The Wine Advocate

The Fontalloro is a single-varietal Sangiovese that is matured for up to 20 months in new and two-year-old barriques.brilliant ruby colour with a light garnet rim, mineral, woody-fruity aroma of cherry, cedar, blueberry and hazelnut. With aeration, the flavours become increasingly complex and the terroir influence very clear. Compact and very present on the palate with fine-grained tannins and classic proportions. Very high ageing potential and one of the best Sangiovese in central Tuscany every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Noble shimmering ruby red colour. Fresh nose of crisp blueberries and cherries, with notes of precious wood and hints of lilac. Clear and firm on the palate with tightly woven tannins, powerful and juicy with considerable length on the finish." Falstaff

"Aromas of raspberries, herbs and tobacco open the round dance, with floral components and then a little orange zest; the attack is full of character, but also with a lot of polish and excellent, long-lasting tannins; the finish is fruity and noble. Anyone who appreciates suppleness and independent personality will love this wine." Vinum

"It's smoky, with a core of cherry, blackberry and plum flavours. Menthol, wild herbs and iron add accents, and though it's supple, there's a solid structure of bright acidity and moderate, dusty tannins, with fine balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Bright and fresh with a lovely energy. Flavours of orange peel, chocolate, cherries and cedar follow through to a medium body, firm tannins and crisp acidity with a crisp finish. Will age well but is already delicious now." James Suckling

"The Fontalloro 2021 is great. This is a classic Fontalloro, a wine that combines remarkable density with the wilder personality of Sangiovese - partly from the Colli Senesi. As such, it is a somewhat rustic wine, but it is a wine that will be a good dinner companion. Leather, incense, tobacco and scorched earth complement a wine that shows the darker, wilder side of the variety. With air, pretty floral notes unfold. I would cellar this wine for a few years." Vinous

"The nose offers classic, delicate aromas of cherries, wild strawberries, blood oranges, top soil and sage. On the palate, darker berries and even more cherries contrast with an earthy, bitter bite of citrus, while supple acidity flows past unifying tannins that are precise but with a chalky tenacity." Wine Enthusiast

"The Fontalloro 2021 reveals an elegant bouquet with a streamlined character that offers good intensity but is never excessive. The Sangiovese carries this lean style well, delivering plenty of nuances of wild cherries and wild berries. There are also gentle mineral tones and earthy orris roots. This bottle should develop well with time in the cellar." Wine Advocate

The grapes for this fine white wine from the north side of Mount Etna come from the 3-hectare Contrada Muganazzi in the municipality of Passopisciaro. The skeleton-rich and pH-neutral soils are rich in iron and nitrogen and offer ideal conditions for fresh, acidic and mineral white wines. The wine is matured in equal parts in wood and stainless steel for 12 months on the fine lees. Muganazzi is neither a lean wine, nor is it too full-bodied. It is somewhere in between, with thick layers of peach, apricot and lots of fresh citrus fruit. The mineral notes such as gravel, flint and volcanic ash are very evident. An elegant, powerful Carricante with great drinking flow that clearly shows the signature of the sensitive Alberto Graci. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a very fresh and lively white wine with flavours of lime zest, stones, lemon peel, mussels and herbs. Medium body with bright acidity. Textured finish." James Suckling

"This elegant white shows fine knit, layering sleek acidity with flavors of star fruit and persimmon, Marcona almond and quince paste, plus accents of chamomile and white pepper. The finish is driven by a rich underpinning of salty minerality." Wine Spectator

"This 2021 is the second vintage from Graci's Contrada Muganazzi, located in Passopisciaro and made from the estate's youngest vines. Aromatic summer meadow, lemon, peach and apple lead to a very flavoursome, stony palate with juicy peach, orange zest and a waxy character on the finish." Decanter

"The 2021 Etna Bianco Muganazzi is the star among the white wines in the Graci portfolio. The wine offers a nice texture with mild creaminess and good complexity. You get candied lemon, honey and pastry cream, and of course there is gravel and volcanic ash to make an ever more interesting wine. This is a light-coloured white wine from a purely volcanic area. Give it a little more time to develop." Wine Advocate

Alongside Fragore, Etna-Cru Donnafugata, named after the Contrada Marchesa vineyard of the same name, is Donnafugata's second top wine from the volcano. Its label is adorned with a volcano goddess decorated with flowers and fruit, next to which is the medieval village of Castiglione di Sicilia. The Nerello vines grow on a lava soil rich in minerals, and the location to the north of the volcano ensures temperate summers with strong temperature fluctuations between day and night.

