Wines from Tuscany

Nemo is an exceptional Tuscan Cabernet: It is masculine, extremely spicy and of an impressive expressiveness. In the initially slightly reductive bouquet, a poptpourri of morello cherry, spices, liquorice, leather, tobacco and a hint of rosemary oil. The palate is punchy, complex and of a high aromatic intensity and at the same time distinctly Tuscan identity. We strongly recommend giving the wine a few hours of aeration before drinking - the alternative for the patient is to put it in the cellar and find it again in five years ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red. Rich, tree-ripe cherries on the nose, cranberries, a dash of ink and graphite, violets. On the palate with beautiful melting and great cassis fruit, also minty components, spans a fine arch, fine afterdrying in the finish." Falstaff

"The Castello di Monsanto 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Nemo is a pretty treat. The aromas are spot on and the bouquet shows little sign of the vintage heat that proved difficult in many parts of Tuscany. Instead, this wine offers delicate tones of blue flower, black olive, spice and campfire ash. There is smoothness on the bouquet; however, the palate shows some of the tannic astringency and tightness that is characteristic of this 2017 vintage. Give it a few more years of bottle age." Wine Advocate

"The blackcurrant and vanilla character is coming through strongly here now, both on the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Some bitterness at the end with the new wood. Give this time to come around." James Suckling

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

Ampeleia is the winery's top wine and, since the 2015 vintage, has been made exclusively from Cabernet Franc from various plots planted at a cool altitude of 500 to 600 metres above sea level. A wine with personality and character, its inner elegance and fruitiness make it a fascinating interpretation of the new and different Maremma. SUPERIORE.DE

"Earthy notes dominate this wine, with leather, cocoa, dried eucalyptus leaves and restrained blackberry fruit. Dense on the palate with full body, velvety extracted tannins, intense fruit definition, black olive flavour, crisp acidity and a muscular finish." James Suckling

"Rich, deep and seductive, the 2021 offers notable textural depth married to the more savory, mineral style favored here. Lavender, mocha, plum, blackberry and gravel are some of the many notes that open over time. What a gorgeous wine this is." Vinous

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 Cavarchione from the single vineyard of the same name in Gaiole is powerful, juicy and creamy, as befits a wine from this part of the appellation. Overripe red cherry fruit, mint, dried flowers and spices blend together in a sensual, inviting Chianti Classico that is characterised by its richness and suppleness. This highly distinctive and terrific masterpiece finishes with a lovely lace of sweet raspberry contrasting with the sour cherry. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lush, yet with an edge of dusty tannins framing cherry, strawberry, rose and earth flavors. Shows strong grip on the finish, along with a beam of vibrant acidity and a lingering aftertaste of red fruit. Leans to the elegant side." Wine Spectator

"It is not lacking in ripeness, it is downright lush, but also juicy and light-footed. It smells of dark plum, damp earth, rosehip and violets. On the palate, it is rather red-fruity: sour cherry meets tamarind and bitter liquorice root. The fine-grained tannins are just as persistent as the piquant acidity. Absolutely flavourful." Decanter

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Vigna Cavarchione is stellar in 2020. Lush and rich, but with plenty of classic Istinism, the Cavarchione has the potential to be one of the wines of this very young vintage. All the elements come together effortlessly. Black cherry, plum, sage, lavender, liquorice and incense develop over time and fill out the layers beautifully. The complexity of this wine is simply incredible." Vinous

This Riserva is only made available each year in very small quantities to hand-picked specialist retailers and top restaurants. Brilliant ruby red colour. Fine raspberry and floral notes dominate the spicy nose. Very juicy on the palate, tannins and acidity are well integrated. Riecines Riserva has length and suppleness right through to the long fruity finish. The elegance and fine melting texture are impressive. Once again, this is Sangiovese at the top level that Riecine is known for! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby colour. Elegant bouquet of ripe blackberry and ribes, with some cloves and white pepper behind it, complex. Harmonious on the palate, beautiful alternation of lively acidity, fine-grained tannin and precise fruit, long." Falstaff

"Youthful carmine red colour. Beautiful, mineral, stony nose with notes of leather and brooding fruit. Juicy, compact and fruity on the palate, with finely chiselled tannins. A very appealing whole that still deserves plenty of time." Jancis Robinson

"The nose is herbaceous, savoury and floral with aromas of earth, moss and wild strawberries. A cascade of berries crashes across the palate, while edgy tannins and ample acidity accentuate undertones of dark chocolate and salt, with a latent heat blazing in the background." Wine Enthusiast

