Sangiovese

Cristina Geminiani is one of the leading figures behind the revitalisation of Romagna DOC. In 1985, she began making wine on her grandfather's estate, Fattoria Zerbina. Her wines have personality and technical precision. The vineyards are planted as bush vines in the Marzeno subzone. The Pietramora has an elegant, restrained nose of dark plums, black cherries, dried roses, cocoa and tobacco. On the palate, it displays rich and intense fruit with grippy tannins balanced by zesty acidity, with a lingering, savoury finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Bright ruby red colour, typical of Sangiovese. Intense aroma of blackcurrants, cherries and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, it immediately shows great freshness and minerality, good tannins and structure, a very long finish that shows that Sangiovese from the Montalcino region possesses wonderful elegance, complexity and depth even when aged in stainless steel. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red colour. Delicate and delicately scented on the nose of blueberries, violets and a touch of roasted coffee on the finish. Flattering and soft on entry, then with gripping tannins, subtly fruity and bitter on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 vintage has given the Toscana Sangiovese a darker and richer profile. Dried black cherries and autumnal spices combine with sage aromas. The wine shows a wonderful inner sweetness and ripe red and blue fruits, while a steely minerality defines the finish. It finishes with a tension on the palate that frames the experience well and leaves a tart blackberry note." Vinous

Rossofonte impressively bridges the gap between Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello. Only 6,000 bottles of this selection are produced from the estate's best Rosso vineyards at an altitude of around 300 metres above sea level. Fruity aromas of ripe berries with balsamic notes on the nose, plus some brown spices, tobacco and wet stone. Overall, a multi-layered potpourri full of harmony flows from the glass. On the palate, it is very balanced, velvety-soft and the cooling acidity caresses the dark berries, which are rounded off with dried citrus fruits and a hint of mocha. The spicy and very elegant finish is reminiscent of star anise and pink pepper. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep ruby red colour, as expected from a good traditionally and organically produced wine. A wonderful, elegant and open-hearted aroma spectrum between sour cherry and nutmeg. Clear and savoury on the palate, beautifully balanced and with plenty of youthful freshness and minerality on the long finish. This medium-bodied Riserva is already drinking well today, but also has enough energy to develop positively in the bottle for at least a handful of years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive red-fruity character with notes of walnuts, dried leaves, ground cloves and crushed stones. Medium body with polished tannins and chalky texture. Firm and straightforward with lively acidity." James Suckling

"Cherry, plum, leather, iron, sanguine and eucalyptus aromas and flavors mingle in this firm, linear red, which unfolds nicely on the palate, with fine staying power. Just a bit crisp on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The key is the territory. This winery creates a very authentic and clean expression of Gaiole in Chianti, one of the wildest corners of the appellation with winding roads that lead through dense forests. This wild character is reproduced here with flavours of forest fruits, spices and earth." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 is beautiful and lively and enchants with evocative aromas of hibiscus, coriander and orange zest. Medium-bodied with slender, graceful fruit, it offers crunchy redcurrants and raspberries carried by juicy acidity. A fine, subtle framework of chalky tannins provides elegant support for the next six to seven years - but it is also very enjoyable now." Decanter

Exciting cuvée of Sangiovese (own clone) with a small part of Merlot from the "Bandita" vineyards. Rich ruby red in the glass, black cherry, tobacco, cedar wood, young leather and liquorice in the typically Tuscan bouquet. Spreads widely on the palate, its juiciness and expressiveness make it a generous, fruity-elegant experience with high enjoyment and recognition value. SUPERIORE.DE

Wonderful, finesse-rich selection of the estate's best Sangiovese grapes. The nose is impressive with its richness: red fruits, dark flowers, fine tar and vegetal notes, traces of blackberry jam. Full-bodied on the palate with subtle extract sweetness, powerful and juicy at the same time, the well-proportioned tannins come into play very well and glide this red elegantly into a long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Selvapiana 2020 Chianti Rufina Riserva Vigneto Bucerchiale is beautifully balanced with lots of fresh fruit, sour cherry, candied watermelon and crushed rose. The impact of this 100% Sangiovese is beautiful and balanced. This is one of the finest Chianti Rufina wines in this vintage. The tannins are dry and powdery, the mouthfeel is medium weight." Wine Advocate

