The Wine Advocate

The grapes come from the Ginestra, Mosconi and San Pietro cru sites, with around 10 rows planted outside the appellation boundaries (this is why the wine is a Langhe Dolcetto and not a Dolcetto d'Alba). Beautiful, detailed aroma of rose gardens and lavender fields. The finish is slender, soft and silky with aromatic richness and plenty of fruit. A wonderfully complex Dolcetto in the impeccable style of the Clerico house. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a wine that is fun to drink and reveals sweet, explosive fruit. It is charming through and through. The Domenico Clerico 2022 Langhe Dolcetto Visadì shows fresh sour cherry and summery blueberry. The fruit is sweet and fresh, and there are also subtle floral aromas." Wine Advocate

At Conterno Fantino, the Dolcetto grape is always processed with great sensitivity. Deep ruby violet colour. Aromas of crème de cassis, smoke, lavender and cloves. Firm on the palate, the typical Dolcetto acidity and a delicately bitter vein accompany this incredibly powerful Dolcetto through to the fresh, fruity and delicate final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Dolcetto d'Alba Bricco Bastia from organic farming is densely packed with sweet blackberries and blackcurrants. The wine is dense and rich with bitter almond and blue flower in the background. There is a lot of varietal character in this wine." Wine Advocate

"The Dolcetto d'Alba Bricco Bastia 2022 is a very nice wine. Crushed blue fruits, menthol, liquorice and baking spices are beautifully highlighted in this delicate, understated Dolcetto. Like so many Dolcettos, the 2022 is more finesse than power." Vinous

"Aromas of ripe blueberries and mulberries with rose petals and peppery undertones. Medium body with a polished texture and fine tannins. Fresh and floral on the finish." James Suckling

After a year of bottle ageing in the cellar, Feudi's famous Fiano "Pietracalda" is labelled Riserva.

A particularly high-quality Fiano di Avellino from Campania with a bouquet of light-coloured stone fruit, nuts and honey. On the palate, its fruity character, aromatic herbal notes and clean structure and minerality make it extremely stimulating. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Fiano di Avellino Pietracalda wafts up with a delicate blend of white flowers, young peach and crushed stone. It flows across the palate with silken textures offset by tactile mineral tones as a core of ripe pit fruits and inner florals amass toward the close. A youthful tension lingers as the Pietracalda finishes classically dry and lightly structured. Today, the 2022 is coy, yet it possesses the balance for medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"That's good. Taut and fresh. It relies on a chewy lattice of salted lemon pith, as well as a distinct acidity. Taut and medium-bodied, with dabs of pistachio, fennel, tonic and jasmine. Long and complex." James Suckling

"The Fiano di Avellino Pietracalda 2022 is another very approachable and drinkable white wine from Feudi di San Gregorio. It is fresh and lively, both on the nose and in the mouth, with lots of flavours of white melon, pear, almond and gravel." Wine Advocate

After a year of ageing in the cellar, Feudi's famous Greco "Cutizzi" is labelled Riserva.

Intense, straw-yellow colour and a complex bouquet in which the aromas of melon and pineapple alternate with spicy notes of camomile, vanilla and nutmeg. On the palate, it is round with a rich texture and the pleasant mineral note so typical of the Tufo region. Elegant, long finish with a delicate almond flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with green reflections. Yellow peach and orange zest on the nose, delicate nuances of dandelion. Yellow-fruity, juicy and fresh on the palate, lively acidity, pleasantly salty on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Greco di Tufo Cutizzi opens with an array of sweet white flowers, chamomile and crushed apples. It balances ripe fruit trees and green melon with salty mineral tones and tantalising acidity. The 2022 finishes with a saline tension and notes of nectarine." Vinous

"Elegant, fresh and dense, with a delicious acidity and a chalky base note that frames flavours of ripe mirabelle plums and nectarines, blanched almonds, aniseed, hyssop and preserved lemon." Wine Spectator

"This is a fine Greco. It's savoury, almondy, quinine, bitter and spicy, while subtly moving into stone fruit territory without going over the top. A tremor of mineral tension and shotgun acidity finds a nervous meeting with a stiff upper lip of richness. Convincing." James Suckling

