Wines from Tuscany

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

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

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

"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

Chianti Classico Rubiolo shows its delicately spicy side on the nose with cloves, cinnamon, lavender, wild dark cherries and blackberries that are beautifully ripe but not overripe. There are also floral hints. The fruit for this extremely good value wine comes from Castellina and Panzano, whereby the fullness and richness of the Panzano region are clearly noticeable. The finish is soft and velvety. It is the exceptional balance of the wine that really sets it apart. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep carmine red colour. Concentrated, full yet cool nose of cherry fruit. Spicy cherry fruit with a layer of grainy tannins. Great balance and length." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Rubiolo 2021 is a soft, fruity wine that should be drunk now and over the next few years as long as the flavours remain vibrant. Juicy red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint and white flowers burst from the glass. This exuberant, juicy Chianti Classico is a delight." Vinous

"Aromas of ripe red fruit, liquorice, spices and pink peppercorns. Medium to full-bodied, juicy and exciting with lively acidity and polished tannins. Notes of walnuts and savoury herbs on the finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Rubiolo from organic farming is a wine with an excellent value. The wine is made exclusively from Sangiovese from three vineyards in Castellina, Panzano and Badia a Passignano. The wine has a dark ruby red colour, and although the aromatic intensity is not very pronounced, there are delicately fragrant notes of cherry, raspberry and blood orange that are powerful and bright to the touch. There are also beautiful floral notes." Wine Advocate

"The idea of drinkability and home freshness, without sacrificing complexity. The nose is faceted, red currant with touches of wild mint and nuances of carnation. The mouthfeel is savory, with hints of small red fruits and a balsamic-floral return." Luca Gardini

Bright light red colour. Bouquet of red cherries, aromatic herbs and some tobacco. Big and powerful on the palate in typical Campogiovanni style, with lush red cherries and aromatic herbal flavours that echo for a long time on the soft, slightly warm finish. A Rosso that gives a good foretaste of the more persistent and multi-layered Brunello. Very successful and charming and accessible even at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Campogiovanni 2021 Rosso di Montalcino has a dark ruby colour and immediately shows powerful fruit flavours and plenty of dark cherry. This is a nicely saturated Sangiovese with enough texture on the mid-palate to pair with a savoury bean soup or roast pork. The fresh acidity rounds it out. This is a good value proposition." Wine Advocate

"Earthy berries, oranges and a hint of dried bark on the nose. Juicy and beautifully flavoursome on the palate with a medium body and firm tannins." James Suckling

"Black raspberries, exotic spices, sage and cloves make the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino a total pleasure on the nose. It's silky and refined with cooling mineral tones and ripe red and blue fruits that easily wash across the palate. This takes on a savory edge through the finish, with tart raspberry and brown spice that linger through the lightly structured finale. I love the contrasts and early appeal of this darkly alluring Rosso." Vinous

Michele Satta's well-made Bolgheri Rosso. Its unmistakable character and strong Tuscan identity can be savoured with all the senses. A perfect wine in Satta's first-class style: powerful, dynamic, complex with fine tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby colour with a dark core. Hearty and inviting nose of ripe plums, juniper, black pepper and cigar box. Smooth on the palate entry, dark fruit centre, dark chocolate, very well integrated tannins, very persistent." Falstaff

"This red wine exudes aromas and flavours of cherries, blackcurrants, raspberries, minerals and spices. Silky and harmonious, with just the right amount of structure and vigour on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Intense, vinous nose with a hint of cloves to cassis and red cherries. Lush, supple fruit with velvety tannins and a full body. Crisp acidity and a polished finish full of fruit and spice. Drinkable now, but not without potential for 4-5 years of ageing." James Suckling

Montegrossi's Chianti Classico remains true to the estate's style every year with its deep violet colour and initially youthful, reductive nose. On the palate, it shows its potential with a fascinating build-up of tension and fresh fruit of black cherries and blackberries. The supple tannins are refined and polished, but it's the juicy, savoury notes and tangy acidity that really make the wine sing. An energetic classic of the appellation, whose average it surpasses every year. Great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Chianti Classico is fabulous - one of the best of the year. A burst of dark red/purple fruit, lavender, spice, rose petals and mint race across the palate. Deep, complex and wonderfully sexy - the 2022 is simply irresistible." Vinous

"A rich, dense style with flavours of cherries, raspberries and blackberries, with a hint of black pepper, while assertive tannins and lively acidity support the wine. It's balanced, if a little extracted, with a nice length." Wine Spectator

"This juicy, well-balanced Chianti Classico delivers fresh, vibrant red berry and cherry fruit with touches of white pepper and hibiscus. Quite firm and juicy, with nicely chewy tannins and a dainty, succulent finish. Effortlessly drinkable, but will also hold well for the next few years." James Suckling

Wonderfully stimulating aroma of exotic fruits, white peach and apricot. Ripe and juicy, this crisp, dry wine with mild acidity nestles on the palate and lingers for a long time. An aromatic, creamy, complex and finesse-rich white wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"An intensely flavored white, delivering notes of white flowers, passion fruit, peach, apple and spices, with a hint of wild Mediterranean herbs. Harmonious and succulent, this persists on the aftertaste." Wine Spectator

Dark red in colour with bright violet reflections. The nose is pleasant and beautifully articulated with sensations of red and black fruits, including blackcurrants and ripe cherries. After further aeration, flavours of flowers and black pepper follow. Soft, well-integrated tannins on the palate, followed by an energetic and viral finish with red fruits in the aftertaste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cosy bouquet of wild berries, nougat and wood; juicy on the palate, noticeable acidity, fresh berry final." Vinum

