James Suckling

The grapes for one of the most elegant and ethereal Vin Santo in Chianti Classico are dried before they are pressed and then sealed in barrels for nine years. Paolo de Marchi calls it "lazy winemaking" and admits: "The blending process is actually the most challenging part, as each barrel is different and after tasting 10 barrels, palate fatigue sets in". The result is a very elegant and pure Vin Santo that has beguiling notes of candied fruit, honey and sweet spices. The balance between sweetness and acidity keeps the wine light, lively and refreshing, and it has a smoky edge on the finish. This is a great Vin Santo, and although it has more than 200g/litre of residual sugar, it is surprisingly light, refreshing and easy to drink. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2011 is the last wine that Paolo de Marchi made before leaving Isole e Olena. It shows the richness and development of a warm year in its slightly forward flavours. Brown sugar, toffee, hazelnut, dried figs and spices gradually open up in the glass." Vinous

"Amber in colour. Complex and evolved, with notes of apricot jam, celery, dried figs, candied orange peel and a hint of rancio. The zesty and lively acidity balances the dense sweetness, with a full body and a long, very spicy finish with dried apricots. Not an easy wine, only for connoisseurs, but very good." James Suckling

The name Tresette is derived from the fact that only 2,800 bottles of this single-varietal Merlot are produced each year and it is aged in three Liters French oak barrels. The grapes come from old vines on a plot 480 metres above sea level, and it is only vinified in the best years. Tresette is a cool, archetypal Merlot that is very elegant and unique in Tuscany and is entirely in keeping with the house style. Juicy blackberry flavours, clove, herbs and spices on the nose. Enveloped by supple tannins, this fresh red leads into a delicious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby red colour. Notes of cherry, raspberry and sour cherry, with a hint of herbs and Mediterranean scrub. Deep and soft on the palate, with excellently integrated tannins and a spicy, fresh finish." Falstaff

"Violets, raspberries and passion fruit on the nose of this Tuscan Merlot join with savory notes of graphite, wet stone near a running stream, and black olives. Juicy fruit bursts through on the palate, offering cherry, strawberry and raspberry. Firm if forgiving tannins strike a tension between powerful and graceful." Wine Enthusiast

"The Riecine 2018 Merlot TreSette comes from a site with schistose galestro clay soils. This wine is dark and velvety in texture with dark fruit, spice and savory tones of dark cherry and plum. What stands out most in this Tuscan Merlot is the robust nature of the mouthfeel. This creative wine is made with early-ripening fruit from one of the wildest corners of the region." Wine Advocate

"Attractive red with plum, herb and orange-peel character. Medium body, refined tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. Really delicious now." James Suckling

"Fragrant bouquet with yellow fruit, apricot stones and Williams pear. Very finely contoured structure on the palate with silky and juicy flavours and a wonderfully finesse-rich length. A great Etna Bianco that could do with a little more ageing in the bottle!" Weinwisser

"The complex mineral nose shows candied cedar, flint, smoky depth and a slightly toasty character. Super soft on the attack with medium body and good weight, lemon and mirabelle plum flavours meld with crisp, long acidity and a silky finish." James Suckling

"A new white wine from Girolamo Russo, from the Contrada Feudo in Randazzo. It is earthy and floral and has an appealing, spicy aroma of apricot peel, followed by creamy yellow plums, pineapple, lemon peel and blood oranges in the mouth. The finish is mineral, fruity and salty with a long aftertaste." Decanter

Le Difese is the freshest and most accessible of the three wines from Tenuta San Guido. For us, it is one of the most beautiful price-quality wonders of Tuscany. Magnificent, sweetly perfumed fruit aromas in the opulent bouquet, equally generous and broad in the long-lasting flavour of dark cherries, wild strawberries and tangy rosehips. Le Difese shows the great class of the winery in a more playful way. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, transparent garnet colour. Juicy, accessible nose. Quite a charmer with a little Sangiovese bite on the finish for the short term. Decent, medium finish." Jancis Robinson

"Bright and appealing flavours of raspberry and cranberry with some cedar follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Fresh and crisp." James Suckling

"Bright red and violet scents with a creamy background and herbal notes lead to a soft and structured palate full of fresh, tangy cherries and dark hedgerow berries. Ripe, precise and flavoursome with a long, airy, balsamic finish, Le Difese should be enjoyed over the next ten years." Decanter

"The 2022 Le Difese is full-bodied, juicy and expressive, making it a good choice to drink now and over the next few years. Crushed flowers, juicy red cherry fruit, mint, spice and blood oranges race across the palate. This exuberant yet medium-bodied Tuscan coastal red wine is a true delight. The 2022 is a particularly beautiful edition. It benefits from a warm year, an earlier bottling and an earlier selection." Vinous

Deep ruby red. Bright, fresh and savoury aromas and flavours of blueberries, flint, coffee and fresh herbs. Long and clean with soft tannins and very good clarity on the bright end. A beautiful, very refined wine with early appeal but also velvet paws creeping concentration and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"A delicate blend of smoky sage, wild blueberries, cracked chalk and dried violets makes the 2018 Rivarossa a total pleasure to take in. This is silky and cool-toned with a balanced inner sweetness that offsets its tart wild berry fruits as peppery herbal tones amass toward the close. The Rivarossa tapers off structured with edgy tannins that pinch at the cheeks as a note of black licorice lingers on and on. A lot is going on beneath the surface here, but it will be several years before the 2018 comes entirely into focus." Vinous

"Lovely blackberries, violets and blueberries with hints of dark chocolate. Medium to full body with creamy, polished tannins and a flavourful finish." James Suckling

The years of the COVID-19 pandemic were particularly fruitful for Giovanni Manetti, you could call them an epiphany. He had time to reflect and walked through his vineyards in the Conca d'Oro in Panzano in Chianti, an amphitheatre of postcard-perfect vines, and decided it was time to expand his portfolio. In particular, he was looking for a way to better articulate the concept of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, which is essentially a perfect vehicle for a grand cru winemaking philosophy. His existing Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is a flagship for this highest category of appellation, but unfortunately it only represents a single vineyard site. The fruit comes from an area with a higher proportion of schistose galestro for dark fruit, etched mineral notes and pencil shavings. Now this wine can be seen in context.

This is how the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Terrazze San Leolino was created. It comes from a vineyard in Panzano, not too far from Vigna del Sorbo. However, this small parcel near the San Leolino chapel is characterised by calcareous Alberese, which produces fresh wines with a less dark character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Noble, shiny ruby red colour with a fine rim. Deep in the nose, slightly peppery with a juicy cherry fruit centre, ebony, hints of marzipan and tobacco. Flows over the palate with gentle pressure, fine fruit sweetness and silky texture, on firm tannins with a very long finish." Falstaff

"With flavours of cherry, pomegranate, flowers, iron and resin, this bright, elegant red wine tightens on the finish, yet remains balanced and silky, with a beautiful finish." Wine Spectator

"This is a beautifully crafted Chianti Classico with a very fine texture, silky tannins, bright fruit and crisp acidity. It is medium-bodied and lingers for minutes at the end. Very attractive now, but even better in two or three years and beyond." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano Terrazze San Leonlino, now bearing the Panzano UGA on the label, is a magnificent wine and a relatively new addition to a portfolio that excels in a classic vintage like 2021. The wine benefits from the new regulations that give identity to the subzones of the appellation (or UGAs) and exudes the depth, richness and sunshine for which the fruit of Panzano is renowned. The bouquet is characterised by generous black fruits, pencil shavings and light spices, but the wine is ultimately characterised by its triple balance between fruit, acidity and oak spice." Wine Advocate

