Jancis Robinson

Fresh cuvée of Trebbiano, Passerina, Pecorino, Chardonnay and Fiano with a fine citrus aroma and a very amiable taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Coppery straw yellow. A really attractive citrus and orange nose of real depth. Fresh and viscous on the palate and a little mouth-watering. Good length too and great value." Jancis Robinson

"Intense ripe fruit, melon, peach, pear, citrus and mineral notes. Interesting multi-grape blend. Easy drinking and good value for money!" Decanter

In Valpolicella, single-varietal wines from the native Corvina variety are becoming more and more common. And Scaia shows a beautiful portrait: light ruby red, mineral notes in the bouquet, plus small red berries and cherries, round on the palate and with good freshness. Wonderful to drink. SUPERIORE.DE

"Breathily herbal nose – bay leaf, lovage, smoky peppercorn. Muscular and lithe and super-savoury with a strong liquorice note. Caraway seed, angelica and red plums. Transparent tannins; honest and a way that runs a direct, tobacco-leaf-scented line from the tip of the tongue to the last flourishing sign-off. This sings of Veneto." Jancis Robinson

When a winery makes only two wines, the "second wine" is rarely of bad parents. This is also the case with Etichetta Bianca, which is hardly inferior to its bigger brother from the single vineyard Minaia. Delicately fruity nose of citrus and elder with a nice herbal spiciness. Soft and full on the palate, the fresh acid wire makes it a wonderful food companion. In the middle finish, the typical Bergaglio refinement and mineral vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw yellow. Complex but still a little subdued and minerally rather than fruity. Immediate lively energetic attack and then linear while the palate is filled out with fragrant fruit. Amazing length and truly streamlined by the acidity." Jancis Robinson

Ruby red, the bouquet fruity of ripe sour cherries and wild berries, nuances of hay and liquorice. Full-bodied and long-lasting taste with aromas of cassis and velvety structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale browning ruby. Smells like amaretto and tastes like Kahlúa infused with thyme and plum skins. Lots of dried sage, coffee beans, damson jam – all tucked into a supple swathe of forgiving but intentional tannins and beribboned with bitter-fresh acidity. A wine begging for coffee-rubbed beef short-ribs!" Jancis Robinson

"Sweet berries and flowers on the nose with a spicy edge. A medium-bodied red with a flavorful palate and some generous red-berries, coffee and spices in the center-palate. Smart generosity makes it easy to appreciate and consumer-friendly." James Suckling

Bright, shiny yellow, fine fragrance of white fruits and blossoms. Fresh, well-balanced taste with pleasantly lively acidity, delicate bitter almond note in the finish and a fine mineral vein in the aftertaste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale straw yellow. Soft peach and spicy mandarin with lifted gooseberry hints. Complex and with stony peppery notes. Pure lime, peach and mandarin fruit on the palate and with a squeeze of ripe lemony acidity on the finish. Great length and great leggerezza." Jancis Robinson

Minaia is the top vineyard of the same name in the Gavi DOCG area and the flagship of the Bergaglio winery. Bright yellow with green reflections. On the nose, fine citrus, peach, pear and almond tones, slightly reductive. On the palate, precise and with a lot of race and class, as befits one of the appellation's leading wines every year. The long finish is complex with a beautiful minerality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw. The same subtlety on the nose as the Comune di Gavi Rovereto, but with more depth, complexity and purity. Purity is the key. Dramatic palate of fine acidity cutting through the elegant fruit. Enormous purity of citrus fruit, while the energetic acidity comes in waves. Electrifying finish." Jancis Robinson

Rich, dark shimmering ruby. Open-hearted, dense bouquet of blackberries, plums and a delicate hint of cloves in the background. Juicy on the palate, shows supple tannin, spreads nicely. Every year a great Chianti Classico with an exemplary price-quality ratio. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, intense ruby. Finely marked nose with notes of dark cherry, some black truffle, fine plum. Polished, very fine-meshed tannin, showing fine cherry and raspberry, juicy, an exceedingly drinkable Chianti Classico." Falstaff

"Transparent garnet. Tangy and classic Sangiovese in which freshness of fruit overwhelms the fine tannin. Very appetising. A commendable standard-bearer. Some richness offsets the acidity." Jancis Robinson

"Once again, Brolio delivers a highly satisfying glass of Chianti Classico from the estate’s expansive vineyards in Gaiole. The 2019 is balsamic in personality with scents of cedar, thyme and rosemary weaving through dark cherry. Velvety, powdery tannins provide a gentle, structural grip, while crunchy, citrussy acidity cleanses the mouth." Decanter

"A succulent, fruity red with dried-cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with fine yet round tannins and a juicy, fruity finish." James Suckling

An opulent Barbera Superiore with class, with equally high-quality equipment, full-bodied and dense with an intense ruby red colour. The bouquet is fruity with blackcurrants, cherries, chocolate and blackberries, the taste is very deep and rich, the finish is long and fruity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable, deep ruby. Gorgeous seductive sweet, rich blackberry nose with savoury oak notes. Rich yet not heavy or sweet on the palate and with sappy acidity integrated in the generous blackberry and blueberry fruit. Quite a heady drink that scores high on the hedonism scale." Jancis Robinson

"Here’s a nice barbera with fresh cherries and berries and a tinge of herb – almost rosemary. Medium body, fresh acidity and a crisp, fruity finish." James Suckling

Our pure enthusiasm for this authentic and wonderfully traditional Chianti Classico, which the likeable Monica Raspi and her family have been presenting to us for years: light ruby red, finely spicy, with refined depth of fruit, well proportioned on the palate, powerful, elegant structure, classic acidity and Sangiovese style, racy and mineral final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby, slightly lightening rim. Smells of ripe cherries, violets and cloves on the nose. Round and supple on the attack, opening with grippy, savoury tannins, final with good depth and richness." Falstaff

"Lustrous mid ruby. Deep but understated and a little shy on the nose. Supple elegant and mouth-filling but still a little closed. Finely balanced and long and ends a little racy." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Chianti Classico is a soft, easygoing wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Incense, pipe tobacco, crushed leaves and earthy notes add nuance to a core of dried red cherry fruit. The 2019 is a very pretty wine." Vinous

"The aromatic fruit character of this wine is so clearly defined that a sniff made me feel victorious - I began seeing red cherries lined up and could hear the slot machine shooting out coins. It's a gloriously primary fresh fruity nose, precise cherry and pink grapefruit aromas matched by equivalent clarity on the palate. The fruit is ripe and sweet while the acidity tempers the warm, juicy fruit and the tannins offer crunch. Delectable, invigorating, simple but not banale; an excellent wine for any meal." Decanter

Baccanera is an aromatic Piedmontese cuvée of Barbera, Merlot, Nebbiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon. Noble, dark garnet with a delicately lightening rim. In the spicy fragrance notes of tobacco, plum and a hint of cloves. Complex and very delicate on the palate with fresh fruit, beautiful structure and well-integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby. Savoury meatiness that reminds me of Nebbiolo and with saline and cherry notes. Quite a bit of power underneath and with a peppery tingle. Full palate but savoury rather than fruit-driven and completely dry. Proper tannic grip on the finish. A winter warmer with lots of class and personality." Jancis Robinson

"Ripe blackcurrants and blackberries on the nose with a hint of ink. Full, intense flavors and tight, fine tannins, coated in fruity vanilla. Persistent finish." James Suckling

Chianti Classico Vallenuova has the potential to become a favourite wine. It is the archetypal expression of Sangiovese from a single vineyard, which could not be more typical and authentic. Lively, sparkling ruby, a little cedar and small wild berries on the nose, along with spices, beetroot and white pepper. On the palate, leather, tobacco and a hint of citrus fruit, in the final it presents itself pleasantly lean with a convincing, drinkable freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Serious, intense, many-layered nose. Very savoury and dense with great construction. Long and interesting with admirable depth. Hugely impressive wine. Very clean, fresh finish." Jancis Robinson

"Aromas of earth, and even barnyard, mingle with cherry and raspberry flavors in this dense, taut red. Though monolithic and austere, the fruit persists and matches the tannins in the end, where mineral and tobacco elements also emerge." Wine Spectator

"A fresh, tangy Chianti Classico with red berries and hints of orange peel. Medium body and a crisp finish." James Suckling

Rich, dark shimmering ruby. Open-hearted, dense bouquet of blackberries, plums and a delicate hint of cloves in the background. Juicy on the palate, shows supple tannin, spreads nicely. Every year a great Chianti Classico with an exemplary price-quality ratio. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid crimson. Leafy cherry and rhubarb nose with chalky notes. Cranberry, redcurrant and sour cherry on the palate and with some serious but not hard tannins on the finish. Long and vibrant, almost too much so." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Chianti Classico is bright, punchy and full of near-term appeal. I would prefer to drink the 2020 over the next few years, while the red-fleshed Sangiovese flavors retain their youthful energy. This tasty Chianti Classico has plenty to offer." Vinous

"This juicy red is marked by cherry, tomato leaf and olive flavors. Boasts bright acidity, with dusty tannins flexing on the finish. A linear, well-delineated version." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of dark cherries, mocha, leather and tea leaves. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Lively and fresh, with lots of red cherries and berries on the center-palate and a flavorful finish. Typical for an outstanding Chianti Classico." James Suckling

Lively ruby with light violet reflections, rich fruity aromas on the nose, very typical of wild berries and sour cherries. Fresh, balanced and well-structured on the palate, with silky tannins and spicy accents. A classic of the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby with a slight violet shimmer. Opens with wild-spicy notes, after dark bread crust, then beetroot, some blueberries and plums. Blooms fully on the palate, lots of present fruit, juicy, after dark cherry, grippy tannin, has firm pressure." Falstaff

"Lustrous crimson. Concentrated cherry fruit with a hint of leather, saline minerally notes and a suggestion of oak. Racy concentrated cherry fruit layered with fine, grainy tannins. Mouth-watering and almost a little tart and with a long fragrant raspberry and dark-spice finish." Jancis Robinson

"Plums, spices, mushrooms and dried herbs on the nose. It’s full-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy and textured with tangy acidity and spicy character. Flavorful finish." James Suckling

"Owner Marco Ricasoli recalls the harvest of 2019 as unusually calm – one of the few in which he didn’t have to base his picking strategy on the weather forecast. While his wines never lack freshness, the 2019 is positively racy! Scents of blackberry and fennel are interlaced with smoke, and the palate brings together brambly fruit with fleshy red plum. This is mouthfilling and clean, with ripe, smooth tannins that are chalky textured - plus all of that vibrant acidity." Decanter

"The 2019 Chianti Classico is an elegant, polished wine. Lifted aromatics, silky tannins and mid-weight structure give the 2019 its gracious personality. In 2019, the Chianti Classico is a bit restrained and less overt than it can be. That means it needs time in bottle to truly blossom. I would cellar the 2019 for at least a few years. The 2019 is so distinctive." Vinous

The boutique winery Montecalvi bottles one of the most expressive Chianti Classico we have ever tasted. On the nose, pure in its primary aromas of black cherry, tobacco and incense, rounded off by dried tomatoes and rosehip. On the palate, firm, fresh and with present fruit and acidity, which, together with a subtle spiciness and remarkable finesse, leads into a distinctive finish typical of Greve wines. Absolutely aerate or better: let it mature in the cellar for a few more years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Barely mid ruby. Subtly perfumed sweet red-fruit nose with savoury saline notes and hardly perceptible oak. A fullness of elegant fruit on the palate that comes almost unexpectedly followed by cracking tannins. This marches to a different beat. Very long, but still a little embryonic." Jancis Robinson

"Very light intensity of colour yet the impact on the nose and palate of this Sangiovese is dramatic: a plot twist that, from sight, one would not expect. The nose is salty, sweetly spiced and faintly herbal, with star anise, peppered tartare and fresh mint, but the palate is really where the drinker can get lost down rabbit holes. The tannins are so resolved that they sit back and do not occupy centre stage as Sangiovese wines so often do; thus the acidity and fruit interplay is flamboyant and theatrical, with a long finish. More acts to follow, it would say." Decanter

The Chianti Classico exudes beautiful fruit and spice notes, juicy and flattering on the palate. Successful - this classic from Castello di Monsanto foreshadows the style of the even greater reds from this winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid crimson. Perfumed red fruit with minerally, earthy undertones. Light, juicy fruit with bags of crunchy tannins and lively acidity on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Chianti Classico is a very pretty, appealing wine. Bright acids lift a core of Sangiovese fruit. Floral top notes and silky tannins lend energy to this mid-weight, wonderfully alluring Chianti Classico from Monsanto." Vinous

