wine classics

The DOC Cortona, which has existed since 1999, is famous for its single-varietal Syrahs and Merlots, whose vines thrive excellently on the Pliocene clayey soils. Since 2006, the Carletti family has also been involved in this appellation, which was quite unknown until today, and their Merlot Il Violas is now known beyond the borders of Italy and has many lovers.

Dense, dark ruby with violet reflections. On the nose, an open-hearted bouquet of black berry fruits, sandalwood, rosemary and with fine spice. The texture coats the palate, warm, intense and rich of dark fruits, chocolate, plum and redcurrant. In Violas is an attractive, generous and deep red that just calls out for a Bistecca Fiorentina and gives much pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

In 1991, Luca and Valeria Orsini gave up their work in Milan to produce wine in Tuscany. Their winery comprises 10 hectares of south-east facing vineyards in Panzano and the wines have been certified organic since 2000. This outstanding Annata opens discreetly on the nose with subtle scents of cherry blossom, heather and roses. On the palate, it is decidedly red-fruited with redcurrants and raspberries, embraced by finely structured, powdery and persistent tannins. It has a beautiful energy and above all lets the true charm of Sangiovese shine through. A real high-flyer in terms of authenticity every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, vivid and crunchy Chianti Classico expressing aromas of strawberries, raspberries and mild spices, following through to a medium body with fine tannins. Succulent and crisp with sour cherry character in the mouthwatering finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is a fabulous introduction to the Le Cinciole range. Lively acidity and tannins give the 2021 its shape and plenty of energy. Expressive floral and spicy overtones give it a lot of character. The 2021 was vinified in cement and matured in barrels for one year, followed by one year in cement. This medium-bodied Chianti Classico is a winner." Vinous

Not a Lambrusco, but a highly elegant and classically yeast-fermented spumante made from Lambrusco di Sorbara grapes: elegant pale pink colour, delicate aroma of rosehip and a hint of wild strawberry and raspberry. A lovely freshness on the palate with a fruity, long finish and great structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale salmon pink; restrained; fine foamy, not really fruity, pastry, balanced, drinky." (JLF) Merum

Le Redini Rosso consists mainly of Merlot and a small proportion of Alicante. The wine opens with dark intensity and a velvety texture with lots of fresh blackberry, plum, earth and wild rose. Pure red fruit on the palate, very supple, the delicate wood note well integrated. The refined notes of a Merlot from the Conca d'Oro come across wonderfully. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh and pure expression of red plums, cherries, crushed strawberries, fresh mushrooms and minerals. Superficial red fruits on the medium-bodied palate with fresh tannins and fresh, crunchy plums and red cherries on the medium-long finish. Fruit-emphasised, dry and structured. There is certainly nothing superfluous here." James Suckling

"The 2021 Le Redini is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Alicante from a site with loose soils rich in schistose Galestro. What stands out most is the soft and gentle texture of the wine, which nestles close to the palate. There are no rough edges and the finish is characterised by dark cherries, spices and baking chocolate." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Le Redini is a beautiful, beguiling wine composed primarily of Merlot with a dash of Alicante, a blend that is unique to the Chianti Classico estate. Le Redini is a wine with aromatic presence and nuance, presenting a compelling blend of ripe red cherries, wild herbs, mint, rose petals and cinnamon. A little new oak still needs to be integrated. Otherwise, the 2021 is a very good wine." Vinous

Prosecco del Fondatore Graziano Merotto is the winery's flagship wine - certainly one of the best in its denomination - and a very dry and complex brut from the special hillside vineyards of the Rive di Col San Martino. Bright silver-grey with a persistent perlage. Light fruit and flowers on the nose, a fine citrus note on the palate introduces the finesse-rich, exciting mineral flavour with an impressive finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant green-yellow with silver reflections, persistent, fine perlage. Fine, appealing nose, Williams pear, shortbread, redcurrant. Medium-bodied on the palate, clear fruit with a very fine perlage. Remains precise until the final." Falstaff

This sparkling wine is named after the minimum 36 months of bottle fermentation it has to undergo. The result is impressive: light ruby red with garnet reflections. Sour cherry, blackcurrant and wild rose on the nose, rounded off with candied cherry and traces of light smoke. On the palate, it is powerful, complex, round and creamy in texture, with well-dosed candied fruit, juicy, clear and with a full-bodied, long finish. Trentasei combines the tradition of the region with a visionary reinterpretation of a Sorbara sparkling wine that remains in the memory even after the bottle has been emptied far too quickly. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate cherry red with pink reflections. The nose has hints of wild berries and caramelised rhubarb. Some marzipan and white pepper on the finish. Surprisingly sweet and fruity on the palate with lively acidity. Great fun." Falstaff

"In a delightful strawberry-red hue, this wine exudes wild raspberry aromas, hints of dried leaves, and warmed rosebud jam. Its light and zippy palate offers crushed currant and sour cherry flavors, culminating in an intriguing savory finish that lingers and requests a board of salumi or cured meat." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2015 Brut Metodo Classico Lambrusco di Sorbara Trentasei is a deep translucent red with a seductive bouquet that blends sweet spices with violet florals and wild strawberries. It’s soothingly round with a silken bead of fine bubbles and crisp orchard fruits, as hints of candied citrus add lovely contrast toward the close. The 2015 tapers off on a note of refinement, classically dry and crisp, as the slight hint of sour cherry slowly fades. This is next-level Lambrusco." Vinous

Dievoles Chianti Classico Petrignano is the result of the endeavour to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. Petrignano is the name of a characteristic area with a soil rich in minerals and stones. At an altitude of around 330 metres, rocks protrude from the ground that are typical of the geological formation of Monte Morello. The abundance of stones, the depth of the roots and the low growth of the vines result in an expressive and lush wine from this characteristic and authentic cru site.

Intense ruby red colour. Very appealing bouquet dominated by ripe fruit, cherry and blackberry flavours. Juicy, full and rich on the palate, with flavours of blackberries and ripe fruit. Warm and velvety finish with fine and soft tannins that are very accentuated and interwoven with the fine acidity structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange reflections. Lively cherry nose with some signs of development and hints of tobacco leaf and sweet spice. Flavoursome, juicy cherry fruit and crisp tannins. More energetic on the palate than on the nose, and that's where it hits the spot." Jancis Robinson

"Dark forest fruit with an earthy character offers great appeal. High acidity and tannins with very good length." Decanter

"This is a new addition to the Dievole portfolio with a cool retro-style label. The Chianti Classico Petrignano 2020 from organic farming is made from 100% Sangiovese, fermented in cement tulips and aged for 12 months in large oak barrels. The winemaking process is simple and to the point. The results show a vibrant freshness and a beautiful purity of fruit with a concentrated finish." Wine Advocate

"A supple red, imbued with a ray of cherry and strawberry fruit, with a texture that is silky at first, only to be overtaken by firm, dusty tannins. The finish reveals almond, earth and herbal notes that linger for a long time. Give it time for the two halves to come together." Wine Spectator

"A delicious, crisp red with very fine tannins and a lovely, delicate finish. Very tasty and with a creamy texture. Fresh finish." James Suckling

"From soils with a great limestone component, in particular Alberese, a pure Sangiovese with a blackberry aroma, hints of citron thyme and orange zest, then a finish with floral notes. Compact and dense palate, citrus-officinal return." Luca Gardini

Intense ruby red Vino Nobile Riserva with a spicy bouquet of aromas of dried fruit, cinnamon, cloves and liquorice. Smooth on the palate with a variety of nuances, beautiful fullness, structure and intensity, supple tannins. Very elegant pleasure at an excellent price. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Closed, slightly alcoholic nose, with some oxygen orange peel, plums, blueberries, black pepper behind it. Fresh and juicy on the palate with rather young tannins and a lingering finish." Falstaff

"The nose is dominated by aromas of red berries, with a subliminal hint of mushrooms and spices; the attack is compact, with robust tannins and a persistent final. Pleasing with its elegant facets and ageing potential." Vinum

"It shows fragrant aromas of sandalwood, walnut, mocha and dried cherries. It is full-bodied, polished and supple with ripe, well-integrated tannins." James Suckling

Dievole's new Chianti Classico Casanova, just released with the debut 2020 vintage, is the result of a quest to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. The Casanova grapes come from a vineyard at an altitude of about 400 metres, with an ideal south-west to south-east exposure and composed mainly of sandstone rocks Macigno del Chianti. The result is a Chianti Classico that is very immediate and direct, with a beautiful acidity to boot. It has the elegance and freshness and the bright, radiant fruit of Chianti Classico "as it used to be".

