Chianti & Chianti Classico

Cultus is a modern style Chianti Classico Riserva and a dark, lavish interpretation of the terroir of the slightly cooler and wilder commune of Gaiole in Chianti. It delights with a generous mineral- and graphite-tinged berry bouquet, tones of tobacco, dark spice and the soft, juicy, primary fruit flavour. The fine tannins and well-proportioned acidity give this Riserva a harmonious grip and an undeniable class for this price. SUPERIORE.DE

Everything is just right here: Brolio Riserva is classic in its composition, in its ageing, in its overall impression from the label to the last sip. Velvety, dense ruby colour, dense nose with rich fruit, especially blackberry, some elderberry and a beautiful herbal spice. Juicy and supple on the palate, the finish is polished with fine-grained tannins and a long-lasting final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Dark berries on the nose, fine, spicy notes with a blood orange aftertaste. Medium structure on the palate, polished, present tannins, fresh acidity, lingering finish." Falstaff

"This Chianti Classico is a savoury version with aromas of green olive, tomato leaf, iron and tobacco clustered around a core of macerated cherry fruit. Although lean and sinewy, it is also intense and focused, with a lingering aftertaste that feels the pull of both the savoury and fruity sides." Wine Spectator

"A firm and fresh Chianti Classico with a light to medium body, sour cherries, orange peel and hints of sandalwood. Crunchy finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio is a dark, brooding wine. Black cherry, licorice, sage, tobacco, incense and leather fill out the layers as this strapping Riserva shows off its imposing personality. This is nicely done." Vinous

"In the bottle with the black label, this is a very pretty, relatable and well-priced wine from Tuscany. Made with 100% Sangiovese, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio offers blueberry, plum and sweet spice thanks to 18 months of tonneaux aging. I especially appreciate the wine's pronounced mineral signature that gives the wine a salty or savory side, which is perfect for food pairing." Wine Advocate

"Its versatile aroma is reminiscent of redcurrants, Mediterranean maquis, peony and pepper leaf. Sip with powerful tannins, tension and juiciness, finish with a fruity-floral return." Luca Gardini

Monica Raspi produces her Riserva from a single vineyard with the oldest vines of the winery, planted in 2000. The east-facing vineyard lies at an altitude of 350 metres and the soil is poor and stony with many limestone deposits. With its subtle bouquet, it slowly but surely seduces with aromas of raspberries, cherries and thyme flowers. The palate is wonderfully elegant, with a stony minerality and a tangy, appetising backbone. Terracotta-like tannins sneak up and envelop the fruit rather than undermine it. This is how pristine and good Chianti Classico Riserva goes! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Pomona is bursting with wild cherry, smoke, licorice, tobacco, game, incense and mocha. This somber, potent Riserva packs tons of intensity into its full-bodied frame. Graphite, lavender, sage and dried flowers linger on the imposing finish. I would give this a year or two in bottle." Vinous

"A concentrated red wine with aromas of cherry, plum, iron, eucalyptus and resin. Straightforward and taut, with refined tannins for support. Complex and lively, with a firm, long finish." Wine Spectator

"The oak remains very much in the background, allowing the fruit to come through fully. It's beautifully weighted with red and blackcurrants wrapped in terracotta-like tannins and balanced by lively, crisp acidity. Damp earth, green herbs and stony minerals slowly emerge. With time, this wine will show more of its generous side." Decanter

Wonderful, finesse-rich selection of the estate's best Sangiovese grapes. The nose is impressive with its richness: red fruits, dark flowers, fine tar and vegetal notes, traces of blackberry jam. Full-bodied on the palate with subtle extract sweetness, powerful and juicy at the same time, the well-proportioned tannins come into play very well and glide this red elegantly into a long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Selvapiana 2020 Chianti Rufina Riserva Vigneto Bucerchiale is nicely balanced with lots of fresh fruit, tart cherry, candied watermelon and crushed rose. The effect is pretty and balanced in this 100% Sangiovese. This is one of the nicest expressions to be found from Chianti Rufina in this vintage. The tannins are dry and powdery over a mid-weight mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"Spicy and complex nose with fleshy, earthy notes of orange peel, iron, baking spices, leather and ripe plums. Juicy and firm on the palate with medium to full body and ample, mealy tannins. Long and flattering finish." James Suckling

"Restrained raspberry flavours, enveloped by delicate herbal notes, balanced, still youthful texture with fullness and elegance, long cherry finish. Will give a lot of pleasure with maturity." Vinum

