Falstaff – Gran Selezione & Supertuscans

Strong dark ruby. Pepper and spice accents, aromas of ripe red and dark fruits and a slightly animal note characterise the precise aroma. The perfect balance between tannin, silky elements and the acidity guarantee a characterful and pithy taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with a drop of violet. In the nose still considerably reductive, needs a lot of time to come out of the glass, then notes of ripe plums and violets, delicate ink. On the palate very full-bodied, with dark fruit and lots of melting, spreads out richly, currently still very young, needs time." Falstaff

"The 2018 Syrah Case Via is ample and generous in the glass. Super-ripe blackberry, chocolate, spice, leather and cloves fill out the layers effortlessly. This deep, fleshy Syrah has much to offer. The 2018 was done with fully destemmed fruit and spent 18 months in French oak, 30% new." Vinous

"With a mere 3,000 bottles made, the organic Fontodi 2018 Syrah Case Via is ripe, concentrated and extremely savory in terms of its aromas. This vintage reveals loads of bacon fat and musky leather that you often get with Syrah in the warmest growing seasons. Chewing tobacco, riding boots, potting soil and dark fruit all rise heavily from the bouquet. There are two sides to the mouthfeel: Although it is moderate in length, the wine shows lots of soft texture on the mid-palate and closes quickly with a 15% alcohol content." Wine Advocate

"Black fruit, soy sauce, spices and dried herbs on the nose. It’s full-bodied with firm tannins. Structured and racy. Juicy and smoky with a flavorful, tannic finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink in 2024 when the tannins will have softened slightly." James Suckling

The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is made from 100% Sangiovese, the grapes come from vineyards with the best sites. The Gran Selezione with its dark ruby red colour is impressive in the glass. The nose is explosive with small ripe berries, hints of rose petals, lavender and thyme. Warm and full on the palate, spicy and very authentic. This wine is reminiscent of the Greve in Chianti sub-region with cool afternoon winds blowing over wild and largely wooded areas. This is what Tuscany tastes like! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby with a fine garnet rim. Opens with notes of dried cherries and tomatoes, seems a bit restrained. On the palate much accentuated acidity, shows fresh, crisp cherry fruit, some rough tannin." Falstaff

"Approachable for its fluid texture, this red is austere in flavor, displaying cherry, almond and tobacco flavors. Firm, with fine length and a resonant, racy finish." Wine Spectator

"Very floral on the nose with lavender and lilacs, as well as black cherries. Medium-bodied with tight tannins and tangy acidity. Flavorful finish. It’s linear, driven and lightly chewy. Very typical." James Suckling

"The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is positively stellar. Cedar, rose petal, pipe tobacco, anise, blood orange and new leather give the 2017 striking aromatic presence to balance the natural richness of the year. Statuesque and resonant in the glass, the Gran Selezione is a real standout - a true winner." Vinous

Maestro Raro shines first with its lively colour and then impresses with a bouquet that reveals a wonderful blackberry scent after spices, leather and tobacco aromas. The concentrated taste spreads softly, in which a stable acid structure cooperates perfectly with the tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet. In the nose noble spicy note, after cassis and elderberries, carried by cloves and a hint of red pepper. Spicy on the palate with a slight peppery-animal note, very warm, has tension throughout and comes back juicy on the final." Falstaff

"The currant character is supercharged with wood and bark highlights. It’s full-bodied with lots of blackberry and blackcurrant undertones. Chewy and firm. Needs time to open." James Suckling

"The 2018 Maestro Raro is dense, powerful and rich. As always, Maestro Raro is a decidedly Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon. Black fruit, leather, spice and smoke are front and center. This burly Cabernet is a bit angular, but it certainly has plenty of character." Vinous

"This is an exacting and powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of Tuscany. The Fèlsina 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Maestro Raro always stands out in a crowd, and it definitely stands apart in this portfolio. The wine is sultry and rich in personality, sporting tightly wrapped tannins that will need time to soften and unwind. At its core, the wine shows concentrated black fruit flavors, but there are hints of spice, baker's chocolate and smoky tobacco that add to the complexity and the aromatic lift of the bouquet." Wine Advocate

The A in the name of the Boggina stands for the natural wine aged for about 6 months in terracotta amphorae of 400-600 Liters each, which is bottled in an edition of just 1,200 bottles without further addition of sulphites. Bright, luminous garnet red. The bouquet is ethereal, very delicate and nuanced, with a very precise fragrance interpretation of the Sangiovese grape. Medium-bodied, with a beautiful structure and authentic Sangiovese fruit. The finish is highly drinkable, with silky tannins and beguiling length. A masterpiece of beauty and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, lightening garnet red. Very fragrant and open nose, full of ripe raspberries, delicate spice in the background. On the palate hearty tannin, seems a bit raw, again lots of wild raspberry, salty." Falstaff

