Wines from Tuscany

The vines for Camigliano's Brunello di Montalcino grow in a warm and sun-drenched corner of Tuscany, and the warm ripeness of the fruit is a testament to the place. Compared to its competitors, it offers a more powerful bouquet with a dark and rich fruit. Flavours of blackcurrant, raspberry and boysenberry are underpinned by woody wild herbs, menthol and graphite notes in this distinctive red wine. Expressive, it shows some powerful tannins flexing their muscles on the striking finish. It is authentic every year, but even more convincing is its still unbeatable price. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Lots of redcurrant on the nose, with some violets behind it. Lots of fruit on the palate, animating acidity structure, medium-long, spicy final." Falstaff

"Forest herbs and earthy tones combine with dried black cherries when the Brunello di Montalcino 2020 opens in the glass. It splashes across the palate with ease, bright and energetic, with wild berry fruits and fragrant flowers riding a wave of vibrant acidity. It leaves a pleasant bitter note and a hint of spice and finishes with medium length and a concentration of sour cherries. A fine achievement." Vinous

"The organically grown Brunello di Montalcino 2020 has a more rubenesque personality due to the warm sites and denser soils in this part of the appellation. The bouquet is definitely bigger in personality, with bright flavours of bold cherries, dark plums and spicy earth. The wine finishes with young tannins and a forward, fruit-driven approach." Wine Advocate

"A fine and subtle Brunello with flavours of cherries, candied watermelon, flowers and some orange peel. Medium-bodied with fresh acidity and a bright finish." James Suckling

"Nose with white currant, juniper, rhubarb and marjoram. Mouthfeel that highlights dense and velvetytannins." Luca Gardini

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, thus ensuring a unique balance between freshness and structure, body and elegance. Ruby red in colour with garnet hues, it 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. The primary fruit is surrounded by spice, grilled herbs and floral earth; nice length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Cherry and tomato leaf on the nose, then a fine leather flavour. Good freshness and juicy fruit on the palate, shows firm body and pressure, accessible, delicately bitter on the final." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red colour. Compact and dense on the nose with notes of sweet raspberries and fresh mint. Lots of sweet raspberry fruit on the palate with a tangy acid nerve that runs through the fullness of the fruit. Firm but ripe and fine-grained tannins. A fairly rich wine, but one that will probably age well." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino exudes hints of wild berries, violet pastille and sweet smoke. This is a seductive effort with juicy acidity and vibrant red and blue fruits swirling throughout. Autumnal spices and dark chocolate slowly saturate towards the finish. The 2019 finishes long yet remarkably fresh with a hint of liquorice and slightly grippy tannins. The 2019 aims to please and will provide early satisfaction after a short stay in the cellar while the single-vineyard wines slowly mature." Vinous

"The Brunello from the Val di Suga vineyard is made up of equal parts from the Vigna del Lago vineyard in the north-east, Poggio al Granchio in the south-east and Vigna Spuntali in the south-west of Montalcino. The bright ruby red colour and youthful freshness are well preserved. Concentrated aromas of red cherry with a hint of pepper fade into deep violet and sweet earth. The medium-bodied palate is appealing and pure, offering layers of lush red berry and plump persimmon flavours underscored by juicy acidity. The sandy textured tannins are supple and yielding. Hard to resist." Decanter

"This lively red wine is smooth and harmonious, with strawberry, cherry and blackcurrant fruit flavours underpinned by mineral and wild herbal notes. Dusty tannins give it grip and texture on the finish. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"A blend of three vineyards belonging to three different sides of the appellation. Durone di Vignola on the nose, a hint of lemon thyme and clementine peel. Juicy on the palate, with a hint of savoury and balsamic notes. Persistent." Luca Gardini

