Wines from Tuscany

The new single varietal Colorino Per Caterina opens with a slightly darker colour and more garnet concentration than the Ciliegiolo and Sangiovese produced at Piancornello. This autochthonous grape variety usually adds colour to traditional red wine blends and on its own the grape offers a nice fibre and density, flanked by powerful primary aromas and some black pepper. A pure and rather purist wine with a fresh, bright acidity - for us an ideal companion to grilled meat. SUPERIORE.DE

The name Da-Di is derived from the Chinese and means earth/soil. It not only emphasises the organic cultivation of the vines, but also the subsequent ageing in 13 Tuscan terracotta amphorae. The result is a fascinatingly fresh wine that is a joy to drink from the very first sip.

Intense bouquet of cinnamon and star anise, accompanied by small red fruits such as raspberry and redcurrant. Complex, lively, almost explosive on the palate with beautifully pronounced primary flavours such as sour cherry and black cherry, accompanied by floral accents. The long finish is characterised by a freshness and delicate sweetness that can only be achieved by ageing in amphorae. SUPERIORE.DE

"White pepper, red cherries, berries and some potpourri and seashells. Slim and linear on the palate with a light to medium body rounded by firm, fresh tannins. pep, berry-oriented finish. Cheerful and brambly." James Suckling

The Trebbiano and Malvasia Bianca grapes for this exceptional white wine come from the Casanova dell'Aia vineyard in Radda in Chianti, the first 0.2-hectare, calcareous and clayey plot that the family bought and planted in the 1980s and then renewed in 2014. It matures on the fine lees mostly in terracotta amphorae and only a small part remains in stainless steel tanks. Total production per vintage: 2,500 bottles.

Brilliant, sparkling golden yellow colour. Intense and attractive on the nose with fresh notes of yellow-fleshed fruit and an elegant, delicate finish with a delicately reductive note. Fresh and balanced on the palate, with an invigorating acidity and a fine mineral note. An agile white wine with great independence and an animating drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Bianco Toscano is a blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia from a vineyard in Radda. It spent three days on the skins and is done in amphora. Apricot, white flowers and exotic floral notes all resonate in this super-expressive, layered white. The Bianco is adventurous and quirky but also polished." Vinous

Independent, full of character and radiant - an almost exotic white wine from the noble Bolgheri DOC appellation. Smells of flowers, peach, mint and melon and reveals the mineral richness of the ancient Vermentino grape variety and the wonderfully fresh gooseberry flavour of Sauvignon Blanc on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with golden yellow nuances. Fresh and inviting bouquet of cut grass, citrus fruit and green apple. On the palate with a beautiful fruit melt, invigorating acidity and above-average length." Falstaff

"The 2023 Costa di Giulia (Vermentino/Sauvignon Blanc) is a bright, airy wine to drink over the next few years. White flowers, citrus peel and crushed rocks lend energy and tension to this chiseled coastal white. The 2023 is impeccably done." Vinous

"Here you can taste the sea, with salty and umami undertones in the grapefruit and the character of dried apples. Medium body. Creamy finish with a hint of bitter citrus." James Suckling

As always, the Chianti Classico La Selvanella Riserva presents itself as an exemplary wine. Deep, dark ruby red in colour. Complex aromas of ripe plums, raspberries, candied orange zest and hints of spice harmonise perfectly. Well-articulated and rich flavour with polished tannins, full-bodied and progressive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear aroma of ripe black berries and rose hips with dried floral and slightly herbal aromas, a hint of leather, some dark ethereal spice, tobacco ash and hints of herbs. Ripe, clear and firm, tart-juicy fruit, present, yet quite fine tannins, some smoke and toast on the palate, a certain acid bite, dried-vegetable to herbaceous tones, good persistence. Has power, but still a certain coolness, very good, firm finish with oregano." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Smells of graphite, dark berry fruit and fine earthy tones on the nose. Polished on the palate, with a juicy core and a clear fruit flavour, the tannins remain subtly in the background." Falstaff

"A fragrant red with a timid nose of blue fruit, dried herbs and some crushed stones and raspberries. Tightly wound and medium- to full-bodied with tender red fruit. Very compact, with an elegant rigidity that is very appealing. Pure Sangiovese from a single vineyard in Radda in Chianti, which is one of the highest villages in Chianti Classico. This is already drinkable, but I would love to revisit it in a couple of years." James Suckling

Castellares Chianti Classico with refined aromas reminiscent of juicy sweet cherries, flowers and spices such as mint. Silky and polished on the palate, the final is long and creamy with a ripe cherry flavour. A radiant, seductive wine. SUPERIORE.DE