"A pure expression of Sangiovese, the Petrolo 2019 Val d'Arno di Sopra Bòggina A flaunts its distinct personality. Made in amphorae, this pretty wine is punchy, bright and edgy. To the nose, it exhibits dark berry and wild cherry with wet earth, rusty nail and pressed violets. It sports a mid-weight mouthfeel, and there are hints of sweet plum and dried currant on the close. This is a radically unique expression of Tuscany's workhorse Sangiovese grape." Wine Advocate

"Sweet berries with orange peel and hints of cedar and raw tile. Very perfumed. Full-bodied with chewy tannins, yet they are polished and natural. Really juicy and flavorful. Made in amphora." James Suckling

"The 2019 Sangiovese Vigna Boggina is fabulous. Bright, gracious and light on its feet, the 2019 oozes class. Crushed red berry fruit, white flowers, mint and orange peel are some of the notes that grace this wonderfully translucent Sangiovese from Petrolo. The 2019 is one of the best wines I have ever tasted here. " Vinous

The A in the name of the Boggina stands for the natural wine aged for about 6 months in terracotta amphorae of 400-600 Liters each, which is bottled in an edition of just 5,000 bottles without further addition of sulphites. Bright, luminous garnet red. The bouquet is ethereal, very delicate and nuanced, with a very precise fragrance interpretation of the Sangiovese grape. Medium-bodied, with a beautiful structure and authentic Sangiovese fruit with a salty vein. The finish is highly drinkable, with silky tannins and a beguiling length. A masterpiece of beauty and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure red wine with aromas and flavours of cherry, strawberry, iron, earth and tobacco. Lean and supple in texture, with an elegant profile and a long finish that reflects the fruit and spicy notes." Wine Spectator

"Bright, medium-dense ruby with a slightly pale rim. Very fragrant and appealing nose, of ripe raspberries, fresh plums, plus notes of cinnamon, some cardamom. Firm tannin on the palate, shows good tension, but at the same time seems a bit raw, salty on the final." Falstaff

"The Petrolo 2020 Val d'Arno di Sopra Bòggina A presents the Sangiovese grape with a fresh, concentrated, almost crisp personality. This organic wine opens with aromas of wild strawberries or fragolino, lilac, blood orange and rusty earth. It has an almost shiny or brilliant character. The Bòggina A shows plenty of primary freshness, fine tannins and balanced acidity." Wine Advocate

"Very floral and pretty with aromas of orange peel and cherries that transition into a medium body with lots of tension and brightness. A dusty texture of tannins." James Suckling

"The 2020 Boggina A, 100% Sangiovese vinified and aged in amphora, is possibly the best vintage of this wine I have ever tasted. Finely sculpted and nuanced, the 2020 sizzles with energy. Crushed rocks, red fruit, spice, mint, rose petal and orange peel are all beautifully delineated throughout. Just as important, the 2020 doesn't have any of the awkward aromas and flavors that have penalized some previous editions. Superb." Vinous

This wine is the essence of Sangiovese from the Radda commune and the result of the rigorous selection of Sangiovese grapes from the estate's best sites. An elegant, terroir-driven red that is (in Sean's words) "made the way we like it.

Bright shining ruby garnet. Attractive, precisely marked nose with distinct notes of raspberry, some pomegranate. Fine fruit, freshness and a good acid structure on the nose, also shows a distinctive tannin, which withdraws characterfully after minutes of further aeration. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with brightening rim. Very fragrant and appealing on the nose, of goji berries, pomegranate, plus some plums, clear and present. Juicy in attack and course, unfolds with grippy, hearty tannin, fine salty notes, firm pressure in the final." Falstaff

"Closed with a white wax capsule, the Tenuta di Carleone 2019 Uno is all Sangiovese that sees two months on the skins during fermentation and a year and half of cellaring between cement, stainless steel and large oak casks. The wine offers a fun and distinctive bouquet with candied cherry, crushed limestone, herbal nuances and crushed flowers. There could be a distant hint of entrapped CO2 that you perceive on the finish. It adds some spice and snap." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Uno shows the darker side of Sangiovese. Wild and potent, Uno is another compelling wine from Tenuta di Carleone. Dried flowers, herbs, incense, leather and tobacco lead into a core of wild cherry fruit as the 2019 gradually opens in the glass. Stellar and compelling, Uno is absolutely fabulous in 2019." Vinous

Pure Burgundian elegance and Tuscan spice. A Sangiovese in Riserva quality that convinces in its long, continuous course with tasty fruit and carefully extracted tannin. Light ruby with garnet red reflections. Clear nose with notes of pomegranate, raspberry and some saffron. Fresh, juicy and superbly unadulterated on the finish and with great storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a slight garnet shimmer. Finely marked nose with delicate notes of raspberry and cherry. Fine-meshed tannin on the attack, lots of raspberry and cherry." Falstaff

Here comes the debut vintage of Barbara Widmer's Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. It is vinified from the estate's best Sangiovese grapes, all of which come from clay soils at an altitude of about 200 metres. Complex and very aromatic bouquet with notes of red fruits, herbs, leather, liquorice, rounded off by a fine toasted note. Multilayered and radiant on the palate, never opulent or broad, the well-balanced tannins lead it into a deep and refined finish. Brancaia's Gran Selezione combines the unmistakably aristocratic style of a single-varietal Sangiovese with impressive elegance, even at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. Bright ruby red with a gently lightening rim. In the nose at first fine leather-spicy, then after pepper and malt, in the reverberation fine fruit nuances. On the palate radiant, very fruity with fine salty notes in the undertone, shows good pressure, at the same time very elegant and finesse-rich, lingers long." Falstaff

"Made entirely with Sangiovese, this opens with aromas of violet, mocha and underbrush. The full-bodied, balanced palate offers Marasca cherry, cinnamon and tobacco alongside fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Round and solidly built, providing support for cherry, plum, earth and woodsy underbrush notes. Starts out juicy, turning dry and leaving a tactile impression on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Introducing the first-ever Gran Selezione from Brancaia, and making an impressive debut, the organic 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is all Sangiovese fermented with spontaneous yeasts and submitted to a careful 18 months of oak aging. Barbara Widmer and her team hit the right chords in terms of balance, clarity of flavors and intensity. There is a crunchy side to the wine that you only ever taste in the most expertly made Sangiovese-based wines. Freshness abounds with floral aromas, tart fruit and cherry." Wine Advocate

The exceptional 2019 harvest has prompted Luca Sanjust to take another step towards "quality without compromise". The yields per plant were reduced even further and the selection of grapes from the identified parcel was made even more rigorous. This led to a reduction in the number of bottles available to around 3,000. The same meticulousness was applied in the cellar, selecting the most suitable 7 hectolitre barrels for ageing "sur lie". The greatest attention was paid to their wood grain and "toasting" in order to achieve the harmony and taste that a pure Grand Cru Sangiovese should have.

Bòggina C Riserva uniquely highlights the fragrance, brightness and expressive depth of Sangiovese from the Bòggina vineyard. This version highlights the inimitable and unmistakable character of this wine, which originates in the midst of the Chianti mountains overlooking the Val d'Arno di Sopra, from where it derives the unmistakable magic of its aromas, its colours and its brightness. A wine that not only warms Luca's heart, but also shows the great path that the winery has been following for years.

With the 2019 vintage, it now becomes a Riserva for the first time. For this occasion, it also received a new label, derived from a painting by the artist Sabina Mirri, who specially made it. More than ever, it is the archetype of a taut and wonderfully precise Sangiovese with impressive depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"Petrolo's Bòggina C Riserva is a single-varietal Sangiovese with a delicate colour and decent 13.5% by volume. Cherry-juicy and extremely offensively sweet in its approach, the Bòggina C Riserva smells with high concentration and creamy richness in the background. It starts round and velvety in the mouth, quite melting and soft, with lots of juice and length, then the tannins do seem a little blunt on the final, complex and seductive in the aftertaste." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby garnet. Opens with spicy notes, after saffron, then lots of cherry, buoyant. Juicy and present on the palate, showing fine spicy notes, then grippy, well-structured tannin, multi-layered and with very nice play." Falstaff

"The Petrolo 2019 Val d'Arno di Sopra Riserva Bòggina C reveals a dark and slightly evolved bouquet that builds upon the ripe and concentrated personality of this classic vintage. Dried cherry and blackcurrant are followed by toasted spice, tarry smoke and leather. The tannins are polished and smooth, and the wine strikes a generous, medium-bodied approach. Only at the very end do you notice a cheerful but fleeting spot of sweetness." Wine Advocate

"Very pure aromas of black cherries and fresh flowers, such as roses. Dried orange peel as well. It’s medium-bodied with a fresh and solid core of fruit and ultra-fine tannin. It’s so delicious to drink now." James Suckling

1,900 bottles of this 0.8 ha Cabernet Franc single vineyard "Campo di Tenaglia" (at an altitude of approx. 550m, mainly limestone) reach the specialised trade and the menus of the best restaurants worldwide. Impenetrable, dark wine with a bouquet of flint, crushed minerals and some chalk. The texture is rich and opulent, but always supple with a hint of minerality. Campo di Tenaglia is one of the juiciest Cabernet Francs we have ever had in the glass. Beautiful, long final and certainly great storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful forest fruit aromas flanked by balsamic notes, fine minerality; juicy on the palate, plenty of richness and tightly woven tannins, the finish punchy and multi-faceted." Vinum

