Chianti & Chianti Classico

Vernaiolo is one of the oldest members of the Rocca delle Macìe family and has always been the estate's most traditional example of Chianti. Its name is derived from the Latin vernāle, which means "of spring" and indicates the season in which the Chianti was bottled after it had survived the winter. Even today, this lively, ruby-red wine is ready to drink in the spring after the harvest and retains its fresh and fruity characteristics for a long time.

Fruity red with lots of dried berries and a hint of dried flowers and a touch of milk chocolate. Medium body, round tannins and a fresh finish. Delicious and very entertaining. SUPERIORE.DE

"The world's first map which offers the possibility of discovering, one by one, the most important viticultural zones of this prestigious Tuscan appellation. From Lamole to Montefiridolfi and from Panzano to Castelnuovo Berardenga, as always a unique and inimitable map in its precision and detail." Alessandro Masnaghetti

Execution: printed on both sides, with numerous background information on areas, heights, extent, variety of grape varieties, production data and Google Earth coordinates

Size: DIN A4 or 59 x 84 cm (opened)

Alessandro Masnaghetti is a very old stone of the Italian wine industry. The journalist has worked for renowned publications such as Guido Vini d'Italia L'Espresso and the renowned wine guide by Luigi Veronelli. He has also published numerous articles and tasting reports, e.g. in the New York Times and the Revue du Vin de France.

Alessandro, in close cooperation with the cadastral offices and consortiums of the most famous wine-growing regions, has been publishing for several years the cartographic work of the most important wine regions in Italy, which is probably unique to this day and which brings new insights to even the most widely travelled, well-read and wine-loving connoisseur of Italy. A must for all lovers of Italian wines, who want to experience the true diversity and strength of the Italian wine world, right down to the smallest single vineyard of the respective appellation, away from the usual standard mush. SUPERIORE.DE

The Chianti Colli Senesi from Fattoria del Cerro is a dark, lively wine with beautiful fruit, minerality and leather flavours on the nose. Pleasantly round and balanced on the palate. A drinkywine with a certain sophistication. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried flowers, sour cherries and oranges on the nose. It’s juicy with medium body, easy tannins and zesty acidity." James Suckling

Strong ruby garnet, violet reflections and light rim. Correct, delicious, clear, fruity, juicy, spicy, original and yet modern. Beautiful dark berry fruit, delicate herbal spice and a hint of tobacco. This Chianti, from the inventor of Chianti and named after him, is worth every cent of its purchase price. SUPERIORE.DE

Bright ruby red, inviting aroma of red fruits. Clear and supple on the palate. Very successful value. SUPERIORE.DE

Vigna di Pallino offers an excellent quality-price ratio. Its bouquet shows the typical fruit and spice notes and a well-balanced acidity. Lively and buoyant on the palate, the primary aromas and juicy soft tannins correspond in beautiful balance and make this Sangiovese a wonderful companion to medium-bodied Tuscan cuisine. SUPERIORE.DE

Rich blackberry fruit, spices and cherry stones on the nose and equally fruity on the palate. Lively cherries, raspberries and potpourri on the palate with a medium body, fresh acidity and firm tannins. Chianti Biskero from Salcheto is a juicy, open and cheerful wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Youthful and fragrant nose of wild cherries, raspberries, licorice and cinnamon. It’s medium-bodied, crunchy and firm." James Suckling

Balanced Chianti Colli Senesi with plenty of sweet cherry and plum flavours balanced by spice and tobacco notes. The assertive tannins and taut acidity make the Berardenga a complex version of the Senesi. SUPERIORE.DE

"Loaded with ripe cherry, berry, loam and wild herb flavors, this red is supple and balanced. Reveals underlying salinity from start to finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Chianti Colli Senesi is terrific. Wild cherry, tobacco, dried herbs, menthol and licorice convey the earthy, savory intensity that is such a signature of the appellation. Sweet floral top notes and refined tannins elevate the Colli Senesi in 2021." Vinous

"There’s some attractive black cherry and crushed stone character with hints of vanilla here. Medium body. Slightly chewy tannins. Savory finish." James Suckling

Medium cherry red colour. Tobacco, leather and liquorice on the nose, with a beautiful cherry aroma on the palate, supported by a good acidity and tannin structure. An excellent interpretation of Sangiovese with a great value. SUPERIORE.DE

"A soft red whose core of dark cherry is accentuated by wood smoke and clay flavours. Balanced and fresh, this wine flows through to the long-lasting finish, in which the smoky note lingers." Wine Spectator

"Nose of fresh red berries, citrus peel and a hint of hibiscus. Medium-bodied, bright and refreshing, with dusty tannins and a crisp aftertaste." James Suckling

A drinkable Chianti "for every day" and as if from the songbook of a brilliant cellar master. Bright cherry red; inspires with intense aromas of cherry and black berries, then very harmonious on the finish, makes you want to dance and drink the next glass! SUPERIORE.DE

Dark, bright ruby red colour with a fine garnet rim. Opulent bouquet of sweet cherries, blackberries and plums. Full and juicy body with present fruit, soft, finely woven tannins and a medium-bodied, polished and long finish. Very delicate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Made from Sangiovese and 5 per cent Canaiolo, matures for a year in large Slavonian and French wood. The nose reveals ripe strawberry fruit and red berries, concentrated and densely woven. On the palate with present but gentle and velvety tannins, fine minerality and well-balanced acidity. A drinkyfood companion that delights with its fine phenolic maturity." Vinum

"Bright ruby red colour. Nose of wild berries, graphite, some undergrowth, citrus fruit on the finish. Medium weight on the palate with a high drinking flow, fruit and acidity are in their place, vibrant." Falstaff

"Raspberries, walnuts, lemon peel and herbs on the nose. Fresh and flavoursome with a medium body, light tannins and a juicy finish." James Suckling

"Pure, vibrant red cherry leads the way, complemented by raspberry, dry earth and a hint of leather. The palate is somewhat fleshy, but ultimately remains lean and crisp. Flavours of cherry and black tea are surrounded by light, dusty tannins." Decanter

"The impeccable Classico of Castello di Radda, from clay-calcareous soils, a blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo. Nose of great complexity, wild plum, nuances of Valdostan mint, then juniper and nutmeg. The mouthfeel has savory tannins, with a mentholated return." Luca Gardini

Intense ruby red colour. Harmonious interplay of fruit, barrel and spice flavours on the nose, hearty and engaging on the palate, reminiscent of dark fruit, violets and spices. Despite its seriousness, the final is full of warmth and elegance. As always with the completely organic-certified winery: top value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Olives, tomato leaves, mushrooms and cherry stones on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, nicely balanced and with tasty salty and savory undertones. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"This organic Classico made from a blend of Sangiovese and other red grape varieties shows all the typicality of the terroir. Beautiful freshness on the palate, which tastes of red mulberry, with a hint of pink pepper and marjoram. Salty on the palate, with a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

Rich, dark shimmering ruby colour. Open-hearted, dense bouquet of blackberry, plums and a delicate hint of clove in the background. Juicy flavour, shows supple tannins, spreads out beautifully. A great Chianti Classico every year with an exemplary price/quality ratio. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is a flavoursome, fruit-driven wine that can be drunk now and over the next few years. Juicy red cherries, spices, leather, tobacco, cedar and mint are beautifully brought to the fore. The 2022 has a lot of charm." Vinous

"The Barone Ricasoli 2022 Chianti Classico Brolio is a bright, perfumed wine where the primary fruit takes centre stage. There is a strong cherry theme that adds drive and accessibility to the bouquet. This beautiful wine also benefits from an elegant mineral tone that frames the light fruit. A small percentage of Colorino is added to this red wine made from Sangiovese." Wine Advocate

"A burst of pure cherry in both aroma and flavour underlines this elegant red wine, while pink and mineral notes add detail along with a subtle hint of white pepper. Charming and long on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A textbook Chianti Classico, offering a fragrant juxtaposition of damp earth and spring flowers on a well-padded background of redcurrants, cranberries and sour cherries. Tightly knit with an elegant frame of light, powdery tannins and firm, steely acidity. Very impressive indeed." Decanter

"Vibrant and floral nose with plenty of berries, Mediterranean herbs and red blossoms. Juicy and well balanced, with a medium body and light, crunchy tannins. Really fresh, pure and pretty. This is made in a medium-bodied, drinkable style, and a bit more length in the finish would certainly take it to the next level. Enjoy now." James Suckling

"One of the impeccable landmarks of its kind, it is both balanced and complex. The nose opens with aromas of pomegranate, then notes of star anise and sensations of rhubarb. The sip is iodised, with hints of small fruits and nuances of sweet spices, closing with nuances of undergrowth." Luca Gardini

