The Wine Advocate

Inama's Garganega flagship is named after the wide terraces with rows of old Garganega vines trained in beads on Monte Foscarino. In 2019, thanks to the optimal orientation and careful cultivation, a selection of the best grapes was reserved for I Palchi, which will now only be released on the market in the best years in very limited quantities. It is the archetype of a Soave Classico from volcanic soils and a more than successful, independent interpretation of the Garganega grape.

Deep, rich straw yellow colour. Delicate, highly elegant nose of white flowers, stone fruit and meadow herbs, rounded off with a lovely spiciness and a hint of flint. Full-bodied on the palate, with a firm creaminess, dense, ripe fruit and complex, mineral components. A dream in velvet and silk, carried by a well-proportioned acidity and with an impressive final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant straw yellow with elegant green reflections. Appealing nose of ripe lemon, cold smoke, exotic undertones, candied pineapple, sugared coconut, cold herbal tea on the final. Very nice melting on the palate, with a racy-salty undertone, polished, with beautiful play, mouth-watering in the final and with fine length." Falstaff

"Rich, round and flinty, it's full of exotic and peachy yellow fruits, allied to lovely freshness and poised sapidity. Smoky and spicy hints emerge on the long, slightly woody finish. Class." Decanter

"The Soave Classico Foscarino Grande Cuvée I Palchi 2021 is what they describe as the most representative target for this wine. Made from 100% Garganega, the wine is beautifully structured and fresh, almost crisp and very detailed with peach, honeydew melon, exotic fruits and crushed oyster shells. I Palchi consists of terraced vineyards with 50 to 60 year old vines that are trained using a pergola-rafter system. Garganega is a very vigorous grape variety. The choice of oak wood is carefully considered here." Wine Advocate

"The moment the cork is pulled, you know you're in for a ride. The wine opens with aromas of lemon blossom, lemon peel and lemon curd. You might think that this is all the wine has to offer, but you are quickly led down a different path where flavours of hazelnut, roasted apples, magnolia and the first hint of smoke emerge. As the wine reaches the palate, you are hurled into the vineyard and feel the power of the soil. Flavours of white peach, mixed citrus, wild herbs and honey lead the way to an explosion of minerality that captivates you back into the glass. This is a wine that can hold its own with any other in the world." Wine Enthusiast

"The Soave Classico I Palchi Foscarino Grande Cuvée 2021 has a platinum gold colour and a youthful, intense bouquet that blends raw almonds with stone dust, dusty dried flowers and Asian pear. It seduces with its silky texture and supple personality, washing over the palate with crisp, ripe fruit accompanied by a savoury mix of spicy herbs and minerals. The 2021 tapers dramatically long and fresh, leaving an aftertaste of mint and liquid stone." Vinous

"Wow. This is fantastic with mangoes, lemons, pears and a hint of vanilla. Mineral flavours too. Full-bodied with bright fruit and a lively finish. Lots of minerality. A selection of the best grapes from Inama in the Grand Cru Foscarino. Outstanding." James Suckling

As always, Castiglione is mainly based on grapes from Ravera, with smaller portions from Ginestra, Mosconi, Bricco Ravera (in Monforte), Le Coste, Costabelle, Meriame, Briccolina and Codana. Every year it is a dazzling wine that shows how convincing even an "entry-level wine" from a top producer can be. Rich, voluptuous and explosive, it has enormous fullness and resonance from the very first sip. On the nose, bright red cherry and plum fruit, wild flowers, mint, blood orange and spices. Its silky tannins are accompanied by a beautiful, mentholated brightness. A real charmer! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with garnet-red reflections. Elegant on the nose with notes of raspberries and black cherries, slightly ethereal after varnish, plus undergrowth and rose petal. Fresh fruit on the palate, carried by invigorating acidity and fine-grained tannins. Persistent." Falstaff

"Always a popular choice, the 2020 Barolo Castiglione has a lush approach with dark fruit, cola, wild berry coulis and smoky tar. The wine carries a hot vintage well, with approachable and powdery tannins for short- or medium-term drinkability. In terms of texture, the Castiglione has more power and body than a standard Barolo." Wine Advocate

