James Suckling

Precise aromas of ripe red cherries, flint, orange peel, lavender and violets. Silky and juicy on the palate, with a refined but very concentrated extract that almost crushes the taste buds, yet remains lively and not at all heavy, giving beautiful definition and lift to the red cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral flavours. The finish is very deep and long, with very soft tannins, a beguiling perfume and extreme finesse; very Barolo-like. A beautiful, complex wine that shows the elegant side of Nero d'Avola that few producers are ever able to present. SUPERIORE.DE

"The organic Gulfi 2017 NeroSanloré is packed dense at its core and offers a very true portrait of the Sicilian grape from a hot vintage. There is a lot of extra ripeness that is delivered amply across the wine's dark fruit flavors and its soft textural richness. Nero d'Avola is planted across three hectares in reddish sandy soils. Like other wines from this vintage, it delivers a front-loaded effect. In other words, you get a great deal of ripeness and aromatic intensity on first inspection, but the wine is ultimately milder and shorter in terms of finish. However you look at it, this is a versatile, fruit-forward Sicilian red." Wine Advocate

"Old tile and ripe berry with some flowers and nuts. Just a hint of dried fruit. Full-bodied with round, succulent tannins and a juicy and tangy finish." James Suckling

"The 2017 NeroSanlorè is the dusty, spicy and elegant beauty of the Gulfi Nero d’Avola range. The bouquet presents a beguiling mix of crushed stone, roses, incense and tart cherries. It’s soft and almost weightless in feel, hovering across the palate with a refined display of red berries and inner florals. A subtle coating of tannin lingers, but does not get in the way as this finishes with sweet minerals and hints of tangerine. Give the Sanlorè a year or two to come further into focus and flesh out a bit more. From the Gulfi crus, this is the vineyard closest to the sea, less than 700 meters away, and at only 10–15 meters above sea level, with vines growing in sandy soils. It is simply stunning." Vinous

The world-famous Valpolicella Superiore from Zenato, produced using the Ripasso method, is a rich wine with the best value. It is peppery, with earthy tones and gravel giving way to black cherries and savoury herbs. It reveals deep, silky textures balanced by vibrant acids, while ripe red and black fruits resonate under a hint of lavender. Zenato's Ripassa is concentrated and intense, but at the same time conveys elegance and leaves a fresh note of violet candy on the palate that lingers for a long time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Right from the start, this wine shows a beautiful balance between fruity and non-fruity flavours. Aromas of wild plums, dried leaves and fresh flowers share the moment in the glass. The palate is soft and fruity, with flavours of black cherries at the centre. This fruitiness is supported on the finish by notes of turned earth and cocoa." Wine Enthusiast

"The Valpolicella Superiore Ripassa 2019 is dark and brooding in the glass with rich plum and mocha tones accompanied by crushed ash stone. On the inside, it is surprisingly juicy and energetic, combining sour cherry with notes of sage and black olive over a core of vibrant acidity. The 2019 leaves the cheeks tingling and finishes full of tension and spice as the balsamic notes slowly fade away." Vinous

"An elegant red wine of medium body and freshness, with light, fine tannins framing a juicy palette of sun-dried cherries and cranberries, red liquorice, eucalyptus and spiced orange peel that linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A beautiful blend of red berries, bright orange peel and spicy cedar on the nose that transitions into a full, round and silky palate with very fine tannins that are well integrated into the texture. Lots of flavour and good length. It's hard not to be satisfied with a glass or two of this. Lasting. Drink it now." James Suckling

Feudo di Mezzo Il Quadro Delle Rose smells of roses and small red berries. It is a heavy, tannic wine that requires a little patience, but finds its balance with time. A wine of exceptional finesse and great intellect. SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex bouquet with earthy-mineral notes and floral accents, still slightly closed, but already showing good depth. In the mouth it is tightly woven with still quite grippy tannins, already shows good depth, but is still somewhat undeveloped. Patience is needed here, it can still improve." Weinwisser

"The tannins of this lively red wine are snappy and combine with a bright blend of wild cherry, boysenberry, tea rose and star anise, ending in a firm, mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"Offers a wonderfully rich aroma of blackberries, blackcurrants, black cherries and herbs. It is rich and silky, beautifully combining fruitiness with juicy flavour, supported by fine, ripe, grippy tannins, a hint of fresh acidity and some wood and spice notes on the long finish. Marvellous." Decanter

"Pure cherry fruit, reminiscent of kirsch, with orange peel and an ashy, mineral backbone, almost like flint or gunpowder. Similar aromas and flavours both on the nose and on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, very tense and firm with chalky tannins and a lingering sense of crushed granite and rock on the palate. Also mussel shells. Long. Try after 2025." James Suckling

The "Fracia" vineyard has belonged to Nino Negri since it was founded in 1897. It lies at the confluence of several alpine valleys and the vegetation in this area is almost Mediterranean with lavender and rosemary. The result is a wine that is flavoursome and flowery with a characteristic, spicy aroma.

