Merlot

Poggio ai Merli is a single-varietal Merlot that relies entirely on the terroir of central Tuscany and consistently embodies the Castellare style. Deep ruby garnet. Pure, clear, with refinement, the wood well integrated, elegant and free of fashionable monotony. Great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pretty red with aromas of blueberries, plums, incense and tea leaves. Full-bodied and structured with a creamy texture and firm, chewy tannins. Vibrant, long finish." James Suckling

"This rich red is saturated with black cherry, black currant, tar, wild rosemary and cedar flavors. Beautifully layered, ripe and fresh, with a lingering fruity and savory aftertaste and refined tannins." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Poggio ai Merli (Merlot) is a dark, fleshy wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Spice, leather, new oak and tobacco add pretty hints of Chianti Classico savoriness to the lush Merlot fruit. Although quite appealing now, the 2019 has enough tannic grip to age well for many years to come." Vinous

Merlot Dominin 2019 is explosive from the first sip. The rich bouquet is complex with raspberries, flowers, liquorice and herbs. The palate is extremely complex with overripe and opulent fruits. A wine with sheer exuberant elements, but nevertheless very coherent in its entirety. Everything is in the right place here and it is clearly the flagship wine of the boutique winery and on par with the great red wines of Miani. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Merlot Vigna Dominin opens with a dramatic bouquet, blending crushed blueberries with mentholated herbs and sweet tobacco. This is suave and elegant with a rush of polished red and black fruits while taking on a savory spiciness toward the close. The 2019 finishes incredibly long, as a web of fine-grained tannins wraps the palate in youthful poise. Black currant and chalky mineral tones slowly fade into the background. This powerful vintage of Merlot Vigna Dominin will require time to show its best. That said, it will be worth the wait." Vinous

Dark garnet red with ruby reflections. Complex bouquet of wild berries, underlaid with a spicy and cocoa note. On the palate again dark fruit, some smoke and tar, the fine-meshed tannin gives a wonderful structure, underlaid with a delicate wood spice in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here's an interesting blend of two grapes, both with soft tannins. The Cantina Produttori Bolzano 2019 Alto Adige Lagrein Merlot Mauritius reveals impenetrable concentration with bold aromas of black fruit, baked cherry, leather, tilled earth and sweet tobacco. The wine is large in scope, with power and richness that need to be considered when pairing this wine with food. You might go with breaded veal chops or porchetta stuffed with fennel. In other words, rich foods with some sweetness to complement the grapes. Mauritius is fermented in oak and aged in barrique and botte for one year." Wine Advocate

The pure Merlot Pàtrimo fascinates with its dense ruby red colour, which almost tends towards black and yet is clear. On the nose, it reveals aromas of black fruit with hints of sweet spices, curry, but also eucalyptus, vanilla and coffee. Volume and concentration leave a lasting impression on the palate. Extreme richness, complexity and finesse, great ageing Storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Black plum, walnut oil and roasted black sesame on the nose. Full-bodied and flavoursome with lots of roasted nuts and some charcoal and chocolate. Firm and chewy tannins with a strong woody finish that gives it a mahogany-coloured undertone." James Suckling

"Packaged in a very heavy bottle, this wine opens with aromas of cassis, paprika and vanilla. The velvety palate offers blackberry jam, dark chocolate and tobacco alongside polished tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Lightly spiced and aromatic, this elegant red offers concentrated flavors of blackberry paste, plum sauce, herbed olive and graphite, plus hints of black licorice and cocoa powder. Fresh and finely knit, with sculpted tannins and a creamy, lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"The Feudi di San Gregorio 2017 Pàtrimo presents itself with a wonderfully velvety and rich appearance. This pure Merlot displays an unexpected bouquet with notes of green curry leaves and rosemary with cherry confit and pressed blackberries. This red wine from the current vintage is rich and complex." Wine Advocate

Crosara Breganze 2017 is a textbook Merlot: full of ripe dark fruits, blackberry pie, liquorice, chocolate, toasted oak and grilled herbs. Offering superb inner sweetness, it is both powerful and elegant, with a lush, super-soft mouthfeel. Pleasingly, a wonderfully focused mineral component saves the wine from ever being overdone. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep nose with tapenade and olives on top of the minty blackberries, tar and black spices. Very compact and dense on the palate, with very firm tannins and fresh, medium acidity. A little tight and chewy, with a hint of bitter chocolate in the finish. Give it some time. Try in 2024." James Suckling

