wine classics

Medium-deep ruby red with orange reflections. Wonderful bouquet of fine sour cherry and strawberry compote with restrained oak spice. Multi-layered and juicy on the palate with a potpourri of dark fruits, framed by fine-grained tannins. Well structured, it leads into an interesting, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh and floral in aroma, this medium-bodied wine offers charming rose petal, orange rind and rooibos tea aromas followed by tangy raspberries, citrus and red cherry tones with good depth and length on the finish." James Suckling

Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Volpaia is a dark, powerful wine. Black cherry, smoke, liquorice, incense, mocha, menthol, lavender and leather give this virile, brooding Riserva plenty of character. The palate is very aromatic with sweet red cherries, cedar wood and nuances of blood orange, yet very powerful and multi-layered with terrific depth and structure. A dream for Sangiovese lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour with delicate rim brightening. Magnificent, complex nose, lots of small red berries, raspberry and wild strawberry, violets, subtly leathery. Elegant and very juicy on the palate, beautiful tension to peppery-spicy notes, ripe cherry fruit, vibrant acidity on the finish, powerful tannins in the background." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is terrific. Macerated dark cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, dried flowers and underbrush are some of the many notes that grace this super-expressive Riserva. The 2020 is a touch somber, but that only adds to its considerable allure." Vinous

"In the bottle with the black label, the organic 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva offers ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone. Achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season such as this. This wine is characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes it over the palate with good momentum." Wine Advocate

"Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones, following through to a medium to full body with compact tannins that are firm and finely grained. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish." James Suckling

Here comes the new archaic form of Franciacorta - hardly any residual sugar, no dosage, but purism in its purest form. Fresh and direct on the nose, yet finely polished and not exuberant. Extremely elegant on the palate with a fine perlage and plenty of agility. For all its vivacity, it is always sensual, almost distinguished and discreetly subtle and of the greatest harmony. A fresh and crisp fine sparkling wine from the best house and one of the most characterful representatives of its kind at the moment. SUPERIORE.DE,

"Bright straw yellow with persistent perlage. Precise nose of grapefruit, lemon, some wild strawberry, sea salt, intense and appealing, with fine notes of fresh cream on the finish. Juicy, precise, clear on the palate, with a beautiful drive and fine perlage, balanced and harmonious." Falstaff

"The Franciacorta Alma Grande Cuvée Non Dosato is remarkably fresh. A whiff of white smoke gives way to hints of dried flowers, crusty brioche and ginger-spiked apples. This opens with a pretty inner sweetness offset by saline mineral tones and tart orchard fruits. It finishes long and full of tension, leaving a salty flourish savory spice nuances." Vinous

The combination of two such different personalities as Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend brilliantly in Grifi, giving this wine a unique character. The Cabernet gives the wine an extra kick of depth in the mid-palate as well as a tannic backbone that gives the wine plenty of persistence and energy.

Dark ruby red with violet reflections. The nose opens with hints of blueberries, blackberries and incense through to sandalwood and graphite. Dense and complex on the palate with hints of blackberry jam and cinnamon. On the palate, it develops like a balsamic explosion, supported by good acidity. The lively tannin accompanies the savoury and persistent, very linear finish. Grifi is a wonderfully sophisticated and elegant pleasure from the best vineyards around Montepulciano and Cortona. SUPERIORE.DE

"An elegant red, featuring a gleam of pure cherry, currant and strawberry fruit. This is also intense and firmly built, with a layer of dense tannins guarding the finish. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"Excellent purity and ripeness in the fruit-accentuated nose, but also a certain complexity. Some violets, graphite and spices to the fresh blue fruits and slate. On the palate, I like the texture with fresh, fine-grained tannins and a cool finish. Long, fresh and juicy." James Suckling

Since the 2012 vintage, a small and strictly selected part of the Sangiovese at Istine has been vinified separately according to the origin of the vineyard in order to emphasise and bring to life the specific characteristics of the site, the soil and the altitude. Since then, the best grapes from the estate's own vineyards Istine, Casanova dell'Aia and Cavarchione have been vinified separately, resulting in three now highly sought-after cru wines, of which just 3,000 bottles are sold in specialised shops and restaurants every year.