"Brambleberries, raspberries, tomato leaves, lemon peel and bark on the nose. Some tar and crushed stones, too. Medium-bodied with fine, slightly stemmy tannins. Rose-petal character comes through. Fresh and mineral at the end." James Suckling

Lively ruby with light violet reflections, rich fruity aromas on the nose, very typical of wild berries and sour cherries. Fresh, balanced and well-structured on the palate, with silky tannins and spicy accents. An energetic classic of the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous ruby. A tiny bit reductive on the nose and a little leathery with brooding fruit underneath. Suave sour-cherry fruit with long grainy tannins. Very long, fragrant and succulent, but needs more time in the bottle." Jancis Robinson

"Grapes for this 2020 were picked in the last week of September, after abnormally warm conditions earlier in the month had time to subside. It is true to the estate’s style, with a deep purple colour and backward nose of youthful reduction. The palate offers a better demonstration of potential with an intriguing build up of tension along with fresh black cherry and blackberry fruit. The supple tannins are sophisticated and polished but it is the sappy, saline twist and tangy acidity that really makes the wine sing." Decanter

"The 2020 Chianti Classico is striking. Bright, punchy and vibrant, the 2020 possesses terrific energy from start to finish. Sweet red-fleshed fruit, cedar, blood orange, spice and incense are front and center. The 2020 screams with character. Once again, Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi has crafted an exceptional Chianti Classico that punches well above its weight." Vinous

Classic Chianti Classico from stainless steel tanks with a rich and intense bouquet of black cherries, fresh plums, menthol and liquorice. Full-bodied on the palate, but not voluminous, very Sangiovese-typical. Clearly structured, of pure texture and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright shimmering garnet red with violet reflections. Pronounced aroma of ripe currant and tea, also some jasmine and fine meadow herbs. Stretches out a wide dress on the palate, shows fine melting and backbone, with good tension and pull on the final, lingers for a long time." Falstaff

"Just mid ruby. Deep, sweet cherry and raspberry nose. Long and juicy cherry and raspberry fruit palate. A striking, aromatic finish layered with chewy tannins." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Chianti Classico is a very pretty wine from Brancaia. Crushed flowers, cinnamon, orange peel and sweet dried cherry give this mid-weight, ethereal Chianti Classico tons of personality. This is so nicely done." Vinous

"A blend of estate fruit from Castellina and Radda, this is the only red from Brancaia that doesn’t see any oak. It shows intense red cherry immediately, then cinnamon and truffle lend attractive accents. Graceful in its progression, the palate is mid-weight and cleansing. Bright acidity and light, fine-grained tannins provide the frame, and vibrancy lingers after each sip." Decanter

"Made from organically farmed Sangiovese, this offers aromas of red-skinned berry, forest floor and iris. The juicy palate features red cherry, cinnamon and white pepper alongside polished tannins and bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"A medium-bodied, vibrant red with blueberries, cherry stones, lemon zest and dried herbs on the nose. Lightly dusty tannins. Well balanced, with a mineral touch." James Suckling

Sangiovese in pure culture: Bright ruby with a broad garnet rim. Rich in fruity-floral aromas, multi-layered, herbaceous, deep and of good polish with further development potential. A full-bodied and harmonious Chianti-Classico of highly authentic and very inviting style. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid ruby. Concentrated, sweetly perfumed nose with dark notes underneath. Supple and concentrated but not heavy on the palate with cherry and a hint of orange. Animating and long." Jancis Robinson

"In the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, Fèlsina’s expansive vineyards are at the luminous southeastern tip of Chianti Classico. The Berardenga label represents a plentiful annual production of 250,000 bottles. On first impression, the 2020 is overtly ripe, yet with time prune cake and vanilla notes subside, allowing wild herb and savoury nuances to step in. The chewy tannins are long and supple, with ample fruit density to balance." Decanter

"A charming, harmonious Chianti Classico, this exudes cherry, plum and thyme flavors, with elements of earth and mineral. Delivers dense tannins that exert influence on the finish, yet this remains balanced." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Berardenga is a classic Fèlsina wine. It can be enjoyed now or cellared for 10-15 years. Classic Fèlsina savory, floral and tobacco accents play off a core of sweet Sangiovese fruit. This heady, strapping wine has a ton to offer. Time in the glass brings out gorgeous aromatic presence." Vinous

