Wines from Tuscany

Chianti Classico Vallenuova has the potential to become a favourite wine. It is an archetypal expression of Sangiovese from a single vineyard that could not be more typical and authentic. Vibrant, sparkling ruby in colour, with a hint of cedar wood and small wild berries on the nose, along with spices, beetroot and white pepper. Leather, tobacco and a hint of citrus fruit on the palate, the final is pleasantly lean with a convincing, drinkyfreshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, rich ruby colour. Appealing and finely characterised nose of blackberry, fresh plums and soot. Juicy and clear on the palate, shows beautifully worked out fruit, fine-meshed tannin, salty, with a hint of graphite on the finish." Falstaff

"The Tolaini 2021 Chianti Classico Vallenuova is a simple wine with lots of dark cherry fruit, soft lines and medium texture." Wine Advocate

"The nose vacillates between spicy aromas of hot tar and earth and sweet notes of vanilla and cherry. On the palate, an orange peel element adds texture to this sweetness, while bright acidity and dusty tannins fan the flames of a lingering, savoury earthiness." Wine Enthusiast

"Dried flowers, tobacco and sweet red fruits. Smooth, chewy tannins. Rich and concentrated. Plums, baking spice, woodsmoke, toast and leather. A lingering finish." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Vallenuova offers a tantalising blend of macerated red cherry, plum, liquorice, new leather and blood orange. The 2021 is lush and vibrant, with striking energy, an excellent example of the vintage. All the elements are very well balanced." Vinous

"Rich and expressive on the attack, with flavours of sweet cherry, raspberry, mint, rosemary, iron and spice. This supple, luscious red wine firms up, with fine tannins on the long, delicious finish." Wine Spectator

"Fresh character of red and blue fruits with violets, cocoa and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with very polished but velvety and mouth-filling tannins and lively acidity that gives the fruit tension and juiciness. Broad and structured. Long finish." James Suckling

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

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

Monica Raspi remembers: "I took my first steps as a winemaker in the Omino vineyard. The grapes grown here produce the wine that is the absolute benchmark for my very personal interpretation of the Sangiovese grape."

Intense aromas of roses, cherries, strawberries, wild herbs and tar are the hallmarks of this seductive Gran Selezione from the Omino vineyard. As seductive as this wine is at first, the dense tannins and lively acidity keep it structured, concentrated and long. Excellent harmony and aftertaste, very good ageing potential. 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

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

If the Vin Santo is vinified from 100% Sangiovese or Prugnolo Gentile, it bears the addition Occhio di Pernice. Amber in colour, dried fruit, candied orange and hints of hazelnuts on the nose. Full and dense on the palate, with a subtle but never broad sweetness and a wonderfully long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

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

"Super-floral profile, with rose petal, vinous and rich dark fruit aromas. Smooth attack with a medium body and crisp acidity. The tannins are crunchy yet still quite astringent. Will improve with a year of aging, otherwise it’s ready to drink." James Suckling

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

Intense ruby red, persistent, fruity bouquet with notes of wild berries, violets, cloves and cinnamon as well as sweet tobacco flavours. Concentrated, fleshy, tannic, dark fruit flavours on the palate. On the finish, the spicy flavours merge with a pleasant fruity note. An unbeatable wine every year at a very attractive price! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a violet tinge. Lots of blackberry on the nose, subtle earthy notes as well as vanilla and pepper. Animating and lively on the palate, ripe tannins, lively acidity, spicy, medium-long final." Falstaff

"Crunchy red cherries and raspberries, followed by lifted floral notes and spices with a hint of chopped bell pepper. Medium body, with chewy tannins and refreshing acidity. Simple but delightful. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"The 2020 Montecucco Rosso Riserva lifts from the glass with a whiff of reduction that slowly blows off to reveal an herbal-tinged mix of wild strawberries, cedar and spice. This is rich and velvety, with masses of ripe red fruits and tactile mineral tones complicated by a note of sage. Brisk acidity maintains balance. It tapers off with a woody sensation, like a pine spice box, as hints of chalk dust and inner rose fade. The warmth of the vintage imparted a fleshy, nearly opulent character to the Rosso Riserva." 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

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

"Compared to its peers, the organic Grattamacco 2022 Bolgheri Vermentino takes the complexity of this grape up a notch with mineral notes and candied citrus fruit from hot and dry growing conditions. The wine is silky and smooth in texture with a little extra richness in this vintage." Wine Advocate