"Rich, deep dark ruby-violet with a black core. Intense and deep nose of tobacco and black truffle, then lots of cassis, behind it fine balsamic notes. Full-bodied and gripping on the palate, densely packed with tannin that opens up in many layers, dark berry and long, still shows itself very young." Falstaff

"Dense and tightly wound with a matrix of tannins, this rich red is also lively and harmonious, laced with cherry, blackberry, iron and tobacco flavors. Stays fresh and balanced on the lingering, savory finish." Wine Spectator

"The Tenuta di Trinoro 2019 Campo di Tenaglia draws its fruit from a 0.8-hectare site with sandstone clay soils. This vineyard also boasts the deepest soils for the plant's root systems to explore, with more than two meters of crushed stone, calcareous rock and heavy sands. Like the other monovarietal wines in this collection, fermentation kicks off in stainless steel vats and aging continues in French barrique, concluding with a resting period in cement. What I notice most here is the soft ripeness and roundness of the fruit. Campo di Tenaglia shows a loose-knit texture with plenty of primary intensity in the form of blackberry preserves, spice and smoky tar." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Campo di Tenaglia is elegant, silky and wonderfully polished. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, mint, spice, incense and rose petal are all finely sculpted in a Cabernet Franc that impresses with its delineation and focus. Although a bit reticent at first, the 2019 opens beautifully with time in the glass." Vinous

Full of character and profound, the Sangiovese shows its feminine side with sweet and soft contours of cherry and blackberry. Enormously complex and perfectly balanced in flavour, velvety, fruity and with precisely proportioned tannins, infinitely long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby colour with a slight garnet sheen. Very intense and inviting nose, full of ripe wild raspberries and dark cherries, slightly smoky-mineral components in the background. Very dense on the palate, dark berry fruit, then unfortunately shows quite rough and coarse tannins in the back, earthy notes in the final." Falstaff

"The Carla 6 2018, the estate's best Sangiovese, is superb. Like all La Massa wines, it is deep, fleshy and very expressive. Juicy dark cherry, cedar wood, tobacco and spices can be found in this beautifully structured wine. The Carla 6 skilfully combines power with transparency." Vinous

"The Carla 6 2018 from Fattoria La Massa is 100% Sangiovese and comes from a 1.5-hectare vineyard planted in 1999 on slate and clay soils. This vintage shows a fleshy side with more fruit weight and concentration. The wine feels broad and rich on the palate, finishing with dark fruits, tobacco, crushed stone and even a hint of capers or green olives." Wine Advocate

"This red offers fruity, floral flavors signaled by aromas of ripe raspberry, cassis and violet, with earth, lavender and wild herb details. Elegant and silky, with firm tannins lurking beneath." Wine Spectator

"A very fine, pure Sangiovese from Super Tuscany with notes of gravel, blueberries, blackberries and black cherries. This wine has a real terroir character with balanced, intense and fine tannins and a long finish." James Suckling

Starting with the 2015 vintage, Avignonesi has decided to market the flagship Nobile Grandi Annate "only" as Sangiovese IGT. The reason for this is that the Consortium Vino Nobile DOCG imposes rigid requirements with regard to maturation vessels and ageing time, which they would like to deviate from in favour of the style and quality of the wine. Vinified only in the best vintages and aged in 20% new and 80% used barriques, Grandi Annate is for us one of the best single-varietal Sangiovese of the region.

Sangiovese Grandi Annate from the top Tuscan year 2016 impresses with its freshness and enveloping notes of wild strawberries and liquorice. The palate is punchy, rich and luxurious, with a delicate vanilla note and a brilliant, complex finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, brightening garnet red. Opens with slightly chocolaty notes, juicy cherry and raspberry. Shows well-developed fruit in the attack and course, grippy tannin, hearty and gripping." Falstaff

"Very pretty cherry and berry character with hints of citrus and cedar. It’s medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a fresh finish. Lovely length." James Suckling

"The 2016 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Grandi Annate is fabulous. Powerful and structured, with tons of intensity, the 2016 delivers the goods. I imagine it will be even better in a few years’ time. Bright Sangiovese red fruit, vibrant acids and lifted floral, cedar and tobacco accents all come alive in the glass. I would prefer to cellar the 2016 for at least a few years to allow the tannins to soften. If opened before that, it needs a number of hours to fully open. Impressive." Vinous

Only 1,650 bottles of this 1.5 ha Cabernet Franc single vineyard "Campo di Camagi" (mainly quartz and limestone) reach the specialised trade and the menus of the best restaurants worldwide. Campo di Camagi is a very precise and focused wine. The high quality of the Cabernet Franc grape is noticeable here with every sip. Black fruits and spices are in elegant unity here and the full, racy body of this exceptional wine will only fully reveal itself in many years. Please be sure to put this bottle far away! SUPERIORE.DE

"At first smells closed, then all the more seductive of dark forest fruits and undergrowth, also spicy notes; concentrated in the mouth, powerful tannin, lots of juice and character. Should still mature." Vinum

"Rich, sparkling ruby-violet. Smells of ripe blackberries and dark currants, followed by red beet and tobacco, some pepper. On the palate gripping, dense tannin, lots of spicy components, lively and hearty, dark chocolate in the finish, still needs long maturity." Falstaff

"Fresh and focused, this red features a line of pure cherry flavors, along with black currant, tobacco, iron and olive notes, all supported by a deft use of oak, firm yet pliable tannins and a long, detailed finish. Shows fine overall harmony and potential." Wine Spectator

"This vineyard site sits at 550 meters in altitude, with clay soils spread over 1.5 hectares. The Tenuta di Trinoro 2019 Campo di Camagi is another site-specific expression of Cabernet Franc from a vintner who has produced some of the greatest expressions of this Bordelais grape made in Italy. What distinguishes this bottle next to, say, the Campo di Magnacosta (with looser alluvial limestone and sandstone soils) is the wine's overall sense of concentration and fruit weight. It is full and generous, leaving a big impact on all the senses. This wine packs a powerful punch with black fruit, spice, tobacco and scorched earth." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Campo di Camagi is another highlight in this range from Trinoro. Bright and effusive in its aromatics, the 2019 is all class. Sweet red cherry fruit, cedar, tobacco, anise, blood orange and cinnamon lend brightness. I especially admire the delineation here." Vinous

The small vineyard is located at an altitude of 500 m above the Galatrona Tower and offers the best conditions for growing the French grape variety Cabernet Sauvignon. Due to the limestone subsoil, this site is also called a luxury site (campo lusso). Intense and generous bouquet of dark fruits, leather and chocolate. Complex and deep on the palate, very focused and with increasing aeration very elegant and aristocratic. A complete red that will delight not only Cabernet lovers. Only about 1,300 bottles of this spectacular drop can be produced per vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Impressive nose with notes of tobacco, some smoke, plus lots of dark berries, cassis and blackberry, behind it a carpet of spices. Very juicy on the palate, lots of ripe berry fruit, then opens up with gripping, dense tannin." Falstaff

"This bright version evokes black currant, black cherry, lavender, iron and tobacco flavors. Firm and dense, with a lingering, spice-tinged finish. Very fresh and engaging." Wine Spectator

"The Petrolo 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Campo Lusso is another terrific release from the very talented team at one of Tuscany's headline estates. This expression of Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a rich, velvety texture with immediate aromas of blackberry, crème de cassis and sweet baking spice. Yet there is a slightly perfumed side to this wine with pressed flowers and a hint of church incense over exotic spice and cured leather. This is a balanced and elegant expression from Tuscany that never shows too much heaviness or weight." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Campo di Lusso, Petrolo's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is terrific. Cabernet speaks its own dialect here, so its hard to compare the Petrolo with wines from other regions. Bright acids, potent tannins and strong savory accents abound. There is no shortage of personality or character, that much is clear. Give the tannins a few years to soften." Vinous

"Extremely perfumed aromas of blackcurrants and fresh lavender follow through to a full body with a very tight palate of dark fruit and finely textured yet chewy tannins. It’s rather subdued, but shows character and intensity. Give this at least four or five years to open. Try after 2025 and onwards." James Suckling

The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is made from 100% Sangiovese, the grapes come from vineyards with the best sites. The Gran Selezione with its dark ruby red colour is impressive in the glass. The nose is explosive with small ripe berries, hints of rose petals, lavender and thyme. Warm and full on the palate, spicy and very authentic. This wine is reminiscent of the Greve in Chianti sub-region with cool afternoon winds blowing over wild and largely wooded areas. This is what Tuscany tastes like! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby with a fine garnet rim. Opens with notes of dried cherries and tomatoes, seems a bit restrained. On the palate much accentuated acidity, shows fresh, crisp cherry fruit, some rough tannin." Falstaff

"Approachable for its fluid texture, this red is austere in flavor, displaying cherry, almond and tobacco flavors. Firm, with fine length and a resonant, racy finish." Wine Spectator

"Very floral on the nose with lavender and lilacs, as well as black cherries. Medium-bodied with tight tannins and tangy acidity. Flavorful finish. It’s linear, driven and lightly chewy. Very typical." James Suckling

"The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is positively stellar. Cedar, rose petal, pipe tobacco, anise, blood orange and new leather give the 2017 striking aromatic presence to balance the natural richness of the year. Statuesque and resonant in the glass, the Gran Selezione is a real standout - a true winner." Vinous

Bruno is the second top wine from Vecchie Terre di Montefili and an almost single-varietal Cabernet that impressively underlines its Tuscan origins in a rich garnet red. Restrained on the nose, it initially only gently reveals dark berries and light spicy tones. Then we discover herbal accents, blackberry, crushed rock and liquorice, which reveal more of its Tuscan identity with every sip. Voluminous and fresh on the velvety palate, the acidity and tannin still crisp when young, with good tension and mineral-salty components as it progresses, underlining its complexity and making this sophisticated drinking pleasure unforgettable. Be sure to aerate! SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby with violet glints. Opens with notes of cedar and pencil, then dark berry fruit, some dark chocolate. Emphasises fresh, crisp fruit, lots of juicy dark currant, grippy tannin that builds nicely towards the finish." Falstaff

"A firm, linear red, offering black cherry, black currant, wild rosemary and earth flavors, fused to a base of chalky tannins that leave a dusty sensation on the finish. High-strung and focused, this needs time." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Bruno di Rocca, 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Sangiovese, is more accurately described as a wine of the property, first and foremost. Cabernet is felt in strong, savory and earthy accents in the aromatics, but there is plenty of Sangiovese energy too. Blackberry jam, gravel, spice, menthol and licorice take on a very distinctive Tuscan personality. The tannins could use time to soften. This is impressive, to say the least." Vinous

Barely 4,000 bottles are produced each year from the magical Anfiteatro, named after the historic vineyard of the same name, which was planted back in 1975. 100% Sangiovese, from high Galestro soils, make up this masterpiece, which impresses every year and which, along with Flaccianello and Cepparello, can place itself in the first rank of the super-Sangiovese of central Tuscany.

Ruby red with garnet reflections. Initially cool and distinguished on the nose, it only gradually reveals its differentiated aromas of cedar, dried berries, pepper and grilled herbs. On the palate, firm pressure, the primary aromas clear and nuanced, then mint, liquorice and crushed pepper as the drink continues. Anfiteatro is a real top wine and delights with its distinctive beauty and finesse, its polished tannins and an overall picture that only a single-varietal Sangiovese is capable of producing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with a dark core. Opens on the nose with slightly malty notes, of black bread crust, plus earthy components, of dried porcini mushrooms and red beet. On the palate then lots of juicy fruit, fresh and crisp, also shows good tension, finely meshed tannin in the back." Falstaff

"Wild juniper, thyme, blackberry, black currant, mineral and tar flavors are the themes in this red, along with a resinous note from the oak. Racy, concentrated, solidly built and in the end, complex, if on the unforgiving side today." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Anfiteatro, 100% Sangiovese, is another stellar wine in this range from Montefili. It shows the magical mix of aromatic and savory intensity, with all the density that is such a house signature. Cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, dried herbs, mint and licorice meld together in a wine of remarkable beauty, pedigree and character. This 2017 is positively stellar. In a word: dazzling." Vinous

Testamatta means "crazy in the head" and this name hits the nail on the head. When you know with what mad obsession Bibi Graetz pursues viticulture on the island of Giglio, you no longer have to wonder about the terrificand personality-strong results that Bibi has been bottling for years. This was preceded by many years of experimentation, research and a lot of hard work, until finally the best of the over 100-year-old Ansonica vines of the rocky single vineyard Serrone were identified.

The harvest is exclusively manual and each grape is meticulously selected for its quality and ripeness, which then finds its way into the wine cellar on the island. After destemming and gentle pressing under dry ice, the grapes are left to macerate for 48 hours at low temperature, then transferred unfiltered to 225l barriques for fermentation, where the wine then matures for a further 12 months.

straw yellow with golden reflections. Complex bouquet of white pineapple, apple, pear and kiwi, fine notes of mussel shell. Full-bodied, multi-layered and fleshy on the palate, always with a very precise and energetic mouthfeel, pleasant freshness and a mineral impression. Then, in the endlessly long finish, salty layers, fine, barely noticeable tannin and notes of white pepper. Rightly one of Italy's cult white wines! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich straw yellow. Fine and fragrant nose of mirabelle plums, camomile, some resin and light honey. Full-bodied on the palate, has good tension, nutty-creamy in the back, salty finish." Falstaff

"A solid white with dried pear, apple, cream and stone aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied with a beautiful core of fruit and a steely, minerally aftertaste. Bright acidity with phenolic texture that holds the wine together nicely, giving it length and tension. Turns lightly chewy and round at the end." James Suckling

When you hear the story of the effort that went into the Colonia vineyard, you have to wonder if the fine people of Fèlsina are absolutely crazy. It took them two years to remove the imposing rock that had forced previous generations of the Poggiali family to virtually abandon this noble site. But it is thanks to the ambitious Giovanni Poggiali that this spectacular vineyard (Vigneto Colonia) became what it is today. It has reddish-brown soils, is rich in magnesium and iron, and is thus quite different from all other Fèlsina sites.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia is a wine of enormous beauty and depth. Dark ruby in the glass, it smells expressively mineral and pure, with aromas of dark cherry and blackcurrant. Mineral and graphite aromas and the simply terrific focus on the Sangiovese grape make it an incomparable masterpiece. On the palate, it is extremely well-balanced and elegant with optimally integrated wood - it is immediately clear that another top wine of the house has been created that is more than a match for the Fontalloro. Fortunately for those who can taste it, there are only 3,000 bottles per vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Superb bouquet with notes of raspberries, rose hips, also sandalwood; juicy on the palate, with powdery tannin, perfectly integrated acidity, shows depth and style into the jam finish. Great wine that can age for some more time." Vinum

"Sparkling, rich ruby red. Very intense and clearly marked nose, full of wild raspberries and blackberries, behind it cardamom, exciting. Substantial and dense in attack and course, opens up in lots of pithy tannin, rich, dark berry fruit, in the final emphatically earthy notes, after red beet and cocoa." Falstaff

"Lustrous ruby with orange tinges. Gorgeous nose of sour cherry and blackberry with blood-orange hints and notes of new oak all perfectly tied together. Focused and a little vibrant on the palate, elegant and succulent with long, coating tannins. Transparent finish." Jancis Robinson

"Sweet berries and dried flowers on the nose with sage and lavender. Medium-to full-bodied with chewy tannins, yet these are polished and intense. Very structured and solid. Needs cellar time. Try after 2023." James Suckling

"I prefer this wine to Fèlsina's top-shelf Fontalloro. The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia is irresistibly angular and tight, opening a profound view onto what makes Sangiovese so expressive and unique, especially when planted in the right territories. The bouquet is savory and almost sanguine with iron ore, rusty nail and baked clay. But there's plenty of fruit as well, in the form of wild berry and black cherry, that adds to the dimension and dynamic freshness of the mouthfeel. Give this wine time to soften in the bottle." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia is fascinating to taste next to the Rancia, as the two parcels are adjacent. Rich and substantial in the glass, Colonia is textured and ample, qualities that become increasingly apparent over time. Rugged, rocky terrain seems to amplify power, explosive verticality and acidity." Vinous

Rich, concentrated Bordeaux-style red with the unmistakable signature of top oenological consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt. Multi-layered black fruit on the nose, plus rock, liquorice, camphor and graphite. Impressively supple on the palate, the fruit is always juicy and centred, wonderful and almost perfect in structure, polish, elegance and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"La Massa has been one of the best producers of Chianti Classico since the 1990s. Its mature, viscous colour appears older than 2019. Rich and concentrated, the Giorgio Primo brings out the classic Tuscan sweetness in the nose, is very spicy and full, with slightly matured accents here too. Very appealing and with a lot of Cabernet character, it appears sweeter than other Tuscan Bordeaux blends, for example from Bolgheri. Very smooth and round, meltingly sweet, yet with a slightly strict, consistent acidity. Beautiful, powerful appearance, not designed for decades of development, but rather immediately accessible, clearly structured and with a sweet, generous finish." Weinwisser

"Rich, deep dark ruby colour with a slight violet tinge. Very clear and intense nose, with rich notes of blackcurrants, black cherries and plums, with a hint of ginger in the background. The attack and finish are very polished, lots of fine-meshed tannins, builds up plenty of pressure, with a long, savoury aftertaste of tobacco." Falstaff

"Wonderful aromas of blackcurrants and blackberries with notes of crushed stones and walnuts. Full-bodied, firm and chewy tannins with blackberries and hints of chocolate and spices. Flavourful and intense on the finish. Better after 2023, but also very nice now." James Suckling

"The nose is reminiscent of a summer barbecue with clouds of smoky meat mingling with dark, luscious berries and fruit. On the palate, dessert arrives with a slice of berry pie, but peppery spiciness and burning tannins provide balance through a bitter, refined, lingering finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The Fattoria La Massa 2018 Giorgio Primo is a wine of richness, volume and texture. The blend consists of 55 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 40 % Merlot and 5 % Petit Verdot. The maceration time is 26 to 28 days and gives the wine the beautiful depth and creaminess that you can taste here. The bouquet is reminiscent of black fruits, crushed stones, truffles and roasted spices. The full-bodied structure of the wine and its freshness promise long ageing in the cellar." Wine Advocate

"The Giorgio Primo 2018 represents a new level of finesse at La Massa. Powerful and dense in the glass, with tremendous structure, the Giorgio Primo is a great example of how compelling international varieties are in the Conca d'Oro area of Panzano. Crème de cassis, spices, new leather, chocolate and sweet spices build up on the structured, intensely flavoured finish." Vinous

"Twenty years in the wine business is nothing, but for me it is twenty years of my life. A life entirely dedicated to wine as a means of expression, and with the current vintage I have finally achieved the finesse I have been looking for for so long. Elegance, that is the word that describes Testamatta 2019. The 20th anniversary of Testamatta is a real milestone, the pinnacle of quality that I have been looking for in my Sangiovese since the first vintage in 2000. Testamatta 2019 is perfectly balanced with deep layers that show incredible complexity."

