Sangiovese

Every year, Istine's Chianti Classico is one of the most racy and authentic representatives of its genre. Its weightlessness and at the same time precision make up a large part of its appeal. A finely knit bouquet of red berries, flowers, chalk and white pepper. Medium-bodied on the palate, its fine fruit, creamy tannins and plenty of personality come to light with further aeration. A red wine that takes hearts by storm with its lively, dancing and extremely fine nerve! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, lustrous crimson. Brooding cherry with minerally hints. Great purity on the nose. Energetic, tangy fruit layered with grainy tannins. The fruit is light of touch yet very long." Jancis Robinson

"A dense, taut red, whose cherry, strawberry and rose flavors are lifted by lively acidity and dusty tannins. This linear version flirts with elegance and will get there if the tannins integrate nicely." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Chianti Classico is juicy, forward and delightful. A burst of sweet red cherry fruit, rose petal, spice and orange peel gives the 2022 tons of immediacy. The 2022 looks to be an early-drinking wine." Vinous

Broad and rich, with aromas and flavours of plums, blackberries, clay and spices. La Braccescas Nobile di Montepulciano is a finely balanced, beautiful wine with all the elements in the right place. It is aromatically persistent, complex and nuanced in its balance. The winemaking team has done everything right here. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano opens with a mentholated freshness, blending cedar shavings with dried herbs and black cherries. This is elegant, nearly velvety in feel, with medium-bodied weight and polished red and black fruits. It tapers off with a pleasantly bitter tinge and is slightly chewy, leaving a coating of sweet tannins to frame the experience quite nicely." Vinous

"In the far east of the Vino Nobile zone, the La Braccesca vineyard borders Umbria. The vineyards extend over 340 hectares and reach as far as the neighbouring municipality of Cortona. Expressive aromas combine subtle oak spice with the scent of lavender and orange against a background of dark red cherry. On the palate, it is round, rich and velvety and is carried by a juicy acidity. The sandy tannins give the wine its shape and show a strong spiciness on the finish. Clean and well-defined." Decanter

"Aromas of ripe mulberries and blackberries with dark spices, burnt orange peel and earth. Full and structured with a deep core of ripe dark fruit and firm, chalky tannins. Long lasting finish." James Suckling

Bright light red colour. Bouquet of red cherries, aromatic herbs and some tobacco. Big and powerful on the palate in typical Campogiovanni style, with lush red cherries and aromatic herbal flavours that echo for a long time on the soft, slightly warm finish. A Rosso that gives a good foretaste of the more persistent and multi-layered Brunello. Very successful and charming and accessible even at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Campogiovanni 2021 Rosso di Montalcino has a dark ruby colour and immediately shows powerful fruit flavours and plenty of dark cherry. This is a nicely saturated Sangiovese with enough texture on the mid-palate to pair with a savoury bean soup or roast pork. The fresh acidity rounds it out. This is a good value proposition." Wine Advocate

"Earthy berries, oranges and a hint of dried bark on the nose. Juicy and beautifully flavoursome on the palate with a medium body and firm tannins." James Suckling

"Black raspberries, exotic spices, sage and cloves make the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino a total pleasure on the nose. It's silky and refined with cooling mineral tones and ripe red and blue fruits that easily wash across the palate. This takes on a savory edge through the finish, with tart raspberry and brown spice that linger through the lightly structured finale. I love the contrasts and early appeal of this darkly alluring Rosso." Vinous

Chianti Classico Rubiolo shows its delicately spicy side on the nose with cloves, cinnamon, lavender, wild dark cherries and blackberries that are beautifully ripe but not overripe. There are also floral hints. The fruit for this extremely good value wine comes from Castellina and Panzano, whereby the fullness and richness of the Panzano region are clearly noticeable. The finish is soft and velvety. It is the exceptional balance of the wine that really sets it apart. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep carmine red colour. Concentrated, full yet cool nose of cherry fruit. Spicy cherry fruit with a layer of grainy tannins. Great balance and length." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Rubiolo 2021 is a soft, fruity wine that should be drunk now and over the next few years as long as the flavours remain vibrant. Juicy red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint and white flowers burst from the glass. This exuberant, juicy Chianti Classico is a delight." Vinous

