Wines from Tuscany

A few years ago, six leading DOCG wineries joined forces to form the "nobile alliance": Salcheto, Poliziano, La Braccesca, Dei, Boscarelli and Avignonesi. They pursue the ambitious goal of bringing Montepulciano's terroir to perfection in the bottle. Leading this project are Ashleigh Seymour and Matteo Giustiniani, the winemakers of Avignonesi. They not only monitor the quality of the Sangiovese grapes, which all grow in the Poggetto di Sopra vineyard, but are also responsible for the vinification in the cellar.

Poggetto di Sopra comes from a single plot of vines planted in 1978. The alkaline clay soil of the single vineyard Poggetto di Sopra is crossed by a vein of blue sodium clay. It is rich in silt, limestone and prehistoric marine sediments. All of this creates a tension in the wine that is as delicate as it is intense.

Sparkling ruby with garnet reflections. Impressive aromas of blueberry, cherry, clove and thyme on the nose. Dense and multi-layered on the palate, yet powerfully forward, with a clear focus on ripe fruit, minerality and with a tightly woven, soft tannin like velvet and silk. This archetype of an energetic Nobile spans a wide arc, revealing its noble origins with every sip. Beautiful potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Subtle roasted spices are chiselled to the pomegranate and grapefruit notes with some savory berries, sage and crushed stones. The taut and transparent center palate is followed by a long and minerally ethereal finish. Beguilingly light in form, but intense with flavors. “Pinot” finesse here." James Suckling

Gallule is the flagship of the compelling Chianti Classico range and is extremely finely balanced and precise. The Sangiovese grapes are harvested from an old terraced vineyard in Castellina in Chianti. It offers depth and a long sequence of delicate nuances with dark fruits, balsamic herbs, liquorice and freshly ploughed potting soil. This Gran Selezione is a complete and beautiful wine, executed in a very classic style to boot. Gallule is all about the little details, which reveal themselves with each sip. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet oak on the nose with tobacco and mocha. The palate is clean, elegant, with good tannins and a long finish." Decanter

"Straightforward bouquet of raspberries and dried flowers, also leather and tobacco; punchy attack with buxom tannins, stimulating acidity and a multi-layered finish." Vinum

"Very fine tannins frame this energetic and bright Chianti Classico with red fruits like cherries. It is medium-bodied with bright acidity and a crisp finish. A post-modern Gran Selezione." James Suckling

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gallule is a 100% Sangiovese from the terraced vineyards of the original estate in Castellina. The 2019 is bright and powerful, with lively acids and is already very expressive today. Nevertheless, it still needs a few years in the bottle to develop. The purity of the fruit is striking. Red and purple fruits, spices, mint and blood orange are beautifully brought out. This is the first year that barrels were introduced. The larger oak format seems to give the wine more finesse and freshness. There is so much to admire here." Vinous

"The organic Gagliole 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gallule comes from a vineyard in Castellina in Chianti with 20 to 50 year old vines. Only 2,438 bottles were produced. The Gallule shows more texture and fruit weight, but also structure, with black fruit tones of plum and blackberry. Despite its larger size, the wine has a graceful side with roses, lilac and sweet floral earth. Ultimately, this vintage will be remembered for its concentration and power." Wine Advocate

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

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

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

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

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

Deep ruby red, intense, fresh aroma of dark fruit with delicate roasted flavours. Complex and full-bodied on the palate, full-bodied, with balsamic notes, perfectly integrated tannins and a finely balanced fruity-spicy finish. An intense wine that doesn't want to be a lightweight and which shows off its power perfectly. SUPERIORE.DE

"In colour, the 2021 appears less dark and viscous than usual. The nose is deep and spicy, with a chocolaty richness, a lot of Merlot presence and aromas of bay leaf, rosemary and incense, as well as banana peel. Very youthful, reductive and full-bodied, very dense in the mouth, with seemingly blunt tannins, firmly fleshed out. The all-encompassing sweetness masks the subtle brittleness in its youth. Wiry acidity, a lot of tannin presence, plenty of wood and very little melting." Weinwisser

"Brilliant and impenetrable purple colour. Lifted, vibrant cassis, blackberry and blueberry flavours with a hint of dusty oak. Juicy and finely moulded around the cassis and blackberry fruit, with gripping tannins that need more time to settle. The whole clearly expresses the excellence of this vintage." Jancis Robinson

"The Orma 2021 is a rich, heady wine. Juicy dark red plums, spice, new leather, mocha and menthol are beautifully interwoven. This lush, flamboyant wine offers a lot of immediacy and appeal." Vinous

"This wine is heady and voluptuous with a bouquet that brings out black fruits, plums, spices and floral notes of lilac and blue flowers. These flavours are released in waves of varying intensity. It is a proverbial food wine that calls for a dish with a high fat content. The freshness is there and it has a considerable fruit weight". Wine Advocate

"This red is broad and dense yet lively, with flavours of plum, blackberry, vanilla and chocolate shaded by toasted oak. A hint of rose lingers fresh and focused on the long, gripping finish. Balanced and complex." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of herbs such as basil and laurel with blackcurrants are followed by a full body with creamy and round tannins and many undertones of coffee beans and walnuts. Powerful, but not over the top. Velvety texture. Fine on the finish." James Suckling

"Spicy, brambly berry aromas with some dusty wood and chocolate notes are followed in the mouth by super-fresh acidity, introducing some ripe black fruits then a stony mid-palate. A fine web of silky tannins supports the fruit, while herbal and balsamic edges bring a sense of freshness and levity to the concentrated fruit. The finish is long, succulent and fresh, with some fresh and dried black fruits accompanied by spice and chocolate. Great balance." Decanter

"Bright ruby violet colour. Fragrant, floral, of wild berries and light-coloured resin, cassis, expressive, pure, inviting. Powerful on the palate, with lots of tannin, vibrant, finely juicy, currently still very young, will develop very well." Falstaff

"The great classic of the house, now a staple of the type. Blueberry notes on the nose, a hint of marjoram, cloves on the finish with a slight hint of undergrowth. Crisp and exciting on the palate, with salty-sour tannins, persistent and again with small black fruits." Luca Gardini

Deep dark ruby-purple colour. On the nose, cassis, blackcurrants and a strong herbal spice with a good dose of pipe tobacco, tar and crushed gravel. On the palate, dark berries, chocolate and a cornucopia of herbs define the full-bodied palate. This juicy wine monument has precisely integrated tannins, an enormous silkiness and an almost endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, intense colour. Rich, sweet and chocolaty, the Oreno smells of rum pot and shows a beautiful fullness, yet the wood shines through a little, as the core flavour is still underdeveloped. Sweet, broad and compact, it appears in the mouth with a lot of substance and core, with an equally concentrated centre. The powerful tannins are arranged in a straightforward manner, accompanied by a fine woody shimmer and good texture." Weinwisser

"A juicy red characterised by blueberries, boysenberries, cassis, wild herbs and oak spices. It shows a range of dusty tannins that have a firm grip on the compact finish, but it has freshness, plenty of fruit and persistence." Wine Spectator

"Fruity, floral aromas of dried cherries, raspberries and violets on the nose segue into spicy notes of pencil shavings and hot tar, before more mixed berries overlay spicy, earthy notes on the palate, with a hint of orange pith providing astringency on the long, umami-rich finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Oreno richly concentrated aromas to match. You get black fruit, toasted barbecue spice, mahogany and smoke. There are pronounced herbal notes with grilled sage and rosemary. This wine definitely embraces a full-bodied, old-school style that is heavily influenced by Bordeaux." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Oreno is great. In fact, the 2021 is one of the best Orenos I can remember tasting. Aromatic, rich and deep, with tonnes of textural resonance, the 2021 has so much to offer. Scents of tobacco, espresso, spice, new leather and spice open up first, leading to waves of dark, resonant fruit that build over time. Impressive. This is a particularly heady, flamboyant Tuscan red wine. A style that works very well in 2021." Vinous