"Sweet, ripe cherry, plum, earth, smoke and woodsy underbrush aromas and flavors mark this fluid, expressive red, which picks up spice and tobacco elements on the long aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Spicy and complex nose with fleshy, earthy notes of orange peel, iron, baking spices, leather and ripe plums. Juicy and firm on the palate with medium to full body and ample, mealy tannins. Long and flattering finish." James Suckling

"Restrained raspberry flavours, enveloped by delicate herbal notes, balanced, still youthful texture with fullness and elegance, long cherry finish. Will give a lot of pleasure with maturity." Vinum

San Polino's Rosso di Montalcino offers a strong mineral signature over bright cherries, cassis and herbs. Elegant and attractively layered on the palate with fine-grained tannins. Fresh, juicy and light on the long finish, which is very animating. A stylish red that impresses with its unobtrusive style. SUPERIORE.DE

Borgo 2022 is the debut vintage of a Chianti Classico that embodies the soul of San Felice with great character. Sangiovese and a small amount of Pugnitello combine to create a fragrant and lively wine that faithfully and authentically represents the unmistakable terroir. The overall impression is versatile and immediate, with freshness, fruity aromas and floral notes. Rich and complex on the palate, with sweet tannins that accompany a persistent and balanced finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is exactly the kind of wine you want to come home with. Its freshness alone is a pick-me-up. Its cherry, raspberry and blackberry-coloured fruit is so vibrant and three-dimensional and 'now' that it tastes like you're picking it in the garden in the sunlight and popping it straight into your mouth. You take a sip of it and look for spots of juice on your fingers. It's a happy wine. It's fabulous at this moment." Jancis Robinson

"A juicy, fresh and delicious red wine with flavours of plums, cherries and oranges. Medium-bodied, bright and lively. Why wait?" James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Borgo 2022 opens with a medium-dark garnet red colour, characteristic of Sangiovese from a warm vintage. The wine's bouquet is true to the variety, with aromas of wild cherry, floral earth, iris and blue flowers in the background. These flavours are delivered in a very clean and concentrated way, followed by good acidity. It is approachable and pleasant to drink, especially when a plate of pasta with meat ragout is on the menu." Wine Advocate

"This broad, rich red wine shows flavours of cherries, raspberries, iron and wild herbs. Well defined and firmly structured, with a fluid feel and excellent length on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Sanguine and floral with a delicate but persistent earthiness on the nose, offering flavours of cranberry, hibiscus, earth and coffee. The same mix of tart fruit and slightly bitter earth defines the palate, while a lively acidity washes over still slightly dusty tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico Borgo 2022 is a racy, sensual wine. Crushed red berry fruit, wild flowers and cinnamon fill out the layers beautifully, all framed by soft contours that give it plenty of charm. This juicy red wine has a lot to offer." Vinous

Pleasant bouquet of plums, cedar wood and small red berries. Beautiful primary fruit on the palate, plus some violets, dark chocolate and vanilla, flanked by firm but not astringent tannins. The fruit remains dominant as the wine progresses, leading this clean and extremely flavourful Riserva into a medium-long finish. Good potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Lots of fullness and personality in the elegant aroma of lush fruit with spicy, toasty accents, notes of cherry, plum, herbs and undergrowth. The flavour is rich in contrast and full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins, well-balanced acidity and a fruity, berry finish. This powerful Morellino Riserva still needs some time to show its best side. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright cherry red with a ruby red centre. Intense aroma of violets, raspberries and strawberries, reminiscent of mandarin mint on the finish. Spans the palate with gentle pressure, showing juicy berry fruit and fine herbal notes, with a beautiful acidity and fine tannins on the final." Falstaff

"Promising raspberry bouquet, fine spice and violet notes; flawlessly built with tightly woven tannins, invigorating acidity, finishes on flavours of forest fruits and spices. With game birds." Vinum

The anniversary edition of the Novecento opens on the nose with layers of dark fruits, spices, tar and smoke. Then on the palate, there is terrific depth and hints of earth or crushed black rock. Novecento offers a great texture that is velvety and rich without ever seeming heavy or sluggish. Long and crisp on the spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe nose with aromas of maraschino, herbs and leather; the tannins robust, showing character and length, solid finish. Pair with a T-bone steak." Vinum