"A refined, balanced and seductive red wine with flavours of cherries, dried flowers, wild herbs and exotic spices. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Refined texture with focus and a juicy core of wild berries that brings vitality and freshness to the flavourful finish." James Suckling

"In the bottle with the copper-coloured wax capsule, the Bio-Riecine 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva shows rich or almost crunchy red fruit. The mouthfeel of the wine is much improved thanks to its medium weight and silky tannins. The wine has a slight stiffness, which is good for it now, especially when served with red meat, and which also makes it suitable for ageing in the cellar. Riecine is one of the most representative wineries in the Gaiole subzone." Wine Advocate

"It already shows an exquisite clarity of wild strawberries, raspberries, coriander and mint blossom, and although it comes across as slender, it has sufficient concentration. It captivates with its vibrancy and graceful flow; the structure blends insidiously with a structured tannin train. Very nice." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is a dark, brooding wine. Sour cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, menthol, liquorice and dried herbs are enhanced in this powerful, strong Gaiole Riserva. Bright mineral notes round off the whole in style. Give this wine a year or two to develop." Vinous

"From the usual, careful selection of the farm's best plots. On the nose, notes of redcurrant, with a hint of eucalyptus and cinnamon and nuances of laurel. On the palate, it is juicy, with spicy tannins, a return of small red fruits and balsamic flavours." Luca Gardini

Subtle ruby red colour with light reflections. Warm, well-dosed bouquet of wild berries, cherries and some smoke. Fine tannins on the palate, with plenty of juice and fruit at the core, floral and spicy notes, compact. A fine salty vein in the harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby dark red; peppery notes, arouses curiosity; juicy, sweetness, balanced, length, drinky, pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Very typical, elegant, with polished tannins and full of fruity charm, sour cherry, some chocolate, sweet fruit melting, round." Weinwisser

"Pleasing nose of black cherries, flanked by plum notes and tobacco; polished attack, finely chiselled acidity, fruity and mineral finish." Vinum

"Medium ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Leather, ripe cherry and some undergrowth on the nose, then slightly spicy and balsamic. Grippy on the palate, with gripping, somewhat rustic tannins, then beautifully juicy on the finish. To savoury Tuscan dishes." Falstaff

"One of the best-balanced 2020s, Gracciano della Seta's Vino Nobile is discreetly padded with an abundance of dark, fleshy cherry, yet remains straightforward and sculptural. The tannins are slightly steely but yield smoothly, while zesty, citrusy acidity provides graceful support. Nuances of forest, leather and mint interweave with notes of orange that linger." Decanter

"This spicy red wine contains notes of dried herbs and olive pits, which mingle with cherries and blood oranges. It is medium-bodied, juicy and beautifully balanced. Fine tannins. Fresh and flavoursome finish." James Suckling

Montebello is a sophisticated blend of Mammolo, Ciliegiolo, Pugnitello, Colorino, Sanforte, Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo, Fogliatonda and Sangiovese. Each grape variety is harvested and fermented separately in open Liters barrels with indigenous yeasts and manual racking. A captivating bouquet of dark cherries and earth, with notes of cinnamon, tar and grilled herbs. The defined tannins are accompanied by a beautiful acid wire. A wine with great character and beautiful structure that changes with every sip. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive, juicy red wine with fine tannins and a firm structure. Medium-bodied, bright and racy, with notes of ripe cherries and redcurrants and a spicy aftertaste." James Suckling

"Here's a wine that offers you a full dose of Tuscan grapes. The 2019 Montebello (with only 4,000 bottles) is an IGT blend of Mammolo, Ciliegiolo, Pugnitello, Colorino, Sanforte, Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo, Foglia Tonda and Sangiovese. This expression is an attempt to protect some of the lesser known grapes of the region. The mouthfeel is characterised by a subtle sweetness, and the wine offers ripe notes of sour cherry, redcurrant and pomegranate pulp." Wine Advocate

Deep purple colour. Spicy Cabernet nose of herbs, fine blackberry notes, ripe cassis, some chocolate and wild raspberries. The pronounced fruit carries this monumental, single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon through to the long, fine final. The tannins provide a stable framework and give this marvellous red a long life. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bitter herbs, bark and savoury spices to the sweet cherries and blackberries on the nose. Full-bodied and slightly chewy on the palate, with grippy tannins and a medium-long finish." James Suckling

"The nose is primarily savoury, with notes of cured meat, topsoil and graphite, but undertones of sour cherries and tart berries add some verve. On the palate, the ebb and flow of earthiness and astringency continues, while hauntingtannins and lively acidity add structure to this interplay." Wine Enthusiast

Vigna Il Poggiale, a full-bodied Riserva from the single vineyard of the same name, is an extroverted class wine. Dark fruit, flowers, smoke and liquorice in the complex, differentiated bouquet. The juicy flavour, interwoven with silky tannins, is admirably harmonious. SUPERIORE.DE

"Menthol, cherry, plum, iron and wild herb aromas and flavors are embedded in this supple, well-balanced red. Firm, refined tannins line the finish, where the fruit and macchia notes linger." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggiale 2021 is a dense, powerful offering from Castellare. Black cherry, liquorice, new leather, spices and dried flowers rise from the glass. These vines, which are more than 40 years old, produce a particularly muscular, virile Riserva." Vinous

"A concentrated, flavourful and structured red wine with notes of cherries, dark plums, dried oregano, roasted meat and baking spices. It is medium to full-bodied with plush tannins. Dense fruit core on the palate with serious character. Focused and flavourful, with a long, compact finish." James Suckling

"The nose begins with notes of wood, then laurel, tobacco and undergrowth. The mouthfeel is savoury, with a hint of fruity sensations and a return of notes of officinal and undergrowth." Luca Gardini

Eneo is supposed to be the "Grand Vin" of Montepesolo, the Italian answer to the globalisation of wines. And Eneo can do that. The blend of indigenous grape varieties, with Sangiovese and Montepulciano clearly in the foreground, unmistakably expresses its terroir and is understood worldwide in the process. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, sparkling ruby red with a dark core. Filigree in the nose with discreet notes of ripe cherry, blueberries and red roses. On the palate with fine fruit melt, creamy and with beautiful fruit, juicy, young but fine-grained tannin, slightly salty on the lingering finish." Falstaff

"Fresh raspberries and blackberries with smoke and asphalt. Medium-to full-bodied. Tight and focused. Creamy and very fine tannins. Give it two or three years to open but already delicious." James Suckling

"The 2020 Eneo does not have the same fruit flesh and mass as the 2019 vintage, but it shows a lot of richness and intensity, especially on the bouquet. Perhaps the flavours in this wine are more focused and sharper, and there is a nice mineral note that forms a through line between the bouquet and the medium to full mouthfeel. This vintage feels more approachable than the 2019." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Eneo is bright and effusive, with notable aromatic presence but perhaps a bit less textural intensity than most years. That will make it easy to drink with minimal cellaring. Red cherry fruit, blood orange, mint, cinnamon and a hint of cedar linger." Vinous

La Quinta is the fresher, lighter but no less elegant version of Carlo Ferrini's Sangiovese interpretation. The purist beauty of small red fruits, including raspberry and summer cherry, combined with floral undertones, pepper and a hint of Mediterranean maquis combine to create a cool, aristocratic Rosso that expresses the signature of the Oenologistoenologist like no other! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby with garnet reflections. Elegant and spicy on the nose, opening on sweet cherry, blueberries and cloves, followed by liquorice and a hint of dark chocolate. Gripping but very fresh on the palate, with firm, tight tannins, precise fruit notes through to the lingering final." Falstaff

"The Giodo 2020 La Quinta is a pure Sangiovese (with fruit from younger vines) from a vintage that will be remembered for its sun and heat. This wine shows the power you would expect, with bold fruit tones of candied cherries and baked raspberries. The primary intensity of the wine is bold and determined, making this a good choice for a cheesy meal, be it lasagne or baked brie. The finish is soft and dense." Wine Advocate

"Lots of earth, meat and spices with cherries and spices. Also bark and mushrooms. Medium to full body, deep and dense but not heavy, with lots of forest fruit on the finish. Quite unique." James Suckling

The top wine Cavalli Rosso comes from loose marl soils at an altitude of 400 metres facing south. It reveals a dark and lush fruit profile with intense blackberry, sour cherry, plum and graphite. On the palate, it has a high primary intensity and medium weight, finishing with a very crisp acidity. It is polished and deep, balanced and supple with plenty of fruity power, weight and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine is rich and fully loaded with dark fruit flavors, but it never strays from a careful sense of balance. There is some ripe fruit with blackberry mostly, followed by spice and cured tobacco. It ages in a combination of oak, stainless steel and cement." Wine Advocate

