Wines from Tuscany

Piandorino, the "entry-level wine" from Pian dell'Orino, represents its noble origins with great class. Light, bright ruby red in colour, with a beautiful bouquet of dark cherry, fresh plum, peppery notes and delicate vanilla tones. Juicy fruit on the palate, accompanied by a flattering woody note, finely balanced tannins and good length. This wine is fine and beautifully delicate on the finish. The grapes for Piandorino come from the estate's younger Brunello vines and around 3,000 bottles are produced each year. SUPERIORE.DE

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family has for the first time vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione to reflect the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiola.

Castello di Fonterutoli comes from 11 different plots at an altitude of 420-510 m around the hamlet of Fonterutoli in Castellina in Chianti. It is quasi the "château" and at the same time the oldest cru of the winery and was first produced in 1995 as the predecessor of today's Gran Selezione. Rich colour and a clear scent of blackberries, cherries, violets and flowers, plus some nougat. This full-bodied Castello Fonterutoli impresses with its beguiling extract sweetness and polished tannin. The intense and concentrated taste enchants the senses. The long final is full of elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Engaging raspberry and floral bouquet; dynamic evolution on the palate, combining juice and polish, the acidity lively, the tannins tight, elegant finish." Vinum

"Bright, radiant ruby red. Somewhat restrained on the nose, gentle hints of orange zest and raspberries. On the palate juicy and with a red berry fruit core, shows itself elegant and drinky, currently still very young, in the finish delicate pressure with a lot of finesse, salty." Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red. Brooding sweet fruit with malt notes and the scent of oak. Fantastic concentration of tangy cherry fruit on the palate. Very long, deep and smooth." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is laced with sweet red cherry, tobacco, spices, incense, mint, dried herbs and orange peel. Medium-bodied, with plenty of aromatic drive and energy, the Castello is another fine offering in this Mazzei family range." Vinous

"Fonterutoli is located at the confluence of Castellina, Radda and Vagliagli. Since 2017, the Mazzei family has been producing three different Gran Selezione to highlight the individual communes. The Castello Fonterutoli, which comes from farms in Castellina, shows woody aromas of cedar, cinnamon and cloves. The palate is lush with cherry and plum still wrapped in oak. The tannins are polished and the graininess gives it structure. The finish shows racy acidity, bringing out notes of mint and violets." Decanter

"Packed with fresh cherry, raspberry, blackberry and violet flavors, this red starts out silky before yielding to firm, dusty tannins. Still, this offers nice tension and a lingering aftertaste of pure fruit." Wine Spectator

"The beautiful 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli comes from a special site with silly limestone soils punctuated by lots of stones. The wine is particularly balanced and bright in this vintage, with lots of cherry fruit, gravel, dusty minerals and blue flowers. The tannins are sweet and rich, contributing to an elegant, medium-bodied mouthfeel. The high altitude vineyard sites ensure the freshness of this wine." Wine Advocate

"A top Chianti Classico that smells of dark cherries, rose petals and cedar on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied and very structured with lots of tannins. Needs time to mellow. Taste after 2024." James Suckling

"A selection of about 50 plots, a blend of Sangiovese, Colorino, Malvasia Noir, for one of the great labels of Gran Selezione on the market. Notes of black mulberry, hints of clove and turmeric, nuances of ginger. On the palate, juicy-salty, persistent, with fruity-floral hints and great density-crispness." Luca Gardini

Beautifully matured Cabernet Sauvignon that underlines its rich, fleshy fruit with graphite and liquorice aromas. Its broad, full and balanced flavour, polished tannins and fruity, elegant style build up to a long, balsamic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Rich pepper, cassis, cranberry, leather and undergrowth on the nose. Hearty and impetuous on the palate, stretches very powerfully over the tongue, gripping, with a rich pressure, balsamic touch and minimal dryness in the finish." Falstaff

"A vibrant, concentrated red, offering black cherry, black currant, iron, tobacco and spice aromas and flavors. Though dense, this is also fluid, with excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Olmaia has developed into a brand in its own right. The wine emphasises the potential of Cabernet Sauvignon in this part of Tuscany, an area where Sangiovese is grown almost exclusively. The 2016 Sant'Antimo Cabernet Olmaia reminds us of the importance of diversity in a monoculture, which allows us to better understand the potential of a growing area. This wine has a dark colour and a dense concentration of colour. It is certainly broad and full-bodied, but it transcends the senses with nuanced grace. Black and purple fruits segue into earthy tobacco, cured leather and dark spices. These flavours are particularly finely tuned in this classic vintage." Wine Advocate