Blackberries, raspberries, tomato leaves, lemon peel and bark on the nose. Also some tar and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with fine, slightly chunky tannins. Beautiful character of rose petals. Fresh and mineral on the finish, very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Youthful nose of raspberry, cassis and mint, with a tobacco and smoky aftertaste. Surprisingly dense on the palate with chocolaty nuances, juicy, pleasant tannins, persistent fruit." Falstaff

"Brilliant carmine red colour. Concentrated and deep cherry nose and luscious, tangy cherry palate, with a helping of firm tannins on the finish to give grip. Immediately, a little rich and delicious. Just a tiny bit of spiciness on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Here is an easy-drinking entry-level wine from a winery that maintains a classic approach to all of its fine wines. The Castello di Monsanto 2022 Chianti Classico offers very bright and vibrant fruit with forest-fresh raspberries and blueberries giving this wine a particularly charming profile. It shows a primary intensity with sweet fruit and without being affected by excessive ageing." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is forward, juicy and very easy to like. A burst of dark red fruit, spice, cedar and leather makes a strong statement at the start. Although the 2022 doesn't offer the nuance of most vintages, it makes up for it with its charming, inviting personality." Vinous

"Ripe and juicy, this red wine begins with flavours of cherries, raspberries and flowers, underlined by iron and wild undergrowth. It firms up on the finish and shows a pleasant astringency." Wine Spectator

"The youthful violet colour suggests a healthy dash of Colorino. Deep red cherries and wild strawberries are infused with fragrant Mediterranean herbs and a distinct note of orange blossom. The palate is richly filled with tangy, tart berries infused with light, grainy tannins that add nuance to the texture. A hint of pepper and a savoury saltiness whet the appetite." Decanter

"Fresh, racy strawberries, red cherries and a hint of pastry and pomegranates on the nose. On the palate, it is firm and expressive, with beautifully chewy tannins and a medium body. Plenty of berry fruit in its elegant, long finish. Drink now or keep." James Suckling

"A cornerstone of the Classico, a label with precise and impeccable workmanship. On the nose, red mulberry, hints of rhubarb and eucalyptus, with a touch of black pepper. The mouthfeel is intense, with ionised tannins. Closes with a hint of undergrowth and balsamic notes. Great length." Luca Gardini

Delicate salmon pink colour. Fresh and subtle raspberry nose with a hint of pomegranate. Clean and precise flavour with fine acidity and subtle hints of red berries and some crisp Braeburn apple. The finish is long and supple - and again with a fine acid wire acidity that only Sean O'Callaghan can bring to the glass. An indispensable companion for happy and carefree days. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright salmon colour, sparkling. Very fragrant nose of fresh peach, white flowers, some cherry fruit, underpinned by light spice. Very juicy on the palate, clear, with a cool fruit centre, well-integrated acidity, delicately dancing, pure." Falstaff

"The 2023 Rosato is a 100% Sangiovese from vines that were harvested a few weeks before the harvest during a final thinning. The 2023 is layered and vibrant, with great depth and offers lovely complexity and character. This is another excellent entry-level wine from Tenuta di Carleone." Vinous

"Here is a crisp, saline and succulent rosé with forest berries, apricot skin and mild spices on the nose, following through to a medium body with bright acidity. Refreshing, balanced and textured, with an attractive, mouthwatering finish." James Suckling

Scalabrone presents itself generously every year, but also incredibly fresh. It shows ripe strawberries with a hint of sweet cream, tropical kiwi and lime. It washes over the palate with lightness, carrying ripe red fruit, a hint of melon and a savoury minerality. The finish is long and flanked by lively acidity and salty minerals. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah is perfectly balanced and makes this flavoursome rosato one of the most vibrant in the appellation every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark sparkling pink. Opens invitingly to raspberries and juicy sour cherries, underpinned by the scent of violets. Very fresh on the palate, dense fruit core, compact and juicy through to the medium-long finish." Falstaff

"Before the advent of the famed reds of the area, the first officially established DOCs in Bolgheri were based on white and rosé wines, and Antinori's 'Scalabrone' was one of the first wines to be bottled under the DOC Bolgheri Rosato. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a tiny portion of Syrah produce a delightful rosé with a Mediterranean touch. Bright pink at the core with a pale reflection, lovely bouquet of cherries and wild berries with a rose petal hint, then a fruity palate with lively acidity and a pleasant finish." Decanter