"A modern and very well-made Toscana here showing excellent depth and complexity. Some plush cocoa powder to the minty blackberries, dark cherries, violets and hints of pine cone, black pepper and stones. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate with firm, juicy tannins and a focused finish. Long and tangy." James Suckling

"The 2020 Tenuta degli Dei is wonderfully poised and vibrant. Cavalli's blend of (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot and 15% Cabernet Franc) stands out for its precision. The heaviness of some previous years thankfully belongs to the past. Bright acid lift a core of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice and espresso. The 2020 might be the best vintage yet for this wine." Vinous

Beautifully weighted, the 2019 edition is full yet agile with enough structure to carry it over the next decade. Above all, it emphasises the freshness and balance of the vintage: the aromas unfold slowly, but are very floral, with cherry and thyme blossoms underscored by peppery notes. Crisp red plums and juicy cherries dominate the palate, with the youthful, grippy tannins needing a little time to integrate perfectly. SUPERIORE.DE

"It opens with a fruity flavour of red and blue fruits, with spicy notes reminiscent of cinnamon and cardamom. Dense and creamy in the mouth, very juicy, still a little grippy in the tannins, a modern Brunello that should be ready to drink in 1 to 2 years." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red colour. Ripe blackberries, some undergrowth, dried oregano and loam on the nose. Great tension on the palate, juicy, dark fruit, tightly woven tannins and a precise final with pressure." Falstaff

"Deep to dark ruby red in colour. Deep, brooding and backward on the nose, but with real precision. Lots of juicy red fruit and impressive, fine-grained tannins. Still a little embryonic, but already hard to resist. Pure class." Jancis Robinson

"Pure and refined wine with lively raspberries, red cherries, rosehips and a hint of citrus blossom. Medium to full-bodied with firm but silky tannins. Excellent acid backbone. Enjoyable now, but give it another two to three years to develop." James Suckling

"Deep notes of dried black cherries meet cedar shavings and worn leather as the seductive Brunello di Montalcino 2019 slowly unfolds in the glass. It is surprisingly juicy and energising, with a pure blend of red fruits and inner flowers accompanied by fresh acidity. Fine tannins assert themselves on the finish as the 2019 takes on a youthful tension and pinches the cheeks, while tart cranberry notes fade into a youthful, crisp final." Vinous

"The certified organic Col d'Orcia 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows ripe fruit, blackberry, earthy notes, liquorice and, generally speaking, a much bigger and riper fruit profile compared to its peers. It offers a full-bodied Brunello opulence that can be enjoyed in the short or medium term, and the wine delivers flavours of dried fruit such as plum and fig to finish. The tannins are velvety and contribute to the richness of the rather forward and immediate mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 is immediately inviting and expressive. It seduces with lovely tones of red rose, cherry and sweet thyme. Expansive and spacious, the palate unfolds fluidly with layers of delicious red plum and pomegranate. Hibiscus, rosewater and orange hide in every crevice. A brilliant demonstration of the flavourful juiciness of Sangiovese. Deceptively gentle at the start, fine sandy tannins build in a worthy crescendo." Decanter

"This densely packed version is resonant and persistent, with fine integration of all its components, though today it is compact and austere, revealing flavours of cherry, raspberry, rose, earth and minerals. Give it the benefit of the doubt." Wine Spectator

"Notes of marasca, geranium and eucalyptus on the nose. Juicy tannins on the palate, balsamic and floral notes, compact flavour and crispness." Luca Gardini

Deep ruby red colour, lush notes of cherries, strawberries and sweet oak spice, vanilla and black pepper. The Sangiovese gives the blend great freshness and is in perfect balance with the silky and soft tannins of the Merlot. Overall rich, but always elegant and with great persistence. A complex, excellently structured red of absolute Supertuscan quality. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Gianni Brunelli Le Chiuse di Sotto 2020 Amor Costante is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Sangiovese and offers a lovely richness with a medium body interwoven with blackberry, wild plum, spice and sweet tobacco. The softness and texture come from the Merlot, while the Sangiovese provides freshness and fresh cherry flavours. Only 2,360 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Amor Costante keeps the glass swirling as dried violets, stone dust and exotic spices accentuate an enticing blend of wild berries and red plums. This is velvety smooth with medium-bodied weight, ushering in textural waves of red and blue fruits offset by sour citrus tones and saline-tinged acidity. It finishes long and structured with fine-grained tannins and a tart resonance of currants and licorice, yet the 2020 remains surprisingly fresh through it all. Patience will be required, yet also rewarded. What a treat." Vinous