"Dark blackberry fruit and intense floral and spicy aromas, liquorice and olives with nuances of blueberries and roses. The tannins are grippy but give direction rather than being heavy or broad. On the palate, it remains quite straightforward, persistently in line from start to finish. I love the juiciness, the strawberry juice with herbal accents and clean, ferruginous minerality that comes across as slightly tangy and savoury on the finish, lingering with a zesty olive note." Decanter

"Bright ruby violet colour. Opens with an elegant nose, notes of elderberries, chocolate, stewed blackberries, some liquorice. Present on the palate, with nerve, grippy but very energetic, clean tannins, full-bodied, long, juicy finish lasting many minutes." Falstaff

"Blackcurrants and black cherries with beautiful flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that give the wine focus and tension. Pretty and balanced. A little shy now." James Suckling

"Unique location, south-facing vineyards in the river basin of the same name. Taut nose, blackberry, eucalyptus, pink pepper and capers, peony and balsamic finish. Dense on the palate, crisp, spicy tannins, fresh citrus flavours with a long, drinkable finish." Luca Gardini

Poggio ai Merli is a single-varietal Merlot that relies entirely on the terroir of central Tuscany and consistently embodies the Castellare style. Deep ruby garnet. Pure, clear, with refinement, the wood well integrated, elegant and free of fashionable monotony. Great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pretty red with aromas of blueberries, plums, incense and tea leaves. Full-bodied and structured with a creamy texture and firm, chewy tannins. Vibrant, long finish." James Suckling

"This rich red is saturated with black cherry, black currant, tar, wild rosemary and cedar flavors. Beautifully layered, ripe and fresh, with a lingering fruity and savory aftertaste and refined tannins." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Poggio ai Merli (Merlot) is a dark, fleshy wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Spice, leather, new oak and tobacco add pretty hints of Chianti Classico savoriness to the lush Merlot fruit. Although quite appealing now, the 2019 has enough tannic grip to age well for many years to come." Vinous

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

Chianti Classico by Giovanni Manetti offers a profound, densely woven and still very youthful bouquet of dark and red berries and fine spicy notes. The dry, cherry flavour with long-lasting impressions, well-extracted tannins and the acidity typical of Sangiovese show a clearly recognisable terroir character. Very clear, straightforward, long, always fresh and juicy, with excellent strength and balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, shiny ruby red colour with a dark core. Intense and memorable nose of black cherry, dark chocolate and a hint of mocha. Silky tannins, concentrated fruit and fine acidity on the palate, with a grippy final." Falstaff

"Deep carmine red colour. Tantalising nose of deep red fruits with hints of white pepper and leather. Juicy red fruits, with fine-grained, abundant tannins that unfold on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The organic Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico shows a special density in this vintage. There are ripe fruit flavours with blackberries and plums. The fruit also has a rich fleshiness or thickness that contributes to the overall dimension and mouthfeel of this approachable wine. The bright acidity brings out all these elements even better." Wine Advocate

"Fontodi's 2021 is a symbol of the exceptional quality of Chianti Classico at the Annata level. It exudes the wild, rugged and dry Tuscan landscape against a backdrop of dark, multi-layered fruit. Hints of coffee and liquorice mingle with concentrated black cherry and blackberry. With ripe, gravelly tannins, this wine shows the power of the vintage without being overbearing, retaining its charismatic energy. It's worth waiting a few more months before drinking, but if cellared properly, it can easily impress for a decade." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is a classic wine from the estate, made in the restrained style that has become the norm here of late. There is plenty of richness from Panzano, but more energy and less heaviness than was the norm a few years ago. Giovanni Manetti and his team have given the Chianti Classico a wonderful sophistication. Spices, flowers, mocha and blue fruits linger, all wrapped in extremely fine tannins." Vinous

"This red wine combines the fruity and spicy side of Sangiovese and shows flavours of cherries and blackberries, accompanied by eucalyptus, juniper and wild rosemary. Lively and fluid, with tension in the complex, mineral aftertaste." Wine Spectator

Since the exceptional 2019 harvest, Luca Sanjust has taken another step in the direction of "quality without compromise" with his Boggina C. The yields per plant have been reduced even further and the selection of grapes from the identified plot has been made even more rigorous. This led to a reduction in the number of bottles available to around 3,000. The same meticulousness was applied in the cellar, selecting the most suitable 7 hectolitre barrels for ageing "sur lie". Great attention was paid to their wood grain and toasting in order to achieve the harmony and flavour that a pure Grand Cru Sangiovese should have.