"The organic Dievole 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Novecento is slow to open and is neutral on first nose. It does eventually show some dark fruit and wild cherry that is nicely intermingled with spice, leather and tar. There is a warm or savory quality to this wine with autumn leaf and forest floor. The blend is 95% Sangiovese, 3% Canaiolo and 2% Colorino. This release celebrates the 30th vintage of this wine." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 vintage was one of the most balanced in recent years in Chianti Classico. Here, as Antonini confessed, there is no intention to make an approachable wine. The colour shines in its ruby red tinge; the nose is intensely fresh, flowery and slightly reductive at first, before an orange vert emerges from the depths to overlay black cherry and creamy strawberry. The attack is firm, crunchy and extracted. Fierce acidity supports a youthful cherry fruit expression with enough concentration and a thick finish. Quite austere for 2019, but amazing considering its ability to age." Decanter

"A tight, tannic version, this red has a strong grip on its currant, cherry and strawberry fruit. Revealing mineral and tar details, this remains succulent and breezy through the lingering aftertaste; just needs to absorb the tannins." Wine Spectator

"This is extremely aromatic, with strawberry and cherry character and hints of orange peel and flowers. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are integrated and polished. Bright acidity at the finish, Made from a mix of parcels from the highest vineyards of Dievole. Beautiful to drink now, but will age will, too." James Suckling

Alto, a powerful, voluminous Sangiovese, delights with a deep Maremma-style bouquet. The taste is fully loaded with aromas of dark red cherries and spicy notes. Silky tannins, structured and long, very true. SUPERIORE.DE

Castellares dessert wine matures for five long years in chestnut wood caratelli, with just 3,500 bottles going on sale each year. Deep honey yellow in colour. The bouquet is reminiscent of wild porcini mushrooms, candied fruit with honey and caramel. Seductive and soft on the palate, the well-developed acidity not only ensures a wonderfully fresh drinking flow, but also gives this fine wine a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"An intense wine with a lively character. Aromas of varnish, glue, apricots, raisins, geraniums and roses. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity on the palate and a tight, lengthy finish." James Suckling

"Herbal, nutty and iodine aromas give way to flavours of caramel, brown butter, dried figs and orange peel. Lean and lively, with a long finish interspersed with caramel and toasted walnuts." Wine Spectator

"The Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2018 is a prime example of finesse and restraint. Notes of almonds, orange peel, spices, tangerine peel and rose water are beautifully emphasised. The residual sugar is a very modest 90 grams per Liters, making this moderately sweet Vin Santo one of the drier versions that harvestare likely to encounter." Vinous

Castellares Chianti Classico Riserva opens with a bouquet of black cherry, plum, mocha, game, spices, leather and tobacco. A dark, mysterious wine with enormous depth and the potential to develop well for many years to come. This medium-bodied, super-classic Riserva captures the Castellare style beautifully, with plenty of character and a strong personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wood nuances eventually give way to leather and macerated cherry. The fruit is bright and concentrated but pure, and juicy acidity helps brighten the wine, while ripe, polished tannins give way generously. Give this wine another year to digest its oak." Decanter

"A balanced, concentrated and delicious red wine with flavours of baked cherries, cassis and grilled herbs. It is medium-bodied with chewy tannins. Serious, with a juicy mid palate and a solid, compact finish with length." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is a silky, racy wine. With remarkable elegance and finesse, the 2021 is very expressive right from the start. Dark macerated cherry, spice, new leather, liquorice and a kiss of French oak adorn this polished Riserva." Vinous

"A rich, round version, offering plum, cherry, vanilla and iron flavors. There's a solid grip of tannins but also vibrant acidity that focuses this red and propels the finish. The balance tips toward the tannins for now, so give this some time in the bottle." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, notes of Durone de Vignola and peony, then a hint of rhubarb. Spicy tannins on the palate, with hints of dark fruit, flowers and undergrowth." Luca Gardini

Gauggiole comes from a single vineyard in the north-east of the Castiglion del Bosco estate and is vinified exclusively in concrete barrels. Bright, lively red. On the nose, fresh red berry fruits with delicate herbal notes. Well structured in the mouth with cool red fruit flavours like cherry, floral nuances of violet and peppery notes on the finish. Well balanced on the palate with fine tannins and good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. Beautifully deep nose with fantastic focus. Juicy fruit, supple and elegant but with a little more concentration than L'America and rich, enveloping tannins." Jancis Robinson

