Wines from Tuscany | Bolgheri

40 years after acquiring the Montalcino branch Campogiovanni, the Tuscan flagship winery San Felice, which belongs to the Allianz insurance group, has decided on a further expansion called Bell'Aja. In the Bolgheri locality of Le Sondraie, 6 hectares of vineyards with clayey-sandy soils were selected, where mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were planted over 12 years ago. There are only two wines from this new Bell'Aja appellation, Bolgheri Rosso and Bolgheri Rosso Superiore.

Bright purple in colour, the bouquet is full of dark forest berries. The palate is then full of harmony with a delicate acidity and soft, very enveloping tannins. A warm, flattering red with a profile that fully lives up to its noble origins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby colour with purple hues. Intense on the nose, with notes of blackberries and blueberries, dark chocolate, leather and cedar. Powerful and gripping on the palate, with compact fruit, tightly woven tannins and a lingering finish." Falstaff

"A fruity red wine with aromas and flavours of plums, redcurrants and tobacco. A hint of walnuts. It is medium-bodied, creamy and balanced. Excellent drinkability." James Suckling

A convincing and racy cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, as well as small parts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot with a marvellous bouquet of dark cherries, leather, mocha and lavender. Multi-layered and powerful on the palate with a cornucopia of spice and dark fruit. Well-structured tannins flank the extremely flavourful and expressive finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark, ruby-red centre with a delicate rim. Initially shows earthy notes on the nose, then cassis, plum and toasted wood. Full-bodied fruit on the palate with velvety tannins, balanced and persistent through to the juicy finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Il Bruciato is a fine entry-level offering from Antinori's Guado al Tasso property. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, licorice, cloves and espresso are front and center. This juicy, lush red is classic Bolgheri." Vinous

"Smooth and expressive, with aromas of blackcurrants, black cherries and blackberries as well as hints of liquorice, iron and rosemary. This red wine is taut, with firm tannins that give it a compact finish." Wine Spectator

"The popular Marchesi Antinori 2022 Bolgheri Rosso Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that offers generous black fruit, plum, black prune, spice and light toasty flavours. On the palate, the wine tapers to a medium-weight texture. This hot vintage reveals ripe fruit characteristics with soft tannins and an approachable style." Wine Advocate

Pagus Cerbaia is the name of a first-class small plot of land with sedimentary soils. This is where the small quantities of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon come from, 50% of which is fermented in amphorae and 50% in oak barrels after the harvest. The "Selection Rosato", which is only bottled in a few hundred bottles, has an intense floral aroma and captivates the palate in a lively and cheerful way with a lingering spicy note and a wonderfully complex finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright copper colour with a sparkling core. Aromas of orange peel, ginger, honey and dried figs on the nose. Soft on the palate, expansive, carried by striking acidity, right through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

"This is complex and layered with dried strawberry bush, pastry crust, dried flowers and caramel. Medium-bodied, textural and polished with a gentle phenolic edge to it and chalky minerality." James Suckling

"Youthful, creamy aromas of red fruits open up to wonderfully ripe notes of peach, dried apricots, honey and cream, as well as hints of oak with nutmeg and cloves. Perhaps the proximity to the sea contributes to the salty, mineral notes that combine with the oak structure. The oak adds a subtle spice, the ripe fruit adds weight, the fresh acidity is perfectly balanced and gives the wine outstanding length without shouting." Decanter

Here comes Varvàra, the convincing "second wine" from the Bolgheri shooting star, named in honour of BaroneVarvàra Wrangel. A wine in the style of the house: a rich, bright ruby colour with a garnet rim, a sophisticated bouquet with a finely pronounced ripe berry nose and beautiful herbal aromas. Warm on the palate, polished, tightly woven and of great elegance and refinement. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Pronounced nose of juicy blackberries, cigar box, slightly animal and vegetal notes on the finish. Rich fruit sweetness on the palate with great presence, firm tannins, very juicy and recurring on the finish." Falstaff

"The flavours of raspberries and cherries with thyme and mint are beguiling and merge into a medium body with a beautiful depth and purity of fruit and long, refined tannins. Very polished." James Suckling

The grapes for Villa Donoratico, like those for Bolgheri Superiore, have recently been sourced from the estate's very best vineyards. Immediately after hand-picking, they are rigorously selected by 12 employees at 2 sorting tables and the ageing in 500-litre tonneaux ensures even more elegance and finesse. The qualitative gap to Argentiera, the winery's flagship, has thus been noticeably reduced and the wine sets new standards in the entire Bolgheri DOC.

Rich, sparkling ruby colour. Fine, subtle nose of redcurrant and herbal spice, some rosewood and fresh forest floor. Very complex and multi-layered on the palate, revealing more facets with every sip, the well-articulated fruit core is flanked by a fine-meshed tannin and leads into a very elegant, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very dark in the glass, almost black. The nose is very powerful. Juicy black cherry, plus preserved blackberry and a hint of blueberry. Very inviting. A little lighter in the mouth, again lots of fruit and spicy notes, with an elegant woody flavour. Crisp tannins and acidity, both well interwoven. Powerful without being heavy, animating and with good drinking flow. Goes well with game dishes." Vinum

"A dense red with flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries, vanilla, cedar and chocolate, supported by slightly grainy tannins. Rather chunky overall, but with a nice length." Wine Spectator

"The nose starts with black cherries and blackberries, but eventually notes of salt and pepper come to the fore. On the palate, the cherries linger, with chocolate complementing the rich sweetness, before a complex finish of heat, spice and dusty chalk. The tannins linger while the acidity sings." Wine Enthusiast

"Dense ruby colour with a brightening rim. Spicy on the nose, with aromas of white pepper, blackcurrant, cocoa and light tobacco notes. Velvety and soft on the palate, with firm tannins and rich fruit, with a long finish." Falstaff

"Attractive Cabernet-based red wine with aromas of redcurrants and berries and undertones of lead pencil and spices. Herbs. Full-bodied with walnut, chocolate and fruit flavours. Very fine tannins with a finesse and beauty." James Suckling

"The Argentiera 2021 Bolgheri Rosso Villa Donoratico has a forward mouthfeel with plenty of immediate intensity in the mid-palate. The wine is articulate and generous with thick layers of black fruits, stewed plums, sweet earth and pressed blackberries. You get everything you want from a Bolgheri Rosso. You even get a wine that tastes more like a Bolgheri Superiore." Wine Advocate

High-quality and rare Vermentino with a straw-yellow colour and a bouquet of white fruit and hazelnut. Fresh and floral on the palate, round and ripe. The well-dosed use of wood gives the wine a fine, creamy texture. A persistent, highly elegant Bolgheri Bianco with fine mineral notes for special occasions. SUPERIORE.DE

"Always a reliable interpretation of Vermentino from Bolgheri: animating bouquet of citrus and apricot, also notes of herbs, flowers and undergrowth; harmonious structure, perfectly integrated acidity, elegant and long. Convinces with its freshness and yet also spiciness." Vinum

"Sparkling light gold colour. Elegant, fragrant bouquet of very juicy limes and grapefruit on sea salt, with delicate hints of rosemary and thyme. Mouth-filling and very juicy on electrifying acidity, with a gentle grip and plenty of tension, it lingers on the palate for a long, salty finish." Falstaff

"A serious Vermentino with powerful and complex flavours of peach, apple, almond, sage and shiso leaves. Firm, dry and salty on the long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"Restrained orange blossom with white peach, white pepper and broom flowers. The attack is crisp and citrus-accentuated, with a crisp acidity, medium body and a polished finish." James Suckling

Michele Satta is one of Italy's greatest ambassadors for the Viognier grape, which he has almost single-handedly brought to this part of the Tuscan coast. His Viognier is sophisticated and seductive, making it the object of desire for wine lovers all over the world. Its inimitable bouquet of apricot and peach exudes an almost cheerful floweriness. Maturation in a combination of cement, oak and amphorae gives this expressive, flavoursome white wine a beautiful note. A dense white wine that spreads out softly on the palate with a lovely salty freshness and a long, delicious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright light gold with straw yellow colour. Smells very fine on the nose of exotic fruits, rich lemons, plus a light muscat note, banana. Racy acidity on the palate, with present fruit, brisk, precise, really great Viognier!" Falstaff

"A pure viognier with a creamy texture and subtle apple and tropical fruit. Hints of stone and cement, almond and aniseed. Medium-bodied, subtle and thought-provoking. Complex. 50% made in amphora and the rest in cement and wood." James Suckling

Piastraia fully lives up to the classic image of a great and delicate Bolgheri Rosso Superiore. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller portions of Merlot and Sangiovese, it fills the glass with its intense aroma of fruit and a hint of leather flavours. The flavour is powerful, concentrated and pure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Promising bouquet of blueberries and cherries, also sandalwood, liquorice and flowers; the tannins are powdery, the acidity skilfully integrated, combines race, juiciness and a lot of melting and at the same time not at all pretentious, but very drinkable." Vinum

"Dark and full ruby colour. Open, elegant bouquet of blackberry, underlaid with spicy notes of liquorice, leather and undergrowth. Powerful on the palate, round, juicy and easy to drink. The tannins are well integrated, retronasal black cherry and chocolate, long final." Falstaff

"A firm and compact red wine that shows walnuts, dried herbs, loam, black fruit and cedar on the nose. It is full-bodied, polished and compact, with firm but fine-grained tannins. Roasted walnut notes on the long finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Piastraia is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. It's a great example of where the house style is heading under the direction of Giacomo Satta. Syrah is gone from the blend, and yet the wine offers plenty of textural depth and energy. Dark red cherry, spice, new leather, rose petal and dried flowers open gradually in the glass. This is beautifully done." Vinous

"The core flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry and pomegranate are overlaid with notes of mint, violet, iron and toasted oak. This red wine is dense and rich, with a matrix of polished tannins in support. The balance and finish are outstanding." Wine Spectator

Brilliant dark ruby colour, intense and inviting nose with a pronounced aroma of dark fruit, especially blackberry, followed by some liquorice. Firm and gripping on the palate with taut tannins, the Cavaliere shows its animating (Sangiovese) character over the course of the wine and maintains good pressure until the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, luminous ruby-garnet colour. On the nose, preserved cherries and plums, sealing wax, a hint of iodine and undergrowth as well as fine spice. Silky on the palate entry, flows harmoniously and balanced with precise fruit and gentle pressure to the lingering, fruity-sweet final." Falstaff

"The 2021 Cavaliere is a very pretty wine that shows tons of Sangiovese character in a lighter, more perfumed style than in the past. Crushed red berry fruit, spice, mint, orange peel and a touch of whole-cluster savoriness from the 30% stems all meld together. Aging in cement further enhances freshness and vitality. Sangiovese is not especially suited to Bolgheri, but it works quite well here." Vinous

"This is a very cool Tuscan red wine with flavours of candied orange, watermelon and strawberry as well as fresh flowers and rose stems. Medium-bodied, firm and lively. Crisp and crunchy. So bright and delicious." James Suckling

Satta's almost black-violet Syrah with an extraordinary bouquet of blueberry and blackberry liqueur, tar and graphite shines with richness and intensity. Not a flatterer, but not an edgy representative either - a sensational wine for today and the years to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, brightening ruby red colour. Fragrant, appealing and clear nose of fresh cherries, ripe raspberries, some wild strawberries, rose hips and blood oranges, very fragrant, with elegant floral notes. On the palate with a savoury melt and great freshness, very lively and with a great nerve, accessible, best enjoyed a few degrees cooler, very elegant." Falstaff

"The Michele Satta 2021 Syrah shows some of the almost rusty qualities that the grape can produce, but also has hints of peppercorns and spice. It is lean for a Syrah from Tuscany, and this is a welcome characteristic. It offers delicate flavours of dusty rose, spice and powdery tannins. This expression is elegant and restrained. Only 3,300 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"A subtle and friendly syrah with green tobacco, graphite, dried earth, spices and dark fruit. Medium-bodied, refined and flavorful with a firm and bright finish. Chewy at the end." James Suckling

Pagus Camilla comes from a small parcel called "Camilla" near the Sondraia vineyards. Here, the Vermentino and Petit Manseng grapes experience greater concentration and complexity during the ripening process. This "project wine", produced in very small quantities, is a unique example of the potential for white wines from Bolgheri. Pure, deep and beautiful, citrus flavours, salt, minerality and with full, creamy fruit, balanced, long and with very good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, sparkling lemon yellow colour. Elegant on the nose, with fine woody spice, ripe yellow fruit and a slightly buttery finish. Expansive on the palate, with a strong presence, fine fruit flavour and pronounced length." Falstaff

"This has a perfumed and complex nose of grapefruits, star fruit, rosemary, white pepper, nutmeg, peaches, dried flowers and cumin. It’s medium- to full-bodied with an oily texture. Layers of tropical fruit and spice, all held together by a zesty freshness. Fantastic Vermentino." James Suckling

Dark ruby purple in colour, with a blackcurrant aroma and an excellent length, firm tannins, fine extract sweetness and a pronounced spicy note on the final. We are excited to see what elegant heights this great Tuscan Merlot will reach in the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, ruby-red core, with a brightening rim. Dark, fleshy fruit on the nose of blackberry, black cherry, on ebony, pipe tobacco, juniper. Soft and creamy on the palate, juicy fruit coated in chocolate, firm tannins, long finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Cont'Ugo, offers terrific freshness, especially for the year. There's a bit of edginess in the tannin from the challenges of the growing season. Even so, what comes through most is the move toward greater vibrancy in the wines." Vinous

"This is a wonderfully polished and creamy red wine. Notes of chocolate biscuits, dark plums, cloves and dark cherries on the nose, as well as some graphite, followed by a full-bodied, lush and supple palate." James Suckling

"This red wine is decidedly fruity with aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, plums, liquorice, cedar wood and oak spices. A smooth version with excellent balance and a long aftertaste. Shows just enough grip to give it weight." Wine Spectator

Rich ruby red colour. A lively potpourri of spices, dark, fleshy fruit, cherries, blackberries and tar on the nose. Firm tannins on the palate, wonderful full fruit and plenty of persistence, intensity and depth. SUPERIORE.DE

Outstandingly clear and typical in its aroma of ripe fruit, notes of smoke, liquorice and tar. Always reveals new nuances of its personality on the palate. Elegant and refined in every respect. SUPERIORE.DE

"A cedary twist to the typical notes of black olives, tobacco, paprika and black fruit. Medium- to full-bodied with prominent, fine-grained tannins and fruit. Long, demure and tight. Needs at least one more year to soften and open up." James Suckling

This is the debut vintage of the single-varietal white "sister" of the famous Sondraia Rosso - Sondraia Viognier Bianco 2019. Kaleidoscopic bouquet with scents of orange blossom, jasmine, yellow fruits, citrus fruits and herbs. Captivating structure and precision on the palate, with a juicy texture that shows off the crisp, layered fruit to good effect. Restrained sweet tannins, fresh acidity and great elegance round off this exceptional white wine from Bolgheri and lead into a full, mineral finish. Be sure to aerate! SUPERIORE.DE

"Jasmine, honeysuckle, apricot, peach and hazelnut on the nose. It's full-bodied with oily, floral layers. Smooth, caressing and delicious." James Suckling

Since Guidalberto has been vinified from its own grapes, most of which also grow in the Sassicaia DOC monopoly position, San Guido's "second wine" has grown beyond itself. Spicy, earthy bouquet with hints of tobacco, clove and lavender, dense and juicy on the palate with fresh red and black berry fruit. The tannins are well balanced and the finish is complex with a majestic elegance that will become even more refined with years of ageing in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Guidalberto is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and has its own vines, some of which are inside and some outside the Sassicaia DOC. A very subtle wine with ripe, charming fruit and a velvety texture. It is more elegant and refined than before." Weinwisser

"Gently shining ruby red colour. Multi-layered bouquet, opens on ripe wild berries, redcurrant, notes of juniper, cedar and black pepper, a touch of lilac. Silky attack, precise fruit on very well-integrated, fine tannins, elegant and with gentle pressure in the long final." Falstaff

"The 2022 is full of aromas of herbs and sea breeze amid bright, tangy berries. In the mouth, it is savoury and precise, with a juiciness to the concentrated core of plums and black berries and a gracefulness to the tannin and acidity structures that weave through it. Juicy and incredibly flavoursome, with a wonderfully ripe red berry finish, this wine really stands on its own two feet." Decanter

"Lots of mint with sage and fresh rosemary to go with the redcurrants and oranges on the nose, as well as some ripe raspberries. The palate is very refined with creamy and crisp tannins that run the length of the wine. It shows a crisp and energetic personality. It should be given another year or two to develop, but it is already very good for the vintage." James Suckling

"The Guidalberto 2022 gives you a good taste of the same DNA that gives us one of Italy's greatest wines, Sassicaia, but it is offered here in a more immediate style. This warm vintage opens with a medium-dark concentration and very powerful aromas that immediately remind you of blackberries and blackcurrants lying in the sun at the farmers' market. The wine shows a soft and gentle side with a nice level of elegance conveyed by the freshness of the fruit and the slight oak spice that is noticeable here, but with grace." Wine Advocate

"This red wine is elegant, despite its firm structure and dense tannins. The flavours of black cherry, blackcurrant, plum, tobacco, iron and rosemary hold court, with all components balanced. The finish is long, with a salty flavour." Wine Spectator

After gentle distillation in small copper stills, the grappa matures for at least three years in used Ornellaia barrels (twice as long as prescribed) before being blended with grappas from older stocks to give it an extra measure of depth and character.

With soft aromas, silky texture and golden colour, Eligo dell'Ornellaia Grappa Riserva is of noble style and unique origin. An enveloping, warm bouquet of ripe grapes and toasted oak. Very pleasant and full on the palate with a long, harmonious aftertaste. SUPERIORE.DE

Gaja's white wine Vistamare very much lives up to its name: wide, dazzling and ever-changing, as atmospheric as a lake view. The fine cuvée of Vermentino, Viognier, Chardonnay and Sauvignon is reminiscent of the rich scents of Bolgheri. Full, fruity, elegant and long on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

Le Difese is the freshest and most accessible of the three wines from San Guido. For us, it is one of Tuscany's finest price-quality wonders. Magnificent, sweetly perfumed fruit aromas in the opulent bouquet, equally generous and broad in the long-lasting flavour of dark cherries, wild strawberries and tangy rosehips. Le Difese shows the great class of the winery in a more playful way. SUPERIORE.DE

"This red delivers cherry, berry and rose flavors shaded by earth and a touch of minerality. Tips to the tannic side on the finish, with fine length." Wine Spectator

"Le Difese 2021 is predominantly Sangiovese (55%), departing from the traditional 70/30 split in favour of Cabernet Sauvignon. The third generation of Tenuta San Guido, Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta, explained that this decision was made to enhance the "local Tuscan" character of the wine and improve its drinkability at an early stage as a "first step into the world of Tenuta San Guido". While the Cabernet is grown on the estate, the Sangiovese is, as always, sourced from long-standing partners in Chianti Rufina. Bright, incredibly vibrant red, black and blue fruits are accompanied by subtle, fine-grained tannins with notes of wood and chocolate. It is simultaneously juicy, tangy and crisp, with good ripeness and great acidity." Decanter

"The 2021 Le Difese smells of crushed red berries, rose petals, lavender, spices and sweet pipe tobacco. The 2021 is medium-bodied, but beautifully complex and impeccably balanced. Even at this early stage, it is a real pleasure. In many vintages, Le Difese is a fruity, forward wine, but the 2021 has a classic flavour that is very appealing. It is one of my favourite vintages of recent years. As has been the case for some time, Le Difese is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate and Sangiovese purchased from various estates in Chianti Classico, with the energy of the Sangiovese coming through very strongly in this vintage." Vinous

"Dark, sparkling ruby red colour. Opens up on the nose to ripe sour cherry and blueberries, followed by notes of sage and wood spice. Flattering on the palate, with pithy tannins and concentrated fruit, pleasant right through to the lingering final." Falstaff

Poggio Alle Gazze is a very elegant Sauvignon Blanc with a large amount of Vermentino and small amounts of Viognier, Verdicchio and Semillon. Fabulous flavours of flowers, pineapple, peach and a little mint. Refined and expressive on the palate, well-structured and wonderfully long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium straw yellow with light golden reflections. Intense and present on the nose of elderflower, sage, citrus and pineapple. Juicy and full-bodied on the palate with beautiful freshness, present fruit, slightly salty notes and good tension." Falstaff

"The 2022 Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia, composed of 53% Sauvignon Blanc, 37% Vermentino, 6% Viognier, 2% Verdicchio and 2% Semillon, is fragrant and fresh with aromas of lemongrass, sweet sage, honey and green apple floating high in the glass. Pretty mineral notes of flint and gravel round it off. A tart, beautifully drinkable white wine." Wine Advocate

"Expressive aromas and flavours of elderflower, passion fruit, gooseberry and chives combine with the silky texture of this balanced and seamless white wine, which has floral and grapefruit accents on the finish. Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia is a very pretty, harmonious white. Soft contours wrap around a core of lemon peel, sage, tomato leaf, mint and varietal Sauvignon notes. Airy and impeccable in its balance, the Poggio alle Gazze is a winner." Vinous

"Lots of sliced grapefruit with lemon peel and aniseed. Medium body. Lively. Shows beautiful brightness." James Suckling

This delicate, luxury Tuscan rosato has a pale pink colour with light amber reflections. The wine smells of sweet fruits such as wild raspberries and fragolina di bosco, followed by bitter almond and dried sage. It is a very animating rosé with a slender body and balanced freshness and lively acidity, which is a lot of fun! SUPERIORE.DE

L'Alberello is a beautiful Rosso made primarily from Cabernet. The wine comes from a two-hectare plot planted entirely with long rows of Alberello vines planted at an altitude of 30 metres above sea level on predominantly clayey soils. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and the wine matures for 18 months in barriques. Starts fresh and vehement with warm, dark fruit flavours, then opens up further with a bouquet of herbs, coffee and a pinch of pepper. Remarkably polished and juicy on the palate, everything is in balance, silky and very charismatic on the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Previously a Bolgheri Superiore, now a Toscana IGT, the timeless style has not changed: A cosy bouquet of chocolate, herbs and undergrowth, including pepper; juicy in the mouth, robust tannins, the acidity perfectly integrated, beautiful smoothness and polish, elegant final. Convincing." Vinum

"Dark ruby red with purple reflections. Dense, spicy bouquet of blackcurrant, tomato leaf and red pepper, backed by precious wood and a touch of graphite. Very juicy and with ripe fruit in the centre, very present on the palate, with firm tannins and a lingering, fruit-driven finish." Falstaff

"This red wine is concentrated but overall elegant, with flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar, herbs and iron accompanied by lively acidity. Assertive, dusty tannins line the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Bolgheri Superiore L’Alberello is deep and beautifully layered in the glass. Dark-toned fruit, scorched earth, tobacco, cedar and spice all run through this powerhouse Bolgheri red. The 2021 can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring, but a few years in bottle should help soften the formidable tannins. This is impressive juice." Vinous

"A precise and powerful young red wine with flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, sandalwood and lavender leading to an extremely pure and polished palate that is quite endless on the finish. Lots of energy here." James Suckling