Bright, luminous ruby red. On the nose, classic aromas of the grape variety with notes of small red fruits such as cherries and sour cherries alternating with spicy notes. On the palate, it is soft, carried by a dense tannin structure and a spicy, velvety finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sour cherries, raspberries, olives and tomato leaves on the nose. Dense and tasty with medium body and still slightly chewy tannins. Rustic and light-hearted." James Suckling

"Packaged with the dark green label, this is a new submission from Dievole. The organic 2020 Chianti Classico Casanova is all Sangiovese from a site with typical sandstone soils, locally called Macigno del Chianti, that formed 30 million years ago. These conditions help to underline the aromatic finesse of Sangiovese, and indeed, this wine offers a pretty medley of wild fruits, mint and blue flower." Wine Advocate

"Infused with black cherries and blackberries, this red wine starts elegantly and firms up on the textured finish. Iron, tar and wild herbs are evident on the long, tobacco-driven finish." Wine Spectator

Dievole's new Chianti Classico Catignano, just released with the debut 2020 vintage, is the result of the effort to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. Catignano is a plateau at 370 metres above sea level, with vineyards of different ages and a large proportion of Alberese. The exposure is west and southeast, which means plenty of sun during the day, but also cold temperatures at night, with a good temperature range that favours the aromatic development of the grapes.

On the nose, notes of red fruits, then a tertiary complexity of tobacco leather, graphite and liquorice. Warm and juicy on the palate, with notes of ripe red fruits. A juicy, sun-drenched cru. SUPERIORE.DE

"Made with 100% organic Sangiovese, the 2020 Chianti Classico Catignano sees fruit from a plateau of vines that are fully exposed to the bright luminosity of the Tuscan sun. This wine offers more fruit weight as a result, with dark cherry aromas, wet stone and dusty mineral." Wine Advocate

"A balanced red with a perfumed nose of cherries, red currants, wafers and dried flowers. Also lemon peel. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins and fresh acidity. Balanced and lively with a flattering texture. A fresh and flavourful long finish." James Suckling

"A round red with aromas of cherry, raspberry, iron and tobacco. Firm and dense, also compact on the finish, but still needs time to fully develop. All the elements are there, so be patient." Wine Spectator

This red wine in Riserva quality is dedicated to Bettino Ricasoli, who wrote down the grape variety mix of today's Chianti back in 1872. But he was much more than that: twice Prime Minister of the united Italy (1861 and 1866), founder of the daily newspaper "La Nazione", agricultural researcher and "father" of the first Chianti product specification. The creation of this wine interprets his tireless determination to create an independent Chianti style that is both traditional and contemporary to this day.

Chianti Classico Brolio Bettino captivates with a hauntingruby red colour. The intense and inviting aroma of dark fruit is underpinned with fine balsamic notes. The refined flavour is flawless and polished with well-proportioned acidity and perfectly integrated tannins, powerful and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barone Ricasoli 2021 Chianti Classico Brolio Bettino offers medium concentration and a slightly darker garnet-red colour for a 100% Sangiovese. Instead of high-toned cherry or floral notes, this wine produces an even bouquet that takes a more horizontal or integrated approach overall. On the palate, the wine expands with dark fruit nuances that combine with roasted spices and slate-like mineral notes." Wine Advocate

"A serious, well-crafted and spicy Chianti Classico. The nose shows aromas of cherries, wild currants, dried herbs and peppercorns. It is medium to full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. It is very concentrated and balanced. The lively, spicy character gives it energy and length on the final." James Suckling

"There's a beautiful expression of fruit in this well-defined red, revealing cherry, pomegranate, earth and iron notes, with a hint of Tuscan scrub. Verges on rich yet is underscored by vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Shows terrific balance and length." Wine Spectator

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

"Bright ruby colour with a dark shimmer. Elegant on the nose, dark fruit of cherry and some blackberry, with juniper and sealing wax. Silky fruit melting on the palate, crisp tannins, supported by dancing acidity, very good drinking flow." Falstaff

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Perfumed, concentrated cherry nose with a hint of spice. Juicy and concentrated fruit, with fine, firm tannins, while the acidity becomes slightly tart on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Exuberantly fragrant, with pomegranate, watermelon and a hint of rose. Fleshy berries fill out the core, but remain crisp and crunchy. It has a lovely clarity and plenty of zesty acidity. Light yet taut tannins create a clean frame." Decanter

"The nose is dominated by red fruits and flowers, but herbs and other savoury notes also make themselves known. In contrast, the palate is full of cherries and berries, creating a bright, exuberant feel that is enhanced by ample acidity, with dense, chalky tannins keeping things in check." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico 2022 from Riecine is fabulous. It is followed by an explosion of red cherries, blood oranges and fragrant floral notes that give it freshness and brightness. The purity of the fruit is ravishing. This lively, savoury Chianti Classico is an absolute stunner. It is one of the outstanding wines of the year." Vinous

"A round, juicy and lively Chianti Classico with cherries, candied raspberries and mild spices on the nose, leading into a medium body with fine tannins and bright acidity. Lively character, with a juicy and lively finish." James Suckling,