"The 2017 Crosara is deep and sweetly scented with violet and lavender perfumes giving way to black currants. This is textural and velvety in feel, with ripe red and black berries complemented by sweet spice and vibrant acidity. It tapers off long and floral with grippy tannins framing the expression nicely, and a twang of sour citrus perfectly completes the expression. The Crosara is a varietal Merlot from partially dried grapes." Vinous

Galatrona is a pure Merlot in a class of its own. Black-red ruby in the glass. Black berries, fine woody spice and some leather on the nose. Very generous fruit flavours and extremely complex on the palate, it glides elegantly into the depths until it is picked up by a finely woven tannin and leads into a long and finesse-rich finish. A wine that has no need to hide behind Masseto & Co. On the contrary, for us it has been Italy's Merlot benchmark for years. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Galatrona from Petrolo is a highly acclaimed Merlot from Tuscany. It is aged for 18 months in large wooden barrels. Viscous, dark colour. The 2021 Galatrona has an aroma of herbs and spices, liquorice and some wood. Full, juicy and melting, it is much more aromatic in the mouth than on the nose. Intense tannins and a very racy acidity create a full structure of medium depth." Weinwisser

"Although seamless and lusciously saturated with aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, violet, iron, tobacco and spice, this red is also solidly built, with polished tannins. Yet it's more about finesse and elegance than power, with a lively profile and a super-long finish." Wine Spectator

"Bright purple in the glass, gorgeous aromas of black cherry and blackcurrant with floral notes - this 100% Merlot smells wonderfully fragrant and inviting. On the palate it is supple, full-bodied and really seductive, sensual with silky but grippy tannins, beautifully ripe blackcurrant and cherry fruit and crisp acidity that is not too sharp or obvious but enlivens the palate and adds a kick and wonderful freshness to the overall expression. Beautifully presented, harmonious, balanced and absolutely enjoyable from the first to the last sip. A great wine, intense yet energetic, full of nuances of flavour and texture. A wine not to be sneezed at, although it still has plenty of potential for further ageing." Decanter

"The nose shows a wide world of spicy aromas, from red chalk and metal to wood and earth, with cranberries, redcurrants and dark berries as a sweet contrast. The palate reveals a lively flavour with the warmth of earth and freshly ripened fruit, accompanied by tart tannins that promise a long finish. An absolutely acrobatic feat when it comes to Merlot." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Val d'Arno di Sopra Galatrona shows extremely focused aromas, but very generous ones all the while, with soft mint, cherry and stracciatella over a full-bodied texture with soft layers of spice and cedarwood. The wine boasts an elegantly chalky quality to the tannins, but the mouthfeel is so generous, everything irons out beautifully over the palate." Wine Advocate

"The Galatrona 2021 is a good successor to the 2020. In most vintages, the Galatrona is very noticeable right from the start. This is not at all the case with the 2021. This wine will need a few more years to show its best side. Black cherry, plum, mocha, leather, liquorice and incense give the 2021 enormous complexity. More than anything, I admire the sense of vertical, explosive energy that catapults the 2021 into the stratosphere. This is a great wine in every way." Vinous

"The flavours here are very pronounced with dried flowers such as lavender and violets. Also some sage. Black berries and black olive skin. Full-bodied yet straightforward and energetic with very fine tannins and a fantastic length. Fresh and lively on the finish. Best after 2026." James Suckling

"Brilliant dark ruby red colour. Noble, spicy nose of blackcurrants, fine earthy notes, a hint of dried rose petal, cigar box. Sweet and melting on the palate, interwoven with savoury, juicy tannins, elegant on the palate, comes back long and juicy on the final, with fine spicy notes, still a little young." Falstaff

ÙE Merlot Gran Riserva matures sealed and supervised by the Italian Customs and Monopolies Authority for over 12 years in sherry casks from Jerez de la Frontera in the company's cellars.

Natural amber colour with a golden sheen. Very elegant on the nose with sweet scents of marzipan, sultanas, iris, violets and candied fruits, which are echoed in the lingering taste and with balsamic notes.

