0.75 liter

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione for the first time in order to recognise the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiòla.

As a result of 50 years of research, 36 biotypes of the Sangiovese grape were planted on a sunny plateau near Castelnuova Berardenga, from which this extremely interesting and unique wine was created a few years ago. The overall impression is very balanced and straightforward with hints of red cherries, spices, dried blueberries and tobacco. It is the warmest and most balanced of the three Gran Selezione wines. Its intensity, richness of colour and precise fruit immediately captivate Sangiovese lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Archetypal for a Chianti Classico, marrying fine fruit with depth and robust, earthy-spicy grip and remaining compact and full-bodied until the long finish." Weinwisser

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Dark berry and spicy on the nose, with rich precious wood, milk chocolate, fine, resinous tones and a hint of smoke and coconut. Juicy on the palate, with compact tannins and a savoury core, the final is grippy and powerful, the wood has integrated well since the last tasting, powerful finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vicoregio 36 is a soft, fruity wine that can be drunk now or over the next few years. Crushed flowers, sweet red cherry fruit, candy and sweet floral notes permeate this uncomplicated Gran Selezione. The Vicoregio comes from a relatively cool site in Castelnuovo Berardenga and is the only wine in this range to be aged in oak." Vinous

"Very attractive combination of cherries and lightly toasted oak. A hint of cappuccino. Turns into flowers. Full-bodied with creamy tannins and light-coloured fruit. Polished tannins with a hint of vanilla at the end. Needs time to develop. Try it after 2026." James Suckling

"The Mazzei 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Fonterutoli Vicoregio 36 is made from the fruit of an experimental vineyard planted with 36 Sangiovese biotypes. It is characterised by a very linear and concentrated style. This site is particularly rocky with clay-limestone Alberese soils. The ripe fruit of the warm vintage and the lush oak spice give the wine a full-bodied finish. Finally, beautiful mineral notes lend vigour and elegance to the bouquet." Wine Advocate

"This racy red wine is characterised by its lively acidity, which highlights the flavours of cherry, raspberry and iron. Hints of wild herbs, oak spice and tobacco add detail as the wine develops into a long, complex finish that has excellent balance and energy." Wine Spectator

"Exquisite aromas of small fruits, dried roses, spices and tobacco; intriguing structure with sufficient density, but also a great deal of finesse, the tightly woven tannins and acidity in harmony, ends with a long finish. Impeccable Gran Selezione from 36 different Sangiovese biotypes." Vinum

"Marasche on the nose, touches of clementine zest and fresh sage, with peony lashes. Mouthfeel with iodized tannins, a comeback of plum." Luca Gardini

The individual parcels (micro-locations) on Etna are called Contrade and the Contrada Passochianche (PC) is the Chardonnay cru from the magical hand of Andrea Franchetti. The visionary, who sadly passed away in 2021, planted high-density Chardonnay here at an altitude of around 900 metres back in 2000. The 2018 vintage marked the debut of a wine that impressively reflects Franchetti's many years of experience on Etna. Like all Contrade wines, it has its very own personality and demonstrates very clearly how a grape variety gains its very own form of expression in different locations. Just 2,660 bottles of this fresh, characterful and salty-mineral Chardonnay were filled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium bright straw yellow with light reflections. Intense aroma of ripe apple, pear, peach and some exotic pineapple and guava on the nose, with a spicy and delicately vanilla finish. Fresh and juicy on the palate, with a beautiful mellowness, elegantly spreading and spicy in the long final." Falstaff

"An enticingly airy blend of lime-tinged apples, stone dust, yellow straw and gingery spice wafts up from the 2021 Contrada Passochianche (PC). Silky and enveloping, this impresses today with its undeniable elegance and seamless wave of ripe orchard fruit. A subtle staining of minerality slowly builds. It tapers off long yet nuanced with lemon sorbet and mint suggestions. The 2021 is already showing beautifully, yet cellaring will surely bring more layers to the surface. Drink now for sheer pleasure or cellar to reap the rewards." Vinous

"Aromas of cooked apples, creme caramel, and nougat follow through to a full body with layers of fruit. It is soft and round textured, yet tensioned with lots of acidity at the end. Minerals such as stone and basalt. Some white pepper and honeysuckle, too. Pure chardonnay planted at 950 meters high, and is said to be the highest chardonnay vineyard in Italy. Made in stainless and aged in large oak vats. Complex." James Suckling

The "61" line stands for the year of birth of the first Franciacorta, which was created in 1961 in the centuries-old Berlucchi vineyards. The grapes come from four vineyards between Corte Franca and Provaglio d'Iseo.