"Plums, cherry stones, button mushrooms, white pepper and bark on the nose. Lemon and cardamom too. Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and fine, powdery tannins. Savory." James Suckling

The Chianti Classico from Istine is one of the most racy and pure representatives of its genre. Its weightlessness and at the same time precision make up a large part of its charm. Finely knitted bouquet of red berry fruits, flowers, chalk and white pepper. Medium-bodied on the nose, with further aeration its fine fruit, creamy tannins and plenty of personality come to light. A red that takes hearts by storm with its lively, lilting and extremely fine-nerved character! SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid crimson. Concentrated, complex nose of dark fruit and sweet raspberry with a hint of iron and damp earth. Succulent cherry fruit lined with grainy tannins and a final kick of acidity on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Cherry and strawberry flavors are pure and focused, with a touch of rose and rosemary accents. This is firm and balanced, with a persistent finish echoing the fruit and herb notes." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Chianti Classico is a classy, polished wine that needs time to fully come into its own, as the aromatics are not at all expressive, and that is such a big part of what makes Chianti Classico so distinctive. Today, the wine's energy and vibrancy are both notable, but it is clearly very early days for this bottling." Vinous

"This lovely, easy-drinking red has aromas of rose, berry and spice. Reflecting the nose, the bright, savory palate doles out juicy strawberry, red cherry and star anise set against taut, lithe tannins." Wine Enthusiast

The Chianti Classico from Istine is one of the most racy and pure representatives of its genre. Its weightlessness and at the same time precision make up a large part of its charm. Finely knitted bouquet of red berry fruits, flowers, chalk and white pepper. Medium-bodied on the nose, with further aeration its fine fruit, creamy tannins and plenty of personality come to light. A red that takes hearts by storm with its lively, prancing and extremely fine-nerved character! SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid crimson. Deep and a little brooding with a hint of olives. Vibrant fruit with fine chewy tannins. Very long, vivid and energetic finish. Electrifying." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Chianti Classico is bright, punchy and full of character. Intense saline underpinnings drive this super-expressive, tightly-wound Chianti Classico. Readers will have to cellar the 2020 for at least a few years, as it is quite reticent at the moment. Even so, the purity of the Sangiovese fruit here is simply compelling." Vinous

The grapes come exclusively from the single vineyard San Pietro, and since the 2018 vintage, part of the wine has been vinified in amphorae. Berries, liquorice and deep red fruits on the nose. Finely woven and very precise structure, personality and class on the palate. Sheer elegance and Clerico pleasure without waiting for further ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous and just mid ruby. Subtle, spicy cherry nose with black-pepper tingle. Succulent fruit palate with fine coating tannins. Savoury sweet fruit on the finish. Hugely appealing." Jancis Robinson

"Informal and bright, the Domenico Clerico 2020 Langhe Nebbiolo Capismee has a hint of vintage ripeness that comes across with candied cherry and sweet rose over a lean but very pretty mouthfeel. The wine's slightly darker character makes it a good candidate for a thinly stacked artichoke lasagna." Robert Parker

Sparkling ruby red. Fragrance of sweet raspberries, notes of tobacco and violets. Enormous density, firm fruit body, with great youthful-fresh temperament, paired with a certain finesse and elegance. Finishes long with notes of juicy red berries. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby. Perfumed but shy nose with hints of stones. Supple, suave and elegant and with a full aromatic spread on the palate. Great polish and shine. Fantastic crunchy tannins. A real beauty." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Chianti Classico (100% Sangiovese) is laced with the essence of red/purplish berry fruit, spice, cedar and floral notes. Readers will find a classic expression of both the vintage and the house style in this super-appealing mid-weight Classico." Vinous

"Bringing together fruit from Greve, Radda and Gaiole, Querciabella’s annata provides a wide-angle panorama of the diverse Chianti Classico zone. The 2019 is a portrait of clarity and depth. It starts discreetly then doles out aromas of cinnamon, mint, incense, liquorice and black raspberry. Sophisticated and polished, the palate unfolds confidently and gracefully. The wood is well-integrated, as are the powdery, suede-like tannins. There's lovely intensity of violet and a brightness to the whole." Decanter

"Plenty of sweet berry and cherry character with hints of stone and fresh mushrooms. Chocolate, too. It’s medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a chewy yet refined texture. Flavorful finish. Solid and very integrated." James Suckling