Glass bottle with diamond cut by hand, with a gold label printed by hand in silkscreen with the signature of the master distiller and chef de cave Benito Nonino. Without added colouring. SUPERIORE.DE

Smells intensely of redcurrants and black cherries, leather, spices and liquorice. Lush and flowing on the palate, all elements merge into a great, striking wine. Great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby colour with a hint of violet and a delicately brightening rim. A compact nose of ripe blackberry and rich cherry, with elegant peppery spice and a fine malt flavour rounding off the bouquet. Polished and juicy on the palate, shows great entry with a racy, gripping finish, with a fine salty undertone, can be stored for a long time." Falstaff

"Impenetrable dark ruby. Rich blackberry and blueberry fruit with touches of cassis, bell pepper, black pepper and fully integrated oak. Juicy blackberry fruit with gritty elegant tannins and a lush finish. A very good wine from an unremarkable year." Jancis Robinson

"On the nose, there are spicy notes of thyme, sour cherries, lemon leaves and blackcurrants as well as black olives. It is full-bodied with firm, well-integrated tannins and a tangy kick of acidity. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable from 2023." James Suckling

"Outstanding, elegant blend of Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon: spicy forest fruit flavours, a powerful start, the tannins are fine-meshed and in balance with the acidity, the finish is berry-spicy and long." Vinum

"The Geremia 2018 is outstanding. A wine full of energy and finesse, the 2018 Geremia is more about persistence than volume. Blueberry, blackberry, lavender, liquorice and scorched earth are abundant. In 2018, Geremia is a wine of tension and restraint. Its best days are still far in the future. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon." Vinous

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

"The Cont'Ugo 2021 is packed with dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, liquorice and cloves. This luscious Merlot will drink well right from the start. It is the archetype of a Maremma red wine." Vinous

"Fresh and varietally expressive, this red bursts with cherry, black currant, olive, tobacco and sweet spice flavors. Balanced and open, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit and spices." Wine Spectator

"Ripe plums and blackberries with sweet spices, violets and chocolate on the nose. Full and structured with fine tannins. Compact and broad-shouldered, ripe, but with tension and energy. Impressive depth and concentration. Long." James Suckling

"Brilliant, medium ruby red colour. Intense nose of ripe cherries and juniper, with a fine woody spice and dark chocolate aftertaste. Balanced on the palate, with a concentrated fruit centre, fine-grained tannins and plenty of pressure right into the long finish." Falstaff

Masari only brings its famous Merlot to the cellar and bottle in the best years. Dark, deep garnet red in colour. Aromas of black, ripe fruit with spices, balsamic herbs, aniseed and liquorice on the nose. Well and firmly structured on the palate with silky tannins and a wonderful mouthfeel. Despite its maturity, it appears much younger as it has a harmonious acid wire on the finish. 100% Merlot - 100% terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby-garnet colour with a brightening rim. Impressive, rich nose of ripe blackberries, plums and preserved cherries, with some sandalwood. Multi-layered and full-bodied on the palate, ripe berry fruit, especially blackberry and dark currant, opens up with grippy, dense tannins, full-bodied pressure on the final." Falstaff

"This top wine from the Masari winery is made from 100% Merlot and is only produced in vintages that bring out the best in this wine. The wine has spicy aromas of dark plums around a core of sandalwood, cloves, liquorice and tobacco. The velvety tannins glide across the palate, while flavours of preserved cherry, chocolate, aniseed and black tea combine and finish with soft and gentle lightness." Wine Enthusiast

"The highly aromatic Monteplugo 2015 seduces with a blend of crushed blackberries and redcurrants lifted by mentholated herbs, sweet spices and a hint of violet candy. On the palate, it flows with textures of pure silk and polished red and blue fruits. The cooling acidity provides a lovely inner freshness. Notes of cherry combine with chalky mineral tones and a hint of blood orange as the 2015 finishes long and colourful, with just a hint of fine tannin to frame the experience. The Monteplugo shows plenty of sexy oak while retaining the core of the Merlot grape variety. Well done." Vinous

"A deep, brooding nose of black cherries and blackcurrants with nuances of bright black cardamom and black peppercorns. Apples too. Full-bodied with a dense fruit core and fine, slightly firm tannin and a long, flavourful finish. Beautiful intensity and focus. So well structured. This wine is very enjoyable to drink now, but can be cellared for a few more years." James Suckling

