between austerity and generosity, with the latter gaining prominence over the course of the fine finish. Dense, with the tight texture working in tandem with black cherry, blackberry, iron and spice flavours." Wine Spectator

"The Barone Ricasoli 2019 Casalferro showcases its potential in a classic vintage. The DNA of the wine, which is made exclusively from Merlot, is characterised by the grape variety, but the terroir also plays a major role in this presentation. You know you're drinking a wine from Tuscany thanks to a delicate bundle of flavours that includes wild cherry, violet fruit, violets and spices. This wine gives an Italian personality to a French grape variety." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Casalferro is magnificent. Ripe dark cherry and plum fruit, liquorice, spice, new leather, menthol and mocha are combined in a generous, lush Merlot that offers much of the vibrancy of a Chianti Classico." Vinous

"Blueberry, plum and red and black berry scents mingle with wildflowers, spices and a hint of roasted coffee beans. Stony and sapid in the mouth, it's all about elegance with beautiful cool blue fruits accompanied by a touch of creaminess on the mid-palate, then a long, super-fresh and poised finish." Decanter

"Super flavours of fresh violets, black olives, crushed raspberries and blackberries. Also a hint of dried flowers. Full-bodied but compact and polished, with superbly crafted tannins that compress the palate and give it a velvety texture. Taut and concentrated. The most precise and refined Casalferro ever. It needs at least three or four years to show what it's made of, but it has great potential. Best from 2026 onwards." James Suckling

"Produced for the first time not only with the best grapes from the vineyard of the same name, but also with contributions from the Pecchierino and Sodacci vineyards, this is a pure Merlot of stature with intense aromas of blueberries, currants and balsamic herbs on the nose. The flavour is elegant and spectacularly clean. Salty and spicy tannins, excellent drinkability." Luca Gardini

In the past, the northern slope of Montalcino was not planted with vines, but was cultivated with cereals, olives and cherries. In this area influenced by the Apennines, the seasons are more pronounced, continental and the north wind significantly lowers the temperature in winter. It is therefore the coldest Brunello region at this time of year, but also the wettest. This northern slope is a gentle hill: a characteristic that is more reminiscent of the Crete Senesi area, right next door, than the two stiffer, steeper and warmer southern slopes of Montalcino.

Due to the climate and the origin of the soil, the grapes in this area of Montalcino are harvested last every year. Vigna del Lago is the vineyard that welcomes all visitors travelling from the north of Montalcino. It takes its name from the lake that surrounds it and which plays a fundamental role in the microclimate of the area; the soil is a constant alternation between clay and strips of very fine Galestro.

Vigna del Lago is a historic cru from the Val di Suga winery, it is an old-school Brunello, from the times before the arrival of barriques and technology. An authentic product that is enjoying increasing demand. Unlike the Poggio al Granchio, which is aged in new Liters French barriques, this wine matures in large 30 and 50-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels. It is a wine with a low alcohol content, light orange-ruby colour, with very fine and almost imperceptible tannins, with a floral nose of citrus notes, myrtle and fresh cherries. It is a Brunello of great richness and balance and also has a very pleasant lightness, well-contoured acidity and a salty, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour. Spicy nose of cypress, herbs and red berries, with fine earthy, stony notes. Beautiful juiciness on the palate, clear fruit and tightly woven tannins, cool, with an appealing feel, beautiful salinity on the final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Lago is dark and brooding, with a delicate blend of ashen stones and grilled herbs that segue into dried black cherries. This wine is silky and enveloping, with fresh acidity and vibrant, ripe wild berry flavours that cascade. Lively acidity keeps the energy high, while the 2019 finishes long and spotty but surprisingly juicy, leaving hints of violet pastille over a bed of fine-grained tannins." Vinous

"A delicate style with aromas and flavours of strawberries, cherries, roses and stony minerals. Subliminally savoury, with light, powdery tannins that cling to the palate on the long, loamy finish." Wine Spectator

"The Vigna del Lago, which surrounds the Val di Suga wine cellar in the north-east of Montalcino, is cooled by northerly winds and bordered by cypress trees. The vines are planted at an altitude of 280 metres on clay soil. This bottling is aged in 40-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels. The wine is light, dense and still slightly reduced at the moment, opening up with dark cherries and alpine herbs. The fine-boned frame contains cranberries and redcurrants with traces of blood orange and forest roots. Vertical tannins occupy the mid-palate, and the finish is carried by lively, citrusy acidity. This austerity says: wait!" Decanter

"Smells of subtle fruits and flowers with cedar and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh and fruity finish. All about beautiful, perfectly ripe fruit with an undertone of citrus blossom. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years." James Suckling

"Notes of dogwood on the nose, with a hint of lemon thyme and a touch of gardenia. Spicy on the palate, with balsamic and floral notes." Luca Gardini

Light yellow-green colour, very inviting aroma of pear fruit, melon and delicate grapefruit. Juicy and powerful on the palate, the flavours are reminiscent of white fruit, racy acidity, elegant and mineral. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow colour. Peach, hints of elderflower and camomile, pear on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate, with good pressure and lovely juiciness, finishing on fresh mint, solid." Falstaff

"Our philosophy is rooted in family tradition and closely linked to the border region where we are located. A crossroads of Central European cultures that we have always tried to reflect in our wines. Capo Martino expresses these concepts with elegance, body and complexity. We are highly satisfied with the results achieved and are constantly investing in innovative projects to constantly improve the quality of our wines and achieve new goals." Silvio Jermann

Capo Martino is a highly elegant blend of Tocai Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Istriana and Picolit. Wonderful golden yellow colour, complex bouquet with the aroma of ripe, local and tropical fruit, a slight hint of vanilla. Velvety on the palate, with a perfectly balanced flavour and delicate harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with a delicate olive green colour. Initially fine exotic notes on the nose, mango, pineapple, fine hazelnut, cold smoke, inviting, subtle grapefruit on the finish. Very juicy and clear on the palate, with great expression and length, salty final." Falstaff

"The 2021 Capo Martino smells of a pretty mix of wild flowers, crushed nectarines, grapefruit zest and flint. On the palate, it unfolds with an onslaught of minerality, ginger and sour citrus, while liquid flowers and savoury spices combine. A saline note defines the final as the 2021 tapers off lightly textured and dramatically long. This is a fantastic vintage of Capo Martino, which is a single-vineyard blend of indigenous grape varieties." Vinous

"A blend of sliced apples, fresh citrus and crushed herbs with undertones of orange blossom and crushed stone. Full and persistent with a long acidity and a chalky, mineral backbone. Fresh and crisp with citrus and floral character. Some phenolic notes on the finish give it structure and a savoury note." James Suckling

La Gioia is the pure expression of Sangiovese with fruit from the estate's best vineyards. It is a big, expressive wine every year, retaining its crisp, medium-bodied mouthfeel. Tones of cherries, wild berries, violets and spices make for an elegant and very pure bouquet. The finish is characterised by fresh acidity in the typical and very refined Riecine style. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, bright ruby red colour with a brightening rim. A complex nose of juicy cherries, redcurrants, black pepper, eucalyptus and cedar wood. Fresh on the palate with fine-grained, still youthful tannins, final with herbal flavours and pomegranate." Falstaff

"The 2020 Rosso La Gioia is a very good wine. It has the freshness and liveliness typical of these wines, but also a little less character and personality than the pure Sangiovese wines in the range. Nevertheless, La Gioia offers much of the character that characterises the wines of this small winery in Gaiole." Vinous

"The nose is a kaleidoscope of flavours: balsamic and plums, the freshness of earth and stones that assert themselves against the richness of mushrooms and grilled meat. On the palate, there is a beguiling sweetness, but a lingering, tart plum skin note provides balance along with assertive acidity and tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"In the red capsule, this wine is composed almost entirely of Sangiovese with a small addition of Merlot. The Riecine 2020 La Gioia offers a plush and immediate personality with a sweet, earthy note that follows from the nose to the finish. It shows medium concentration, and the fruit feels slightly riper and softer in this vintage. These characteristics give it a more accessible approach overall." Wine Advocate

"Very spicy nose of liquorice root, raspberries and cherries. Powerful palate with cherry flavours, crisp acidity, ripe chalky tannins and a medium to full body with good length." James Suckling

Opulent nose of red berries, pleasant smoky notes and fine herbal spice. Opulent and round on the palate, the fine tannins give the wine a delicate but definite structure and the necessary seriousness until the long, soft finish. The well-integrated wood and the fruit of the Cabernet grape find an exciting symbiosis with the rather strict and taut Petit Verdot style in a very harmonious way. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby. Opens with slightly smoky notes, then lots of spices, coriander seeds and cardamom, finally dark plum. Full and intense in attack and course, opens with gripping, hearty tannin, grippy, but also shows lots of juicy fruit, long finish." Falstaff

"The 2019 Ilatraia, Brancaia's top wine from Maremma, is racy and lush from the start. A whole range of spicy and savoury overtones envelop the dark blue and blackish fruit. This heady blend is very expressive today. Blackberries, espresso, liquorice and leather climax the lush finish." Vinous

"This wine strides forward with an extremely herbaceous nose, from oregano to thyme to tomato leaf. It also conveys the peppery savoriness of capsicum plus the depth of newly turned soil and a final pop of sour cherries. The palate continues the theme, with more peppers and cherries, but also sundried tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Polished and consistent tannins make for a fun but slick balance of savory and sweet." Wine Enthusiast

"This is a generous and layered expression with dark fruits, baker's chocolate and elegant spice. I tasted this wine alongside the 2018 vintage, which showed much more balance due to the additional year of ageing. Based on this observation, I recommend a longer drinking window for this wine. The 2019 shows plenty of primary fruit, brightness and concentration." Wine Advocate

"It has aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, black olives, cedar, dark chocolate, pralines, salted almonds and mint. Also some gunmetal and graphite. Creamy and flattering, with velvety tannins and a full body. Delicious notes of salted chocolate. So much power and concentration, yet it remains elegant. Long." James Suckling

Badia a Passignano is always one of the many highlights in the Antinori range and is probably the estate's most refined and elegant Sangiovese. Its character is medium-bodied and supple, but with plenty of fruit intensity, which is typical of the vineyard of the same name. It skilfully strikes a balance between richness and finesse, captivating from the very first sip. Lavender, mint, blue-purple fruit and liquorice are beautifully brought out. It is a very traditional and noble expression of the Tuscan grape that is hard to resist. SUPERIORE.DE

"The classic Gran Selezione of the Antinori family from vineyards around the Abbey of Passignano: Intriguing Sangiovese nose with aromas of red berries and flowers; finesse-rich structure, the tightly woven tannins and acidity in balance, persistent final." Vinum

"Dark, shiny, ruby-red centre with a fine rim. Dense, inviting bouquet of juicy blackberries and cherries, plus tobacco, leather and a hint of thyme. Powerful and very juicy on the palate, firm, well-integrated tannins with fresh acidity, subtle saltiness on the long final." Falstaff

"A deep well of cherry, pomegranate, iron, tobacco and wild herb aromas and flavours underscore this intense red wine, while a dense layer of tannins provides grip. Lively acidity drives the lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and herbal notes." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Badia a Passignano has developed well and has successfully shed its oak signature. What you get now is a beautiful mouthful of rich, ripe black fruit with background notes of green spices and smoked bacon. A hint of fragrant rose comes through beautifully after a few minutes at a certain point. Overall, this wine from San Donato in Poggio UGA offers bright and lively fruit. With its long winemaking tradition and its first production in 1988, this wine is, so to speak, the control sample against which the three new UGA expressions are measured." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 has some notes of green herbs as well as bitter cherry, orange peel and sweet vanilla. There is a hint of forest green and a balsamic note as well as spicy black pepper. On the palate, the tannins are firm, upright and assertive, but always refined. The texture and weight are beautifully soft and enveloping, and the acidity gives the wine a pleasant freshness on the finish. At the moment it is still a little characterised by oak, but it is still young and needs time. A beautifully crafted wine that expresses a strong identity." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano is one of the best editions of this wine I've ever tasted. Ripe blue fruit, spice, chocolate, leather and liquorice fill out the layers in a lush, full-bodied Gran Selezione. Again, the winemaking and ageing changes have resulted in a wine that combines sophistication with textural resonance. Outstanding." Vinous

Every year, Coltassala is a red wine that offers all the essentials - and in impeccable style. On the nose, black fruits, spices and ploughed earth. All the flavours are dark and spicy, but the wine remains fresh, dense, lively and very linear. The ageing in new oak gives it a modern touch without overpowering it. Coltassala 2020 is noble and refined from start to finish, and it is one of the great Chianti Classico Gran Selezione! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with garnet-red rim brightening. Dense nose, characterised by wood ageing, lots of cigar box and tobacco, with fully ripe plums behind it. Lively and balanced on the palate, dark minerality, reminiscent of grated pencil, ripe tannins and a long, salty final." Falstaff

