Jancis Robinson

Here is a big, rich Rosso that is harmonious and impressive in all its components. The bouquet alternates between dried cherries and a fine tobacco note. The palate is taut and precise, in keeping with the house style, and its body is supported by powerful tannins, making it an ideal accompaniment to Tuscan cuisine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant carmine red colour. A little closed compared to 2020 and brooding. Supple, ripe red fruit with fresh, juicy acidity and plenty of enveloping tannins that don't overpower the fruit. Great length, balance and freshness and with more substance than the 2020. I can imagine it getting even better in another year." Jancis Robinson

"The 2021 Rosso di Montalcino is wildly fresh with vivid raspberry, cherry, mint and clove. This flows across the palate with the silkiest of textures contrasted by tart red berries and zesty acids as hints of autumnal spice settle in toward the close. The 2021 finishes concentrated, long and youthfully intense. Grippy tannins promise many years of development. There is simply so much going on here and more to come, yet this newly minted Rosso will require patience to show its best." Vinous

"The confirmation of a territorial vocation in this truly surprising red wine, refined and intense at the same time. Raspberry, a hint of ginseng and liquorice root on the nose, spicy tannins, fruity and spicy, with great drinkability." Luca Gardini

Beautiful and very well-balanced red wine from the three main historical areas of Montalcino, which have different geoclimatic characteristics due to their different slopes and altitudes - and thus ensure a unique balance between freshness and structure, body and elegance.

Ruby red in colour with garnet reflections, opens immediately with a rich, complex nose. Initially dark cherry, chinotto orange and violet. It then opens up to broader, more complex notes of blueberry, vanilla, tobacco, cinnamon and chocolate with a subtle menthol finish. This juicy 2016 Brunello di Montalcino offers plenty of energy and brightness, conveyed by the cherry fruit and wild berry flavours at its core. The primary fruit is surrounded by spice, grilled herbs and floral earth. The natural complexity, purity and depth of the Sangiovese grape comes into its own in this dream vintage and especially in this Brunello. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, noble ruby red colour with a radiant core. Open-hearted and inviting nose, slightly fleshy, with nuances of ripe sour cherries, pepper and raspberries, with an aftertaste of rose hips. Very polished and balanced on the palate, with tightly woven tannins, opens up beautifully on the palate, slightly salty finish." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red colour. Senescent fruit sweetness, beautiful ripe cherry and undergrowth. There is also an obvious oak sweetness on the palate, but there is still a delicacy here, perhaps because the tannins are so fine and relatively light. Elegant, dry, delicate, long, even juicy." Jancis Robinson

"Bringing together grapes from diverse vineyards throughout Montalcino, this midweight, almost-approachable Brunello is focused and vibrant. It takes a bit of coaxing on the nose then divulges sage, orange rind and fennel. Brisk acidity and chalky tannins meet crisp red currant and cranberry, cleansing the palate nicely." Decanter

"The Brunello di Montalcino 2016 has something spicy and slightly rustic about it, which I find very attractive. Baked black cherries, balsamic spice and a hint of animal musk create a beguiling spectacle. The textures are silky smooth, with cooling acids and salty minerals lifting the expression as they give way to tart red fruits. The tannins increase and slowly dry out the senses, but even today the 2016 is a pleasure to drink, coming across as both youthfully structured and savoury and fresh. It is a blend from the vineyards of Val di Suga in Montalcino." Vinous

"Aromas of iron, blood and cherry introduce this soft and lively red wine, while an abundance of dark fruit - black cherry and blackberry - lingers on the palate. The finish is characterised by dark, chocolaty tannins." Wine Spectator

"Dusty notes of crushed gravel and dried tea leaves are the prelude to aromas of fresh mushrooms and hints of fennel. Spicy mushrooms and olives, followed by firm, fine-grained tannins. Structured and full-bodied." James Suckling

Querciabella's Riserva, with an annual production of 10,000 bottles, is a selection of the best lots. It blends fruit from Greve, where the vineyards lie between 350 and 550 metres above sea level, with grapes from the stony high altitudes of Radda and the chalky soils of Gaiole. The 2019 vintage is restrained but very precise. Tantalising aromas of spring flowers, cranberries and potting soil are accompanied by vanilla and smoke. On the palate, it is polished and pure, with a delicious, tangy acidity and sinewy tannins. As every year, one of the most refined wines of the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here, too, with the typical house style that emphasises the charm, in addition to the aromas of cherry, rowan berries and rosehip, animating, velvety and round on the palate." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red colour. Nose of pomegranate, fresh strawberries, some blood orange, thyme, stony hints. Great freshness on the palate, lovely acidity, clear, red berry fruit, savoury, vibrates over the tongue, drinky." Falstaff

