Wines from Tuscany

The DOC Cortona, which has existed since 1999, is famous for its single-varietal Syrahs and Merlots, whose vines thrive on the pliocene clay soils. Since 2006, the Carletti family has also been involved in this hitherto relatively unknown appellation, and their Merlot Il Violas is now known beyond Italy's borders and has many fans.

Dense, dark ruby colour with violet reflections. The bouquet is an open-hearted bouquet of black berries, sandalwood, rosemary and fine spices. The texture envelops the palate, warm, intense and rich after dark fruits, chocolate, plum and redcurrant. In Violas is an attractive, generous and deep red that almost calls out for a Bistecca Fiorentina and gives great pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure, saturated flavors of black cherry and blackberry are framed by toasty oak in this fluid red. Vibrant, with a light coating of tannins, this is elegant overall. Lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Charcoal, black olives, roasted red peppers and dark plums with some dark chocolate and cedar character. Fine-grained and silky tannins on the palate, with a medium to full body and a long, layered finish. Shows length, depth and polish. An outstanding merlot that shows typicity." James Suckling

The extremely charming Il Gentile is made from 100 per cent Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) from the Nobile region around Montepulciano. Bright ruby red in colour, clean, open and attractive fruity aromas of rose petals and raspberries. Very delicate and persistent on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive nose of ripe cherries, dried blood oranges and hints of cedar. spice box and minerals. Medium-bodied, juicy and smooth, with textural, crunchy tannins. Delicious and easy to drink." James Suckling

True to the more classic style of Fornacina's red wines, the Rosso also shows an earthy and ripe nose with dark fruits, plums and dried blackberries. The wine offers plenty of tradition thanks to its linear and robust fruit profile. Dark spices, liquorice, tar and some cedar smoke add elegance and complexity to this pretty Rosso. Great value! SUPERIORE.DE

Precise Rosso from a good house. Beautiful texture of juicy berries with a hint of plum and orange peel. Good tannin structure, polished finish and good length. A success! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Appealing nose of cherries and wild strawberries, some cocoa butter, candle wax and a subtle hint of sealing wax. Juicy on the palate with creamy fruit melting, clear, tightly woven tannins with a fine grip, subtle wood flavours, good tension on the final and minimal after-drying." Falstaff

"The 2022 Rosso di Montalcino is perfumed and exotic, with pretty rose tones and sour citrus fruit complicating the tart cherry fruit. It is silky smooth and supple with ripe wild berries and autumnal spices playing around it. The finish is long and leaves traces of liquorice and sage." Vinous

A Quo is the entry into the sensual world of Montepeloso. A fresh, daring wine from younger vineyards. Round and velvety, clean and fruity, this blend of five grape varieties combines the virtues of Montepeloso and Fabio Chiarelotto's high standards to the finest. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 A Quo is a fabulous introduction to these wines. Bright, punchy and vibrant, the 2021 offers up an exciting mix of red fruit, blood orange, rose petal, mint and cinnamon. Montepeloso's entry-level estate offering is a winner." Vinous

"The 2021 A Quo, made mainly from Sangiovese and smaller proportions of Malvasia Nera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano, Marselan and Alicante Bouschet, offers intense scents ranging from blackberry to dark rose - like one of those deep purple flowers you see in a flower shop. It has a dense texture and a solid structure." Wine Advocate

"A firm and silky red wine with blackberry and blueberry character and a hint of cream. Medium-bodied with polished tannins and a fresh finish. Racy and refined on the finish." James Suckling

Deep ruby red with a beautiful sheen. On the nose some plum, black cherry with slightly animal notes. Fleshy and taut on the palate, very powerful and harmonious. Not an off-the-peg wine, but a stormy, tomboyish and gripping Cabernet with good length and a powerful finish. Not for elegance drinkers, but rather a crisp, opulent food companion that leaves nothing to be desired, especially with game dishes. Be sure to aerate it sufficiently! SUPERIORE.DE

