wine classics

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

Beautifully weighted, the 2019 edition is full yet agile with enough structure to carry it over the next decade. Above all, it emphasises the freshness and balance of the vintage: the aromas unfold slowly, but are very floral, with cherry and thyme blossoms underscored by peppery notes. Crisp red plums and juicy cherries dominate the palate, with the youthful, grippy tannins needing a little time to integrate perfectly. SUPERIORE.DE

"It opens with a fruity flavour of red and blue fruits, with spicy notes reminiscent of cinnamon and cardamom. Dense and creamy in the mouth, very juicy, still a little grippy in the tannins, a modern Brunello that should be ready to drink in 1 to 2 years." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red colour. Ripe blackberries, some undergrowth, dried oregano and loam on the nose. Great tension on the palate, juicy, dark fruit, tightly woven tannins and a precise final with pressure." Falstaff

"Deep to dark ruby red in colour. Deep, brooding and backward on the nose, but with real precision. Lots of juicy red fruit and impressive, fine-grained tannins. Still a little embryonic, but already hard to resist. Pure class." Jancis Robinson

"Pure and refined wine with lively raspberries, red cherries, rosehips and a hint of citrus blossom. Medium to full-bodied with firm but silky tannins. Excellent acid backbone. Enjoyable now, but give it another two to three years to develop." James Suckling

"Deep notes of dried black cherries meet cedar shavings and worn leather as the seductive Brunello di Montalcino 2019 slowly unfolds in the glass. It is surprisingly juicy and energising, with a pure blend of red fruits and inner flowers accompanied by fresh acidity. Fine tannins assert themselves on the finish as the 2019 takes on a youthful tension and pinches the cheeks, while tart cranberry notes fade into a youthful, crisp final." Vinous

"The certified organic Col d'Orcia 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows ripe fruit, blackberry, earthy notes, liquorice and, generally speaking, a much bigger and riper fruit profile compared to its peers. It offers a full-bodied Brunello opulence that can be enjoyed in the short or medium term, and the wine delivers flavours of dried fruit such as plum and fig to finish. The tannins are velvety and contribute to the richness of the rather forward and immediate mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 is immediately inviting and expressive. It seduces with lovely tones of red rose, cherry and sweet thyme. Expansive and spacious, the palate unfolds fluidly with layers of delicious red plum and pomegranate. Hibiscus, rosewater and orange hide in every crevice. A brilliant demonstration of the flavourful juiciness of Sangiovese. Deceptively gentle at the start, fine sandy tannins build in a worthy crescendo." Decanter

"This densely packed version is resonant and persistent, with fine integration of all its components, though today it is compact and austere, revealing flavours of cherry, raspberry, rose, earth and minerals. Give it the benefit of the doubt." Wine Spectator

"Notes of marasca, geranium and eucalyptus on the nose. Juicy tannins on the palate, balsamic and floral notes, compact flavour and crispness." Luca Gardini

Deep ruby red colour, lush notes of cherries, strawberries and sweet oak spice, vanilla and black pepper. The Sangiovese gives the blend great freshness and is in perfect balance with the silky and soft tannins of the Merlot. Overall rich, but always elegant and with great persistence. A complex, excellently structured red of absolute Supertuscan quality. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Gianni Brunelli Le Chiuse di Sotto 2020 Amor Costante is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Sangiovese and offers a lovely richness with a medium body interwoven with blackberry, wild plum, spice and sweet tobacco. The softness and texture come from the Merlot, while the Sangiovese provides freshness and fresh cherry flavours. Only 2,360 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Amor Costante keeps the glass swirling as dried violets, stone dust and exotic spices accentuate an enticing blend of wild berries and red plums. This is velvety smooth with medium-bodied weight, ushering in textural waves of red and blue fruits offset by sour citrus tones and saline-tinged acidity. It finishes long and structured with fine-grained tannins and a tart resonance of currants and licorice, yet the 2020 remains surprisingly fresh through it all. Patience will be required, yet also rewarded. What a treat." Vinous

Prunotto's Barbaresco shows a strong dose of Nebbiolo personality and opens with balanced notes of dried berries, liquorice, tar and blue flowers. The ensemble is delicate and fresh. What makes this wine so attractive is the fact that it offers such a clear and unadulterated view of the grape, which comes across particularly well in this very attractive drop. The finish is full of elegance and silk. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Very fine nuances of redcurrants, raspberries and cranberries on the nose, some leather and floral notes of violets. Equally delicate fruit flavours on the palate, accompanied by elegant tannins and a long final with a fruity aftertaste." Falstaff