"Fragrant, polished and vibrant, the 2020 Barolo Castiglione shows beautiful notes of crushed red berries, rose petals, mint, white pepper and orange peel from the start. This classically built, medium-bodied Barolo is noble through and through. Like all 2020s here, it will benefit from time in the bottle or good decanting." Vinous

"Fast-paced and concentrated. I like the aromas of lavender, violets and white roses alongside strawberry, cranberry and stone. Medium-bodied, with firm and fine tannins that are long and juicy. It is fine and polished. Needs three to four years to develop." James Suckling

The Paesaggio Inatteso selection comes from Camigliano's 3.5-hectare "La Magia" vineyard, which has mineral and calcareous soils. Only just under 3,000 bottles are bottled. It offers a more robust style and a stronger aromatic intensity than the Annata. Bright red with an amber-coloured rim. On the nose, round notes of walnut shells, roasted hazelnuts and linseed, as well as red plums, pomegranate seeds and green olives. Traces of incense and cardamom in the background. Full-bodied, lively tannins on the palate, with hints of red berries and flowers leading to an intense and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-intense red; inviting fruit and gum notes; round, sweetness, depth of fruit, lots of good tannin, long, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"Nose of blackberries and tobacco; the attack is pithy, the tannins powerful, has race and polish." Vinum

"Attractive bouquet with wonderfully crisp red berry fruit, raspberry, fragolino, tobacco. Juicy in the mouth, clearly red-fruity, fine tannins, good freshness, crisp, fresh style, fine tannic grip, elegant and powerful, long, fresh, mineral final." Weinwisser

"Clear, bright ruby red colour. Mint, blackberry and juicy cherry on the nose, with a hint of candle wax, reminiscent of fresh honey, complex and inviting. Compact on the palate, with tightly woven tannins and fine pressure, constantly juicy again, also slightly salty hints, great harmony." Falstaff

"The organic Camigliano 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Paesaggio Inatteso shows plenty of ripe fruit with dark plums, prunes and blackcurrants. It also shows notes of smoked tobacco and cigar box. The difference between this wine and the village bottling is that the Paesaggio Inatteso matures a little longer in oak (30 months instead of 24 months) and the oak barrels are smaller (25 hectolitres instead of 60 hectolitres). A medium-heavy mouthfeel ends with still dusty tannins." Wine Advocate

"This version has it all, from the cherry, plum, earth and iron aromas and flavours to the well-integrated structure and long aftertaste. Fresh, supple and powerful, it shows finesse with a lingering mineral element on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Vibrant and vibrant red fruits of cranberry, red cherry and potpourri, followed by dried rosemary and pleasant orange peel that enhance the experience. Medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and firm but soft tannins. Pure and elegant. Needs time." James Suckling

Deep ruby red with garnet-coloured reflections. Dense and intense aroma of red fruits with notes of leather, earth, spices and minerals, with a hint of vanilla and sandalwood. Full-bodied on the palate, well-defined tannins supported by a dense structure, leading to a long-lasting and very smooth final. A Bordeaux blend in a class of its own! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Burdese is a straightforward expression of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and Cabernet Franc (30%) that doesn't impose. The wine is soft on the palate with medium-bodied layers of ripe cherry, plum, soft earth and leather. The tannins are immediate and soft." Wine Advocate

"This Bordeaux blend shows berries, fresh herbs such as parsley and a hint of vanilla. It has a medium to full body with medium round tannins and a juicy finish. Very enjoyable now, but it will be much better in two or three years." James Suckling

"Dusty dried flowers, crushed rock, graphite and red plums form a dark, seductive bouquet when the 2018 Burdese reveals itself in the glass. The palate is lapped by soft textures contrasted by a core of tart wild berries. Mineral tones slowly saturate. A web of fine tannins lends it youthful composure, nicely balanced by a hint of sour citrus, while the 2018 tapers off for a long time and yet displays wonderful balance." Vinous