"Very clean and clear aromas of blackcurrant and violet with sandalwood. Medium to full body with firm tannins and a fresh finish. A well made red wine." James Suckling

"This is Cabernet Franc with smaller parts of Merlot and Sangiovese in the blend. The Frank & Serafìco 2020 Frank is velvety and generous with inky black fruits, baked plum, earth and lightly toasted spice. Its easy, full-bodied style sets up this wine for a classic steak and potatoes pairing." Wine Advocate

The vineyards in Gaiole and Greve form the core of the blend, with a hint of fruit from Radda. On the nose, floral aromas and red fruits in the super-classic, medium-bodied style that is so typical of the Querciabella style today. Rose petals, lavender, mint and sweet raspberry fruit take centre stage. Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Enormous density on the palate, firm fruit body, with great youthful, fresh temperament, paired with a certain finesse and elegance. Finishes long with notes of juicy red berries, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine has a fresh character with ripe cherries and raspberries as well as dried flowers, bark and stones. Polished and structured with medium body and lively acidity. Focused and fresh with chalky tannin structure and a linear finish with notes of citrus and minerals." James Suckling

"This red is precise, offering cherry, raspberry, rose, iron and tobacco flavors fused to a steely, dense and vibrant structure. Balanced and intense, building to a long aftertaste infused with fruit and mineral notes." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico 2021 is fabulous. Bright and powerful, with great resonance, this wine shows how convincing the vintage is. harvestwill find a Chianti Classico of dynamic energy and volume. Dark red cherries, purple fruit, lavender, rose petals, spice and a gentle kiss of French oak lead into a lush, vibrant finish. Outstanding." Vinous

"A hint of smoke and terracotta pervades dark raspberries and blackcurrants, while the heady rose slowly intensifies. Taut tannins blend seamlessly into the supple fruit fabric. This wine has such a pristine quality and vibrates with sparkling energy." Decanter

Radiant, precise dessert wine made from the Traminer, Sauvignon and Semillon varieties from the sun-kissed Maremma region in the south of Tuscany. Precious and delicious, the wine opens with a bright golden colour with amber reflections. The bouquet has hints of dried fruit, honey, pressed rose petals and candied almonds. Soft sweetness on the palate, wonderfully flattering finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep, rich ruby colour. Impressive nose of ripe berries, ripe cherries and delicate graphite nuances. Aromatic and extremely flavoursome on the palate, with a spicy, animating arc. A true Tuscan insider tip with a great value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with violet reflections. Elegant aromas of garnet, blackcurrant, leather and pepper on the nose. Powerful on the palate with an animating acidity structure, fine tannins, balanced and persistent on the finish." Falstaff

"A medium-bodied red wine with notes of cherries, blackcurrants, dried herbs and baking spices. Fine tannins. Well balanced with a gentle structure that frames the palate until the lively finish." James Suckling

"The nose is metallic, salty and almost fizzy, like a can of Coke on a fishing boat, but a touch of fruit comes from a latent black cherry element. The palate deftly manages to both stick with that umami saltiness and bolster the fruit notes, while acid crackles around tannins that are polished yet dense, like magnets." Wine Enthusiast

Dievoles Chianti Classico Petrignano is the result of the endeavour to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. Petrignano is the name of a characteristic area with a soil rich in minerals and stones. At an altitude of around 330 metres, rocks protrude from the ground that are typical of the geological formation of Monte Morello. The abundance of stones, the depth of the roots and the low growth of the vines result in an expressive and lush wine from this characteristic and authentic cru site.

