Wines from Tuscany

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

"The 2020 Nobile opens in the glass like a basket of fresh berries complemented by hints of cinnamon sticks. Soft and enveloping, this possesses a solid core of ripe wild berries. It's more sapid and potent than your average 2020, with a core of brisk acidity maintaining lovely freshness. This finishes with a cascade of rosy inner florals and a tinge of licorice. It's just medium in length yet wonderfully fresh." Vinous

"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

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

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

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

"Restrained brambleberries with licorice root, slightly leafy eucalyptus and integrated graphite. Full body with elegant, velvety tannins, crisp acidity and a tight-knit structure. Power and extraction here, but a good, toasty finish with a sweet-tobacco aftertaste. One of the best examples of 2022." James Suckling

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

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

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

How could it be otherwise: Tenuta Meraviglia's Bolgheri Rosso is vinified from 100% (!) Cabernet Franc. Bright, deep ruby red colour with violet reflections. Intense and pronounced aroma of blackcurrant, wild blackberry, cherry and raspberry, enriched by notes of tobacco, liquorice, undergrowth and roasted aromas. Warm and persistent on the palate, with a fine texture and sweet, spicy tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Bolgheri Rosso, the estate's entry-level red, offers lovely Cabernet Franc character in a mid-weight, aromatic style that is quite charming. Crushed red berry fruit, cinnamon, orange peel, mint and dried herbs lend notable freshness throughout." Vinous

"Floral nose with geraniums, lavender, fresh herbs and plenty of mulberries and dark cherries. Juicy, linear and medium-bodied on the palate with crunchy blue fruit that lingers in the fresh, fruit-expressive finish." James Suckling

"Bell pepper and grass aromas signal this sleek, open red, whose black currant, anise, iron and wild herb flavors align with its linear profile. Moderate length." Wine Spectator

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

Banditella captures the attention with its blend of sweet cedar spice, dusty black cherries and grated sage. The palate is like pure silk, lifted by a lively acidity. Lots of dark red fruit and mineral notes on the palate. A layer of fine tannins remains on the long and structured final, with Banditella leaving behind lingering nuances of sour berries and herbs with a great deal of youthful composure. Very impressive and far more than an ordinary Rosso. SUPERIORE.DE

"A complex and ambitious wine focused on graphite, licorice and blood oranges. Soft on the palate, with a supple attack, crisp acidity and firm, grainy tannins. Tense and structured with a light to medium body." James Suckling

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

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 but not too heavy red with excellent structure and great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Valdisanti is a bright, punchy wine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc speak with a decidedly Tuscan accent in this vibrant, mid-weight offering. The 2021 is a distinctive wine with much to offer. Crushed rocks, graphite, lavender and plum all build into the resonant finish." Vinous

"The Tolaini 2021 Valdisanti is a lush expression with a big, upfront delivery of bold black fruit. On the palate, that intensity tapers off somewhat to reveal a silky and elegant mid to full-bodied approach. It shows great length and a softer texture than you might expect given the first impact of the bouquet. You get lingering notes of pencil shaving and toasted oak, but the wine is ready to drink now." Wine Advocate

"Focused like a laser, this racy red features black currant, black cherry, cedar, licorice and graphite aromas and flavors. A balanced version, with a light dusting of tannins shoring up the finish. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"Clove, vanilla, restrained cherry, milk chocolate and balsamic aromas. The attack is soft and velvety, with dense tannins, a savory character, a full body and crisp, refreshing acidity. Great mid-palate extraction and details. Embracing finish, long and consistent." James Suckling