"The 2023 Rosato Scalabrone from Bolgheri shines almost neon pink in the glass. The seriousness of the aromas and flavours belies the cheerful colour - it is multi-layered and complex. Blood orange, paprika, bergamot, stemmed herbs, forest floor and a hint of earthiness lend it many nuances. The tangy, electric acidity immediately flows over the palate and gives it brightness and vigour. The finish is long and clean, culminating in a hint of sweet red cherry and a welcome touch of ripeness. This wine is suitable both as an aperitif and for dinner." Vinous

Solosole is a West Tuscan Vermentino in its purest form and shines with a rich, full-bodied flavour as well as a beautiful spiciness and acidity. Candied lime, ginger, passion fruit and crushed rocks are beautifully emphasised in this crisp, exotic Vermentino. The unusual flavour profile makes Solosole a delicious and serious white wine that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with dinner. One of our absolute favourites. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with a sparkling centre. Crisp fruit on the nose of nectarine and grapefruit, with light mineral notes on the finish. Taut on the palate, with plenty of tension, very present, compact fruit core, also slightly full-bodied." Falstaff

"Honeysuckle and lemon verbena on the nose, followed by apricot, pineapple and Meyer lemon, the acidity pulsates like an electric current. The fine-grained texture winds around and through the penetrating purity of the fruit, giving the wine an astonishing length. And then there is a silky finish that tingles with heather, thyme and white pepper. An infinitely superior Vermentino." Jancis Robinson

"Fresh and characterful Vermentino, with notes of apples, white peaches, raw almonds and peach pits. Lots of flowers too. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and structured with good volume and delicious fruit. Dry, juicy and mineral with a lingering finish. A hint of liquorice." James Suckling

Medium, bright ruby red colour. The bouquet and flavour are dominated by interesting notes of fresh cut flowers, sweet red berries, liquorice, mint, pine and cedar wood. As the wine progresses, the Chianti Classico reveals a marvellous precision and spiciness, which is enveloped by a well-measured extract sweetness. The overall impression is one of grace and an open-hearted style, which impresses with all its components and not least with its typical Radda Sangiovese freshness from the high altitudes of the Chianti Classico. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Multi-faceted nose, pleasant cherry and blueberry fruit, followed by pepper and tobacco. The fruit also predominates on the palate, paired with stimulating acidity and a mineral finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Chianti Classico is a lovely wine from Volpaia. Aromatic, light on its feet and gracious, the Chianti Classico here is a consistently fine example of Radda. Clean mineral notes shape this bright, taut offering. A burst of red fruit, chalk, white pepper and mint lingers on the finish." Vinous

"A delicious, well-rounded and velvety Chianti Classico with aromas of strawberries, raspberries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins and texture. Juicy and velvety with elegance and a pure character. Fresh and delicious finish." James Suckling

Salcheto's garnet-red sparkling Vino Nobile delights us with a classic blend of dusty black cherries, cedar shavings, worn leather and sour citrus notes. On the palate, there is plenty of present fruit, a soft texture and a cool note, with savoury red fruits and cedar spice accompanied by lively acidity. Fine, sweet mellowness on the long finish. An authentic and pleasantly elegant organic wine from the heart of the Montepulciano region that is ready to drink when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh and structured red with black cherries, tea leaves and raw cocoa beans on the nose. Medium-bodied and chewy but approachable, with purity." James Suckling

"A lively, well-defined red, featuring cherry, raspberry, eucalyptus, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Linear and intense, this evolves to the long, savory finish." Wine Spectator

Open-hearted, very appealing bouquet of tart berry fruit, forest floor, bitter almond, blue flowers and grilled herbs. The palate has the typical Sangiovese profile of bright red berries, with wonderfully integrated acidity and freshness. A classic from Castellina in Chianti, rich in finesse every year and unbeatable with white meat dishes and sugos. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby colour with a brightening rim. Pronounced, savoury bouquet of fully ripe cherry, black pepper, a hint of coffee and rose petal. Velvety tannins on the palate, fresh fruit, lively acidity and a persistent finish." Falstaff

"The Mazzei 2022 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is always a solid choice on the wine list, offering fresh cherries and blueberries along with varietal tones of sweet earth and orris root. The wine is 90% Sangiovese with smaller proportions of Malvasia Nera and Colorino. It matures for 12 months in oak. This medium-bodied red wine shows good intensity and silky tannins." Wine Advocate

"The 2022 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is a great, elegant wine - one of the best 2022s I've tasted. Silky, layered and super-expressive, it's class from start to finish. The ripeness of the year is evident, but the 2022 retains a good amount of freshness to play off its overt dark red/purple-coloured fruit. It is impeccably made." Vinous

"A lively, juicy and composed Chianti Classico with aromas of wild berries, dried flowers, thyme and warm spices with a slightly dry tone. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins and fresh acidity. Bright and agile, with a lively centre on the palate and a tactile, driving finish." James Suckling