The elegant blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot surprises with its aroma full of purity and intensely aromatic fruit flavour. Elegance and finesse trump muscle in Turpino, a wine that is always light on its feet. Fermentation in wooden barrels and ageing in barriques lend the spicy, balsamic notes of the grape blend a softness, a fine frame and a beguilingly long finish on the palate. With its tangy acidity balancing the ripe fruit, Turpino manages to be generous and restrained at the same time, making it a great accompaniment to Mediterranean meat dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, dark ruby red colour. Captivating nose with aromas of black cherry, tobacco and ebony, also some iodine. On the palate, with a good length, young but fine tannins, lots of chocolate, still needs time, lots of potential." Falstaff

"Infused with plum, cherry and blackberry fruit, this well-balanced red wine is soft in texture. Hints of Mediterranean scrub, iron, earth and tobacco complete the flavour profile. The finish is fresh and long." Wine Spectator

"Lots of black liquorice and aniseed with blackberries and blueberries. Medium-bodied with very refined and polished tannins that run the length of the wine. Crisp, firm and juicy. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot. Needs time to mellow, but is very nice." James Suckling

"The Turpino 2020, which I tasted from the barrel last year, has developed wonderfully. The 2020 is rich, multi-layered and expansive and captivates from the very first sip. The blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot is very well done. The Syrah contains some whole bunches (50%), another good choice that works very well. All the elements are very harmonious. This is another fabulous wine from Querciabella." Vinous

Le Cupole shows dark fruit intensity and an impressive spectrum of flavours with cherries, blackberries and plums. A hint of sweetness on the palate, a finely accentuated texture with a phenolic density and structure that gives it volume and excellent ageing potential. Added to this is a value at this level that is unrivalled in Tuscany. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful. Lots of tension and a little fresher than Tenuta di Trinoro. Big difference in price!" Jancis Robinson

"Dusty with black fruit, wood spice and game notes, harmoniously fresh finish with a flint character." Decanter

"The 2021 Le Cupole is great. Bold, powerful and expressive, the 2021 offers an exciting blend of dark fruit, leather, grilled herbs, lavender and dark chocolate. Trinoro's entry-level Cupole offers tons of intensity and richness at a very affordable price, which is sure to make it a crowd favourite." Vinous

"Redcurrants and flowers with cinnamon and some blood orange. It's medium-bodied with fine tannins and a nice, smooth finish. Delicious now." James Suckling

"Bright, light ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Red and ripe fruit on the nose, then slightly spicy and balsamic. Full-bodied on the palate, juicy, with powerful tannins, long final, still appears somewhat youthful." Falstaff

"A round, fleshy red that starts with an explosion of pure blackberry and black cherry fruit. It gains depth through mineral, earthy and spicy notes with a base of refined tannins to support it. Long and balanced." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Le Cupole is the affordable entry-level red wine from one of Tuscany's most prolific and creative wineries. Le Cupole is velvety and full-bodied with dark fruits, dried cherries and sweet earth or terracotta. This is an incredible value." Wine Advocate

The "complete" Bordeaux from Tenuta di Trinoro, with a predominance of Cabernet Franc and Merlot and a contribution from Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Redcurrant on the nose, a hint of nutmeg, rhubarb and orange peel, more marjoram on the finish. Spicy and savoury, fruity and spicy on the finish." Luca Gardini

Uccelliera is not only famous for its outstanding Brunello every year, the Rapace, which has now become an icon, also demonstrates the high quality with which the winery has been delighting wine connoisseurs all over the world for decades. Deep dark ruby red in colour, the aroma spectrum is skilfully balanced with a mix of dark red cherries, plums, liquorice, smoke, spices and menthol. The beautifully cherry-like primary fruit is embedded in a warm texture, the silky tannin skilfully takes over on the sidelines and the wine storms into a long, nuanced and delicately mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Poggio Valente comes from a single vineyard of the same name at an altitude of around 300 metres. Opulent floral and small-fruited Sangiovese nose with optimally nuanced hints of tobacco, cedar and mint. Precise on the palate with plenty of pressure and power, then towards the end the furious resolution of all the well-dosed components in a fine, silky texture and an unforgettable, long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wonderfully clear red-fruity bouquet with cherries, wild berries and wonderful floral (lavender, roses) and spicy notes. Still very delicate, but juicy and elegant as well as precisely woven with a lively style, lives from the red berry fruit, the fine tannin riff and the wonderfully ethereal freshness with wonderful liquorice notes on the final." Weinwisser

"Brilliant, medium ruby colour with reflections. Initially delicate and subtle on the nose, with a little oxygen the wine opens up with aromas of black cherries and cedar wood. Elegant fruity sweetness on the palate, with fine tannins and a beautiful tension to the final." Falstaff

"Pure Sangiovese from the coast, also animating in this vintage: notes of forest fruits, blackberries, pepper and violets in the multi-faceted bouquet; precise construction with perfectly integrated, well-built tannins and vivid acidity, combining polish and length." Vinum

"The 2021 is ripe and silky, showing an intensity of soft, creamy red fruits with a lovely mineral note. Pure, balanced and precise, it is not quite as vertical as some of its predecessors, but instead has an appealing roundness." Decanter

"Ripe flavours of plum, black cherry and blackberry accentuate this dense red wine, whose lively structure conveys an energetic feel. Notes of earth, iron, eucalyptus and spice add complexity on the finish, with an aftertaste of fruit, wild undergrowth and spice." Wine Spectator

"This pure Sangiovese wine is celebrating its 25th anniversary. I was told that it is made according to a Burgundian model. The Fattoria le Pupille 2021 Poggio Valente offers good fruit concentration, freshness and an open character. It has a lot of character of red fruits, iris, blue flowers and earth, and the tannins are present, albeit powdery." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Poggio Valente is fabulous. I can’t remember tasting a Poggio Valente with this much finesse. Rose petal, spice and red cherry fruit open in an effusive bouquet that is immediately appealing. Silky, medium in body and gracious, with finesse to burn, the 2021 shows what is possible within the appellation. I love its total class." Vinous

"Aromas of cherries, chocolate and walnuts. Some undertones of lavender and rose petals. Medium-bodied, with superfine tannins and notes of chocolate and vanilla. Give it time to open up." James Suckling

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

"Bright ruby colour with garnet-red reflections. A savoury nose with ripe fruit of cranberries and blackberries. Fruity-sweet and juicy on the palate, opens up with a wide arc, powerful, right into the slightly salty final." Falstaff

"A pure cherry note graces this juicy red, with accents of rose, strawberry, earth and Mediterranean herbs. This turns more linear as it focuses on the mineral-infused aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Cinnamon and balsamic notes permeate redcurrant with a core of pomegranate and cranberry on the palate. The tannins are quite compact and the acidity is lively, giving an edgy expression in the moment." Decanter

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is a real stunner with its remarkable depth and textural resonance. Black cherry, spices, mocha and dried herbs are some of the many notes that unfold in the glass. A wine with substance and presence, the 2020 offers plenty of intensity, but is by no means over the top." Vinous

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva has notes of cherry liqueur and sweet crème de cassis on the nose, and the mouthfeel reflects some of the viscous nature of these descriptions. However, this pretty wine also shows depth and varietal clarity, supported by a medium structure." Wine Advocate

"Sandalwood and cherry with some orange peel. Medium body. Fine tannins. Crisp and bright. Lively and delicious. A hint of orange peel and brightness on the finish." James Suckling

"Riserva di Riecine, from a selection of the estate's best plots, clay-limestone soils and pure Sangiovese. On the nose, notes of red cherries, mentholated notes and nutmeg, with hints of eucalyptus. Juicy mouthfeel, with iodised tannins, a fruity, mentholated finish and persistence." Luca Gardini

L'Albereta is Alessio Logi's top wine from the single vineyard of the same name, which is also organically farmed. It owes its unmistakable identity to its rich, full-bodied texture, among other things. Matured for 12 months in oak barrels, it is rich in apricots, honey, cedar wood and roasted almonds. L'Albereta is a ripe and fleshy sun wine with a long, creamy finish flanked by smoke, spices and a delicate hint of cinnamon. It is already pleasant, but will become much richer and more complex over the next five to 12 years. SUPERIORE.DE

Aria di Caiarossa is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Alicante, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon - in decreasing order. At this young stage, you can taste the purity of the primary flavours with wild cherry and raspberry, underpinned by dark spice and a hint of crushed mineral. These elegant mineral notes can be found throughout the Caiarossa portfolio. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, almost impenetrable ruby red colour with slightly brightening edges. Ripe wild berries and rich plums on the nose, with hints of dark chocolate and wet leather on the finish. Full-bodied on the palate, with fine tannins, juicy and a long-lasting final." Falstaff

"Although fruity, with flavours of blackcurrant and blackberry, this red wine has a certain weight. It finds a nice balance, with an earthy note and a slight tactile feel of tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Aria di Caiarossa is very generous and rich with full-bodied flavours of black fruits, sweet spices and cinnamon. The oak needs another year or two to integrate. Black fruits are the main protagonists, but baking chocolate and a hint of crushed limestone play a supporting role." Wine Advocate

"The Aria di Caiarossa 2020 is dark, fleshy and very expressive. Black cherry, mocha, new leather, liquorice, spices and lavender are beautifully enhanced. Resonant and wonderfully deep, the Aria 2020 is showing very well today. Silky tannins round off the whole in style." Vinous

"This fascinating blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Grenache has a real minerality. It exudes light balsamic notes with hints of cardamom and chocolate. Juicy and succulent, with flavours of dark cherries and plums, silky tannins and a juicy background. It comes from the estate's youngest vineyards, planted at an altitude of 200-350 metres." Decanter

"The nose offers a captivating mix of nuanced fruit flavours, from Bing cherries to rhubarb and pomegranate, and then a fresh herbal note, with mint and fennel. On the palate, the tannins lead to dark fruits that finally explode in a powerful, peppery finish. A reminder that Bolgheri is not the only part of Maremma worth plundering, especially in this price range." Wine Enthusiast

"It is fresh and crisp with notes of red and dark berries as well as spices and citrus peel. Medium to full-bodied. It is polished and velvety, with balanced acidity and a polished finish." James Suckling

Attractive, juicy Riserva with classic flavours of sour cherries, sour cherries, dark forest fruits and a subtle hint of liquorice. Elegant fruit and delicate structure on the palate, compact, well-integrated tannins. It walks the fine line between elegance and power, with the firm structure and lively acidity ensuring that it is concentrated and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby colour with a dark core. Dark and multi-layered on the nose, black cherry, saddle leather, roasted flavours, also balsamic notes. On the palate with present, tightly woven tannins, compact fruit, lively acidity, complex and long, great." Falstaff

"Deep, dark ruby red colour. Brooding, concentrated sweet cherry fruit nose. Lots of juicy, concentrated cherry fruit with layers of enveloping tannins. Animating, tannic and tangy." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is a classic Brancaia wine. Dark, resonant and multi-layered in the glass, the 2021 shows remarkable depth of style. Hints of mocha, new leather and brown spices come together in this decidedly lush, structured Riserva." Vinous

"Clean and polished, the 2021 opens with mocha-coloured notes of red cherry, cedar and balsamic wood. The palate reveals darker fruit tones with a hint of truffle. The bright fruit character matches the soft tannins, while a creamy texture is countered by crisp acidity. Beautiful structure for medium-term ageing." Decanter

"In the bottle with the wine-red label, the Brancaia 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva from organic cultivation is subtle at first glance with spicy aromas of dried fruit, black cherries and floral earth. I have the feeling that this sample doesn't quite realise its full potential, but that could be because it needs more time in the bottle. A mild, medium-bodied mouthfeel is topped with balanced acidity." Wine Advocate