The world-famous Caiarossa is an extremely exciting blend of the Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese and Grenache varieties, with the rich, dark fruit flavours of the Cabernet grapes taking centre stage. On the nose, a beautiful first wave of dark fruits that never appear too ripe, which greatly benefits the elegance of the wine. The palate is very balanced and focussed with blackberries, cassis and slight hints of salty or rusty minerals. Caiarossa displays a good degree of elegance, not least due to its fine and taut tannins, and despite its density and complexity never comes across as opulent or even overloaded. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense purple red colour. Finely drawn nose of violets, marzipan, liquorice, wild berry jam, with a hint of iodine and clove behind it, multi-layered. Velvety in texture, juicy and fruity-sweet on firm tannins, round and with gentle pressure, very persistent." Falstaff

"The Caiarossa 2021 is an elegant, refined red wine. The attack reveals crushed flowers, spices, blood orange and pomegranate. Supple and medium-bodied, with great energy, the 2021 has a lot to offer. Its energy and persistence are remarkable. Bright savoury notes support the lively finish." Vinous

"The medium saturated ruby red colour hints at an extremely distinctive bouquet, where nutmeg and spicy herbs combine with iron-rich blackcurrants, red roses, pine resin, liquorice and cocoa powder. Luscious blackcurrants take centre stage on the palate, while slightly tart tannins and a hint of bitter orange provide lift. Garrigue, cedar and salty minerals linger on the long and youthfully dusty finish." Decanter

"This dense and concentrated red is packed with blackcurrant, blackberry and plum fruit, while notes of iron, wild herbs and oak spice add further detail. Assertive tannins and lively acidity support it and give it an overall sense of balance. The dark fruit flavours have lovely depth and a great aftertaste that really lingers. Shows power and grace." Wine Spectator

"It shows a velvety and darkly concentrated appearance with pretty richness and deep color saturation. These results are balanced and bright in this gorgeous vintage, and I especially like the wine's freshness that seems to shine from its core. The mouthfeel is more streamlined than it is bulky, and that quality adds a sense of lasting elegance." Wine Advocate

"Violet reflections in the glass. Aromas of cloves, abundant blackberries and dried eucalyptus. The attack is firm and dense, with a full body and velvety tannins of great extraction on the mid-palate and a refreshing natural acidity. Good integration of oak on the finish. It has potential for the long haul, but will be drinkable in one to two years." James Suckling

The "25 Anni" from Caprai has been THE ambassador for Umbria's top wines for many years. It captivates with a beguiling bouquet that combines black fruits with citrus fruits, exotic spices, a hint of oregano, menthol and a hint of cocoa. The texture is more like pure silk that lays delicately across the palate, leaving a satisfying mix of intense dark fruits, minerals and fine-grained tannin. There is so much depth and concentration to work with that even when it finishes youthfully structured and dry, it lingers for well over a minute with notes of redcurrant, sage and dark chocolate. This exceptional Sagrantino is undisputedly not only Caprai's top wine, but also one of Italy's most characterful wines, which, with a little more ageing, is an incredible pleasure and should therefore definitely be aerated for 3-4 hours when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, ruby-red centre with a brightening rim. Pronounced, complex bouquet with notes of juicy cherries and mulberries, followed by cocoa, pickled rose petals and leather. Silky on the palate, rich fruit, covered in chocolate, on powerful tannins, very long." Falstaff

"Balsamic spice mingles with cocoa and mentholated herbs as the dark and brooding 2020 Montefalco Sagrantino 25 Anni slowly awakens in the glass. It is youthfully dense and velvety and flows across the palate like melted chocolate, with ripe wild berries contrasted by tangible minerals and spices. Its acidity provides fantastic balance, while the 2020 leaves a layer of sweet tannins and primary fruit flavours that finish long and pleasantly chewy. This is a much more approachable vintage, but no less complex." Vinous

