The Wine Advocate

Deep, dark ruby violet colour. Pugnitello impresses with intense notes of elderberry and blackberry, interspersed with subtle smoky notes, slightly peppery in the background. Juicy attack with a well-structured body, dense, gripping tannins, long and persistent with a salty component. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Pugnitello is a fascinating wine. It offers plenty of dark cherry fruit, plum, leather, coffee, liquorice and dried herbs and shows remarkable depth and concentration. There is plenty of tannin, but this is a Pugnitello after all." Vinous

"A rich and dense red, showing some toasted sesame from the oak with red chilli chocolate, dark olives, blackberries and hints of purple flowers and spice. Full and compact, with tonnes of fine-grained tannins rounding out the fruit. An outstanding Pugnitello. Drinkable now, but better after 2023." James Suckling

"This is a beautifully made wine and a special expression of one of Tuscany's great under-the-radar grapes. The 2019 Pugnitello prides itself on its dark concentration, soft ripeness, blackberry jam, earth, black truffle and crushed rose as a single varietal wine. The full-bodied mouthfeel is rich in extract but also soft, giving this wine a medium-term drinking window. In fact, it's preferable to drink this bottle until the 10-year mark, when the velvety primary fruit is at its best." Wine Advocate

"The nose starts intensely sanguine and almost metallic, like meat fresh off the grill, then lightens into sweet aromas of vanilla and gentler savory notes of earth and herbs. On the palate, a current of astringent fruit ties together the herbaceousness with that metallic quality, while a peppery heat blazes around unrelenting tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Cognos Barbaresco from the top Bordini vineyard is a centred and firm Nebbiolo that is one of the more powerful representatives of the appellation. However, it only reveals its great aromatic potential at second glance: Cherry, blackberry, hints of spice and a little freshly chopped mint. Then some speculoos, walnut, salty tones and tobacco. Acidity and tannin form a perfect symbiosis and at the same time the backbone of this impressive Barbaresco, which will give pleasure for many years to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Elvio Cogno 2020 Barbaresco Bordini is particularly powerful and powerful in terms of fruit. This expression of a hot vintage offers a medium fruit texture with a classic presentation of cherry, redcurrant, liquorice, blue flower and spice. It needs a few more years of bottle age, but we are not far from optimal drinking maturity." Wine Advocate

"A bright, well-defined red with aromas and flavours of cherries, strawberries, liquorice and wild herbs. Smooth in texture, it firms up nicely, with finely crafted tannins and a lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Attractive raspberries and cherries with a hint of roselle and red spices. Also some blood orange. Medium to full-bodied, polished and refined with compact tannins and a velvety texture. It is ripe but fresh, with a pure and lively red fruit character and a long finish. Attractive now, but even better after 2025." James Suckling

"Dusty red berries and raspberry aromas intertwine with chalky notes, creating an electric and energetic aromatic profile. The wine showcases fine yet firm tannins, displaying excellent structure with a core of tart red fruits today that will give way over time to more of the wine's savory and mineral characteristics." Wine Enthusiast

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 has for the first time vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione to reflect the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiola.

Castello di Fonterutoli comes from 11 different plots at an altitude of 420-510 m around the hamlet of Fonterutoli in Castellina in Chianti. It is quasi the "château" and at the same time the oldest cru of the winery and was first produced in 1995 as the predecessor of today's Gran Selezione. Rich colour and a clear scent of blackberries, cherries, violets and flowers, plus some nougat. This full-bodied Castello Fonterutoli impresses with its beguiling extract sweetness and polished tannin. The intense and concentrated taste enchants the senses. The long final is full of elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Engaging raspberry and floral bouquet; dynamic evolution on the palate, combining juice and polish, the acidity lively, the tannins tight, elegant finish." Vinum

"Bright, radiant ruby red. Somewhat restrained on the nose, gentle hints of orange zest and raspberries. On the palate juicy and with a red berry fruit core, shows itself elegant and drinky, currently still very young, in the finish delicate pressure with a lot of finesse, salty." Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red. Brooding sweet fruit with malt notes and the scent of oak. Fantastic concentration of tangy cherry fruit on the palate. Very long, deep and smooth." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is laced with sweet red cherry, tobacco, spices, incense, mint, dried herbs and orange peel. Medium-bodied, with plenty of aromatic drive and energy, the Castello is another fine offering in this Mazzei family range." Vinous

"Fonterutoli is located at the confluence of Castellina, Radda and Vagliagli. Since 2017, the Mazzei family has been producing three different Gran Selezione to highlight the individual communes. The Castello Fonterutoli, which comes from farms in Castellina, shows woody aromas of cedar, cinnamon and cloves. The palate is lush with cherry and plum still wrapped in oak. The tannins are polished and the graininess gives it structure. The finish shows racy acidity, bringing out notes of mint and violets." Decanter