This single-varietal Nerello presents itself in a light ruby red colour and reveals a generous bouquet of small red berries, spicy notes (cinnamon and black pepper) and undergrowth, followed by balsamic nuances and a delicate mineral vein. On the palate, in addition to its structure, the indescribable balance, convincing freshness and ultra-fine tannins are a delight. This great wine glides aristocratically and full of elegance into a deep finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exudes a sensual aroma of forest fruits with notes of smoke and sandalwood; pithy on the palate, robust tannins, juicy, compact texture, balanced and long final. Combines character and length." Vinum

"A wine that expresses ripe cherries and raspberries with intense, dusty tannins, earthy depth and a very vertical, mineral palate." Decanter

"The Donnafugata 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Marchesa offers obvious oak spice, especially at this early stage, and the wine will certainly need more time in bottle, even just another year, to develop. There is dark fruit and blackcurrant, but also cinnamon and sweet nutmeg. The finish is dense and structured." Wine Advocate

Since Guidalberto has been vinified from its own grapes, most of which also grow in the Sassicaia DOC monopoly position, San Guido's "second wine" has grown beyond itself. Spicy, earthy bouquet with hints of tobacco, clove and lavender, dense and juicy on the palate with fresh red and black berry fruit. The tannins are well balanced and the finish is complex with a majestic elegance that will become even more refined with years of ageing in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Guidalberto is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and has its own vines, some of which are inside and some outside the Sassicaia DOC. A very subtle wine with ripe, charming fruit and a velvety texture. It is more elegant and refined than before." Weinwisser

"Gently shining ruby red colour. Multi-layered bouquet, opens on ripe wild berries, redcurrant, notes of juniper, cedar and black pepper, a touch of lilac. Silky attack, precise fruit on very well-integrated, fine tannins, elegant and with gentle pressure in the long final." Falstaff

"The 2022 is full of aromas of herbs and sea breeze amid bright, tangy berries. In the mouth, it is savoury and precise, with a juiciness to the concentrated core of plums and black berries and a gracefulness to the tannin and acidity structures that weave through it. Juicy and incredibly flavoursome, with a wonderfully ripe red berry finish, this wine really stands on its own two feet." Decanter

"Lots of mint with sage and fresh rosemary to go with the redcurrants and oranges on the nose, as well as some ripe raspberries. The palate is very refined with creamy and crisp tannins that run the length of the wine. It shows a crisp and energetic personality. It should be given another year or two to develop, but it is already very good for the vintage." James Suckling

"The Guidalberto 2022 gives you a good taste of the same DNA that gives us one of Italy's greatest wines, Sassicaia, but it is offered here in a more immediate style. This warm vintage opens with a medium-dark concentration and very powerful aromas that immediately remind you of blackberries and blackcurrants lying in the sun at the farmers' market. The wine shows a soft and gentle side with a nice level of elegance conveyed by the freshness of the fruit and the slight oak spice that is noticeable here, but with grace." Wine Advocate

"This red wine is elegant, despite its firm structure and dense tannins. The flavours of black cherry, blackcurrant, plum, tobacco, iron and rosemary hold court, with all components balanced. The finish is long, with a salty flavour." Wine Spectator

Cherry-red Cabernet Sauvignon with a small proportion of Petit Verdot, the complex bouquet is reminiscent of blackcurrants; there are also mint flavours and floral notes, which are interwoven with the pleasantly balanced wood note. Powerful and dense on the palate; the fine-grained tannins are harmoniously integrated, with an impressive elegance and length on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A delightful nose of cigar box spices and smoked tobacco draws you into the glass, where the fragrant overtone continues. This finely meshed version offers notes of ripe red and blackcurrant with slightly chalky tannins and hints of olive, espresso and smoke. This seductive red wine is fresh, elegant and expressive." Wine Spectator

