Wines from Tuscany

Le Cupole offers excellent value every year. You get a glass full of sunny Tuscany and rich intensity at an affordable price. The wine is packed with black fruits, spices and leather, resulting in a classic bouquet, especially for a warm corner of Tuscany, off the beaten track, in Sarteano. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, dark ruby colour with a fine rim. Intense and elegant on the nose, ripe cherries, cedar wood, leather and cloves on the finish. The palate reveals savoury, sweet fruit, velvety tannins, fresh and juicy with a lingering finish." Falstaff

"This blend of 57% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot has gorgeous dark berry aromas with pretty floral overtones. In the mouth it's focussed and vertical, with crunchy red and black berries and a balsamic overtone, finishing with plenty of spice and a long, bright line of acidity." Decanter

"A fresh and vivid young Tuscan red with currant and mineral aromas that follow through to a medium to full body with crunchy tannins and a vivid finish. Creamy texture. A little tight at the end. Second wine of Trinoro. Give it time to open. Best after 2026." James Suckling

From the highest corner of the Vigna Istine (the name 550 refers to the metres above sea level), surrounded by cool forests, this balanced Merlot is vinified in concrete before spending around 15 months in lightly toasted tonneaux. Due to the cool location, it is - unusually - harvested after the Sangiovese, so that it has more time to mature on the vine. The result is a wine with a fine tannic structure and juicy, ripe blue fruit, with a hint of red fruit and some coffee notes leading to a long, graceful finish. Production is 2,600 bottles per vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 550 is 100% Merlot planted in Vigna Istine, in Radda, at an elevation of 550 meters. Dark and sumptuous in the glass, with terrific energy, the 2021 captures all the pedigree of the year. Blackberry, sage, menthol, licorice and chocolate abound. This sumptuous, decidedly Tuscan Merlot hits all the right notes." Vinous

Beautiful and very well-balanced red wine from the three main historical areas of Montalcino, which have different geoclimatic characteristics due to their different slopes and altitudes - and thus ensure a unique balance between freshness and structure, body and elegance.

Ruby red in colour with garnet reflections, opens immediately with a rich, complex nose. Initially dark cherry, chinotto orange and violet. It then opens up to broader, more complex notes of blueberry, vanilla, tobacco, cinnamon and chocolate with a subtle menthol finish. This juicy 2016 Brunello di Montalcino offers plenty of energy and brightness, conveyed by the cherry fruit and wild berry flavours at its core. The primary fruit is surrounded by spice, grilled herbs and floral earth. The natural complexity, purity and depth of the Sangiovese grape comes into its own in this dream vintage and especially in this Brunello. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, noble ruby red colour with a radiant core. Open-hearted and inviting nose, slightly fleshy, with nuances of ripe sour cherries, pepper and raspberries, with an aftertaste of rose hips. Very polished and balanced on the palate, with tightly woven tannins, opens up beautifully on the palate, slightly salty finish." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red colour. Senescent fruit sweetness, beautiful ripe cherry and undergrowth. There is also an obvious oak sweetness on the palate, but there is still a delicacy here, perhaps because the tannins are so fine and relatively light. Elegant, dry, delicate, long, even juicy." Jancis Robinson

"Bringing together grapes from diverse vineyards throughout Montalcino, this midweight, almost-approachable Brunello is focused and vibrant. It takes a bit of coaxing on the nose then divulges sage, orange rind and fennel. Brisk acidity and chalky tannins meet crisp red currant and cranberry, cleansing the palate nicely." Decanter

"The Brunello di Montalcino 2016 has something spicy and slightly rustic about it, which I find very attractive. Baked black cherries, balsamic spice and a hint of animal musk create a beguiling spectacle. The textures are silky smooth, with cooling acids and salty minerals lifting the expression as they give way to tart red fruits. The tannins increase and slowly dry out the senses, but even today the 2016 is a pleasure to drink, coming across as both youthfully structured and savoury and fresh. It is a blend from the vineyards of Val di Suga in Montalcino." Vinous