Delicate peach-pink colour. Beguiling aroma of cranberry, citrus with a mineral component. On the palate, a fine note of bread and yeast mixed with the strength, acidity and tannin of Pinot Nero, rich foam and a fine, persistent perlage. An aristocratic bittersweet note and graceful creaminess on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, brilliant orange-red colour with a fine perlage. Delicate aromas of strawberry and raspberry on the nose, blood orange, orange blossom and light spice on the finish. Strong perlage on the palate, very nice acidity and an elegant final." Falstaff

"The 2016 Rosé Nature Franciacorta Berlucchi '61 is rich and complex, with a wild bouquet of crushed plums, cinnamon-spiked apples, nectarine and rose. This envelopes the palate in silken textures, communicating remarkable elegance and refinement, as wild strawberry combines with salty minerals and hints of almond toward the close. The 2016 finishes long yet incredibly fresh, with red inner florals and a sensation of liquid stone that lingers on. Well done." Vinous

"This complex and vinous wine from the historic Berlucchi estate opens with strawberries and cream, dried roses and rhubarb brioche. The palate reveals a darker cherry flavour with a creamy texture carried by the wine's energy." Wine Enthusiast

Ruby garnet colour, fine violet note and many spices in the bouquet. Dense and compact with taut tannin and sweet fruit melt. Given time, this already very elegant red (age of the vines: 100 years, production: 4,000 bottles) is at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just under medium ruby. A nose full of spices over a layer of cool red fruits with stony hints. Open and completely ready and accessible. Fresh, supple red fruits. More elegant than concentrated with soft, polished tannins." Jancis Robinson

"Juniper and sour cherry, earth and salt on the nose. Hearty on the palate with hints of venison, black cherry, chocolate and nutmeg. Very concentrated, broad-shouldered and at the same time punchy due to a present acidity. The fruit seems very ripe. A wine with high demands, but also a pleasure to drink." Vinum

"The Vini Franchetti 2020 Contrada G, with fruit from the historic Guardiola vineyard where some of the vines are 120 years old, has notes of white pepper and Indian spices framing red currants, balsamic herbs, pencil shavings and embers. The wine is tangy and full-bodied, with medium texture and long tannins." Wine Advocate

"Elegant ruby red with a sparkling core and brightening rim. Elegant and inviting nose of ripe cherries, mint, cold smoke, then again ripe raspberries, pomegranate and blood orange, seductive. Polished and compact on the palate, opening slowly and in many layers, extremely finessed and with a salty, long finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 Contrada Guardiola (G) is a real eye-catcher. It is surprisingly floral, with an abundance of rose and violet tones mingling with blackberries and a pinch of spice. It flows across the palate with ease, silky at first, with a saline core and tart red berries drenching the senses; yet it remains perfumed and refined throughout. Spicy citrus and herbal notes run through the long final, along with a layer of fine tannins that promise a long and steady evolution. Franky said, "This is one of the finest performances of Guardiola fruit I have ever experienced." Vinous

Rich and refined top cuvée from the white grape varieties of Friuli. The bouquet of white flowers and yellow fruit has a pleasantly smoky note. Opulent flavours of yellow and white fruits, dried apricots and honey on the palate, the balanced acidity provides backbone and structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow with delicate nuances of green. Stone fruit, peach and some apricot on the nose, subtle flint notes and a hint of vanilla. Powerful on the palate, lively acidity, delicate phenolics, mouthwatering finish." Falstaff

"Clean and mineral, with a saline undertone and vibrant flavours of freshly sliced apples and pears, blanched almonds, almond blossom and a hint of ground white pepper. Fresh, chalky finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Abbazia di Rosazzo is more delicate and nuanced, with dusty dried flowers, crushed almonds and sweet smoke on the nose. It feels silky yet almost weightless and floats on the palate with a savoury mix of white stone fruits and inner flowers. It leaves a hint of minerality and finishes with a beautiful tension that leaves flinty notes of liquid stone and Bosc pear. The Abbazia di Rosazzo is an understated beauty." Vinous