"Deep, shiny ruby red colour. Captivating, deep sour cherry and raspberry nose that is still quite youthful. Beautiful intensity of fruit and with a hint of oak. Pleasant, tangy, deep raspberry fruit with marvellous, chewy tannins that cling to the fruit. Designed for the long term. Amazing balance between gripping, ripe tannins and deep, tangy fruit." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 is a great wine that comes from vineyards in Greve, Radda and Gaiole. Dark and powerful in the glass, the 2019 offers dark fruit, spice, leather, savoury herbs, tobacco and earthy notes. I would give it a few years to mature." Vinous

"The Organic Querciabella 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Querciabella displays rich, concentrated fruit with blackberries and cherries overlaid with light spice and minerality. This wine represents a selection of fruit from Greve, Radda and Gaiole in Chianti, and each parcel is vinified separately before the final blend is made." Wine Advocate

"At first, coffee and mocha permeate the dark red cherry, while hints of rosemary and sage emerge with a little coaxing. The palate is confident yet agile, with beautiful, pure black raspberry fruit ringing out. Pleasant tannins expand leisurely, and the fine-grained framework will provide balanced support over the next 10 years." Decanter

"Smooth and intense, this red wine is saturated with aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, flowers, wild herbs and minerals. On the long finish, the solid structure is well covered by flesh. It offers fine harmony and expression." Wine Spectator

"A fragrant and lively red wine with aromas of sour cherries, lemons, cloves, crushed pepper and dried flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied with silky tannins and bright acidity. Juicy and delicious with lots of energy." James Suckling

The name Deimassi comes from the large stone blocks that make up the terrace wall that supports the vineyard. These were dug out of the ground during the preparatory work for the planting in 2008. The large stones and the friable clay still mark this small parcel of land, originally intended for the production of Brunello di Montalcino, the results of which are now being marketed without the longer ageing period prescribed for Brunello.

Spicy, enveloping and mineral aromas characterise this powerful and rich Sangiovese. In the drink, a great tannic balance with a beautiful fruit core, precise and firm as it goes on. A very harmonious and characterful "little Brunello"." SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid ruby. Brooding and complex but less open than Gauggiole, but with aeration there is this floral lift. Gorgeous richness of fruit and at the same time light on its feet. Gorgeous tannins to bite into." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino dei Massi is woodsy with nuances of flowery underbrush and giving way to crushed wild berries and grilled herbs. It’s deeply textural, silky in feel, with polished red fruits and inner spice. A coating of fine tannins frames the wine well, as the 2020 leaves notes of currant with mineral underpinnings that linger long. The dei Massi vineyard was planted in 2008 for Brunello production, yet the expression of the vines in this location has provided fruit that is better suited to creating a characterful Rosso." Vinous

"From a stony vineyard with friable clay, this Rosso has the attitude of a Brunello thanks to its bolder character and barrel ageing. 'I wanted to bottle it faster than Brunello regulations allow. What’s the way to do that? Rosso di Montalcino,' explained winemaker, Cecilia Leoneschi. Compared to the estate's other two Rosso bottlings, Deimassi has a more open nose of red and black hedgerow berries. Bigger, bolder and with pronounced acidity, it features delicious fleshy black and red fruit flavours paired with a moreish tightness, balsamic flecks and grippy structure. Well balanced." Decanter

"Here's a second discovery from Castiglion del Bosco. The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino Deimassi is slightly darker in appearance next to its sister, Gauggiole. That added saturation translates to both the bouquet and the palate. The wine delivers bold cherry, redcurrant and citrusy blood orange. A dusting of white pepper also comes through here. It shows medium fruit weight with more tannic structure at the back. Named after rocky "masses" found inside the vineyard, Deimassi is a 1.5-hectare site with rocky clay soils." Wine Advocate

Aria di Caiarossa is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Alicante, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon - in decreasing order. At this young stage, you taste the purity of the primary aromas with wild cherry and raspberry, underpinned by dark spice and a hint of crushed mineral. These elegant mineral notes are found throughout the Caiarossa portfolio. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, impenetrable ruby red with a slightly lightening rim. Multi-layered and complex nose of ripe wild berries and plum, reverberating with hints of verbena, bitter chocolate and wet leather. On the palate, full-bodied and powerful, with a fine tannin structure, spicy and with a long-lasting final." Falstaff

"Impenetrable dark ruby. Lifted, deep cassis nose and fresh and juicy on the palate with blackberry, cherry and cassis fruit and crunchy tannins. Sensationally balanced and irresistible." Jancis Robinson

"The biodynamic and certified organic Caiarossa 2019 Aria di Caiarossa is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Alicante, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. You feel the concentration and richness of those grapes, especially the softness of the Merlot and the Syrah, and the firm structure of the two Cabernets. The bouquet reveals black and purple fruits with some background leather and spice. This is a fun and accessible Tuscan red blend." Wine Advocate

"A juicy and savory red with dark-berry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Full-bodied with tight, chewy tannins that give the wine length and focus. Needs time to soften." James Suckling