"A fresh, herbal yet earthy nose draws a slight sweetness from notable cherry undertones, accented on the palate by a creamy swirl of orange and vanilla, but the slightly metallic, medicinal herbal note works with polished tannins and lively acidity to create a streamlined, balanced feel." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala 2020 is a slender, elegant wine. Silky contours and sweet floral notes lend finesse to this very beautiful, nuanced Gran Selezione. All elements are very well balanced. Notes of black cherry, plum, liquorice and leather give it a dark note." Vinous

"Great energy, delicate violet and rose notes with intense ethereal fleshiness with fragrant red berries and cherries, fresh and flavoursome!" Decanter

"The Volpaia 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala is very balanced overall, offering an earthy side that gives a nice context to wild berries and wild cherries. There are also floral notes, especially violets and iris, and the wine maintains a firm, medium-bodied texture on the palate." Wine Advocate

"Saturated with aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry, iron and wild herbs, this red wine is firmly structured and shows fine harmony even in its youth. The supple texture is balanced by well-integrated, dusty tannins, while the fruit lingers on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Very attractive with ripe cherries, red plums, dark chocolate and spices with a hint of dried lavender and citrus peel. Medium-bodied with plenty of energy and tension. The tannins are polished and well integrated into the wine. Very complete and balanced. Crisp and long." James Suckling

"Red cherry on the nose, myrtle notes, then hints of wild mint. Salty mouthfeel, with hints of red fruit and menthol. Aftertaste of great persistence." Luca Gardini

Dut' un is a full-bodied cuvée of Chardonnay and Sauvignon with generous texture, built high with layers of orchard fruit, lime, apricot, cooked pear, spice, custard and lemon mousse. It is a great wine that relies on its geographical provenance and the vineyard's well-draining limestone-clay soils for its flavour intensity and purity. The 8-month maturation on the lees gives it its creamy character and firm structure. For all its fruitiness and complexity, it has a distinct minerality and freshness that will allow it to mature wonderfully. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, shiny light gold colour. Great nose of ripe pineapple, citrus fruit, some tangerine, flint, wet stone. Great juiciness and compact core on the palate, acidity and fruit are well balanced, powerful, slightly phenolic finish, can age for a long time." Falstaff

This impressive Sangiovese comes from the single vineyard "Vitticciana", which was specially created for a pure Sangiovese wine by the "Godfather of Carmignano" Ugo Contini Bonacossi due to its perfect orientation. It is only produced in the best years, when it presents itself as a multi-layered wine with fine fruit and fine-grained tannins. After a few years of ageing in the bottle, it can easily hold its own with some of the best Brunello di Montalcino. SUPERIORE.DE

"From Sangiovese grapes from the Viticciana vineyard, the wine matures for at least 18 months in barriques: surprisingly fresh raspberry nose, flowers, also fine spicy nuances; silky texture, but then also a lot of pressure up to the opulent fruit finish." Vinum

"Bright, brightening ruby-garnet colour. Opens with notes of mint, then lots of ripe cherry, some pomegranate, dried orange. Well-ripened fruit in the attack, spreads out well, savoury, gripping tannin." Falstaff

"A seductive, juicy yet serious sangiovese with aromas of cherries, dried herbs, bark and peppercorns. It’s full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Compact and well built with attractive fruit at the center and a characterful finish." James Suckling

Since the 2016 vintage, Livio Felluga's top wine Sossò has been maturing in the bottle for an extra year before being released for sale. This Riserva is a beautiful, rich and comforting red wine that is dense on the palate, imparting pretty cherry and dark fruit flavours with plenty of spice and tobacco. The extremely articulate flavour shoulders a convincing tannin portion and yet steers into an intensely fruity final with terrificlength. The wine simply glides forward with its unique feel and a dynamism that is slow and long-lasting. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red colour with a dark core. Pleasant aromas of plums, blackcurrant, blackberry, cloves and cedar on the nose. Fresh fruit on the palate, present fine-meshed tannins and a powerful final." Falstaff

"A medium-bodied red wine with plum and chocolate flavours and an underlying walnut character. Juicy and spicy." James Suckling

"Mesmerizing is the first thought that crosses the mind as the 2016 Sossó lifts from the glass with a bouquet of cedar shavings, minty herbs and white pepper, giving way to black raspberries and pine aromas. Silky and enveloping, yet lifted and racy in feel, this saturates the senses as an intense wave of tart wild berry fruits and saline minerals settle upon the palate. Wild blueberries, savory herbs and violet inner florals resonate throughout as the 2016 finishes staining, structured and incredibly long. It's a red wine that could only hail from Friuli." Vinous