Vigna Istine is marvellous. Dark cherry, spices, leather and tobacco unfold in the glass. An incredibly creamy personality and breadth on the palate. With its flavour profile of lavender, spices, leather, menthol and liquorice, Vigna Istine has an indescribable richness of facets. The high-altitude vineyard, planted between 480 and 550 metres above sea level, provides freshness, aromatic intensity, mineral notes and exciting ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"This red is infused with fresh cherry, strawberry, rose hip and iron flavors aligned to a streamlined profile. Subtle, yet persists on the finish, delivering harmony and the potential to evolve another decade, maybe two." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Vigna Istine 2020 is a wine with understatement and class. The translucent finesse of the Radda comes through loud and clear. Crushed stones, mint, chalk and white pepper add a striking, brilliant note. The 2020 is simply magnificent." Vinous

Since the 2012 vintage, a small and strictly selected part of the Sangiovese at Istine has been vinified separately according to the origin of the vineyard in order to emphasise and bring to life the specific characteristics of the site, the soil and the altitude. Since then, the best grapes from the estate's own vineyards Istine, Casanova dell'Aia and Cavarchione have been vinified separately, resulting in three now highly sought-after cru wines, of which just 3,000 bottles are sold in specialised shops and restaurants every year.

Vigna Casanova dell'Aia is airy, weightless and graceful in flavour. Crushed flowers, sweet red berries, mint, chalk and white pepper rise from the glass in this very beautiful, incredibly nuanced Chianti Classico. Arguably the most ethereal wine in the high-class Istine collection, flavours of red berries and cherries are flanked by a fine, almost silky tannin on the palate and lead into an elegant, flowing finish with remarkable memorable potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A succulent red highlighted by beautifully defined cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors. Solidly built, suggesting this will develop further. Boasts excellent balance, with leafy underbrush and wild herb notes on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico 2020 Vigna Casanova dell'Aia shows a darker, richer side of the Sangiovese from Radda. Black cherry, sage, lavender, menthol, liquorice and tobacco blend together. The Casanova dell'Aia is a wine of great presence and real stature that is fabulous. It just needs time to mellow a little." Vinous

"The 2020 is as beautiful as it is precise. Pronounced raspberry, pomegranate and blood orange meld with floral scents of cherry blossom. It is characterised by a generosity of flavours, a graceful structure of powdery tannins and appetising acidity. A real citrus tone of pink grapefruit emphasises the palate, and the finish is even slightly salty." Decanter

Since the 2012 vintage, a small and strictly selected part of the Sangiovese at Istine has been vinified separately according to the origin of the vineyard in order to emphasise and bring to life the specific characteristics of the site, the soil and the altitude. Since then, the best grapes from the estate's own vineyards Istine, Casanova dell'Aia and Cavarchione have been vinified separately, resulting in three now highly sought-after cru wines, of which just 3,000 bottles are sold in specialised shops and restaurants every year.

Vigna Cavarchione from the single vineyard of the same name in Gaiole is powerful, juicy and creamy, as befits a wine from this part of the appellation. Overripe red cherry fruit, mint, dried flowers and spices blend together in a sensual, inviting Chianti Classico that is characterised by its richness and suppleness. This highly distinctive and terrific masterpiece finishes with a lovely lace of sweet raspberry contrasting with the sour cherry. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lush, yet with an edge of dusty tannins framing cherry, strawberry, rose and earth flavors. Shows strong grip on the finish, along with a beam of vibrant acidity and a lingering aftertaste of red fruit. Leans to the elegant side." Wine Spectator

"It is not lacking in ripeness, it is downright lush, but also juicy and light-footed. It smells of dark plum, damp earth, rosehip and violets. On the palate, it is rather red-fruity: sour cherry meets tamarind and bitter liquorice root. The fine-grained tannins are just as persistent as the piquant acidity. Absolutely flavourful." Decanter

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Vigna Cavarchione is stellar in 2020. Lush and rich, but with plenty of classic Istinism, the Cavarchione has the potential to be one of the wines of this very young vintage. All the elements come together effortlessly. Black cherry, plum, sage, lavender, liquorice and incense develop over time and fill out the layers beautifully. The complexity of this wine is simply incredible." Vinous