Bòggina C Riserva uniquely highlights the fragrance, brightness and expressive depth of Sangiovese from the Bòggina vineyard. This version highlights the inimitable and unmistakable character of this wine, which originates in the midst of the Chianti mountains overlooking the Val d'Arno di Sopra, from where it derives the unmistakable magic of its aromas, its colours and its brightness. A wine that not only warms Luca's heart, but also shows the great path that the winery has been following for years. Boggina C is the archetype of a taut and wonderfully precise Sangiovese with impressive depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby with a fine garnet rim. Clearly marked, intense nose, shows notes of blackberry, dark cherry and some plum, light graphite notes in the background. Grippy, savoury tannin on the palate, builds well, juicy and with good tension, crisp cherry and blackberry fruit, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"A really beautiful florality on the nose, fragrant roses and violets mingle with blackcurrants and black cherries, it smells divine. On the palate sweet, juicy, mouth watering and full of fragrant and expressive black fruits. It loses a little momentum in the mid-palate, the density of the ripe fruit is a little heavy at the moment, but it has concentration and smooth definition. I like the freshness on the finish and the hint of wet stone and graphite minerality that gives it a little more nuance. It will drink very well." Decanter

"Although rich, this is balanced by a lively structure with flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, cedar, violet and iron. Juicy and solidly built, with a long aftertaste of fruit, iron and herbs." Wine Spectator

"The organic Petrolo 2020 Val d'Arno di Sopra Bòggina C, a Sangiovese from a single vineyard, is particularly rich and concentrated. Aromas of ripe fruit and black cherry are offset by delicate flavours of cola, blue flowers and stones. The tannins are fine and carefully woven into the wine's velvety and generous texture." Wine Advocate

"This wine is so perfumed and beautiful, with brightness and aromatic complexity. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a long, lingering finish. Spicy and lively. Undertones of orange peel." James Suckling

"The 2020 Sangiovese Riserva Vigna Boggina is another stellar wine in this range from Luca Sanjust. Deep, rich and explosive, the 2020 possesses remarkable intensity from start to finish. It is more a wine of place than a truly varietal Sangiovese, but does that matter? The Riserva spends 16-18 months in wood, mostly cask with some medium-sized barrels as well." Vinous

Noble, typically Tuscan notes of cherries, blackberries, violets and spices on the nose. Extraordinarily complex, multi-layered and excellently structured on the palate. Firm tannins, intense fruit and pleasant acidity are already in perfect harmony. The drinking pleasure builds beautifully and increases in the long final. For us, it has been an attractive alternative to Antinori's famous Tignanello for years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of dried cherries, bark, mahogany and porcini mushrooms. Also lemons and herbs. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and tangy acidity. Juicy, flavoursome and supple." James Suckling

"This red wine is made from Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon in a supporting role. The Poggio Bonelli 2018 Poggiassai is velvety, rich and full of dark fruits, cherry liqueur, barbecue spices and grilled herbs. The wine shows a beautiful dark colour and dense concentration to complete what is ultimately a very contemporary style of wine." Wine Advocate

Since the exceptional 2019 harvest, Luca Sanjust has taken another step towards "quality without compromise" with his Boggina C. The yields per plant have been reduced even further and the selection of grapes from the identified parcel has been made even stricter. This led to a reduction in the number of bottles available to around 3,000. The same meticulousness was also applied in the cellar by selecting the most suitable 7 hectolitre barrels for ageing "sur lie". Great attention was paid to their wood grain and toasting in order to achieve the harmony and flavour that a pure Grand Cru Sangiovese should have.