Maurizia di Napoli Rampolla and her brother Luca describe their strategy of natural viticulture in Panzano as "gentle farming". The very successful Chianti Classico with its clean fruit bouquet, precise flavour, firm tannins and beautiful texture and depth is a delightful wine that is unfortunately very limited in quantity each year. SUPERIORE.DE

Penetrating and wonderfully clear in colour, the Chianti Classico Riserva unfolds its inviting aroma reminiscent of ripe cherries with notes of spices and wild herbs. Dense and extremely juicy on the palate, it is packed with tannins and full of personality and authenticity. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is a dark, brooding wine. The darker side of Sangiovese comes through in a potent, strapping Riserva. Black cherry, incense, tobacco, smoke, game and dried herbs give the Riserva its bold personality, as do the burly tannins that wrap it all together. Today, the 2019 is a bit rustic, but certainly full of character." Vinous

"The Fèlsina 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardenga shows bright fruits and pebbles. This wine is dense and compact with mint, balsamic herbs, black fruits, tobacco, liquorice and tea leaves. The result is medium-bodied and fresh." Wine Advocate

"This has a perfumed nose of wild cherries, strawberries, sandalwood, peppercorns, cloves, rosemary and truffles. Elegant and refined, with firm, fine tannins. Long and deliciously wild, with savory spice notes." James Suckling

Castello di Monsanto's Chianti Classico Riserva is a fabulous wine that punches well above its weight. Dark cherry, plum, liquorice, spice, leather, lavender and tobacco run through this wonderfully nuanced and vibrant Riserva. It is surprisingly expressive and open even at a young age and will continue to drink well for over 15 years. Sweet floral notes extend the finish of this medium-bodied, graceful and well-structured wine. Interesting Storage potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Opens with inviting, dense cherry fruit, underpinned by juniper, clove and a subtle medicinal note. Concentrated and precise fruit core on the palate, elegant tannin and supporting acidity, juicy and persistent." Falstaff

"Concentrated mid ruby. Balsamic, cherry and crushed-raspberry nose with a hint of eucalyptus. Succulent fruit palate with sandpapery tannins. Fresh, elegant and long. Great balance and style in this not easy-to-handle vintage." Jancis Robinson

"A dense red wine with well-defined aromas and flavours of black cherries and blackberries, underpinned by graphite, eucalyptus and cumin. Balanced, though still tightly wound, with a lingering fruity, spicy and mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"It shows a medium-dark concentration with typical flavours of wild cherry, peat moss, blue flower and light spice. This winery offers consistently well-made and convincing wines at a favourable price." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 that has just been bottled is magnificent. It offers a beguiling blend of dense fruit supported by a core of vibrant acidity. Striking aromatics, remarkable depth and exceptional balance make the Riserva a winner. This is such a great and compelling wine." Vinous

"This wine is complex and flavoursome with red and dark berries, dried orange peel, nutshells and roasted spices. Also a hint of walnut and crushed stones. Medium to full-bodied with super-polished tannins and juicy acidity. Delicious fruit character with a firm mineral backbone. Complete and concentrated." James Suckling

"Bing cherry and blood orange, floral earth, graphite and then wild herbs - especially sage - appear on the nose, before a hint of vanilla and cedar. The palate is juicy and fresh, with vanilla, chocolate and cherry, while herbs reappear on the back palate. A rare example of a wine with great refinement that is also an undeniable crowd favourite." Wine Enthusiast

"Wild strawberries, then nuances of white pepper and eucalyptus. It is powerful on the palate, ending with a fruity-balsamic return, long flavour." Luca Gardini

Deep ruby red colour, as expected from a good traditionally and organically produced wine. A wonderful, elegant and open-hearted aroma spectrum between sour cherry and nutmeg. Clear and savoury on the palate, beautifully balanced and with plenty of youthful freshness and minerality on the long finish. This medium-bodied Riserva is already drinking well today, but also has enough energy to develop positively in the bottle for at least a handful of years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive red-fruited character with hints of walnuts, dried leaves, ground cloves and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied with polished tannins and chalky texture. Firm and linear with vivid acidity." James Suckling

"The key here is territory. This estate manages a very authentic and clean expression of Gaiole in Chianti, which is one of the wildest corners of the appellation with winding roads that cut through thick forests. That wild character is transmitted here with aromas of forest fruit, spice and earth." Wine Advocate

The grapes for Gaglioles Riserva come from vineyards in Panzano that used to belong to Le Cinciole and neighbouring Gagliole. Dark and full-bodied in the glass, it shows the full range of the Conca d'Oro area of Panzano, but does so in a pleasantly restrained style that is typical of the elegant 2019. Currently still very young, in a few years it will be much more enjoyable. SUPERIORE.DE

"Harmony and depth in this version that bears the ancient name of this beautiful farm. Complex nose, blackberries and blueberries together with mentholated touches and floral nuances, of carnation, dense and taut mouth, savory tannins, juicy finish, with mentholated-floral return." Luca Gardini

"Beautiful aromas of roses and other flowers, together with fresh cherries and lemon rind, following through to a medium body with freshness and vivid intensity to the finish. Spicy at the end." James Suckling

"Only in its second vintage, the certified organic Gagliole 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva addresses the need for a category that sits between the entry-level reds and the high-end Gran Selezione wines. Fruit is sourced exclusively from Panzano for an intense ruby color shaded by elegant darkness. Aromas recall blackberry, graphite, flint and white pepper. This wine prizes freshness, a streamlined mouthfeel and those pretty mineral notes that drive a very long and polished finish." Wine Advocate

The anniversary edition of the Novecento opens on the nose with layers of dark fruits, spices, tar and smoke. Then on the palate, there is terrific depth and hints of earth or crushed black rock. Novecento offers a great texture that is velvety and rich without ever seeming heavy or sluggish. Long and crisp on the spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe nose with aromas of maraschino, herbs and leather; the tannins robust, showing character and length, solid finish. Pair with a T-bone steak." Vinum

"The organic Dievole 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Novecento is slow to open and is neutral on first nose. It does eventually show some dark fruit and wild cherry that is nicely intermingled with spice, leather and tar. There is a warm or savory quality to this wine with autumn leaf and forest floor. The blend is 95% Sangiovese, 3% Canaiolo and 2% Colorino. This release celebrates the 30th vintage of this wine." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 vintage was one of the most balanced in recent years in Chianti Classico. Here, as Antonini confessed, there is no intention to make an approachable wine. The colour shines in its ruby red tinge; the nose is intensely fresh, flowery and slightly reductive at first, before an orange vert emerges from the depths to overlay black cherry and creamy strawberry. The attack is firm, crunchy and extracted. Fierce acidity supports a youthful cherry fruit expression with enough concentration and a thick finish. Quite austere for 2019, but amazing considering its ability to age." Decanter

"A tight, tannic version, this red has a strong grip on its currant, cherry and strawberry fruit. Revealing mineral and tar details, this remains succulent and breezy through the lingering aftertaste; just needs to absorb the tannins." Wine Spectator

"This is extremely aromatic, with strawberry and cherry character and hints of orange peel and flowers. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are integrated and polished. Bright acidity at the finish, Made from a mix of parcels from the highest vineyards of Dievole. Beautiful to drink now, but will age will, too." James Suckling

"Lareale" - the "true, genuine" Chianti Classico Riserva from Lamole di Lamole offers attractive aromas of black cherries and spices. The palate has plenty of depth; a slender body, velvety tannins and a beautiful texture right into the long, clean finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A core of black cherries and blackberries is the essence of this intense red wine. Notes of juniper, rosemary, clay and iron lend it complexity and it finishes long, albeit a little crushed today. Sangiovese and Canaiolo Nero." Wine Spectator

"The Lamole di Lamole 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Lareale displays medium-bodied concentration with plenty of blue and violet fruit intensity. This wine is particularly soft and silky in texture, and its finish appreciates the beautiful nuances of Sangiovese and the bright freshness of a cool growing climate. The finish is lean with dry tannins." Wine Advocate

"The nose leads with fruit aromas of cherry and strawberry, then turns savory and herbaceous with notes of tomato leaf, sage and oregano. On the palate, that tension between sweet and savory continues, with an earthy undertone anchoring everything. Acid bounces around firm yet refined tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Deep, dark Riserva with a powerful berry bouquet and intense spicy notes and hints of damp forest floor. Taut on the palate, crisp fruit, solid tannins, good length. Lots of energy, nice spice and great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Very intense and inviting nose, flavours of raspberries, cherry jam and hazelnut biscuits. Firm tannins dominate the palate, lots of damson." Falstaff