"This wine has definitely moved into tertiary aroma territory. With a deep, off-gold color and orange highlights, the Livio Felluga 2019 Rosazzo Abbazia di Rosazzo shows aged tones of preserved lemon, candied orange peel, dried guava and sweet almond. Fermentation is in stainless steel, and the wine sees some aging in large oak casks. There are mild white-wine tannins and a hint of peppermint to close." Wine Advocate

"Fascinating aromas of ash, wet stones, dried apples, hints of honey and flint. Tar. Full-bodied with great density and energy. Framed and firm. Vine bark with mushrooms. Reserved. Old vines. 80 to 100 years old." James Suckling

Barolo Garretti is a wine from the slopes of the La Spinetta estate in Grinzane Cavour. These grapes were previously used in Barolo Campé. It is bold, racy and super-expressive. Juicy dark cherry, lavender, spices, menthol, red flowers, liquorice and French oak come together in this creamy, racy wine from La Spinetta. Garretti captures all the richness and pedigree of the vintage in a forward, juicy style that is sure to find many admirers. This is a particularly strong vintage for this wine, even if it needs another year in the bottle to soften the powerful tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Barolo Vigneto Garretti is a plump, juicy Barolo that will delight La Spinetta fans. A burst of dark red/purple fruit, herbs, flowers, vanillin and sweet oak makes a strong first impression. Soft contours give it immediacy and charm. The 2020 is very nicely made." Vinous

"This wine has beautiful ripe fruit, with rich plum and peach fruit on the nose, but also hazelnut, orange and bread crust. It is full-bodied, creamy and structured with melt-in-the-mouth tannins. Delicious finish." James Suckling

Katia and Luigi's Brunello di Montalcino opens with dark fruits, cherries, forest herbs and dried plums. This is accompanied by a fine fruity sweetness, framed by notes of tar, smoke and exotic spices. The dark and ripe intensity of the fruit is closely interwoven with the flavours of oak and the stately proportions of the wine. The long and well-structured finish is characterised by liquorice and mint, flanked by a layer of fine tannins. What we particularly like about this Brunello is that it is already full of finesse and class and is already showing its beauty at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

"Concentrated, wide-ranging ripe bouquet, delicately liqueur-like top note, but less invasive than usual, ripe cherries, blueberries, tobacco, chocolate, very complex and engaging. Juicy, concentrated and at the same time polished palate, powerful, polished fullness, concentrated final." Weinwisser

"Dark ruby red with a brick-coloured rim. Deep, seductive cherry nose with exotic spice notes. Powerful and long with juicy cherry fruit that is just beginning to unfold and fine-grained, enveloping tannins. Very balanced, but still needs to settle, so wait and see." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino smells of a dusty mix of dried flowers and strawberries underscored by lemon oil. It is racy and supple with cooling acidity and vibrant ripe wild berries lifted by orange and cedar spice. The acidity asserts itself and maintains an amazing freshness despite the grippy tannins that resonate throughout. The 2019 finishes long and colourful with a pretty hint of violet blossom that lingers for a long time. San Polino continues to raise the bar; this wine is wonderful." Vinous

"From the San Polino vineyards in the north-east on loamy clay soils. This exuberantly youthful and nascent 2019 is redolent of violets and oily balsamic herbs. It makes a medium-bodied impression - yet is packed with blackberry fruit. A hint of orange peel is emphasised by a zesty acidity. And when the wine opens up, spicy, steely depths emerge. Promising, but still needs to come together. Firm, loamy tannins weigh down the flavour on the finish." Decanter

"Intense aromas of black cherries, black truffle, orange peel and Indian spices. The palate is full yet restrained, with very fine tannins that penetrate the wine linearly and deeply. Lovely texture. Restrained on the finish. A true beauty." James Suckling

Dosage zero is irresistible in its statement and the perfect balance of all components. Golden yellow in colour, intense and bright. Fine, organised and persistent perlage. Numerous fruity aromas in the fine flavour, yeasty nuances in the centre and pleasant minerality in the long, bone-dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant golden yellow with a fine perlage. Inviting bouquet of warm baguette with salty butter, including hints of ripe citrus fruit, a hint of blood orange and flint. Very dry on the palate, but still with a lovely juiciness and elegant mousse, with a gentle pull, long and persistent." Falstaff

"Bone-dry after 48 months on the fine lees: beguiling stone fruit flavours, also violets and nuts; creamy texture and yet with minerality, precise into the long final." Vinum