"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

The 2020 edition of Col d'Orcia's Brunello di Montalcino wows with its brilliant ruby red colour in the glass and beguiles the nose with a cornucopia of crushed black cherries with hints of brown spices and sage - finesse complemented by notes of white smoke, cedar and dried roses. On the palate, it is seductive and supple; sweet red fruits are contrasted by a fresh and lively acidity and savoury spice, and its finely knit tannins rise slowly towards the end. The finish is long, structured and very balanced with a lingering aftertaste of tart wild berries, a hint of red liquorice and pretty flowers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very expressive with dark red cherry fruit, with spicy notes reminiscent of wet earth and cinnamon. Dense and creamy in the mouth, very juicy, with savoury, dense tannins, a modern Brunello that should be ready to drink in 2 years." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby red with delicate rim brightening. Inviting nose with delicious fruit, reminiscent of cherry and raspberry, with some lavender and vanilla behind it. Harmonious and balanced on the palate, lots of juice, well-integrated tannins, animating, salty final." Falstaff

"Bright ruby red colour. Spicy, brooding and a little rich on the nose with mineral notes. Lush but elegant cherry fruit with just the right dose of marvellous acidity and sandy tannins throughout. It can be approached, but ideally needs more age." Jancis Robinson

"The Brunello di Montalcino 2020 opens slowly with a blend of black cherry and minty herbal scents underscored by a hint of blood orange. It displays a silky texture and airy feel, with tart wild berry flavours and mineral tones underscored by rosy flowers. The 2020 still offers edgy tannins balanced by a hint of zesty acidity." Vinous

"A fresh and refined red with plum and orange flavours and fine tannins. It is medium-bodied, lively and concentrated. It is a little tight at the end, suggesting that it will open up in two or three years. A rather traditional Brunello." James Suckling

"Among the larger wineries in Montalcino, Col d'Orcia is also one of the region's most consistent values - especially given its solid ageing potential in most vintages. The 2020 is no exception. On the nose, it impresses with its lush richness, characterised by red cherries and strawberries. A subliminal flintiness and a mixture of sweet garden and exotic herbs unfold on the nose. A surprisingly powerful structure of dry, sandy tannins slows down its generosity, while leather and orange lurk in the stony core." Decanter

"The Col d'Orcia 2020 Brunello di Montalcino from organic cultivation offers a classic Sangiovese bouquet with a warm, spicy intensity. It shows sweet flavours of raspberry cake and cooked cherry. There is a subtle element of smoked spice in the background. The tannins are open and the wine offers immediate drinking pleasure. It should be exciting to follow the further development of this wine." Wine Advocate

"From the area of Sant’Angelo in Colle, a Brunello able to combine important numbers with impeccable quality, thanks to the weapon of balance. Queen cherry on the nose, white pepper, hints of china and caramelized orangezest. On the palate, spicy tannins, red fruit, then spices and persistence." Luca Gardini

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

"This wine gives the Tua Rita team an opportunity to have fun and be creative. This vintage stands out for its texture and mouthfeel that feels creamy and rich. There is a hint of saltiness that rides along stone fruit and melon." Wine Advocate

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

Bright ruby red colour, open-hearted notes of cherry, raspberry and violet, paired with green pepper and cloves. Delicate on the palate, with a nice tang. Delicate, fine tannins, vivaciously supported by a fresh acidity structure with subtle extract sweetness, round off this incredibly authentic and juicy Tuscan experience. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is bright, floral and fruity, giving it great immediacy. Crushed flowers, cedar, tobacco and mint play with a core of vibrant Sangiovese fruit in this charming, medium-bodied offering from San Felice." Vinous

"A fresh and delicious Chianti Classico with a lightness and crispness. Sour cherries and light orange blossom. Light and beautiful." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico proves to be a versatile wine and a fundamentally food-friendly choice with lots of purple and blue fruits with hints of fragrant wild roses. The wine has a medium weight and plenty of fresh acidity that pairs well with cream or butter ingredients." Wine Advocate

"Cranberries, strawberries and orange peel with fennel and sage and a mineral note of crushed rock can be found on the nose and are repeated on the palate, where they come together in an elegant balance with firm but polished tannins and lively acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Intense notes on the nose, hints of black raspberries, with memories of mint and cinnamon from Valdostan. Juicy and spicy flavour, with a comeback of rowan and green pepper." Luca Gardini

Altrovino is a fine blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Intense, rich ruby red colour. Opulent aroma of black fruit, leather and tobacco. Graceful and very charming on the palate, multi-layered flavours, velvety and long. Already a harmonious pleasure today, this wine will enjoy a continuous career. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Elegant nose of rum pot, sour cherries and ripe plums, then coffee grounds and leather. Juicy on the palate with velvety tannins, lots of ripe cherry fruit and a long final." Falstaff

"Vibrant and fresh, its cool black-and-blue fruit profile is accompanied by spicy, stalky notes from the Cabernet Franc, along with some salinity and balsamic touches. A lovely wine that's full of energy." Decanter

"This is a gorgeous young red with blackberry, blackcurrant and lavender aromas and flavors. Medium to full body and a round, creamy texture. Crushed-stone notes come through." James Suckling