"The nose is dominated by graphite, with restrained notes of wild blackberry, meat, balsamic and aromatic herbs. The attack is supple, with a full body, youthful fruit character and muscular but very fine tannins that combine with a refreshing acidity and a polished tobacco aftertaste. It needs another year or two of ageing to integrate the oak, but it will last for decades." James Suckling

Here is another outstanding 2019 Brunello from a winery that is still considered an insider tip given its small size and limited annual production. Medium, bright ruby red colour. Exotic aromas of minerals and citrus fruits, reminiscent of red cherries, blood oranges and Asian spices, with a floral nuance that gains strength with air. The palate is supple and expansive, with sweet flavours of red cherries and dark plums carried by a powerful acidity. Densely packed, at once fleshy and broad, but also lively and precise. On the strikingly long finish, it shows excellent power and cut, characterised by youthful, dusty tannins and a hint of candied violets. As is so often the case, this is one of the best Brunellos of the vintage and still completely under the radar of many Sangiovese lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense fruity bouquet, ripe red fruit, coffee. Juicy, creamy, dense, modern, intense, concentrated, creamy frame, warm final." Weinwisser

"The Brunello is made from the oldest vines, a single vineyard of one hectare planted in 1992. The warmth of south-east Montalcino is perceived in the aromas of Mediterranean shrubs and macerated cherries. A hint of nutmeg and iron gives the wine an added flavour. A full, shapely and enveloping Brunello that finds balance and lightness in its generous proportions. On the palate, it reveals a wonderful purity of black and redcurrants, and the compact, powdery tannins leave a clean finish. The final shows intense orange flavours." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is simply stunning. It rises from the glass with a bouquet that combines minty herbs and hints of cocoa with sweet spices and blackberries. The palate is lapped by a texture of pure silk, introducing waves of polished red fruits and oranges, while rosy, floral notes build towards the finish. Although tannic and classically dry, the 2019 retains a lovely inner freshness, leaving a pleasant bitter tang and salty liquorice notes that slowly fade away. This is a fabulous result from Sesta di Sopra and an excellent representation of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate terroir." Vinous

"Subtle and refined on the nose with fresh flowers, sweet berries, orange peel and red cherries. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Racy and focused with finesse and drive." James Suckling

Capitel Monte Olmi 2017 takes things to another level. It coats the glass with a deep purple glow and exudes a dark and seductive bouquet of redcurrants, sultanas, black liquorice and a hint of spiced citrus. The deep, velvety texture is complemented by juicy acids and tart red fruits that drench everything they touch, leaving a complex layer of savoury spices, minerals and fine tannins. This wine is structured, long and full of character, but with a balance that will carry it for many years in the cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby red with garnet reflections. Very intense aromas of blueberry, black elderberry, ripe plum, sandalwood, chocolate and tobacco leaf on the nose. Powerful and very fruity on the palate, delicately spicy and dense, with fine tannins, very balanced final with great drinking pleasure." Falstaff

"Blackberry pie, sweet and savoury spices, woody herbs and violets swirl in the glass. In the mouth, it's lush and creamy, with cooked plums and black cherries on the mid-palate accompanied by anise, clove and pepper, finishing with fine tannins and bright acidity. The wine shows the 2017 vintage with its concentrated richness, but there is enough acidity to hold the wine together." Wine Enthusiast

"Restrained and deep nose of black pepper, earth, blackberries, blueberries and bay leaves. The attack is lush, dense and velvety, with a full body, refined tannins, firm acidity and great balance. Long, amazing finish with notes of dark chocolate." James Suckling

"The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Capitel Monte Olmi is youthfully shy, slowly unfurling notes of cocoa, cloves, lavender and dried black cherries as it swirls. Creamy and seamlessly silky, it soothes the palate with its cooling acidity as the masses of ripe red and blue fruits slowly saturate. A bitter hint of dark chocolate lingers along with a tart berry concentration framed by crisp tannins. For this warm and dry vintage, this is an excellent performance. Its balance is just right." Vinous