The name Duelame is derived from "lama": in geological terms, the word refers to a kind of blade, i.e. an incision in which the village of Lamole lies in the middle of two high plateaus. Fine aromas of cherry and blueberry on the nose and palate, together with a pleasant spicy note and silky tannins, create the perfect and delicate picture of a traditional Chianti Classico. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby colour with a slight garnet sheen. Opens on the nose with notes of sour cherry and raspberry. Juicy, fresh acidity characterises the palate, then opens up with present tannins, still somewhat rough at the core." Falstaff

"Deep, concentrated red-fruit nose, which is just beginning to open up. Juicy, fresh and concentrated palate with gripping tannins and a tangy cherry-fruit finish." Jancis Robinson

"The Duelame bottling brings together fruit from the estate’s lowest (420 metres) and highest (655 metres) sites. It is floral scented with iris, violet and hints of thyme. Open knit, the palate offers crunchy red currants and cranberry with tart, juicy acidity providing the backbone. Light, fine-grained tannins grip on the finish, which lingers with a pleasant citrussy tang." Decanter

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

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

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

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

"Cranberries, strawberries and orange peel with fennel and sage and a mineral edge of just crushed rock are on the nose and then are repeated on the palate, where they come together in an elegant balance against firm but polished tannins and vibrant acidity." Wine Enthusiast

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

Dark ruby red in colour. Opens with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spices and Spanish cedar. The delicate blackberry flavour is also very seductive on the palate, which in turn blends with tobacco, minerals and well-integrated wood. The final is fresh with pinpoint acidity and an intense, spicy length. The Chianti Classico from Poggio Bonelli is very attractive, stylish and in tune with the times every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Poggio Bonelli 2021 Chianti Classico shows a beautiful combination of candied cherries and powdery mineral notes. These are characteristics I often find in Sangiovese wines that are best suited for a pizza or pasta night. This casual presentation hits the mark, offering plump dark fruit and good acidity to finish. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and leans slightly towards the more robust side of the spectrum." Wine Advocate

"Spiced cherries, wild berries and hints of licorice, walnuts and wet stones. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. It has a toasty, cedary aftertaste. Bright and focused." James Suckling

Rich ruby red colour. Bouquet of rose hips and ripe raspberries, juicy and gripping on the palate. For us, another beautiful facet of Chianti Classico, just as it should be: authentic, drinky and excellent value! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark red; barrel-like, wet autumn leaves, inviting; barrel-like, round, juicy, sweet, off-dry, length, drinky, very pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Bright ruby colour with a slight garnet hue. Smells of crisp, dark cherries, iodine and sea salt on the nose. Grippy, fine-meshed tannins, shows good grip, juicy fruit, savoury and clear, still a little young, but has good potential." Falstaff

"The powerfully savory nose features notes of earth, balsamic, meat, leather and soil, but lighter aromas of herbs, strawberries and cherries provide balance. On the more fruit-forward palate, bitter orange peel and dark chocolate maintain balance, while acid zips past grasping tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Red berries and cherries on the nose with a hint of bark. Medium to full body with very fine tannins and a tight but fruity finish." James Suckling

Quercesola is a dynamic Chianti Classico and the ideal introduction to the great world of Castellare wines. Packed with the aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries and spices. Straightforward and boldly forward on the palate, with dark fruit, sweet tannins and a great sense of integrity. SUPERIORE.DE

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

The Chianti Classico from Tenuta Sant' Alfonso is a sophisticated wine of authentic style: aromas of plums, dark cherries, clay, mushrooms and oregano. Medium-bodied with fine, creamy tannins and fresh acidity. Round and balanced with a velvety texture. Intense and multi-layered, followed by a long, smooth finish - everything in the right place! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red with slightly brightening edges. On the nose, hearty cherries, plums and violets, with a light white pepper aftertaste. Fruity on the palate, with fine tannins, savoury." Falstaff

"The intensely savory nose is full of cured meat, new leather and pencil lead, with zippy undertones of cranberry and hibiscus. The meatiness escalates on the palate, while pepper, fresh cherry and orange provide balance. Tannins are approachable, while the acidity is substantive enough to make itself known." Wine Enthusiast

"A firm and linear red with crushed stone to the cherry and chocolate character. Medium body. Lightly chewy finish. A little tight now at the end." James Suckling