"For us, it is important that a good Barbaresco fully expresses its characteristics: elegance, finesse and harmony. The 2020 vintage has given us a complete wine that is very fascinating and has excellent ageing potential. Although it is drinkable now, we recommend storing a few bottles to observe its development. We are excited to see how it will develop over the coming years." Franco Massolino

The grapes for Massolino's Barbaresco come from the Starderi, Albesani and Serraboella vineyards. Medium garnet red in colour with rust-red highlights. A charming bouquet of bright red fruit, rose petals and violets. Rather delicate on the palate, with an elegance and finesse that is completely convincing even at a young age. As it progresses, it reveals a seductive fruit centre, fine tannins and a well-proportioned acidity structure that opens up a great future for it. Very well made! SUPERIORE.DE

"Neive. Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Quite closed on the nose with hints of dark spices and ripe cherries and a hint of cobbles. Supple, elegant, with mineral notes and powerful tannins. Style of the cool climate." Jancis Robinson

"The Massolino 2020 Barbaresco is somewhat closed at this young stage and still needs a little time in the bottle. You get soft cherries and wild cassis with gravel and blue flowers. It simply needs more time to develop." Wine Advocate

"An effusive style, this red boasts crunchy cherry, raspberry and mineral flavors, accented by flashes of white pepper and underbrush. Delicate, yet with the requisite structure to develop for a decade or more." Wine Spectator

"Fragrant nose with spiced cherries, dried strawberry bush, chocolate and dark spices. Also a hint of bark. Medium-bodied with a spicy character and firm tannin structure. Balanced and even with a velvety finish." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco 2020 is an excellent successor to the 2019. The 2020 is a wine with nerve and grace, bursting with energy. Finely modelled red/purple fruit, lavender, spice, crushed rock and orange peel adorn this expressive, medium-bodied Barbaresco. An explosion of sweet floral and spice notes lifts the gorgeous, wonderfully perfumed, vibrant finish. I love the classicism here." Vinous

"For us, it is important that a good Barbaresco fully expresses its characteristics: elegance, finesse and harmony. The 2020 vintage has given us a complete wine that is very fascinating and has excellent ageing potential. Although it is drinkable now, we recommend storing a few bottles to observe its development. We are excited to see how it will develop over the coming years." Franco Massolino

The grapes for Massolino's Barbaresco come from the Starderi, Albesani and Serraboella vineyards. Medium garnet red in colour with rust-red highlights. A charming bouquet of bright red fruit, rose petals and violets. Rather delicate on the palate, with an elegance and finesse that is completely convincing even at a young age. As it progresses, it reveals a seductive fruit centre, fine tannins and a well-proportioned acidity structure that opens up a great future for it. Very well made! SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid crimson. Inky cherry that becomes minerally and salty with aeration. Lifted and a little balsamic with a hint of liquorice. Fresh cherry and raspberry charged with gripping tannins." Jancis Robinson

"The 2021 Barbaresco is a blend from parcels in Albesani, Serraboella and Starderi. Gracious and nuanced, the 2021 offers up hints of crushed flowers, orange peel, mint, sweet red berry fruit and spice. Readers will find a super-classic Barbaresco. Lifted aromatics, mid-weight structure and persistent yet fine tannins give the wine its shape. This is beautifully done." Vinous

Beautifully weighted, the 2019 edition is full yet agile with enough structure to carry it over the next decade. Above all, it emphasises the freshness and balance of the vintage: the aromas unfold slowly, but are very floral, with cherry and thyme blossoms underscored by peppery notes. Crisp red plums and juicy cherries dominate the palate, with the youthful, grippy tannins needing a little time to integrate perfectly. SUPERIORE.DE

"It opens with a fruity flavour of red and blue fruits, with spicy notes reminiscent of cinnamon and cardamom. Dense and creamy in the mouth, very juicy, still a little grippy in the tannins, a modern Brunello that should be ready to drink in 1 to 2 years." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red colour. Ripe blackberries, some undergrowth, dried oregano and loam on the nose. Great tension on the palate, juicy, dark fruit, tightly woven tannins and a precise final with pressure." Falstaff

"Deep to dark ruby red in colour. Deep, brooding and backward on the nose, but with real precision. Lots of juicy red fruit and impressive, fine-grained tannins. Still a little embryonic, but already hard to resist. Pure class." Jancis Robinson

"Pure and refined wine with lively raspberries, red cherries, rosehips and a hint of citrus blossom. Medium to full-bodied with firm but silky tannins. Excellent acid backbone. Enjoyable now, but give it another two to three years to develop." James Suckling

"Deep notes of dried black cherries meet cedar shavings and worn leather as the seductive Brunello di Montalcino 2019 slowly unfolds in the glass. It is surprisingly juicy and energising, with a pure blend of red fruits and inner flowers accompanied by fresh acidity. Fine tannins assert themselves on the finish as the 2019 takes on a youthful tension and pinches the cheeks, while tart cranberry notes fade into a youthful, crisp final." Vinous