"Packed with fresh cherry, raspberry, blackberry and violet flavors, this red starts out silky before yielding to firm, dusty tannins. Still, this offers nice tension and a lingering aftertaste of pure fruit." Wine Spectator

"The beautiful 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli comes from a special site with silly limestone soils punctuated by lots of stones. The wine is particularly balanced and bright in this vintage, with lots of cherry fruit, gravel, dusty minerals and blue flowers. The tannins are sweet and rich, contributing to an elegant, medium-bodied mouthfeel. The high altitude vineyard sites ensure the freshness of this wine." Wine Advocate

"A top Chianti Classico that smells of dark cherries, rose petals and cedar on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied and very structured with lots of tannins. Needs time to mellow. Taste after 2024." James Suckling

"A selection of about 50 plots, a blend of Sangiovese, Colorino, Malvasia Noir, for one of the great labels of Gran Selezione on the market. Notes of black mulberry, hints of clove and turmeric, nuances of ginger. On the palate, juicy-salty, persistent, with fruity-floral hints and great density-crispness." Luca Gardini

Maestro Raro shines first with its lively colour and then impresses with a bouquet that reveals a wonderful blackberry scent after spices, leather and tobacco aromas. The concentrated taste spreads softly, in which a stable acid structure cooperates perfectly with the tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet. In the nose noble spicy note, after cassis and elderberries, carried by cloves and a hint of red pepper. Spicy on the palate with a slight peppery-animal note, very warm, has tension throughout and comes back juicy on the final." Falstaff

"The currant character is supercharged with wood and bark highlights. It’s full-bodied with lots of blackberry and blackcurrant undertones. Chewy and firm. Needs time to open." James Suckling

"The 2018 Maestro Raro is dense, powerful and rich. As always, Maestro Raro is a decidedly Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon. Black fruit, leather, spice and smoke are front and center. This burly Cabernet is a bit angular, but it certainly has plenty of character." Vinous

"This is an exacting and powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of Tuscany. The Fèlsina 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Maestro Raro always stands out in a crowd, and it definitely stands apart in this portfolio. The wine is sultry and rich in personality, sporting tightly wrapped tannins that will need time to soften and unwind. At its core, the wine shows concentrated black fruit flavors, but there are hints of spice, baker's chocolate and smoky tobacco that add to the complexity and the aromatic lift of the bouquet." Wine Advocate

La Quinta is the fresher, lighter but no less elegant version of Carlo Ferrini's Sangiovese interpretation. The purist beauty of small red fruits, including raspberry and summer cherry, combined with floral undertones, pepper and a hint of Mediterranean maquis combine to create a cool, aristocratic Rosso that expresses the star Oenologist's signature like no other! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright and lively on the palate, such beautifully expressed fruit flavours of raspberries and red cherries alongside a bright acidity that is so clean and precise. Joyful expression with hints of caramelised strawberries and fresh mint. So sharp but so well defined with a clarity on the palate that is beautiful. Not totally complex but a balanced, easy to enjoy wine with lots of life." Decanter

"The Giodo 2021 La Quinta, whose Sangiovese comes from the winery's younger vines, is bold and bright with cherry jam, raspberry syrup and tart aromas of blood orange and nectarine. The wine is easy to drink, with overt fruit and a reassuringly transparent personality. The finish is lean and fresh." Wine Advocate

"Beautiful sweet berries and plums with some cherries. Fir tree and other forest notes. Medium to full body. Round tannins and fresh acidity. Tangy and lively. Delicious right now, but it will age nicely." James Suckling

"Bright, elegant ruby red with a gently lightening rim. Fragrant, inviting nose of juicy cherries, rose hips, in addition fine noble spice, oranges, floral touch, dried violet, in the reverberation again on cherry juice. Exciting and juicy on the palate on entry, with dancing fruit and acidity, shows a nice arch to it, hearty and approachable, great Sangiovese!" Falstaff

"Smells intensely of stone fruit and fresh berries, flanked by herbal and sandalwood aromas; rich in tannins and mineral on the palate, the finish ells out on notes of wild berries, flowers and spices. Full-bodied yet with finesse." Vinum

A masterpiece is the strong ruby red Pinot Nero Schweizer, which is only produced in the best vintages. Its bouquet is large, complex and reminiscent of very ripe small forest berries. These particular aromas are also found in the mouth, in combination with ripe, candied dark cherry and delicate floral and red berry notes. Juicy, wide palate, mouth-filling and with delicate, sveltenuances and an inviting and slightly tannic body that, together with the well-proportioned acidity, gives the wine a long life. SUPERIORE.DE

