Wines from Tuscany

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

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 tantalising mix of rose petals, cinnamon sticks and mentholated cherries making up its bouquet. The balance between the silky texture, ripe wild berries, zesty orange and juicy acidity is extremely attractive to me. The 2020 leaves a layer of soft grippy tannins but keeps the energy high and finishes with medium length as the violet florals slowly fade inside." Vinous

"It shows dark concentration with lifted aromas of dried raspberry, cocktail cherry, dried garden herb and cinnamon. It is an unusual wine but charming nevertheless." Wine Advocate

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

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

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

"Bright ruby colour with a garnet-red rim. Dense nose of cold smoke, cherry, juniper berries, cloves and pickled violets. Silky on the palate, juicy and with invigorating acidity, firm tannins, persistent into the fruity-fresh final, with a racy acidity at the end." Falstaff

"A medium- to full-bodied, savory and chewy red that has aromas and flavors of mint, sour cherries, walnuts, cloves and tomato leaves. Plenty of tannin, but nicely integrated." James Suckling

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

Cerbaia's Rosso di Montalcino 2022 offers a strong signature of bright cherry and cassis. Straightforward, but with interesting facets of dark flowers, undergrowth, leather and herbs. You can feel the fine-grained tannins, a nice cooling acidity and mineral notes that bring out savoury spice notes and liquorice as the wine progresses. A beautiful wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Palistorti" means "crooked stakes" in Italian – and the name is no coincidence. At the beginning of their winemaking career, Laura and Moreno found many limestone boulders in the vineyards, which made the freshly driven stakes crooked and crooked when they were planted. And that's how this exciting second wine got its name, the estate owners reveal in conversation.

Bright ruby red. The aroma is dominated by red and black berries. With a little air, cherries and sour cherries become more pronounced, and something spicy that you can't immediately place. Somehow fresh and yet Mediterranean, but not like Chianti or Brunello. Is it the little bit of Syrah? Or is it this unique terroir? Wherever this spiciness comes from, in combination with this pronounced fruit, it smells simply wonderful. On the palate, it is full-bodied, very juicy and again this unique combination of fruit and spice that makes the wine simply exciting and special. Juicy, finely structured, perfectly balanced, with character and animating acid bite. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. On the nose aromas of undergrowth, small red fruits and some hints of tobacco and liquorice. Rich, concentrated flavour, soft and spicy at the same time, with compact tannins and a medium finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 Palistorti di Valgiano is a very interesting wine. Intensely aromatic and savory, the 2020 is also quite distinctive. Dried herbs, lavender, mocha, macerated dark cherry and incense soar out of the glass. Wild and a touch eccentric, the 2020 is incredibly distinctive, especially for readers in search of something new." Vinous

"Lots of blackberry, licorice and clove aromas follow through to a medium to full body, tight and slightly austere tannins (in a good way) and a fresh, vivid finish. Racy and bright. Better in a year or two, but already attractive." James Suckling

The grapes for the Villa Antinori Riserva come from four different municipalities in Chianti Classico: San Casciano, Gaiole, Castellina and Greve. The current edition is multi-layered with a wonderful bouquet of dark fruit, gravel and beautiful spices. On the palate, the wine has a velvety attack that is savoury, complex and persistent, with spicy notes of sweet tobacco and dark chocolate. This Riserva has a balance and length that will delight any Tuscany fan. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby colour with shine. Restrained, subtle nose of fig, redcurrants, followed by black bread bark and some leather. Precise on the palate with a clear fruit centre and grippy tannins, harmonious mouthfeel with an elegant final and good drinkability." Falstaff

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Villa Antinori is not married to a particular subzone of the appellation, as it is intended to reflect a house style rather than a vineyard identity. Aged in tonneaux and partly in barriques, the wine is rich and persistent. It remains elegant on the palate, with fine tannins and a good fruit tension with cherry and blue flowers." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Villa Antinori is infused with black cherry, plum, new leather, liquorice and spice. Generous and expansive in flavour, the 2021 is wonderfully generous, not to mention incredibly delicious. The fruit comes from some of the most sought-after sites in the appellation." Vinous

"The spicy, lush nose presents aromas of cloves, cardamom, bergamot, dried cherries and vanilla, while the palate is based on citrus fruits, cherries and vanilla. The acidity plays around imposing, solid tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Pergolaia consists mainly of Sangiovese with smaller proportions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine opens with a medium-bodied attack and a bright bouquet characterised by notes of cherry, wild plum, ploughed earth and pressed blue flowers. This very Mediterranean-style red with a strong personality envelops the palate with a delicate, silky intensity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive red fruit character with orange peel, cured meat and wet stones on offer. Medium to full-bodied, firm and straightforward with fine tannins and juicy acidity that gives it freshness and crispness. Bright and velvety finish." James Suckling

"Aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, black olive tapenade, violets and cedar dominate this red wine, which is characterised by purity and precision, while densely woven tannins contribute to a velvety texture. Balanced and long." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, aromas of rose petals soften a bold, tart fruitiness, while savoury notes of earth and ash lead to a palate that starts fleshy and spicy before a gentle, tempering sweetness emerges, providing a sense of comfort. Intentional and satisfying." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Pergolaia, the winery's Sangiovese blend, is a beautiful, exotic wine. Ripe red cherry fruit, white pepper, mint, rose petals and cinnamon bring out the racy side of the Sangiovese. Small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon round off the blend. All the elements are so beautifully balanced." Vinous

Everything is just right here: Brolio Riserva is classic in its composition, in its ageing, in its overall impression from the label to the last sip. Velvety, dense ruby colour, dense nose with rich fruit, especially blackberry, some elderberry and a beautiful herbal spice. Juicy and supple on the palate, the finish is polished with fine-grained tannins and a long-lasting final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Hints of cherry on the nose and slightly dried fruit in the aftertaste. Balanced on the palate with a medium structure, the acidity lends drinkability, paired with a persistent finish." Falstaff

"Infused with cherry, strawberry, iron and spice flavors, this bright red is also solidly built. Smooth in texture, nimble and intense, finishing with echoes of red fruit and dusty tannins." Wine Spectator

"A cellar selection from parcels throughout Ricasoli’s 235 hectares in Gaiole, this Riserva gives a panoramic view of the Brolio estate. Each plot is fermented separately in stainless steel, matured in diverse types of wood, and assembled after ageing. The nose is focused and forthcoming, and offers a balanced mix of red cherry and violet with whiffs of Mediterranean herbs, tobacco and vanilla. Fine-grained tannins are firmly stitched around the lush plum core, while juicy acidity carries the bitter orange finish." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio has ripe fruit, toasted spice and a hint of scorched earth. Made with all Sangiovese, the wine presents mid-weight intensity with an intense bouquet that is driven by savory notes and a hint of something charred, such as dustings of campfire ash." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio is a gorgeous, complex wine. Dark cherry, plum, leather, licorice, lavender and graphite bring out the darker side of Sangiovese in this mysterious, introspective Riserva. A wine of dynamic energy and substance, the 2021 is very nicely done." Vinous

"Sweet spices, savory plums, cherries, dried citrus and minerals on the nose. Fine-grained on the palate, with a medium to full body and a convincing amount of tannins. Long and fresh." James Suckling

"The nose has both the tang of black cherries and blackberries and the texture of coffee grinds, pepper and earth. The mouthfilling palate stays balanced between tart and sweet berries and tangy, peppery earthiness, all set aflame by fiery acid but held in careful balance by decisive tannins." Decanter

Strong ruby red colour. Clearly defined bouquet with beautiful herbal spice. Deep dark fruit and a very round body in the glass, fine acidity and polished tannins. A classic and characterful representative of the noble Bolgheri appellation with an exceptionally harmonious overall impression. Aeration is essential. SUPERIORE.DE

Authentic interpretation of the Sangiovese grape. Medium garnet red, bright aromas of sour cherry, redcurrant, blue flowers and a hint of bitter almond. Firm and lively on the palate, with present acidity and well-structured tannins. A wonderfully compact, authentic Tuscan and for us the ideal accompaniment to strong pasta dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"I like the juiciness and tension of this Rosso, which also shows the ripeness of the berry and cherry fruit. At the same time, a hint of iron and spice. The palate is fine-grained, with a medium to full body and a fairly long finish. The tannins have a certain heaviness." James Suckling

"The 2022 Rosso di Montalcino entices with a whiff of mint leaf and sage before giving way to crushed black cherries, clove and white smoke. This shows the ripeness of the vintage in a beautifully balanced package, with mineral-laced red and blue fruits that swirl across textures of pure silk. It finishes incredibly long, repeating its mineral strength. Sweet tannins linger through the violet-tinged finale. The 2022 is an understated beauty." Vinous