Intense ruby red colour with garnet reflections. Complex aromas of dog rose and violets on the nose, which develop into spicy notes such as rosemary and lavender. Dense, rich and with well-structured tannins on the palate. The well-balanced and fresh acidity leads to a long, very flavoursome finish. An alpine red that is already a pleasure to drink, but its complexity and power will really come to the fore with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour. Elegant hints of honey, rosehip and strawberries on the nose, some sage, peach, cold smoke. Beautifully polished and fresh on the palate, elegant, slightly creamy fruit, delicately flowing, fine pressure on the finish." Falstaff

"Raspberries, damp earth, herbs and orange peel on the nose. Medium-bodied with dusty tannins and an attractive minerality. Firm and persistent. Drink or store." James Suckling

"The Nino Negri 2019 Valtellina Superiore Valgella Vigna Fracia shows a bright ruby red colour, and although the bouquet is not as expressive as some of its peers, it opens slowly with notes of cassis, dried orange peel and sweet nectarine. The bouquet is characterised by red berries, fruit and a hint of wild roses and mountain flowers. It is delicate and light in texture. This wine is packaged in a bottle with a greenish-grey label that reflects the slate soils of Valgella. Give it a little more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

"Firm and chewy, this compact red opens in the glass, offering a tarry undertow, with flavors of baked cherry, medicinal herbs and white pepper, plus a touch of black licorice. Long and minerally on the finish." Wine Spectator

Amarone Classico is made from grapes grown in the vineyards of the classic Valpolicella area at the entrance to the Marano Valley. The drying process of the carefully selected grapes takes around 120 days. After fermentation, the wine matures for at least 3 years in wooden barrels.

Dark cherries, plums, smoke, mint, liquorice, sweet herbs and crushed rose petals swirl around in the glass as the wine gradually opens up. Lively and lively, it is characterised by an expressive and well-defined personality and seriousness. For all its depth, it is an almost weightless Amarone, built on finesse and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Fine wood on the nose, sweet cherry, juicy citrus fruit, very inviting and with fine floral nuances on the finish. Medium-bodied on the palate, shows good juiciness, violet flavour, surprisingly light-footed." Falstaff

"Inviting aromas of cherry jam, exotic spices, dried violets and cocoa powder swirl in the glass of this well-crafted Amarone. Rich and lush ,the wine is mouth filling but the tart red-berry and sour-plum flavors balance the wine along with crunchy acidity that leads to a savory and earthy finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of dried berries and pressed flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate with a relaxed, fruity mouthfeel at first. Then some solid tannins firm up the finish." James Suckling

"The 2018 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico opens slowly with a blend of dried cherries, wild herbs and crushed ashen stone. Its textures are silky and pure, with mineral underpinnings that excite the senses as spicy red fruits cascade across the palate. A salty flourish creates a distinctly savory style through the finish, as grippy tannins add youthful poise." Vinous

The name "retus" comes from "Rhaetia" or "Raetia", the name of the Roman province. In Celtic, "reit" refers to a mountain village.

Bright straw green colour. Wild herbs, orange peel, green fruit and spices on the nose. Round and broad on the attack, then more straightforward and restrained in the centre, with enough of a salty edge and harmonious acidity to buffer the subtle fruit sweetness. The finish is long with flint and stone notes. Great Sauvignon Bianco with a refreshingly alpine character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Candied and cedar notes, a leafy character and a quince core. On the palate there’s complexity and concentration, with wet wool notes, a medium body and long, crisp acidity. Almonds in the finish." James Suckling

Black-red and almost impenetrable in the glass. Blackberry, black cherry, some rum pot and tobacco on the nose. Generous and ripe on the palate, flanked by taut tannins, which are pleasantly flanked by the fleshy core. Once again, Marco Caprai has succeeded in taming the Sagrantino grape and raising it to the highest heights - a grape variety that demands a great deal of sensitivity every year, even from the "bedrock" from Montefalco. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, shimmering ruby colour with a narrow rim. Dark, sweet plum jam fruit on the nose, with balsamic notes and milk chocolate. Plucky tannins on the palate, juicy fruit underneath, long finish and plenty of potential." Falstaff