Intense ruby red colour. Very appealing bouquet dominated by ripe fruit, cherry and blackberry flavours. Juicy, full and rich on the palate, with flavours of blackberries and ripe fruit. Warm and velvety finish with fine and soft tannins that are very accentuated and interwoven with the fine acidity structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange reflections. Lively cherry nose with some signs of development and hints of tobacco leaf and sweet spice. Flavoursome, juicy cherry fruit and crisp tannins. More energetic on the palate than on the nose, and that's where it hits the spot." Jancis Robinson

"Dark forest fruit with an earthy character offers great appeal. High acidity and tannins with very good length." Decanter

"This is a new addition to the Dievole portfolio with a cool retro-style label. The Chianti Classico Petrignano 2020 from organic farming is made from 100% Sangiovese, fermented in cement tulips and aged for 12 months in large oak barrels. The winemaking process is simple and to the point. The results show a vibrant freshness and a beautiful purity of fruit with a concentrated finish." Wine Advocate

"A supple red, imbued with a ray of cherry and strawberry fruit, with a texture that is silky at first, only to be overtaken by firm, dusty tannins. The finish reveals almond, earth and herbal notes that linger for a long time. Give it time for the two halves to come together." Wine Spectator

"A delicious, crisp red with very fine tannins and a lovely, delicate finish. Very tasty and with a creamy texture. Fresh finish." James Suckling

"From soils with a great limestone component, in particular Alberese, a pure Sangiovese with a blackberry aroma, hints of citron thyme and orange zest, then a finish with floral notes. Compact and dense palate, citrus-officinal return." Luca Gardini

Dievole's new Chianti Classico Casanova, just released with the debut 2020 vintage, is the result of a quest to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. The Casanova grapes come from a vineyard at an altitude of about 400 metres, with an ideal south-west to south-east exposure and composed mainly of sandstone rocks Macigno del Chianti. The result is a Chianti Classico that is very immediate and direct, with a beautiful acidity to boot. It has the elegance and freshness and the bright, radiant fruit of Chianti Classico "as it used to be".

Bright, luminous ruby red. On the nose, classic aromas of the grape variety with notes of small red fruits such as cherries and sour cherries alternating with spicy notes. On the palate, it is soft, carried by a dense tannin structure and a spicy, velvety finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sour cherries, raspberries, olives and tomato leaves on the nose. Dense and tasty with medium body and still slightly chewy tannins. Rustic and light-hearted." James Suckling

"Packaged with the dark green label, this is a new submission from Dievole. The organic 2020 Chianti Classico Casanova is all Sangiovese from a site with typical sandstone soils, locally called Macigno del Chianti, that formed 30 million years ago. These conditions help to underline the aromatic finesse of Sangiovese, and indeed, this wine offers a pretty medley of wild fruits, mint and blue flower." Wine Advocate

"Infused with black cherries and blackberries, this red wine starts elegantly and firms up on the textured finish. Iron, tar and wild herbs are evident on the long, tobacco-driven finish." Wine Spectator

The Morellino Riserva has a ripe and intense nose of black fruits, raspberries and notes of violets. Wonderful texture on the palate, beautiful fruit, very harmonious flavour. An extremely elegant wine, with lovely tannins and a final that combines freshness and depth. Very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Multifaceted nose, raspberry-scented with balsamic nuances; linear on the palate, perfectly integrated compact tannins, the acidity lively, then again a beautiful persistent fruit." Vinum

"The 2021 Morellino di Scansano Riserva is dark and imposing. A blast of dark cherry, plum, leather, licorice, scorched earth and tobacco adds to the wine’s virile personality. I would prefer to drink this somber Riserva over the coming few years." Vinous

"Notes of tomato leaf, eucalyptus and laurel mingle with flavours of plum, blackberry and iron in this dense, powerful red wine. A beam of acidity drives the savoury finish, with a firm grip of tannins." Wine Spectator

"This wine is very straightforward and dense with a fine and slightly muscular structure that extends over the entire length of the wine and continues to progress. Medium-bodied, fresh and lively. Firm, structured, cool and long." James Suckling

Intense ruby red Vino Nobile Riserva with a spicy bouquet of aromas of dried fruit, cinnamon, cloves and liquorice. Smooth on the palate with a variety of nuances, beautiful fullness, structure and intensity, supple tannins. Very elegant pleasure at an excellent price. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Closed, slightly alcoholic nose, with some oxygen orange peel, plums, blueberries, black pepper behind it. Fresh and juicy on the palate with rather young tannins and a lingering finish." Falstaff

"The nose is dominated by aromas of red berries, with a subliminal hint of mushrooms and spices; the attack is compact, with robust tannins and a persistent final. Pleasing with its elegant facets and ageing potential." Vinum

"A restrained style with an intoxicating violet aroma, licorice freshness and cherry vibrancy. Polite and well-balanced on the nose as well as the palate with moderate alcohol, full body, velvety tannins and refreshing acidity. Red-cherry and licorice aftertaste." James Suckling

Le Redini Rosso consists mainly of Merlot and a small proportion of Alicante. The wine opens with dark intensity and a velvety texture with lots of fresh blackberry, plum, earth and wild rose. Pure red fruit on the palate, very supple, the delicate wood note well integrated. The refined notes of a Merlot from the Conca d'Oro come across wonderfully. SUPERIORE.DE

This red wine in Riserva quality is dedicated to Bettino Ricasoli, who wrote down the grape variety mix of today's Chianti back in 1872. But he was much more than that: twice Prime Minister of the united Italy (1861 and 1866), founder of the daily newspaper "La Nazione", agricultural researcher and "father" of the first Chianti product specification. The creation of this wine interprets his tireless determination to create an independent Chianti style that is both traditional and contemporary to this day.

Chianti Classico Brolio Bettino captivates with a hauntingruby red colour. The intense and inviting aroma of dark fruit is underpinned with fine balsamic notes. The refined flavour is flawless and polished with well-proportioned acidity and perfectly integrated tannins, powerful and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barone Ricasoli 2021 Chianti Classico Brolio Bettino offers medium concentration and a slightly darker garnet-red colour for a 100% Sangiovese. Instead of high-toned cherry or floral notes, this wine produces an even bouquet that takes a more horizontal or integrated approach overall. On the palate, the wine expands with dark fruit nuances that combine with roasted spices and slate-like mineral notes." Wine Advocate

"A serious, well-crafted and spicy Chianti Classico. The nose shows aromas of cherries, wild currants, dried herbs and peppercorns. It is medium to full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. It is very concentrated and balanced. The lively, spicy character gives it energy and length on the final." James Suckling

"There's a beautiful expression of fruit in this well-defined red, revealing cherry, pomegranate, earth and iron notes, with a hint of Tuscan scrub. Verges on rich yet is underscored by vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Shows terrific balance and length." Wine Spectator

L'America is the old name of a place where there was already a small vineyard and a shelter for animals in the 1950s. It was located on one of the outer borders of the winery, so the name L'America still embodies seclusion and great ambition at the same time. The plot is 300 metres above sea level, in terrain with rich and deep skeletal soils. Protected from winds, the scents of the woods are preserved here and the plants benefit from softened sunlight. This constellation gives the fresh and herb-accentuated Rosso a low pH value, a beautiful acid structure, a radiantly bright colour and a comparatively high tannin content. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale ruby. Fragrant and elegant nose with spicy hints. Savoury minerality (‘that is the year’). And then brooding raspberry. Lots of freshness and fine tannic bite. Transparent. Refreshing." Jancis Robinson

"Close to the water in a sheltered spot protected from the wind at 300m above sea level, L'America experiences less diurnal temperature difference than the estate's other plots. Vinified and matured in stainless steel, it has subtle fresh cherry aromas accompanied by fine, grainy and chocolatey tannins. Fresh and herbal, there's some mid-palate red fruit tanginess with some darker hedgerow fruits, leading to an almost-blueberry note on the finish." Decanter