"The certified organic Col d'Orcia 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows ripe fruit, blackberry, earthy notes, liquorice and, generally speaking, a much bigger and riper fruit profile compared to its peers. It offers a full-bodied Brunello opulence that can be enjoyed in the short or medium term, and the wine delivers flavours of dried fruit such as plum and fig to finish. The tannins are velvety and contribute to the richness of the rather forward and immediate mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 is immediately inviting and expressive. It seduces with lovely tones of red rose, cherry and sweet thyme. Expansive and spacious, the palate unfolds fluidly with layers of delicious red plum and pomegranate. Hibiscus, rosewater and orange hide in every crevice. A brilliant demonstration of the flavourful juiciness of Sangiovese. Deceptively gentle at the start, fine sandy tannins build in a worthy crescendo." Decanter

"This densely packed version is resonant and persistent, with fine integration of all its components, though today it is compact and austere, revealing flavours of cherry, raspberry, rose, earth and minerals. Give it the benefit of the doubt." Wine Spectator

"Notes of marasca, geranium and eucalyptus on the nose. Juicy tannins on the palate, balsamic and floral notes, compact flavour and crispness." Luca Gardini

"Our Barolo (Classico) has been a successful synthesis of the various characteristics of the Massolino vineyards for over 70 years. Thanks to traditional ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels, we maintain its pure and unadulterated identity and its complex flavours." Franco Massolino

Traditionally vinified Barolo from the estate's best vineyards. Deep garnet red colour. Complex, spicy bouquet of liquorice, tobacco, dried flowers, violets and damp leaves. Very emphatic, firm and full-bodied on the palate. Its racy and forward style is flanked by tangible, robust tannins. Finishes with a fine sweetness, elegant and long. The already undisputed high level will continue to develop in full beauty over the next few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light ruby red in colour. A subtle, lifted aroma of cherries and cranberries dabbed with spicy oak notes and a hint of orange peel. Juicy, lively cherry fruit on the palate with a long, grippy tannin finish. Fresh, long and elegant." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Barolo is a very serious wine. harvestlooking for an uncomplicated, entry-level Barolo will not find it here. Bright and crackling with tannin, the 2019 will need at least a couple of years to fully develop. Crushed rocks, red/purple fruits and dried flowers emerge with some coaxing, but this is truly a wine for the cellar." Vinous

"This red straddles the line between power and elegance, featuring delicate flavors of strawberry, cherry and rose hip, plus notes of earth, tar and iron. Finishes with more power and the grip of refined tannins, offering terrific balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Lots of lavender, raspberry and orange blossom flavours follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a polished finish. Beautiful drive and balance. Clear and fine." James Suckling

"On the pale, cream-coloured label, Barolo 2019 is elegant and understated, with a very concentrated and linear style that makes a big impression and awakens the senses. There is wild cherry, blue flower and crushed stones supported by balanced freshness and tannins." Wine Advocate

"Our Barolo (Classico) has been a successful synthesis of the various characteristics of the Massolino vineyards for over 70 years. Thanks to traditional ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels, we maintain its pure and unadulterated identity and its complex flavours." Franco Massolino

Traditionally vinified Barolo from the estate's best vineyards. Brilliant ruby red colour. Complex, spicy bouquet of liquorice, tobacco, dried flowers, violets and damp leaves. Very emphatic, firm and full-bodied on the palate. Its racy and forward style is flanked by tangible, robust tannins. Finishes with a fine sweetness, elegant and long. The already undisputed high level will continue to develop in full beauty over the next few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid ruby. Richness of fruit on the nose with a hint of gingerbread. With aeration opens up to savoury cherry, if still a little subdued. Supple, suave cherry fruit with superfine, long, chewy tannins. A pretty wine." Jancis Robinson

Black-red and almost impenetrable in the glass. Blackberry, black cherry, some rum pot and tobacco on the nose. Generous and ripe on the palate, flanked by taut tannins, which are pleasantly flanked by the fleshy core. Once again, Marco Caprai has succeeded in taming the Sagrantino grape and raising it to the highest heights - a grape variety that demands a great deal of sensitivity every year, even from the "bedrock" from Montefalco. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable, deep ruby red colour. Deep, sweet, intense and with spicy notes. Quite a big nose, but rather calm on the palate. Gentle, supple, but not lacking in fruit. Long, finely polished tannins." Jancis Robinson

"Ripe and intense dark berries, chocolate, dark coffee and sandalwood with hints of tar. Some dried blue flowers, too. Medium- to full-bodied with chewy tannins and compact structure. Chalky and earthy at the end." James Suckling

"The 2019 Montefalco Sagrantino Valdimaggio is dark and brooding with a mentholated herbal note helping to lift its blend of incense, cloves and dried currants. The Sagrantino Valdimaggio is silky and supple, with a textural wave of tart wild berry and plum notes spilling over the palate and gaining tension as lively acids and grippy tannins mingle towards the finish. Although structured and built for the cellar, the 2019 impresses with its rosy, floral notes and shaved cedar nuances that keep popping up. Let this beauty linger in the cellar." Vinous

Bright ruby garnet. Supple and expressive on the palate with sweet red cherries, blood orange, mint, wild flowers, cedar, sweet tobacco and anise. Very fine tannins on the palate, spicy, delicate and at the same time very rich and clear, long and balsamic on the final. Every year, Cascina Nuova is a prime example that excellent Barolos can be produced at moderate prices. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling garnet red. Slightly smoky on the nose at first, then of rich wild berries and ripe plums, a touch of forest floor in the aftertaste. Fresh and juicy on the palate, with lots of fruit, fine-grained tannin, long and spicy finish." Falstaff

"Lustrous mid ruby. Floral and precise raspberry nose underpinned by concentrated sour cherry. Real finesse on the nose. Full, perfectly ripe sour-cherry palate. Crunchy tannins reined in by the fruit on the finish. Truly fine." Jancis Robinson

"Enticing aromas of red berries, citrus fruit and flowers follow through to a bright, silky palate with medium body and very fine tannins. Lacks a bit of body this year, but it’s bright, balanced and well focused." James Suckling

"The profile is lighter and fresher, with rose, dry mushrooms, leafy lightness, strawberry fruit and tar. The attack is all strawberry and pomegranate, with ripe and velvety tannins and brilliant acidity. It seems to be brief but instead is just light, precise and tasty." Decanter

"The 2018 Barolo Cascina Nuova is fine-tuned with plenty of wild berry, cassis, grilled herb and crushed stone. The aromas are quite classic for Nebbiolo, but what stands out here is the directness and freshness with which they are delivered. The tannins are tucked carefully inside the smooth, silky character of this elegant wine." Wine Advocate

"The immediacy and cleanliness of Elvio Cogno for a Barolo of freshness, from the new vineyards. Strawberry tree on the nose, with notes of rosehip and chinotto, closed by hints of wild mint. Sip with iodine-brackish tannins, fruity and mentholated return." Luca Gardini

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family has for the first time vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione to reflect the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiola.

Castello di Fonterutoli comes from 11 different plots at an altitude of 420-510 m around the hamlet of Fonterutoli in Castellina in Chianti. It is quasi the "château" and at the same time the oldest cru of the winery and was first produced in 1995 as the predecessor of today's Gran Selezione. Rich colour and a clear scent of blackberries, cherries, violets and flowers, plus some nougat. This full-bodied Castello Fonterutoli impresses with its beguiling extract sweetness and polished tannin. The intense and concentrated taste enchants the senses. The long final is full of elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Engaging raspberry and floral bouquet; dynamic evolution on the palate, combining juice and polish, the acidity lively, the tannins tight, elegant finish." Vinum

"Bright, radiant ruby red. Somewhat restrained on the nose, gentle hints of orange zest and raspberries. On the palate juicy and with a red berry fruit core, shows itself elegant and drinky, currently still very young, in the finish delicate pressure with a lot of finesse, salty." Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red. Brooding sweet fruit with malt notes and the scent of oak. Fantastic concentration of tangy cherry fruit on the palate. Very long, deep and smooth." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is laced with sweet red cherry, tobacco, spices, incense, mint, dried herbs and orange peel. Medium-bodied, with plenty of aromatic drive and energy, the Castello is another fine offering in this Mazzei family range." Vinous

"Fonterutoli is located at the confluence of Castellina, Radda and Vagliagli. Since 2017, the Mazzei family has been producing three different Gran Selezione to highlight the individual communes. The Castello Fonterutoli, which comes from farms in Castellina, shows woody aromas of cedar, cinnamon and cloves. The palate is lush with cherry and plum still wrapped in oak. The tannins are polished and the graininess gives it structure. The finish shows racy acidity, bringing out notes of mint and violets." Decanter

"Packed with fresh cherry, raspberry, blackberry and violet flavors, this red starts out silky before yielding to firm, dusty tannins. Still, this offers nice tension and a lingering aftertaste of pure fruit." Wine Spectator

"The beautiful 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli comes from a special site with silly limestone soils punctuated by lots of stones. The wine is particularly balanced and bright in this vintage, with lots of cherry fruit, gravel, dusty minerals and blue flowers. The tannins are sweet and rich, contributing to an elegant, medium-bodied mouthfeel. The high altitude vineyard sites ensure the freshness of this wine." Wine Advocate

"A top Chianti Classico that smells of dark cherries, rose petals and cedar on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied and very structured with lots of tannins. Needs time to mellow. Taste after 2024." James Suckling

"A selection of about 50 plots, a blend of Sangiovese, Colorino, Malvasia Noir, for one of the great labels of Gran Selezione on the market. Notes of black mulberry, hints of clove and turmeric, nuances of ginger. On the palate, juicy-salty, persistent, with fruity-floral hints and great density-crispness." Luca Gardini

Deep dark ruby with radiant edge. Animating bouquet of red berries, cherries and exotic herbal spices. On the palate a captivating tension between extract sweetness, acidity and a surprisingly cool fruit component, which gives this exceptional wine an impressive personality and elegance. Blindly tasted, this red wine would hardly be identified as a typical Primitivo di Manduria - here the team around Gregory Perrucci has succeeded in creating a great wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, bright garnet red. Tender nose, ripe raspberries, some pomegranate. Smooth and round on the palate, unfolds with unexpected elegance, fine-meshed tannin, reverberates for a long time. Falstaff

"Very pale and sweet and charming. Very Pinot-esque – quite different from other wines. Red cherries and ripeness. 2010 saw lots of sirocco and bigger grapes and high yields. Lisa Gilbee admires his courage and experimentation. The fact that the wine was on the skins for so long may have reabsorbed the colour – a technique usually used for Nebbiolo." Jancis Robinson

"Good deep, bright red. Sexy red cherry, iron, violet, earth tones, and Asian spices on the captivating nose, with a mineral component building with air. Sweet and plush but with penetrating, harmonious laser-like acidity really lifting and extending the red cherry, sweet spice, and floral flavors. A beauty, finishing long and smooth as silk; so light on its feet it is almost Pinot Noiresque. This was the first vintage ever of this wine, created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first ever Primitivo made by Felline; it has been made only a second time since, in the 2016 vintage." Vinous

Normally, the Sangiovese grapes from the 14-hectare single vineyard are mainly harvested in Ama and San Lorenzo. Since the 2018 harvest, Lorenza and Marco have decided to vinify a small quantity separately - and here comes the second vintage of the rare Riserva.

Deep dark ruby red with violet reflections. Extroverted bouquet of brunberry, raspberry and redcurrant, with notes of crushed gravel, tobacco and traces of young leather. Very powerful and beautifully textured on the palate, the various layers of primary fruit only gradually unfold, the wood pleasantly receding into the background. Finely granulated tannins and a well-integrated acidity flank this very harmonious red on an elegant, long final. There is a lot to like here, for us it is once again a typical Ama wine: racy, powerful and elegant! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red with a brightening rim. Medium intensity on the nose, with notes of wild berries, undergrowth and a touch of white chocolate. Fresh on the palate, with clear fruit and firm tannins through to the juicy finish." Falstaff

"Lustrous, youthful ruby. Concentrated nose with minerally, saline hints. Elegant, fresh raspberry that is sappy and light of touch. A pretty wine and already drinkable." Jancis Robinson

"High-toned and racy, with flavours of blackberries, plums, earth and hints of chocolate and spice. Although this red wine is light, it shows a fine intensity and a chalky sensation on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni 2020 offers a convincing blend of dark ama fruit mixed with a good dose of energy. Dark fruit, leather, spice, graphite and dried herbs are all well brought out. This is a particularly savoury, sometimes dark Riserva with a good amount of aromatic intensity and some tannin that needs time to resolve." Vinous

"Very beautiful flavours of flowers and fragrances as well as the classic cherry character of Sangiovese. Medium-bodied, with ultra-fine tannins and a finesse and concentration. Marvellous." James Suckling

Chianti Classico Rubiolo shows its delicately spicy side on the nose with cloves, cinnamon, lavender, wild dark cherries and blackberries that are beautifully ripe but not overripe. There are also floral hints. The fruit for this extremely good value wine comes from Castellina and Panzano, whereby the fullness and richness of the Panzano region are clearly noticeable. The finish is soft and velvety. It is the exceptional balance of the wine that really sets it apart. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid-to-deep crimson. Concentrated, full yet cool nose of cherry fruit. Tangy cherry fruit with a layer of grainy tannins. Great balance and length." Jancis Robinson

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Rubiolo is a soft, fruity wine to drink now and over the next few years while the flavors remain vibrant. Succulent red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint and white flowers all race out of the glass. This exuberant, juicy Chianti Classico is a delight." Vinous

"Aromas of ripe red fruit, licorice, spices and pink peppercorns. Medium- to full-bodied, juicy and tense with vivid acidity and polished tannins. Hints of walnuts and savory herbs at the end." James Suckling

"The organic 2021 Chianti Classico Rubiolo is an excellent value wine. The wine is all Sangiovese sourced from three sites in Castellina, Panzano and Badia a Passignano. The wine delivers a dark ruby color, and although the aromatic intensity is measured, there are delicately perfumed tones of cherry, raspberry and blood orange that feel punchy and bright. You also get pretty floral tones." Wine Advocate

This Riserva is only made available each year in very small quantities to hand-picked specialist retailers and top restaurants. Brilliant ruby red colour. Fine raspberry and floral notes dominate the spicy nose. Very juicy on the palate, tannins and acidity are well integrated. Riecines Riserva has length and suppleness right through to the long fruity finish. The elegance and fine melting texture are impressive. Once again, this is Sangiovese at the top level that Riecine is known for! SUPERIORE.DE