"The 2021 Barbaresco is a gorgeous wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Crushed red berry fruit, cedar, spice, mint and orange peel are all beautifully lifted in this ethereal, understated Barbaresco from Prunotto." Vinous

The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is made from 100% Sangiovese, the grapes come from vineyards with the best sites. The Gran Selezione with its dark ruby red colour is impressive in the glass. The nose is explosive with small ripe berries, hints of rose petals, lavender and thyme. Warm and full on the palate, spicy and very authentic. This wine is reminiscent of the Greve in Chianti sub-region with cool afternoon winds blowing over wild and largely wooded areas. This is what Tuscany tastes like! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby with a fine garnet rim. Opens with notes of dried cherries and tomatoes, seems a bit restrained. On the palate much accentuated acidity, shows fresh, crisp cherry fruit, some rough tannin." Falstaff

"Approachable for its fluid texture, this red is austere in flavor, displaying cherry, almond and tobacco flavors. Firm, with fine length and a resonant, racy finish." Wine Spectator

"Very floral on the nose with lavender and lilacs, as well as black cherries. Medium-bodied with tight tannins and tangy acidity. Flavorful finish. It’s linear, driven and lightly chewy. Very typical." James Suckling

"The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is positively stellar. Cedar, rose petal, pipe tobacco, anise, blood orange and new leather give the 2017 striking aromatic presence to balance the natural richness of the year. Statuesque and resonant in the glass, the Gran Selezione is a real standout - a true winner." Vinous

Wonderful aromas of sliced plums with a hint of dried flowers. Full-bodied, with well-accentuated spice, truffle and berry character. Very long and rich, yet soft and beautiful. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark fruit with fresh mushrooms and flowers stems. Licorice, too. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a fruity finish. Yummy to drink now." James Suckling

"The 2019 Barbaresco Reyna is bright, fruity and forward, making it a good choice to drink now and in the years to come. Sweet floral accents, spices and a hint of orange peel give it freshness. The wine has a nice depth and density." Vinous

"A rich, round red with aromas of mint, menthol and liquorice framing a core of cherry and plum fruit. Shows plenty of tannins on the back end, but the ripe fruit returns on the finish." Wine Spectator

Impeccable Amarone from the Valpantena subzone with a promising bouquet of dark cherries, sweet spices, rose petals and a certain earthiness. Continuous and complex on the palate with an elegant, delicately bitter finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Pale straw yellow, creamy foam with a fine, persistent perlage. Fragrant and quickly present on the nose with floral and fruity notes reminiscent of apple and white peach. On the palate, it is characterised by liveliness and freshness combined with good balance and unusual elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

On the classic bouquet, ripe cherry, tobacco and some damp earth. On the palate, first the pure Sangiovese feeling: beautiful small red berries, wild cherry, lively acidity. Then an impenetrable mesh of red and black fruits, which together with a fine web of tannins and minerals reveal more and more of themselves. Compressed and with each sip more open and present, the beautifully diversified taste components present themselves until they then lead into an aristocratically long and fresh finish with a hint of liquorice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Somewhat woody, also dried-vegetable to herbal and earthy, with air increasingly preserved-fruity scent of mixed berries and a little plums with cedary hints. Quite firm, positively implied marmalade-like fruit with more red components than on the nose, smoky and wood spice aromas, quite present, ripe, relatively friable tannin, some bite, ethereal spice on the palate, salty-mineral, persistent, a little herbal, gaining depth with air, very good, juicy and spicy finish with bite." Wein-Plus

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte is unobtrusive, bright and delicate in the glass, with white pepper, beautiful rose and nuances of dried strawberries. It coats the palate with soft textures and soothing ripe red fruits contrasted with savoury spices and inner herbal notes. The 2018 lingers long, showing balsamic nuances and salty liquorice, while gentle tannins do not slow down the momentum. It will be interesting to follow this understated beauty through to maturity." Vinous

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte shows medium-dark concentration and a savoury character with black spices, saddle leather and some distant hints of cured meat. I always associate Ugolforte with a more modern style of wine that brings spices, ripe fruit and soft tannins to the fore. This vintage offers all these qualities with a soft and approachable mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"This red wine features aromas and flavours of cherry, plum, thyme, sage and clay. Lively and firmly structured, with a salty undercurrent. An open wine with beautiful balance, fine energy and a long, resonant finish." Wine Spectator

"Excellent interpretation of the 2018 vintage from Tenuta San Giorgio, the last estate acquired by the ColleMassari group. We are in the south-eastern area of Montalcino, starting from a raw material of great crispness. Notes of blackcurrant on the nose, then laurel lashes and hints of blood orange peel. Iodine tannins on the palate, with a fruity finish." 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 around 120 days. After fermentation, the wine matures for at least 3 years in wooden barrels.

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

"Dark, bright ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Fine wood on the nose, sweet cherry, juicy citrus fruit, very inviting and with fine floral nuances on the finish. Medium-bodied on the palate, shows good juiciness, violet flavour, surprisingly light-footed." Falstaff

"Inviting aromas of cherry jam, exotic spices, dried violets and cocoa powder swirl in the glass of this well-crafted Amarone. Rich and lush ,the wine is mouth filling but the tart red-berry and sour-plum flavors balance the wine along with crunchy acidity that leads to a savory and earthy finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of dried berries and pressed flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate with a relaxed, fruity mouthfeel at first. Then some solid tannins firm up the finish." James Suckling

"The 2018 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico opens slowly with a blend of dried cherries, wild herbs and crushed ashen stone. Its textures are silky and pure, with mineral underpinnings that excite the senses as spicy red fruits cascade across the palate. A salty flourish creates a distinctly savory style through the finish, as grippy tannins add youthful poise." Vinous

Dark garnet red with beautiful reflections. Aromas of cherry, strawberry, eucalyptus, tobacco and spices. A wonderfully balanced wine of fruit, fine acidity and polished tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Barolo San Giuseppe is very bright and expressive on first nose with candied orange, wild cherry, iris root and powdered licorice. The wine offers a lovely experience and stays true to a classic Nebbiolo playlist. The tannins are dry with some powdery sensations too." Wine Advocate

"Fresh raspberry with flowers and hints of tar and asphalt on the nose. Medium body, firm and silky tannins and a firm finish. Give this time to soften." James Suckling

The 2019 vintage leaves no doubt about its origin from a top vintage in Montalcino. The fruit for Poggio Landis Brunello is harvested at altitudes of 200 to 300 metres above sea level. Interesting aromas of wild cherry, plum and crushed flowers. Taut, polished yet traditional character on the palate. It fits perfectly into the house style, which favours an elegant and less extract-rich approach. A highly sophisticated charmer across the board. SUPERIORE.DE

"This slender red wine offers a core of cherry and strawberry fruit interspersed with earth, tobacco and mineral accents. Stiff tannins take the lead on the chewy finish." Wine Spectator

"The Poggio Landi 2019 Brunello di Montalcino has a hint of teak or Indian furniture shop, which gives this wine a slightly exotic personality. To this I would add dark fruits, dried currants and sweet blueberries. It finishes with medium fruit weight and open knit tannins that give the wine accessibility." Wine Advocate

Essenze Barolo Riserva is vinified only in the best vintages. It is a blend of the best grapes from the vineyards of the Comune del Barolo. Ethereal scent, some forest earth, tar, tobacco and spices. A wonderfully balanced Barolo with a fine acid and tannin structure and a beautiful fruit component - completely in the style of the house and made for a long life! SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromatic dried herb and cherry notes with a supple rounded palate, powerful tannins and a long, tarry finish." Decanter

"Bright ruby garnet. Smells of rosewood, wild raspberries and pickled nuts on the nose. Gripping tannin that spreads out well, shows good tension, lots of raspberry fruit, juicy, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Deep red and dark berries on the nose, along with floral and leathery notes. Full-bodied with grainy tannins infused with spice and fruit. It is approachable now but should age for a long time. Best from 2023." James Suckling

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

Deep ruby red colour, lush notes of cherries, strawberries and sweet oak spice, vanilla and black pepper. The Sangiovese gives the blend great freshness and is in perfect balance with the silky and soft tannins of the Merlot. Overall rich, but always elegant and with great persistence. A complex, excellently structured red wine in absolute Super Tuscan quality and produced in a very small edition of just under 3,000 bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

"A round, juicy and flavorful red. The nose shows notes of currants, cassis and some sweet spices. It’s medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins. Refined texture with control. A lively core of juicy berries at the center meets vivid spices and herbs funneling toward the vibrant finish." 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 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