"Red raspberries on the nose, with hints of wild mint and lime, lashes of bloodroot and cloves. The mouthfeel is fruity, with a hint of menthol. It closes with notes of citrus." Luca Gardini

A solid wine that excels every year is the exciting Nobile from Poliziano, which smells of dark red cherries, blackberries and roasted notes. Juicy, compact and polished on the palate, soft and balanced with silky tannins and a long, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark fruity perfume of black cherries and plums, peppery notes; pithy on the palate, robust tannins, beautiful character and good length." Vinum

"Rich and dense, this red wine shows flavours of black cherries, blackberries and blueberries, accentuated by earth and iron. All of this is supported by a lively acidity and strong tannins that are fresh and long-lasting on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A modern Vino Nobile with dark chocolate and some lush spices. Flavours of plums, roasted red peppers, berries and pine cones follow through to a dense, medium to full-bodied palate. It is firm and long." James Suckling

Wonderfully fragrant, fruity and floral bouquet. The flavour is reminiscent of plums and cherries with a fine vanilla-spicy component and clear, very pleasant acidity and polished tannins. Clear fruit flavours, enormous velvety texture and a long finish emphasise the harmony of this Nobile Riserva. SUPERIORE.DE

"Raspberry-fruity attack with balsamic nuances; elegant style with polish and character, impresses with its balanced texture, finesse and length." Vinum

"A spicy and fragrant red that has aromas of pine needles, incense, walnuts and spiced plums. It’s full-bodied with ripe, creamy tannins that are well-integrated into the plum and berry fruit. Excellent concentration." 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

Sensual bouquet of ripe raspberry and sour cherry flavours, with earthy and spicy nuances, coffee, chocolate and tobacco. Plump and full-bodied flavour, perfectly structured with silky tannins and a long final. Excellent price/quality ratio in small quantities. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby colour. Opens with notes of cedar wood and roasted hazelnuts, then lots of juicy cherry, some dark chocolate. Blossoms beautifully on the palate, juicy and savoury, well-integrated, dense tannins, spans a wide range." Falstaff

"This is spicy with notes of walnut, cedar, black raspberries and cherries with some nutmeg undertones. Medium- to full-bodied with compact tannins and velvety texture. Broad and rich but fresh and attractive." James Suckling

Brilliant ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Impressive aroma of red berries, smoke, roasted almonds and dark spices. Taut, straightforward, expressive and beautifully long on the palate. With its classic understatement, Boscarelli's Nobile di Montepulciano is a wonderfully precise example of its growing region every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smells of small stone fruit, tobacco and blossoms; fresh attack, vivid acidity, compact structure with melting, juice and length. Convinces with its fresh and elegant style." Vinum

"Bright, sparkling ruby red with a brightening rim. Fine spice and cherry on the nose, with a woody aftertaste. Beautiful juiciness and clear, fresh fruit on the palate, compact, noble, classic in the best sense of the word, with a fine salty finish." Falstaff

"The aromas are shy and discreet, taking their time to reveal beautiful scents of cherry blossom and plum. This medium-bodied candidate offers plenty of freshness, its bright acidity and elegant sandy tannins supporting a core of ripe red cherries and blood oranges. Gracefully composed, it shows lovely balance and is one of the more immediately approachable offerings of the vintage." Decanter

"This red wine offers purity with aromas and flavours of cherry, pomegranate, earth and iron while remaining lively, supported by a dense tannic matrix. Balanced, with a finish of bitter almond, it needs a few years to integrate." Wine Spectator

"This wine has depth and seriousness with cedar, sandalwood, lavender, cherries and citrus. Medium body with fine tannins that pull on the finish. Racy and polished. Give this wine two or three years to develop." James Suckling

Avignonesi's aromatic classic has a lean to medium body, seamless tannins and a delicious flavour profile. Intense ruby red with garnet-coloured reflections. On the nose, aromas of red berries, cherry, eucalyptus and pomegranate and the unmistakable scent of violets so typical of the Sangiovese grape, with a hint of vanilla and Mediterranean herbal spice in the background. Well-balanced on the palate, with beautiful primary notes of ripe cherry and plum. The warm, ethereal body is embedded in a dense tannin structure and leads into a long, persistent finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A bright and lively Vino Nobile with aromas of cherry, violet and hibiscus and hints of peach and lemon that continue through to a medium body. Fine and integrated tannins and a lively finish with plenty of energy. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Vegan. Needs another year or two to show its true excellence, but is already a beautiful and straightforward wine." James Suckling

Very fine perlage, noble fragrance of light fruits, aromatic herbs and vanilla, elegant on the palate. The high-quality Cuvée Imperiale is full-fruity, stimulating, soft and persistent on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE