Wine Spectator

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

"Starts with a lot of esprit on aromas of small red berries, also violet notes; the attack is fresh and juicy, the tannins fine-grained, the finish on notes of fresh stone fruit. Convinces with its polish." Vinum

"Bright ruby red with a violet tinge. Intense, dense nose, lots of fruit, plum, cherry and blackberry, backed by balsamic notes and fresh Mediterranean herbs. Lots of juice on the palate, harmonious, round, acidity and tannins well integrated, builds up pressure towards the end via tannin structure, long finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 is clean, polite and rather glossy. Classic red cherry and fresh garden herbs become saturated with vanilla. Supple tannins build up giving a pliant frame to sweet ripe fruit tinged with cedar and clove. Warm, soft and already approachable, this will give maximum pleasure over the next five years." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano 2020 shows an evolution towards a more refined style, even in the context of this wine, which is always a powerhouse. Blue and purple-coloured fruit, lavender, menthol, spices and liquorice are well developed. It is less powerful than in most years, and that is a good thing. The direction the wine is taking is promising." Vinous

"This wine is really velvety and open with a flattering texture that tantalises with every sip. Medium-bodied with marvellous brightness and complexity. It's so hard not to drink it now. So why wait, but it will age beautifully." James Suckling

"The nose balances fruit aromas of strawberry, cherry and raspberry with weightier, savory notes of soil, graphite and dark chocolate. The cohesive, equally balanced palate brings more berries and chocolate, creating a classic, measured, self-assured Chianti." Wine Enthusiast

"Laced with pure flavors of cherry and raspberry and shaded by a spicy oak element, this bright, balanced red is elegant yet reveals fine intensity. Light tannins line the lingering finish as iron and tobacco notes join in." Wine Spectator

Cherry-red Cabernet Sauvignon with a small proportion of Petit Verdot, the complex bouquet is reminiscent of blackcurrants; there are also mint flavours and floral notes, which are interwoven with the pleasantly balanced wood note. Powerful and dense on the palate; the fine-grained tannins are harmoniously integrated, with an impressive elegance and length on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A delightful nose of cigar box spices and smoked tobacco draws you into the glass, where the fragrant overtone continues. This finely meshed version offers notes of ripe red and blackcurrant with slightly chalky tannins and hints of olive, espresso and smoke. This seductive red wine is fresh, elegant and expressive." Wine Spectator

"The Alois Lageder 2019 Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon Cor Römigberg shows a very concentrated and rich fruit that gives the wine a heavy centre of gravity. This fruit density is accompanied by elevated flavours of sour cherry, Valentine's Day red rose and scented candle. All these elements are framed by a beautiful minerality. The tannins reveal a very dry quality that I liked less, but the flavours accurately reflect the cool alpine influences." Wine Advocate

"A complex wine full of darkness. On the nose are notes of leather, cocoa powder, bramble berries and a touch of bell peppers. There is stunning intensity. Full-bodied on the palate, with long, lifted and integrated acidity, velvety tannins and a chalky and slightly rustic finish." James Suckling

A monument of wine! Brilliant dark ruby colour. Fresh, silky, elegant - and majestic. Blackberry jam, violets, bittersweet chocolate, plus crushed rock and minerality. An opulent wine with fabulously polished tannins and considerable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red colour, rich. Initially a nose of cinnamon sticks, ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, wild berry jam, precious wood, dried violet blossom, very complex. Very polished on the palate, with an oily, great texture, comes in many layers, concentrated and yet not opulent, finishing on fine coconut, will mature excellently, infinitely long." Falstaff

"Dark and dense, this reveals itself slowly, teasing fragrant accents of tarry smoke, graphite, coffee liqueur and warm spices before flavors of blackberry paste, plum cake, stemmy herbs and cocoa powder begin to unfurl. This is tightly meshed, with a core of grippy tannins creating a compact feel today. Give this some time in the cellar or extensive decanting to allow it to shine brightest." Wine Spectator

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta 2016 takes the intensity of the wine to an almost unimaginable level. This is the magic of this winery, and without a doubt this wine occupies a category that makes it completely unique in the Italian wine scale. In this classic vintage, the wine is even richer, more powerful and more concentrated. This overall intensity also carries over to the tightly wound and firm tannins. Black fruits, baked plums, tobacco, soya sauce, grilled herbs and sweet spices are generously embedded in the wine's full-bodied texture." Wine Advocate

"The 2016, which was released after the 2017 vintage because it was decided that this dense and concentrated vintage would benefit from more time in the bottle, is fuller and broader in the shoulders than the 2017 Amarone. It has more of everything - body, concentration, tannin, richness, spice... And although it has a reduced note of petrol, its flavours are still very lively, carrying hints of wild black fruits and balsam from the glass. Already tantalising, its future looks very bright." Decanter

"Turquoise-coloured in the glass, almost rimless. Aromas of cloves, coconut, graphite, dark, lush blackberries, plums and cherries. Full-bodied with great fruit concentration and a super dense and velvety palate. Extremely rich but balanced by crisp acidity and thick but dynamic and chewy tannins. Amazing finish of salted chocolate. A super-strong Amarone with grace." James Suckling

"The 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella is a sleeping giant, beckoning with dried violets, dusty blackcurrants, shaved cedar and a hint of mint. This wine is supple and cool to the touch, yet intense and savoury at its core, with an abundance of mineral-tinged dark red fruits and balsamic tones supported by a core of zesty acidity. The 2016 finishes tannic and long, gripping the palate firmly and leaving a bitter primary concentration that lingers. This wine is still a baby today and needs good cellaring, but its potential is obvious." Vinous

Here, excellence of man and nature come together with perfect precision and harmony. Powerful cherry and blackberry notes are followed by crushed minerals, liquorice, smoke and lightly scented cedar. Spreads evenly across the palate and its flavour intensity, power and volume last for minutes. The exquisite 2015 Cerretalto is concentrated and rich, but never too heavy or dense. It is a highly compelling Italian icon with the truly exciting world of perceived unlimited possibilities still ahead of it. We can be more than excited ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, rich ruby garnet. Opens with light spicy notes, some cardamom seeds, then lots of crisp, dark cherry, mulberry, light truffle note in the background. Fans out broadly on the palate, lots of ripe, juicy fruit, opens up on the back end with tight, precise tannin, exceedingly long, savoury and gripping, a definite long runner!" Vinous

"The 2015 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is remarkably fresh and balanced despite its large-scale persona. Minty herbs give way to raspberry and cherry with exotic spices and a hint of pine resin. It boasts depths of silky textures; yet it remains juicy and full of energy, displaying ripe red and black fruits, laced with salty minerals, as hints of cinnamon and baker's chocolate form toward the close. Fine tannins come forward on the finish, tugging at the cheeks, yet all under an air of sweet spice and violet florals. As young as this is today, it's hard to put the glass down, and I can only imagine the depths that will be revealed with five or more years of cellaring." Vinous

"Wild rosemary, thyme and juniper aromas and flavors frame the core of black cherry in this supple red. Firmly built, shows refined tannins embraced by the bright fruit. Very expressive and approachable now, yet should continue to improve." Wine Spectator

"Of these new releases from this benchmark estate, the Casanova di Neri 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is my favorite wine. This Riserva is larger than life with ripe fruit, raspberry, cherry, spice, cola, root beer, mesquite and cedar. The wine offers a flashy and generous quality of fruit that unfolds over time with a multifaceted and multi-layered presentation. One thing that stands out here is the acidity that is bracing and tart at first but then succumbs to an important supporting role, rendering lasting freshness and persistence to the finish. With time, you get a flash of cherry and crème de cassis that seals the deal." Wine Advocate

"This is a momentous wine with incredible power and structure that has so much minerality and crushed-stone character to the black cherries and blueberries. Full-bodied and tannic, yet the tannins are layered and polished with a glorious, creamy and juicy texture that coats your mouth. It goes on for minutes. Incredible wine." James Suckling

A monument of wine! Brilliant dark ruby. Fresh, silky, elegant - and majestic. Blackberry jam, violets, bittersweet chocolate, plus crushed rock and minerality. An opulent wine with fabulously polished tannins and considerable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dark, brooding red that effortlessly combines a beautiful array of aromas of cherry, blackberry pulp, dried mint and eucalyptus with fine, chiselled tannins and a rich hint of minerality - lots of smoke, fresh earth and iron. It shows concentration and power, revealing even more detail and expression as it opens in the glass, but at the same time it's an exercise in balance and restraint." Wine Spectator

"No-one else matches the Dal Forno wines for their sheer power and intensity, and even Romano himself seems reluctant to estimate how long his Amarone might last. His 2017 Amarone is a typical time capsule, showing no age whatsoever but all the elements – a bottomless depth of rich and intense but still juicy fruit, coursing acidity and mouth-puckering tannins – are there in abundance and somehow maintain an astonishing harmony." Decanter

"This wine is dark, sultry and almost animalic. Crushed autumn leaves and earth tones open the experience, giving way to masses of macerated black cherries, cedar chips, spiced biscuits and a refreshing hint of camphor. It floods the palate with a velvety texture while maintaining a fantastic energy as the bracing acidity adds unexpected vibrancy and the tart wild berries slowly saturate. The tannins are structured yet sweet and the wine remains remarkably fresh, almost crisp, as hints of inner rose and balsamic herbs slowly fade. Honestly, I can't believe the 2017 was made at 16% alcohol because it's just so drinkable and charming." Vinous

"The current edition. A tour de force, despite the sheer morass of palate-staining fruit. The malty oak is evident, but acts as a welcome addition to tame and compress the tangle of coffee grounds, beef stock, mint, leather varnish and saturated dark cherry liqueur in a cloak of tension and power. The grapes are dried for 70-80 days. This may seem obvious at first glance, but when you work it out in the glass and on the inner gums, the many layers become apparent. A wine that changes shape and beguiles as it wrestles with the senses. Excellent." James Suckling

After many years of identifying the best Merlot, Cabernet and Petit Verdot parcels within the boundaries of their Bolgheri estate with the support of the famous OenologistMichel Rolland, the Antinori family discovered in the early 2000s that in the midst of this microclimate and terroir there was an even more special small vineyard whose results once again surpassed those of the larger area. It was immediately clear to all involved that this unique character had to be vinified and highlighted separately - this was the birth of today's cult wine Lodovico.

Ripe, dark fruits on the nose. Highly complex on the palate, with a depth and tannin structure that impressively reflect the age of the vines, plus a freshness and acidity framework that flanks the berry potpourri in a balanced way and, together with the ultra-fine tannin, leads into a long, firm finish. A multi-layered red with a strong character and the necessary storm and stress for the winner's podium. SUPERIORE.DE

"This vintage offers a distinctive note of crushed granite and pencil shavings not found in the others. Compared to those, this vintage is almost salty in taste. All in all, I think the 2013 vintage is going through a slower evolution and we just have to give it time. The tannins are dry, but they serve as sufficient glue to bind the many moving parts of the wine together. It needs time to settle down and develop." Wine Advocate

"The 2013 Lodovico seems to point to a different style from the one first favoured by Lodovico Antinori at Tenuta di Biserno. The wine's translucent colour, distinct aromatics and medium-weight structure are a clear departure from the past. The 2013 is wonderfully airy, fragrant and expressive and has so much to offer. Blood orange, mint, sweet spices and raspberry jam lead into the silky, medium weight finish of this extremely elegant wine." Vinous

"This rich and fruity red wine has a beautiful character of currants, berries and chocolate. Full and velvety." James Suckling

"Overripe, lush and complex, this wine focuses on aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, Tuscan scrub, iron, tobacco and spice. The tannins are muscular but not overbearing, and the lively acidity provides energy and concentration. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

Of all his wines, the flagship Tenuta di Trinoro offers the deepest insight into Andrea Franchetti's viticulture. Andrea changes the proprietary blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot from limestone and clay soils every year depending on the quality and quantity of the harvest. The grapes are always the best of the vintage. Franchetti's own style is recognisable in each of his wines and with each vintage. The 2020 vintage was the first to be given an additional year of bottle ageing before being released for sale.

This dark, full and concentrated red wine already shows a good deal of its potential on the nose and the ripe, fruit-driven appeal that has characterised it for years and helped it achieve world fame. On the palate, the flavours range from deep, dark fruit to spices, mahogany and grilled herbs. The texture is tapered, well-proportioned and ethereal. The fruity verve and the opulent concert of flavours are guided by highly elegant tannins into an almost endless finish. Monumental, but not a monster. Powerful, but not a muscleman - everything is in the right place here. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Tenuta di Trinoro 2020 is sensual and racy, but also not as opulent as it could be. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Sweet floral, spicy and savoury top notes meld with a core of dark fruit. Overall, the 2020 comes across as a smaller, slightly leaner Tenuta that will probably drink well early on as the flavours are still developing. Pretty floral and spicy notes lift the finish nicely. This is a classy Tenuta." Vinous

"Balsamic, ripe and fresh, with a beautiful abundance of black berries and black cherries, with notes of cream, cocoa, wood, spices and cola. It is very structured and already complex, showing a slightly fresher character than the 2019, with a delicious juiciness on the mid-palate and crisp acidity. It has the potential to become a great Trinoro in the future." Decanter

"On the nose, rich, sweet aromas of cherries and figs draw balance from sharper undertones of graphite, fennel, orange peel and clove. A smear of marmalade across the palate underscores the fruitiness, which stays bright and juicy through the finish, but a dark chocolate undertone provides gravitas." Wine Enthusiast

"So fragrant of violets and lavender with some blackcurrant. Medium to full-bodied with lustre and finesse. Racy and fine. Finesse with verve. Very elegant and straightforward with a racy texture. Very long and slightly angular." James Suckling

"The 2020 vintage is certainly more open, but offers a very special view of Cabernet Franc in particular. The lush softness of the black cherry of the Merlot is magically combined with the dark intensity and tannic power of the Cabernet Franc. The ripeness of the fruit is impeccable, there are neither green tones nor overripe nuances. Everything is balanced." Wine Advocate

"The initial shyness develops into youthful bravado after a little aeration; the nose is dominated by Cabernet Franc with its berry and plum aromas, undergrowth, notes of fresh flowers and spices; then the attack is powerful, the tannins are extremely velvety and fine-grained, the finish is long and full of elegance despite all the power. Needs to mature." Vinum

"Dark ruby red with violet. Initially fine stony notes on the nose, precious wood, incense, then dark berry fruit, cassis, fine mint on the finish. Densely woven on the palate, creamy, oily, with notes of ripe raspberries, comes in many layers, savoury, great juiciness, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"One of the mythological products of national viticulture, a Bordeaux with a predominance of Cabernet Franc, then Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and a small percentage of Petit Verdot. Redcurrant on the nose, a hint of laurel and liquorice powder, salty and acidic tannins, incredible persistence." Luca Gardini

Hardly any Brunello is as authentic as the growths from Le Potazzine - they reveal the whole truth of the Sangiovese grape. The result is neither completely polished, nor is it even boring or predictable. The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino achieves a level of extreme authenticity and originality not found on every corner in the appellation. It is a wine full of understatement and equally great personality, for which one must take time and leisure to discover every last nuance. On the nose, it reveals a subtle and well-composed bouquet of red roses, spices, earth and wild mushrooms. In addition, as always with Le Potazzine, there is a wild touch of rusticity. In the mouth, this Brunello shows its powerful fruit and perfectly integrated tannins. Like a friend you can rely on, this Brunello is both a role model and a lovable buddy. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant ruby red. On the nose of sweet, ripe raspberries, lush cherries and dried rose petal, reverberating with cedar and a hint of white chocolate. Supple on the palate with tightly woven tannin, very juicy, opens with clear fruit and great acidity, with supple pressure, elegant." Falstaff

"Very harmonious, ripe aroma, raw meat, small red fruit, cranberry, fine ethereal spice, Original Beans cocoa, sturdy, balanced, wonderful melting bitter chocolate tannin, timeless." Meiningers Sommelier

"Owned by Gigliola Giannetti and her daughters Viola and Sofia, the estate is comprised of two vineyards: near the town of Montalcino, Le Prata rises over 500 metres, while the slightly lower site of La Torre is located in Sant’Angelo in Colle. Le Potazzine’s Brunello takes time to come into focus, but when it does a cascade of brambly forest berries, anise, cinnamon, tea and incense waft from the glass. There's a plushness to the fruit and a crisp youthfulness. Chalky tannins cling elegantly to the edges." Decanter

"This is a cooler style of Brunello with blueberries, black cherries, crushed stones and lavender. It’s full-bodied with firm, tight tannins. Yet, it opens at the end to pinpointed fruit and tannins. Give this time to soften." James Suckling

"The remarkably pretty 2016 Brunello di Montalcino shows a pure bouquet full of wild strawberries, woodland berries and herbs with a hint of crushed stone. It’s soft and enveloping, displaying fleshy red fruits, savory spice and salty minerals, while vibrant acids maintain wonderful freshness. It’s only at the very end that its youthful structure comes forward, grippy and classically drying, yet under an air of red licorice and inner rose. There’s a beautiful harmony to this vintage of Le Potazzine, which should provide a long and wide drinking window." Vinous

"Black cherry, black currant and plum flavors are front and center in this supple red, with accents of earth, iron, leather and tobacco chiming in as the tannins flex their muscles on the long finish. Everything is there, this just needs to integrate." Wine Spectator

"Le Potazzine always delivers a smooth and silky style with extreme elegance and the lifted cool-climate fruit that you get from this high-altitude growing site. The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is taut and firm with cherry fruit, dried raspberry, tilled earth, spice and blue flower. The wine sees an extended fermentation of 40 days and ages in botte grande for 42 months. This is a well-balanced wine that is slightly thinner, with one notch lower intensity in this vintage compared to past editions. You get a light, sharp and streamlined style." Wine Advocate

"Earthy aromas of blue flower, rose, underbrush and leather mingle together on this gorgeous, fragrant red. All about finesse and flavor, the medium-bodied palate is absolutely delicious, featuring juicy morello cherry, crushed raspberry, baking spice, star anise and the barest hint of game. It's radiant and beautifully balanced thanks to taut, polished tannins and bright acidity. It's already showing incredibly well but hold for even more complexity." Wine Enthusiast

A textbook Pian delle Vigne: a full bouquet of small red berries, brown spices, mocha and tobacco, before musky cherries and sage follow. Its cool, creamy texture introduces a dense wave of ripe red and black fruits, with salty minerals and fine-grained tannins providing grip. It will show its full beauty in a few years, but with sufficient aeration it is already a pleasure today! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red colour, bright. Fine hints of mint, ripe cherries and cranberries on the nose, fine balsamic tones on the finish. Great juiciness on the palate, clear fruit and well-integrated acidity, opens warm-hearted and full-bodied, fine salty finish." Falstaff

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a dark and brooding bouquet that blends plum sauce with dark chocolate and espresso beans. It combines velvety textures with ripe red and black fruits over a core of juicy acidity, while maintaining a lifted and energetic feel. The 2019 finishes structured and long, but still relatively fresh. Orange-flavoured blackberries and savoury herbs linger. I'm very impressed with the 2019's palate performance and tannin management, but I wish the winery would go for an equally fresh presentation on the nose. Still, fans of the Pian delle Vigne style will love the energy in this wine." Vinous

"Aromas and flavours of iron and red chalk define this muscular red wine, while notes of plum cherry, menthol and tar are added on the chewy and extended finish. Balanced tannins, with a nice length." Vinous

"Sweet black cherries with some blackberries as well as cherry blossom on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied with firm tannins and a chewy finish, but it will soften and come together nicely with bottle age." James Suckling

"Prestige, elegance and tradition, a label symbol of the denomination. Olfaction refined, notes of dogwood, eucalyptus and touches of bergamot. Crunchy-dense palate, with briny tannins, returns with balsamic and citrusy notes." Luca Gardini

Altesinos Montosoli is always a crowd pleaser and a beautiful wine. It shows depth, intensity and plenty of authenticity both in terms of the grape variety and the area. Dark cherries and blackberries rise from the bouquet with spices, pipe tobacco and damp earth in tow. The wine is complex and nuanced. The authenticity of the Sangiovese comes through clearly on the palate. It is a medium-bodied wine with polished but firm tannins and distinct acidity. The finish shows a touch of freshness, minerality, notes of mint and great depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"Spicy, fruity aromatics, wild berries and roses; the attack is multi-layered, has character but also plenty of polish, the ell-long finish on notes of stone fruit and undergrowth." Vinum

"Firm and quite deep, nutty and very slightly cocoa-spicy aroma of ripe black berries, more black than red, with clear tar, a touch of cherries, hints of dried flowers and herbs as well as nutty tones. Tart, with air increasingly juicy, very tightly knit, rather dark fruit with present, nutty wood spice, some toasty cocoa and coffee notes as well as a little dried herbs, hints of juniper in the background, noticeable, but integrated alcohol, slightly ethereal, juniper-like spice, salty nuances, quite complex, still completely undeveloped, very good, firm, again toasty finish. Definitely needs to mature." Wein-Plus

"Shiny, rich ruby red with a fine garnet shimmer. Very clear and fruity nose, fresh, raspberry and dark cherry, fennel in the background. Round and supple in the attack and course, grippy tannin with fine melting, spreads out richly, nice pressure in the final." Falstaff

"The aromatics alone are worth the price of entry on the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli. A dazzling display is revealed as this opens like a basket of freshly picked flowers with ripe strawberries, cloves and a hint of plum sauce that adds gravitas. Its elegance is nicely matched by a balanced inner sweetness, as mineral-tinged red berries are contrasted by hints of sour citrus and savory spice. Fine tannins mount, yet are almost imperceptible until the finish, where notes of blood orange mingle with licorice and inner rose. In a word, spellbinding. While some cellaring will be needed, I expect the 2017 Montosoli to enjoy a broad, open and highly pleasurable drinking window." Vinous

"This is one of the icon wines of Montalcino and one of the bottles that best captures the character of this prized vineyard cru. Altesino farms 4.5 hectares in Montosoli at 350 meters in elevation with galestro soils. The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is darkly concentrated and rich. It shows an almost creamy consistency that was not easy to achieve in this hot vintage that tends to underline tannic power and alcohol. Instead, this wine offers a steady stream of dark fruit flavors that transition to spice, leather and sweet tobacco." Wine Advocate

"This concentrated red is saturated by black currant, blackberry and blueberry flavors, with notes of iron, tar, tobacco and wild herbs chiming in as it evolves toward the long finish. So fresh and fruity, it's hard to believe this is a 2017 if not for the stiff tannins. Shows superb balance and complexity." Wine Spectator

"Super clean black fruit and minerals on the nose and palate. Floral and herbal nuances, too. Medium-to full-bodied with very fine tannins and a long finish. This is super-clean, long and balanced. Despite the difficult vintage, Montosoli shows its class. One of the wines of the vintage. Best from 2024." James Suckling

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three micro-vineyards, which will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. The range of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione now includes, in addition to the famous Castello di Brolio, three cru sites (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% planted with Sangiovese. They differ in structure and taste in close correspondence with their terroir and impressively demonstrate the complexity of the Chanti Classico region.

CeniPrimo is a single-varietal Sangiovese from soils shaped by a former river course. It is a 6.4 hectare site planted in 1998 with southwest exposure. This site is in a valley on the Arbia River, and the soils are very complex at this point with alluvium and clay that is low in organic matter and lower in limestone. From our tasting, it seems to be the most nuanced and diverse of the three single vineyard Gran Selezione.

Intense, fresh and bright bouquet of violets and wild spicy notes. In the drink, an elegant acidity and fine mineral slate traces. Cherry, blackberry, plum, white pepper and a little rosemary lead the perfectly structured drop into a never-ending and multi-layered finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A complex, concentrated red wine with seductive aromas of cherries, blackcurrants, violets, minerals and spices. Dry and powerful, with a firm, mineral finish. It shows good balance and a long-lasting aftertaste, combining the fruity, mineral and spicy elements." Wine Spectator

"Straightforward fruit and floral aromas, then subtle spice too; the tannins powdery, well underpinned by the acidity, the finish on notes of sun-ripened berries. Pleases with its verve." Vinum

"The CeniPrimo, the lowest of Ricasoli's three crus, comes from a site 300 metres above sea level in the Arbia Valley on river soils. As a result, it is darker and earthier compared to the other two crus, grippier and also with an amazing acidity. There is a hint of creaminess in the background, with notes of earth, pepper and wood. It's very tasty and vertical, with balsamic freshness and beautiful purity, but definitely needs more time to show its best side." Decanter

"The Barone Ricasoli 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio CeniPrimo opens with a medium-dark, saturated appearance and a slightly more concentrated feel, with aromas of cherry liqueur, blackberries, spices and sweet earth. Thanks to the lower-lying vineyards and silty riverbed soils, this wine is a little fruitier and richer in texture. However, this wine also offers a touch of lively freshness on the finish, and that makes a big difference in a warm vintage like this. It remains very balanced throughout." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of firm-to-the-bite cherries with citrus peel. Flowers, like red roses, also come through clearly. Medium to full body, with open-grained tannins that cling like cashmere. Powerful, fresh and lively. Give this wine three to five years to develop." James Suckling

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three microlocations, which will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. The range of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione now includes, in addition to the famous Castello di Brolio, three cru sites (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% planted with Sangiovese. They differ in structure and taste in close correspondence with their terroir and impressively demonstrate the complexity of the Chanti Classico region.

Cru Roncicone comes from soils with maritime deposits. It is a 10.1 hectare plot planted between 1998 and 2000 at a density of 6,000 plants per hectare. The soils are rich in marine fossils with sand at the top and thicker clay under the topsoil. Our impression of this wine is that it is the most immediately and softly structured.

Deep dark, fruity-smoky bouquet. On the palate then dark, violet fruits, paired with notes of forest floor, tobacco and a nice spiciness. The volume is full and deep, the tannins very accessible even at a young age and the finish is flanked by a well-structured acidity framework, which will also ensure a very good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Roncicone, first released in the 2015 vintage, comes from a vineyard with richer soils with marine sediments and large pebbles. It is the most floral and fragrant of Ricasoli's three crus, intense and fleshy, with good spice of black and red cherries, spices and balsamic, finishing with sweet, floral red fruits - a very nice style." Decanter

"The spicy nose is reminiscent of a soothing café, with notes of balsamic vinegar and herbs, and a gentle fruitiness that lingers over the smell of the beans. The velvety texture on the palate is balanced by a sharp acidity and a peppery kick on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Offers aromas and flavours of cherry, blackcurrant and plum, underlined by iron and mineral notes. Accents of tobacco and wild herbs emerge on the long, delicious finish. Excellent balance." Wine Spectator

"Ripe and rich Roncicone with plums, currants and jam accompanied by fresh flowers and walnut undertones. Full-bodied, a little chewy and structured, but crisp with fine tannins. Long lasting finish. Needs at least two or three years to develop." James Suckling

"Exquisite bouquet of stone fruit and sandalwood, spiced up by fine spice; harmonious tannin-acid framework, pressure on the finish and yet full of elegance." Vinum

"This is the wine that blew me away last year (when I tasted the excellent 2019 vintage) and convinced me of the innovative work Barone Ricasoli is currently doing. Today, tasting the 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio Roncicone, I am reminded of the quality fruit that comes from this particular 10-acre site with marine fossils in the sandy topsoil. Carefully aged in oak, this Sangiovese shows brilliant clarity and focus, with aromas of roses, dried cherries, campfire ash and delicate mineral notes. This wine paints a beautiful portrait of this grape variety." Wine Advocate

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three microlocations, which will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. The range of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione now includes, in addition to the famous Castello di Brolio, three cru sites (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% planted with Sangiovese. They differ in structure and taste in close correspondence with their terroir and impressively demonstrate the complexity of the Chanti Classico region.

The grapes of Colledilà come from the soils of Monte Morello. The 7.6 hectare single-vineyard plot was planted in 2002 on very rocky soils rich in calcium, clay and organic matter. These characteristics give this wine its sharpness and concentration, promising long ageing in the cellar.

Ripe, dark cherry fruit and blackberry aromas, followed by tar, liquorice and potting soil. On the palate, a fine earthiness, cherry and plum, plus finely knit and slightly sweet tannins. The dense fruit and pleasant acid wire the Sangiovese provide the necessary freshness. Masterfully composed! SUPERIORE.DE

"Like a laser beam in profile, this red wine evokes aromas and flavours of cherries, currants, minerals, wild herbs and sweet spices. The lingering, incisive finish leaves a hint of fine tannins. Needs time." Wine Spectator

"Juicy, ripe and bright, it shows a delicious freshness of blackcurrant fruit with classic chalky verticality and length, but it needs more time to reveal all its complexity." Decanter

"Of these 2020 releases, I think the Barone Ricasoli 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà is the most sensitive to the warm growing season. You sense more fruit ripeness in this wine with savoury spices, leather and roasted espresso beans. There is plenty of plum and purple fruit framed by gravel and campfire ash. Indeed, this 2020 expression offers a nice, balanced freshness in terms of mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"Intense perfume of stone fruit, dark chocolate and tobacco; tightly woven, the tannins polished and in perfect unison with the well-integrated acidity, the finish on notes of black cherries, clear and spot-on. Also very successful in this vintage." Vinum

"Very perfumed with aromas of hibiscus flowers, citrus and fresh cherries leading to a medium body with layers of fruit and very fine tannins that go on and on. Fully integrated. A joy to taste and drink, but it will develop beautifully in bottle. Pure harmony." James Suckling

"Elegantly bright ruby red with a delicate garnet rim. Expressive nose, of rose hips, blood oranges, fresh cherries, very inviting and fragrant, red peach, with delicate floral components. Very juicy entry on the palate, polished and clear, with great brought out red fruit, plus bright spice, long and very elegant." Falstaff

Of all its wines, the flagship Tenuta di Trinoro offers the deepest insight into the Franchetti family's viticulture. The proprietary blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot from limestone and clay soils is adjusted each year depending on the quality and quantity of the harvest. The grapes are always the best of the vintage and come from the very best plots. The unique style of this Tuscan wine icon is recognisable with every vintage.

The vintage is deep and pure with a solid core of black fruit framed by an elegant contour of spice, tobacco, smoke and crushed stone. On the palate the wine is long and the finish can be counted in minutes, the whole experience is beautifully lean and velvety. SUPERIORE.DE

"Initially chaste, then multi-layered flavours of stone fruit, fresh flowers, maquis and undergrowth; superb structure with complexity, the powdery tannin precisely placed, the acidity provides the verve, finishes long and seductive. A great wine that still needs to mature." Vinum

"Rich, dark ruby violet colour. Complex and intense on the nose, showing nuances of cassis, dark chocolate, tobacco and subtle spicy components. Fills the palate, plenty of sweet, dark berry fruit, lots of fine flavour, polished, dense tannins, pithy final." Falstaff

"Super clean and rich with ripe currants on the nose, together with floral notes of violets and bright spices, such as nigella seeds and cardamom. Medium- to full-bodied with a very focused drive through the palate. The bright spices latch onto the firm tannins and combine with the fruit to give a long, vibrant finish. This is very tight and brimming with life. Needs a year or two to soften the tannins, but already showing class." James Suckling

"The sweet richness of vanilla bean, toasted coconut, blackberry tart and milk chocolate on the nose then evolves to reveal the savory flintiness of soil, graphite, spices and pepper. Tart and sweet blackberries and cherry syrup on the palate top an indulgent slice of flourless chocolate cake, with a sprig of fresh mint for garnish. A long, dynamic finish is guaranteed with the support of athletic tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Displaying a ripe, fleshy nose of black and red hedgerow berries, along with touches of sous bois, currants, bitter herbs and floral notes, this is an immediately appealing Trinoro 2021. In the mouth it conveys brightness along with depth and sapidity of succulent dark fruits, all the time lifted by a balsamic character. This features fine, grippy tannins and fresh acidity which lurk on the periphery, supporting the fruit without interfering. Vertical, succulent and bright, with some sweet violet, tobacco, damp earth and graphite notes emerging on the long and poised finish." Decanter

"Juicy and packed with black currant and blackberry fruit, this red is bright and balanced, with graphite, tobacco and black pepper elements adding complexity. Refined tannins are well-integrated with the graceful profile, while the lingering finish adds graphite, olive and oak spice details." Wine Spectator

"the 2021 Tenuta di Trinoro has a very generous and open-knit character with thick layers of dark fruit, blackberry confit, rhubarb, sweet earth and toasted spice. The wine's appearance is inky dark, and like the other wines in this portfolio of new releases, the alcohol is recorded at a high 15.5%." Wine Advocate

Named after the quartz speckles in the volcanic porphyry rock of Terlan, the most famous Sauvignon Bianco in Italy lives up to its name. Sparkling yellow-green in colour. Filigree, delicately scented with grapefruit, peach, honey and green papaya. Quartz is taut and precise, with a fleshy, creamy texture, great depth and a wonderful mineral-salty finish. Must have and must taste! SUPERIORE.DE

"Our Sauvignon selection, which has been given a truly characteristic name, is as filigree as the fine quartz crystals in Terlan's volcanic porphyry rock. The quartz is characterised by its fine texture and depth as well as a salty finish, which have now earned this fine white wine an international reputation." Rudi Kofler, Kellermeister Terlan

"Subtle grassy herbal notes lead to an expressive palate with lemon curd, guava and focussed mineral characters; refreshing and long." Decanter

"The flavours of melon, kiwi, Meyer lemon and notes of chive blossom and toast are very harmonious. A tantalising white that is skilfully knitted with razor-sharp acidity and salty minerality. It is long and creamy on the palate, with spice, mineral and herb accents on the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Quarz is very seductive, with a rich blend of savoury herbs and grapefruit zest underscored by a cooling hint of white smoke. It is bold and smooth with a medium body and a pretty inner sweetness that borders on decadent but is balanced by an energising core of zesty acidity. Candied lemon and lime resonate, while hints of salty minerality and chalk dust provide a perfect contrast. Like most Quartz vintages, this wine will age well over the medium term. Nevertheless, there is no harm in enjoying it now in this wonderful primary state." Vinous

"The Sauvignon Quartz is a very exact and precise expression, with tropical tones, crushed stone, tomato leaves and green papaya. There is a hint of sweetness, like candied pineapple or mango ice cream. I have always felt a special connection with this wine. There's a hint of pulverised quartz stone on the finish." Wine Advocate

"A sophisticated Sauvignon with a complex and aromatic nose that offers notes of glazed citrus and stone fruit with honeysuckle and melon rind. The palate is full and structured with a lively acidity. Creamy with the texture of ripe nectarine and an exciting mineral finish." James Suckling

"Cantina Terlano's usual fascinating journey into the potential of Sauvignon Blanc. On the nose, cedar wood, lychee, a hint of nectarine, then a menthol note and cedar thyme. Dense, crisp and exciting on the palate, with a fruity, citrusy finish and a long aftertaste." Luca Gardini

"Bright, sparkling straw yellow colour. Very intense nose, rich aromas of dark redcurrants and elderflower, with a hint of tomato green, exciting. Also shows great flavour on the palate, lots of sage, salty, beautiful melting on the final, lingers for a very long time." Falstaff

Barolo Pira is a great, complex wine that has enormous depth and many nuances that open up further with time. It is light-footed yet wonderfully profound and has so much to offer. Cherry, sweet red cherry, spice, orange peel, menthol and spice fill out the layers effortlessly. Young Barolo tannins are present, but the fruit is rich enough to keep things in balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Barolo Pira oscillates between fresh fruit and mild spices. Grown on 25-60 year old vines, the flawless cherry fruit is illuminated by ethereal top notes, roasted almonds and juniper berries alternate with rosemary, sour cherries and sloes. The nose continues to unfurl with increasing aeration and changes like a kaleidoscope. On the palate, the ripe tannins take over and lay the velvety foundation on which the fruit parades, flowing straight and transparently across the palate with oriental flavours. Notes of sandalwood, juniper and incense are underpinned by fine cherry notes, the precisely crafted acid nerve is perfectly encased by the tightly woven tannin, lending it freshness and drinkability. A wine of uncomplicated distinction with superb length. Please get the large glasses out of the cupboard. Timely decanting is highly recommended." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The Barolo Pira 2018 is bright, concentrated and linear. A little light and nervous, like the wines in this vintage, but also expressive. Tobacco, cedar, mint, dried flowers and camomile adorn this taut, nervous Barolo Pira. This is a particularly ethereal Barolo. It is very beautiful and has a lot of power." Vinous

"There's viscosity to this red, despite its nimble profile, along with detail, harmony and length, showing precise flavors of rose petal, cherry, currant, licorice, sandalwood and graphite focused by vivid acidity, while refined tannins lurk underneath." Wine Spectator

Barolo Rocche di Castiglione comes from a parcel just above the Cascina Pira of Roagna. It offers a captivating blend of supple fruit, soaring flavours and structure. The 2018 is silky and sensual through and through, as wines from this vineyard tend to be. It is transparent, beguiling and mesmerising from the very first sip. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with light, orange-coloured reflections. Forest mushrooms, black and even a little white truffle on the nose, plus rosehip tea, redcurrant and blackberry. Freshly ground pepper and crushed juniper provide spice and plenty of ethereal flavours. Clear, bright and precise on the palate. The fruit is now much more prominent. Totally juicy and fortunately always flanked by the acidity structure. Invigorating, drinkable and lean. The fruit now appears small-berry and positively acidic on the palate. The initially earthy flavours are only of secondary importance in the finish. The show clearly belongs to sour cherry, lovage and blackberry. Iodised, almost salty and with a fleshy character, it leaves you wanting more. This is pure umami." Marian Henß (Sommelier)

"The 2018 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is very tightly wound at this stage. Sweet dried fruit, leather, tobacco, spices and leather are beautifully interwoven. Here, too, the flavour profile tends towards dried rather than fresh fruit. Annoying tannins add freshness and energy that prolong the finish. This is a particularly flavoursome, earthy vintage. It is also a wine that needs time to develop." Vinous

"Light on its feet and featuring cherry, strawberry and menthol flavors, this red is racy and laced with fine-grained tannins, while its harmonious, refined texture lends finesse and class. Ends with a vein of minerality." Wine Spectator

Gallina comes from a steep, sandy vineyard, similar to the Asili site, but with less limestone, which gives it more roundness and fullness. Full bouquet of sweet tobacco, cedar wood, liquorice and dried herbs. A soft, sweet, red fruit combines with the typical Roagna austerity in an exciting way on the palate to create an impressive complexity and length. It will only reveal its true elegance in a few years' time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barbaresco Gallina 2018 is a very nice wine in this range. Tobacco, kirsch, mint, orange peel, red fruit, spice cake and mint give it an exotic flair. Time in the glass brings out the wine's inner perfume and sweetness. This is a beautiful and inviting wine that expresses the ethereal side of the year well." Vinous

"Balsamic elements of eucalyptus, juniper and rosemary mingle with cherry and raspberry in this intense red, which is tightly wound and dense, with assertive, dusty tannins and a long, iron-infused finish." Wine Spectator

Just like its older brother, Massetino skilfully showcases the contrast between power and opulence combined with restraint and class. A solid, crisp wine with a bright colour, very distinctive, vertical and elevated, intense and expressively aromatic. On the nose, the essence of hyacinth, saffron, wild rosemary, mulberry and a hint of lavender. Juicy on the palate, but with a frame that emphasises the feeling of density and compactness. Vertically layered, but with great depth that tapers downwards to a distant vanishing point. After a silky attack, the present tannins take hold as the wine progresses. Long and pure, very persistent. Massetino is truly something special every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby colour with violet shimmer. Appealing nose with notes ranging from blackberry to orange peel and tobacco. Well-developed dark berry fruit on the palate, then unfolds with polished tannins, balanced and with good length." Falstaff

"This wine is opulent, with a lush texture that envelops flavours of black cherries, blackberries and plums. Hints of tar, iron and wild herbs add detail as this red evolves into a long finish. Balanced and fresh, with sweet, lingering oak spice notes." Wine Spectator

"It is refined and fresh with a hint of sandalwood to the beautiful blue fruits. It has a medium body with creamy and polished tannins framing the blue fruits and a hint of crushed stone. Juicy and succulent with a crisp personality. You want to take a sip immediately. A second wine of the highest quality from Masseto. So drinkable and wonderful." James Suckling

"Massetino is considered the second wine of Masseto, but I am slowly coming to the conclusion that it is much more than that. It accounts for about a third of Masseto's production, and judging by the quality of this 2022, next year's Grand Vin release could be absolutely phenomenal. Massetino has always contained a proportion of Cabernet Franc since its first vintage in 2017 - 10% in 2022. A cool and dry spring led to a slightly delayed budbreak, followed by 75 days of drought and high temperatures. Summer thunderstorms finally brought balance, and the cool September evenings were perfect for bringing the grapes to full ripeness. Each parcel was vinified separately and spontaneously in concrete tanks before malolactic fermentation took place in barriques. The wine is bright and stony, it has a lot of energy. It is lively and flavoursome, combining fresh Mediterranean herbs and balanced fruit, with more verticality than the Masseto 2021 and just as much concentration. Incredible precision and beautiful freshness, especially considering the vintage." Decanter

With a few hours in the air, Albesani begins to reveal the inner sweetness and fragrance so typical of wines from this Neive vineyard. Sweet dried cherries, rose petals, kirsch, cinnamon, orange peel and sweet tobacco open up with a little coaxing. Albesani clearly has a lot to offer for those who can wait for the initially prominent tannins to soften. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Barbaresco Albesani is another great wine from Roagna. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, tobacco, orange peel, spice and crushed rocks open up beautifully with a little coaxing. Deep and powerful, but also wonderfully restrained, the Albesani has a lot to offer. It is also one of the few wines from this vintage that certainly needs time." Vinous

"Round and opulent, this red features cherry, raspberry, rose, menthol, tobacco and mineral flavors. Dense and firmly structured, with superb balance and terrific length. Combines power and finesse." Wine Spectator

Roagna's Barbaresco Pajè already has a great need to communicate in its youth and shows itself to be open-minded and with multi-layered flavours, full-bodied and harmoniously balanced. An extraordinary pleasure for the next 20 years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red in colour. Pajè unleashes itself in unerring volleys of raspberries and sour cherries as well as laurels and walnut shells, its shimmering, ethereal top note reminiscent of tarmac roads on the midsummer horizon. Mild spices such as cloves, black pepper and dried cherries are a recurring theme, like the title melody of a monumental soundtrack. Mercilessly dry on the palate with a beguiling extract sweetness. Grown on vines over 80 years old, the fruit and spice notes on the nose are accurately reflected on the palate and are encased in ripe, tightly woven tannins like Kevlar. Complex and multi-layered, it flows over the palate with a silky feel, almost floating, and its fruity, ethereal finish is almost weightless with an extra-long finish. Large glasses and time are the weapons of choice." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"Sparkling, medium-dense ruby-garnet colour. Finely characterised nose with notes of dried rose petals, strawberry and wild raspberry, some plum. Fills the palate full, finely sweet fruit with great melting, opens with present, savoury tannin, full-bodied and with firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"The Barbaresco Pajè 2018 is a brooding, introverted wine. Mineral and spicy notes dominate, while the fruit remains in the background. The Pajè has developed wonderfully since my first tasting a few months ago. The flavours in particular are very expressive. Like all the 2018s here, the Pajè is a Barbaresco of unobtrusive complexity. It will be interesting to see whether the lively tannins give way a little." Vinous

"Fresh, lively and straightforward in profile, even racy, this red wine shows flavours of strawberries, cherries, hibiscus, iron and cut hay, with a lively structure, fine harmony and a long, fruity and mineral finish." Wine Spectator