"The nose is dark and rich, yet also layered and subtle, with both heavy aromas of petrol and tar and juicier notes of blackberries, figs and dark chocolate. The figs and chocolate carry the palate, though wild herbs and bitter orange give buoyancy. Tannins are unyielding, while acid is more discreet but still perceptible." Wine Enthusiast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deep dark ruby red. Full, deep and explosive bouquet reminiscent of dark berries, tobacco and liquorice. Illuminati's single-vineyard classic Zanna, with its elegant, very complex taste and delicate oak spice, leaves nothing to be desired every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Zanna, with its dark purple hue, slowly comes to life in the glass. A blend of blackberries and currants is complemented by nuances of mint, chalk dust and exotic spices. The palate is washed by mineral red berries and mentholated herbal notes that unfold towards the end. A layer of fine-grained tannins saturates the palate and gives it a youthful structure, supported by a touch of residual acidity that maintains balance. Give it another year of ageing for best effect." Vinous

"Rich red and black berries with notes of shellfish, dried herbs and a hint of balsamic. Medium to full body with a relaxed palate where the firm, fine and polished tannins bring out a drier aspect of the fruit. This wine needs another year to come together better. Try it from 2023." James Suckling

"This balanced, polished red wine displays rich aromas of red cherries dipped in alcohol with accents of menthol and tobacco. The palate is soft and supple, with a perky cherry flavour wrapped in dewy herbs and cigar box accents. Gentle tannins and bright acidity give this red wine a coherent texture." Wine Enthusiast

"With a dark appearance and the bold concentration of a hot vintage, the Illuminati 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane Riserva Zanna plays up its dense flavors of black fruit, spice and sweet earth. The bouquet is very generous, and this large-scale approach gives this wine plenty of latitude for grilled meat dishes." Wine Advocate

This beautiful cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from a great vintage presents itself impeccably! Deep, complex fruit bouquet, rounded off by fine sweet spices, tobacco and coffee. Punchy and textured on the palate, blackberry, raspberry and a solidly woven tannin structure in the several-minute final. A wine with great development potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Fratta lifts up with a dark and alluring display of black currants, sweet herbs, rich notes of mocha and savory brown spice. This is cool-toned and spicy, a bit lean, yet with a polished feel, showing tart blackberries offset by hints of sour citrus and toasty oak, as violet-tinged florals form toward the close. Fine tannins make themselves known throughout the finale, as this tapers off lightly structured, with hints of licorice lingering long." Vinous

"Deep, dense aromas of crushed black fruit with notes of charcoal and dried herbs, such as rosemary and thyme. The fruit envelops the lightly firm tannins on the full-bodied palate, creating a dense, velvety and lengthy mouthful. A well-crafted red that’s highly concentrated and bursting with flavor, but it also shows astute balance." James Suckling

"Here's an iconic wine from the Veneto made from a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot. The Maculan 2017 Fratta shows enormous intensity, muscle and brawn. The wine has absorbed every last drop of sunshine, heat and dry weather conditions that characterized the 2017 growing season, and it does so with elegance and poise. The wine is impeccably balanced with dark fruit and spice. It's the kind of big-boned red wine you'll want to pair with a hearty dish of barbecue or marinated beef." Wine Advocate

Grospoli comes from the vineyard of the same name on old terraces, cultivated in the archaic form of the Lamolian Alberello. The sandy soils of the Chianti massif, the constant exposure to the wind and the pure light create the ideal conditions for a lyrical and enchanting wine. Bright ruby red colour. Impressive bouquet of violets and iris, overlapping with notes of small red and black berries, aromatic herbs and sweet spices. Powerful on the palate with excellent structure, its freshness and spiciness are also very stimulating and extend into the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Inviting stone fruit aromas, spiced up with notes of liquorice and flowers; lively tannins, accentuated acidity, promising final. Should mature." Vinum

"A well-rounded, composed and flavorful red with aromas of dark cherries, wild herbs, bark and some exotic spices. It’s full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Serious, with a voluptuous core of berries and herbs on the palate and a long, focused finish." James Suckling

"Rich and fleshy, this balanced red's cherry, plum, mineral and wild herb flavors are punctuated by dense, gripping tannins. All the components are there, this just needs a few years to integrate fully." Wine Spectator