"Redcurrant, floral, spicy oak and forest floor bouquet. The tannins are ripe and smooth, and the acidity is nicely lifted; slightly peppery finish. Good ageing potential." Decanter

"Closed in its trademark screw cap, the Franz Haas 2019 Alto Adige Pinot Nero Schweizer is a a true beauty. There is so much freshness here, and the wine offers all the brilliant floral and wild berry tones that are characteristic of this delicate grape. This wine delivers those varietal aromas with flare. It ages in barrique for 12 months." Wine Advocate

"This has complex notes of sage, lemon leaves, porcini, black cherries, currants, nutmeg and tobacco. Vibrant and medium-bodied with tight-grained tannins. Beautiful balance of bright berry fruit and dark spice. Long and persistent." James Suckling

"From the undisputed master of Pinot Noir in South Tyrol, the nose has sensations of marasca cherries in alcohol, touches of pepper leaf and nuances of orange zest. The palate has iodine tannins, crispness, density and tension, with fruity-citrusy return and great persistence." Luca Gardini

The top-quality Vigneto Erchi Riserva comes from the small vineyard of the same name, which has belonged to Fattoria Selvapiana since 1998. The owners spent a long time looking for a vineyard whose terroir impressively demonstrates the complexity of Sangiovese in the Rufina region, making this wine a high-calibre addition to the famous Selvapiana collection.

Compared to Bucerchiale, Vigneto Erchi is somewhat more red-fruity and combines its power with wonderful finesse. The well-tempered bouquet has precise and well-defined aromas of wild cherry and redcurrant, as well as hints of blue flowers and earthy notes. Initially restrained on the palate, it gains volume and race with further aeration. Maturation in French oak provides a structure and depth that will give it a long life. Everything is just right here, the house's new top Sangiovese has found its place. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Selvapiana 2018 Chianti Rufina Riserva Vigneto Erchi is drinking beautifully right now, with a little hint of tertiary definition that goes a long way to add complexity. There is dried blackcurrant, spice, tobacco, licorice and a hint of smoked meat on this 100% Sangiovese. It reveals a mid-weight texture with an open-knit quality of tannins." Wine Advocate

"Purity of cherries and crushed stones on the nose. Medium to full body, racy tannins and a mineral, crisp finish. Nice structure, if a little austere now. Better from 2024." James Suckling

"Fattoria Selvapiana, one of the region's top producers, has described its 5-hectare Vigna Erchi as iron-rich soil in comparison to its legendary Bucerchiale vineyard. Exceptional elegance and a silky smoothness complement the bold character of the dark fruit. Although aged for 18 months in French barriques, there is no hint of oak on the palate, only its influence. The wine is a classic example of power and finesse, invigorating freshness and great length. The tannins remain polished and unobtrusive, even if you keep the wine in your mouth. It is a youthful wine, but its impeccable balance suggests a long life and glorious evolution." Decanter

Classic Rosso from the Langhe, made from 50% Nebbiolo and 50% Barbera grapes from the Ginestra and Bussia districts. Inviting, exuberant Barbera-influenced bouquet of raspberry jam, dark fruit, leather, tar and tobacco. Deep, plump and very inviting, drinky and opulent on the palate. Very accessible even at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Langhe Rosso Monprà 2020 is a blend of Barbera from old vines (planted in 1971) and Nebbiolo from Bussia Sottana. Juicy and expressive, with plenty of Nebbiolo nerve, the Monprà delivers the goods. Juicy black cherry, gravel, spices, menthol, liquorice, dried flowers and a hint of French oak all come together in this wine. The 2020 is a particularly beautiful edition of the Monprà." Vinous

"The Langhe Rosso Monprà 2020 shows lovely richness and concentration in this hot vintage with dried cherry, blackberry, spice and liquorice (both red and black). The flavours are up front, but the wine shows a streamlined mouthfeel to close gently." Wine Advocate

First-class, ruby-red Pinot Noir with a garnet-red shimmer. Fine fruity bouquet of wild berries and cherries. An elegant red, well-proportioned and never overloaded, but with a clear identity and elegant character. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pinot Noir Riserva Linticlarus 2020 is a dark, seductive wine with aromas of spice, shaved cedar, black raspberry and menthol. On the palate, it is round, energetic and perfumed, with tart forest fruits supported by lively acidity. The minerality comes through on the finish, leaving a saline stain, while sour citrus and lavender notes fade. The 2020 is a real charmer and already very enjoyable today." Vinous