"It is rich, with flavours of roasted nuts and biscuits. The finely textured, creamy perlage is interwoven with a well-defined acidity that brings out ripe white cherries, blood orange peel, lemon cake and broom notes. Long, toasty finish." Wine Spectator

"Dusty and floral, the 2019 Vintage Collection Dosage Zéro wafts up from the glass with a bouquet of crushed rocks and wildflowers, complicating lime zest and young kiwi nuances. It’s soft-textured with silken bubbles and a distinctly savory core of salty minerals and tart citrus enriched by an air of raw almond. The 2019 tapers off fresh and with medium length, leaving hints of iodine and exotic spice." Vinous

"A complex profile of chalk, baked apples, strawberries and violets, not without minerality. Fine mousse on the palate, persistent and integrated with sharp acidity, medium body and precise length. Polished and complex finish." James Suckling

A textbook Pian delle Vigne: a full bouquet of small red berries, brown spices, mocha and tobacco, before musky cherries and sage follow. Its cool, creamy texture introduces a dense wave of ripe red and black fruits, with salty minerals and fine-grained tannins providing grip. It will show its full beauty in a few years, but with sufficient aeration it is already a pleasure today! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red colour, bright. Fine hints of mint, ripe cherries and cranberries on the nose, fine balsamic tones on the finish. Great juiciness on the palate, clear fruit and well-integrated acidity, opens warm-hearted and full-bodied, fine salty finish." Falstaff

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a dark and brooding bouquet that blends plum sauce with dark chocolate and espresso beans. It combines velvety textures with ripe red and black fruits over a core of juicy acidity, while maintaining a lifted and energetic feel. The 2019 finishes structured and long, but still relatively fresh. Orange-flavoured blackberries and savoury herbs linger. I'm very impressed with the 2019's palate performance and tannin management, but I wish the winery would go for an equally fresh presentation on the nose. Still, fans of the Pian delle Vigne style will love the energy in this wine." Vinous

"Aromas and flavours of iron and red chalk define this muscular red wine, while notes of plum cherry, menthol and tar are added on the chewy and extended finish. Balanced tannins, with a nice length." Vinous

"Sweet black cherries with some blackberries as well as cherry blossom on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied with firm tannins and a chewy finish, but it will soften and come together nicely with bottle age." James Suckling

"Prestige, elegance and tradition, a label symbol of the denomination. Olfaction refined, notes of dogwood, eucalyptus and touches of bergamot. Crunchy-dense palate, with briny tannins, returns with balsamic and citrusy notes." Luca Gardini

100% Carricante of incredible elegance and purity, its subtle aroma of herbs and citrus fruits is complemented on the palate by a wonderful minerality and salinity. A white wine full of expressiveness and finesse! SUPERIORE.DE

"Carlo Ferrini's white wine interpretation of old bush trees: A mineral start, then plenty of finesse, the acidity invigorating but excellently integrated, the final precise and long. For a balmy summer afternoon." Vinum

"Bright straw yellow colour with subtle silver notes. Opens with notes of fresh, crisp apple, some jasmine blossom and citrus fruit. Salty and clear on the palate, spreads out well, fine citrus notes." Falstaff

"Carricante is the characteristic white grape variety of Etna, and this unripened example - only the second vintage from legendary winemaker Carlo Ferrini and his daughter Bianca - captures the unique character of the place and the grape variety: Bright and salty, it presents aromas and flavours of lemon, lime and apple. It is structured and ripe, but also very fresh, with a stony, salty wave followed by a subtle, creamy lemon confit. The finish is very long, fine and herbaceous. Marvellous." Decanter

"Lots of jasmine and honeysuckle with flavours of sliced pear and apples that develop into a medium body with wonderful depth and intensity. Great length. No wood. Flinty in flavour. Pure." James Suckling

"The Alberelli di Giodo 2021 Sicilia Carricante hits just the right mix of citrus fruit and salty minerals. The wine is balanced and intense and shows more complexity than one might expect. As it matures, it will develop even more complexity and show some of the beautiful Riesling-like petrol flavours over time. Production is limited to around 3,500 bottles." Wine Advocate

"Pure Carricante from an impeccable cru, a jewel produced in a few bottles of great refinement. On the nose, notes of candied lemon, thyme, then chinotto and a hint of jasmine. On the palate, it is taut, flavoursome, with a return of citrus fruits and floral sensations." Luca Gardini

Passopisciaro's Contrada C is an exquisite red with a dark sensual fruit bouquet. Stylistically like a great Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo, of remarkable intensity on the palate until the lingering final. A muscular and weightless wine at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling ruby red. Currently somewhat restrained on the nose, showing light hints of geranium and cold smoke, distant hints of dried tomatoes. Extremely polished on the palate entry, with creamy tannin, showing noble candied raspberry fruit, grippy salty final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Contrada Chiappemacine (C) is sharp and floral. It smells of sour cherries, dried strawberries and cedar spices. Its silky texture washes over the palate with ease, leading to sweet, herbaceous red fruits, while lively acidity provides a juicy feel. The 2020 finishes structured and long, with hints of liquorice and violet tones. It is recommended to cellar for a year or two as it has an underlying power that has yet to fully develop." Vinous

"From the Contrada Chiappemacine at a lower 550 meters in elevation, the 2020 Contrada C opens to an accessible style over a lean-bodied mouthfeel. The wine offers plenty of wild cherry and redcurrant with classic Etna aromas of campfire ash and rusty nail. You also get some bitter rose petal." Wine Advocate

Contrada Rampante grows on the highest vineyard of Passopisciaro. The soils have a higher sand content and the harvest takes place later here. On the nose, dark red cherries, flowers, mint and liquorice. Rampante is an elegant, energetic and dynamic red with clear fruit and silky tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"This brilliance in the glass is attractively typical of Etna wines. The bouquet is reminiscent of raspberries and smoke, red currant and salt. On the palate, a good, so subtle tension: first it shows a gentle attack, then it grabs hold and stays, not lush, but attractively multilayered. The acidity keeps the wine on its toes, the tannins ensure a long finish. 18 months of maturation in large oak barrels make it silky, cool and mineral, as one would ideally expect from an Etna Rosso. The 100+ year old Nerello vines from Contrada Rampante, perhaps the most famous site on Etna, located in Passopisciaro to the north at over 700-1000 metres, adds its own unique style to the house." Vinum

"With fruit from the Contrada Rampante in Castiglione di Sicilia at up to 1,000 meters above sea level, the 2020 Contrada R shows some bitter cherry and brambly aromas of Mediterranean herb. Notes of volcanic ash meet fine, dry tannins. This is one of the more approachable wines in this series of single-vineyard Nerello Mascalese releases." Wine Advocate

"Bright ruby red with a gently brightening rim. Noble and inviting nose, of candied citrus zest, rose hips, wild strawberries, plus a hint of dried red flowers, reverberating delicately of wet stone. On the palate with beautiful juiciness and polished red berry fruit, spreads salty over the tongue, sparse elegance, currently still quite youthful tannin in the finish." Falstaff

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

"The 2022 Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia is a very pretty, harmonious white. Soft contours wrap around a core of lemon peel, sage, tomato leaf, mint and varietal Sauvignon notes. Airy and impeccable in its balance, the Poggio alle Gazze is a winner." Vinous

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

Exceptionally fine spumante with a delicate, fruity flavour of raspberry, acacia honey and apricot and a lovely yeasty note. Bright, rich straw yellow colour, persistent, fine perlage. Ripe, with a wonderfully integrated wood base, very full, long and intense flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, bright golden yellow colour. Fragrant, warm bouquet of fresh bread, dried peach and apricots, followed by a slightly nutty flavour and delicate hints of Mediterranean herbs. Elegant, delicate perlage in the mouth, yet with plenty of drive and electrifying acidity through to the long, salty finish." Falstaff

"The nose is dominated by sour peaches and white roses. The medium body has pungent bubbles and pure fruit with crisp, long apple acidity. The finish is precise and savoury." 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 firm structure and the necessary seriousness through to the long, soft finish. The well-integrated wood and the fruit of the Cabernet grape find an exciting symbiosis here in a very harmonious way with the rather strict and taut Petit Verdot style. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich purple-red colour, almost impenetrable. Intriguing, dense nose, ripe plums, red pepper, herbs, chocolate, cigar box, subtly fleshy. Lots of blackberry on the palate, structured without being overwhelming, animating acidity structure, ripe tannins, lingering, elegant final." Falstaff

"The nose is intensely spicy and warm with chili pepper and highlighting an umami meatiness. Cherries, blackberries and chocolate on the palate nonetheless give way again to pepper notes, from fresh cracked black peppercorns to chilis, through a hot finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Ilatraia is a potent red that is going to need at least a few years in bottle to soften. Swaths of tannin wrap around a core of black fruit, chocolate, new leather, licorice, incense and lavender. A wine of substance and power, Ilatraia is not as forthcoming as most wines from the Tuscan coast. I suspect the high percentage of Petit Verdot in the blend has a lot to do with that. This is a superb showing, especially for a vintage that yielded generally lighter wines on the coast." Vinous

"The Brancaia 2020 Ilatraia shows an inky dark appearance with lots of black and purple fruit intensity. This beautiful estate is nestled within the thick forests of Radda in Chianti, one of the wildest corners of the appellation. This vintage is slightly more accessible in terms of mouthfeel, but it still delivers ample spice, grilled herb and black pepper." Wine Advocate

"Very pure and attractive fruit character here with blackberries and blueberries with crushed violets, dark chocolate and savory herbs undertones. Some citrus peel and wet stones, too. Full-bodied with super fine tannins and crunchy acidity that gives tension and energy to the fruit. So polished and silky. Very long." James Suckling

Ruby garnet colour, fine violet and rose notes and many spices in the bouquet. Dense and compact with taut tannin and sweet fruit melt. Given time, this captivating red is at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"A powerful sour cherry and the nose, with hints of roasted almonds. On the palate, it shows an opulent, ripe red fruit, reminiscent of morello cherries and redcurrant jam. It also has smoky and savoury notes, reminiscent of fennel salami. On the palate, there is also a salty minerality typical of the volcano." Vinum

"The Vini Franchetti 2020 Contrada S sees its fruit sourced from the popular Contrada Sciaranuova at 850 meters in elevation. The vines are 80 years old on average. It is spicy and tart with plenty of white pepper, medicinal herb and wild berry. The wine continues to offer that slightly spicy quality to the palate with dry tannins and lots of blackcurrant. This vintage saw only 2,040 bottles released." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Contrada Sciaranuova (S) is deeply seductive, almost sultry, with an herbal note in its bright cherry-berry bouquet, along with a hint of animal musk that keeps me on the edge of the glass. The earth-inspired blend continues on the palate, but mingles with exotic florals, red citrus and a bracing acidity. There's just so much going on here, yet the balance is perfect as the 2020 tapers off lightly structured with a burst of inner sweetness and a hint of salted liquorice that lingers. Wow. Although this wine will age evenly, it is worth tasting early to enjoy its original character. The vines of Sciara Nuova grow at an altitude of 850 metres on soils of volcanic gravel." Vinous

Classic and well-proportioned Brunello di Montalcino with a generous bouquet of red berries, cherries and spices that contrast perfectly. Lean and firm with ethereal hints and beautiful spice on the palate, the harmonious flavour moves towards a lingering finish with great finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"While this wine contains a small amount of fruit from the estate's La Lucère vineyard, it is mainly made from a lower, north and north-east facing parcel in the immediate vicinity of the winery. An abundance of sweet herbs - from sage to lavender - gives way to forest scrub and flint. On the palate, the wine is not yet as pronounced as on the nose, although a core of concentrated red cherry lies in wait. The tannins are strong and somewhat woody, but they smooth out on the finish. The 2018 should develop well after another year in bottle." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is bright and beautiful on the palate with red and purple fruits. It shows varietal acidity with a medium-bodied texture. The mouthfeel is not particularly long, but it is fresh and the tannins are polished." Wine Advocate

"This delicate red wine is saturated with aromas and flavours of raspberries, cherries, liquorice, rose hips and eucalyptus. Powerful and complex, with fine balance, plump tannins and a lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Intensity and great freshness also in San Filippo's basic Brunello. Nose with notes of black cherry, then touches of black pepper and bay leaves. Savoury on the palate, with officinal-fruity return and spicy notes. Persistence and deep finish." Luca Gardini

"Intense, spicy and flavourful with aromas of currants, sage, dried oranges, mint and bark. Full-bodied with supple and well-integrated tannins. A subtle herbal note gives it freshness. Lots of character. Drinkable from 2024." James Suckling

100% Carricante of incredible elegance and purity, its subtle aroma of herbs and citrus fruits is complemented on the palate by a wonderful minerality and salinity. A white wine full of expressiveness and finesse! SUPERIORE.DE

"The white wine comes from the Contrada Rampante, which stands for rising high. Very finesse-rich and complex with notes of fine yellow fruit, herbs and hints of broom bush. The whole is wonderfully framed by smoke. Medium-bodied on the palate with a fine melting texture and mineral-saline flavour." Weinwisser