"Aromas of iron, blood and cherry introduce this soft and lively red wine, while an abundance of dark fruit - black cherry and blackberry - lingers on the palate. The finish is characterised by dark, chocolaty tannins." Wine Spectator

"Dusty notes of crushed gravel and dried tea leaves are the prelude to aromas of fresh mushrooms and hints of fennel. Spicy mushrooms and olives, followed by firm, fine-grained tannins. Structured and full-bodied." James Suckling

The grapes for Villa Donoratico, like those for Bolgheri Superiore, have recently been sourced from the estate's very best vineyards. Immediately after hand-picking, they are rigorously selected by 12 employees at 2 sorting tables and the ageing in 500-litre tonneaux ensures even more elegance and finesse. The qualitative gap to Argentiera, the winery's flagship, has thus been noticeably reduced and the wine sets new standards in the entire Bolgheri DOC.

Rich, sparkling ruby colour. Fine, subtle nose of redcurrant and herbal spice, some rosewood and fresh forest floor. Very complex and multi-layered on the palate, revealing more facets with every sip, the well-articulated fruit core is flanked by a fine-meshed tannin and leads into a very elegant, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very dark in the glass, almost black. The nose is very powerful. Juicy black cherry, plus preserved blackberry and a hint of blueberry. Very inviting. A little lighter in the mouth, again lots of fruit and spicy notes, with an elegant woody flavour. Crisp tannins and acidity, both well interwoven. Powerful without being heavy, animating and with good drinking flow. Goes well with game dishes." Vinum

"A dense red with flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries, vanilla, cedar and chocolate, supported by slightly grainy tannins. Rather chunky overall, but with a nice length." Wine Spectator

"The nose starts with black cherries and blackberries, but eventually notes of salt and pepper come to the fore. On the palate, the cherries linger, with chocolate complementing the rich sweetness, before a complex finish of heat, spice and dusty chalk. The tannins linger while the acidity sings." Wine Enthusiast

"Dense ruby colour with a brightening rim. Spicy on the nose, with aromas of white pepper, blackcurrant, cocoa and light tobacco notes. Velvety and soft on the palate, with firm tannins and rich fruit, with a long finish." Falstaff

"Attractive Cabernet-based red wine with aromas of redcurrants and berries and undertones of lead pencil and spices. Herbs. Full-bodied with walnut, chocolate and fruit flavours. Very fine tannins with a finesse and beauty." James Suckling

"The Argentiera 2021 Bolgheri Rosso Villa Donoratico has a forward mouthfeel with plenty of immediate intensity in the mid-palate. The wine is articulate and generous with thick layers of black fruits, stewed plums, sweet earth and pressed blackberries. You get everything you want from a Bolgheri Rosso. You even get a wine that tastes more like a Bolgheri Superiore." Wine Advocate

Laura Brunelli's Rosso is a blend of Sangiovese grapes from Podernovone - 500 metres above sea level on the south-eastern slope of Montalcino with a south-western exposure - and Canalicchio on the northern side of the village. The vines for the first vineyard were planted in 1998, those for the second in 1989. "Our Rosso is made from the same grapes as the Brunello," says Laura Brunelli. The wine is traditionally aged for a year in large oak barrels. It is extremely fresh every year and not without complexity. The aromas of redcurrants, wild strawberries, black pepper and juniper are followed by a bright bouquet of red fruits on the medium-bodied palate. It has velvety tannins and a refreshing, integrated acidity. A really great interpretation of the terroir and, as every year, a little Brunello. SUPERIORE.DE

"A lively, fruit-driven Rosso with notes of red cherries, berries and some potpourri. Juicy, fresh and fine-boned on the palate, with beautiful acidity and a precise, medium-long finish." James Suckling

"The Rosso di Montalcino 2022 is exotic: blood oranges and cloves mingle with dried black cherries, sage and crushed stones. This flows across the palate, fine and feminine, with lively acidity and soothing ripe red and blue fruits. It leaves a gentle tannic tension and a chewy feel that tapers long and haunting dark." Vinous

"The Gianni Brunelli Le Chiuse di Sotto 2022 Rosso di Montalcino also shows its own distinctive point of richness, adding to a more complex interpretation of this entry-level wine. Dried fruit, cinnamon stick and crushed stone are the markers. I highly recommend this bottle for its balanced fruit flavors and mid-weight texture. I would venture to say that this wine is closer to Brunello status than it is to Rosso di Montalcino." Wine Advocate

The grapes for Gaglioles Riserva come from vineyards in Panzano that used to belong to Le Cinciole and neighbouring Gagliole. Dark and full-bodied in the glass, it shows the full range of the Conca d'Oro area of Panzano, but does so in a pleasantly restrained style that is typical of the elegant 2019. Currently still very young, in a few years it will be much more enjoyable. SUPERIORE.DE

"Harmony and depth in this version that bears the ancient name of this beautiful farm. Complex nose, blackberries and blueberries together with mentholated touches and floral nuances, of carnation, dense and taut mouth, savory tannins, juicy finish, with mentholated-floral return." Luca Gardini

"Beautiful aromas of roses and other flowers, together with fresh cherries and lemon rind, following through to a medium body with freshness and vivid intensity to the finish. Spicy at the end." James Suckling

"Only in its second vintage, the certified organic Gagliole 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva addresses the need for a category that sits between the entry-level reds and the high-end Gran Selezione wines. Fruit is sourced exclusively from Panzano for an intense ruby color shaded by elegant darkness. Aromas recall blackberry, graphite, flint and white pepper. This wine prizes freshness, a streamlined mouthfeel and those pretty mineral notes that drive a very long and polished finish." Wine Advocate

With Cifra, star oenologist Luca D'Attoma has vinified a wonderfully agile and elegant Cabernet Franc. Dark ruby purple in colour, with a deep aroma and notes of blackberries and liquorice. Rich fruit on the palate with firm tannins and a mineral final. A delight from the Tuscan coast from biodynamic (Demeter) cultivation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Gently shimmering ruby red colour. Dark and deep on the nose, of blackcurrant, blackberry, also smoky, with a hint of cinnamon. Velvety texture on the palate with concentrated fruit on tightly woven tannins right into the long finish." Falstaff

"A fresh and delicious Cabernet Franc with blackcurrant and notes of lemon blossom and light stones. It is medium-bodied and crisp with a delicious and energetic finish." James Suckling

The name Deimassi comes from the large stone blocks that make up the terrace wall that supports the vineyard. These were dug out of the ground during the preparatory work for the planting in 2008. The large stones and the friable clay still mark this small parcel of land, originally intended for the production of Brunello di Montalcino, the results of which are now being marketed without the longer ageing period prescribed for Brunello.

Spicy, enveloping and mineral aromas characterise this powerful and rich Sangiovese. In the drink, a great tannic balance with a beautiful fruit core, precise and firm as it goes on. A very harmonious and characterful "little Brunello"." SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid ruby. Brooding and complex but less open than Gauggiole, but with aeration there is this floral lift. Gorgeous richness of fruit and at the same time light on its feet. Gorgeous tannins to bite into." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino dei Massi is woodsy with nuances of flowery underbrush and giving way to crushed wild berries and grilled herbs. It’s deeply textural, silky in feel, with polished red fruits and inner spice. A coating of fine tannins frames the wine well, as the 2020 leaves notes of currant with mineral underpinnings that linger long. The dei Massi vineyard was planted in 2008 for Brunello production, yet the expression of the vines in this location has provided fruit that is better suited to creating a characterful Rosso." Vinous

"From a stony vineyard with friable clay, this Rosso has the attitude of a Brunello thanks to its bolder character and barrel ageing. 'I wanted to bottle it faster than Brunello regulations allow. What’s the way to do that? Rosso di Montalcino,' explained winemaker, Cecilia Leoneschi. Compared to the estate's other two Rosso bottlings, Deimassi has a more open nose of red and black hedgerow berries. Bigger, bolder and with pronounced acidity, it features delicious fleshy black and red fruit flavours paired with a moreish tightness, balsamic flecks and grippy structure. Well balanced." Decanter