"The Alois Lageder 2019 Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon Cor Römigberg shows a very concentrated and rich fruit that gives the wine a heavy centre of gravity. This fruit density is accompanied by elevated flavours of sour cherry, Valentine's Day red rose and scented candle. All these elements are framed by a beautiful minerality. The tannins reveal a very dry quality that I liked less, but the flavours accurately reflect the cool alpine influences." Wine Advocate

"A complex wine full of darkness. On the nose are notes of leather, cocoa powder, bramble berries and a touch of bell peppers. There is stunning intensity. Full-bodied on the palate, with long, lifted and integrated acidity, velvety tannins and a chalky and slightly rustic finish." James Suckling

Every year, one of the Tenuta's great single-vineyard wines, which represents the special terroir of the Etna hills in a highly complex way. Dark red fruit, orange peel and flowers on the nose. Then juicy fruit, wonderful depth and a finely chiselled tannin structure. A subtle spiciness on the finish and the outstanding structure, length and elegance are always present! SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red colour. Elegant, perfumed and lively nose of fresh red flowers and ripe red fruits. Closes with spicy notes of pepper and graphite minerals. Structured, fresh and lean on the palate. Mineral note on the finish, persistent." Falstaff

"The Calderara Sottana 2020 is youthfully shy in the glass, with hints of sweet violets, blackberries and crushed stone. Inside, it is a model of purity, silky and enveloping, with elegant red and black fruits swirling over a core of savoury minerals and exotic spices. The 2020 finishes long and colourful, with fine-grained tannins that pinch the palate. Notes of red plums and cinnamon ring through. It is a very Burgundian vintage of Calderara Sottana." Vinous

"The Tenuta delle Terre Nere 2020 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana has a spicy, almost autumnal personality with tobacco, damp moss, spices and dark fruit. It stands out from the other wines in the portfolio thanks to these darker fruit qualities. Marc De Grazia uses the unusual word "feline" to describe the long and supple mouthfeel. I notice the dry, silky nature of the elegant tannins." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of rust, sea urchin, wild thyme, salted plums, Seville oranges, walnuts and asphalt. Very fine, grainy tannins. Intense rusty and mineral notes, medium-bodied and elegant on the palate. Long and flavoursome." James Suckling

This top Barolo comes from the enchanting Corda della Briccolina parcel in Serralunga d'Alba and is the only one of the estate's impressive Barolo range to be matured in barriques. Garnet red in colour with a beguiling aroma of rose petals, rock candy, caramel and dried fruit. Powerful, solemn on the palate, with present tannins and a long, harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Nose of black cherries and ripe raspberries. Great intensity on the palate, followed by firm tannins and a long, fresh finish." Decanter

"The Beni di Batasiolo 2016 Barolo Briccolina sources its fruit from Serralunga d'Alba, and you can count on more fruit weight and power as a result. This wine shows a dark garnet red colour with sweet cherry and blackberry nuances. These dark fruit tones are underlined by spices, earthy loam and grilled herbs." Wine Advocate

"Rich and smoky with lots of fruit and toasted oak, but not overdone. Full body, crisp tannins and a juicy finish." James Suckling

"Somewhat dried-vegetable and very slightly iodised aroma of red and black berries with distinct tar. Clear, firm, juicy, polished fruit, fine, youthful, yet present tannin, dried floral nuances, cocoa and a little tobacco, again also tar, persistent, good depth, also coffee in the background, multi-layered, has a certain elegance, very good, firm, again quite juicy finish with bacony and fine spicy nuances." Wein-Plus

The star from Tenuta Sant'Antonio: A rich dark ruby red, its bouquet of wild fruits, black pepper, tobacco and spices is a delight for the nose. Fruity and full-bodied, yet velvety and very sophisticated in its character - an austere, characterful and elegant Amarone, whose terrificfinish is accompanied by noble tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has distinct aromas of chocolate wheat and spiced plum crumble. Tart black fruits and balsamic freshness lurk in the mouth with streaks of tangy red fruits and dusty spices, supported by fine, grainy tannins. It's sweet and juicy and shows some chalky tautness on the palate, giving this big wine a desirable finesse." Decanter