This Riserva is only made available each year in very small quantities to hand-picked specialist retailers and top restaurants. Brilliant ruby red colour. Fine raspberry and floral notes dominate the spicy nose. Very juicy on the palate, tannins and acidity are well integrated. Riecines Riserva has length and suppleness right through to the long fruity finish. The elegance and fine melting texture are impressive. Once again, this is Sangiovese at the top level that Riecine is known for! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby colour. Elegant bouquet of ripe blackberry and ribes, with some cloves and white pepper behind it, complex. Harmonious on the palate, beautiful alternation of lively acidity, fine-grained tannin and precise fruit, long." Falstaff

"Youthful carmine red colour. Beautiful, mineral, stony nose with notes of leather and brooding fruit. Juicy, compact and fruity on the palate, with finely chiselled tannins. A very appealing whole that still deserves plenty of time." Jancis Robinson

"The nose is herbaceous, savoury and floral with aromas of earth, moss and wild strawberries. A cascade of berries crashes across the palate, while edgy tannins and ample acidity accentuate undertones of dark chocolate and salt, with a latent heat blazing in the background." Wine Enthusiast

"A refined, balanced and seductive red wine with flavours of cherries, dried flowers, wild herbs and exotic spices. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Refined texture with focus and a juicy core of wild berries that brings vitality and freshness to the flavourful finish." James Suckling

"In the bottle with the copper-coloured wax capsule, the Bio-Riecine 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva shows rich or almost crunchy red fruit. The mouthfeel of the wine is much improved thanks to its medium weight and silky tannins. The wine has a slight stiffness, which is good for it now, especially when served with red meat, and which also makes it suitable for ageing in the cellar. Riecine is one of the most representative wineries in the Gaiole subzone." Wine Advocate

"It already shows an exquisite clarity of wild strawberries, raspberries, coriander and mint blossom, and although it comes across as slender, it has sufficient concentration. It captivates with its vibrancy and graceful flow; the structure blends insidiously with a structured tannin train. Very nice." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is a dark, brooding wine. Sour cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, menthol, liquorice and dried herbs are enhanced in this powerful, strong Gaiole Riserva. Bright mineral notes round off the whole in style. Give this wine a year or two to develop." Vinous

"From the usual, careful selection of the farm's best plots. On the nose, notes of redcurrant, with a hint of eucalyptus and cinnamon and nuances of laurel. On the palate, it is juicy, with spicy tannins, a return of small red fruits and balsamic flavours." Luca Gardini

Amarone Classico is made from grapes grown in the vineyards of the classic Valpolicella area at the entrance to the Marano Valley. The drying process of the carefully selected grapes takes about 120 days. After fermentation, the wine matures in wooden barrels for at least 3 years.

Dark cherries, plums, smoke, mint, liquorice, sweet herbs and crushed rose petals swirl around in the glass as the wine gradually opens. Lively and lively, it features an expressive and well-defined personality and seriousness. For all its depth, the 2017 edition is an almost weightless Amarone built on finesse and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright shimmering ruby red. Finely marked on the nose, slightly barrel-spicy, savoury cherry and plum fruit, as well as blood orange and rosehip on the finish, white pepper. Very juicy and radiant on the palate, compact and polished, with tension and vibration until the final." Falstaff

"Exotic spices and dusty black cherry are complemented by a vivid notes of cinnamon and dried flowers as the remarkably pretty 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico opens in the glass. This is cool-toned and seamless in feel, coasting across the palate with mineral-tinged red berries, hints of sour citrus and exotic spices, all energized by brilliant acidity. The 2017 finishes long, lightly structured and staining without a hint of its 16.5% abv and amazing balance." Vinous

"This shows excellent intensity on the nose, with suggestive notes of sweet raspberries, Christmas spices, nutmeg and hints of salted plums, caramel and chocolate. Very flavorful, but agile and silky on the medium-to full-bodied palate. Signature Amarone warmth and bittersweet berry and chocolate in the finish, with some savory and sweet spice, too. Long and complex." James Suckling

"Our Barolo (Classico) has been a successful synthesis of the various characteristics of the Massolino vineyards for over 70 years. Thanks to traditional ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels, we preserve its pure and unadulterated identity and its complex flavours." Franco Massolino