"One of the most traditional wineries in Valpolicella, ancient wisdom combined with modern intuition. A Riserva made from Corvina, Rondinone, Rondinella and other red grapes, taut on the nose with notes of laurel and eucalyptus, fresh, dense and deep on the palate, with a spicy-salty finish." Luca Gardini

This 100% Cabernet Franc comes from vines over 20 years old, planted by Diego Planeta, and is simply stunning, delicious and unforgettable. Outstanding aromas of sensual dark fruits, some leather and tobacco. Explosive, penetrating and powerful on the palate, but at the same time seamless and silky smooth. The tannin management is excellent. This is a wine to keep in the cellar - provided you have a certain amount of self-control. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby with purple colour. Gentle and inviting on the nose, cassis, elderberries, cold smoke, precious wood, stony tones on the finish. Tightly meshed on the palate, polished, with clearly defined fruit, comes in many layers, black berries on the final, with rich pressure in the aftertaste, outstanding." Falstaff

"I like the currant and fresh and dried herb character here. It’s medium-bodied with bright fruit and a chewy, juicy finish. Needs a couple of years to soften but very varietal." James Suckling

"The 2018 Cabernet Franc Didacus is very seductive, with a peppery bloom of spices and flowers that fade into soaked plums and cloves. It is silky smooth and more elegant than previous vintages, with tart raspberry and sour cherry flavours accompanied by earthy tones and a hint of citrus. The 2018 is powerful and colourful, yet its tannins are chalky and sweet, creating a structured yet inviting final. This is an incredibly beautiful and deeply satisfying interpretation of Didacus Cabernet Franc." Vinous

Didacus Chardonnay comes from the first vines planted on the shores of Lake Ulmo in 1985. It is dedicated to the founder of the winery, Diego Planeta, and represents the history of the winery as well as elegance, tradition, family and the future. It also embodies Planeta's vision of Sicilian viticulture at the highest level.

This incredibly complex white wine comes from the best grapes from just 4 hectares of Chardonnay vineyards, all of which are hand-selected, pressed and fermented in barriques. With just 6,996 bottles, this wine is hand-picked and distributed to the best importers and restaurants worldwide. Straw yellow in colour with golden reflections. Delicate aroma of herbs, white stone fruit, lychee and a hint of vanilla. Very complex in structure, needs further bottle ageing before it reveals all its elegance and minerality in a superbly long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This harmonious reinterpretation of the grape variety is a reminder of the Menfi area's suitability for international grape varieties: tones of exotic fruits, flowers and spices; linear on the palate, the acidity perfectly integrated, the finish multi-faceted." Vinous

"Aromas of grilled lemons and candied pineapple with hints of honeysuckle, caramel and pastry crust. Full and creamy with rich, layered fruit and some savoury notes. A little oily and dense. Long finish." James Suckling

"On the nose, there is a balance between the sweetness of homemade whipped cream, the smokiness of roasted almonds and the acidity of lemons and yellow apples. On the palate, the honey emphasises the sweetness of the fruit and nuts, but the lemons also play an important role and are underlined by a strong saltiness and a powerful acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chardonnay Didacus 2021 unfolds slowly in the glass, initially very delicate and restrained. A nuanced bouquet of raw almonds and peaches is emphasised by notes of dried flowers and a hint of vanilla pods. Luxuriously soft and supple, it washes over the palate with a delightful blend of ripe pears, mint and spice, gaining grip towards the end from the palpable minerality. The finish is long, colourful and fresh. A spicy finish slowly fades away." Vinous

Great wine that boasts enormous depth and intensity. Velvety and rich, the aromas are reminiscent of dried berries, toasted oak and fine chocolate, with breathtaking power and fullness on the palate, the pure tension and beauty of Refosco. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark opaque garnet purple. Shows rich and precise notes of wild berries, blackberries, elderberries, light mint and precious wood on the nose, complex. Polished and tightly meshed on the palate, spreads out in a lush and decisive way, cool fruit with precise progression, supported by excellent use of wood, lingers long." Falstaff