"The organic Lamole di Lamole 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Grospoli comes from a special site with terraced vineyards near the highest reaches of the Lamole village at 540 to 580 meters in elevation. This vintage offers a lot of dark intensity, and the wine is carefully balanced, with ripe fruit, extra concentration (that really comes through in 2019) and velvety tannins. This is a lovely, well-executed wine with only 8,000 bottles available." Wine Advocate

La Gioia is the pure expression of Sangiovese with fruit from the estate's best vineyards. It is a big, expressive wine every year, retaining its crisp, medium-bodied mouthfeel. Tones of cherries, wild berries, violets and spices make for an elegant and very pure bouquet. The finish is characterised by fresh acidity in the typical and very refined Riecine style. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, bright ruby red colour with a brightening rim. A complex nose of juicy cherries, redcurrants, black pepper, eucalyptus and cedar wood. Fresh on the palate with fine-grained, still youthful tannins, final with herbal flavours and pomegranate." Falstaff

"The 2020 Rosso La Gioia is a very good wine. It has the freshness and liveliness typical of these wines, but also a little less character and personality than the pure Sangiovese wines in the range. Nevertheless, La Gioia offers much of the character that characterises the wines of this small winery in Gaiole." Vinous

"The nose is a kaleidoscope of flavours: balsamic and plums, the freshness of earth and stones that assert themselves against the richness of mushrooms and grilled meat. On the palate, there is a beguiling sweetness, but a lingering, tart plum skin note provides balance along with assertive acidity and tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"In the red capsule, this wine is composed almost entirely of Sangiovese with a small addition of Merlot. The Riecine 2020 La Gioia offers a plush and immediate personality with a sweet, earthy note that follows from the nose to the finish. It shows medium concentration, and the fruit feels slightly riper and softer in this vintage. These characteristics give it a more accessible approach overall." Wine Advocate

"Very spicy nose of liquorice root, raspberries and cherries. Powerful palate with cherry flavours, crisp acidity, ripe chalky tannins and a medium to full body with good length." James Suckling

Badia a Passignano is always one of the many highlights in the Antinori range and is probably the estate's most refined and elegant Sangiovese. Its character is medium-bodied and supple, but with plenty of fruit intensity, which is typical of the vineyard of the same name. It skilfully strikes a balance between richness and finesse, captivating from the very first sip. Lavender, mint, blue-purple fruit and liquorice are beautifully brought out. It is a very traditional and noble expression of the Tuscan grape that is hard to resist. SUPERIORE.DE

"The classic Gran Selezione of the Antinori family from vineyards around the Abbey of Passignano: Intriguing Sangiovese nose with aromas of red berries and flowers; finesse-rich structure, the tightly woven tannins and acidity in balance, persistent final." Vinum

"Dark, shiny, ruby-red centre with a fine rim. Dense, inviting bouquet of juicy blackberries and cherries, plus tobacco, leather and a hint of thyme. Powerful and very juicy on the palate, firm, well-integrated tannins with fresh acidity, subtle saltiness on the long final." Falstaff

"A deep well of cherry, pomegranate, iron, tobacco and wild herb aromas and flavours underscore this intense red wine, while a dense layer of tannins provides grip. Lively acidity drives the lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and herbal notes." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Badia a Passignano has developed well and has successfully shed its oak signature. What you get now is a beautiful mouthful of rich, ripe black fruit with background notes of green spices and smoked bacon. A hint of fragrant rose comes through beautifully after a few minutes at a certain point. Overall, this wine from San Donato in Poggio UGA offers bright and lively fruit. With its long winemaking tradition and its first production in 1988, this wine is, so to speak, the control sample against which the three new UGA expressions are measured." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 has some notes of green herbs as well as bitter cherry, orange peel and sweet vanilla. There is a hint of forest green and a balsamic note as well as spicy black pepper. On the palate, the tannins are firm, upright and assertive, but always refined. The texture and weight are beautifully soft and enveloping, and the acidity gives the wine a pleasant freshness on the finish. At the moment it is still a little characterised by oak, but it is still young and needs time. A beautifully crafted wine that expresses a strong identity." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano is one of the best editions of this wine I've ever tasted. Ripe blue fruit, spice, chocolate, leather and liquorice fill out the layers in a lush, full-bodied Gran Selezione. Again, the winemaking and ageing changes have resulted in a wine that combines sophistication with textural resonance. Outstanding." Vinous