Bright ruby colour, appealing bouquet of blackberries, orange peel, olives, peppercorns, herbs and oyster shells. Medium-bodied with supple tannins and a crisp, fresh and crunchy palate. Slightly salty. Juicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cinnamon candy dominates the flavours, with vibrant blood orange, orange peel, raspberry and white pepper. Light to medium body with pronounced acidity and silky tannins that show a little more bite on the youthful, chewy finish." James Suckling

"The 2022 Alicante Nero is floral, savory and light on its feet. In other words, it’s a classic Ampeleia wine. Dark cherry, plum and tobacco appear with some coaxing to fill out the layers. This quirky, idiosyncratic wine is quite the charmer." Vinous

Here comes one of the probably least known charmers from the noble region around Montalcino. An exciting nose of barbecue smoke, onion and paprika. Very juicy and well-structured on the palate, the dark fruit flanked by rosemary and forest floor. Very accessible and yet independent in character and personality. Long and exciting. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour with a rich core. Hints of blackberry and dark cherry on the nose, reminiscent of plaster and candle wax on the finish. Juicy on the palate, flavours of wild berries and iron, firm tannins, balanced final." Falstaff

"Very pure dark- and blue-fruited nose with hints of violets, dried orange peel and graphite. Polished, almost silky on the medium-bodied palate, with very attractive juicy acidity. Savory and spiced at the end." James Suckling

Dense with complex fruit flavours, lots of extract, soft, mouth-filling, unusually velvety and enveloped in gentle tannins. Matured in small barriques of old and new oak and in traditional Tuscan wooden barrels. Riecine has been producing one of the most subtle Chianti Classico wines for years - a marvellous wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a dark shimmer. Elegant on the nose, dark fruit of cherry and some blackberry, with juniper and sealing wax. Silky fruit melting on the palate, crisp tannins, supported by dancing acidity, very good drinking flow." Falstaff

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Perfumed, concentrated cherry nose with a hint of spice. Juicy and concentrated fruit, with fine, firm tannins, while the acidity becomes slightly tart on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Exuberantly fragrant, with pomegranate, watermelon and a hint of rose. Fleshy berries fill out the core, but remain crisp and crunchy. It has a lovely clarity and plenty of zesty acidity. Light yet taut tannins create a clean frame." Decanter

"The nose is dominated by red fruits and flowers, but herbs and other savoury notes also make themselves known. In contrast, the palate is full of cherries and berries, creating a bright, exuberant feel that is enhanced by ample acidity, with dense, chalky tannins keeping things in check." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico 2022 from Riecine is fabulous. It is followed by an explosion of red cherries, blood oranges and fragrant floral notes that give it freshness and brightness. The purity of the fruit is ravishing. This lively, savoury Chianti Classico is an absolute stunner. It is one of the outstanding wines of the year." Vinous

"A round, juicy and lively Chianti Classico with cherries, candied raspberries and mild spices on the nose, leading into a medium body with fine tannins and bright acidity. Lively character, with a juicy and lively finish." James Suckling,

"Red raspberries on the nose, with hints of wild mint and lime, lashes of bloodroot and cloves. The mouthfeel is fruity, with a hint of menthol. It closes with notes of citrus." Luca Gardini

A solid wine that excels every year is the exciting Nobile from Poliziano, which smells of dark red cherries, blackberries and roasted notes. Juicy, compact and polished on the palate, soft and balanced with silky tannins and a long, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark fruity perfume of black cherries and plums, peppery notes; pithy on the palate, robust tannins, beautiful character and good length." Vinum

"Rich and dense, this red wine shows flavours of black cherries, blackberries and blueberries, accentuated by earth and iron. All of this is supported by a lively acidity and strong tannins that are fresh and long-lasting on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A modern Vino Nobile with dark chocolate and some lush spices. Flavours of plums, roasted red peppers, berries and pine cones follow through to a dense, medium to full-bodied palate. It is firm and long." James Suckling