Wines from Tuscany

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

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

Beautiful ruby red colour, hints of cherries and chocolate, complex. Finely polished, silky tannins and a promising, tantalising finish. Only 7,000 bottles of the sophisticated Birba are produced each year and it gives a good foretaste of the coming Brunello vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby red in colour with a light rim. Lots of cherries and cassis on the nose, with some vanilla behind it. Lots of coffee and dark chocolate on the palate, balanced and round, ripe tannins, lively acidity, spicy final, good length." Falstaff

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

The grapes for this Supertuscan come from the San Giovanni vineyard near San Giovanni a Cerreto. In the church next to the vineyard there is a painting by Rutilo Manetti depicting St John the Baptist (San Giovanni). Deep ruby red, youthful, rich, dark fruit, berry and cassis flavours meld with French oak. On the palate with deep, subtle fruit flavours and an excellent balance of fruit and tannin, plus some smoke, liquorice and tar. A rich, almost opulent red with outstanding structure and great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"An intense red with aromas of graphite, spice and tar complementing concentrated flavours of blackberries, blueberries, wild rosemary and minerals. The wine shows powerful tannins that are assertive but not overly astringent at this youthful stage. Compact finish." Wine Spectator

"A medium-bodied red wine with flavours of currants, berries and sandalwood. It is easy to chew, but shows glamour and tension." James Suckling

"An undertone of Bing cherries provides pop on an otherwise earthy, metallic nose. Orange zest brings out the cherries' subtle sourness on the palate, while strong acid and heat keep things lively until a structured, tannic finish." Wine Enthusiast

"This is a particularly intense and soft red blend that shows impressive and seamless integration. You get the dark intensity of the two grapes used in the blend, framed by the sweet spice and toast of French oak ageing. This vintage has particularly broad shoulders and is especially rich." Wine Advocate

"The Valdisanti 2020 is outstanding in this vintage. Rich, dark and lush, this blend is seductive from the start. Deep dark fruits, grilled herbs, leather, new oak, liquorice and mocha are nicely turned up. The 2020 is opulent, but by no means heavy. The 2020 is a great Valdisanti." Vinous

Very appetising Sauvignon Blanc from Tuscany, fermented in steel, wood and terracotta. Pale straw yellow in colour, with a beautiful aroma of light berries, mint, chamomile and wild flowers. Round, harmonious and fresh flavour that is vibrant and aromatic. Only 8,000 bottles are produced each year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here's an exciting new addition to the Fontodi portfolio that focuses mostly on reds. This white made with old-vine Trebbiano is part of an encouraging trend to highlight this age-worthy variety. The 2022 Bianco Fontodi is a real beauty, with a creamy or almost glossy texture that acts as a sounding board to aromas of nectarine, honey and the waxy rind of a fresh lemon. It has a slightly salty or mineral finish. It should be fascinating to see how bottle aging changes the wine over the next five years or so. Trebbiano should embrace a promising evolution." Wine Advocate

Exciting cuvée of Sangiovese (own clone) with a small part of Merlot from the "Bandita" vineyards. Rich ruby red in the glass, black cherry, tobacco, cedar wood, young leather and liquorice in the typically Tuscan bouquet. Spreads widely on the palate, its juiciness and expressiveness make it a generous, fruity-elegant experience with high enjoyment and recognition value. SUPERIORE.DE

Neri's classic Rosso di Montalcino opens with a bouquet of dark red fruits, forest floor, earthy minerality and peppery herbs. On the palate, soft textures lead to wild berry fruits, minerals and herbaceous flowers, while fine tannins slowly build towards the long and dramatic final. Hints of red and black fruits, tobacco and savoury spices round off the round and fragrant overall experience. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for Poggio Anticos Rosso have always come from 100% Brunello vineyards and the wine is a real insider tip for Montalcino lovers. Several of the vineyards have been certified organic since 2022. After some aeration, it beguiles the nose with an overwhelming bouquet of spices, ripe red cherries and fine leather notes. Full, firm and fleshy on the palate, the structure is very polished and balanced. A Rosso that could easily be a Brunello with a little patience and further bottle ageing: precise, delicious and with a beautiful, long final full of depth and a delightful aftertaste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Gentle expression on the nose, of redcurrant and blackberry, some hay, earthy notes on the finish. Juicy palate entry with precise acidity, dark fruit and a certain pressure on the palate, juicy." Falstaff

"Pretty, youthful purple-ruby red colour. Still quite closed and brooding on the nose, with fresh fruit and electrifying acidity on the palate. Cranberry and raspberry on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The 2022 Rosso di Montalcino is a spice box. It blends cloves with allspice, dried citrus peels, sage and cedar. Racy yet potent, it possesses a core of ripe wild berry fruit guided by zesty acidity. The 2022 doesn't miss a beat, finishing with a subtle tannic crunch and last licorice tones that carry on." Vinous

"Fragrant and full on the nose. The palate is bright and lively, very forward and intense, but in a juicy, fun way. It has energy and drive, a wonderfully filling wine with lots of sour strawberry and fleshy strawberry elements. Pairs beautifully with food and is a lovely wine for this price. It feels very natural and well-crafted without trying too hard and without its fruity nature being compromised by high acidity. Clean and crisp." Decanter

"This powerful red wine is infused with cherry and iron flavours, accompanied by a strong acidity. Balanced and long, with an aftertaste that picks up on salty mineral and wild herb notes." Wine Spectator

After almost two centuries, it is time to erect a "monument" to the enthusiastic grape grower Philip Mazzei (1730-1816). In the form of this single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, this succeeds extraordinarily well. Elegant, deep dark colour, classic aromas, complex, fruity and spicy flavour, well-proportioned tannins and acidity, taut, structured and persistent. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Philip 2021, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, is a fine achievement from the Mazzei family. Dried herbs, lavender, sage, mint and liquorice play with a core of blue and purple fruit. There's a lot to like - that's for sure." Vinous

"The Mazzei 2021 Philip is soft and richly textured with all sorts of blackberry and black fruit aromas packed inside. These come through with special intensity in this balanced vintage. The wine style is contemporary and easily accessible for an international palate." Wine Advocate

"Cloves, dark fruit, leather and savoury complexity. Youthful, velvety tannins with crisp acidity, a full body and a spicy finish full of blond tobacco and coffee grounds." James Suckling

Bright ruby red colour, typical of Sangiovese. Intense aroma of blackcurrants, cherries and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, it immediately shows great freshness and minerality, good tannins and structure, a very long finish that shows that Sangiovese from the Montalcino region possesses wonderful elegance, complexity and depth even when aged in stainless steel. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red colour. Delicate and delicately scented on the nose of blueberries, violets and a touch of roasted coffee on the finish. Flattering and soft on entry, then with gripping tannins, subtly fruity and bitter on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 vintage has given the Toscana Sangiovese a darker and richer profile. Dried black cherries and autumnal spices combine with sage aromas. The wine shows a wonderful inner sweetness and ripe red and blue fruits, while a steely minerality defines the finish. It finishes with a tension on the palate that frames the experience well and leaves a tart blackberry note." Vinous

Pure Cabernet Sauvignon from Barbara Widmer's Maremma estate. Deep, dark ruby red in colour, with an animating aroma of dark berries, coffee, cocoa, eucalyptus and spices on the nose. Notes of green pepper, fine sweetness and juiciness on the palate. The tannins are polished and pave the way for a long, racy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, very dense ruby colour with a light sheen. Open nose with black cherry, plum jam, followed by some undergrowth and leather. Full-bodied palate, wide-ranging acidity, taut tannins. Good palate pressure with tension, retronasal sour cherry, long-lasting, slightly acidic finish." Falstaff

"This wine is very pure and delicious, with notes of dark and blue fruits, crushed stones and spice box. Medium-bodied with firm but very fine tannins and a juicy mid-palate. Already very attractive. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"The 2022 No. 2 is packed with blackberries, chocolate, cloves, liquorice and espresso. This friendly, racy Maremma red wine has a lot of appeal to offer. Soft contours round it off. " Vinous