Bòggina C Riserva brings out the fragrance, brightness and depth of expression of Sangiovese from the Bòggina vineyard in a unique way. This version underlines the inimitable and unmistakable character of this wine, which comes from the heart of the Chianti mountains overlooking the Val d'Arno di Sopra, from where it derives the unmistakable magic of its aromas, colours and brilliance. A wine that not only warms Luca's heart, but also shows the great path that the winery has been following for years. Boggina C is the archetype of a taut and wonderfully precise Sangiovese with impressive depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, dark ruby colour with a slight violet tinge. Very clear and memorable nose, intense aromas of violets, plums and blood oranges, some smoky, earthy notes in the background. Polished and finely meshed on the palate, with plenty of juicy fruit, rich cherry and raspberry flavours and a very long finish." Falstaff

"The 2021 Boggina C is a potent, brooding wine. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, mocha and dried herbs bring out the darker side of Sangiovese. I would give this a year or two to soften, as the tannins are pretty imposing today." Vinous

"Saturated with flavours of cherries, raspberries, roses, iron and wild herbs, this red wine is expressive yet well-structured. The lively acidity accompanies it through to the long aftertaste, in which refined tannins linger on the finish, which has a peppery quality." Wine Spectator

"A wonderful Sangiovese with aromas and flavours of orange peel, cherries, cherry blossom and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that extend over the entire length of the wine. Fresh and lively with a solid fruit centre on the finish. Stylish is the right word. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"The Petrolo 2021 Val d'Arno di Sopra Riserva Bòggina C from organic farming with the beautiful artwork on the label is quite dense and rich, especially for a young Sangiovese like this. The wine shows a medium-dark appearance with dried cherries, blackcurrants and baked plums. In the mouth, the wine is noticeably lighter, with powdery tannins and a medium-weight texture that adds to its overall elegance. The wine is authentic and has personality." Wine Advocate

Giacomo Neri's Pietradonice is Cabernet Sauvignon at the highest level and has become a legend, as there is hardly a wine in Montalcino that can even come close to it. Monumental and very concentrated, with hints of sour cherries and a fine cedar and liquorice note. The exciting thing: Pietradonice is clearly recognisable as a Montalcino growth and yet, with its herbaceous spiciness, it is just as typical of Neri as it is of the grape variety and thus again as if from another larger world. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Pietradonice, a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon from the south-east of Montalcino, is dark as it grumbles up from the glass, showing dusty rose, currents, cherries and smoke. This is velvety in feel yet wonderfully lifted and fresh, steadily building in tannic heft yet packed full of graphite-like mineral-tinged black fruits and dark inner florals. A hint of sour citrus keeps you coming back for more even as the Pietradonice flexes its structural heft. Give the 2018 five to seven years before attempting to enjoy the full potential buried within." Vinous

"Aromas of blackberry, plum, dark chocolate, mushroom, earth and five spice. Full-bodied with fine tannins. Chewy and structured on the palate with a chalky texture. Balanced, layered and well defined. Long, savory finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2023." James Suckling

Here comes the second vintage of Barbara Widmer's Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. It is vinified from the estate's best Sangiovese grapes, all of which come from clay soils at an altitude of around 200 metres. Complex and very aromatic bouquet with notes of red fruit, herbs, leather and liquorice, rounded off with a fine toasted note. Multi-layered and radiant on the palate, yet never opulent or broad, the well-balanced tannins guide it into a deep and refined finish. Even at a young age, Brancaia's Gran Selezione combines the unmistakably aristocratic style of a pure Sangiovese with impressive elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"As so often, scores with a fine balance of fruit and appropriate use of wood and shows a compact core, vitality and a fine acidity; then goes on for a long time with red berry fruit and mineral spice." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby red colour, slight edge brightening. Complex on the nose, sour cherry, cigar box, subtle ethereal notes, reminiscent of eucalyptus. Elegant, prancing on the palate, vibrant acidity, silky tannins, lots of herbs towards the end, lingering finish." Falstaff

"This is another impressive organic wine from the talented winemaking team at Brancaia and owner Barbara Widmer. The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is rich and endowed with dark cherry, spice, clove and grilled herbs. This vintage is a real pleasure to drink straight away." Wine Advocate

"Captivating bouquet of berries and lilac, casually accompanied by spicy notes; the attack is pithy, the lively acidity and excellent tannins well balanced, the finish long on notes of fresh currants and lots of suppleness. Can still mature." Vinum

"Notes of ripe cherries and redcurrants with savoury herbs, ground spices and crushed stones. Full and structured with dense and compact tannins that are ripe and well integrated into the wine. Refreshed by a consistent acidity that gives it crispness and emphasises the red fruits. I like the texture and length of the wine." James Suckling

The De Ferrari brothers select their Riserva from the oldest vines on the estate's best plots. Ruby red in colour with a garnet hue. The wine opens discreetly with subtle but captivating hints of sage, leather and allspice. On the palate, it is supple and agile and feels confidently extracted, with firm, straightforward tannins, but not overdone. The wood supports rather than imposes on the wine, and the vibrant acidity of the vintage comes through nicely. Long, seductive and delicately spicy on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, sparkling ruby red colour. Hints of leather and ripe fruit on the nose, followed by notes of wood and marzipan. Elegant tannins on the palate with a slightly ethereal finish." Falstaff

"Charismatic aromas of red berries, tobacco and leather; elegant, balanced, the tannins perfectly integrated and supported by a lively acidity, convincing with its classic style." Vinum

"Dusty cedar spice box and dried flower notes give way to hints of black cherry and white smoke as the 2020 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva slowly blossoms in the glass. It washes across the palate with ripe red and blue fruit tones, a core of saline minerality and brisk acidity that creates a push and pull of tension. The 2020 finishes long and staining, with silty tannins and a bitter blackberry and licorice concentration that lingers on." Vinous

"A slightly viscous Vino Nobile with the character of berries, bark and dried mushrooms. Full-bodied with some fresh acidity under the tannin backbone." James Suckling

"Mint and eucalyptus shade the cherry and strawberry fruit in this lean but solid red wine, which has an underlying minerality. Balanced, this wine needs time to fully integrate all the elements, but there is still a very positive energy that drives the long finish." Wine Spectator

The wine icon, rare every year and very highly rated, presents itself in a shiny, rich ruby. On the nose, crisp berry fruit, ripe dark cherries, sweet plums and delicate notes of cinnamon. In the mouth it is full-bodied and firm, very juicy, unfolds a finely woven tannin and glides in a wide arc into a powerful, long final. A great wine full of tension and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, sweet and with great seductiveness, it smells out of the glass with lots of chocolate and nutty aromas. Fine-grained and clearly structured on the palate, it has excellent breed with playful acidity, which in turn gives it depth and length. Impressively typical I Sodi, which has never lost its traditional character. Even though it was one of the more modern top wines from Tuscany in the 90s because of its ageing in barriques, today it has to be classified rather with the classics." Weinwisser

"Rich, sparkling ruby with a slightly pale rim. Opens clear and deep on the nose, with plums and blackberries, discreet smoky notes, some cardamom. Firm and sturdy on the palate, shows lots of tightly woven tannin, builds up firm pressure, lots of plum, long final." Falstaff

"This is marked by new oak initially, then the plum and cherry flavors shine through. Vibrant, with leather and earth elements joining in before the oak spice and tannins frame the finish. Fresh and complex, with a lot going on—just needs time." Wine Spectator

"Bright and vibrant, the trademark lively and vibrant acidity at the fore straight away giving life and lift to the caramelised cherries, pomegranates and strawberry fruit. The wood is a little apparent, giving the frame a spiced edge that sticks out a little and pulls the fruit forwardness back a bit. Clearly powerful, there is a richness and ripeness to the fruit with massy tannins. Nuanced and generous with precision and focus from beginning to the end." Decanter

"This celebrated Tuscan red is a blend of mostly Sangiovese with a smaller part of Malvasia Nera. The Castellare di Castellina 2018 I Sodi di S. Niccolò shows the elegance and grace of these native grapes with aromas of red and purple fruit, cherry, wild rose and gardening soil. However, there is also a strong oak element that adds spice and toast to the bouquet and textural weight to the wine's generous build." Wine Advocate

"A vibrant, balanced and fresh red with raspberries, pomegranates, cherry stones and spice box on the nose. Sleek, tight tannins. Focused, with a very fine structure and wound-up energy." James Suckling

"The 2018 I Sodi di San Niccolò is the most elegant Sodi I have ever tasted, and I have tasted them all. Sodi can be quite the bruiser in its youth, as the tannins are often imposing, but the 2018 is impressive because there is more than enough fruit to balance things out. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and gravel build in a Sodi endowed with mind-blowing purity and exceptional finesse. Superb!" Vinous

Deep dark ruby-purple colour. On the nose, cassis, blackcurrants and a strong herbal spice with a good dose of pipe tobacco, tar and crushed gravel. On the palate, dark berries, chocolate and a cornucopia of herbs define the full-bodied palate. This juicy wine monument has precisely integrated tannins, an enormous silkiness and an almost endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant and storable Bordeaux blend from the hills near Arezzo: A bouquet of aromas such as cassis, flowers, hot stone, eucalyptus and chocolate characterise the bouquet; then a lot of character, the tannins powerful, the crisp acidity gives life, very long and still with a lot of potential." Vinum

"Rich, dark ruby red with violet reflections. Very appealing and complex aroma of preserved cherries, blackberries and elderberries, dark chocolate and maquis on the nose. Very dense and balanced on the palate with well-integrated tannins and a very long, juicy final, ending on fruit." Falstaff

"There’s a purity and beauty to this that impresses you the minute you put your nose in the glass. So aromatic. Flowers, graphite, blackcurrants and hints of gunmetal. Medium- to full-bodied with tannins that coat your mouth but give a feeling of fine cashmere. The length and intensity is calm but rather endless." James Suckling

The first Caggiole came onto the market in 1988 and disappeared again in 1995 because the flagship Asinone simply met the tastes of consumers better at the time. Today - after an absence of over 20 years - the Nobile Le Caggiole is back on the market as the estate's new first wine. Estate owner Dott. Federico Carletti has dedicated this masterpiece to his wife Anna - setting a new benchmark for Poliziano and the entire denomination. We are delighted to be able to present this strictly limited top wine!

Salty, mineral and refined. Le Caggiole represents the terroir and the Sangiovese grape variety (Prugnolo Gentile) like no other wine from the estate. It is almost light-footed, svelte, delicate and at the same time very fine. It is the result of many years of work selecting the right Sangiovese clones in the single vineyard of the same name, Le Caggiole, which consists of 4 parcels. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Elegantly fragrant nose of wild strawberries, cherries, precious wood, cold smoke, some plum and red-cheeked peach, complex and fine. Clear, radiant fruit on the palate, embedded in tightly woven, salty tannins, precise, clear, comes in many layers, shows great ageing potential, is already accessible, unique Nobile!" Falstaff

"A supple red that reveals cherry and raspberry flavours with a firm tannic base. Robust and lively, showing iron, earth and tobacco details as this ambles along on the finish." Wine Spectator

"This wine is really refined and flavoursome, with a slightly mineral note of zesty oranges, nutmeg, sage and berries. Juicy and intense on the palate with fine tannins and a vertical yet ethereal finish. Excellent concentration and a firm grip at the end, even if the finish lingers. Drink now." James Suckling

"The Poliziano 2019 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Le Caggiole comes from a special 14-hectare vineyard site with sandy soils of ancient marine origin. The wine carries its significant oak spice beautifully, thanks to the extracted and generous black fruit at its core. This is a balanced, full-bodied expression that reflects modern Montepulciano winemaking." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Le Caggiole is intense, spicy and complex. In the glass, it exudes a bouquet of crushed ash stones, dried black cherries, cedar wood and rosemary. This wine is pure elegance, deep and structured, with a dense wave of ripe red and black fruits rushing over a core of savoury minerals and vibrant acidity. The finish is long and structured, with a lingering concentration that promises a steady evolution. This is the best version of Le Caggiole I have ever tasted. A wine for the cellar." Vinous

This iconic wine, which is rare and very highly rated every year, presents itself in a brilliant, rich ruby colour. The bouquet is full of crisp berry fruit, ripe dark cherries, sweet plums and delicate notes of cinnamon. Full-bodied and firm on the palate, very juicy, develops a finely worked tannin and glides in a wide arc into a powerful, long final. A great wine full of vigour and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep and dark aromas of Mediterranean herbs, restrained black cherries and austere, earthy complexity. Firm on the palate, with full body, velvety tannins, crisp acidity and a chalky finish. Long aftertaste with roasted graphite. A wine that is meant for the long haul, but will be ready to drink in a year or two." James Suckling

"Packed with ripe, juicy cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and floral aromas and flavors, this red is supple and beautifully integrated. Earth, iron and tobacco accents add detail as this winds down on the lazy, resonant aftertaste, showing terrific energy." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 I Sodi di San Niccolò is fabulous. It is a rare wine that offers power, finesse and translucent energy at once. All the elements are in perfect balance. I can’t remember a Sodi like this one, a wine that is so complete and alluring right out of the gate. Rose petal, lavender, spice, orange peel and sage open first. What impresses me most about the 2020 is the finesse of its tannin, something I have very rarely seen in Sodi at this early stage. Magical. This is remarkable in every way." Vinous

The Aleatico grapes for this very small edition (< 500 hand-numbered bottles) dry slightly on the vine when they are harvested. They are then subjected to further drying in well-ventilated rooms for about 45 days, as in the production of Amarone. The first fermentation takes place in stainless steel, the further course then in new small wooden barrels of medium toasting.

Intense garnet red, primary aromas on the nose such as roses, dried apricots and ripe black fruits, plus a spicy herbal note and wonderfully integrated wood. On the palate, complex, full of character, with great consistency and personality, the exciting correspondence of residual sweetness and natural acidity makes it a highly balanced, almost hedonistic meditation wine of great rarity value. SUPERIORE.DE

The first Caggiole came onto the market in 1988 and disappeared again in 1995 because the flagship Asinone simply met the tastes of consumers better at the time. Today - after an absence of over 20 years - the Nobile Le Caggiole is back on the market as the estate's new first wine. Estate owner Dott. Federico Carletti has dedicated this masterpiece to his wife Anna - setting a new benchmark for Poliziano and the entire denomination. We are delighted to be able to present this strictly limited top wine!

Brilliant, elegant ruby red colour with a delicately brightening rim. Salty, mineral and refined. Le Caggiole represents the terroir and the Sangiovese grape variety (Prugnolo Gentile) like no other wine from the estate. It is almost light-footed, svelte, delicate and at the same time very fine. It is the result of many years of work selecting the right Sangiovese clones in the single vineyard of the same name, Le Caggiole, which consists of 4 parcels. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Nobile di Montepulciano Le Caggiole is perfumed from start to finish, exuding a lovely blend of dried roses and wild strawberries, complemented by a hint of orange peel. This soft and round wine impresses with its stimulating acidity and mineral tones, interspersed with subtle nuances of cherries and blackberries. It finishes with medium length, slightly tannic and with a hint of wild berries that lingers. This is a graceful and refined wine that reflects the sandy soils from which it comes." Vinous

"A racy and refined Vino Nobile with notes of fresh berries, red cherries, spices, citrus fruits and minerals. Firm, fresh tannins on the medium to full-bodied palate. Structured, but not rustic. Long and juicy finish." James Suckling

"This red wine is taut and concentrated, with flavours of cherries, raspberries, flowers and minerals. Lively and beautifully balanced, with fine energy and a lingering, resonant aftertaste. With its combination of finesse and power, this wine would pair well with a grilled steak now, but it will also benefit from longer ageing in the bottle." Wine Spectator