"Aromas of ripe red fruit, liquorice, spices and pink peppercorns. Medium to full-bodied, juicy and exciting with lively acidity and polished tannins. Notes of walnuts and savoury herbs on the finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Rubiolo from organic farming is a wine with an excellent value. The wine is made exclusively from Sangiovese from three vineyards in Castellina, Panzano and Badia a Passignano. The wine has a dark ruby red colour, and although the aromatic intensity is not very pronounced, there are delicately fragrant notes of cherry, raspberry and blood orange that are powerful and bright to the touch. There are also beautiful floral notes." Wine Advocate

"The idea of drinkability and home freshness, without sacrificing complexity. The nose is faceted, red currant with touches of wild mint and nuances of carnation. The mouthfeel is savory, with hints of small red fruits and a balsamic-floral return." Luca Gardini

Montegrossi's Chianti Classico remains true to the estate's style every year with its deep violet colour and initially youthful, reductive nose. On the palate, it shows its potential with a fascinating build-up of tension and fresh fruit of black cherries and blackberries. The supple tannins are refined and polished, but it's the juicy, savoury notes and tangy acidity that really make the wine sing. An energetic classic of the appellation, whose average it surpasses every year. Great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Chianti Classico is fabulous - one of the best of the year. A burst of dark red/purple fruit, lavender, spice, rose petals and mint race across the palate. Deep, complex and wonderfully sexy - the 2022 is simply irresistible." Vinous

"A rich, dense style with flavours of cherries, raspberries and blackberries, with a hint of black pepper, while assertive tannins and lively acidity support the wine. It's balanced, if a little extracted, with a nice length." Wine Spectator

"This juicy, well-balanced Chianti Classico delivers fresh, vibrant red berry and cherry fruit with touches of white pepper and hibiscus. Quite firm and juicy, with nicely chewy tannins and a dainty, succulent finish. Effortlessly drinkable, but will also hold well for the next few years." James Suckling

Watch out, or even better - don't be afraid of the wolf: Attenti al Lupo is the exciting result of a new project by Podere le Ripi, which is specifically exploring new possibilities in the vineyard and cellar to find solutions to climate change, which is now putting all farmers and winegrowers to the test.

To this end, Sangiovese clones were identified that adapt better to the changing conditions. Vineyards were also selected that are mainly located on alluvial soils, where an earlier harvest tends to be possible. During vinification, carbonic maceration of the whole grapes (with the stems) takes place over 10 days in closed stainless steel tanks, which gives the wine a portion of acidity and crisp flavours even in its youth, giving it a great deal of freshness, dynamism and liveliness.

The result is a bright red and very flavourful wine, slender and straightforward in the mouth, with a very fruity nose that is typical of the type of fermentation. This is followed by a pronounced minerality and an exciting, delicately bitter note in the aftertaste. Ideal with roasted meat, mature cheese and first courses. SUPERIORE.DE

Pretty ruby red colour. Striking berry notes on the nose, cassis, white cherry and a hint of forest floor. Soft and fleshy on the palate, with tart cherries and a core of lively acidity with a hint of herbs. The finish is medium-long and clean, reminiscent of dried berries with a hint of spice. A wine that not only impresses with its great drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

Francesco Ricasoli, the likeable and ambitious owner of Castello di Brolio, brings out the elegance and finesse as well as a marvellous depth of fruit in his wines. Rocca Guicciarda Riserva is a soft, silky wine. Dark ruby in colour, it has a rich, open bouquet of cherry and pomegranate, with a fine almond and tobacco note. A wine whose juiciness makes it a pleasure to drink early on, but whose flavour complexity increases enormously as it matures. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lightly cooked plums and sliced oranges with some caramel on the nose. Medium body, fine and silky tannins and a delicious finish. Polished and ready." James Suckling

The extremely charming Il Gentile is made from 100 per cent Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) from the Nobile region around Montepulciano. Bright ruby red in colour, clean, open and attractive fruity aromas of rose petals and raspberries. Very delicate and persistent on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive nose of ripe cherries, dried blood oranges and hints of cedar. spice box and minerals. Medium-bodied, juicy and smooth, with textural, crunchy tannins. Delicious and easy to drink." James Suckling

Precise Rosso from a good house. Beautiful texture of juicy berries with a hint of plum and orange peel. Good tannin structure, polished finish and good length. A success! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Appealing nose of cherries and wild strawberries, some cocoa butter, candle wax and a subtle hint of sealing wax. Juicy on the palate with creamy fruit melting, clear, tightly woven tannins with a fine grip, subtle wood flavours, good tension on the final and minimal after-drying." Falstaff

"The 2022 Rosso di Montalcino is perfumed and exotic, with pretty rose tones and sour citrus fruit complicating the tart cherry fruit. It is silky smooth and supple with ripe wild berries and autumnal spices playing around it. The finish is long and leaves traces of liquorice and sage." Vinous

In 1991, Luca and Valeria Orsini gave up their work in Milan to produce wine in Tuscany. Their winery comprises 10 hectares of south-east facing vineyards in Panzano and the wines have been certified organic since 2000. This outstanding Annata opens discreetly on the nose with subtle scents of cherry blossom, heather and roses. On the palate, it is decidedly red-fruited with redcurrants and raspberries, embraced by finely structured, powdery and persistent tannins. It has a beautiful energy and above all lets the true charm of Sangiovese shine through. A real high-flyer in terms of authenticity every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, vivid and crunchy Chianti Classico expressing aromas of strawberries, raspberries and mild spices, following through to a medium body with fine tannins. Succulent and crisp with sour cherry character in the mouthwatering finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is a fabulous introduction to the Le Cinciole range. Lively acidity and tannins give the 2021 its shape and plenty of energy. Expressive floral and spicy overtones give it a lot of character. The 2021 was vinified in cement and matured in barrels for one year, followed by one year in cement. This medium-bodied Chianti Classico is a winner." Vinous

Dievoles Chianti Classico Petrignano is the result of the endeavour to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. Petrignano is the name of a characteristic area with a soil rich in minerals and stones. At an altitude of around 330 metres, rocks protrude from the ground that are typical of the geological formation of Monte Morello. The abundance of stones, the depth of the roots and the low growth of the vines result in an expressive and lush wine from this characteristic and authentic cru site.

Intense ruby red colour. Very appealing bouquet dominated by ripe fruit, cherry and blackberry flavours. Juicy, full and rich on the palate, with flavours of blackberries and ripe fruit. Warm and velvety finish with fine and soft tannins that are very accentuated and interwoven with the fine acidity structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange reflections. Lively cherry nose with some signs of development and hints of tobacco leaf and sweet spice. Flavoursome, juicy cherry fruit and crisp tannins. More energetic on the palate than on the nose, and that's where it hits the spot." Jancis Robinson

"Dark forest fruit with an earthy character offers great appeal. High acidity and tannins with very good length." Decanter

"This is a new addition to the Dievole portfolio with a cool retro-style label. The Chianti Classico Petrignano 2020 from organic farming is made from 100% Sangiovese, fermented in cement tulips and aged for 12 months in large oak barrels. The winemaking process is simple and to the point. The results show a vibrant freshness and a beautiful purity of fruit with a concentrated finish." Wine Advocate

"A supple red, imbued with a ray of cherry and strawberry fruit, with a texture that is silky at first, only to be overtaken by firm, dusty tannins. The finish reveals almond, earth and herbal notes that linger for a long time. Give it time for the two halves to come together." Wine Spectator

"A delicious, crisp red with very fine tannins and a lovely, delicate finish. Very tasty and with a creamy texture. Fresh finish." James Suckling

"From soils with a great limestone component, in particular Alberese, a pure Sangiovese with a blackberry aroma, hints of citron thyme and orange zest, then a finish with floral notes. Compact and dense palate, citrus-officinal return." Luca Gardini

Intense ruby red Vino Nobile Riserva with a spicy bouquet of aromas of dried fruit, cinnamon, cloves and liquorice. Smooth on the palate with a variety of nuances, beautiful fullness, structure and intensity, supple tannins. Very elegant pleasure at an excellent price. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Closed, slightly alcoholic nose, with some oxygen orange peel, plums, blueberries, black pepper behind it. Fresh and juicy on the palate with rather young tannins and a lingering finish." Falstaff

"The nose is dominated by aromas of red berries, with a subliminal hint of mushrooms and spices; the attack is compact, with robust tannins and a persistent final. Pleasing with its elegant facets and ageing potential." Vinum

"It shows fragrant aromas of sandalwood, walnut, mocha and dried cherries. It is full-bodied, polished and supple with ripe, well-integrated tannins." James Suckling

Dievole's new Chianti Classico Casanova, just released with the debut 2020 vintage, is the result of a quest to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. The Casanova grapes come from a vineyard at an altitude of about 400 metres, with an ideal south-west to south-east exposure and composed mainly of sandstone rocks Macigno del Chianti. The result is a Chianti Classico that is very immediate and direct, with a beautiful acidity to boot. It has the elegance and freshness and the bright, radiant fruit of Chianti Classico "as it used to be".