"Youthful crimson. A beautiful, minerally, stony nose with notes of leather and brooding fruit. Sappy, compact fruit palate filled out with finely chiselled tannins. A hugely appealing whole that deserves much more time." Jancis Robinson

Dievoles Gran Selezione Vigna Sessina is dark, deep and with wonderfully powerful cherry and blackberry flavours. Very defined and precise on the palate with an archetypal interpretation of the grape variety. Everything is in the right place here, the balance and clarity impresses with every sip. The finish has terrificlength and depth. This is Sangiovese in its purest form with infinite energy and expression. SUPERIORE.DE

"Seems a little cheesy with its "sugary" fruit and sweetness, but can please with the juicy vein and the robust tannin as well as the fine acidity and lets the wood resonate skilfully in the background." Weinwisser

"From a vineyard 420 metres above sea level: profound bouquet of red berries, lilacs and herbs; juicy on the palate, beautifully polished, supple tannins and crisp acidity, fruity and spicy finish. Successful." Vinum

"Medium ruby red with first orange-coloured reflections. A little dusty, probably from the oak, with shy, fragrant raspberry fruit underneath. With aeration, the nose becomes finer and more concentrated, with a hint of iron. The palate is elegant and delicate, with plenty of freshness." Jancis Robinson

"Sessina is a 5.5-hectare, south-facing vineyard on Macigno (sandstone soil), but with a limestone vein running through it. It shines in the fresh 2019 vintage - it is the best bottling of this wine that I have tasted. It has a lively aroma of mint, sage and a hint of chocolate. The dark plum core is ripe yet crisp, with tannins that are gently textured and grip in all the right places. Refined and elegant, but not without depth, it offers a tantalising interplay of warm Mediterranean balsamic notes with cooler forest tones. Delicious." Decanter

"Polished and pretty nose of dried flowers, cloves, mocha, dried cherries and chocolate orange. It is medium-bodied with firm tannins. Beautiful freshness and balance, with a long and elegant finish." James Suckling

"The organic Dievole 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna di Sessina is a true beauty, offering elegance and power in two ways in this vintage. There are plenty of black fruit flavours that delicately fade into crushed stone, spices and grilled herbs. The winery opts for fermentation in cement and rapid ageing in oak for about a year. These steps ensure intact primary aromas and the wine is characterised by energy and lively flavours." Wine Advocate

Tasca got involved in Etna early on and the latest result of these years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante estate: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are delicate and profound, and despite their power, acidity and taut tannin, very elegant, finesse-rich and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine - due to the altitude, soil composition and morphology of the historic lava flows. A high annual rainfall ensures that the soil has all the water it needs, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the aromatic diversity of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Sciaranuova parcel is situated at an average altitude of 730 metres above sea level between the villages of Montelaguardia and Passopisciaro. It covers an area of about 4.9 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby and the most youthful looking of the four single-contrade wines of this vintage. Quite deep red-fruit nose with hints of bacon and a note of oak. This is the one that is the most obviously oaked. Wonderful succulent fruit with a bit of oak that supports rather than distracts. Serious grainy tannins and a little demanding and still a little rough, but extremely fine-perfumed fruit finish." Jancis Robinson

"Good full red. Deep musky, ripe red cherry and strawberry aromas are characterized by a mineral undertone. Then also mineral on entry, but turns just slightly tough in the middle and on the long back end that features similar flavors to the aromas. There's good sweetness here, and the stony nuances add further lightness of being to what is essentially a medium-bodied, easygoing red wine." Vinous

"Lovely nose of wild berry, autumn leaves and tar noted aroma. Crunchy red berry texture, grippy with soft woody notes." Decanter

"The 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova is made with fruit from vines planted in 2008 at 730 meters above sea level. This is a classic expression from Etna with an even dose of wild berry, rose, mineral and spice. This wine shows an attractive level of balance and harmony, and I am especially attracted to those distinctive volcanic or mineral tones that frame this delicate, almost fragile wine. This Etna Rosso is mostly aged in large Slavonian oak casks, but a small part goes into 300-liter tonneaux. This adds a bit more volume and girth to the finish. Production is 5,000 bottles." Wine Advocate

Bright ruby-garnet colour. Smooth and expressive on the palate, with sweet red cherries, blood orange, mint, wild flowers, cedar wood, sweet tobacco and aniseed. Very fine tannins on the palate, spicy, delicate and at the same time very rich and clear, with a long, balsamic final. Every year, Cascina Nuova is a prime example of how excellent Barolos can be produced at moderate prices. SUPERIORE.DE

"A beguiling bouquet of cherries, dried flowers and herbs; juicy on the palate with perfectly integrated tannins, striking acidity and a long final." Vinum

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Still a little closed and with savoury, spicy notes. Serious and complex, it opens slowly to red fruits with a hint of black pepper, but more mineral than fruity or sweet. Still very compact and closed on the palate. Really elegant and refreshing, with firm tannins accompanying the fresh fruit on the finish. Serious stuff." Jancis Robinson