"A wine with a vibrant and complex nose of wild blackberries, flowers, earth and meat character. Austere palate with a full body, prominent tannins, refreshing acidity and a good, balanced finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Montefalco Sagrantino Valdimaggio is dark and rich in the glass. Cherry and plum sauce mix with cinnamon, clove and dried roses. From start to finish, pure elegance swirls across the palate with velvety textures and admirable length, displaying depths of ripe wild berry fruits offset by tactile mineral tones and spice. A bitter blackberry concentration adds grip and poise. Fine tannins flex upon the senses. The 2020 finishes hauntingly long and youthfully tense. The single-vineyard Valdimaggio displays a classic refinement that will reward cellaring." Vinous

Essenze Barolo Riserva is vinified only in the best vintages. It is a blend of the best grapes from the vineyards of the Comune del Barolo. Ethereal scent, some forest earth, tar, tobacco and spices. A wonderfully balanced Barolo with a fine acid and tannin structure and a beautiful fruit component - completely in the style of the house and made for a long life! SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromatic dried herb and cherry notes with a supple rounded palate, powerful tannins and a long, tarry finish." Decanter

"Bright ruby garnet. Smells of rosewood, wild raspberries and pickled nuts on the nose. Gripping tannin that spreads out well, shows good tension, lots of raspberry fruit, juicy, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Deep red and dark berries on the nose, along with floral and leathery notes. Full-bodied with grainy tannins infused with spice and fruit. It is approachable now but should age for a long time. Best from 2023." James Suckling

Fine late harvest from Antinori: complex aroma and silky flavour with aromas of sweet, juicy peaches, ripe pears, jasmine, caramel and honey. Muffato della Sala is one of the most famous and delicious sweet wines in Italy. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe and tropical with dried pineapple, candied tangerines, dried flowers and subtle notes of bergamot. Medium- to full-bodied, balanced and not overly sweet. Delicious fruit and creamy finish with notes of orange marmalade and spices." James Suckling

Deep ruby red colour, lush notes of cherries, strawberries and sweet oak spice, vanilla and black pepper. The Sangiovese gives the blend great freshness and is in perfect balance with the silky and soft tannins of the Merlot. Overall rich, but always elegant and with great persistence. A complex, excellently structured red wine in absolute Super Tuscan quality and produced in a very small edition of just under 3,000 bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

"A round, juicy and flavorful red. The nose shows notes of currants, cassis and some sweet spices. It’s medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins. Refined texture with control. A lively core of juicy berries at the center meets vivid spices and herbs funneling toward the vibrant 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

Barbera d'Alba Scarrone from the vineyard of the same name is a beautifully complex, rich Barbera cru. Aromas of dark, fragrant fruit, spices, liquorice and minerals. Opulent and impeccably balanced, silky tannins, sweet floral notes on the long, dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Spicy, with flavours of black cherry, violet, cumin and cardamom and a hint of toasted oak. Fresh and harmonious, with a long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"Lots of black berries and black liquorice on the nose, medium body, very fine tannins and a fresh and lively finish. Fine texture." James Suckling

"This single-vineyard Barbera pops out of the glass with tart blueberry and boysenberry jam aromas accented by candied violets and savory spices. Round and giving, the wine aims to please while still being serious. Ripe mixed berries combine with dried herbs and finish with such great structure and acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The Barbera d'Alba Vigna Scarrone 2021 is dense, lush and explosive. An onslaught of dark red cherry and plum fruit, mocha, liquorice, spices, rose petals and a hint of French oak builds in the glass. The Scarrone is another excellent Barbera from Vietti, powerful and quite deep. The Scarrone has developed very well in recent years." Vinous

Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon - the creative and successful experiment of Count Tasca d'Almerita. Cygnus is a young, enchanting wine that smells of blackberries, cherries, vanilla and tobacco and has a wonderfully smooth, grapey-sweet taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has aromas of mulberries, ripe cherries, bay leaves and mushrooms. It is medium-bodied with firm, integrated tannins. Spicy and well balanced." James Suckling