Forcole is produced in a surprisingly small quantity for a Chianti Classico - just 15,000 bottles. The bouquet begins with a slender texture and aromas of wild berries, sour cherries, pressed violets and sweet earth. Supple, generous and inviting on the palate, it captures all the natural intensity of the vintage. Its attractive silky tannins and the rather darker and crispy-cool Sangiovese flavour profile of the Panzano region make it a great soloist as well as food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of ripe cherries and kirsch with dried flowers, pomegranate and tree bark. Some wet stones, too. Medium- to full-bodied, fine and polished with depth and intensity to the fruit. Some clove and vanilla undertones." James Suckling

"Made with 100% Sangiovese, the Tenuta degli Dei 2021 Chianti Classico Forcole shows tart cherry and cassis with potting soil, blue flower and grilled rosemary over a mid-weight finish. This is a classic expression of the grape from sunny Panzano in Chianti." Wine Advocate

The name Da-Di is derived from the Chinese and means earth/soil. DA-DI bianco was born from the intuition of the owner Virginie Saverys to rediscover the vocation of the Cortona area for the production of great white wines from indigenous grapes, and summarises all of Avignonesi's love of experimentation.

It opens intensely in the glass with floral notes of wisteria and lime, white peach and gooseberry. On the palate, the attack is precise and straightforward. Lemon peel, mint and the complexity of wildflower honey come to the fore. The pronounced acidity makes it long and elegant. Hints of flint bring back mineral notes in the aftertaste. An exciting wine with a distinct and fresh personality. Around 2,000 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a little reductive on the nose, with sliced pear, apple and honeysuckle notes that follow through to a medium body. Dried lemons and sliced green apples with a crunchiness and creamy texture. 70% fermented in tava porcelain vessels with some skin contact." James Suckling

Straw-yellow Chardonnay with the scent of bananas and white flowers, a fresh, savoury taste, crisp, tropical fruitiness and beautiful length. One of the great white wines of Tuscany! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Chardonnay I Sistri is a pretty, understated wine. Pear, white peach, flowers and a kiss of French oak all grace this layered, super-expressive white." Vinous

"This white has an enticing smoky aroma, along with notes of vanilla and lanolin, followed by flavors of apple, lemon and baking spices. This is sleek and leaves a mouthwatering finish." Wine Spectator

"Rich and waxy nose with notes of cooked peaches, dried pineapple, beeswax and caramel. Full-bodied, broad, succulent and nicely filled with tropical fruit and a lot of nutty and spicy nuances. Deep, intense and characterful, with a lingering finish." James Suckling

Sangiovese in its purest form: bright ruby colour with a broad garnet rim. Rich in fruity and floral aromas, multi-layered, herbal, deep and well-polished with further development potential. A full-bodied and harmonious Chianti Classico with a highly authentic and very inviting style. SUPERIORE.DE

"Walking a fine line between cherry and berry flavours and notes of earth and iron, this red wine is bright and juicy in the middle of the palate and firms up on the long finish. Balanced overall, it needs a year to come together." Wine Spectator

"At the south-eastern end of the Chianti Classico, the Fèlsina vineyard extends into the Chianti Colli Senesi area, where on a clear day you can see as far as Siena, just 15 kilometres away. In its sun-drenched surroundings, the 2022 is immediate and exuberant in its charm. Reminiscent of maritime pine, Mediterranean scrub and wild yellow broom, it gains concentration as it glides smoothly across the palate, where stony minerals meet ripe strawberries. Lively, if a little lively on the finish." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Berardenga 2022 is magnificent. Rich and deep, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Black cherry, leather, spice, tobacco, menthol and dried herbs characterise this powerful, classic Chianti Classico. It is beautifully made, especially for this year." Vinous

"A balanced, seductive and lively red wine with flavours of wild berries, red currants, warm herbs and some crushed peppercorns. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. A juicy berry character with a hint of spice brings energy and vitality to the palate and tactile finish." James Suckling

Syrah and Petit Verdot form the basis for an exciting cuvée with which the Chia family once again demonstrates its great talent for the wines of Tuscany. Deep dark garnet red. On the nose, an unexpected cornucopia of dark, smoky fruits, plus spicy herbs, multi-layered and deep. Impressive texture on the palate, we find spicy notes of raspberry, a salty vein and invigorating acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Romitoro is packed full of balanced pleasure. It’s dark yet also rich and spicy, with blue-toned florals giving way to currants, worn leather and smoke. This is elegant and plush on the palate, with masses of tart wildberries energized by zesty acidity while giving way to inner rose perfumes. The 2020 finishes with amazing length and potency, as it leaves a staining of liquid lavender and sweet violets. The Romitoro, a blend of Petit Verdot and Syrah, is showing beautifully today." Vinous

"Strawberries, red cherries, bark, walnuts, cedar and chocolate orange on the nose with hints of truffle. Medium-bodied with firm, chalky tannins. Focused and flavorful." James Suckling

"The 2020 RomiTòro is a blend of Petit Verdot and Syrah, and it does a terrific job of capturing the exuberance and jovial qualities of sunny Tuscany. The wine shows layers of candied cherries, crème de cassis, sweet almond paste and even a touch of crushed mineral or aspirin. This is creamy and rich in texture, with lots of plump primary flavors and absolutely no rough edges." Wine Advocate

Il Randagio (the stray) is wonderfully complex and nuanced. Initially quite closed, the delicately spicy nose creeps up with increasing aeration and opens further into a wonderfully complex bouquet of dark red to black berries. Rising floral, savoury and spicy accents point to a wine that says more about the style of the house than anything else. The palate is wide-ranging with delicate wild berry flavours, perfectly polished tannins and a fresh, very invigorating acid wire that uninhibitedly enhances the drinkability of this once again typically different red. The best days of this wine still lie in the future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with violet shimmer. Opens with notes of dark smoke, then lots of blackberry and elderberry. Firm tannins, spicy and savoury, crisp fruit, still a little rough on the final." Falstaff

"A very juicy and drinkable Toscana, with fresh red berries, cherries, chopped herbs and subtle dark earth funk to encourage drinking. Fluid and bright, with lively strawberry fruit and chunky tannins. Firm, juicy and quite relaxed." James Suckling

"The 2022 Il Randagio, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is fabulous. Bright acids and floral nuances adorn this exquisite, nuanced red wine. The 2022 spent four months on the skins in cement tanks and open vats. Above all, the freshness and purity of this wine stand out. What a great wine this is." Vinous

"The Tenuta di Carleone 2022 Il Randagio is a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc and comes in a screw-top bottle with a drawing of a one-eyed bulldog on the label, which is surely the alter ego of Sean O'Callaghan. He experiments with long maceration times and alternative cement containers. There's a lot of creative spirit in a wine like this, which reveals fresh, bright berry tones. The style is full of energy. This is a good value red wine that I'm happy to recommend, especially if you're looking for a casual but spirited expression." Wine Advocate

Every year, Istine's Chianti Classico is one of the most racy and authentic representatives of its genre. Its weightlessness and at the same time precision make up a large part of its appeal. A finely knit bouquet of red berries, flowers, chalk and white pepper. Medium-bodied on the palate, its fine fruit, creamy tannins and plenty of personality come to light with further aeration. A red wine that takes hearts by storm with its lively, dancing and extremely fine nerve! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, lustrous crimson. Brooding cherry with minerally hints. Great purity on the nose. Energetic, tangy fruit layered with grainy tannins. The fruit is light of touch yet very long." Jancis Robinson

"A dense, taut red, whose cherry, strawberry and rose flavors are lifted by lively acidity and dusty tannins. This linear version flirts with elegance and will get there if the tannins integrate nicely." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Chianti Classico is juicy, forward and delightful. A burst of sweet red cherry fruit, rose petal, spice and orange peel gives the 2022 tons of immediacy. The 2022 looks to be an early-drinking wine." Vinous

Broad and rich, with aromas and flavours of plums, blackberries, clay and spices. La Braccescas Nobile di Montepulciano is a finely balanced, beautiful wine with all the elements in the right place. It is aromatically persistent, complex and nuanced in its balance. The winemaking team has done everything right here. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano opens with a mentholated freshness, blending cedar shavings with dried herbs and black cherries. This is elegant, nearly velvety in feel, with medium-bodied weight and polished red and black fruits. It tapers off with a pleasantly bitter tinge and is slightly chewy, leaving a coating of sweet tannins to frame the experience quite nicely." Vinous

"In the far east of the Vino Nobile zone, the La Braccesca vineyard borders Umbria. The vineyards extend over 340 hectares and reach as far as the neighbouring municipality of Cortona. Expressive aromas combine subtle oak spice with the scent of lavender and orange against a background of dark red cherry. On the palate, it is round, rich and velvety and is carried by a juicy acidity. The sandy tannins give the wine its shape and show a strong spiciness on the finish. Clean and well-defined." Decanter

"Aromas of ripe mulberries and blackberries with dark spices, burnt orange peel and earth. Full and structured with a deep core of ripe dark fruit and firm, chalky tannins. Long lasting finish." James Suckling