Intense and enveloping fragrance pleasure of blackberry and dark fruits and cocoa. On the palate, memorable, sturdy fruit and taut tannins give this Merlot its unique elegance. Pleasantly round, long and with traces of mint on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Rich, dark ruby colour with a slight garnet sheen, very dense bouquet, clear, concentrated and inviting, of fine dark chocolate, lots of blackberry, flowers and liquorice. Intense dark berry fruit flavours on the palate, fine-grained tannins, subtle mineral tones. A great, smooth and very characterful Merlot from the Cortona region with a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet sage and mint give way to balsamic-tinged black cherries as the 2020 Merlot Desiderio opens in the glass. This flows across the palate with ease, medium in weight and supple. The saline-tinged acidity guides the core of tart red and blue fruits. Graphite notes mix with savory herbs and spice as the 2020 finishes with admirable length and a gentle coating of fine tannins." Vinous

"Very clear aromas of blackberries, blueberries, dark chocolate and some orange peel follow through to a medium body with a solid core of fruit and a polished and refined texture. It’s driven and focused. Will age nicely." James Suckling

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

"Rich ruby red colour. Ripe wild berries and plums on the nose, slightly spicy aftertaste, complex nose. Salty on the palate with fine-grained tannins, sweet and fruity, well-balanced, with a long final." Falstaff

"Spicy and peppery on the nose with new leather and graphite, this wine also offers wildflowers and berries. On the palate, it mirrors the nose but shows more depth, with coffee, earthiness and richer fruit. Firm but flexible tannins and healthy acidity provide the contours for a long finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Cont'Ugo, 100% Merlot, is rich, pliant and super-expressive. A blast of dark fruit, chocolate, new leather and licorice are front and center. There's a bit less of the bombastic intensity of the early years, but that's not a bad thing at all. Quite the contrary." Vinous

"Sette is a single-varietal Merlot from 7 different individual vineyards, which is where the name Sette comes from. It is aged for 18 months in small wooden barrels. The aroma is very spicy, intense and chocolaty, with lots of wood and medium depth. Dense, sweet and wood-accentuated, it confirms the first impression in the mouth, with a racy and powerful structure. A full-bodied Merlot with enormous power." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red colour. Intense nose with an impressive aroma of wild berries, mint, milk chocolate and precious wood. Firm, beautiful structure on the palate, with finesse and elegant, grippy tannins, appears light-footed despite 15 per cent by volume and drinks finely, sweet melting in the final." Falstaff

"While Tenuta Sette Ponti takes its name from the seven bridges over the Arno, Sette is named after the seven different vineyards that provide the fruit for this 100% Merlot wine: in 2020, these are the Cypress, Salvareccio I, Salvareccio II, Poggio Sinistro, Sorbaccio, Nocetta I and Nocetta II vineyards. Aromatic and earthy, fragrant notes of cherry and cool blue fruit introduce a ripe and fresh palate that is light on its feet, vertical and balanced. The mid-palate has a stony element, while the red and blue fruits are supported by a network of tannins and good acidity." Decanter

"An unctuous, umami mix of hot tar, balsamic vinegar and wild herbs on the nose, with a hint of black pepper before blackberries flood the palate. More pepper and crushed stones on the palate insist on the savoury and austere elements at the moment, but the fruit promises to mature with time and offer a truly luxurious experience." Wine Enthusiast

"A supple, well-defined red that exudes vibrant flavours of cherry, raspberry, plum, iron, chocolate and vanilla. Beautifully balanced, with the youthful tannins now lending assertiveness on the savoury finish." Wine Spectator

"Pronounced flavours of walnuts and hazelnuts with plums and berries. Also some flowers. Full-bodied, but fresh and with powerful tannins that give the wine vibrancy and compactness. The tannins are integrated and very long." James Suckling

Palafreno 2019 is wonderfully polished and lively. Firm but well-integrated tannins form the backbone for a Merlot that is endowed with considerable energy. Spicy herbs, tobacco and wild flowers add complexity. Very nuanced on the palate, opulent to expressive, then at second glance supple, downright elegant. Almost unbeatable in complexity, depth and richness of finesse, it will reveal more and more of its first-class repertoire in the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with purple and opaque core. Very spicy on the nose, with dark berry fruit, cherries, blackberries, a hint of sealing wax, cassis and a fine fleshy component. On the palate hearty, compact and balanced, spans the palate with great dark berry fruit, shows noble resinous notes in addition, very exciting and juicy, great length, put away." Falstaff

