Wines from Tuscany | Chianti

Il Randagio (the stray) is wonderfully complex and nuanced. Initially quite closed, the delicately spicy nose creeps up with increasing aeration and opens further into a wonderfully complex bouquet of dark red to black berries. Rising floral, savoury and spicy accents point to a wine that says more about the style of the house than anything else. The palate is wide-ranging with delicate wild berry flavours, perfectly polished tannins and a fresh, very invigorating acid wire that uninhibitedly enhances the drinkability of this once again typically different red. The best days of this wine still lie in the future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with violet shimmer. Opens with notes of dark smoke, then lots of blackberry and elderberry. Firm tannins, spicy and savoury, crisp fruit, still a little rough on the final." Falstaff

"A very juicy and drinkable Toscana, with fresh red berries, cherries, chopped herbs and subtle dark earth funk to encourage drinking. Fluid and bright, with lively strawberry fruit and chunky tannins. Firm, juicy and quite relaxed." James Suckling

"The 2022 Il Randagio, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is fabulous. Bright acids and floral nuances adorn this exquisite, nuanced red wine. The 2022 spent four months on the skins in cement tanks and open vats. Above all, the freshness and purity of this wine stand out. What a great wine this is." Vinous

"The Tenuta di Carleone 2022 Il Randagio is a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc and comes in a screw-top bottle with a drawing of a one-eyed bulldog on the label, which is surely the alter ego of Sean O'Callaghan. He experiments with long maceration times and alternative cement containers. There's a lot of creative spirit in a wine like this, which reveals fresh, bright berry tones. The style is full of energy. This is a good value red wine that I'm happy to recommend, especially if you're looking for a casual but spirited expression." Wine Advocate

Since summer 2023, Chianti Classico producers have been allowed to include the eleven additional geographical indications (UGA = unità geografiche aggiuntive) introduced in 2021 on the labels of the top Gran Selezione category. For Chianti Classico winegrowers, it is a logical step to produce wines that reflect the area in which they were produced as authentically as possible. And customers can thus deepen their knowledge of the relationship between the wines and their region of origin - a real added value.

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

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

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Cavarchione is a polished, sensual wine. Black cherry, plum, lavender, sage, menthol and licorice build effortlessly in a Gran Selezione that captures all the textural richness that is typical of this sector in Gaiole. Ripe, finessed tannins wrap it all together." Vinous

Maestro Raro shines first with its lively colour and then impresses with a bouquet that reveals a wonderful blackberry scent after spices, leather and tobacco aromas. The concentrated taste spreads softly, in which a stable acid structure cooperates perfectly with the tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Beautiful aromas of currants and fresh herbs with some green coffee bean. Medium to full body with firm, chewy tannins and a flavourful finish. Needs time to mellow and come together." James Suckling

"The 2019 Maestro Raro is impressive. Dark, layered and striking in its completeness, the Maestro Raro is endowed with tremendous depth and sheer resonance. Black cherry, plum, menthol, liquorice, spice and grilled herbs give the 2019 considerable depth." Vinous

"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Maestro Raro is a lovely expression with deep layers of dark fruit and savory spice that are woven tightly together to form a solid core of primary and secondary flavors. This vintage is especially tight and concentrated, showing terrific balance and freshness and impeccable fruit ripeness that is generous and full. There are no green elements in this vintage. Instead, the fruit is beautifully rich and velvety." Wine Advocate

Since summer 2023, Chianti Classico producers have been allowed to include the eleven additional geographical indications (UGA = unità geografiche aggiuntive) introduced in 2021 on the labels of the top Gran Selezione category. For Chianti Classico winegrowers, it is a logical step to produce wines that reflect the area in which they were produced as authentically as possible. And customers can thus deepen their knowledge of the relationship between the wines and their region of origin - a real added value.

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

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

"From the single vineyard Casanova dell'Aia, Angela Fronti produces an elegant, dancing wine with ripe cherry fruit, fine spice and plenty of minerality, matured in large oak. Fine-grained tannins, built into a juicy melting texture, with a marvellously fresh acidity, herbaceous and tart undertones, impressively long. Shows its class despite its youthfulness." Weinwisser

"Playful bouquet of red forest fruits, flowers and spices; youthful tannins, perfectly integrated acidity, fresh and elegant through to the lingering fruity finish. Classic, long-lasting and good." Vinum

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Casanova dell'Aia is a perfect example of Radda. Sage, mint, white pepper, crushed stones, mint and dried herbs give the 2021 its intense floral, spicy and mineral style. The harvestwill find a Gran Selezione endowed with plenty of tension and pure mineral drive. It has really evolved since I tasted it last year." Vinous

Sparkling, medium-dense ruby-garnet colour. The Rancia Riserva from the single vineyard of the same name is powerful and energetic, expressive and dense and has been elevated to "Gran Selezione" status for the first time. The aroma is characterised by ripe, full-bodied fruit and mineral notes. The flavour is earthy, tannic and terroir-influenced, beautifully articulated, fine and with an enjoyable length. A wine that requires sensitivity and/or a few years of rest. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby-red core with a garnet-coloured rim. Black cherry and blueberry on the nose, with notes of forest floor, liquorice and cedar wood. On the palate with a fruity core, on a tightly woven tannin structure alternating with fresh acidity and great length." Falstaff

"Quite fruity and fresh, with medium body, fine tannins and undertones of dark cherry, blood orange and cedar. It is closed now, but shows focus and brightness. Straightforward tannins run through the centre." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Rancia, which has now been elevated to Gran Selezione status, displays a dark fruit profile with blackcurrants and wild plums. These black and purple fruits are followed by mineral notes of slate and iron ore. The finish is dusty and dry as these mineral notes are enhanced by powdery tannins." Wine Advocate

"The core of cherry, pomegranate and raspberry fruit is underlined by notes of Tuscan scrub, iron, vanilla and tobacco as this intense red wine builds its power to the expansive final, where its fruit, mineral and wild herb flavours converge. It shows fine balance and length; it just needs time to absorb the oak." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Rancia 2021 is the first vintage in which Rancia is transitioning from Riserva to Gran Selezione. The 2021 combines power and finesse in a way that only Rancia can. Black cherry, leather, game, spices, liquorice, tobacco and grilled herbs are combined in a brooding yet elegant Gran Selezione that lives up to expectations. Outstanding." Vinous

Medium, bright ruby red colour. The bouquet and flavour are dominated by interesting notes of fresh cut flowers, sweet red berries, liquorice, mint, pine and cedar wood. As the wine progresses, the Chianti Classico reveals a marvellous precision and spiciness, which is enveloped by a well-measured extract sweetness. The overall impression is one of grace and an open-hearted style, which impresses with all its components and not least with its typical Radda Sangiovese freshness from the high altitudes of the Chianti Classico. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Multi-faceted nose, pleasant cherry and blueberry fruit, followed by pepper and tobacco. The fruit also predominates on the palate, paired with stimulating acidity and a mineral finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Chianti Classico is a lovely wine from Volpaia. Aromatic, light on its feet and gracious, the Chianti Classico here is a consistently fine example of Radda. Clean mineral notes shape this bright, taut offering. A burst of red fruit, chalk, white pepper and mint lingers on the finish." Vinous

"A delicious, well-rounded and velvety Chianti Classico with aromas of strawberries, raspberries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins and texture. Juicy and velvety with elegance and a pure character. Fresh and delicious finish." James Suckling

For Camalaione, owners Luca Orsini and Valeria Viganò blend Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah and Merlot, an approach that works very well here. The 2018 is wonderfully seductive, even if it is still very closed at first. Deep dark fruits, spices, new leather, liquorice, menthol and dried herbs emerge with a little time in the glass. Silky and smooth, with a medium-weight structure, it is absolutely stunning. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich cassis, dark cherries, some tapenade and dusty cocoa powder add a degree of richness and complexity to the subtle flavours of rhubarb and damp leaves. The palate is full-bodied and flavourful, with a salty note in the fruit and a long, complex finish. Lots of sea salt chocolate on the finish." James Suckling