Piastraia fully lives up to the classic image of a great and delicate Bolgheri Rosso Superiore. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller portions of Merlot and Sangiovese, it fills the glass with its intense aroma of fruit and a hint of leather flavours. The flavour is powerful, concentrated and pure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Promising bouquet of blueberries and cherries, also sandalwood, liquorice and flowers; the tannins are powdery, the acidity skilfully integrated, combines race, juiciness and a lot of melting and at the same time not at all pretentious, but very drinkable." Vinum

"Dark and full ruby colour. Open, elegant bouquet of blackberry, underlaid with spicy notes of liquorice, leather and undergrowth. Powerful on the palate, round, juicy and easy to drink. The tannins are well integrated, retronasal black cherry and chocolate, long final." Falstaff

"A firm and compact red wine that shows walnuts, dried herbs, loam, black fruit and cedar on the nose. It is full-bodied, polished and compact, with firm but fine-grained tannins. Roasted walnut notes on the long finish." James Suckling

"The core flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry and pomegranate are overlaid with notes of mint, violet, iron and toasted oak. This red wine is dense and rich, with a matrix of polished tannins in support. The balance and finish are outstanding." Wine Spectator

Normally, the Sangiovese grapes from the 14-hectare single vineyard are mainly harvested in Ama and San Lorenzo. Since the 2018 harvest, Lorenza and Marco have decided to vinify a small quantity separately. Deep, dark ruby red colour with violet reflections. Extroverted bouquet of blackberry, raspberry and redcurrant, with notes of crushed gravel, tobacco and traces of young leather. Very powerful and beautifully textured on the palate, the various layers of primary fruit only gradually unfold, the wood pleasantly receding into the background. Finely granulated tannins and a well-integrated acidity flank this very harmonious red on an elegant, long final. There is a lot to like here, for us it is once again a typical Ama wine: racy, powerful and elegant! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with violet reflections. Very precise nose of ripe cherries and plums, some eucalyptus, undergrowth and juniper berries on the finish. Initially soft on the palate with a delicate fruity flavour, then with gripping tannins." Falstaff

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni is a bold, potent wine. Black fruit, leather, tobacco, grilled herbs, licorice and incense add to an impression of virile intensity. Ideally, readers will cellar this for a few years. It’s a serious wine that needs a bit of time." Vinous

"Flavours of black cherries, dark mushrooms and some lemon zest follow through to a medium body that finishes long and energetic." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni is a broad and rich expression of Sangiovese, offering concentrated blackberries, plums and velvety tannins. The wine shows attractive accessibility and a generous, medium-bodied mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

Deep, dark ruby violet colour. Pugnitello impresses with intense notes of elderberry and blackberry, interspersed with subtle smoky notes, slightly peppery in the background. Juicy attack with a well-structured body, dense, gripping tannins, long and persistent with a salty component. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Pugnitello is a fascinating wine. It offers plenty of dark cherry fruit, plum, leather, coffee, liquorice and dried herbs and shows remarkable depth and concentration. There is plenty of tannin, but this is a Pugnitello after all." Vinous

"A rich and dense red, showing some toasted sesame from the oak with red chilli chocolate, dark olives, blackberries and hints of purple flowers and spice. Full and compact, with tonnes of fine-grained tannins rounding out the fruit. An outstanding Pugnitello. Drinkable now, but better after 2023." James Suckling

"This is a beautifully made wine and a special expression of one of Tuscany's great under-the-radar grapes. The 2019 Pugnitello prides itself on its dark concentration, soft ripeness, blackberry jam, earth, black truffle and crushed rose as a single varietal wine. The full-bodied mouthfeel is rich in extract but also soft, giving this wine a medium-term drinking window. In fact, it's preferable to drink this bottle until the 10-year mark, when the velvety primary fruit is at its best." Wine Advocate

"The nose starts intensely sanguine and almost metallic, like meat fresh off the grill, then lightens into sweet aromas of vanilla and gentler savory notes of earth and herbs. On the palate, a current of astringent fruit ties together the herbaceousness with that metallic quality, while a peppery heat blazes around unrelenting tannins." Wine Enthusiast

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 wine in absolute Super Tuscan quality and produced in a very small edition of just under 3,000 bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

"A round, juicy and flavorful red. The nose shows notes of currants, cassis and some sweet spices. It’s medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins. Refined texture with control. A lively core of juicy berries at the center meets vivid spices and herbs funneling toward the vibrant finish." James Suckling