Normally, the Sangiovese grapes from the 14-hectare single vineyard are mainly harvested in Ama and San Lorenzo. Since the 2018 harvest, Lorenza and Marco have decided to vinify a small quantity separately. Deep, dark ruby red colour with violet reflections. Extroverted bouquet of blackberry, raspberry and redcurrant, with notes of crushed gravel, tobacco and traces of young leather. Very powerful and beautifully textured on the palate, the various layers of primary fruit only gradually unfold, the wood pleasantly receding into the background. Finely granulated tannins and a well-integrated acidity flank this very harmonious red on an elegant, long final. There is a lot to like here, for us it is once again a typical Ama wine: racy, powerful and elegant! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with violet reflections. Very precise nose of ripe cherries and plums, some eucalyptus, undergrowth and juniper berries on the finish. Initially soft on the palate with a delicate fruity flavour, then with gripping tannins." Falstaff

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni is a bold, potent wine. Black fruit, leather, tobacco, grilled herbs, licorice and incense add to an impression of virile intensity. Ideally, readers will cellar this for a few years. It’s a serious wine that needs a bit of time." Vinous

"Flavours of black cherries, dark mushrooms and some lemon zest follow through to a medium body that finishes long and energetic." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni is a broad and rich expression of Sangiovese, offering concentrated blackberries, plums and velvety tannins. The wine shows attractive accessibility and a generous, medium-bodied mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

Zenato's Amarone is all about elegance, with ripe fruit at the centre of the inviting bouquet with light notes of aromatic herbs. Powerful, sparkling ruby colour. Very appealing and multi-layered nose of plum, black cherry and a hint of leather. The palate reveals its overripe power, fine tannins and warm, expansive flavour, very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright garnet red colour with a brightening rim. Intense aroma of ripe, dark cherries, pickled sultanas, orange zest and wild raspberries on the nose. Compact on the palate with a melting texture, pleasant tannin structure and a long, fruit-driven finish." Falstaff

"Potpourri and fresh herbs on the nose. Palate shows alcohol-soaked Morello cherry, leafy, tobacco, dark chocolate, and coffee. Dense and lush with evolving spice and a hint of woodsmoke. Good typicity." Decanter

"A soft red wine whose lush texture carries finely tuned flavours of stuffed cherries and baked raspberries. It offers accents of loamy earth, orange peel, medicinal herbs and rosehip. Long and flowing, with good tension through the well-seasoned, lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Very complex nose of bay leaves, dried plums and blackberry jam, complemented by leather and some restrained chocolate. Velvety tannins flow on the palate, with a full body, zesty and cleansing acidity and a savoury finish of roasted black pepper and chocolate." James Suckling

Deep, dark ruby violet colour. Pugnitello impresses with intense notes of elderberry and blackberry, interspersed with subtle smoky notes, slightly peppery in the background. Juicy attack with a well-structured body, dense, gripping tannins, long and persistent with a salty component. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Pugnitello is a fascinating wine. It offers plenty of dark cherry fruit, plum, leather, coffee, liquorice and dried herbs and shows remarkable depth and concentration. There is plenty of tannin, but this is a Pugnitello after all." Vinous

"A rich and dense red, showing some toasted sesame from the oak with red chilli chocolate, dark olives, blackberries and hints of purple flowers and spice. Full and compact, with tonnes of fine-grained tannins rounding out the fruit. An outstanding Pugnitello. Drinkable now, but better after 2023." James Suckling

"This is a beautifully made wine and a special expression of one of Tuscany's great under-the-radar grapes. The 2019 Pugnitello prides itself on its dark concentration, soft ripeness, blackberry jam, earth, black truffle and crushed rose as a single varietal wine. The full-bodied mouthfeel is rich in extract but also soft, giving this wine a medium-term drinking window. In fact, it's preferable to drink this bottle until the 10-year mark, when the velvety primary fruit is at its best." Wine Advocate

"The nose starts intensely sanguine and almost metallic, like meat fresh off the grill, then lightens into sweet aromas of vanilla and gentler savory notes of earth and herbs. On the palate, a current of astringent fruit ties together the herbaceousness with that metallic quality, while a peppery heat blazes around unrelenting tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Schulthaus Pinot Bianco is a true classic among South Tyrolean Pinot Blancs. Its success began in 1982, when it was first vinified and bottled. A perfect, delicately fruity and fresh wine that is a pleasure to savour with its creamy softness and racy acidity. Smells of fresh spring green, the generous palate is characterised by mirabelle plum, nectarine and a vibrant freshness that leads to a refreshing finish with lemon and minerals. SUPERIORE.DE