"The 2018 Camalaione is a great wine, obviously quite atypical given the Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Syrah blend, but compelling nonetheless. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice, leather and grilled herbs saturate the palate in a wine of stunning depth and textural intensity. A real stunner." Vinous

As always, the Chianti Classico La Selvanella Riserva presents itself as an exemplary wine. Deep, dark ruby red in colour. Complex aromas of ripe plums, raspberries, candied orange zest and hints of spice harmonise perfectly. Well-articulated and rich flavour with polished tannins, full-bodied and progressive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear aroma of ripe black berries and rose hips with dried floral and slightly herbal aromas, a hint of leather, some dark ethereal spice, tobacco ash and hints of herbs. Ripe, clear and firm, tart-juicy fruit, present, yet quite fine tannins, some smoke and toast on the palate, a certain acid bite, dried-vegetable to herbaceous tones, good persistence. Has power, but still a certain coolness, very good, firm finish with oregano." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Smells of graphite, dark berry fruit and fine earthy tones on the nose. Polished on the palate, with a juicy core and a clear fruit flavour, the tannins remain subtly in the background." Falstaff

"Dried cherries, dates, oak, leather, damp leaves and French toast. Good fruit concentration, soft mouthfeel, lively acidity and a long finish. The powerful tannins need some time to resolve." Decanter

"A fragrant red with a shy nose of blue fruits, dried herbs and some crushed rocks and raspberries. Tightly wound and medium to full-bodied with delicate red fruit flavours. Very compact, with an elegant stiffness that is very appealing. Pure Sangiovese from a single vineyard in Radda in Chianti, one of the highest villages in Chianti Classico. It is already drinkable now, but I would like to taste it again in a few years." James Suckling

"Take off your work clothes, put on your high-heeled shoes, shut out the world behind us ...". Clear the stage for 100% Merlot from Trudie and Sting. The carefully selected grapes are harvested by hand at the perfect point of ripeness to ensure optimum expression of the vine and the terroir. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature, followed by 12 to 15 months of ageing in French oak barrels before the wine is bottled.

Sacred Love presents itself in a deep ruby red colour with violet hues. After about an hour of aeration, the wine unfolds on the nose with intense aromas of ripe plums and blackberries, enriched by notes of dark chocolate, vanilla and a slightly spicy hint of black pepper. Velvety and full-bodied on the palate, with well-integrated tannins and an aromatic finish that invites you to take another sip. The balance between acidity and alcohol is harmonious, with a structure that promises excellent ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a new Merlot from Trudie and Sting, showing impressive aromas of violets, blackberries and violets. It then transitions to slate and dark earth. It changes and seduces with every whiff. Full-bodied yet very balanced and dense with polished and flattering tannins. The finish is long and delicious. Fantastic first release. So attractive, already ready to drink, but even better in three or four years." James Suckling

Chianti Classico Rubiolo shows its delicately spicy side on the nose with cloves, cinnamon, lavender, wild dark cherries and blackberries that are beautifully ripe but not overripe. There are also floral hints. The fruit for this extremely good value wine comes from Castellina and Panzano, whereby the fullness and richness of the Panzano region are clearly noticeable. The finish is soft and velvety. It is the exceptional balance of the wine that really sets it apart. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep carmine red colour. Concentrated, full yet cool nose of cherry fruit. Spicy cherry fruit with a layer of grainy tannins. Great balance and length." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Rubiolo 2021 is a soft, fruity wine that should be drunk now and over the next few years as long as the flavours remain vibrant. Juicy red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint and white flowers burst from the glass. This exuberant, juicy Chianti Classico is a delight." Vinous

"Aromas of ripe red fruit, liquorice, spices and pink peppercorns. Medium to full-bodied, juicy and exciting with lively acidity and polished tannins. Notes of walnuts and savoury herbs on the finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Rubiolo from organic farming is a wine with an excellent value. The wine is made exclusively from Sangiovese from three vineyards in Castellina, Panzano and Badia a Passignano. The wine has a dark ruby red colour, and although the aromatic intensity is not very pronounced, there are delicately fragrant notes of cherry, raspberry and blood orange that are powerful and bright to the touch. There are also beautiful floral notes." Wine Advocate