"This is really nicely done, showing black fruit, such as blackberry, as well as dark chocolate and spice. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins and a flavorful finish. Some smoky oak at the end." James Suckling

"The 2016 Refosco Vigna Dominin is airy and dusty in character, as peppery florals and hints of licorice give way to dried black cherries. Its silky textures usher in a potent mix of red and black fruit with savory penetrating spice and violet-tinged florals that form toward the close. It leaves the palate with a coating of sweet tannins and lingering minerals, as hints of spiced tangerine and pomegranate fade. This is a powerful effort with the depth to balance. I’m looking forward to retasting it with a few years of maturity." Vinous

A few years ago, six leading DOCG wineries joined forces to form the "nobile alliance": Salcheto, Poliziano, La Braccesca, Dei, Boscarelli and Avignonesi. They pursue the ambitious goal of bringing Montepulciano's terroir to perfection in the bottle. Leading this project are Ashleigh Seymour and Matteo Giustiniani, the winemakers of Avignonesi. They not only monitor the quality of the Sangiovese grapes, which all grow in the Poggetto di Sopra vineyard, but are also responsible for the vinification in the cellar.

Poggetto di Sopra comes from a single plot of vines planted in 1978. The alkaline clay soil of the single vineyard Poggetto di Sopra is crossed by a vein of blue sodium clay. It is rich in silt, limestone and prehistoric marine sediments. All of this creates a tension in the wine that is as delicate as it is intense.

Sparkling ruby with garnet reflections. Impressive aromas of blueberry, cherry, clove and thyme on the nose. Dense and multi-layered on the palate, yet powerfully forward, with a clear focus on ripe fruit, minerality and with a tightly woven, soft tannin like velvet and silk. This archetype of an energetic Nobile spans a wide arc, revealing its noble origins with every sip. Beautiful potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Subtle roasted spices are chiselled to the pomegranate and grapefruit notes with some savory berries, sage and crushed stones. The taut and transparent center palate is followed by a long and minerally ethereal finish. Beguilingly light in form, but intense with flavors. “Pinot” finesse here." James Suckling

Gallule is the flagship of the compelling Chianti Classico range and is extremely finely balanced and precise. The Sangiovese grapes are harvested from an old terraced vineyard in Castellina in Chianti. It offers depth and a long sequence of delicate nuances with dark fruits, balsamic herbs, liquorice and freshly ploughed potting soil. This Gran Selezione is a complete and beautiful wine, executed in a very classic style to boot. Gallule is all about the little details, which reveal themselves with each sip. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet oak on the nose with tobacco and mocha. The palate is clean, elegant, with good tannins and a long finish." Decanter

"Straightforward bouquet of raspberries and dried flowers, also leather and tobacco; punchy attack with buxom tannins, stimulating acidity and a multi-layered finish." Vinum

"Very fine tannins frame this energetic and bright Chianti Classico with red fruits like cherries. It is medium-bodied with bright acidity and a crisp finish. A post-modern Gran Selezione." James Suckling

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gallule is a 100% Sangiovese from the terraced vineyards of the original estate in Castellina. The 2019 is bright and powerful, with lively acids and is already very expressive today. Nevertheless, it still needs a few years in the bottle to develop. The purity of the fruit is striking. Red and purple fruits, spices, mint and blood orange are beautifully brought out. This is the first year that barrels were introduced. The larger oak format seems to give the wine more finesse and freshness. There is so much to admire here." Vinous

"The organic Gagliole 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gallule comes from a vineyard in Castellina in Chianti with 20 to 50 year old vines. Only 2,438 bottles were produced. The Gallule shows more texture and fruit weight, but also structure, with black fruit tones of plum and blackberry. Despite its larger size, the wine has a graceful side with roses, lilac and sweet floral earth. Ultimately, this vintage will be remembered for its concentration and power." Wine Advocate