"Cedar nose with lots of sandalwood, tobacco and game to the spiced cherries and olives. Crisp and medium-bodied on the palate with a fluid and juicy finish. Would be rated even higher if there was more substance and volume in the centre of the palate." James Suckling

"The 2021 Tenuta le Colonne Bolgheri Organic Rosso has a bright bouquet with spice and caramel over a medium-heavy texture and high fruit weight. There is plenty of dried herbs with dark berry fruit. It offers good freshness with a soft mouthfeel and sweet tannins." Wine Advocate

"Intense aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry, orange peel and wild rosemary characterise this solid red wine, which firms up with a line of tannins that meld with the finish where the fruit lingers." Wine Spectator

Watch out, or even better - don't be afraid of the wolf: Attenti al Lupo is the exciting result of a new project by Podere le Ripi, which is specifically exploring new possibilities in the vineyard and cellar to find solutions to climate change, which is now putting all farmers and winegrowers to the test.

To this end, Sangiovese clones were identified that adapt better to the changing conditions. Vineyards were also selected that are mainly located on alluvial soils, where an earlier harvest tends to be possible. During vinification, carbonic maceration of the whole grapes (with the stems) takes place over 10 days in closed stainless steel tanks, which gives the wine a portion of acidity and crisp flavours even in its youth, giving it a great deal of freshness, dynamism and liveliness.

The result is a bright red and very flavourful wine, slender and straightforward in the mouth, with a very fruity nose that is typical of the type of fermentation. This is followed by a pronounced minerality and an exciting, delicately bitter note in the aftertaste. Ideal with roasted meat, mature cheese and first courses. SUPERIORE.DE

Pretty ruby red colour. Striking berry notes on the nose, cassis, white cherry and a hint of forest floor. Soft and fleshy on the palate, with tart cherries and a core of lively acidity with a hint of herbs. The finish is medium-long and clean, reminiscent of dried berries with a hint of spice. A wine that not only impresses with its great drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

Dense bouquet with aromas of blackberry and some smoke. Rich flavour with beautiful fruit fullness and well-dosed tannins. Very harmonious and lingers for a long time. Truly no ordinary Rosso from the vineyards around Sant'Antimo. SUPERIORE.DE

Vibrant dark fruit, minerals, rosemary, menthol and spices are just some of the flavours that flow harmoniously in this wine. The balance and elegance of this red are simply exceptional - from the first sip to the final. SUPERIORE.DE

Dark ruby red with elegant shimmer. Intense and appealing nose with delicate spicy notes, opens up after some time and then dark notes of wild berries and some undergrowth predominate. Very dense, with continuation of the spicy notes already found in the nose, well integrated with lots of fruit, which lets the wine rest weightily with a long final on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby. Opens on the nose with balsamic notes of eucalyptus, lots of blackberry, some clove. Full-bodied and soft on the nose, unfolds with lots of savoury tannin over the course." Falstaff

"The nose on this wine has the quiet elegance and confidence that usually takes more age to realize. It gives aromas of leather, graphite, sandalwood and pepper before nutmeg, dried currants and other spices and dried fruits come through. The palate is energized with an iron-rich current of raw meat and bricks, lifted by a sizzle of acid and heat." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of plums, black cherries, blackberries, tomato leaf, dried herb and spice box. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. Rich and fleshy on the palate with a lots of black fruit. Flavorful finish." James Suckling

Francesco Ricasoli, the likeable and ambitious owner of Castello di Brolio, brings out the elegance and finesse as well as a marvellous depth of fruit in his wines. Rocca Guicciarda Riserva is a soft, silky wine. Dark ruby in colour, it has a rich, open bouquet of cherry and pomegranate, with a fine almond and tobacco note. A wine whose juiciness makes it a pleasure to drink early on, but whose flavour complexity increases enormously as it matures. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lightly cooked plums and sliced oranges with some caramel on the nose. Medium body, fine and silky tannins and a delicious finish. Polished and ready." James Suckling

Occhione is a racy, fresh cuvée made from 90% Vermentino and 10% Viognier. Bright light yellow in colour with greenish reflections. Fine notes of peach, mango and grapefruit on the nose, medium-bodied on the palate with floral, fruity notes and well-balanced acidity. Overall, a lively and elegant wine that not only goes perfectly with fine Mediterranean fish dishes, but also brings the typical Maremma maquis into the glass. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow with silver-grey tendencies. Fresh nose of crisp apple, citrus fruit and warm grass. Full-bodied on the palate, with concentrated fruit at the core, animating acidity and a lovely persistent finish." Falstaff

The DOC Cortona, which has existed since 1999, is famous for its single-varietal Syrahs and Merlots, whose vines thrive excellently on the Pliocene clayey soils. Since 2006, the Carletti family has also been involved in this appellation, which was quite unknown until today, and their Merlot Il Violas is now known beyond the borders of Italy and has many lovers.

Dense, dark ruby with violet reflections. On the nose, an open-hearted bouquet of black berry fruits, sandalwood, rosemary and with fine spice. The texture coats the palate, warm, intense and rich of dark fruits, chocolate, plum and redcurrant. In Violas is an attractive, generous and deep red that just calls out for a Bistecca Fiorentina and gives much pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE