wine classics

Vigorello was created back in 1968 at the beginning of the Super Tuscan movement. It is a powerful yet refined wine that bursts from the glass with unadulterated tones of black fruit, liquorice, rose and dried lavender, Mediterranean herbs and a sweet hint of vanilla. The balance and structure are outstanding and it will develop even more complexity over time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bay leaf, vanilla, blackcurrant, dark chocolate and blueberry aromas follow through to a firm and structured palate. Full-bodied and sturdy, with excellent freshness." James Suckling

Brilliant ruby red colour. Lively nose of small, primary fruity red berries, subtle use of wood and impressive race and complexity for the price. Precise and taut on the palate, showing its origins boldly and decisively. Then a harmoniously balanced mix of tobacco, leather, cedar and, of course, cherry and plum. The finely balanced tannins carry this powerful and impressive Riserva into a long final. Impressive! SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine is absolutely delicious. An arpeggio of sweet, unashamedly ripe, red berry and violet-coloured fruit that floats through the glass. Unbridled freshness. The fruit is the flutist of the vineyard. Unabashed in terms of fruit, but at the same time not obtrusively "fruity". It is complex. The tannins are silky, but have a finely powdered chalky grip. There's spice, a little liquorice bark and a hint of foliage - that kind of green-purple, velvety bloom of wild violets. And the purity of the fruit fills every molecule of the long finish. Bravo!" Jancis Robinson

"This is bright and focused, with aromas of cherries, dried oranges and hints of hibiscus and mild spices. Medium-bodied, crunchy and fresh on the palate, with very fine tannins. Polished, with mineral notes of crushed stones and citrusy nuances at the end. Shows freshness and balance." James Suckling

"Offers cherry and plum fruit, framed by flavours of earth, minerals and wild herbs. This red wine oscillates between elegance and power and is wonderfully balanced. Dusty tannins support the fruit on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Riserva Il Grigio da San Felice 2021 is a dark, dense and rather sombre wine. Black cherry, leather, tobacco, incense and dried herbs reinforce this first impression. The 2021 is a Riserva with substance and power and has a lot to offer. It is a particularly beautiful edition of Il Grigio." Vinous

In the past, the northern slope of Montalcino was not planted with vines, but was cultivated with cereals, olives and cherries. In this area influenced by the Apennines, the seasons are more pronounced, continental and the north wind significantly lowers the temperature in winter. It is therefore the coldest Brunello region at this time of year, but also the wettest. This northern slope is a gentle hill: a characteristic that is more reminiscent of the Crete Senesi area, right next door, than the two stiffer, steeper and warmer southern slopes of Montalcino.

Due to the climate and the origin of the soil, the grapes in this area of Montalcino are harvested last every year. Vigna del Lago is the vineyard that welcomes all visitors travelling from the north of Montalcino. It takes its name from the lake that surrounds it and which plays a fundamental role in the microclimate of the area; the soil is a constant alternation between clay and strips of very fine Galestro.

Vigna del Lago is a historic cru from the Val di Suga winery, it is an old-school Brunello, from the times before the arrival of barriques and technology. An authentic product that is enjoying increasing demand. Unlike the Poggio al Granchio, which is aged in new Liters French barriques, this wine matures in large 30 and 50-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels. It is a wine with a low alcohol content, light orange-ruby colour, with very fine and almost imperceptible tannins, with a floral nose of citrus notes, myrtle and fresh cherries. It is a Brunello of great richness and balance and also has a very pleasant lightness, well-contoured acidity and a salty, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour. Spicy nose of cypress, herbs and red berries, with fine earthy, stony notes. Beautiful juiciness on the palate, clear fruit and tightly woven tannins, cool, with an appealing feel, beautiful salinity on the final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Lago is dark and brooding, with a delicate blend of ashen stones and grilled herbs that segue into dried black cherries. This wine is silky and enveloping, with fresh acidity and vibrant, ripe wild berry flavours that cascade. Lively acidity keeps the energy high, while the 2019 finishes long and spotty but surprisingly juicy, leaving hints of violet pastille over a bed of fine-grained tannins." Vinous

"A delicate style with aromas and flavours of strawberries, cherries, roses and stony minerals. Subliminally savoury, with light, powdery tannins that cling to the palate on the long, loamy finish." Wine Spectator

"The Vigna del Lago, which surrounds the Val di Suga wine cellar in the north-east of Montalcino, is cooled by northerly winds and bordered by cypress trees. The vines are planted at an altitude of 280 metres on clay soil. This bottling is aged in 40-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels. The wine is light, dense and still slightly reduced at the moment, opening up with dark cherries and alpine herbs. The fine-boned frame contains cranberries and redcurrants with traces of blood orange and forest roots. Vertical tannins occupy the mid-palate, and the finish is carried by lively, citrusy acidity. This austerity says: wait!" Decanter

"Smells of subtle fruits and flowers with cedar and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh and fruity finish. All about beautiful, perfectly ripe fruit with an undertone of citrus blossom. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years." James Suckling

"Notes of dogwood on the nose, with a hint of lemon thyme and a touch of gardenia. Spicy on the palate, with balsamic and floral notes." Luca Gardini

Poggio Rosso Gran Selezione has an enormous abundance of fruit that is beautifully layered. A very beautiful interpretation of the Sangiovese grape with a dense core and plenty of padding around it. Rich ruby-garnet colour, very fine texture and structure on the palate, which only reveals itself fully with the necessary time in the glass. It is full of tension and power in its youth, the acidity and the well-built tannins are programmed for development, as it will only develop its full elegance and greatness in a few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Playful nose of small forest fruits and flowers; precise structure, acidity and tightly woven tannins well integrated, beautiful polish, persistent finish. Convinces with its elegance." Vinum

"Sour cherries, cigars, walnuts and a hint of aniseed on the nose, followed by a medium to full-bodied and flavourful palate. Beautifully framed by fine tannins. I like the spiciness on the long, delicious finish." James Suckling

"One of the highlights of a very reliable winery, comes from a careful selection of the vineyard of the same name. On the nose, nuances of blackberry, followed by cinnamon, laurel and rhubarb. The palate is savoury, with hints of fruit and spices." Luca Gardini

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

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

A little bit of everything, but never too much of a good thing. One of the most complex Nobiles we have ever tasted. Delicate red fruit with a pinch of sweetness and floral aromas, underpinned by a little tobacco and raspberry. Clear cherry flavour on the palate, plus a wonderful spiciness with that subtle sweetness in the background again. A finesse-rich and harmonious final whets the appetite for the next glass. Very successful and full of precision! SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, sparkling ruby red colour. Open, elegant bouquet with appealing phenolics and spice, blood orange, dark chocolate, leather behind it. Juicy, powerful, precise and clear on the palate, well-integrated tannins, retronasal ethereal elements, elegant, medium finish." Falstaff

"The cool, earthy, almost stormy nose presents aromas of herbs, damp earth and wet stones as well as the light acidity of black cherry and raspberry for balance. On the palate, the fruit flavours dominate, while undertones of spice, vanilla and more earth provide balance. The acidity plays around taut, firm tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"This pure and supple red wine exudes aromas and flavours of raspberries, cherries, iron, leather and wild herbs. Thick tannins support the whole and leave a dusty, tactile sensation on the finish, but despite the tannins there is a certain elegance." Wine Spectator

"The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Costa Grande 2020 is a real treat for the senses, with a perfumed bouquet of wilted violet and lavender scents, a hint of spice and dried strawberry flavours. The wine is cool and fresh, with beautiful wild berry and crisp mineral notes emphasised by a hint of sour citrus. Generous, long and slightly tannic, it finishes with a finish of blackberries and a hint of spice. The 2020 is delicate yet impressive." Vinous

"A juicy Vino Nobnile with aromas and flavours of cherries, orange blossom and light chocolate. It is medium to full-bodied, fresh and crisp on the finish. A crisp acidity and slightly chewy tannins give it its shape. Creamy and drinkable, but better in a year or two." James Suckling

60 months bottle fermentation: The quintessence of Franciacorta and the winery's top product - full-bodied, elegant and extremely fine. The optimally developed bouquet of tropical fruit and dried fruit is manifold, the terroir and the winery's signature are unmistakable. Powerful and fresh on the palate, the taste is an explosion of nuanced flavours, the length and depth are impressive. Only 7,000 bottles of this Riserva are produced each year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with a delicate copper tinge and finest perlage. In the nose beeswax, light honey, quince, a little baked apple, blueberries and candied fruits in the aftertaste. On the palate with great melting and crisp fruit, shows itself very vertical and purposeful, in the final firm pressure." Falstaff

"Over 100 months on the lees, a Chardonnay 4/5 Pinot Noir 1/5 blend. Yellow plum at the nose, then jasmine and bergamot in the background. The mouthfeel is salty, fragrant and crunchy, enhanced by a fruity return and long-lasting finish." Luca Gardini

Francesco Ricasoli, the likeable and ambitious owner of Castello di Brolio, brings out the elegance and finesse as well as a marvellous depth of fruit in his wines. Rocca Guicciarda Riserva is a soft, silky wine. Dark ruby in colour, it has a rich, open bouquet of cherry and pomegranate, with a fine almond and tobacco note. A wine whose juiciness makes it a pleasure to drink early on, but whose flavour complexity increases enormously as it matures. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lightly cooked plums and sliced oranges with some caramel on the nose. Medium body, fine and silky tannins and a delicious finish. Polished and ready." James Suckling

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 Badiòla.

Vicoregio 36 is the successor to the ambitious Mix 36 and, since 2017, a true Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. 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 independent 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 instantly captivate the Sangiovese lover. SUPERIORE.DE

"Raspberry-scented seducer with floral and herbal notes; flattering on the palate, silky tannin, embedded in fine acidity, ends long and fresh. Pleases with its elegance and no-frills style. Among the best cuts of Viennese beef cuisine." Vinum

"Bright ruby red. In the nose initially marked by rich noble wood, then after blood orange and fresh raspberries, pink roses in the finish. Compact and with clear fruit on the palate, shows itself polished and radiant, pithy, minimal afterdrying in the final." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red with orange reflections. Brooding and with the faintest suggestion of gingerbread and sweet oak. In this youthful state, the palate is similar to that of the Castello di Fonterutoli Gran Selezione of the same vintage, but this is slightly richer and with firmer, if polished, tannins. Enormous length. Monumental and far from finished." Jancis Robinson

"Mazzei's expression of the Vagliagli commune comes from a vineyard planted with 36 different Sangiovese biotypes, the result of 50 years of research. At an altitude of 350 metres, it is the lowest of the winery's three Gran Selezione sites and also the most expansive and supple. It leads with mocha, dried cherry and balsam wood and wears its oak well. The purity of the red berries shows on the palate with toasty flavours. This wine is full yet gracefully structured, with appetisingly integrated acidity." Decanter

"This classy red boasts a core of ripe, juicy plum, cherry and blackberry fruit framed by a subtle touch of new oak and a mineral underpinning. Reveals refined tannins, which should come into the fold over the next five to seven years as this integrates fully. Shows terrific balance and length, with finesse and complexity." Wine Spectator

"This is the third vintage in which this wine has the Gran Selezione designation. The fruit comes from an experimental vineyard at an altitude of 350 metres with compact clay soils (with some stones for loosening), good aeration and a dominant southern exposure. The property is 12.5 hectares and was acquired in 1997. Following the graceful 2018 vintage, the Mazzei 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Fonterutoli Vicoregio 36 shows medium-bodied concentration and sweet tannins with plenty of dark fruit, spice, scrub and wild mint." Wine Advocate

"A very straightforward and fine Chianti Classico with crisp cherry fruit and a hint of minerals. Medium body. Crisp and lively finish. Closed and dense on the mid palate." James Suckling

Produced in small quantities, Vallocchio clearly stands out from pure Brunello di Montalcino. Darker, deeper and more mystical, it shows notes of ripe blackberries and plums, complemented by exotic brown spices and a hint of lemon confit. Its texture is like velvet stretching across the palate, black-fruited and ripe, underpinned by minerals and cooling herbal notes. It is youthfully monolithic and dense, revealing its austere tannin core only towards the end, where notes of black tea, liquorice and a hint of cocoa emerge. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe, intense, mineral-spicy bouquet with dark cherries, redcurrants, cassis and rose bushes. Juicy, elegant palate with fine-grained tannins, very intense, powerful and engaging on the palate, combining the ripeness with the freshness of the vintage." Weinwisser

"Aromas of raspberries and herbs are pleasing on the nose, the wood is well integrated; compact texture, robust tannins, lively acidity, pleasantly fruity finish." Vinum

"Transparent, firm and quite deep nose with noble red and black berry aromas, some tomato, slightly smoky barrel notes, bacon and dried Mediterranean herbs. Ripe, juicy, dense fruit, still relatively present, somewhat bitter chocolate, smoky and roasted wood spice, youthful, present, yet fine and ripe tannin, a little Mediterranean herbs on the palate, dark ethereal spice, lots of power, but also cooling elements, some coffee grounds in the background, good depth, very good, firm finish with dark juice and spice. Needs to mature." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby garnet colour. Initially restrained on the nose, opens up to pepper, dried kitchen herbs and wild berries, with plum in the background. Inviting on the palate, rich, juicy cherry fruit, savoury, still young in the mid-palate, nicely salty on the final." Falstaff

"Grown in the south-east of Montalcino, this wine is customarily ripe and powerful, but balances its components - a powerful body, generous alcohol and a rich structure. Noticeable oak nuances of sweet spice and vanilla are at the forefront, but a foundation of pure cherry and dark plum simmers at the core." Decanter

"Well marked by new oak, this version adds a vanilla note and a layer of tannins to its cherry, floral and iron flavours, all supported by a solid structure. In the end, it finds a nice balance and a sense of elegance." Wine Spectator

"The Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio 2019 is spicy and earthy in the glass, with a beguiling mix of ash stones, undergrowth and a hint of animal musk opening the stage and giving way to mentholated black cherries. It feels velvety and almost creamy on the palate, with a rich blend of ripe red and black fruits emphasised by salty minerals. Grippy tannins are added towards the end. The 2019 finishes structured and impressively long, with a hint of pine shavings and a bitter tang that lingers on and on. It should be stored in the cellar." Vinous

"Flavours of crushed berries and flowers with some bark and mushrooms. Medium to full body with medium, round tannins and fresh acidity. Nice balance and finesse." James Suckling

"The Fanti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio shows a pronounced savoury side with tobacco leaf, roasted chestnut shells, dark plums, honeycomb or honey roasted almonds. The tannins are dissolved, almost silky, and there is plenty of concentrated fruit to develop the rich texture. The alcohol content is 15%, but is well integrated into the dark fruitiness of the wine." Wine Advocate

"A selection from the five most historic vineyards, a mosaic of excellence. Black cherry on the nose, with hints of chinotto and lemon thyme. The mouthfeel is reminiscent of citrus fruits and black cherry, a hint of roasted nuts and ends with official notes." Luca Gardini

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

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

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

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

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

The grapes for Fornacinas Riserva come from a small 5 hectare plot and the result offers a wonderfully firm structure with plenty of warmth and harmony. On the palate, it convinces with textural richness and wonderful secondary aromas that come with three years of oak ageing. The initially crisp tannins will stand another year or two of bottle ageing to become softer and more relaxed. A top-year classic with a wonderfully intense and long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is very fine-tannined and silky with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with lots of berry, earth, walnut and dried-flower character at the end. From organically grown grapes. Very attractive now, better in a few years." James Suckling

"Traditional stone farmhouses in Tuscany always have a bread oven, or "forno" in Italian, somewhere near the entrance of the home. That wood-burning oven is a symbol of family warmth, inclusiveness and home. I'd like to think that this is the spirit with which Fornacina (the "little oven") is named. The estate's 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (a certified-organic wine) is a bottle I happily recommend to those looking for under-the-radar names in Montalcino. I love the delicate and bright nature of this wine and the subtle manner in which the wine's acidity and lean-bodied texture enlivens the palate." Wine Advocate

Cherry-accentuated bouquet with hints of violet flowers, clove, cigar box and a pleasant spicy sweetness. Dense and expressive on the palate, it opens vibrant and multi-layered and then reveals a wonderful load of black cherry, exotic spices and a fine salty vein. The perfectly balanced tannins always provide the necessary balance and give it a racy, very long finish with its extremely refined flavour components. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense fruity bouquet, ripe, rich cherry fruit, sweet tobacco, coffee beans, pomegranate juice. Meltingly dense on the palate, again with lots of pomegranate fruit and redcurrant, still very tannic, but has a lovely fruit to counter it. Needs to mature." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Nose of wild strawberries and rosehip, some sweet tobacco. Clear expression on the palate, juicy fruit and good tension, robust tannins, subtle vegetal hints and fine fruit on the final, high drinking flow." Falstaff

"With an abundance of Mediterranean herbs, forest shrubs and sweet spices, it shows a beautiful freshness and precision. On the palate, vanilla and eucalyptus play around the wild berries. Surprisingly, it is still a little edgy, but flows smoothly with gritty tannins and lively acidity. The youthful exuberance still needs to calm down a little, as the warming alcohol is evident." Decanter

"Cherry, plum, leather, earth and tomato leaf flavours accent this broad, bold red, with iron and toasty accents creeping in on the finish. Juicy and long, with a dusty grip at the end." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is a beautiful interpretation of the terroir of north-west Montalcino, with a dark, seductive bouquet of sage and rosemary that fades into crushed blackberries and stone dust. The wine opens with a lovely inner sweetness that is perfectly balanced by crisp red fruit, mineral tones and a core of lively acidity. The finish is grippy and long yet surprisingly fresh, with an aftertaste of primary concentration that lingers." Vinous

"On the palate, this wine is very fine with wonderfully integrated tannins that add tension and focus. It is medium-bodied with lovely berries, cherries, cedar and spice. Also peaches and floral stems. Creamy texture. Extremely long and lively. Structured but with lovely drinkability and wonderful balance and shape." James Suckling

"Red currant on the nose, notes of peony and rhubarb, then sensations of clementine zest. Sapid drinkability, recalls of red currant notes and floral. Good persistence and a citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

Montefili's Chianti Classico is refined and captivating. Black and sour cherries, tobacco, smoked meat and dried tomatoes play around the nose. On the palate, it is firm, deep and marches purposefully into an intense and rich final with its blue-black fruits, spices, new leather, liquorice and dark spices. The ultra-fine tannins round off the overall picture of a highly remarkable Chianti Classico. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable purple colour - seems to herald lots of new oak. Deep, rich cherry fruit with a hint of apple skin and notes of new oak. Lots of tangy cherry fruit that is a little mouth-watering and a rich layer of sandy tannins. Full-bodied but compelling, though the new oak seems to accelerate its development." Jancis Robinson

"A spicy nose, characterised by roasted herbs, but also red and black cherries. Salty and mineral on the palate with fine, firm tannins. Dried flowers come through." James Suckling

"A rich, fleshy red, with rusty, iron aromas complementing black cherry and blackberry flavors backed by substantial tannins. While this tightens up on the lingering finish, there is nevertheless a beam of concentrated fruit." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Chianti Classico is fabulous. Rich, profound and wonderfully expansive, the 2018 captivates from the first sip. An onslaught of blue/black fruits, spices, new leather, liquorice and dark spices saturate the palate. The 2018 Chianti Classico is profound and particularly concentrated, but it all works so well. harvestwill find a wine of unusual power, intensity and richness. The 2018 is a great wine, no question, and yet the 15% alcohol is not particularly noticeable." Vinous

Dense with complex fruit flavours, lots of extract, soft, mouth-filling, unusually velvety and enveloped in gentle tannins. Matured in small barriques of old and new oak and in traditional Tuscan wooden barrels. Riecine has been producing one of the most subtle Chianti Classico wines for years - a marvellous wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium carmine red colour. Lively, fresh cherry and raspberry fruit with savoury, spicy notes in the background. Cool raspberry fruit on the palate with plenty of fresh acidity and fine tannins that linger on the palate. Very long and precise." Jancis Robinson

"Shows its harmonious side again, on the one hand charming, with juicy fruit and creamy, then also with fine acidity and depth." Weinwisser

"The Chianti Classico 2021 is a very beautiful, elegant wine. Sweet floral notes open the wine, followed by ripe red cherries, blood oranges, mint and rose petals. This medium-bodied, noble Chianti Classico is a winner." Vinous

"It smells of raspberries, potting soil, roses and cherry blossom. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and transparent, with flavours of redcurrant and orange peel. The light tannins are powdery in texture and the racy acidity electrifies with nervous energy." Decanter

"Intense aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry and spices mark this succulent, harmonious red, which firms up nicely on the finish, where iron and tobacco accents emerge." Wine Spectator

"Dark ruby red with brightening edges. Medium intensity nose of juniper, sweet cherry and a hint of pomegranate. Very fresh on the palate, with a fine fruit flavour and grippy tannins, carries well through to the juicy finish." Falstaff

"Aromas of black cherries and violets with a hint of lemon peel. Also gravel. Medium body, well-integrated tannins and a creamy texture with beautiful tannins and fruit." James Suckling

"A Sangiovese, lively, intense and spicy. Liquorice on the nose, then undergrowth and red raspberry. Iodised on the palate, surprisingly persistent, with an aftertaste of red mulberry." Luca Gardini

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

Concerto was born in 1981, a time of dynamic change in Italian viticulture. The previously untapped potential was recognised and experiments were made with new grape varieties and, for the first time, successfully with international grape varieties. Produced from 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Rosso Toscana Concerto was one of the pioneers of the later phenomenon of the Supertuscans and was one of the region's elite wines for a long time.

Intense, bright ruby red colour. Rich bouquet of redcurrant, cherry, spices and a delicate hint of vanilla. Endless fruit on the palate, dense and full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a very subtle acid wire in the background. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, intense colour. Sweet, fragrant and with fine fruit, the Concerto smells from the glass and shows a lot of Sangiovese flavour and a captivating sweetness. It does not reach the fullness of the 2020 and the overall flavour remains a little lighter in tone. With high intensity, the Concerto 2021 is then somewhat less full in the mouth with excellent extract sweetness. Dense and taut, polished and long, with a very straightforward structure and tightly woven, fine tannins. Great, penetrating Concerto with lots of juice, the wood shines through a little on the finish." Weinwisser

"Rich, deep dark ruby colour. Presents itself on the nose with notes of tobacco and liquorice, dark, ripe plums, some wild berries. Rich and at the same time polished on the palate, builds beautifully, velvety, well-integrated tannins, has firm pressure, long finish." Falstaff

"The Concerto di Fonterutoli 2021, an assemblage of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon from Mazzei, is full-bodied and full-toned from the ground up. Strong, red fruits, blood orange, cedar and spices combine effortlessly with soft, silky tannins to round off the whole. Today, the Sangiovese is very expressive." Vinous

"It's spicy and vibrant with a blend of red and dark berries, dried citrus peel, chilli pepper and spicy herbs. Also a hint of bark. Full-bodied with polished tannins and a chalky, powdery texture. The juicy acidity comes into its own. Shows depth and concentration. Racy and long. Better from 2026." James Suckling

"The 2021 Concerto di Fonterutoli is a very extracted wine that carries its fruit weight over a long and velvety mouthfeel. The wine delivers dark fruit, cherry liqueur, spice and smoked tobacco. This is a modern Tuscan wine with broad shoulders, powerful structure and rich texture. It needs a few more years of bottle ageing to smooth out the tannins." Wine Advocate

"Despite the hot summer of 2021, the nights were cool, which allowed the healthy grapes to fully ripen and contributed to the finesse of the tannins. The Mazzei family has made a great leap in quality, resulting in a wine with greater purity, transparency and finesse. The aromas are clear, bright and precise, with notes of lively blackcurrant wrapped in gentle spice. The acidity is lively, the flavours are bright and vibrant, and the tannins are fine and beautifully integrated into the wine. This is a stunning wine that is effortless, light and flowing across the palate." Decanter