"A blend of black cherry, blackberry and floral flavours is underlined by a firm structure in this fleshy red wine. Intense and balanced, with a lingering mineral aftertaste. The finish feels crisp and offers a light tactile sensation on the palate." Wine Spectator

"Very attractive interplay of dark berries, chocolate and roasted spices with good concentration and depth. Bright, focussed and very juicy, with medium body and consistent acidity. Flavourful and crisp." James Suckling

Pian del Ciampolo is a graceful and very aromatic Sangiovese with small amounts of Canaiolo and Colorino - very much in the style of Montevertine. It has a powerful personality on the nose with lots of tart cherry, raspberry and wild plum, followed by a beautiful herbal flavour on the palate. Its elegant structure and the wonderful interplay of acidity and tannin ensure a beguiling drinking flow and a terrific length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pian del Ciampolo 2022 is soft, juicy and ready to go. The harvestwill find a lot of immediacy in this red wine made from Sangiovese. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, spice, rose petals and earthy notes are pushed forward nicely. The 2022 is a fine Pian del Ciampolo." Vinous

"The Montevertine 2022 Pian del Ciampolo is shy at first and needs some time to open up. You can recognise notes of wild berries, redcurrants, peat moss and tin cans. It has a soft texture with silky tannins." Wine Advocate

"A crunchy and fresh red with strawberry, orange peel and cedar aromas and flavors. It’s medium- to light-bodied with a vivid finish. Drink and enjoy." James Suckling

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

Caparzo is one of two estates in Montalcino (the other is Altesino, by the way) owned by the extremely charming Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini.

Caparzo's Brunello di Montalcino is a very classic interpretation that delivers the perfect stuff without any distracting frills. The nose is fruity and warm at the same time: aromas of strawberries, cherries and hibiscus flirt with notes of dark chocolate, orange peel and stones bathing in the sun. On the palate, a wave of cranberry brings an astringency that refreshes a lingering stony note before the chocolate returns on the finish. The firm, imposing tannins creep up slowly, adding depth without weighing the wine down. Great value! SUPERIORE.DE

"Fruity bouquet, dark cherries, but also cassis and blue berries. Behind this, however, very clear notes of cherry, blackberries and marvellous floral hints. Polished and pleasing on the palate, round, with fine, round tannins, sweet berries." Weinwisser

"Ruby red with brightening edges. Intense nose of ripe cherry, some leather and beeswax, reminiscent of blood orange on the final. Clear fruit again on the palate, fine woody spice, with a certain pressure and pithy tannins." Falstaff

"The 2019 captures its overtly fragrant disposition. Fennel, mint and aniseed linger on the palate. Plush and soft texture with a predominant blackcurrant flavour. The fine tannins harmonise with the zesty acidity. An uncomplicated and attractive wine overall." Decanter

"Rich and supple, with aromas and flavours of cherry, blackberry, graphite and tobacco. The dense, dusty tannins are evident in the long, lively finish, in which a slight astringency lingers." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens slowly in the glass, but it's worth the wait as a dusty mix of dried flowers, cedar shavings, wild strawberries and spice unfolds over time. It is silky and enveloping with fresh acidity and pretty wild berries that gain sweetness over the palate. The finish is long and colourful but still lively and tangy, leaving a layer of fine tannins and liquorice notes that resonate under a hint of violet blossom. The 2019 is a beautiful interpretation of the fruit of northern Montalcino." Vinous

"The Caparzo 2019 Brunello di Montalcino offers vibrant flavours of cherry-cola, wild berries and dried cranberries, which are very much in evidence on the nose. The wine's dimension and scope are impressive, especially in terms of mouthfeel. What works best in my opinion, however, is the wine's balanced and much-needed freshness. You get a great quality." Wine Advocate

"Quite pure fruit with flavours of black cherries, black berries and light chocolate. The palate is full and focused with very polished tannins and a long, long finish." James Suckling