Valdicavas Rosso impresses with its expansive bouquet of sour cherries, dark forest fruits and spicy notes. Well-structured and plenty of juicy tannins in the flavour, with a very impressive finish. A little Brunello! SUPERIORE.DE

Piaggia Riserva is pure elegance in a bottle: clear ruby red colour, almost impenetrable, very consistent. Raspberry compote, dried orange peel, roses, exotic spices and a hint of cocoa on the deep bouquet. Silky and refined on the palate, with notes of violets, ripe red and black fruit in rapid succession. Its lively acidity retains exceptional finesse, although the primary fruit slowly asserts itself. Finishes long with a layer of sweet tannins and balsamic cherry flavours. Its finesse and balance are already astonishing at a young age, and the best will only come in a few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby red colour with a violet hue. Expressive nose, lots of ripe plums, some grilled peppers, subtly leathery. Blackberry and dark chocolate on the palate, crisp acidity, rich tannins, builds pressure, lingering final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Carmignano Riserva Piaggia impresses with its understated power, unfolding with a delicate blend of dried roses and black cherries, complemented by cedar spice and hints of dark chocolate. On the palate, it is pure elegance, seamless and silky, with a depth of red and blue fruit flavours that are lapped up by vibrant acidity. A web of fine tannins envelops the senses with youthful serenity as the 2020 finishes incredibly long and colourful, lingering notes of white pepper, liquorice and violet flowers. This is a dark and radiant beauty. The 2020 is a real head-turner." Vinous

Here is a big, rich Rosso that is harmonious and impressive in all its components. The bouquet alternates between dried cherries and a fine tobacco note. The palate is taut and precise, in the style of the house, its body is supported by powerful tannins that make it an ideal and refined accompaniment to Tuscan cuisine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant dark ruby colour with a delicate garnet-red rim. Memorable nose of juicy cherry, with medicinal notes and some leather. Soft and supple on the palate, sweet and fruity with firm tannins and above-average length." Falstaff

"The Rosso di Montalcino 2022 is exotic. The bouquet leaps from the glass, blending medicinal cherries, mint, pine and blood orange. Seamless and silky, it soothes the senses with its soft textures of opulent ripe fruit balanced by a tactile minerality. The residual acidity gives it an amazing, juicy freshness on the finish, while the 2022 finishes gently tannic, powerful and long. It's very different from a typical Le Potazzine, ripe and intense, but I still love it." Vinous

"It’s a notably firm, earthy and serious style, with dark, balsamic-tinged fruit, bran, sundried tomato and powerful tannins that need a year or two to soften. No hurry to drink this." Decanter

Keir Ansonica is the white answer to Keir Syrah, which is also aged in amphorae. A wine produced in small quantities of 2,000 bottles, which is neither clarified nor filtered and is an expression of both innovation and tradition.

Light golden yellow in colour. Fine, reductive bouquet of lemon peel, tropical fruit and yellow apple with a hint of smoke, honey, spices, herbs and broom. Dry on the palate, with a medium body and beautiful acidity, freshness and complexity. The flavours reflect the bouquet beautifully and lead into a medium-long finish. An excellent white wine, especially with Asian cuisine. SUPERIORE.DE

High-quality and rare Vermentino with a straw-yellow colour and a bouquet of white fruit and hazelnut. Fresh and floral on the palate, round and ripe. The well-dosed use of wood gives the wine a fine, creamy texture. A persistent, highly elegant Bolgheri Bianco with fine mineral notes for special occasions. SUPERIORE.DE

"Always a reliable interpretation of Vermentino from Bolgheri: animating bouquet of citrus and apricot, also notes of herbs, flowers and undergrowth; harmonious structure, perfectly integrated acidity, elegant and long. Convinces with its freshness and yet also spiciness." Vinum

"Sparkling light gold colour. Elegant, fragrant bouquet of very juicy limes and grapefruit on sea salt, with delicate hints of rosemary and thyme. Mouth-filling and very juicy on electrifying acidity, with a gentle grip and plenty of tension, it lingers on the palate for a long, salty finish." Falstaff

"A serious Vermentino with powerful and complex flavours of peach, apple, almond, sage and shiso leaves. Firm, dry and salty on the long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"Restrained orange blossom with white peach, white pepper and broom flowers. The attack is crisp and citrus-accentuated, with a crisp acidity, medium body and a polished finish." James Suckling