Traditionally vinified Barolo from the estate's best vineyards. Brilliant ruby red colour. Complex, spicy bouquet of liquorice, tobacco, dried flowers, violets and damp leaves. Very emphatic, firm and full-bodied on the palate. Its racy and forward style is flanked by tangible, robust tannins. Finishes with a fine sweetness, elegant and long. The already undisputed high level will continue to develop in full beauty over the next few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby-red colour with rim brightening. Phenolic nose with eucalyptus, light mint, followed by redcurrants and sweetish elements. Complex, structured palate, full-bodied and juicy with phenolic spice and freshness, retronasal again eucalyptus, beautiful drinkability with firm tannins, long final." Falstaff

"Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Rich fruit on the nose with a hint of gingerbread. A spicy cherry unfolds with air, albeit still a little restrained. Smooth, soft cherry fruit with super-fine, long, crisp tannins. A beautiful wine." Jancis Robinson

"Opens with aromas of crushed red fruits and a bouquet of laurel, balsam and sandalwood that slowly rise from the glass. On the palate, it is round and beautifully soft, the tannins making it immediately accessible. A savoury backbone is brightened by hints of orange peel and clove, creating an approachable yet complex profile that can be enjoyed now." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright and vibrant red fruit character with dried flowers, stones and a hint of tree resin. Medium-bodied, clean and concentrated on the palate, with fine tannins and a linear finish. Shows freshness and balance. Polished. Best from 2027, but already a pleasure to drink now." James Suckling

Subtle ruby red colour with light reflections. Warm, well-dosed bouquet of wild berries, cherries and some smoke. Fine tannins on the palate, with plenty of juice and fruit at the core, floral and spicy notes, compact. A fine salty vein in the harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby dark red; peppery notes, arouses curiosity; juicy, sweetness, balanced, length, drinky, pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Very typical, elegant, with polished tannins and full of fruity charm, sour cherry, some chocolate, sweet fruit melting, round." Weinwisser

"Pleasing nose of black cherries, flanked by plum notes and tobacco; polished attack, finely chiselled acidity, fruity and mineral finish." Vinum

"Medium ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Leather, ripe cherry and some undergrowth on the nose, then slightly spicy and balsamic. Grippy on the palate, with gripping, somewhat rustic tannins, then beautifully juicy on the finish. To savoury Tuscan dishes." Falstaff

"One of the best-balanced 2020s, Gracciano della Seta's Vino Nobile is discreetly padded with an abundance of dark, fleshy cherry, yet remains straightforward and sculptural. The tannins are slightly steely but yield smoothly, while zesty, citrusy acidity provides graceful support. Nuances of forest, leather and mint interweave with notes of orange that linger." Decanter

"This spicy red wine contains notes of dried herbs and olive pits, which mingle with cherries and blood oranges. It is medium-bodied, juicy and beautifully balanced. Fine tannins. Fresh and flavoursome finish." James Suckling

Montebello is a sophisticated blend of Mammolo, Ciliegiolo, Pugnitello, Colorino, Sanforte, Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo, Fogliatonda and Sangiovese. Each grape variety is harvested and fermented separately in open Liters barrels with indigenous yeasts and manual racking. A captivating bouquet of dark cherries and earth, with notes of cinnamon, tar and grilled herbs. The defined tannins are accompanied by a beautiful acid wire. A wine with great character and beautiful structure that changes with every sip. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive, juicy red wine with fine tannins and a firm structure. Medium-bodied, bright and racy, with notes of ripe cherries and redcurrants and a spicy aftertaste." James Suckling

"Here's a wine that offers you a full dose of Tuscan grapes. The 2019 Montebello (with only 4,000 bottles) is an IGT blend of Mammolo, Ciliegiolo, Pugnitello, Colorino, Sanforte, Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo, Foglia Tonda and Sangiovese. This expression is an attempt to protect some of the lesser known grapes of the region. The mouthfeel is characterised by a subtle sweetness, and the wine offers ripe notes of sour cherry, redcurrant and pomegranate pulp." Wine Advocate

Vigna Il Poggiale, a full-bodied Riserva from the single vineyard of the same name, is an extroverted class wine. Dark fruit, flowers, smoke and liquorice in the complex, differentiated bouquet. The juicy flavour, interwoven with silky tannins, is admirably harmonious. SUPERIORE.DE