"A super-tense and fresh style for a pinot blanc. Thyme, herbs, cedar, green apples and limes on the nose. Light- to medium-bodied with crisp, zesty acidity and good length." James Suckling

Cognos Barbaresco from the top Bordini vineyard is a centred and firm Nebbiolo that is one of the more powerful representatives of the appellation. However, it only reveals its great aromatic potential at second glance: Cherry, blackberry, hints of spice and a little freshly chopped mint. Then some speculoos, walnut, salty tones and tobacco. Acidity and tannin form a perfect symbiosis and at the same time the backbone of this impressive Barbaresco, which will give pleasure for many years to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Elvio Cogno 2020 Barbaresco Bordini is particularly powerful and powerful in terms of fruit. This expression of a hot vintage offers a medium fruit texture with a classic presentation of cherry, redcurrant, liquorice, blue flower and spice. It needs a few more years of bottle age, but we are not far from optimal drinking maturity." Wine Advocate

"A bright, well-defined red with aromas and flavours of cherries, strawberries, liquorice and wild herbs. Smooth in texture, it firms up nicely, with finely crafted tannins and a lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Attractive raspberries and cherries with a hint of roselle and red spices. Also some blood orange. Medium to full-bodied, polished and refined with compact tannins and a velvety texture. It is ripe but fresh, with a pure and lively red fruit character and a long finish. Attractive now, but even better after 2025." James Suckling

"Dusty red berries and raspberry aromas intertwine with chalky notes, creating an electric and energetic aromatic profile. The wine showcases fine yet firm tannins, displaying excellent structure with a core of tart red fruits today that will give way over time to more of the wine's savory and mineral characteristics." Wine Enthusiast

One of the really great Chardonnays from South Tyrol: bright, intense light golden yellow in colour. In the powerful yet harmonious Chardonnay Baron Salvadori, the aromas of fine vanilla cream and ripe fruit change in quick succession. Fresh and round on the palate, the accentuated fruit is accompanied by balanced acidity, a fine salty vein and well-integrated wood spice. SUPERIORE.DE

"A restrained, tight and minerally wine. On the nose it’s fresh and citrusy, with lemon leaf, cedar and butter notes. The attack is silky, with weight, concentration and a tight-knit structure of fruit and acidity. It’s zesty, medium-bodied and savory. Precise at the end." James Suckling

Here is a fairly new single-vineyard wine, similar in style to Santo Spirito, but with an "autumnal" component. Light ruby red in colour, with a nose of gravel, vanilla and a subtle hint of mint, plus some cranberry, cherry, nutmeg and mocha. Fresh and exciting on the palate with a sweet and sour component and a delicately bitter vein. Compact tannin that certainly deserves a few more years in the bottle. The final is herbaceous, spicy and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Moganazzi is very delicate and restrained. It unfolds slowly with a nuanced blend of incense, dried roses and exotic citrus fruits. It is supple, round and medium-bodied, with a zesty acidity and a crystalline core of minerals that slowly support the tart wild berry fruit. The finish is a little short but effective, leaving a bitter raspberry note and grippy tannins that tug at the cheeks." Vinous

"Sparkling, brightening ruby red colour. Fragrant, playful nose, lots of raspberries and blackberries, followed by violets and a hint of lemongrass. Extremely juicy and fruity on the palate, ripe, fine-grained tannins, lively acidity, spicy, mouth-watering final." Falstaff

"A spicy skein of graphite, ground white pepper and clove winds through flavors of ripe black cherry and black raspberry fruit in this red, with accents of sassafras, red licorice and tar. A crisp frame of well-integrated tannins and bright acidity carries the expressive profile through the lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"Fleshy red and black cherry aromas with some cocoa and balsam make for an enticing wine. In the mouth it's rich and intense, with good acidity injecting freshness into the black cherry, blackberry, violet and cocoa palate. The tannins are fine and grippy, clearly evident on the cheeks, supporting the concentrated, precise core. Full and delicious." Decanter

"It has a fresh and fragrant nose with beautiful cherries and raspberries as well as rose petals, liquorice and crushed stones. On the palate, it is firm and straightforward, with a medium body and lively acidity. It's hard to draw a line between the tannins and the earthy, mineral aspect, as both create a chalky mouthfeel and lead to a long, textured finish. I like the finesse of this wine, although it is still quite dense and firm." James Suckling

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 has for the first time vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione to reflect the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiola.

Castello di Fonterutoli comes from 11 different plots at an altitude of 420-510 m around the hamlet of Fonterutoli in Castellina in Chianti. It is quasi the "château" and at the same time the oldest cru of the winery and was first produced in 1995 as the predecessor of today's Gran Selezione. Rich colour and a clear scent of blackberries, cherries, violets and flowers, plus some nougat. This full-bodied Castello Fonterutoli impresses with its beguiling extract sweetness and polished tannin. The intense and concentrated taste enchants the senses. The long final is full of elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Engaging raspberry and floral bouquet; dynamic evolution on the palate, combining juice and polish, the acidity lively, the tannins tight, elegant finish." Vinum

"Bright, radiant ruby red. Somewhat restrained on the nose, gentle hints of orange zest and raspberries. On the palate juicy and with a red berry fruit core, shows itself elegant and drinky, currently still very young, in the finish delicate pressure with a lot of finesse, salty." Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red. Brooding sweet fruit with malt notes and the scent of oak. Fantastic concentration of tangy cherry fruit on the palate. Very long, deep and smooth." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is laced with sweet red cherry, tobacco, spices, incense, mint, dried herbs and orange peel. Medium-bodied, with plenty of aromatic drive and energy, the Castello is another fine offering in this Mazzei family range." Vinous

"Fonterutoli is located at the confluence of Castellina, Radda and Vagliagli. Since 2017, the Mazzei family has been producing three different Gran Selezione to highlight the individual communes. The Castello Fonterutoli, which comes from farms in Castellina, shows woody aromas of cedar, cinnamon and cloves. The palate is lush with cherry and plum still wrapped in oak. The tannins are polished and the graininess gives it structure. The finish shows racy acidity, bringing out notes of mint and violets." Decanter

"Packed with fresh cherry, raspberry, blackberry and violet flavors, this red starts out silky before yielding to firm, dusty tannins. Still, this offers nice tension and a lingering aftertaste of pure fruit." Wine Spectator

"The beautiful 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli comes from a special site with silly limestone soils punctuated by lots of stones. The wine is particularly balanced and bright in this vintage, with lots of cherry fruit, gravel, dusty minerals and blue flowers. The tannins are sweet and rich, contributing to an elegant, medium-bodied mouthfeel. The high altitude vineyard sites ensure the freshness of this wine." Wine Advocate

"A top Chianti Classico that smells of dark cherries, rose petals and cedar on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied and very structured with lots of tannins. Needs time to mellow. Taste after 2024." James Suckling

"A selection of about 50 plots, a blend of Sangiovese, Colorino, Malvasia Noir, for one of the great labels of Gran Selezione on the market. Notes of black mulberry, hints of clove and turmeric, nuances of ginger. On the palate, juicy-salty, persistent, with fruity-floral hints and great density-crispness." Luca Gardini

1997 saw the birth of Bradisismo, named after the geological event that led to the formation of the Colli Berici. It is a successful symbiosis of the intense, concentrated flavour of ripe Cabernet Sauvignon cherries and the lively, spicy notes of Carmenere. With its bouquet of small dark berries, spices, pepper and chocolate, it is a wonderfully inexpensive alternative to the great Bordeaux blends or Supertuscans. On the palate, it has a velvety texture, with a mix of dark fruits, cherries, floral notes and fine tannins that glide seamlessly over the palate. Deep, long finish and very good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red colour with a violet core. On the nose, aromas of cassis, pickled forest fruits and green pepper, plus dark chocolate and black pepper. Fruity on the palate, present tannins, animating drinking flow, persistent and with a fine salinity in the finish." Falstaff

"The 2019 Cabernet Bradisismo opens slowly in the glass with exotic spices and crushed stones fading into blackcurrant, and is savoury and darkly floral. It's cool and racy in style, holding its power in reserve as a wave of ripe red and black fruit floods the palate with youthful concentration. Salty minerals mingle with rugged tannins on the long and structured final." Vinous

"This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Carmenere opens with deep aromas of blackberry jam, spiced plum compote and star anise. As the wine develops in the glass, notes of violet, tobacco and graphite rise. Stupendously well balanced, with integrated tannins and mouth-watering acidity that frames the generous dark-hued fruits on the palate, as sweet oak spices linger on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"A balanced and lively blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere. Plums, blueberries, dark cherries, undergrowth, leaves, sweet tobacco and a hint of black olives. Medium to full body with fine, firm tannins. Structured and textured with dark berries and some chocolate character on the palate. Earthy with a hint of spice on the long finish. Best from 2025." 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