"Light, bright straw yellow with silver reflections. Yellow pear and gooseberry on the nose, citrus zest, delicately complemented by white flowers. Elegant fruit on the palate, coated in juiciness and with salty nuances, very direct until the long final, ending on citrus notes." Falstaff

"This is a pure Carricante with honeysuckle, lemons and light grapefruit with a salty sensation in the flavours. The same character is evident on the palate with a medium to full body, a creamy texture and a lovely finish. Lemongrass and minerals underline the subtle fruit flavours and acidity. Tangy. Clean and clear nature." James Suckling

"Fragrant white wildflowers on the nose, mixed with dried herbs and aromatic peaches and lychees. Crisp yet round, a lovely burst of citrus, juiciness on the palate with high acidity and then revealing more creamy white peach and pear with subtle wet stone, salinity and herbal spice at the edges. It feels like a serious gourmet wine, with body, structure and yet plenty of life. The finish is mineral and savoury, with a hint of warmth and southern Italian spice. 100% Carricante vines, on average 50 years old, planted between 800-900 metres above sea level." Decanter

Since summer 2023, Chianti Classico producers have been allowed to include the eleven additional geographical indications (UGA = unità geografiche aggiuntive) introduced in 2021 on the labels of the top Gran Selezione category. For Chianti Classico winegrowers, it is a logical step to produce wines that reflect the area in which they were produced as authentically as possible. And customers can thus deepen their knowledge of the relationship between the wines and their region of origin - a real added value.

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione for the first time in order to recognise the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiòla.

As a result of 50 years of research, 36 biotypes of the Sangiovese grape were planted on a sunny plateau near Castelnuova Berardenga, from which this extremely interesting and unique wine was created a few years ago. The overall impression is very balanced and straightforward with hints of red cherries, spices, dried blueberries and tobacco. It is the warmest and most balanced of the three Gran Selezione wines. Its intensity, richness of colour and precise fruit immediately captivate Sangiovese lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Captivating nose of raspberries, violets, orange zest; velvety finish, supported by a fresh acidity, the tannins are powdery and of outstanding quality, very long." Vinum

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour. Hearty and inviting nose of juicy black cherries and cranberries, followed by dark chocolate, tobacco and toasted oak. Great precision and balance on the palate, elegant tannins, gentle persistence on the long finish." Falstaff

"Warm fruit of juicy cherries and dried blueberries, Mediterranean spices and a very elegant acidity structure characterise this independent and robust wine. Stimulating, fine tannins and great, polished length." Jancis Robinson

"The Mazzei 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castelnuovo Berardenga Castello di Fonterutoli Vicoregio 36 is a special project made from the fruit of an experimental vineyard in a warm subzone of the appellation, where there are generally thicker soils and more organic material. These conditions result in a concentrated wine with flavours of dark fruit and oak spice. The tannins are soft and the wine is rich in texture for a Sangiovese." Wine Advocate

"The aromas of black cherries and plums with a hint of toasted oak and cedar are very attractive on the nose. Some dried flowers. Full-bodied with fine tannins and a powerful palate of al dente fruit, including cherry, citrus and mineral character. Powerful and structured, yet fresh and crisp. This is a well-structured Chianti Classico that needs at least three or four years to develop, but will improve with age." James Suckling

The Cru San Lorenzo, which is strictly limited in each vintage, comes from 4 hectares of vineyards in the district of the same name in the town of Randazzo. The vines are over 70 years old and grow around 750 metres above sea level; the soil consists almost exclusively of fine volcanic sand. The terroir in the small Contrada San Lorenzo was created by lava flows and deposits of volcanic origin that were formed between 60,000 and 15,000 years ago. This exceptional wine is particularly rich, fruity and has very soft tannins that make it velvety and luscious on the palate and ensure a never-ending finish. Magnificent! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo is remarkably pretty and redolent of dried flowers, cloves and lavender. It opens with a hint of candied orange that enlivens its core of tart wild berries. The lively acidity keeps the experience fresh throughout. The San Lorenzo colours the palate with high concentration, is lightly tannic and crisp, and leaves delightful floral scents that linger. This is the understated favourite of the Terre Nere portfolio, and I expect cellaring will add even more complexity." Vinous