"Menthol, cherry, plum, iron and wild herb aromas and flavors are embedded in this supple, well-balanced red. Firm, refined tannins line the finish, where the fruit and macchia notes linger." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggiale 2021 is a dense, powerful offering from Castellare. Black cherry, liquorice, new leather, spices and dried flowers rise from the glass. These vines, which are more than 40 years old, produce a particularly muscular, virile Riserva." Vinous

"A concentrated, flavourful and structured red wine with notes of cherries, dark plums, dried oregano, roasted meat and baking spices. It is medium to full-bodied with plush tannins. Dense fruit core on the palate with serious character. Focused and flavourful, with a long, compact finish." James Suckling

"The nose begins with notes of wood, then laurel, tobacco and undergrowth. The mouthfeel is savoury, with a hint of fruity sensations and a return of notes of officinal and undergrowth." Luca Gardini

The latest addition to the Guerrieri Rizzardi Amarone family comes from three cru vineyards in the municipality of Negrar, including their best vineyard, Calcarole. The grapes are dried in the Pojega drying rooms for 3-5 months without any technical aids. 3 Cru is available a little earlier than Villa Rizzardi or Calcarole and offers complex dark fruit flavours with a very pleasant sweet spiciness on the palate. Fresh and lively, it glides into a respectable finish with plenty of character. SUPERIORE.DE

100% white vinified Pinot Nero with complex aromas, beautiful body, persistence and impressive elegance. Intense yellow with a delicate copper hue. Powerful on the palate with fine, persistent perlage and foam. With just 3 g of residual sugar, a very precise and racy Franciacorta in a class of its own. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with persistent perlage. In the nose with delicate smoky notes, of blood oranges and red berries as well as candied pear, fine sea salt in the aftertaste. Seems very pure on the palate, almost austere, very straightforward and with great juice, bone dry, lingers very long." Falstaff

The 46th edition of Ca' del Bosco's classic consists of 76% vintage wine 2021, 21% reserve wine 2020 and 3% reserve wine 2019. The consistently award-winning Cuvée Prestige is a perfect archetype of its DOC: elegant, fresh, full, with a continuous perlage, elegant creaminess and a beautiful body. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, rich straw yellow with gold, long-lasting perlage. Orange blossom, candied orange, dried pineapple and delicate flavours of blood orange on the nose. Great juiciness on the palate, pleasant mouthfeel thanks to the finely organised perlage, light, salty and finesse-rich finish." Falstaff

"Intense floral nose with flavours of nuts, pears and stone fruit. Large, supple bubbles with a medium body, refreshing, brilliant acidity and good length." James Suckling

"The Extra Brut Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige 46 Edizione from the 2021 vintage exudes a bouquet in the glass that combines richness with an airy quality that inspires the senses. Exotic flowers, tropical citrus fruits and young peach resonate. The wine is round and soothing, with a creamy wave of soothing bubbles carried by a lively acidity. It finishes savoury and long, leaving a hint of candied lemon and floral scents lingering on the palate." Vinous

The top wine Cavalli Rosso comes from loose marl soils at an altitude of 400 metres facing south. It reveals a dark and lush fruit profile with intense blackberry, sour cherry, plum and graphite. On the palate, it has a high primary intensity and medium weight, finishing with a very crisp acidity. It is polished and deep, balanced and supple with plenty of fruity power, weight and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine is rich and fully loaded with dark fruit flavors, but it never strays from a careful sense of balance. There is some ripe fruit with blackberry mostly, followed by spice and cured tobacco. It ages in a combination of oak, stainless steel and cement." Wine Advocate

"A modern and very well-made Toscana here showing excellent depth and complexity. Some plush cocoa powder to the minty blackberries, dark cherries, violets and hints of pine cone, black pepper and stones. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate with firm, juicy tannins and a focused finish. Long and tangy." James Suckling

"The 2020 Tenuta degli Dei is wonderfully poised and vibrant. Cavalli's blend of (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot and 15% Cabernet Franc) stands out for its precision. The heaviness of some previous years thankfully belongs to the past. Bright acid lift a core of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice and espresso. The 2020 might be the best vintage yet for this wine." Vinous