"The idea of drinkability and home freshness, without sacrificing complexity. The nose is faceted, red currant with touches of wild mint and nuances of carnation. The mouthfeel is savory, with hints of small red fruits and a balsamic-floral return." Luca Gardini

Sweet, dark and lush, the 2013 shows all the richness of a 100% Sangiovese Vin Santo and equally possesses remarkable restraint for such a big wine, with plenty of intensity but always without excess weight. Hints of leather, liquorice and cloves round off the silky, medium-bodied and very harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

The top wine from the winery of the same name presents itself in an exemplary manner and as a kind of reference for many other so-called Super Tuscans in the region. Deep ruby red in colour with light red reflections. Dark fruit, spices, herbs, some leather and a fine tarry note on the nose. The flavours then unfold powerfully and concentrated on the palate, yet it glides velvety with a wonderfully balanced acid-tannin ratio into a rich, well-proportioned and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful attack with notes of forest fruits and spices; combines character with elegance, the tannins are fine-grained and interact with the acidity, with a polished final and length." Vinum

"On the nose, sour cherries and blackberries roll around in earth and wild herbs, then spread out on the palate over flavours of vanilla, dark chocolate and espresso. Lively acidity and penetrating spiciness emphasise the earthy saltiness that Il Borro expresses in a unique way. Lush but refined." Wine Enthusiast

"The Il Borro 2019 Il Borro shows very good definition of each of its components. The Syrah brings freshness and lift to the bouquet. The Merlot is aged in botte grande to bring out an authentic taste of the variety with earth and soil. The Cabernet Sauvignon gives firmness and structure. Bigger oak casks are used to help mitigate the alcohol content that, in the case of this wine, comes in at 15%." Wine Advocate

"Fresh and floral with aromas of black cherry and lavender, leading to a medium body with well-integrated tannins that spread nicely across the palate. It becomes silky and beautiful. A hint of smoke and spice at the end. Crisp on the finish." James Suckling

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

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

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

"The very reliable Classico of the house, in this edition in big dust, from Sangiovese in purity. Notes of red cherries, a hint of eucalyptus and cinnamon, with a touch of liquorice powder. Iodised on the palate, with tannins perfectly integrated into the body and a final emergence of cloves and plums." Luca Gardini

This impressive red comes from the single vineyard "Vitticciana", which was created by the "Godfather of Carmignano" Ugo Contini Bonacossi especially for a pure Sangiovese wine due to its perfect orientation. It is only produced in the best years, when it presents itself as a multi-layered wine with fine fruit and fine-grained tannins. After a few years of ageing in the bottle, it can easily hold its own with some of the best Brunello di Montalcino. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Red sour cherries and pickled plums on the nose, with some verbena and spice in the background. Velvety tannins on the palate, well-balanced, still a little young on the final." Falstaff

"A hint of floral and spicy notes, with beautiful, pure fruit underneath. Very well-managed tannins and a long finish." Decanter

"A hint of dusty spices and pencil shavings accompany the ripe cherry and plum fruit flavours. Juicy and very lively on the palate with medium to full body and firm, metallic tannins that are firmly attached to the finish. Needs time." James Suckling

"The 2018 Ugo Contini Bonacossi, a varietal Sangiovese, evolves in the glass with a rich blend of cherry and plum sauce, accentuated and lifted by hints of sage and sweet mint. This is velvety smooth yet full of zesty energy, with a core of nervous acidity that enlivens its sour red and black berry fruits. The 2018 finishes long and staining yet light on its feet, leaving edgy tannins to resonate as the cheeks pucker with youthful tension. I expect the 2018 to evolve sooner than bigger vintages, but with that said, it is no less pleasurable." Vinous

From the fresh marcs of the Cuvée Casalferro, about 2,000 Liters of this crystal-clear grappa of great complexity are produced. Fresh, vinous aroma with hints of red berries, full-bodied taste with elegant, dry notes of jam, wonderfully harmonious and long-lasting. SUPERIORE.DE

Here comes the new top Gran Selezione from San Felice: intense ruby red in colour, with broad and persistent aromas on the nose. Notes of violets and blackcurrants mingle with a sweet spiciness of tobacco and liquorice. Full-bodied, supple, well-structured wine, characterised by ripe and juicy tannins that harmonise with the acidic component. SUPERIORE.DE

"A concentrated red wine with intense flavours of cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, iron and wild herbs, which is also fluid, has light notes of new oak and ends with a salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Gran Selezione La Pieve is a new wine in this range, replacing the Il Grigio Gran Selezione. It shows good energy and vigour, but is also still together in the bottle. Pomegranate, blood orange, spices and rose petals open up with a little persuasion. Clean mineral undertones prolong the finish. All it needs is time to develop better. It has a lot of potential." Vinous

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione La Pieve is a concentrated expression of Sangiovese with more pronounced oak tones of spice and sweet smoke. This lovely Tuscan red wine offers greater fruit richness and richness compared to the estate's Chianti Classico Borgo. This added intensity gives this wine the scope to be paired with grilled meats. The wine finishes with a sweetness that comes from both the oak and the ripeness of the fruit. This vintage offers remarkable balance and elegance." Wine Advocate

"This is a very attractive, quite elegant Chianti, polished and even on the palate. It offers notes of cherries, raspberries, orange peel, cured meat and toasted almonds. Medium to full-bodied with very fine, juicy and polished tannins." James Suckling

The top wine from the winery of the same name presents itself in an exemplary manner and as a kind of reference for many other so-called Super Tuscans in the region. Deep ruby red in colour with light red reflections. Dark fruit, spices, herbs, some leather and a fine tarry note on the nose. The flavours then unfold powerfully and concentrated on the palate, yet it glides velvety with a wonderfully balanced acid-tannin ratio into a rich, well-proportioned and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with purple nuances. Dark and spicy nose of pipe tobacco, ebony, dark plum, also slightly balsamic. Dense and soft on the palate with dark chocolate, plums and rosemary, powerful and even, long." Falstaff

"Although lush and concentrated, this red wine is also light on its feet. Flavours of plum, blackberry, boysenberry and fruitcake abound, accented by notes of iron and spice, with a hint of wild herbs. Firm tannins line the finish, which nevertheless displays a fine harmony and a long-lasting aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The organic wine Il Borro 2020 is a powerful Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The wine shows a lot of oak, which is noticeable as roasted spices, coconut or buttered almonds. There is a distant note of dried dill, which disappears in the context of the big, ripe black fruit at the core. You get a lot of richness and fruit weight from a hot vintage." Wine Advocate

"Initially intensely spicy, with topsoil, graphite, leather, then fresh and floral with crushed sage and lavender, before wild cherry and wild strawberry emerge. On the palate, the black cherry notes are generous and bright, but with deep, brooding earth tones for contrast. The tannins are refined but tensile like good armour, and a warm but invigorating salinity runs through a long finish." Wine Enthusiast

"This is a round and quite juicy young wine with notes of blackberries, chocolate and grilled meat. Full and complex with very fine tannins that are well integrated and a bright finish. Lively on the finish." James Suckling

Ghiaie della Furba means "pebbles of the Furba stream" and there is a reason for this, as the vines for this wine grow on the river pebbles on the banks of this stream. It is one of the very first "Supertuscans". After an hour in the carafe, this extremely complex red reveals wonderfully clear, dark fruit, blackberries and cassis, as well as coffee notes, dark chocolate and spices. Its very good structure and personality are impressive. It is already very accessible today (with aeration), but still hides its great potential for the next decade. SUPERIORE.DE

"Nose dominated by Cabernet Franc with notes of blackberries, undergrowth, eucalyptus; then full-bodied with pithy tannins, carried by the acidity, the final dark berry-spicy and long." Vinum

"Complex combination of oak, dried herbs, fresh pomegranate and blackberries together with graphite and baking spice, combined with earthy undertones." Decanter

"Notes of crushed dark berries, dark chocolate, spices and dried herbs. Also some graphite. So bright and lively, concentrated and juicy dark fruit flavours, yet fresh and harmonious. Medium to full body. The tannins are well developed, firm but polished and unobtrusive. Long finish." James Suckling

"The Ghiaie della Furba 2020 opens with a mentholated freshness that combines minty herbs, spiced orange peel and redcurrants. It envelops the palate with a texture of pure silk and quickly gains grip with a core of tart red berries and acidic citrus, while the angular tannins pinch the cheeks. It finishes with admirable length, structure and concentration, leaving a pleasantly bitter aftertaste as notes of cedar and savoury herbal notes slowly fade. The 2020 needs time, and lots of it. Ghiaie della Furba is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Syrah and 25% Merlot." Vinous

"The nose is reminiscent of a garden after a storm, where a fresh, floral note mingles with the stony character of the still humid air. On the palate, this stony element persists, while a hint of pepper, a touch of astringent red fruit and lively acidity sparkle over grippy, persistent tannins." Wine Enthusiast

The dark, seductive Cabernet Franc Poggio de' Colli takes its time in the glass and slowly awakens with a blend of redcurrants, peppery roses, exotic curries and a slight hint of musk that lends it gravitas. Velvety soft yet refined. Aristocratic and cool on the palate, with a powerful wave of tart raspberry fruit that feeds the palate with savoury spices and mineral notes. Leaves a layer of fine tannins and a hint of berry concentration on the final, which tapers off savoury, long and perfectly balanced. A radiant wine that will only reveal its full beauty in a few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Long before Franc became modern, this was already a single-varietal: nose of eucalyptus and blackcurrants, also undergrowth and fine spice; pithy in the mouth, the tannins robust, lots of fruit and herbal notes on the finish." Vinum

"Bright, rich ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. On the nose, cassis, ripe blackberries and rich plums, with a leathery background and forest floor flavour. Well-integrated tannins on the palate, juicy, with precise fruit and a long, elegant final." Falstaff

"The 2021 Poggio de Colli is breathtaking. It is consistently peppery and floral, with masses of crushed strawberries and raspberries, flavoured with tangerine peel. It impresses with its wiry texture, balanced by tantalising acidity. A core of tart wild berries unfolds on the palate, underscored by salty minerals and a hint of citrus. Fine-grained tannins emerge on the finish, while the 2021 finishes savoury yet fresh, leaving the mouth watering despite its structure and intensity. This is a mature vintage for the Poggio de Colli, but nevertheless a marvellous Cabernet Franc that will pay off in the cellar." Vinous

Complex bouquet of ripe fruit, sage and tobacco flavours. Dense and firm on the palate with savoury tannins, very well structured and of outstanding quality and purity, long and powerful on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Haiku shows an inky dark appearance with black fruit aromas, dark granite, spice and iron ore. The 2020 vintage reveals an especially dark core of ripe fruit. The primary aromas are surrounded by spice, tarry smoke and leather. This edition is full-bodied and generous in only a manner 2020 can manage." Wine Advocate

"It is a herbal red, intense and with wonderfully zesty acidity. Black and red fruits are accompanied by flecks of blood orange and chocolate, while the soft tannins lend a plush mouthfeel – yet it remains vertical and fresh with a spicy finish. Delicious." Decanter

"This is really intense and energetic with black berries, black cherries and black earth with some black truffle and orange peel. It's medium- to full-bodied with chewy tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Already impressive for a young wine but needs two or three years to soften." James Suckling

"The 2020 Haiku is once again impressive. Dark, explosive and layered, the 2020 delivers the goods. It's a wine that offers a mix of regional character with an international flair. One of the more expressive wines in the range, Haiku shows the more exuberant side of the year off in spades. Time in the glass releases the Franc aromatics very nicely." Vinous