"On the nose and the palate, wonderful cherry-blossom and rose-petal characters to the dark cherries and sliced blood oranges. Medium- to full-bodied with balance and intensity, this goes on for minutes. The citrus is hypnotizing." James Suckling

Every year, one of the Tenuta's great, magical single-vineyard wines, which represents the special terroir of the Etna hills in a highly complex way. Dark red fruit, orange peel and flowers on the nose. Then juicy fruit, wonderful depth and a finely chiselled tannin structure. A subtle spiciness on the finish and the outstanding structure, length and elegance are always present! SUPERIORE.DE

"In 2022, the old vines give a very concentrated wine, combining intense almost-sticky dark cherries with menthol, herb and violet overtones. Some spice emerges on the mid-palate. Clearly very youthful, it's not giving away anything more at the moment but will open up with time." Decanter

"The Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana 2022 is intense and spicy in the glass. Crushed ash stones and grilled herbs give way to dried black cherries and spiced orange peel. The wine is luxuriously soft on the attack and is given a lovely lift by a core of tantalising acidity, while salty minerals and grippy tannins consolidate the ripe wild berries. The finish is very long and concentrated, leaving a youthful, structured impression and a pleasantly acidic sensation that lingers. The 2022 combines generosity with power in a wonderfully balanced package that favours cellaring for a decade." Vinous

"The purity and clarity of this wine really speaks to you, with red cherry, orange peel, citrus blossom and basalt. Also a hint of smoke and tar. The transparency here is really something special." James Suckling

Bricco della Bigotta has an aroma of cherries, cinnamon, black pepper and a hint of tobacco. Great finesse and a harmonious balance between acidity and alcohol on the palate. Long finish with character and class. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, intense ruby red colour. Ripe nose of red fruits, cherry, plum, followed by spicy notes of liquorice and vanilla, with a hint of wood. On the palate it is rich, round and reminiscent of ripe fruit and undergrowth, very long finish." Falstaff

"A rich and intense Barbera that offers dark plums, blackberries, ground spices and chocolate. Structured and dense with chalky tannins and juicy acidity. Long lasting finish." James Suckling

"Dense and concentrated aromas of black plum jam, cloves, vanilla and violets pour from the glass from the start. Blackberry and black cherry compote fill the palate, while sweet and savoury spices emerge, giving way to dried violets, mocha and dark earthy notes. The wine finishes with elegant tannins and tangy, fresh Barbera acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"A bright, concentrated red with aromas and flavours of plum, fruitcake, leather, tar and oak spices. Dense, with serious tension that defines the long aftertaste. Intense and complex." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barbera d'Asti Bricco della Bigotta is a wild, exotic wine. Super-ripe dark cherry, kirsch, new leather, menthol, blood orange and sweet oak add loads of nuance and complexity to this flamboyant Barbera. The Bigotta is rich and layered, with great depth, another winner in this range from Braida. Bright acids and floral notes round off the finish." Vinous

Since summer 2023, Chianti Classico producers have been allowed to include the eleven additional geographical indications (UGA = unità geografiche aggiuntive) introduced in 2021 on the labels of the top Gran Selezione category. For Chianti Classico winegrowers, it is a logical step to produce wines that reflect the area in which they were produced as authentically as possible. And customers can thus deepen their knowledge of the relationship between the wines and their region of origin - a real added value.

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione for the first time in order to recognise the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiòla.

Badiòla is the historic name of a vineyard in the municipality of Radda, whose grapes have been vinified separately by the Mazzei family as a Gran Selezione since the 2017 vintage. Bright ruby-garnet colour, a restrained yet clear nose of wild berries, blue flowers, undergrowth and hints of dark pepper. On the palate, Badiòla is masterfully balanced, almost weightless. The very well-integrated tannins make it smooth from the first to the last glass and it impresses with its long finish - its elegance is magnificent! SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, bright ruby red colour. Pronounced nose of damp earth and tobacco leaf, savoury blackberry, some coffee, also slightly meaty notes. Juicy fruit and fresh acidity on the palate, mouth-filling." Falstaff

"Classic fruity bouquet of ripe cherries with underlying herbal and floral notes; vibrant on the palate with good acidity and a perfectly structured tannin, the berry finish is complex and persistent." Vinum

"Ruby red with garnet-coloured reflections. It is very aromatic, with fresh flowers, orange peel and cherries. Medium-bodied with velvety, polished tannins that build on the palate. Quite chewy on the finish. Mineral and stony undertones. Best after 2027." James Suckling