"Ruby red with a tendency towards violet. The nose reveals clear notes of sour cherry, cherry, plum, blood orange and undergrowth, followed by floral notes of rose and violet. Gradually, spicy notes unfold. Full, juicy and fruity on the palate, with splendid tannins, finishing delicately bitter on the long finish." Falstaff

"The Tenuta Sant'Antonio Famiglia Castagnedi 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Campo dei Gigli reveals a very savory character with dried fruit, lots of plum and spicy back notes that transition to tarry smoke and barbecue. The wine is full-bodied and slightly evolved due to the hot vintage conditions." Wine Advocate

"Thick and rather syrupy dried black fruits face a wall of black pepper and toasted oak on the nose, which turns to liquorice on the palate. Any subtler, more complex character waits for now for the youthful fruit and oak to clear the main stage. And that can take some time. Nevertheless, this wine is already very pleasant to drink and will give pleasure for many years to come." James Suckling

"The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Campo dei Gigli is intense, like opening an ash stone to discover a wealth of dried black cherries, cinnamon sticks, incense and dried herbs. The texture is deep, with a balanced inner sweetness highlighted by vibrant acidity, while the depths of tart red fruits slowly saturate the palate with primary concentration. The 2017 finishes structured and dramatically long, making a case for further cellaring." Vinous

The Frappato Vino di Contrada FL (from Contrada Fossa di Lupo) shows a slightly looser texture than the other two Contrada wines that have been part of Arianna Occhipinti's portfolio for 4 vintages. The Contrada Fossa di Lupo provides much of the fruit used for the entire Occhipinti line. It consists of sandy limestone with red and dark brown clay veins. The wine shows aromas of red fruits, including plums and blackberries. Slight hints of exotic spices only emerge after the Frappato has had time to really unpack in the glass. This wine is perhaps the most open of the three. Only 2,700 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dark, rich expression with earthy red and black cherry flavours and a bright, stony palate with intensely tart wild red fruits. It has a pronounced spiciness and sharpness that seems to come from the yeasts, leading to a dry finish with juicy cherry and strawberry notes." Decanter

"The Frappato Vino di Contrada FL 2020 has a more delicate style with aromas of wild roses and flowers rising delicately from the glass. Behind this are earthy tones, baked aubergine skin and slight hints of roasted fennel seeds. On the palate, the wine is tart and fresh, with equally macerated flavours. This wine is the somewhat wilder of the three Contrada wines in the series. The fruit comes from the Contrada Fossa di Lupo, with reddish and dark brown soils." Wine Advocate

The Frappato Vino di Contrada BB from the single vineyard Bombolieri is the darkest and most saturated of the three Frappato wines. This vineyard lies high on a promontory with white limestone soils. The expression is open and accessible like the other wines, but in this wine there is an added layer of earth or potting soil to the bright red and black fruits one perceives on the nose. This wine also seems to have extra layering and textural richness. All this fruit is topped with a fresh acidity that plays a big role and makes this wine a nice partner for creamy fettuccine. Only 2,400 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has some flinty reduction at this early phase in its life, hinting at milk chocolate, black cherry and earthy red fruit aromas. In the mouth it's grippy, broad and juicy, offering dark hedgerow berry flavours with a depth of warm soil, cardamom and peppery spice." Decanter

"The Frappato Vino di Contrada BB 2020 has a slightly richer colour with aromas of dark fruits such as black cherry and fresh plums. I like the impeccable balance of the BB (from Contrada Bombolieri with sandy soils and stones)." Wine Advocate

Ceretto's entry-level Barbaresco comes from different sites, mostly younger vines from Asili (35%) and the lower part of Bernadot (65%). Bright, elegant ruby red. It has full energy and vivacity and offers excellent persistence and remarkable balance. On the nose, sweet red cherry, mint, pine, liquorice and candied orange peel. Taut and ferruginous on the palate, very juicy, salty, stretches precisely across the tongue, with some pressure, considerable juicy-long finish. After good aeration already impressively accessible when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright garnet red with ruby reflections. Intense nose of sour cherry and rosehip, then some leather, tobacco and forest floor, complex. On the palate filigree mouth entry, with soft tannin, harmonious and well balanced, elegant, juicy finish." Falstaff

"This has aromas of oak and toasted nut that come to the forefront while berry and spice stay in the background. Tightly wound and primary, the palate offers raspberry jam, vanilla and licorice alongside close-grained tannins that grip the close. Fresh acidity keeps it bright." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Barbaresco is bright and nicely focused. Crushed red berry fruit, cedar, tobacco and spice are lifted. Veins of supporting tannin and acid give this mid-weight, nervy Barbaresco lovely energy. The 2019 is elegant and also quite promising." Vinous

"The 2019 Barbaresco displays high-toned aromas of sweet raspberries, rose petals and liquorice that anticipates an open-knit palate with clear-cut flavours of crunchy raspberries and redcurrants. Ripe acidity and well-extracted tannins extend the attractively floral and balsamic finish." Decanter

"This is a very firm young Barbaresco with dried strawberry, crunchy fruit and fresh flowers, such as roses. Bitter lemon and tar, too. Full-bodied, chewy and polished. Flavorful finish." James Suckling

"The Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco is an organic wine that paints a clear picture of a beautiful vintage. Tart cherry, white licorice and dusty earth lift from the bouquet and give this wine a sharp sense of focus and intensity. Ceretto has released a superb set of Barbarescos this year, starting with this classic expression." Wine Advocate

The Frappato Vino di Contrada PT (with fruit from the Contrada Pettineo) is a shade lower in colour intensity than the BB. This wine is similar to the FL in terms of accessibility and the very silky and delicate nature of its fruit. Arianna Occhipinti has achieved something marvellous for our collective understanding of the Frappato grape with the fermentation of these contrasting wines. Pettineo has sandy soils, and the Alberello vines (later converted to trellises) are over 60 years old. It is definitely on the right track, as you get a better understanding of the range of the grape variety. This expression shows bright freshness, wild berries, wild roses and hints of sweet almonds. Around 2,700 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"It's the finest and most perfumed of the three contrada wines, offering hedgerow berries and lovely florality. Intense, vibrant red fruits and juicy acidity combine on the textured, airy, vertical palate, with some hints of dried cherry on the long, sapid finish. Delicious!" Decanter

"The Frappato Vino di Contrada PT 2020 (from old vines of Contrada Pettineo) has a unique bouquet that stands out from the other wines in this series, especially in this warm and sunny vintage. There is a hint of purple plum, but the aromas are mainly focused on red fruit flavours with cassis and fresh cherries. I love the lively, powerful approach of this vibrant wine. It feels very lively." Wine Advocate

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino from San Felice shows rich black cherries and plums with sweet spices, cedar shavings and cool mint. The texture is silky, with a polished blend of red and black berries interspersed with savoury minerals. Medium-bodied and youthfully compact, it also shows a taste of what's to come as florals build over notes of liquorice and clove. A web of fine tannins envelop everything they touch with youthful composure as the wine tapers off with violet reflections. This is a very successful interpretation of the top 2019 vintage from southern Montalcino. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Ripe forest fruits and leather on the nose, also reminiscent of cigar box, hints of thyme on the finish. Earthy tones on the palate, grippy tannins and clear, ripe fruit, fine saltiness on the finish, very powerful." Falstaff

"The Campogiovanni 2019 Brunello di Montalcino has a note of toasted oak, smoke and wet slate that gives this vintage a heavier and more concentrated approach. The fruit feels ripe and dry with blackberry, baked plum and dark prune." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of blackberries, flint and matchstick. Medium body with firm, silky tannins and a lightly chewy finish. Structured and polished. Juicy at the end." James Suckling

"There's an exotic boysenberry note to the fruit in this red, along with flavors of raspberry and kirsch, shaded by eucalyptus and wild rosemary, plus a chalky mineral element. Yet this remains slightly austere, with dense, linear tannins leaving a grip on the finish." Wine Spectator