Bright, luminous ruby red. On the nose, classic aromas of the grape variety with notes of small red fruits such as cherries and sour cherries alternating with spicy notes. On the palate, it is soft, carried by a dense tannin structure and a spicy, velvety finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sour cherries, raspberries, olives and tomato leaves on the nose. Dense and tasty with medium body and still slightly chewy tannins. Rustic and light-hearted." James Suckling

"Packaged with the dark green label, this is a new submission from Dievole. The organic 2020 Chianti Classico Casanova is all Sangiovese from a site with typical sandstone soils, locally called Macigno del Chianti, that formed 30 million years ago. These conditions help to underline the aromatic finesse of Sangiovese, and indeed, this wine offers a pretty medley of wild fruits, mint and blue flower." Wine Advocate

"Infused with black cherries and blackberries, this red wine starts elegantly and firms up on the textured finish. Iron, tar and wild herbs are evident on the long, tobacco-driven finish." Wine Spectator

The Morellino Riserva has a ripe and intense nose of black fruits, raspberries and notes of violets. Wonderful texture on the palate, beautiful fruit, very harmonious flavour. An extremely elegant wine, with lovely tannins and a final that combines freshness and depth. Very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Multifaceted nose, raspberry-scented with balsamic nuances; linear on the palate, perfectly integrated compact tannins, the acidity lively, then again a beautiful persistent fruit." Vinum

"Notes of tomato leaf, eucalyptus and laurel mingle with flavours of plum, blackberry and iron in this dense, powerful red wine. A beam of acidity drives the savoury finish, with a firm grip of tannins." Wine Spectator

"This wine is very straightforward and dense with a fine and slightly muscular structure that extends over the entire length of the wine and continues to progress. Medium-bodied, fresh and lively. Firm, structured, cool and long." James Suckling

Dievole's new Chianti Classico Catignano, just released with the debut 2020 vintage, is the result of the effort to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. Catignano is a plateau at 370 metres above sea level, with vineyards of different ages and a large proportion of Alberese. The exposure is west and southeast, which means plenty of sun during the day, but also cold temperatures at night, with a good temperature range that favours the aromatic development of the grapes.

On the nose, notes of red fruits, then a tertiary complexity of tobacco leather, graphite and liquorice. Warm and juicy on the palate, with notes of ripe red fruits. A juicy, sun-drenched cru. SUPERIORE.DE

"Made with 100% organic Sangiovese, the 2020 Chianti Classico Catignano sees fruit from a plateau of vines that are fully exposed to the bright luminosity of the Tuscan sun. This wine offers more fruit weight as a result, with dark cherry aromas, wet stone and dusty mineral." Wine Advocate

"A balanced red with a perfumed nose of cherries, red currants, wafers and dried flowers. Also lemon peel. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins and fresh acidity. Balanced and lively with a flattering texture. A fresh and flavourful long finish." James Suckling

"A round red with aromas of cherry, raspberry, iron and tobacco. Firm and dense, also compact on the finish, but still needs time to fully develop. All the elements are there, so be patient." Wine Spectator

L'America is the old name of a place where there was already a small vineyard and a shelter for animals in the 1950s. It was located on one of the outer borders of the winery, so the name L'America still embodies seclusion and great ambition at the same time. The plot is 300 metres above sea level, in terrain with rich and deep skeletal soils. Protected from winds, the scents of the woods are preserved here and the plants benefit from softened sunlight. This constellation gives the fresh and herb-accentuated Rosso a low pH value, a beautiful acid structure, a radiantly bright colour and a comparatively high tannin content. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale ruby. Fragrant and elegant nose with spicy hints. Savoury minerality (‘that is the year’). And then brooding raspberry. Lots of freshness and fine tannic bite. Transparent. Refreshing." Jancis Robinson