With these words, Bibi Graetz presented the latest vintage of his Testamatta, the fulfilment of this creative winemaker's dream. Bibi decided twenty years ago to set out from Fiesole on an extraordinary journey into the world of Tuscan wine - with the intention of striving for excellence by assembling plots of great quality, even if they are far apart. A "crazy", innovative, fascinating journey that has grown year after year.

And Testamatta means what describes this Bibi Graetz best: a smiling, creative and passionate person. The wine tells of the purity, minerality and transparency of Sangiovese from old vines and speaks of stony soils and hillside vineyards.

The grapes for Testamatta are selected and sourced from the estate's 5 best vineyards: Vincigliata, Londa, Lamole, Montefili and Siena. Each vineyard, divided into plots, is harvested up to 8 times to ensure that all grapes are picked at the perfect time of ripeness. These five vineyards (up to 80 years old) are located in different areas of Tuscany: Lamole and Montefili in the heart of Chianti Classico at 600 and 400 metres above sea level, Vincigliata near Florence at 280 metres above sea level, Londa north of Florence towards the Rufina Valley and Siena, in the south of Tuscany, at 250 metres above sea level.

Dark red in colour with black edges and a bright red hue. The nose is perfumed, with scents of rose petals that transition into ripe red to dried cherries and red currants. This is joined by aromas of earth, light tobacco, black pepper, fresh herbs and spicy cedar. Seemingly weightless on the palate, it is then flooded with a mix of red to dark cherry and redcurrant flavours, complemented by an appealing spiciness. The complexity is complemented by spicy cedar notes, forest floor and dried herbs. Testamatta 2019 is characterised by a lovely freshness with muscular but finely drawn tannins leading into a powerful yet refined finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 20 on the label tells of the 2019 anniversary vintage for Bibi Graetz. The Testamatta consists of pure Sangiovese and has a super delicate colour. Delicate, delicate and super light, it presents itself on the nose, very fragrant and floral, with fine, spicy notes of tobacco and herbal sweets. In the bulbous Hermitage glass of the Veritas series, it smells much fresher than in a Bordeaux goblet, a little tomato sauce and broth in the background. Superfine and fragrant, it opens with Pinot-like delicacy in the mouth. Very charming and delicate, juicy and ripe, with excellent balance. The tannins are slenderly arranged and slightly rough. Complex, idiosyncratic Sangiovese that is clearly leaner than a Chianti Classico Riserva or a Brunello di Montalcino." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby, luminous. Intense and appealing nose with lots of ripe plums, black cherry, plus some porcini mushrooms and dark olive paste. Powerful on the palate, crisp, precise fruit, juicy, lots of fine-grained tannin, long finish." Falstaff

"Smooth and sophisticated with polished tannin and a lovely seam of pure aromatics - sour cherry, subtle tobacco, and straw." Decanter

"A pure expression of Sangiovese, the Bibi Graetz 2019 Testamatta is a wine in constant evolution. Bibi has added 17 more hectares of vineyard to the program, with 12 hectares in Fiesole (north of Florence) and 5 hectares in San Donato in Colle (south of Florence) with 70-year-old vines. The base of the wine sees fruit from old vines planted in the 1950s in the cool-climate Lamole subzone of Chianti Classico. These new terroirs bring a lot more aromatic nuance and complexity to the wine with perfumed blue flower, candied orange peel, wet earth and plumy black fruit. White Alberese soils add a strong chalky mineral signature to the finish of this elegantly streamlined and linear Tuscan red." Wine Advocate

"Yet another fine year, however some wines in 2019 - although not Testamatta - lacked a little concentration. Relatively light in colour, it's at the other end of the density scale to the wines of the early 2000s. There are piquant raspberry and redcurrant aromas and both the nose and palate show admirable delicacy and restraint. Very elegant and pure, its fine acidity gives excellent length and ageing potential." Decanter

"Very attractive combination of dried fruit and spices with black cherries and plums. Aromas of flowers and sandalwood, too. Full-bodied and very refined, yet intense, with plush, velvety tannins that are wonderfully integrated and intertwined with the fruit. Ripe center palate. Tight at the end, suggesting the need for some serious bottle age. Very structured. Try after 2025." James Suckling