Etna is one of Italy's most fascinating wine regions and Andrea Franchetti is probably the most fanatical producer in this area. Added to this are eighty-year-old indigenous Nerello Mascalese vines. The single vineyard Contrada Porcaria has a thoroughly masculine personality. Darkly scented with ripe fruit and menthol, the palate is predominantly spice and mineral with many other facets. The course and the final are rich, dense and very convincing. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, lush attack on the nose of Amarena cherry, plums and pepper. This wine radiates an incredible energy and seems precisely structured. Sour cherry on the palate, with a fine spiciness of mace. Inviting acidity from the still young fruit and a great length. The radiance of the volcano captured in a brilliant wine." Vinum

"The 2020 Contrada Porcaria (P) is dark and inward as crushed stones and camphor dissipate to reveal spiced cherries and a touch of shaved cedar. It feels silky and robust, with bright acidity adding emphasis to the tart red berry fruit as the 2020 shows an abundance of energy. Fine tannins saturate the final under a hint of flowers, while a touch of salt and minerality slowly fades." Vinous

"From a hot and dry vintage, the 2020 Contrada P, with fruit from Contrada Porcaria at 650m, offers a great balance between very fruity flavours contrasted with scorched earth and campfire ash." Wine Advocate

Barolo Le Coste di Monforte from the top 2019 vintage is extremely beguiling in the glass. Rose petals, cedar wood, mint, sweet pipe tobacco and blood orange are the first flavours to open up. It is deep and complex on the palate and exceptionally beautiful and harmonious for a young Barolo. Time in the glass brings out its countless nuances. SUPERIORE.DE

"Monforte d'Alba. Brilliant medium ruby red colour with orange reflections. Concentrated, perfumed nose of red fruits, sweet cherry fruit on the palate, with a layer of sandy tannins. A beautiful wine that needs more time. It certainly has what it takes to age further." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Pecchenino Barolo Le Coste di Monforte displays a smoky character with campfire ash and roasted spices. At its core, the wine shows dark fruits and plums that come together to form a medium-thick texture. It has the structural dynamism of the vintage with a more open and approachable side that can be drunk over the medium term." Wine Advocate

"Tar and roses with freshly cut plums and some cherries. Medium body with racy tannins that are chewy. Juicy underneath." James Suckling

"A beam of pure cherry anchors this rich, fleshy red. Strawberry, iron, tobacco, wild thyme and rosemary flavors chime in, all supported by a line of dusty tannins." Wine Spectator

Bussia 2019 is a powerful, intense wine that shows great depth and intensity, with a powerful tannin that gives the wine its masculine, virile personality. Notes of black cherry, wood smoke, liquorice, leather, menthol, pine, scorched earth and pebbles unfold in the glass. Although it is already very expressive, it still needs some time in the bottle so that the tannins can calm down a little. Nevertheless, it is already impressive and represents the 2019 Piedmontese wine year in a great way. SUPERIORE.DE

"Quite light red; reductive, undergrowth, arouses curiosity, with aeration also raspberries, very nice; round approach, fine, then a lot, nice tannin, depth and length, very nice Barolo." (JLF) Merum

"Juicy and chewy with liquorice, sweet berries and cedar with a hint of asphalt. It is medium-bodied. Spicy on the finish." James Suckling

"When tasted about three weeks after bottling, the Pecchenino 2019 Barolo Bussia shows a beautiful ruby red colour that glows in the glass. There is a subtle note of candied cherry or fragrant rose, but once this disappears, the wine returns to characteristic Nebbiolo flavours of tar, liquorice and blood orange. Bussia offers a classic sequence of flavours, elegantly enhanced by the added intensity and concentration of the 2019 vintage." Wine Advocate

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione for the first time in order to recognise the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiòla.

As a result of 50 years of research, 36 biotypes of the Sangiovese grape were planted on a sunny plateau near Castelnuova Berardenga, from which this extremely interesting and unique wine was created a few years ago. The overall impression is very balanced and straightforward with hints of red cherries, spices, dried blueberries and tobacco. It is the warmest and most balanced of the three Gran Selezione wines. Its intensity, richness of colour and precise fruit immediately captivate Sangiovese lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Archetypal for a Chianti Classico, marrying fine fruit with depth and robust, earthy-spicy grip and remaining compact and full-bodied until the long finish." Weinwisser

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Dark berry and spicy on the nose, with rich precious wood, milk chocolate, fine, resinous tones and a hint of smoke and coconut. Juicy on the palate, with compact tannins and a savoury core, the final is grippy and powerful, the wood has integrated well since the last tasting, powerful finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vicoregio 36 is a soft, fruity wine that can be drunk now or over the next few years. Crushed flowers, sweet red cherry fruit, candy and sweet floral notes permeate this uncomplicated Gran Selezione. The Vicoregio comes from a relatively cool site in Castelnuovo Berardenga and is the only wine in this range to be aged in oak." Vinous

"Very attractive combination of cherries and lightly toasted oak. A hint of cappuccino. Turns into flowers. Full-bodied with creamy tannins and light-coloured fruit. Polished tannins with a hint of vanilla at the end. Needs time to develop. Try it after 2026." James Suckling

"The Mazzei 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Fonterutoli Vicoregio 36 is made from the fruit of an experimental vineyard planted with 36 Sangiovese biotypes. It is characterised by a very linear and concentrated style. This site is particularly rocky with clay-limestone Alberese soils. The ripe fruit of the warm vintage and the lush oak spice give the wine a full-bodied finish. Finally, beautiful mineral notes lend vigour and elegance to the bouquet." Wine Advocate

"This racy red wine is characterised by its lively acidity, which highlights the flavours of cherry, raspberry and iron. Hints of wild herbs, oak spice and tobacco add detail as the wine develops into a long, complex finish that has excellent balance and energy." Wine Spectator

"Exquisite aromas of small fruits, dried roses, spices and tobacco; intriguing structure with sufficient density, but also a great deal of finesse, the tightly woven tannins and acidity in harmony, ends with a long finish. Impeccable Gran Selezione from 36 different Sangiovese biotypes." Vinum

"Marasche on the nose, touches of clementine zest and fresh sage, with peony lashes. Mouthfeel with iodized tannins, a comeback of plum." Luca Gardini

Ruby garnet colour, fine violet note and many spices in the bouquet. Dense and compact with taut tannin and sweet fruit melt. Given time, this already very elegant red (age of the vines: 100 years, production: 4,000 bottles) is at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just under medium ruby. A nose full of spices over a layer of cool red fruits with stony hints. Open and completely ready and accessible. Fresh, supple red fruits. More elegant than concentrated with soft, polished tannins." Jancis Robinson

"Juniper and sour cherry, earth and salt on the nose. Hearty on the palate with hints of venison, black cherry, chocolate and nutmeg. Very concentrated, broad-shouldered and at the same time punchy due to a present acidity. The fruit seems very ripe. A wine with high demands, but also a pleasure to drink." Vinum

"The Vini Franchetti 2020 Contrada G, with fruit from the historic Guardiola vineyard where some of the vines are 120 years old, has notes of white pepper and Indian spices framing red currants, balsamic herbs, pencil shavings and embers. The wine is tangy and full-bodied, with medium texture and long tannins." Wine Advocate

"Elegant ruby red with a sparkling core and brightening rim. Elegant and inviting nose of ripe cherries, mint, cold smoke, then again ripe raspberries, pomegranate and blood orange, seductive. Polished and compact on the palate, opening slowly and in many layers, extremely finessed and with a salty, long finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 Contrada Guardiola (G) is a real eye-catcher. It is surprisingly floral, with an abundance of rose and violet tones mingling with blackberries and a pinch of spice. It flows across the palate with ease, silky at first, with a saline core and tart red berries drenching the senses; yet it remains perfumed and refined throughout. Spicy citrus and herbal notes run through the long final, along with a layer of fine tannins that promise a long and steady evolution. Franky said, "This is one of the finest performances of Guardiola fruit I have ever experienced." Vinous

Rich and refined top cuvée from the white grape varieties of Friuli. The bouquet of white flowers and yellow fruit has a pleasantly smoky note. Opulent flavours of yellow and white fruits, dried apricots and honey on the palate, the balanced acidity provides backbone and structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow with delicate nuances of green. Stone fruit, peach and some apricot on the nose, subtle flint notes and a hint of vanilla. Powerful on the palate, lively acidity, delicate phenolics, mouthwatering finish." Falstaff