"Here's a second discovery from Castiglion del Bosco. The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino Deimassi is slightly darker in appearance next to its sister, Gauggiole. That added saturation translates to both the bouquet and the palate. The wine delivers bold cherry, redcurrant and citrusy blood orange. A dusting of white pepper also comes through here. It shows medium fruit weight with more tannic structure at the back. Named after rocky "masses" found inside the vineyard, Deimassi is a 1.5-hectare site with rocky clay soils." Wine Advocate

Querciabella's Riserva, with an annual production of 10,000 bottles, is a selection of the best lots. It blends fruit from Greve, where the vineyards lie between 350 and 550 metres above sea level, with grapes from the stony high altitudes of Radda and the chalky soils of Gaiole. Tantalising aromas of spring flowers, cranberries and potting soil are accompanied by vanilla and smoke. On the palate, it is polished and pure, with a delicious, tangy acidity and sinewy tannins. As every year, one of the most refined wines of the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a dark core. Elegant on the nose with notes of hibiscus, juniper berries, plus some saddle leather and undergrowth. Precise on the palate, fine tannins and fresh acidity, with pleasant pressure towards the lingering finish." Falstaff

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2020, which has just been bottled, is still a little restrained. Crushed red flowers, mint, white pepper, aniseed and orange peel give the 2020 a beautiful aromatic brilliance that matches its medium-bodied personality. We find a Riserva of linear intensity and power, more than volume. The vineyard sites are Greve, Lamole and Radda." Vinous

"The Querciabella Riserva is a selection of the estate's best parcels. The bottling of the 2020 vintage shows the generosity and grace of the vintage. Attractive pressed flowers, plums and red berries intertwine with subtle wood smoke. Garden herbs and tangerines emerge on the palate. The tannins are assertive yet supple and sweet, culminating in a chalky grip. This invigorating and bright wine is already very enticing - but there is much more to discover." Decanter

"Aromas and flavours of cherries, raspberries, rosehips and black pepper characterise this bright red wine. It is light on its feet, but a hint of nubby tannins coats the finish. A hint of bitter almond lingers on the finish, along with fruit and spice flavours. It shows good balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Crisp and vibrant red berries with dried flowers, savoury herbs, cedar and spice box. Medium-bodied with fine, powdery tannins and lively acidity. Fresh and concentrated with a linear finish. Crisp with a mineral backbone." James Suckling

Radiant ruby red, the wide spectrum of Sangiovese aromas ranges from sweet vanilla notes to hints of raspberries and blackberries. Dense and creamy-soft on the relaxed palate, offering a harmonious blend of tannin and alcohol with a precisely adjusted acidity level. Finishes with a long and impressive finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Sangioveto, which consists of 100% organic Sangiovese, is grown in cool locations at an altitude of 260 to 370 metres with a south-westerly exposure. In the past, Sangiovese was called "Sangioveto" or "San Zoveto". It represents a refined expression from this particular part of the appellation and a very faithful interpretation of the Tuscan grape.

Bright ruby red in colour, the broad aroma spectrum of Sangiovese ranges from sweet vanilla notes to hints of raspberries and blackberries. The relaxed flavour is dense and creamy-soft, offering a harmonious blend of tannins and alcohol with a precisely adjusted acidity level. The finish is long-lasting and impressive. SUPERIORE.DE

"On the nose, it has notes of plums, olives, cloves and tomato leaves. It is spicy and slightly chewy with a medium body and piquant acidity. A strong finish." James Suckling

"Notes of ripe mangoes and peaches with tangerine peel, beeswax, caramel and spices. Full and creamy with a crisp, consistent acidity that adds tension and freshness. Balanced, focussed and well made." James Suckling