"The 2020 Pinot Noir Riserva Linticlarus shows medium-soft ripeness with dark berry fruit, wild cherry and violet. The delicate and silky nature of the wine is very enjoyable and there is a hint of campfire smoke or charred spice on the close. Fruit is sourced from high-elevation sites, ranging from 450 to 800 meters above sea level." Wine Advocate

Bright ruby-garnet colour. Smooth and expressive on the palate, with sweet red cherries, blood orange, mint, wild flowers, cedar wood, sweet tobacco and aniseed. Very fine tannins on the palate, spicy, delicate and at the same time very rich and clear, with a long, balsamic final. Every year, Cascina Nuova is a prime example of how excellent Barolos can be produced at moderate prices. SUPERIORE.DE

"A beguiling bouquet of cherries, dried flowers and herbs; juicy on the palate with perfectly integrated tannins, striking acidity and a long final." Vinum

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Still a little closed and with savoury, spicy notes. Serious and complex, it opens slowly to red fruits with a hint of black pepper, but more mineral than fruity or sweet. Still very compact and closed on the palate. Really elegant and refreshing, with firm tannins accompanying the fresh fruit on the finish. Serious stuff." Jancis Robinson

"The Barolo Cascina Nuova 2019 is bright, exuberant and beautifully lifted, straight out of the gate. Crushed flowers, dried herbs, sweet red cherries, cinnamon, spices and candy rise from the glass. Light and medium-bodied, with plenty of vigour, the 2019 is an absolute delight. I really like its energy. The concise Ravera tannins are also handled well." Vinous

"Balanced and harmonious, this red wine offers flavours of cherries, raspberries, spices, minerals and chocolate, supported by a backbone of refined tannins. It becomes even more concentrated in the long, mineral and spicy aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The Cascina Nuova 2019 is initially somewhat reductive, but then opens up and reveals the freshness of lemon leaves, redcurrants and pomegranate as well as the aromatic depth of lemon thyme. The attack is very elegant, almost silky at first, then a little dusty on the finish with a light extraction. Possibly not too concentrated, but impressively good and graceful." Decanter

"This aromatic Barolo opens with wild red berries, fresh herbs and dried roses to create an aromatic lift that will captivate you. On the palate, it delights with light-footed, macerated raspberries dusted with spice, leading to a minerality of crushed chalk and fine tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Attractive primary flavours of crushed strawberries and stones follow through to a full body with fine and polished tannins and a lovely, fresh finish. Vibrant is a good word to describe this wine overall. Best after 2026." James Suckling

"The Elvio Cogno 2019 Barolo Cascina Nuova is the most accessible of the many excellent Barolos produced by this leading winery in the municipality of Novello. The fundamental value this wine offers is even more irresistible in a classic vintage like 2019. The wine opens beautifully in the glass and unfolds its aromas of redcurrants and wild berries. This is accompanied by varietal notes of liquorice, cola and camphor ash in a firm, medium-weight texture." Wine Advocate

"Brilliant garnet red with a ruby red shimmer. Rich raspberries and ripe plums on the nose, with a slightly smoky aftertaste and forest floor flavour. Fresh and juicy on the palate, with fine-grained tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"A Barolo of great freshness, with the proverbial cleanliness of Elvio Cogno, coming from the younger vineyards. Raspberry on the nose, with notes of peony and clementine peel, closed by hints of mint Valdostana. The mouthfeel shows iodized tannins, supported by citrus-floral return." Luca Gardini

Tasca was involved in Etna at an early stage and the latest result of this many years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante winery: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are filigree and profound, and despite their strength, acidity and tight tannin very elegant, rich in finesse and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine due to the altitude, soil and morphology of the historical lava flows. A high annual rainfall secures all water reserves for the soil, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the variety of aromas of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Pianodario plot is situated at an average altitude of 775 metres above sea level between the hamlet of Montelaguardia and Randazzo. It covers an area of about 8 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"One of three new single-vineyard wines introduced by Tasca's Tascante, the 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Pianodario comes from the western-most parcel located between Montelaguardia and Randazzo. These are relatively new vines, planted in 2010, in soils representing various lava flows, the oldest in 1646 and the newest in 1981. This is a bright and accessible wine with pretty tones of wild berry and dried pomegranate followed by candied orange and pressed violets. It will no doubt be exciting to follow this wine as those vines get, proverbially speaking, older and wiser. Some 5,000 bottles were made." Wine Advocate