"Clean and mineral, with a saline undertone and vibrant flavours of freshly sliced apples and pears, blanched almonds, almond blossom and a hint of ground white pepper. Fresh, chalky finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Abbazia di Rosazzo is more delicate and nuanced, with dusty dried flowers, crushed almonds and sweet smoke on the nose. It feels silky yet almost weightless and floats on the palate with a savoury mix of white stone fruits and inner flowers. It leaves a hint of minerality and finishes with a beautiful tension that leaves flinty notes of liquid stone and Bosc pear. The Abbazia di Rosazzo is an understated beauty." Vinous

"This wine has definitely moved into tertiary aroma territory. With a deep, off-gold color and orange highlights, the Livio Felluga 2019 Rosazzo Abbazia di Rosazzo shows aged tones of preserved lemon, candied orange peel, dried guava and sweet almond. Fermentation is in stainless steel, and the wine sees some aging in large oak casks. There are mild white-wine tannins and a hint of peppermint to close." Wine Advocate

"Fascinating aromas of ash, wet stones, dried apples, hints of honey and flint. Tar. Full-bodied with great density and energy. Framed and firm. Vine bark with mushrooms. Reserved. Old vines. 80 to 100 years old." James Suckling

Opulent nose of red berries, pleasant smoky notes and fine herbal spice. Opulent and round on the palate, the fine tannins give the wine a delicate but firm structure and the necessary seriousness through to the long, soft finish. The well-integrated wood and the fruit of the Cabernet grape find an exciting symbiosis here in a very harmonious way with the rather strict and taut Petit Verdot style. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich purple-red colour, almost impenetrable. Intriguing, dense nose, ripe plums, red pepper, herbs, chocolate, cigar box, subtly fleshy. Lots of blackberry on the palate, structured without being overwhelming, animating acidity structure, ripe tannins, lingering, elegant final." Falstaff

"The nose is intensely spicy and warm with chili pepper and highlighting an umami meatiness. Cherries, blackberries and chocolate on the palate nonetheless give way again to pepper notes, from fresh cracked black peppercorns to chilis, through a hot finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Ilatraia is a potent red that is going to need at least a few years in bottle to soften. Swaths of tannin wrap around a core of black fruit, chocolate, new leather, licorice, incense and lavender. A wine of substance and power, Ilatraia is not as forthcoming as most wines from the Tuscan coast. I suspect the high percentage of Petit Verdot in the blend has a lot to do with that. This is a superb showing, especially for a vintage that yielded generally lighter wines on the coast." Vinous

"The Brancaia 2020 Ilatraia shows an inky dark appearance with lots of black and purple fruit intensity. This beautiful estate is nestled within the thick forests of Radda in Chianti, one of the wildest corners of the appellation. This vintage is slightly more accessible in terms of mouthfeel, but it still delivers ample spice, grilled herb and black pepper." Wine Advocate

"Very pure and attractive fruit character here with blackberries and blueberries with crushed violets, dark chocolate and savory herbs undertones. Some citrus peel and wet stones, too. Full-bodied with super fine tannins and crunchy acidity that gives tension and energy to the fruit. So polished and silky. Very long." James Suckling

Passopisciaro's Contrada C is an exquisite red with a dark sensual fruit bouquet. Stylistically like a great Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo, of remarkable intensity on the palate until the lingering final. A muscular and weightless wine at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling ruby red. Currently somewhat restrained on the nose, showing light hints of geranium and cold smoke, distant hints of dried tomatoes. Extremely polished on the palate entry, with creamy tannin, showing noble candied raspberry fruit, grippy salty final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Contrada Chiappemacine (C) is sharp and floral. It smells of sour cherries, dried strawberries and cedar spices. Its silky texture washes over the palate with ease, leading to sweet, herbaceous red fruits, while lively acidity provides a juicy feel. The 2020 finishes structured and long, with hints of liquorice and violet tones. It is recommended to cellar for a year or two as it has an underlying power that has yet to fully develop." Vinous

"From the Contrada Chiappemacine at a lower 550 meters in elevation, the 2020 Contrada C opens to an accessible style over a lean-bodied mouthfeel. The wine offers plenty of wild cherry and redcurrant with classic Etna aromas of campfire ash and rusty nail. You also get some bitter rose petal." Wine Advocate