"The Rosso di Montalcino Gauggiole 2020 is a pretty and discreet expression with a bouquet of wild strawberries and peppery herbs. It is silky and has a cool character, while red berries and mineral tones slowly unfold. The finish is classically dry with an acidic citrus note that adds nicely to the expression. The Gauggiole comes from a single vineyard in the north-east of the Castiglion del Bosco estate. It is aged in concrete barrels." Vinous

"Here is a new surprise from Castiglion del Bosco. The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino Gauggiole is made from a selection of fruit from a 20-hectare vineyard with rich clay soils and is quite soft and silky from the start. The wine offers a delicate ensemble of wild berries, cherries, blue flowers and white pepper. Pretty background tones of crushed limestone and iron ore give the wine a sense of place. All in all, this is an elegant expression that highlights the true personality of young Sangiovese." Wine Advocate

"Notes of redcurrants, flowers and undergrowth on the nose; compact in the mouth, in perfect harmony between structure and acidity, smooth finish on notes of wild berries and spices. Excellent with pasta and light meat dishes." Vinum

Intense salmon pink. Seductive bouquet of cherry, raspberry, strawberry, floral notes and traces of tangerine. Spices and small red berries on the palate, blessed with crisp acidity and a wonderful freshness. A high-class companion to strong Mediterranean starters, light pasta dishes or simply to sociable barbecues with Tuscany-savvy wine friends. SUPERIORE.DE

Stylistically balanced, very finesse-rich Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from a small single vineyard (vineyard no. 7) in the Castelnuovo-Berardenga area, where the temperatures are always somewhat higher than in the rest of Chianti Classico. Dark, bright ruby colour. Elegant bouquet of pure Sangiovese of red berries with a very delicate hint of tobacco. Salty on the palate, shows a lot of pressure, very clear, compact fruit, builds up with tightly woven tannins, very intense and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sensual notes of blackberries, subtly floral and spicy; juicy in the mouth, the tannins are fine-grained and well integrated, final is still somewhat characterised by wood." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Clear and inviting nose, with aromas of blackberries, blueberries and some cloves. Pithy, well-placed tannins on the palate, embedded in lots of cherry fruit, describes a wide arc, savoury and with vigour." Falstaff

"The nose is sweet and earthy, with aromas of vanilla, cherry and orange peel, as well as topsoil and crushed stones. The palate is a fruit basket of strawberries, raspberries and cherries, with a hint of orange peel. The acidity plays around soft but dense tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"This red wine is bursting with energy, offering flavours of cherry, raspberry, iron, tobacco and black pepper. It finishes long and balanced, with a range of dusty tannins girding the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Montebello Sette is magnificent. Sweet pipe tobacco, incense, leather, spices and dried flowers give this deceptively medium-bodied Gran Selezione a great aromatic presence. The time it spends in the glass helps to develop the wine's texture. There's a lot of wine here." Vinous

"A juicy and exciting red with a fresh character of red and dark berries and a hint of dried orange peel and liquorice. Medium-bodied, firm and concentrated, with chalky tannins and bright acidity. Balanced and beautifully moulded." James Suckling

"The Tolaini 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Montebello Sette shows great intensity and focus in the warm season and represents a deep immersion in Sangiovese. This elegant expression of the grape variety shows a powerful fruit profile with perfect ripeness and strong cherry flavours. This is complemented by a slightly creamy texture. Delicate mineral tones and lightly toasted spices add depth. The result is balanced and elegant." Wine Advocate

Filetta di Lamole comes from selected Lamole vineyards owned by the Manetti family at an altitude of 600 metres. A multi-layered, elegant Chianti Classico with nuanced flavours and a fascinating structure. Ruby red in colour with light reflections. A multi-layered bouquet of cherry, followed by slightly tarry notes, violets and wild flowers. You can recognise Fontodi's signature in this profound wine, and yet it is different because it is more subtle and restrained with its existing strengths. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby colour with purple reflections. Dense and inviting nose of ripe sour cherry, rosehip and fine spice. Fresh fruit on the palate, fine-grained tannins, juicy and carried by invigorating acidity through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

"Deep, youthful ruby red colour. Brooding, deep red fruit nose with salty, mineral notes. Loosened up and with a peppery tingle. Lush and energetic on the palate, with fantastic, gravelly tannins and plenty of juice. Real substance." Jancis Robinson

"The organically grown Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole offers bold, lifted fruit with almost carbonic tones of fresh cherry and raspberry. For those of you interested in Lamole fruit from cool climates and high altitudes, which tend to be more transparent and fresh overall, this wine emphasises that contemporary style." Wine Advocate

"An abundance of savoury herbs, juniper and heather pours from the glass. On the palate, it shows a beautiful clarity and energetic acidity, which is gently enveloped by long, flowing and confident tannins. And the dark red cherry stone radiates lightness and brightness." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole is fabulous. In fact, it is the best edition of this wine yet, combining all the aromatic intensity and energy of Lamole with an extra kick of fruit and suppleness on the mid-palate. Dark red cherry, plum, spice, rose petals, crushed rock and herbs create a multi-layered finish. What a wine." Vinous

Chianti Classico by Giovanni Manetti offers a profound, densely woven and still very youthful bouquet of dark and red berries and fine spicy notes. The dry, cherry flavour with long-lasting impressions, well-extracted tannins and the acidity typical of Sangiovese show a clearly recognisable terroir character. Very clear, straightforward, long, always fresh and juicy, with excellent strength and balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, shiny ruby red colour with a dark core. Intense and memorable nose of black cherry, dark chocolate and a hint of mocha. Silky tannins, concentrated fruit and fine acidity on the palate, with a grippy final." Falstaff

"Deep carmine red colour. Tantalising nose of deep red fruits with hints of white pepper and leather. Juicy red fruits, with fine-grained, abundant tannins that unfold on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The organic Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico shows a special density in this vintage. There are ripe fruit flavours with blackberries and plums. The fruit also has a rich fleshiness or thickness that contributes to the overall dimension and mouthfeel of this approachable wine. The bright acidity brings out all these elements even better." Wine Advocate

"Fontodi's 2021 is a symbol of the exceptional quality of Chianti Classico at the Annata level. It exudes the wild, rugged and dry Tuscan landscape against a backdrop of dark, multi-layered fruit. Hints of coffee and liquorice mingle with concentrated black cherry and blackberry. With ripe, gravelly tannins, this wine shows the power of the vintage without being overbearing, retaining its charismatic energy. It's worth waiting a few more months before drinking, but if cellared properly, it can easily impress for a decade." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is a classic wine from the estate, made in the restrained style that has become the norm here of late. There is plenty of richness from Panzano, but more energy and less heaviness than was the norm a few years ago. Giovanni Manetti and his team have given the Chianti Classico a wonderful sophistication. Spices, flowers, mocha and blue fruits linger, all wrapped in extremely fine tannins." Vinous

"This red wine combines the fruity and spicy side of Sangiovese and shows flavours of cherries and blackberries, accompanied by eucalyptus, juniper and wild rosemary. Lively and fluid, with tension in the complex, mineral aftertaste." Wine Spectator

Castello di Ama, one of the highest vineyards in the Classico region, produces one of the most delicious wines in its appellation every year with Ama. The grapes come from the single vineyards Bellavista, Casuccia, San Lorenzo, Bertinga and Montebuoni. A fresh wine with youthful charm and flavours of cherry, plum and spices. Complex, full-bodied and with fine-grained tannins on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, bright ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Spicy, fruity and slightly fleshy on the nose with aromas of cranberries, wild berries and some undergrowth. Delicate fruit flavours on the palate, good balance and still a little youthful tannin." Falstaff

"The 2022 is full of youthful vim. Scents of cinnamon, red plum and dark cherry percolate on the nose, and red rose lurks in the background. Medium in weight, it offers a mouthful of cherry pits and gravelly stones inflected with white pepper. Very juicy, peppy acidity joins a light, chalky tannin frame." Decanter

"The 2022 Chianti Classico Ama opens with a burst of dark red cherry/plum fruit. Vibrant and generous, with bright acids, the Ama is an absolute delight. Its forward personality and impeccable balance make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so." Vinous

"The fresh and floral nature of this wine is more than evident, with black cherry and orange undertones. The palate is medium-bodied and refined, with silky tannins and mineral highlights. Tangy and crisp at the end." James Suckling