"The Feudi di San Gregorio 2022 Greco di Tufo Cutizzi is just the thing for a plate of raw fish with spicy wasabi sauce or tuna tartare. Aged exclusively in stainless steel, it has the subtle power and firmness to support generous flavours of pear, quince and honeydew melon. The mineral signature of the wine is very pronounced." Wine Advocate

"Floral, zesty and peachy, it has good intensity allied to lovely freshness and a very saline finish. Still very youthful, it deserves the chance to gain some more bottle age before opening; wait and you'll be rewarded." Decanter

Sweet cherries, flowers, spices and a hint of mint on the nose. Firm yet harmonious tannin in the lively, very intense flavour, which never feels heavy but elegant until the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Etna Rosso Erse keeps me returning to the glass to take in its vibrant and spicy bouquet, where sour cherries complement dried roses, cloves and a hint of fresh mint. This wine is round and juicy, yet pure, with mineral red berries that saturate, while the lively acidity maintains a fantastic freshness. A subtle coating of fine tannins and a salty note define the final, while the 2020 tapers off smoothly and grippily under a hint of red flowers. This is an excellent entry-level Etna Rosso." Vinous

"The entry-level Tenuta di Fessina 2020 Etna Rosso Erse is elegant and lean with a fun set of aromas that recall white pepper, wild berry, blue flower and candied orange peel. I like this fresh, snappy style and you get great value." Wine Advocate

Dark ruby red in colour. Opens with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spices and Spanish cedar. The delicate blackberry flavour is also very seductive on the palate, which in turn blends with tobacco, minerals and well-integrated wood. The final is fresh with pinpoint acidity and an intense, spicy length. The Chianti Classico from Poggio Bonelli is very attractive, stylish and in tune with the times every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Open and accessible nose with notes of plums, some smoke and vanilla in the background. Characterised by grippy tannins on the palate" Falstaff

"The Poggio Bonelli 2021 Chianti Classico shows a beautiful combination of candied cherries and powdery mineral notes. These are characteristics I often find in the Sangiovese wines that are best suited for a pizza or pasta night. This casual presentation hits the mark, offering plump dark fruit and good acidity to finish. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and leans slightly towards the more robust side of the spectrum." Wine Advocate

"Spiced cherries, wild berries and hints of liquorice, walnuts and wet stones. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. The aftertaste is toasty and cedary. Bright and concentrated." James Suckling

Rich ruby red colour, precise, clear fruit on the nose with a very light mineral note. Pleasant, beautifully smooth flavour, round and of good substance. A Rosso di Montalcino with a lot of charm. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino offers medium weight fruit with dark cherry, wild plum and savoury spice. This is an excellent vintage with moderate summer temperatures and a long growing season, which is very favourable to Sangiovese, a grape that needs its time to mature and develop complexity. This Rosso also shows a particularly spicy character with nutmeg and cinnamon, which seems to come from both the grape skins and the 12 months in oak barrels." Wine Advocate

"The nose leads with earthy, umami aromas of balsamic and fresh soil, but fruit notes of cherry and blackberry gradually emerge. The palate runs with the fruit, but that fresh, almost stony earthiness persists to create a cool, bouncy feeling, like a sudden gust of wind. Acid acts as a whetstone for sharp tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"A juicy red with leather and undergrowth accents framing smoky cherry, plum and mineral flavours. Well-structured and long, with a solid grip of tannins on the lingering aftertaste. Offers fine intensity." Wine Spectator

"A beautifully spicy Rosso di Montalcino with cloves, dried flowers, sour cherries and orange peel on the nose. Creamy and medium to full-bodied, with chalky tannins and a ripe, chocolaty finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Rosso di Montalcino immediately catches the eye, with a classic, dusty blend of dried cherries, worn leather and earthy tones, complicated by aromas of roasted meat. It is polished. A crisp minerality emphasises the pure red fruits, which are accompanied by a lively acidity. This leaves you wanting more, as the orange and cranberry flavours linger in the mouth for a long time. The 2021 is a fantastic, dynamic Rosso that makes me curious to see what the Brunello of the vintage will bring." Vinous

Bright ruby red colour with a delicately brightening rim. Fresh, full-bodied, very enjoyable wine with the aroma of dark cherries, flowers and mint. Hearty, delicate flavour, good acidity, very lively and full of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Morisfarms 2019 Maremma Toscana Sangiovese Barbaspinosa shows very dense and tart fruit flavours and has a slightly green note reminiscent of blackberries or balsam herb. The wine is a little prickly with a medium-heavy palate that finishes with cedar and toasted wood. It opens up nicely when it gets more air in the glass." Wine Advocate

Chianti Classico Vallenuova has the potential to become a favourite wine. It is an archetypal expression of Sangiovese from a single vineyard that could not be more typical and authentic. Vibrant, sparkling ruby in colour, with a hint of cedar wood and small wild berries on the nose, along with spices, beetroot and white pepper. Leather, tobacco and a hint of citrus fruit on the palate, with a pleasantly lean final and a convincing, drinkyfreshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, rich ruby colour. Appealing and finely characterised nose of blackberry, fresh plums and soot. Juicy and clear on the palate, shows beautifully worked out fruit, fine-meshed tannin, salty, with a hint of graphite on the finish." Falstaff

"The Tolaini 2021 Chianti Classico Vallenuova is a simple wine with lots of dark cherry fruit, soft lines and medium texture." Wine Advocate

"The nose vacillates between spicy aromas of hot tar and earth and sweet notes of vanilla and cherry. On the palate, an orange peel element adds texture to this sweetness, while bright acidity and dusty tannins fan the flames of a lingering, savoury earthiness." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Vallenuova offers a tantalising blend of macerated red cherry, plum, liquorice, new leather and blood orange. The 2021 is lush and vibrant, with striking energy, an excellent example of the vintage. All the elements are very well balanced." Vinous

"Rich and expressive on the attack, with flavours of sweet cherry, raspberry, mint, rosemary, iron and spice. This supple, lush red wine firms up, with fine tannins on the long, delicious finish." Wine Spectator

"Fresh character of red and blue fruits with violets, cocoa and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with very polished but velvety and mouth-filling tannins and lively acidity that gives the fruit tension and juiciness. Broad and structured. Long finish." James Suckling

The aromas of dark cherry, plum, smoke, leather, spices and menthol are supported by wonderfully juicy blackcurrant, clove, tobacco and aniseed on the palate. The refined tannins flank the compact, very straightforward style into a long final, in which we discover fine notes of hazelnuts. An aristocratic wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pecchenino 2021 Dogliani Superiore Sirì d'Jermu is a popular expression of Dolcetto that is often found in local restaurants. It is a rich and savoury wine that goes well with a pizza with spicy sausage. The wine is characterised by ripe blackberries, soft tannins and a hint of bright acidity. The presentation is simple, but perfect for a Dolcetto." Wine Advocate

"Notes of ripe and juicy dark berries with plum skins and spices, followed by a medium body with racy tannins and lively acidity. Fresh and lively with lots of energy. A little salty on the finish. Drink now." James Suckling

"This bright red is infused with violet, cherry and raspberry flavors, plus a flash of wild herbs. Firms up on the finish, where the fruit persists and a chalky sensation lingers. Shows fine balance and length." Wine Spectator

In contrast to the past, this full and fragrant Barbera is now matured to a greater extent in large oak barrels - and less in barriques. This favours the softness, fruitiness and suppleness of this wonderful wine. Tre Vigne means that the grapes come in equal parts from the top vineyards Mosconi, Ginestra and San Pietro. Deep, dark ruby red in colour. The bouquet has a fine aroma of sour cherries and violets, the full and soft flavour has a pleasantly fresh acidity that enhances the long drinking pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep crimson. Intense nose. And really nicely balanced. Very well-managed tannins. Bitter cherries but fine texture and the 15% alcohol is not evident at all."