"This is very polished and structured with a finesse to the tannins which spread across the palate. It’s full-bodied with fine fruit and a driven finish. It needs three or four years to soften and open." James Suckling

"The 2019 Palafreno, 100% Merlot from Greve's Ruffoli district, is stunning, not to mention one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted here. Silky, plush and exceptionally vivid in the glass, the Palafreno possesses breathtaking beauty that captivates all the senses. At this early stage, the 2019 is all primary dark fruit, but the layers will start to open with cellaring. Readers who can find it should not hesitate. It's a real head turner." Vinous

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

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

"Pure Merlot from (for the first time) three selected vineyards that are particularly suitable for the variety and a hit right from the start: complex nose with intriguing notes of blackcurrant, sandalwood, tobacco and pepper; harmony on the palate, which increases in fullness and density with aeration and yet retains its elegance." Vinum

"Noble, bright ruby red colour. The nose is barrel-spicy and reminiscent of precious woods, plum, blackberry, peppery-malty tones in the finish. Very fresh on the palate with crisp acidity, without missing its body, stretches out nicely, polished and with lots of juice, keeps coming back, put it down, will be a long-distance runner." Falstaff

"The 2018 Casalferro, Brolio's (Merlot) is a powerful, brooding wine, packed with dark fruit, espresso, dried herbs, menthol, liquorice, incense and cloves. This juicy, intensely flavoured red wine delivers a lot of impact, that much is clear." Vinous

"The secret of Casalferro is the fruit, which comes from different locations, including one that is 500 metres above sea level. It delivers vertical power and intensity with dark fruits, spices and dried mint. This wine is already drinking beautifully." Wine Advocate

"A very precise and beautiful Merlot with violets, spices and blackcurrants. Extremely perfumed. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a long, polished finish that shows finesse and complexity. Delicious to drink now, but will get even better with age." James Suckling

"Beautiful intense ruby color, on the nose intense aromas of blueberry, currant and balsamic herbs. The taste is broad, elegant and of spectacular cleaning. Silky tannins, excellent drinkability." Luca Gardini

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Intense, seductive aroma of sweet spices, tobacco, dark cherries and wild berries. The flavour is perfectly matched by enormous elegance, richness of fruit, complexity, structure and length. A wonderful, taut and highly polished Merlot. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red at the core with garnet-red edges. Ripe blackberry and blackcurrant on the nose, then slightly vanilla-like and leathery from the wood ageing. Full-bodied on the palate with supple tannins, very elegant and with a long, spicy final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Merlot Montiano is youthfully dark and brooding, shimmering from the glass with an exotic blend of crushed black raspberries, blueberries, blood oranges and incense. This wine is elegant and refined. Brilliant acidity enlivens a core of vibrant ripe red and blue fruits. A chalky hint of violet pastille envelops the palate. It is incredibly long and colours the final, with sweet tannins perfectly framing the experience without slowing its momentum. This sun-drenched vintage of Montiano Merlot aims to please without ever losing its balance." Vinous

"The chocolate, red fruit and subtle cedar character is vivid and impressive but all in check. It’s medium- to full-bodied with a creamy and polished texture and a flavorful finish. Dark chocolate and black olive undertones. Balanced and refined." James Suckling

"The marvellously inimitable volcanic temperament of Montefiascone for an exceptional red wine, a Merlot of density, fruit and tension. Currant and raspberry on the nose, a hint of nutmeg, salty tannins in the mouth, juicy and dense, with a return of small red fruits and a long finish." Luca Gardini

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

Deep dark, impenetrable ruby colour with violet reflections. Opulent, warm bouquet of fully ripe cherries, plums, liquorice, young leather with a hint of French oak spice. Powerful and firm on the palate, with a brilliant structure and taut tannins. With increasing aeration, it reveals its good structure and refined elegance. This outstanding Merlot from central Tuscany never seems broad or too heavy until the long finish, but is completely convincing with its terrificenergy and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red colour. Fine use of wood on the nose, hints of marzipan, undergrowth, milk chocolate, dark berry fruit on the finish. Well-integrated acidity and clear, spicy fruit on the palate, currently coated in a somewhat bulky woody layer, full-bodied, but still needs to age longer." Falstaff

"The Picconero 2020 smells of ripe dark fruit, mocha, crushed leaves, incense, liquorice and dried flowers. Bright acids and strong spicy undertones remind us that we are in the heart of Tuscany." Vinous

"Made from Merlot, the Tolaini 2020 Picconero Tenuta Montebello is a dense and powerful wine with a considerable alcohol content of 15%. It is a broad wine with broad shoulders and plenty of dark fruit at its core. Blackberry flavours are followed by sweet spices, cinnamon, Tuscan cigar, grilled herbs and a hint of sweet rye bread." Wine Advocate

"With flavours of blackberries, black cherries, iron, toast and resin, this fresh and concentrated red wine is solidly built, with lively acidity and firm tannins to support it. It shows excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Blueberries, plums, cedar and dark chocolate with a hint of chilli pepper. It is full-bodied with layers of ripe tannins that have a velvety and refined texture. It has a cheesy finish. It needs time to open up with such structure." James Suckling

Crème de cassis, graphite, smoke, new leather, spices and blackberry jam are some of the many notes that the Merlot Buri develops. Rich, multi-layered and creamy on the palate, it radiates remarkable depth. Nevertheless, it is less tannic and over-concentrated than in the past. Dark and of impressive finesse as it progresses. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Merlot Buri is youthfully inward and intense, blending licorice with musky black currants, lavender and crushed stone. This is texturally thrilling, dense and enveloping with dark red and blue fruits that stain the palate. Mentholated herbs and mineral tones lift the fine-grain tannins. Built for the distance, this leaves a sage and chalky concentration that cakes the senses. The 2020 is a bruiser, holding its power in reserve." Vinous

After a year's break (2020 was not produced), one of Italy's rarest Merlots is back at the start: the inviting aroma is almost reminiscent of a Burgundy, with notes of raspberries and, only with time, the typical black forest berries and a delicate peppery spiciness. A generous variety of flavours on the palate, power and depth combined with finesse and elegance. Not at all furry, but harmonious, beautifully rounded by ripe, silky tannins and very long. A real rarity - if only because only around 5,000 bottles were filled and it is therefore hardly ever tasted. SUPERIORE.DE

"One of Italy's most cherished Merlots, the organic San Giusto a Rentennano 2021 La Ricolma is stitched carefully together with a very bright fruit note that recalls sweet cherry and crème de cassis. Those softly ripened fruit tones are followed by sweet spice and cured tobacco. The wine hits the palate with power, in part fueled by a 15% alcohol content, but it also fully envelops the senses with soft tannins and rich concentration." Wine Advocate

"The La Ricolma 2021 is a massive, brooding wine. Huge swathes of tannin wrap themselves around a core of dark fruit, leather and liquorice." Vinous

Andrea Franchetti began positioning Palazzi as an equal red alongside his flagship Tenuta di Trinoro in the 1990s, with the aim of producing two exceptional wines that evoke the left and right banks of Bordeaux.

Just three words: power, intensity and concentration. With a very manageable production of 1,660 bottles, here comes a full-throttle Tuscan wine that exudes generous black fruit, spice and sweet tobacco all the time. There is also black cherry and plum, which give the wine soft contours and sweetness. On the palate, it is firm, well-structured and delights with a mouth-filling richness that is second to none. Take a good piece of red meat, marinate it in rosemary and olive oil before heading to the charcoal grill and then embark on this monumental adventure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby with a black core. Intense and inviting nose with notes of cocoa, blackberry, plum and fine spices. Dense and concentrated on the palate, very lush, grippy, savoury tannins, rich tobacco on the long final." Falstaff

"This vibrant red is pure and well-defined, with cherry, raspberry and floral aromas and flavors detailed by iron and wild thyme, supported from dense yet refined tannins. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"The Tenuta di Trinoro 2019 Palazzi is a pure expression of Merlot with incoming fruit from the Palazzi vineyard that is characterized by dense clay soils. The wine's intensity is what stands out most, and that power is fueled by lovely nuances of black fruit, spice, sweet tobacco and baker's chocolate. Palazzi excels in terms of mouthfeel. The smooth richness and deep softness achieved here is only possible with this grape. Furthermore, it seems only possible in this spectacular, sun-drenched corner of undiscovered Tuscany known as Sarteano." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Palazzi is a classic Trinoro wine, with maybe a bit less bombastic intensity than some of the earlier wines, but all of the seamless elegance that has long made these reds so compelling. All the elements are wonderfully put together in the 2019, a wine that impresses with its mix of elegance, flamboyant intensity and sheer allure. I loved it." Vinous