"On the nose, the sweetness of cherry and vanilla is balanced by the gentle bitterness of orange zest and herbs. On the palate, a rush of chocolate invigorates the fruit element, but balance is maintained by an earthiness that's drawn out by chalky, clingy tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 is a blend of Sangiovese (90%) with smaller proportions of Merlot and Colorino. It shows a dark, saturated appearance and a heavy aromatic load of black fruits, ripe cherries, plums, spices and sweet floral earth. The wine finishes with medium concentration, herbal notes and the natural freshness of Sangiovese." Wine Advocate

"There's a good balance of fruit and oak here, with red berries and fine oak giving off a hint of vanilla. Medium to full-bodied with well-integrated fruit and oak tannins and a sort of plump feel on the palate. The finish is medium length at the moment but should lengthen with time in the bottle. Try it from mid-2024." James Suckling

Filetta di Lamole comes from selected Lamole vineyards owned by the Manetti family at an altitude of 600 metres. A multi-layered, elegant Chianti Classico that plays out its flavours in a nuanced way and has a fascinating structure. Ruby red in colour with light reflections. A multi-layered bouquet of cherry, followed by slightly tarry notes, violets and wild flowers. You can recognise Fontodi's signature in this profound wine, and yet it is different because it is more subtle and restrained with its existing strengths. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, youthful ruby. Brooding, deep red-fruit nose with saline, minerally notes. Lifted and with a peppery tingle. Lush and energetic palate with fantastic, gravelly tannins and lots of juice. Real substance." Jancis Robinson

The Chianti Classico Riserva has a penetrating and wonderfully clear colour and an inviting aroma reminiscent of ripe cherries with notes of spices and wild herbs. The flavour is dense and extremely juicy, with a good tannin grip, full of personality and authenticity. SUPERIORE.DE

"In a bottle with a black label, the Fèlsina 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardenga shows an open-knit quality with soft fruit flavors of dark cherry and baked plum. Those fruit flavors are followed by pretty mineral notes and light spice. That openness and those sweet cherry flavors are characteristic of the warm 2020 growing season. The wine finishes with bright acidity that is typical of Sangiovese." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is another super-classic wine in this range from Fèlsina. Dried herbs, game, scorched earth, tobacco, incense and dark fruit infuse the Riserva with tons of nuance. The Riserva conveys tons of village character as well as the house style." Vinous

"A juicy and pretty wine with berries, chocolate, and bark. Subtle. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that are slightly chewy and austere now but will soften nicely with age." James Suckling

"A solidly built red introduced by aromas of mint, lavender and wild rosemary. Shows cherry, raspberry, earth, iron, sanguine and tobacco flavors allied to an almost viscous texture as this cruises to the long finish. Impressive now, yet will be better in three to five years." Wine Spectator

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

"Deep crimson. Enticing, deep red-fruit nose with hints of white pepper and leather. Succulent red fruit, with the finely grained, plentiful tannins unfurling on the finish." Jancis Robinson

Castello di Ama, one of the highest wineries in the Classico area, produces one of the most delicious wines of its appellation every year with the Ama. The grapes come from the single vineyards Bellavista, Casuccia, San Lorenzo, Bertinga and Montebuoni. A fresh wine with youthful charm and aromas of cherry, plum and spicy notes. Complex, full-bodied and with fine-grained tannin on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Castello di Ama's bottled Annata is characterised by aromas of violet, lilac and blood orange. It is made from 10- to 12-year-old Sangiovese young vines and infused with a dash of Merlot, which adds a touch of richness to the lean, supple red cherry fruit. The graceful palate is softly textured, with an appealing chalkiness on the finish." Decanter

"A bright, focused style, offering black cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and floral aromas and flavors. Taut, vibrant and balanced, with fine intensity from start to the mineral-tinged finish." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Ama 2021 is outrageously beautiful. Rich and sensual, with enormous depth, the Ama shows how important the vintage is. harvestwho want to explore the style of the house will find a magnificent wine with which to do so. Dark fruits, leather, spices, tobacco and menthol combine in a lush, layered Chianti Classico that hits all the right notes. Bright acids and vibrant floral accents round out the finish. Excellent." Vinous

"Crushed red berries, flowers, bark and fresh mushrooms. Complex nose. Medium-bodied with fine and firm tannins that extend throughout the length of the wine. Powerful yet polished and refined. Juicy on the finish with some crispness." James Suckling

"Another cornerstone of the variety, freshness and drinkability without sacrificing complexity. On the nose, pomegranate, notes of marjoram and wild mint, with a hint of iris. On the palate, it's iodine-rich, zesty with a menthol-fruity finish and a nice drinking length." Luca Gardini

Castellares Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 opens with a bouquet of black cherry, plum, mocha, game, spices, leather and tobacco. A dark, mysterious wine that has enormous depth and has what it takes to develop well for many years to come. This medium-bodied, super-classic Riserva captures the Castellare style beautifully, with plenty of character and a strong personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark and brooding, with aromas of eucalyptus, tar, resin and blackberry giving way to flavours of black cherry, blackberry, plum, tobacco and sandalwood. Shows fine balance and length." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 is rich in dark fruits, leather and sweet spices. It has a lot of depth and appeal, but the oak impression is also quite strong. With a little less oak, this could be a much more transparent expression of Sangiovese, but it is undoubtedly very well made." Vinous

"Red plums and berries vie with a fair dose of oak on the nose and palate, where the fresh fruit is riding the firm fruit and oak tannins well. Medium-bodied with good balance for aging, though for riserva lovers it’s approachable even now." James Suckling

"An impeccable proof in the field of Chianti Classico da Castellare, Riserva type. Red cherry and iris, a hint of thyme, a touch of iodine in the final aroma. On the palate it is spicy, dense and excellently crisp, the tannins are savoury, the finish is persistent and fruity." Luca Gardini

Elegant, delicate Chianti Classico and one of the best of its appellation every year: light red colour, aromas of strawberry and elderberry, fresh fruit on the palate, beautifully juicy and balanced, enormously supple in the finish. Possesses polish, elegance and, despite its visually high price, a very good value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid-to-deep ruby. At first, a nose that's savoury and minerally with shy, brooding fruit underneath. Succulent, tangy, wall-to-wall cherry fruit on the palate. Great depth and fantastic, coating, almost slick tannins. Vibrant." Jancis Robinson

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

Stylistically balanced, very finesse-rich Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from a small single vineyard (vineyard no. 7) in the Castelnuovo-Berardenga area, where the temperatures are always somewhat higher than in the rest of the Chianti Classico. Dark shining ruby. Elegant bouquet of the single-varietal Sangiovese of red berries with very delicate notes of tobacco. Salty on the palate, shows a lot of pressure, very clear, compact fruit, builds up with tightly woven tannin, very intense and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Montebello Sette is a potent, heady wine that also shows the previous style here. Macerated cherry, plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and a kiss of French oak all meld together. This potent, layered Gran Selezione offers plenty of impact in a dense, extracted style." Vinous

"A supple red wine with aromas of preserved cherries and plums that fade into eucalyptus and Tuscan scrub on the palate as it evolves. The tannins are rather firm and finish with a slightly astringent feel, so give it time." Wine Spectator

"It is still very youthful and slightly reductive, but clearly shows the dark fruit of Chianti Classico in the south. Blackcurrant and plum are plump and mouth-filling, while nuances of damp earth, smoke and vanilla add intrigue in the background. The tannins are strong but well pronounced, giving the wine an appropriate power. This wine needs another year to develop its complexity and site specificity." Decanter

"A concentrated and very polished Chianti Classico with aromas and flavours of black cherry, gravel and minerals. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a concentrated finish. Bark and berry character on the finish. Firm and racy. It will get better in a year or two, but I like the focus it has." James Suckling

Bright ruby red colour. Warm, balsamic bouquet of black cherry, some plum and blackcurrant syrup, then firm, complex and spicy on the palate, the fruit beautifully present and with a wonderfully long finish with notes of leather and sweet tobacco. The well-structured tannins perfectly round off the overall picture of a serious red with personality and character. The 20/24-month ageing in French oak barrels (25-35 hl), followed by a further year in the bottle, enriches the aromatic complexity of the wine with a clear focus on balance and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

Cellole Gran Selezione impresses with its usual elegance and sophistication. Its masterfully balanced flavour profile of wild berry and blackberry with cassis, blueberry and candied rose is fantastic. On closer inspection, the wine reveals orange peel, rosemary and iron ore. It is a silky and elegant wine with some firm tannin, lots of bright fruit and a hint of crisp acidity. Undoubtedly a great wine with great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Walnuts, cloves, sandalwood, plums and cherry stones on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, creamy and beautifully polished, with firm yet silky tannins and elegant layers of spiced fruit. Long and sleek." James Suckling