"Ripe, somewhat toasty nose, with brooding black fruits. Good fruit concentration, structure and intensity with candied, ripe and fresh plum flavours. The fresh acidity is balanced by moderate tannins. A long finish that is very bright and youthful." Decanter

"The Domenico Clerico 2021 Barbera d'Alba Trevigne is a particularly fruit-driven wine with blackberries, dark plums and spices. Winemaker Oscar Arrivabene says that this is a very good year for Barbera. The wine feels lush and soft on the palate and goes well with cheese-filled pasta." Wine Advocate

"Intense ruby red colour with a violet hue. Ripe plum and blackberry on the nose, followed by pepper and tobacco. Juicy start on the palate, great tension, refreshing acidity, polished tannins, animating, subtly salty final." Falstaff

Since the 2015 vintage, Piancornello has been vinifying a small-batch Ciliegiolo of 4,000 bottles that is solid, deep and very distinctive. Intense, ruby-red colour. The nose reveals very pure, straightforward aromas of ripe cherries and sour cherries, rounded off by spicy notes and hints of medicinal herbs. In the mouth it is rich, with noticeable tannins, but well inserted into the structure, of solid body and with a tasty, long finish of good complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pure expression of one of the Tuscan indigenous grapes often used as a blending agent with Sangiovese, the Piancornello 2019 Ciliegiolo Podere del Visciolo Per Emma gives us a chance to consider Ciliegiolo on its own merits. This is a pretty but simple wine with sweet cherry perfumes backed by very light hints of cola, lavender bud and crushed limestone. Per Emma brings us a graceful, delicate and fresh taste of Tuscany at a great low price." Wine Advocate

Core Rosso impresses with a blend of dark, rich fruit, exotic spices, boulders and peppery herbs. It is unexpectedly soft and airy, with a pure display of pure plums, complemented by nuances of sage and rosy flowers that develop towards the end. A layer of fine tannin leads into the lingering final, while hints of liquorice and blackcurrant linger. Great ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"A lighter expression of Aglianico, handled with aplomb. Juicy red cherry, lilac, a hint of tobacco, liquorice root and a touch of freshness. One of the better approaches to transforming this wiry variety into an earlier drinkable expression without losing integrity. Prosaic in the most delicious sense." James Suckling

Core" means "heart" in Italian dialect, and a heart-shaped drawing can be seen on the front label. The Montevetrano 2020 Core Rosso has a certain astringency of the hot vintage, but not much, with fine chalky tannins. The wine is made from 100% Aglianico and is very fruit-driven, with deep black cherries and ripe plums. It has a lovely spicy finish." Wine Advocate

"Dusty and floral, the 2020 Core Rosso wafts up with an alluring bouquet that blends cedar shavings with dried black cherries and lifting whiffs of sage. This is round and juicy in style yet still quite complex. A core of zesty acidity and hints of citrus offset depths of tart red and black fruits. The 2020 finishes long yet fresh, with rosy inner florals and notes of licorice that linger on and on." Vinous

Blackberries, raspberries, tomato leaves, lemon peel and bark on the nose. Also some tar and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with fine, slightly chunky tannins. Beautiful character of rose petals. Fresh and mineral on the finish, very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Youthful nose of raspberry, cassis and mint, with a tobacco and smoky aftertaste. Surprisingly dense on the palate with chocolaty nuances, juicy, pleasant tannins, persistent fruit." Falstaff

"Brilliant carmine red colour. Concentrated and deep cherry nose and luscious, tangy cherry palate, with a helping of firm tannins on the finish to give grip. Immediately, a little rich and delicious. Just a tiny bit of spiciness on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Here is an easy-drinking entry-level wine from a winery that maintains a classic approach to all of its fine wines. The Castello di Monsanto 2022 Chianti Classico offers very bright and vibrant fruit with forest-fresh raspberries and blueberries giving this wine a particularly charming profile. It shows a primary intensity with sweet fruit and without being affected by excessive ageing." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is forward, juicy and very easy to like. A burst of dark red fruit, spice, cedar and leather makes a strong statement at the start. Although the 2022 doesn't offer the nuance of most vintages, it makes up for it with its charming, inviting personality." Vinous

"Ripe and juicy, this red wine begins with flavours of cherries, raspberries and flowers, underlined by iron and wild undergrowth. It firms up on the finish and shows a pleasant astringency." Wine Spectator

"The youthful violet colour suggests a healthy dash of Colorino. Deep red cherries and wild strawberries are infused with fragrant Mediterranean herbs and a distinct note of orange blossom. The palate is richly filled with tangy, tart berries infused with light, grainy tannins that add nuance to the texture. A hint of pepper and a savoury saltiness whet the appetite." Decanter

"Fresh, racy strawberries, red cherries and a hint of pastry and pomegranates on the nose. On the palate, it is firm and expressive, with beautifully chewy tannins and a medium body. Plenty of berry fruit in its elegant, long finish. Drink now or keep." James Suckling

"A cornerstone of the Classico, a label with precise and impeccable workmanship. On the nose, red mulberry, hints of rhubarb and eucalyptus, with a touch of black pepper. The mouthfeel is intense, with ionised tannins. Closes with a hint of undergrowth and balsamic notes. Great length." Luca Gardini

Wonderful cuvée of Greco and Fiano. An opulent potpourri of passion fruit, peach and honeydew melon on the nose. Not too heavy on the palate, but rather prancing and elegant with a wonderfully fresh structure. Beautiful balance, complex and full-bodied finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here's a fun and versatile non-carbonated white wine to bring chilled to an al fresco lunch. A blend of equal parts Fiano and Greco, the Montevetrano 2022 Core Bianco has a lean approach with enough texture to support fragrant apples, honey and white currants. The wine's flavour palette is very nice, and the best part is the salty or mineral end note that adds a spark of energy." Wine Advocate

"A beautiful blend of Fiano and Greco, offering rich flavours of ripe fruit salad as well as notes of pressed flowers and minerals. Medium-bodied with an intense palate, including a phenolic note that gives it a structured feel." James Suckling

"The 2022 Bianco Core wafts up from the glass with a rich blend of peach preserves and confectionary spice, complicated by a hint of candied lime. This is soothingly round with a core of saline minerality to balance, as a core of zesty acidity enlivens tart orchard fruits. The 2022 tapers off with a tart lemon-pith concentration yet is also remarkably fresh, leaving nuances of mint to fade slowly." Vinous

"Strong ruby red with light violet reflections. Rich nose with notes of sour cherry, blackberry jam, liquorice and Mediterranean maquis. Soft, supple and balanced on the palate between freshness, juiciness and well-integrated tannins." Falstaff

"The 2018 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Centovie rises from the glass with a wild and exotic blend of crushed rose petals, sweet herbs, wet stone and strawberries. It fills the palate with a soft, almost fleshy texture held together by a lively acidity that enlivens the tart wild berries within. The 2018 is long-lasting, just lightly textured with a hint of sour citrus that contrasts nicely." Vinous

"This is an organic wine whose fruit comes exclusively from the Umani Ronchi vineyards. The 2018 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Centovie represents some of the fruit from two hills facing each other. The wine shows beautiful dark fruit and rich concentration with soft layers of black cherry, plum, spice and leather. The 2018 vintage offers plenty of freshness to cleanse the palate." Wine Advocate

Forcole is produced in a surprisingly small quantity for a Chianti Classico - just 15,000 bottles. The bouquet begins with a slender texture and aromas of wild berries, sour cherries, pressed violets and sweet earth. Supple, generous and inviting on the palate, it captures all the natural intensity of the vintage. Its attractive silky tannins and the rather darker and crispy-cool Sangiovese flavour profile of the Panzano region make it a great soloist as well as food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of ripe cherries and kirsch with dried flowers, pomegranate and tree bark. Some wet stones, too. Medium- to full-bodied, fine and polished with depth and intensity to the fruit. Some clove and vanilla undertones." James Suckling

"Made with 100% Sangiovese, the Tenuta degli Dei 2021 Chianti Classico Forcole shows tart cherry and cassis with potting soil, blue flower and grilled rosemary over a mid-weight finish. This is a classic expression of the grape from sunny Panzano in Chianti." Wine Advocate