"The Fèlsina 2019 Chardonnay I Sistri Collezione Privata is a medium-bodied wine with lots of fruit, preserved lemon, apricot, saffron spice and a pinch of cumin or cinnamon. The wine shows a creamy texture with long, soft fruit flavours that should carry this wine beyond the 10-year mark." Wine Advocate

Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Volpaia is a dark, powerful wine. Black cherry, smoke, liquorice, incense, mocha, menthol, lavender and leather give this virile, brooding Riserva plenty of character. The palate is very aromatic with sweet red cherries, cedar wood and nuances of blood orange, yet very powerful and multi-layered with terrific depth and structure. A dream for Sangiovese lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour with delicate rim brightening. Magnificent, complex nose, lots of small red berries, raspberry and wild strawberry, violets, subtly leathery. Elegant and very juicy on the palate, beautiful tension to peppery-spicy notes, ripe cherry fruit, vibrant acidity on the finish, powerful tannins in the background." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is terrific. Macerated dark cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, dried flowers and underbrush are some of the many notes that grace this super-expressive Riserva. The 2020 is a touch somber, but that only adds to its considerable allure." Vinous

"In the bottle with the black label, the organic 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva offers ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone. Achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season such as this. This wine is characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes it over the palate with good momentum." Wine Advocate

"Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones, following through to a medium to full body with compact tannins that are firm and finely grained. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish." James Suckling

The combination of two such different personalities as Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend brilliantly in Grifi, giving this wine a unique character. The Cabernet gives the wine an extra kick of depth in the mid-palate as well as a tannic backbone that gives the wine plenty of persistence and energy.

Dark ruby red with violet reflections. The nose opens with hints of blueberries, blackberries and incense through to sandalwood and graphite. Dense and complex on the palate with hints of blackberry jam and cinnamon. On the palate, it develops like a balsamic explosion, supported by good acidity. The lively tannin accompanies the savoury and persistent, very linear finish. Grifi is a wonderfully sophisticated and elegant pleasure from the best vineyards around Montepulciano and Cortona. SUPERIORE.DE

"An elegant red, featuring a gleam of pure cherry, currant and strawberry fruit. This is also intense and firmly built, with a layer of dense tannins guarding the finish. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"Excellent purity and ripeness in the fruit-accentuated nose, but also a certain complexity. Some violets, graphite and spices to the fresh blue fruits and slate. On the palate, I like the texture with fresh, fine-grained tannins and a cool finish. Long, fresh and juicy." James Suckling

This Sangiovese rarity, bottled without the addition of sulphites, is only produced in the best vintages and matures for 16 months in cocciopesto, a container made from ground brick, fine stone, sand and natural fibre binder. This mixture can then be moulded into containers that are watertight but still allow micro-oxygenation. The real peculiarity of Cocciopesto wine containers lies in the material itself, which is characterised by a high thermal inertia and a certain permeability that makes it ideal for all phases, from vinification to ageing.

Compact colour, fruity, slightly animal bouquet of strawberry, cherry, caramel and brown bread. Very juicy on the palate, with sufficient aeration a puristic and at the same time extraordinarily flavoursome pleasure. The production quantity is just 2,400 bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Sangiovese di S. Lucia is a bold, racy wine. Ripe red cherry fruit, licorice, leather, rose petal and sweet spice are nicely amplified. The Sangiovese is done in amphora, so it has the combination of fruit purity and intensely savory aromatics that are common for wines done in this style, which is on the eccentric side." Vinous

"Orange blossom with fresh cherries and dried flowers with some dried flower stems, following through to a medium body with tangy fruit and hints of spices. No sulfites added." James Suckling

"Sporting a very punchy and vibrant personality, the Castello dei Rampolla 2021 Sangiovese di S. Lucia offers an authentic and nearly transparent expression of Sangiovese from one of the most beautiful corners on the planet. With cocciopesto amphorae aging, you taste the skins of the grapes with plum and blackcurrant. There is bitter almond and lovely iris or violet-like aromas over a delicate, mid-weight delivery." Wine Advocate