Tasca got involved in Etna early on and the latest result of these years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante estate: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are delicate and profound, and despite their power, acidity and taut tannin, very elegant, finesse-rich and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine - due to the altitude, soil composition and morphology of the historic lava flows. A high annual rainfall ensures that the soil has all the water it needs, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the aromatic diversity of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Sciaranuova parcel is situated at an average altitude of 730 metres above sea level between the villages of Montelaguardia and Passopisciaro. It covers an area of about 4.9 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby and the most youthful looking of the four single-contrade wines of this vintage. Quite deep red-fruit nose with hints of bacon and a note of oak. This is the one that is the most obviously oaked. Wonderful succulent fruit with a bit of oak that supports rather than distracts. Serious grainy tannins and a little demanding and still a little rough, but extremely fine-perfumed fruit finish." Jancis Robinson

"Good full red. Deep musky, ripe red cherry and strawberry aromas are characterized by a mineral undertone. Then also mineral on entry, but turns just slightly tough in the middle and on the long back end that features similar flavors to the aromas. There's good sweetness here, and the stony nuances add further lightness of being to what is essentially a medium-bodied, easygoing red wine." Vinous

"Lovely nose of wild berry, autumn leaves and tar noted aroma. Crunchy red berry texture, grippy with soft woody notes." Decanter

"The 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova is made with fruit from vines planted in 2008 at 730 meters above sea level. This is a classic expression from Etna with an even dose of wild berry, rose, mineral and spice. This wine shows an attractive level of balance and harmony, and I am especially attracted to those distinctive volcanic or mineral tones that frame this delicate, almost fragile wine. This Etna Rosso is mostly aged in large Slavonian oak casks, but a small part goes into 300-liter tonneaux. This adds a bit more volume and girth to the finish. Production is 5,000 bottles." Wine Advocate

Santo Spirito is a wonderfully complex wine that always remains in balance. It combines firmness, strength, structure and density with the flavours of dark cherries, pomegranate, blood oranges and spicy herbal notes and concludes with a furiously long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright ruby red colour. The nose has sweet, fresh and lively notes of fresh cherries, plums and wild strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants, followed by a hint of sweet spices and powder. The sip is dry, fresh and mineral. It leaves a clear and pleasant salty note on the palate." Falstaff

"Sweet autumnal spice, cedar shavings, cherry sauce and mint nuances make the 2020 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito impossible to ignore. This is a showboat, silky and refined, with pure red berry fruits and saline mineral tones that add a lovely traction toward the close. Zesty acidity provides a nice inner freshness as the 2020 tapers off spicy and extends with a tinge of fine tannins that promise many years of positive development." Vinous

"On the nose, it smells of rosehips, redcurrants, pomegranates, violets, lemon peel, cloves and cinnamon sticks. Seductive, spicy character. Almost peppery, with a medium body and firm, grainy tannins. Lots of tension." James Suckling

"Of the wines in this important portfolio from Etna, this is often the softest and most sensual. The Tenuta delle Terre Nere 2020 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito delivers a very fine and nuanced fruit profile with hints of wild berries and roses. The mouthfeel is lean and delicate, and the tannins are supple." Wine Advocate

La Quinta is the fresher, lighter but no less elegant version of Carlo Ferrini's interpretation of Sangiovese. The purist beauty of small red fruits, including raspberry and summer cherry, combined with floral undertones, pepper and a hint of Mediterranean scrub combine to create a cool, aristocratic Rosso that expresses the signature of the Oenologistoenologist like no other! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby colour with a dark core. Fragrant, appealing nose, shows notes of cherries, pomegranate and orange peel, animating. With a juicy drinking flow on the palate, opens with supple tannins, medium weight, fine cherry notes in the finish." Falstaff

"Vibrant red fruits of strawberries, red cherries and violets, followed by a blend of spices and fresh herbs. Medium-bodied, with fine and refined tannins and a pleasant acidity. An elegant and artful wine with beautiful purity and complexity. Already fascinating, but will continue to develop as it matures." James Suckling

"This wine is a bit of a provocation, because although it could technically qualify as a Rosso di Montalcino, it aims much higher and therefore wears its IGT Toscana designation very proudly. The Giodo 2022 La Quinta is made exclusively from Sangiovese from eight-year-old vines planted in front of Carlo Ferrini's stone-clad vineyard. Ferrini tells me that he took his inspiration for this bottle from Chianti Classico rather than Montalcino. The wine shows great volume and lots of bright primary fruit with cherry, fresh cranberry, incense and spice. This area has withstood the summer heat of 2022 because it is located on the eastern side of the appellation and is surrounded by cooling forests. This wine contains lots of beautiful fruit and the freshness of Sangiovese together with elegant, powdery tannins." Wine Advocate