Every year, Coltassala is a red wine that offers all the essentials - and in impeccable style. On the nose, black fruits, spices and ploughed earth. All the flavours are dark and spicy, but the wine remains fresh, dense, lively and very linear. The ageing in new oak gives it a modern touch without overpowering it. Coltassala 2020 is noble and refined from start to finish, and it is one of the great Chianti Classico Gran Selezione! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with garnet-red rim brightening. Dense nose, characterised by wood ageing, lots of cigar box and tobacco, with fully ripe plums behind it. Lively and balanced on the palate, dark minerality, reminiscent of grated pencil, ripe tannins and a long, salty final." Falstaff

"A fresh, herbal yet earthy nose draws a slight sweetness from notable cherry undertones, accented on the palate by a creamy swirl of orange and vanilla, but the slightly metallic, medicinal herbal note works with polished tannins and lively acidity to create a streamlined, balanced feel." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala 2020 is a slender, elegant wine. Silky contours and sweet floral notes lend finesse to this very beautiful, nuanced Gran Selezione. All elements are very well balanced. Notes of black cherry, plum, liquorice and leather give it a dark note." Vinous

"Great energy, delicate violet and rose notes with intense ethereal fleshiness with fragrant red berries and cherries, fresh and flavoursome!" Decanter

"The Volpaia 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala is very balanced overall, offering an earthy side that gives a nice context to wild berries and wild cherries. There are also floral notes, especially violets and iris, and the wine maintains a firm, medium-bodied texture on the palate." Wine Advocate

"Saturated with aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry, iron and wild herbs, this red wine is firmly structured and shows fine harmony even in its youth. The supple texture is balanced by well-integrated, dusty tannins, while the fruit lingers on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Very attractive with ripe cherries, red plums, dark chocolate and spices with a hint of dried lavender and citrus peel. Medium-bodied with plenty of energy and tension. The tannins are polished and well integrated into the wine. Very complete and balanced. Crisp and long." James Suckling

"Red cherry on the nose, myrtle notes, then hints of wild mint. Salty mouthfeel, with hints of red fruit and menthol. Aftertaste of great persistence." Luca Gardini

Etna Rosso with a light ruby colour and a fine bouquet of raspberries, herbs, orange peel and flint. Firm, straightforward flavour. Mineral notes in keeping with the terroir. Silky tannins and a fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light red; fresh, red-fruity, raspberry jam, very inviting; red fruit already at the beginning, lots of tannin, subtly tart, very nice wine, long." Merum

"There's a slight hint of farmyard among the pure cherry fruit and orange peel aromas, while in the mouth it's intense and bright with a saline and balsamic character; vertical and sapid. Chalky tannins and fresh acidity provide structure to this sturdy, ageable red." Decanter

"A beautiful blend of red fruits and spices on the nose, along with a hint of tea. Medium to full-bodied with very fine tannins. Creamy. A beautiful depth of fruit carried effortlessly by the elegant tannin structure. Long lasting finish. Delicious. Best after 2025." James Suckling

"The Graci 2020 Etna Rosso Arcurìa is a very different wine to the Feudo di Mezzo. It has more fruit and a spicy character with blackcurrants, tea leaves, tobacco and perhaps a hint of exotic spices. The tannins are more pronounced here and the concentration of the wine is definitely a notch or two higher in terms of intensity. Contrada Arcurìa is located at an altitude of 650 metres above sea level. Only 5,300 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"Dusty and floral, the Etna Rosso Arcuria 2020 opens slowly with hints of chalk dust and sage that fade into violet pastilles and crushed blackberries. This is pure elegance, silky and refined, with a beautiful inner sweetness and cooling acidity that soothes and invigorates the palate. It finishes savoury and tannic with admirable length, with pretty inner flowers and a hint of bitterness slowly fading. It will take years for the Arcuria to come into its full bloom, but it will be time well spent." Vinous