Monica Raspi produces her Riserva from a single vineyard with the oldest vines of the winery, planted in 2000. The east-facing vineyard lies at an altitude of 350 metres and the soil is poor and stony with many limestone deposits. With its subtle bouquet, it slowly but surely seduces with aromas of raspberries, cherries and thyme flowers. The palate is wonderfully elegant, with a stony minerality and a tangy, appetising backbone. Terracotta-like tannins sneak up and envelop the fruit rather than undermine it. This is how pristine and good Chianti Classico Riserva goes! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Pomona is bursting with wild cherry, smoke, licorice, tobacco, game, incense and mocha. This somber, potent Riserva packs tons of intensity into its full-bodied frame. Graphite, lavender, sage and dried flowers linger on the imposing finish. I would give this a year or two in bottle." Vinous

"A concentrated red wine with aromas of cherry, plum, iron, eucalyptus and resin. Straightforward and taut, with refined tannins for support. Complex and lively, with a firm, long finish." Wine Spectator

"The oak remains very much in the background, allowing the fruit to come through fully. It's beautifully weighted with red and blackcurrants wrapped in terracotta-like tannins and balanced by lively, crisp acidity. Damp earth, green herbs and stony minerals slowly emerge. With time, this wine will show more of its generous side." Decanter

Pine wood, smoke and pale blue violets on the nose, along with red cherry, flint and herbal aromas. Very fresh and juicy on the palate, with a fine sweetness of red fruit and herbal flavours, which are really given momentum by a peppery component in the long, lively, youthful and crisp finish. Made from over 20-year-old Sangiovese vines, this is a beautiful cherry-accentuated and also surprisingly spicy and powerful, very grippy Rosso di Montalcino with a desire for more - it still needs a little time for the final development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby violet colour. Blackberry jelly, violets, mint, liquorice, lots of dark berry fruit and precious wood on the nose. Hearty on the palate with lots of structure and fruit, slightly alcoholic, grippy tannins on the finish, for lovers of full-bodied fruit bombs." Falstaff

"Lots of wood spice and tannins with lush, ripe black cherries, blackberries, chocolate and walnuts. Quite full-bodied, modern and polished, with a good amount of tannins merging into a long, flavoursome finish." James Suckling

"Dark and rich in the glass, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino reminds me of Christmas, when allspice and cloves come together with dark chocolate and cherries soaked in rum. It is also velvety and polished on the palate, with an abundance of ripe red and blue fruits accompanied by juicy acidity. The 2022 is powerful and dense, yet fresh with notes of cocoa and brown spices. Siro Pacenti's style is not for everyone, but the quality in the bottle is undeniable." Vinous

Multi-layered aroma, lots of dark cherry fruit, delicate herbal spice and cedar flavours. Juicy dark wild cherries on the palate, ripe, perfectly integrated tannins, elegant and delicate, fine mineral spice, surprisingly full-bodied and animating. A representative of the appellation that opens up beautifully and hits the right notes, like something out of a picture book! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, shiny purple red colour. Rich but still closed nose with brooding cherry and raspberry fruit. Lots of juicy cherry and raspberry fruit, with long, multi-layered, chewy tannins. Still in its early stages and quite a big wine for the estate, but it needs age to really show its wonders fully." Jancis Robinson

"The magnificent Chianti Classico 2022 is a bold, intoxicating wine. An onslaught of dark cherry, plum, new leather, spice and tobacco race across the palate. As good as the 2022 is, it will be even better after a few years in the bottle, when the baby fat has melted away. The San Giusto Chianti Classico has an exceptional track record for ageability. I expect that to continue here as well." Vinous

"A hint of coffee and plum blossom joins in. The palate is expansive but not heavy, with luscious dark plums and cherries. The ripeness is evident, but it firms up with every sip. The compact, layered tannins have a subtle chalky flavour, and the wine finishes with its signature refreshing bitter orange note." Decanter

"The organic San Giusto a Rentennano 2022 Chianti Classico offers dark fruit with crunchy cherry and a hint of rosemary twig that comes from the grapes and the skins. These qualities give the wine a balanced primary approach in which fruit integrity is front and center. The bouquet is bright and well-dosed in terms of its immediate power and accessibility. This is one of the vintage's best expressions at this price point." Wine Advocate

Cultus is a modern-style Chianti Classico Riserva and a dark, elaborate interpretation of the terroir of the somewhat cooler and wilder municipality of Gaiole in Chianti. It delights with a generous mineral and graphite-tinged berry bouquet, tones of tobacco, dark spice and a soft, juicy, primary fruity flavour. The fine tannins and well-proportioned acidity give this Riserva a harmonious grip and an undisputed class for this price. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe red berries with hints of dried orange peel, cocoa and mild spices on the nose. Medium-bodied, juicy and nicely filled with fruit and fine, smooth tannins. Tense and racy on the palate, with a spiced, zesty aftertaste." James Suckling