Wines from Tuscany

Wonderfully fragrant, fruity and floral bouquet. The flavour is reminiscent of plums and cherries with a fine vanilla-spicy component and clear, very pleasant acidity and polished tannins. Clear fruit flavours, enormous velvety texture and a long finish emphasise the harmony of this Nobile Riserva. SUPERIORE.DE

"Raspberry-fruity attack with balsamic nuances; elegant style with polish and character, impresses with its balanced texture, finesse and length." Vinum

"A spicy and fragrant red that has aromas of pine needles, incense, walnuts and spiced plums. It’s full-bodied with ripe, creamy tannins that are well-integrated into the plum and berry fruit. Excellent concentration." James Suckling

The structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, the spiciness of Cabernet Franc, the power of Syrah and the softness of Merlot combine here to create a red wine full of character, Mediterranean aromas and elegance. Dark red with a violet edge, fresh fruit bouquet of pomegranate and red currant with balanced hints of thyme, bay leaf and cedar. Initially very fresh and powerful on the palate with memories of raspberry and redcurrant, then round and harmonious, well structured and with soft tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

Brilliant ruby red colour. Lively nose of small, primary fruity red berries, subtle use of wood and impressive race and complexity for the price. Precise and taut on the palate, showing its origins boldly and decisively. Then a harmoniously balanced mix of tobacco, leather, cedar and, of course, cherry and plum. The finely balanced tannins carry this powerful and impressive Riserva into a long final. Impressive! SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine is absolutely delicious. An arpeggio of sweet, unashamedly ripe, red berry and violet-coloured fruit that floats through the glass. Unbridled freshness. The fruit is the flutist of the vineyard. Unabashed in terms of fruit, but at the same time not obtrusively "fruity". It is complex. The tannins are silky, but have a finely powdered chalky grip. There's spice, a little liquorice bark and a hint of foliage - that kind of green-purple, velvety bloom of wild violets. And the purity of the fruit fills every molecule of the long finish. Bravo!" Jancis Robinson

"This is bright and focused, with aromas of cherries, dried oranges and hints of hibiscus and mild spices. Medium-bodied, crunchy and fresh on the palate, with very fine tannins. Polished, with mineral notes of crushed stones and citrusy nuances at the end. Shows freshness and balance." James Suckling

"Offers cherry and plum fruit, framed by flavours of earth, minerals and wild herbs. This red wine oscillates between elegance and power and is wonderfully balanced. Dusty tannins support the fruit on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Riserva Il Grigio da San Felice 2021 is a dark, dense and rather sombre wine. Black cherry, leather, tobacco, incense and dried herbs reinforce this first impression. The 2021 is a Riserva with substance and power and has a lot to offer. It is a particularly beautiful edition of Il Grigio." Vinous

This Vermentino cru is the result of a study project in the vineyard and in the winery and comes from two clones each from Corsica and Sardinia. "Belguardo V" (formerly "Codice V") displays the most distinctive characteristics of Tyrrhenian Vermentino and thus epitomises the typical Vermentino as the Mazzei family understands it. Fresh and bright citrus flavours with white flowers, honeysuckle and cut grass. Sunny, savoury and very mineral on the palate with the typical Vermentino structure. Taut on the final and with promising ageing potential. 30% of the wine is matured on the fine lees in amphorae. SUPERIORE.DE

Sensual bouquet of ripe raspberry and sour cherry flavours, with earthy and spicy nuances, coffee, chocolate and tobacco. Plump and full-bodied flavour, perfectly structured with silky tannins and a long final. Excellent price/quality ratio in small quantities. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby colour. Opens with notes of cedar wood and roasted hazelnuts, then lots of juicy cherry, some dark chocolate. Blossoms beautifully on the palate, juicy and savoury, well-integrated, dense tannins, spans a wide range." Falstaff

"This is spicy with notes of walnut, cedar, black raspberries and cherries with some nutmeg undertones. Medium- to full-bodied with compact tannins and velvety texture. Broad and rich but fresh and attractive." James Suckling

Lambda, in physics the wavelength, in mechanics the slenderness ratio ... And so this red comes into our glass, exactly on our wavelength and with a defined slender body. Rich, deep dark ruby violet. Impressive aromatic richness and variety, characterised by spicy nuances, redcurrant and blackberry; smooth but well-proportioned tannins and an attractive, delicately spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby red. Spicy and balsamic, with notes of raspberries, cherries, currants and nuances of white pepper. Soft and compact in the mouth, with good freshness, soft tannins and a spicy finish." Falstaff

Lisini's Rosso di Montalcino smells of violets, lavender and cinnamon-dusted cherries. This flows effortlessly across the palate with polished ripe red fruits and sweet inner spices. There is nothing out of place in this silky beauty. The lightly textured and characterful final is balanced by zesty acidity and shows nuances of red candy mixed with worn leather and a pleasant inner sweetness that lingers. Juicy and flavoursome character with well-dosed tannins and lively acidity. A wine for every day, but with great class. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smoky, red berry, fresh, red fruits, straightforward, great length with lots of red berry freshness like pomegranate and cranberry juice." Weinwisser

"The 2021 Rosso di Montalcino opens with an herbal note that quickly fades to reveal a mix of wild berries, crushed rock and sweet smoke. It is remarkably fresh and energetic, with an abundance of ripe, mineral red fruit and spice driven by zesty acidity. The finish is spotty and long, leaving a bitter aftertaste that is refreshed by a hint of residual acidity." Vinous

Sparkling, rich ruby colour. Very clear nose with lots of cherry fruit, some rosehip and dried fruit. Lots of fine-grained tannins on the palate, develops clearly and straightforwardly, fresh and juicy, interesting finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Ampeleias Cabernet Franc is a rare and Demeter-certified wine that opens with a bright, dark ruby-red colour. The wine is made with 20% whole bunches and the fruit comes from the high altitude Vigna dell'Asina, characterised by local soils known as Galestro and Palombino with elements of schist and limestone. This wine is very varietal with dark fruits and blackberries, spices and a green note of grilled rosemary or wild sage. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, bright and pure cabernet franc with aromas of forest berries, sour cherries, wild herbs and crushed white pepper. It’s medium-bodied with silky tannins. Velvety and subtle, with poise and a refined, pristine texture. Bright and seductive, with a lively, succulent finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification." James Suckling

According to Francesco Ricasoli, Torricella is "the white soul of Brolio" and comes from a vineyard that was originally planted with Malvasia Toscana vines and was located near a well-known Tuscan estate. This estate was called Torricella. Since 2003, this vineyard has been planted entirely with Chardonnay vines, producing a white wine with enormous ageing potential. Francesco comments: "With Torricella, a very great white wine was created from the very first vintage, which is able to give its best even after many years of ageing. It is surprising that even 50 or even 70-year-old vintages are still lively and fresh. Take a look at the analysis data - alcohol, total acidity, pH value and volatile acidity - which very often prove the longevity of this wine."

The complex bouquet is reminiscent of citrus fruits, white flowers and honey, with a wonderfully fresh and velvety balance on the palate. The full and fresh fruit is joined by a fine hint of vanilla and cinnamon, and this white wine also has a discreet minerality and subtle spiciness that make it unique. The finish is long and harmonious. SUPERIORE.DE

Brilliant ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Impressive aroma of red berries, smoke, roasted almonds and dark spices. Taut, straightforward, expressive and beautifully long on the palate. With its classic understatement, Boscarelli's Nobile di Montepulciano is a wonderfully precise example of its growing region every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smells of small stone fruit, tobacco and blossoms; fresh attack, vivid acidity, compact structure with melting, juice and length. Convinces with its fresh and elegant style." Vinum

"Bright, sparkling ruby red with a brightening rim. Fine spice and cherry on the nose, with a woody aftertaste. Beautiful juiciness and clear, fresh fruit on the palate, compact, noble, classic in the best sense of the word, with a fine salty finish." Falstaff

"The aromas are shy and discreet, taking their time to reveal beautiful scents of cherry blossom and plum. This medium-bodied candidate offers plenty of freshness, its bright acidity and elegant sandy tannins supporting a core of ripe red cherries and blood oranges. Gracefully composed, it shows lovely balance and is one of the more immediately approachable offerings of the vintage." Decanter

"This red wine offers purity with aromas and flavours of cherry, pomegranate, earth and iron while remaining lively, supported by a dense tannic matrix. Balanced, with a finish of bitter almond, it needs a few years to integrate." Wine Spectator

"This wine has depth and seriousness with cedar, sandalwood, lavender, cherries and citrus. Medium body with fine tannins that pull on the finish. Racy and polished. Give this wine two or three years to develop." James Suckling

Volpolo is the highly elegant second wine from the up-and-coming Bolgheri winery Podere Sapaio. Spicy notes on the nose, full, long and intense flavour with silky tannins and restrained refinement. A more than respectable representative of the noble Tuscan region with an excellent value. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep, dark ruby red colour. Black and small red berries on the nose, plus some leather, tobacco and herbal spice. Fine, black-fruity extract sweetness on the palate, rounded off with herbs and spices, the well-built tannins provide a certain pressure and strength, in the finish its multi-layered components combine with fresh acidity to create a very drinkyred that never denies its origin and grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Red cherry and strawberry candy on the nose, with pepper and a delicate vegetal touch. Medium-bodied on the palate, shows beautiful juiciness, still young tannins, with a pithy final." Falstaff

"First tart and bright with dried cranberries, cherries and orange peel on the nose, then aromas of damp earth, mushrooms, old leather and cigar wrapper take over with just a whisper of vanilla bean. The palate offers blackberries, dark chocolate and notes of forest floor ignited by heat and acid." Wine Enthusiast

"From the characteristic clay-limestone soils of Pian delle Vigne comes a red wine that is characterised by juiciness and freshness. On the nose, redcurrants with a hint of thyme and juniper. The palate is taut and savoury, with a fruity finish and a pleasant aftertaste." Luca Gardini

At Podere le Ripi, the grapes for the Rosso di Montalcino are given more time in the cellar than elsewhere, making the wine more similar to a Brunello than a Rosso. Deep ruby red in colour with orange reflections. A captivating symphony of aromas on the nose, ranging from cherry, strawberry and violet to fresh balsamic herbs. On the palate, an impressive, broad structure, beautifully interwoven primary and secondary flavours, a fine minerality and a remarkably long finish. The longer ageing period really pays off! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino Sogni e Follia is wild and exotic, with a seductive blend of rose petals, cinnamon sticks and mentholated cherries forming its bouquet. This balances silky textures with vividly ripe wild berry fruits, zesty orange and juicy acidity in a way that I find wildly attractive. The 2020 leaves a coating of gently grippy tannins yet keeps the energy high, finishing with medium length as violet inner florals slowly fade." Vinous

Crognolo is a wonderfully balanced wine that offers the tangy freshness and acidity of Sangiovese, which is balanced and softened by the small proportion of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine smells of cherry, blackberry and plum. Its primary intensity is bright and cheerful. The finish shows a nice density, extraction and well-integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Crognolo 2021 is a great entry-level wine from Sette Ponti. An explosion of red/purple fruits, blood orange, spices and rose petals race across the palate, lifted by bright acids that add energy. All elements are very well balanced. This is a very inviting wine." Vinous

"Dusty, perfumed aromas of spiced plums with sour cherries and dried cherries are followed in the mouth by a vertical palate full of fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity and juicy fruit. It feels balanced and upright, ready to spring into action as soon as the cork is pulled. Vibrant red and black fruits intermingle, punctuated by a certain saltiness and supported by those tannins. The finish is long, juicy and flavoursome and leaves you wanting another sip." Decanter

"This young red wine shows all its components in the right place, but needs time to integrate. It offers flavours of cherry, violet, earth, iron and mint, which fade into powerful tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Bright ruby violet colour. Expressive flavours of blackberries and rich cherries, with fine spicy components in the background. Compact, concentrated on the palate, with grippy tannins that also become juicy, salty on the finish." Falstaff

"The wine shows dark concentration, certainly more than you'd expect from Sangiovese, with lots of cherry, spice and blue flower that ties directly into the Merlot. It offers a medium to full-bodied texture with fine, chalky tannins." Wine Advocate

"Ultra-fresh, juicy cherries with more delicate aromas of violets and rose petals on the nose roll onto a palate rich with more cherries and berries balanced by earthy, tart notes of earth, branches and roots and a finish of bitter cocoa and aniseed." Wine Enthusiast

"The purity of the fruit in this wine is impressive, with redcurrants, orange peel, peaches and lemon on the nose and palate. Full-bodied yet compressed and agile. Tasty finish. Restrained now, but given a year or two it will come into its own." James Suckling

Avignonesi's aromatic classic has a lean to medium body, seamless tannins and a delicious flavour profile. Intense ruby red with garnet-coloured reflections. On the nose, aromas of red berries, cherry, eucalyptus and pomegranate and the unmistakable scent of violets so typical of the Sangiovese grape, with a hint of vanilla and Mediterranean herbal spice in the background. Well-balanced on the palate, with beautiful primary notes of ripe cherry and plum. The warm, ethereal body is embedded in a dense tannin structure and leads into a long, persistent finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A bright and lively Vino Nobile with aromas of cherry, violet and hibiscus and hints of peach and lemon that continue through to a medium body. Fine and integrated tannins and a lively finish with plenty of energy. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Vegan. Needs another year or two to show its true excellence, but is already a beautiful and straightforward wine." James Suckling

Brilliant ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Sublime, almost aromatic cherry fruit on the nose with hints of gingerbread and caraway. Lush cherry fruit on the palate, interspersed with plenty of tangy acidity and crisp tannins. Long, juicy cherry flavour with plenty of fullness on the finish. A well-made wine from an excellent vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

The distinctive Spumante Rosé, made predominantly from Sangiovese and Pinot Nero, is on the upswing. With its fragrant, fresh, spicy and silky character, it confidently demonstrates what can be extracted from the Tuscan terroir: a sharp, mineral sparkling wine that feels straightforward and dense. SUPERIORE.DE

"Restrained and delicate, with subtle aromas of dried strawberries, candied peaches, spices, pastry crust and honeysuckle. Complex and structured, with a medium to full body and firm bubbles. Balanced and delicious." James Suckling

The Fèlsina Metodo Classico brut is a crisp and lively sparkling wine with lots of citrus fruit, white peach and crushed limestone or minerals. After 22 months on the lees, it is beautifully round and balanced, with good acidity, clean and commendable persistence. SUPERIORE.DE

"Spiced and minty nose of dried citrus fruit, currant bush, wild strawberries and crushed stones. Medium- to full-bodied, racy and juicy, with fine bubbles and sharp acidity. Very attractive and fragrant." James Suckling

Bright ruby red with brick-red reflections. Plums and sour cherries on the nose, accompanied by tobacco nuances and dried violet flowers. The fine-meshed tannins combine wonderfully with the notes of red fruit and liquorice on the finish. Very juicy, clear and well-balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, rich ruby red colour. Gentle and inviting nose of ripe cherry, light spice, some candle wax, red apple, sealing wax, precious wood. Juicy on the palate, with pithy tannins, well-integrated acidity, drinky, cheeky, slightly salty on the final." Falstaff

"The Torrione 2021 is one of the best wines of recent years. Bright acids drive through a core of red cherry/plum, blood orange, new leather and spice. The purity of the flavours is impressive. I especially admire the energy of this wine. This is a rare Torrione that I would cellar for at least a year or two." Vinous

"It shows dark fruit with bramble, tree bark, blue flower and sweet cherry. The wine offers mid-weight intensity with a long, silky mouthfeel. There is a point of bright acidity at the end, and even a hit of chili spice." Wine Advocate

"Bright and full of cherry, raspberry and floral notes, this red wine is harmonious and expressive. The finish shows accents of earth, graphite and tobacco, with a beautiful length and compact, chalky tannins." Wine Spectator

"The nose is like a cool, damp forest, with dark berries, fresh earth, but with a quiet rumble of warmth and savoury undertones, and the palate balances cool and warm, sweet and savoury, buoyant but indulgent. Valdarno delivers in every price range, but this one is a particularly good deal." Wine Enthusiast

"Inviting aromas of dark and blue fruits along with subtle notes of chocolate and spice with hints of blue flowers and crushed stones. Medium to full-bodied, complex and structured, but at the same time ethereal and weightless. Here, generosity meets delicacy. It is fluid, dynamic and immediately drinkable, but it is better to give it a few more years in the bottle." James Suckling