Falstaff – Gran Selezione & Supertuscans

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 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

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

Andrea Franchetti began positioning Palazzi as an equal red alongside his flagship Tenuta di Trinoro in the 1990s, with the aim of producing two exceptional wines that evoke the left and right banks of Bordeaux.

Just three words: power, intensity and concentration. With a very manageable production of 1,660 bottles, here comes a full-throttle Tuscan wine that exudes generous black fruit, spice and sweet tobacco all the time. There is also black cherry and plum, which give the wine soft contours and sweetness. On the palate, it is firm, well-structured and delights with a mouth-filling richness that is second to none. Take a good piece of red meat, marinate it in rosemary and olive oil before heading to the charcoal grill and then embark on this monumental adventure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby with a black core. Intense and inviting nose with notes of cocoa, blackberry, plum and fine spices. Dense and concentrated on the palate, very lush, grippy, savoury tannins, rich tobacco on the long final." Falstaff

"This vibrant red is pure and well-defined, with cherry, raspberry and floral aromas and flavors detailed by iron and wild thyme, supported from dense yet refined tannins. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"The Tenuta di Trinoro 2019 Palazzi is a pure expression of Merlot with incoming fruit from the Palazzi vineyard that is characterized by dense clay soils. The wine's intensity is what stands out most, and that power is fueled by lovely nuances of black fruit, spice, sweet tobacco and baker's chocolate. Palazzi excels in terms of mouthfeel. The smooth richness and deep softness achieved here is only possible with this grape. Furthermore, it seems only possible in this spectacular, sun-drenched corner of undiscovered Tuscany known as Sarteano." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Palazzi is a classic Trinoro wine, with maybe a bit less bombastic intensity than some of the earlier wines, but all of the seamless elegance that has long made these reds so compelling. All the elements are wonderfully put together in the 2019, a wine that impresses with its mix of elegance, flamboyant intensity and sheer allure. I loved it." Vinous

Deep dark ruby violet. On the nose, cassis, blackcurrant and a powerful herbal spiciness with a good dose of pipe tobacco, tar and crushed boulders. On the palate, dark berries, chocolate and a cornucopia of herbs define the full body. This wine monument has precisely integrated tannins, an enormous silkiness and a seemingly endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red. Expressive and inviting nose of ripe strawberries and red currants, a hint of raspberry jam, carried by nuances of fine wood and cigar box. Very polished palate entry, opens in the mouth with delicate creaminess and velvety tannin, noble spice and fruit at the core, shows considerable juiciness at the back and thus draught, great length and elegance." Falstaff

"This vibrant red is saturated with black cherry, blackberry, iron and underbrush flavors. The tannins turn chewy on the finish, where a note of bitter almond lingers along with freshness." Wine Spectator

"The Tenuta Sette Ponti 2019 Oreno celebrates the wine's 20th anniversary (1999-2019) with a special label and a heavy glass bottle. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot is beautifully ripe and generous with impeccable fruit throughout. Its primary intensity is delivered with energy and character, showcasing broad brush aromas of black fruit, exotic spice, cured tobacco and new leather. The tannins are quite strong in this edition and do make for a brief moment of astringency on the close. This is a thickly extracted blended Tuscan red, and it makes sense that its fiber and structure is also more compact and concentrated in 2019." Wine Advocate

"Wow. Fantastic aromas of blackberries, currants, minerals, violets and graphite. Full-bodied with firm, silky tannins that are incredibly polished and intense, yet ever so refined and integrated in the wine. It goes on for minutes. The is one of the best modern-day Orenos so far. Best in 2025 and onwards." James Suckling

Limited special edition with engraved bottle label!

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

This wine from the single vineyard of the same name is probably the most opulent of the house's selection line. On the nose, an almost brushstroke-wide presence of ripe fruit, spices and hints of crushed rock. On the palate, impressive suppleness, complexity and richness, plus a whole bouquet of dark fruit flavours flanked by firm, structured tannin. The Merlot content gives it additional depth and power. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby red. Very intense and complex nose, of violets, rose petals and sour cherry, also nice blackberry. Juicy in attack and course, opens with precise, very well placed tannin, long and deep, still has a long life ahead of it." Falstaff

"All about elegance, this fragrant red opens with aromas of cedar, dark spice, coffee bean and blue flower. Linear and polished, the palate is still rather youthfully austere, featuring juicy black cherry, cassis and licorice framed in fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"A very polished and refined bottle with creamy, velvety tannins that are poised and fine. Medium-bodied with a lovely center palate and a flavorful finish. Try after 2022 and onwards." James Suckling

"This is packed with succulent blackberry, black cherry, plum, tar, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors, aligned with a base of burly tannins. Fresh and vigorous, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and wild herbs." Wine Spectator

"The Castello di Ama 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto la Casuccia offers ample volume and fruit weight, but it holds back slightly on the mid-palate. The 2018 vintage tends to deliver all of its brooding intensity up front, leaving you with plenty of black fruit, spice and tobacco to fuel a long finish." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is fabulous. A heady, opulent wine, the 2018 possesses tremendous energy to match its explosive personality. The plush fruit and soft, silky curves are pure Casuccia. The 2018 needs at least a handful of years in bottle, as it is a wine that only truly blossoms with time." Vinous

The single-varietal Merlot L'Apparita 2018 is outstanding - elegance, strength of character, a remarkably fine tannin and acid structure as well as the endlessly long persistence characterise this exceptional Merlot. An oenological rarity of Tuscany and not only therefore an object of desire every year. On the nose, a combination of fruity and spicy impressions, excellent fleshy taste, whose juicy, still quite concise tannin blends well with the warm body. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby with a pronounced violet shimmer. Rich nose with notes of mulberries and black cherries, fine spicy components in the background. Shows a lot of dark fruit on the nose, then opens up with lots of tightly woven tannin in several layers, can quietly mature a bit more." Falstaff

"Black currant, black cherry, blueberry, wild herb and earth flavors are nicely displayed on the polished frame of this fluid and harmonious red, with dusty tannins lining the finish. More on the elegant side than powerful." Wine Spectator

"One of the rare instances where Merlot excels in Tuscany, this gorgeous wine opens with enticing aromas of dark-skinned berry, new leather, camphor and dark spice. Continuing where the nose left off, the elegant, delicious palate delivers cassis, ripe blackberry, licorice and crushed mint alongside the barest note of truffle. It's a world-class wine with breeding, extreme finesse and great depth. It's impeccably balanced, with a backbone of velvety tannins and fresh acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Hard dark-chocolate aromas with blackberries and blue fruit. Pure and gorgeous. Full-bodied with gorgeous, polished tannins that are intense and powerful, yet ever so precise and together. It’s so curated and real with a great finish. One of the best merlots from Ama in a long time." James Suckling

"The 2018 L'Apparita is a total stunner. Ama's 100% Merlot is usually a wine of bombastic intensity, but the 2018 marks a departure from that style, as it is all finesse and nuance. Blackberry jam, spice, menthol and lavender are some of the aromas and flavors that open in an Apparita that dazzles with its precision and nuance. Rain at the end of August pushed out harvest and gave Marco Pallanti the ideal conditions to craft this gorgeous wine." Vinous

"This wine has earned its spot in a world of pantheons that is grande vini Italiani. The Castello di Ama 2018 L'Apparita is one of the world's greatest Merlots, and this slightly cooler growing season delivers on all the promise and pedigree that we should expect of this collectors' favorite. L'Apparita opens to an inky dark and blackish appearance, and the bouquet slowly reveals black fruit, ripe cherry, dark spice, smoke and barbecue rub. The wine's texture and finish, which is so velvety and rich, so supple and soft, is what will ultimately win you over. Indeed, this wine excels especially in terms of the elegance and fullness of the mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

The Gran Selezione from the single vineyard Bellavista is rich and dark with aromas of wild cherry, smoke, liquorice, menthol and tobacco. Extremely attractive and rich on the palate, firm tannins form the backbone of this virile, potent wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, compact nose with rich notes of blackberry and dark cherry, in the background fine spicy notes, cardamom and dried ginger. Juicy and intense in the attack and course, lots of cherry, some plum, fine-meshed, dense tannin in the final full pressure." Falstaff

"Camphor, dark spice, blue flower and a whiff of forest floor shape the alluring nose on this delicious red. Elegantly structured and all about finesse and flavor, the savory, focused palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, orange zest, licorice and cassis alongside taut, ultrarefined tannins. Made with 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera, it's beautifully balanced, with bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"A rich, intense red, displaying black cherry, blackberry, menthol, iron and graphite flavors, this is polished and expressive, yet with beefy tannins lining the chalky finish. All the components are there - this just needs time." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista comes roaring out the gate with intensity and power. This is a generous and exuberant wine with dark fruit, pressed blackberry, plenty of spice and great overall dimension. It's truly gorgeous, yet I might consider a slightly shorter drinking window for this full-bodied vintage." Wine Advocate

"This is a very deep and serious Chianti Classico with bark, dark-mushroom and blackberry aromas that follow through to a full body with very polished and integrated tannins that are long and classy. A sophisticated and glorious wine. Drink in 2024 and onwards, but already very pretty." James Suckling

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista marries Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, a combination that works so well. The Bellavista is a powerful, vertical wine endowed with explosive and tremendous energy. Like all the top wines, it needs the better part of a decade to show all it's got. Gravel, smoke, leather, licorice and scorched earth." Vinous

Deep dark ruby violet. On the nose, cassis, blackcurrant and a powerful herbal spiciness with a good dose of pipe tobacco, tar and crushed boulders. On the palate, dark berries, chocolate and a cornucopia of herbs define the full body. This wine monument has precisely integrated tannins, an enormous silkiness and a seemingly endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red. Expressive and inviting on the nose, of ripe strawberries and red currants, a hint of raspberry jam, carried by nuances of fine wood and cigar box. Very polished palate entry, opens up in the mouth with delicate creaminess and velvety tannin, noble spice and fruit at the core, shows considerable juiciness at the back and thus draught, great length and elegance." Falstaff

"This vibrant red is saturated with black cherry, blackberry, iron and underbrush flavors. The tannins turn chewy on the finish, where a note of bitter almond lingers along with freshness." Wine Spectator

"The Tenuta Sette Ponti 2019 Oreno celebrates the wine's 20th anniversary (1999-2019) with a special label and a heavy glass bottle. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot is beautifully ripe and generous with impeccable fruit throughout. Its primary intensity is delivered with energy and character, showcasing broad brush aromas of black fruit, exotic spice, cured tobacco and new leather. The tannins are quite strong in this edition and do make for a brief moment of astringency on the close. This is a thickly extracted blended Tuscan red, and it makes sense that its fiber and structure is also more compact and concentrated in 2019." Wine Advocate

"Wow. Fantastic aromas of blackberries, currants, minerals, violets and graphite. Full-bodied with firm, silky tannins that are incredibly polished and intense, yet ever so refined and integrated in the wine. It goes on for minutes. The is one of the best modern-day Orenos so far. Best in 2025 and onwards." James Suckling

Deep dark ruby violet. On the nose, cassis, blackcurrant and a powerful herbal spiciness with a good dose of pipe tobacco, tar and crushed boulders. On the palate, dark berries, chocolate and a cornucopia of herbs define the full body. This wine monument has precisely integrated tannins, an enormous silkiness and a seemingly endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red. Expressive and inviting on the nose, of ripe strawberries and red currants, a hint of raspberry jam, carried by nuances of fine wood and cigar box. Very polished palate entry, opens up in the mouth with delicate creaminess and velvety tannin, noble spice and fruit at the core, shows considerable juiciness at the back and thus draught, great length and elegance." Falstaff

"This vibrant red is saturated with black cherry, blackberry, iron and underbrush flavors. The tannins turn chewy on the finish, where a note of bitter almond lingers along with freshness." Wine Spectator

"The Tenuta Sette Ponti 2019 Oreno celebrates the wine's 20th anniversary (1999-2019) with a special label and a heavy glass bottle. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot is beautifully ripe and generous with impeccable fruit throughout. Its primary intensity is delivered with energy and character, showcasing broad brush aromas of black fruit, exotic spice, cured tobacco and new leather. The tannins are quite strong in this edition and do make for a brief moment of astringency on the close. This is a thickly extracted blended Tuscan red, and it makes sense that its fiber and structure is also more compact and concentrated in 2019." Wine Advocate

"Wow. Fantastic aromas of blackberries, currants, minerals, violets and graphite. Full-bodied with firm, silky tannins that are incredibly polished and intense, yet ever so refined and integrated in the wine. It goes on for minutes. The is one of the best modern-day Orenos so far. Best in 2025 and onwards." James Suckling