Rich and elegant cuvée made from 60% Sangiovese and 40% Pinot Noir, matured on the lees for 48 months. Intense straw yellow in the glass with golden reflections, the perlage is fine and persistent. Rich notes of citrus and red fruits on the nose, with subtle hints of sweet spices and melted butter in the background. Creamy and balanced on the palate, with an impressive balance between freshness and depth. Refined and long on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

This unfiltered rosato, matured in Liters amphorae, is the result of the strictest selection of Syrah grapes from the winery. The spontaneously fermented and Demeter-certified result is just 4,000 bottles, which are sold in selected specialist shops and restaurants. A beguiling, intense bouquet of pink grapefruit, raspberry and cranberry. Taut, juicy and lively on the palate - a perfect harmony of expression, freshness and body. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light cherry red with orange-coloured reflections. A fruity nose of fresh stone fruit, cherries and grapefruit and a flavour of Mediterranean scrub. Well-balanced on the palate, fresh and very juicy, full-bodied and with a long final." Falstaff

"Attractive aromas of pink cherries and peach skins with dried rose petals and pink peppercorns. So sleek and textured with medium to full body and a silky mouthfeel. Very attractive and delicious. Very well-made with tension and a mineral backbone." James Suckling

Felsina's Nero di Nubi is a brilliant, unspoilt expression of this delicate Burgundian grape variety with plenty of power and a typical Tuscan attitude. On the nose, wild berries and candied cherry with orange peel and violets. To finish, there is some powdered earth with dried Mediterranean herbs. Fabulous! SUPERIORE.DE

Since the 2012 vintage, a small and strictly selected part of the Sangiovese at Istine has been vinified separately according to the origin of the vineyard in order to emphasise and bring to life the specific characteristics of the site, the soil and the altitude. Since then, the best grapes from the estate's own vineyards Istine, Casanova dell'Aia and Cavarchione 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 Istine is marvellous. Dark cherry, spices, leather and tobacco unfold in the glass. An incredibly creamy personality and breadth on the palate. With its flavour profile of lavender, spices, leather, menthol and liquorice, Vigna Istine has an indescribable richness of facets. The high-altitude vineyard, planted between 480 and 550 metres above sea level, provides freshness, aromatic intensity, mineral notes and exciting ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"This red is infused with fresh cherry, strawberry, rose hip and iron flavors aligned to a streamlined profile. Subtle, yet persists on the finish, delivering harmony and the potential to evolve another decade, maybe two." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Vigna Istine 2020 is a wine with understatement and class. The translucent finesse of the Radda comes through loud and clear. Crushed stones, mint, chalk and white pepper add a striking, brilliant note. The 2020 is simply magnificent." Vinous

Felsina's Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2016 has a dark amber colour with shiny golden reflections. The wine is soft and creamy in texture, but not too viscous. It glides smoothly over the palate and exudes flavours of candied fruit, honey, almonds and marron glacé. Perfectly balanced, with fine complexity and a long, resonant aftertaste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Firmer and deeper, more complex, oxidative, somewhat nutty, spicy and dried herbs as well as candied yellow fruit aromas with a hint of orange blossom, nutmeg and honey. Concentrated fruit with somewhat smoky and spicy wood notes as well as nuances reminiscent of hazelnut and almond brittle, very fine acidity, has a grip of ripe tannin, dense and persistent, mocha and wild mushrooms in the background, oxidative tones again, good depth, long, complex finish with concentrated juice and a hint of bread spice." Wein-Plus

Millesimato Metodo Classico Brut 2018 - carefully matured using the Metodo Classico method - is juicy, floral and creamy, with a lovely acidity. Flavours of peach and stone fruit take centre stage, with delicate mineral tones and a lovely hint of baked bread. Silky and delicate, this is the stuff of dreams. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and complex on the nose, with glazed lemons, pears and hints of almonds and pralines. Juicy and mouth-filing, with a medium to full body and a creamy texture. Minerally, slightly saltine character at the end." James Suckling