Moscadello was originally the first wine from the Montalcino appellation, long before the triumphant rise of Brunello. Mastrojanni's Moscadello di Montalcino is a blend of late harvested Moscato, Malvasia di Candia and Sauvignon Bianco. The wine matures for two years in barriques and tonneaux. Intensely fragrant bouquet with plenty of power and character, aromas of candied fruit, honey and brown sugar. These notes are reproduced with every sip with impressively brilliant precision and astonishing freshness. This rare wine (only 1,300 bottles were filled) matures for two years in barriques and tonneaux and is traditionally enjoyed instead of a dessert or with cantuccini. Very delicate. SUPERIORE.DE

Here comes a great and completely underrated wine from the Tuscan coastal region. Tenuta Belguardo Riserva is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, with 70% of the wine aged for 18 months in new French oak. It is matured in cement barrels before being bottled. The bouquet is broad with dark fruits, spices and toasted oak that are well integrated and elegant. Fresh on the palate with still young but fine tannins, it opens up very well, with elegant, precise fruit and plenty of potential. Everything hits the right note here! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark shimmering ruby colour at the core, fine rim. Elegant and multi-layered nose of dark chocolate, ripe blackberries, coffee and a touch of sealing wax. Spans the palate with a velvety texture, firm tannins, concentrated fruit and a round, long finish." Falstaff

"Sweet vanilla oak and rich blueberry fruit with herbal notes, juicy and powerful with woody notes and length." Decanter

"A perfect balance between freshness and ripeness with aromas of cassis, tobacco, pencil shavings, dark cherries and black olives on the nose. It is juicy and medium to full-bodied with fresh tannins and a long, fruit-driven finish adorned with some fine spices." James Suckling

Lodano Rosso is a blend of Petit Verdot and Merlot that is seamlessly integrated with its dark fruits, blackberries and plums, nicely rounded off by smoke and tobacco from French oak and a smaller proportion of American oak. The Merlot comes from the winery's famous old vines, and the contemporary concentration and richness of the Lodano can be found in this wine as well as in the winery's entire portfolio. The dark fruits and spices speak in a deep baritone that calls for a juicy grilled steak, it also offers excellent value! SUPERIORE.DE

Elegant Sangiovese, refined with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Deeply dark and with a terrificbouquet, strongly fruity, concentrated and soft on the palate with slightly spicy and vegetal hints. The brilliant final of this savoury and juicy Maremma classic is highly individual and captivating every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling ruby red colour. On the nose, red peach, cranberries, some watermelon, fragrant and floral nuances, cinchona bark, black tea. Juicy on the palate, with a radiant, warm-hearted fruit centre, with noble earthy tones, precise, on noble notes of tea and cranberries, salty undertones, great!" Falstaff

"The 2018 Avvoltore is a very pretty, polished wine, perhaps a little less opulent than it could be, but not in a bad way. The lighter style of the year allows the Sangiovese to come into its own. Dark fruits, leather, liquorice and spices develop beautifully and become more and more persistent until the long finish. This wine is wonderfully successful." Vinous

"This mellow version exhibits plum, cherry, iron, Mediterranean scrub and resin flavors. Muscular yet balanced, offering beefy tannins in line with the lively acidity and sweet fruit. Fine length." Wine Spectator

Lemartine shines in a stunningly beautiful red. Dark fruit aromas, pomegranate and cinnamon emanate from its dense, expressive bouquet and continue full-bodied on the palate. Refined opulence and a supertuscan in pure culture! SUPERIORE.DE

"Raspberry, blackberry, chestnut, mushroom and earth on the nose. Full-bodied with chewy tannins. Structured with a chalky texture in the mouth and a long, flavorful finish." James Suckling

Wow! Dark, bright ruby with garnet colour. Pure power of aromas, dense and complex of black cherries, smoked ham, savoury herbs, tobacco, liquorice and many other nuances. Equally fascinating on the palate, firm tannins, impressive complexity and depth with noticeable potential for developmental ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Captivating bouquet of stone fruit, herbs and violets, also pepper; then with a fine finish and tightly woven tannins, ends long on raspberry and violet notes." Vinum

"Clear, firm and quite deep, slightly smoky aroma of ripe black berries and sour cherries with restrained nutty and tobacco barrel notes and herbal nuances. Tart, juicy, quite fresh dark fruit, noticeable acid bite and youthful, crumbly-sandy tannins, good persistence, peppery-ethereal spice in the background, a hint of mint, tart nutty tones and a little tobacco, hints of coffee, clear contours, some depth, very good, youthful-juicy finish, again with acid bite and ethereal notes." Wein-Plus

"A powerful red with aromas of salted plums, olives and sun-dried tomatoes, followed by cedar, liquorice and damp earth. It is medium to full-bodied with firm tannins. It is a little rough and woody, but should relax and integrate." James Suckling

"The warm, inviting, almost sensual nose shows plenty of tar and gravel, along with juicy aromas of blood orange, blackberry and caramelised fennel. More notes of dark berries emerge on the palate before a finish of citrus and dark chocolate. Sticky, dense tannins bind everything together." Wine Enthusiast

"Cherry, plum, leather, iron and sweet spice flavours mingle in this dense, broad red wine, which remains concentrated thanks to its lively acidity and has a broad tannic arc on the fresh, complex finish. There's a lot going on; it just needs time." Wine Spectator

Al Passo is named after the small forest on the highest hill of Tolaini - a magical place with a breathtaking view of the countryside and the sunsets over the towers of Siena. The wine is as unique as the forest, showcasing the natural affinity of Sangiovese and Merlot. Rich garnet with ruby colour. Intense and enticing bouquet of ripe fruit, orange zest and spicy oak notes, on the palate with ripe fruit and fresh acidity, balanced, medium body, long final with a fine salty vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cassis, meat, leather and earth notes. Firm acidity and tannins with a chalky texture, a full body and supple fruit balancing the structure. Austere on the finish." James Suckling

"An intense red, evoking cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, mineral, tobacco and wild herb flavors. Silky and sappy, with fine-grained tannins lingering on the finish. Overall, this shows finesse." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Al Passo is a very beautiful and expressive wine. Dried cherry, tobacco, cedar, licorice and incense lend notable aromatic nuance. This Sangiovese/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend has a ton to offer. Bright acids pull it all together in style." Vinous

Strong ruby red. Pinot Nero Case Via exudes a varietal bouquet of wild berries and pipe tobacco, which combines harmoniously with the barrel spice. The soft, characterful taste is based on the strength of the tannin and the excellent aroma structure of the Pinot Pinot Noir. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Pinot Nero Case Via is bold, juicy and super-expressive. Juicy red cherry, plum, spice, rose petal and sweet pipe tobacco are nicely pushed forward. Succulent and inviting, the 2019 has so much to offer." Vinous

Maestro Raro shines first with its lively colour and then impresses with a bouquet that reveals a wonderful blackberry scent after spices, leather and tobacco aromas. The concentrated taste spreads softly, in which a stable acid structure cooperates perfectly with the tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet. In the nose noble spicy note, after cassis and elderberries, carried by cloves and a hint of red pepper. Spicy on the palate with a slight peppery-animal note, very warm, has tension throughout and comes back juicy on the final." Falstaff

"The currant character is supercharged with wood and bark highlights. It’s full-bodied with lots of blackberry and blackcurrant undertones. Chewy and firm. Needs time to open." James Suckling

"The 2018 Maestro Raro is dense, powerful and rich. As always, Maestro Raro is a decidedly Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon. Black fruit, leather, spice and smoke are front and center. This burly Cabernet is a bit angular, but it certainly has plenty of character." Vinous

"This is an exacting and powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of Tuscany. The Fèlsina 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Maestro Raro always stands out in a crowd, and it definitely stands apart in this portfolio. The wine is sultry and rich in personality, sporting tightly wrapped tannins that will need time to soften and unwind. At its core, the wine shows concentrated black fruit flavors, but there are hints of spice, baker's chocolate and smoky tobacco that add to the complexity and the aromatic lift of the bouquet." Wine Advocate

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 star Oenologist's signature like no other! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright and lively on the palate, such beautifully expressed fruit flavours of raspberries and red cherries alongside a bright acidity that is so clean and precise. Joyful expression with hints of caramelised strawberries and fresh mint. So sharp but so well defined with a clarity on the palate that is beautiful. Not totally complex but a balanced, easy to enjoy wine with lots of life." Decanter

"The Giodo 2021 La Quinta, whose Sangiovese comes from the winery's younger vines, is bold and bright with cherry jam, raspberry syrup and tart aromas of blood orange and nectarine. The wine is easy to drink, with overt fruit and a reassuringly transparent personality. The finish is lean and fresh." Wine Advocate

"Beautiful sweet berries and plums with some cherries. Fir tree and other forest notes. Medium to full body. Round tannins and fresh acidity. Tangy and lively. Delicious right now, but it will age nicely." James Suckling

"Bright, elegant ruby red with a gently lightening rim. Fragrant, inviting nose of juicy cherries, rose hips, in addition fine noble spice, oranges, floral touch, dried violet, in the reverberation again on cherry juice. Exciting and juicy on the palate on entry, with dancing fruit and acidity, shows a nice arch to it, hearty and approachable, great Sangiovese!" Falstaff

"Smells intensely of stone fruit and fresh berries, flanked by herbal and sandalwood aromas; rich in tannins and mineral on the palate, the finish ells out on notes of wild berries, flowers and spices. Full-bodied yet with finesse." Vinum

Strong dark ruby. Pepper and spice accents, aromas of ripe red and dark fruits and a slightly animal note characterise the precise aroma. The perfect balance between tannin, silky elements and the acidity guarantee a characterful and pithy taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multifaceted bouquet on notes of rose hips, cherries, pepper and blossoms; the attack is full-bodied, invigorating acidity, racy tannins, elegant course with mouth-filling finish, the wood perfectly integrated. With mushroom dishes." Vinum

"Dark ruby red with a drop of violet. In the nose of juicy cherries, juicy plums, plus a hint of iron, in the aftertaste noble pepper and slightly bacony tones. Spicy on the palate, with grippy tannin and juicy fruit." Falstaff

"The 2019 Syrah Case Via is powerful, inky and expressive. A blast of inky dark fruit, espresso, licorice, cloves, game and leather infuses the 2019 with notable depth. This virile, somber Syrah has plenty to offer." Vinous

"Intense, exhibiting blackberry, plum, boysenberry and black pepper aromas and flavors. Firm and needs time to resolve the oak, yet this is fresh and persists on the mineral- and spice-tinged finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of blackberries, black tobacco and slate follow through to a medium body with firm tannins and a graphite note in the finish." James Suckling

The top-quality Vigneto Erchi Riserva comes from the small vineyard of the same name, which has belonged to Fattoria Selvapiana since 1998. The owners spent a long time looking for a vineyard whose terroir impressively demonstrates the complexity of Sangiovese in the Rufina region, making this wine a high-calibre addition to the famous Selvapiana collection.

Compared to Bucerchiale, Vigneto Erchi is somewhat more red-fruity and combines its power with wonderful finesse. The well-tempered bouquet has precise and well-defined aromas of wild cherry and redcurrant, as well as hints of blue flowers and earthy notes. Initially restrained on the palate, it gains volume and race with further aeration. Maturation in French oak provides a structure and depth that will give it a long life. Everything is just right here, the house's new top Sangiovese has found its place. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Selvapiana 2018 Chianti Rufina Riserva Vigneto Erchi is drinking beautifully right now, with a little hint of tertiary definition that goes a long way to add complexity. There is dried blackcurrant, spice, tobacco, licorice and a hint of smoked meat on this 100% Sangiovese. It reveals a mid-weight texture with an open-knit quality of tannins." Wine Advocate

"Purity of cherries and crushed stones on the nose. Medium to full body, racy tannins and a mineral, crisp finish. Nice structure, if a little austere now. Better from 2024." James Suckling

"Fattoria Selvapiana, one of the region's top producers, has described its 5-hectare Vigna Erchi as iron-rich soil in comparison to its legendary Bucerchiale vineyard. Exceptional elegance and a silky smoothness complement the bold character of the dark fruit. Although aged for 18 months in French barriques, there is no hint of oak on the palate, only its influence. The wine is a classic example of power and finesse, invigorating freshness and great length. The tannins remain polished and unobtrusive, even if you keep the wine in your mouth. It is a youthful wine, but its impeccable balance suggests a long life and glorious evolution." Decanter

The Chianti Classico from Istine is one of the most racy and pure representatives of its genre. Its weightlessness and at the same time precision make up a large part of its charm. Finely knitted bouquet of red berry fruits, flowers, chalk and white pepper. Medium-bodied on the nose, with further aeration its fine fruit, creamy tannins and plenty of personality come to light. A red that takes hearts by storm with its lively, prancing and extremely fine-nerved character! SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid crimson. Concentrated, complex nose of dark fruit and sweet raspberry with a hint of iron and damp earth. Succulent cherry fruit lined with grainy tannins and a final kick of acidity on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Cherry and strawberry flavors are pure and focused, with a touch of rose and rosemary accents. This is firm and balanced, with a persistent finish echoing the fruit and herb notes." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Chianti Classico is a classy, polished wine that needs time to fully come into its own, as the aromatics are not at all expressive, and that is such a big part of what makes Chianti Classico so distinctive. Today, the wine's energy and vibrancy are both notable, but it is clearly very early days for this bottling." Vinous

"This lovely, easy-drinking red has aromas of rose, berry and spice. Reflecting the nose, the bright, savory palate doles out juicy strawberry, red cherry and star anise set against taut, lithe tannins." Wine Enthusiast

The grapes are dried on straw mats for 4 months, followed by slow fermentation, which is interrupted in winter due to the temperature. Bright ruby red colour with elegant golden reflections. Aromatic bouquet of great breadth and complexity with characteristic notes of dried fruit, honey and various spices. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of saffron, toffee, and salted caramel followed by a hint of sesame oil. The concentrated and generous palate is supported by bright acidity. Persistent finish with citrus blossom undertones." James Suckling

On the classic bouquet, ripe cherry, tobacco and some damp earth. On the palate, first the pure Sangiovese feeling: beautiful small red berries, wild cherry, lively acidity. Then an impenetrable mesh of red and black fruits, which together with a fine web of tannins and minerals reveal more and more of themselves. Compressed and with each sip more open and present, the beautifully diversified taste components present themselves until they then lead into an aristocratically long and fresh finish with a hint of liquorice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Somewhat woody, also dried-vegetable to herbal and earthy, with air increasingly preserved-fruity scent of mixed berries and a little plums with cedary hints. Quite firm, positively implied marmalade-like fruit with more red components than on the nose, smoky and wood spice aromas, quite present, ripe, relatively friable tannin, some bite, ethereal spice on the palate, salty-mineral, persistent, a little herbal, gaining depth with air, very good, juicy and spicy finish with bite." Wein-Plus

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte is unobtrusive, bright and delicate in the glass, with white pepper, beautiful rose and nuances of dried strawberries. It coats the palate with soft textures and soothing ripe red fruits contrasted with savoury spices and inner herbal notes. The 2018 lingers long, showing balsamic nuances and salty liquorice, while gentle tannins do not slow down the momentum. It will be interesting to follow this understated beauty through to maturity." Vinous

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte shows medium-dark concentration and a savoury character with black spices, saddle leather and some distant hints of cured meat. I always associate Ugolforte with a more modern style of wine that brings spices, ripe fruit and soft tannins to the fore. This vintage offers all these qualities with a soft and approachable mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"This red wine features aromas and flavours of cherry, plum, thyme, sage and clay. Lively and firmly structured, with a salty undercurrent. An open wine with beautiful balance, fine energy and a long, resonant finish." Wine Spectator

"Excellent interpretation of the 2018 vintage from Tenuta San Giorgio, the last estate acquired by the ColleMassari group. We are in the south-eastern area of Montalcino, starting from a raw material of great crispness. Notes of blackcurrant on the nose, then laurel lashes and hints of blood orange peel. Iodine tannins on the palate, with a fruity finish." 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

"Elegantly bright ruby red. Pronounced on the nose with aromas of juicy mulberries and blackberries, rose petals, underpinned by a hint of nutmeg. With soft but precise fruit on the palate, tense, tight tannin, long finish." Falstaff

"Lovely perfumes of flowers, fresh plums and red berries with some stones. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins that blend into the wine. Finely pixelated. Just a hint of bitterness at the end." James Suckling

"The 2021 Eneo is superb. Bright and effusive, with tons of explosive energy, the 2021 is shaping up to be a gem. Crushed flowers, blood orange, cinnamon, cedar and spice are all finely delineated in an Eneo that exudes balance. Clean mineral notes extend the finish effortlessly. I very much admire the vibrancy here, something that is hard to achieve in this district of Suvereto." Vinous

Prima Pietra is the flagship wine of the small Maremma branch of Castiglion del Bosco. The grapes come from what is probably the highest vineyard site on the Costa Toscana, 450 metres above sea level. Bright ruby red in colour with violet hues. Inviting spicy notes on the nose, finely characterised, with lots of dark berries and some dark chocolate, very profound. Full of tension on the palate, shows good density, with lots of fine-meshed tannins, polished, but also juicy, present fruit. Very precise progression into the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark, ruby-red centre with a delicate rim. Deep and seductive nose of dark chocolate, blackberry compote and cherry jam, on ebony. Polished attack, with precise fruit, on a tightly woven tannin structure, harmonious and persistent." Falstaff