"Close to the water in a sheltered spot protected from the wind at 300m above sea level, L'America experiences less diurnal temperature difference than the estate's other plots. Vinified and matured in stainless steel, it has subtle fresh cherry aromas accompanied by fine, grainy and chocolatey tannins. Fresh and herbal, there's some mid-palate red fruit tanginess with some darker hedgerow fruits, leading to an almost-blueberry note on the finish." Decanter

This red wine in Riserva quality is dedicated to Bettino Ricasoli, who wrote down the grape variety mix of today's Chianti back in 1872. But he was much more than that: twice Prime Minister of the united Italy (1861 and 1866), founder of the daily newspaper "La Nazione", agricultural researcher and "father" of the first Chianti product specification. The creation of this wine interprets his tireless determination to create an independent Chianti style that is both traditional and contemporary to this day.

Chianti Classico Brolio Bettino captivates with a hauntingruby red colour. The intense and inviting aroma of dark fruit is underpinned with fine balsamic notes. The refined flavour is flawless and polished with well-proportioned acidity and perfectly integrated tannins, powerful and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barone Ricasoli 2021 Chianti Classico Brolio Bettino offers medium concentration and a slightly darker garnet-red colour for a 100% Sangiovese. Instead of high-toned cherry or floral notes, this wine produces an even bouquet that takes a more horizontal or integrated approach overall. On the palate, the wine expands with dark fruit nuances that combine with roasted spices and slate-like mineral notes." Wine Advocate

"A serious, well-crafted and spicy Chianti Classico. The nose shows aromas of cherries, wild currants, dried herbs and peppercorns. It is medium to full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. It is very concentrated and balanced. The lively, spicy character gives it energy and length on the final." James Suckling

"There's a beautiful expression of fruit in this well-defined red, revealing cherry, pomegranate, earth and iron notes, with a hint of Tuscan scrub. Verges on rich yet is underscored by vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Shows terrific balance and length." Wine Spectator

Dense with complex fruit flavours, lots of extract, soft, mouth-filling, unusually velvety and enveloped in gentle tannins. Matured in small barriques of old and new oak and in traditional Tuscan wooden barrels. Riecine has been producing one of the most subtle Chianti Classico wines for years - a marvellous wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a dark shimmer. Elegant on the nose, dark fruit of cherry and some blackberry, with juniper and sealing wax. Silky fruit melting on the palate, crisp tannins, supported by dancing acidity, very good drinking flow." Falstaff

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Perfumed, concentrated cherry nose with a hint of spice. Juicy and concentrated fruit, with fine, firm tannins, while the acidity becomes slightly tart on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Exuberantly fragrant, with pomegranate, watermelon and a hint of rose. Fleshy berries fill out the core, but remain crisp and crunchy. It has a lovely clarity and plenty of zesty acidity. Light yet taut tannins create a clean frame." Decanter

"The nose is dominated by red fruits and flowers, but herbs and other savoury notes also make themselves known. In contrast, the palate is full of cherries and berries, creating a bright, exuberant feel that is enhanced by ample acidity, with dense, chalky tannins keeping things in check." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico 2022 from Riecine is fabulous. It is followed by an explosion of red cherries, blood oranges and fragrant floral notes that give it freshness and brightness. The purity of the fruit is ravishing. This lively, savoury Chianti Classico is an absolute stunner. It is one of the outstanding wines of the year." Vinous

"A round, juicy and lively Chianti Classico with cherries, candied raspberries and mild spices on the nose, leading into a medium body with fine tannins and bright acidity. Lively character, with a juicy and lively finish." James Suckling,

"Red raspberries on the nose, with hints of wild mint and lime, lashes of bloodroot and cloves. The mouthfeel is fruity, with a hint of menthol. It closes with notes of citrus." Luca Gardini

A solid wine that excels every year is the exciting Nobile from Poliziano, which smells of dark red cherries, blackberries and roasted notes. Juicy, compact and polished on the palate, soft and balanced with silky tannins and a long, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark fruity perfume of black cherries and plums, peppery notes; pithy on the palate, robust tannins, beautiful character and good length." Vinum

"Rich and dense, this red wine shows flavours of black cherries, blackberries and blueberries, accentuated by earth and iron. All of this is supported by a lively acidity and strong tannins that are fresh and long-lasting on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A modern Vino Nobile with dark chocolate and some lush spices. Flavours of plums, roasted red peppers, berries and pine cones follow through to a dense, medium to full-bodied palate. It is firm and long." James Suckling