"The Barolo Cascina Nuova 2019 is bright, exuberant and beautifully lifted, straight out of the gate. Crushed flowers, dried herbs, sweet red cherries, cinnamon, spices and candy rise from the glass. Light and medium-bodied, with plenty of vigour, the 2019 is an absolute delight. I really like its energy. The concise Ravera tannins are also handled well." Vinous

"Balanced and harmonious, this red wine offers flavours of cherries, raspberries, spices, minerals and chocolate, supported by a backbone of refined tannins. It becomes even more concentrated in the long, mineral and spicy aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The Cascina Nuova 2019 is initially somewhat reductive, but then opens up and reveals the freshness of lemon leaves, redcurrants and pomegranate as well as the aromatic depth of lemon thyme. The attack is very elegant, almost silky at first, then a little dusty on the finish with a light extraction. Possibly not too concentrated, but impressively good and graceful." Decanter

"This aromatic Barolo opens with wild red berries, fresh herbs and dried roses to create an aromatic lift that will captivate you. On the palate, it delights with light-footed, macerated raspberries dusted with spice, leading to a minerality of crushed chalk and fine tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Attractive primary flavours of crushed strawberries and stones follow through to a full body with fine and polished tannins and a lovely, fresh finish. Vibrant is a good word to describe this wine overall. Best after 2026." James Suckling

"The Elvio Cogno 2019 Barolo Cascina Nuova is the most accessible of the many excellent Barolos produced by this leading winery in the municipality of Novello. The fundamental value this wine offers is even more irresistible in a classic vintage like 2019. The wine opens beautifully in the glass and unfolds its aromas of redcurrants and wild berries. This is accompanied by varietal notes of liquorice, cola and camphor ash in a firm, medium-weight texture." Wine Advocate

"Brilliant garnet red with a ruby red shimmer. Rich raspberries and ripe plums on the nose, with a slightly smoky aftertaste and forest floor flavour. Fresh and juicy on the palate, with fine-grained tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"A Barolo of great freshness, with the proverbial cleanliness of Elvio Cogno, coming from the younger vineyards. Raspberry on the nose, with notes of peony and clementine peel, closed by hints of mint Valdostana. The mouthfeel shows iodized tannins, supported by citrus-floral return." Luca Gardini

The grapes for Istine's cult Riserva come exclusively from the estate's own vineyards Istine (Radda), Casanova dell'Aia (Radda) and Cavarchione (Gaiole). Only 4,000 bottles of this breathtaking wine, which matures for 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels, are bottled each year.

Rich, bright ruby red with a sparkling centre. The bouquet is complex with aristocratic restraint. Compact and freshly fruity nose of rich cherries and ripe raspberries, with amarena cherries and notes of tobacco in the background. Medium-bodied on the palate, but with infinite, captivating depth that awaits discovery. Spreads out beautifully in the body, appears downright juicy and fruit-emphasised and continues to open up towards its terrific finalwith crunchy cherries and a refined saline vein. Purists will love its linear and unmistakable Sangiovese character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant carmine red colour. Powerful cherry nose with a peppery tingle. Full flavour of sweet red fruit and tangy cherry, with a layer of sandy tannins. Very long, lively and animating." Jancis Robinson

"From the Istine and Casanova dell'Aia vineyards, a selection of the best Sangiovese grapes for this flagship wine of the Fronti family. Notes of blackcurrant on the nose, then nutmeg and fresh pepper leaf. Juicy, salty tannins on the palate, with a fruity, balsamic finish and flavourful tension." Luca Gardini

"This Riserva is made from part of the three selected vineyards of Istine - Cavarchione, Istine and Casanova dell'Aia - and matures for a further year in Slavonian oak barrels (30 hl). This is the largest and most structured wine in the range, but it does not lack the precision and purity typical of the estate. The subtle aromas are led by rosemary, sage and juniper, with lavender accents interwoven. The tannins are chalky, structured and still quite dry, and the finish is slightly warming. At the moment, the framework dominates, although the ripe blackcurrant fruit has enough depth to support it." Decanter

"A dense, delineated red, with a core of sweet, ripe plum, black cherry, leather, iron and tobacco flavors. Lively and solidly built, with fine balance and a long finish that echoes the earth, fruit and tobacco notes." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Riserva Levigne 2018 is dense and powerful in flavour. Black cherry, plum, new leather, spices, menthol, liquorice and mocha blend together. The Levigne is a voluminous and complex Riserva that is very well done, even if the influence of the oak is on the verge of overwhelming." Vinous

"The Istine 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva Levigne with black label is an attractive, darkly concentrated wine with a rich and lush style. This certified organic wine is made exclusively from Sangiovese and is aged for 24 months in large oak barrels, with the fruit coming from three special cru sites with different soil profiles. The wine begins very elegantly, a little restrained at first, then gently relaxes and envelops the entire palate." Wine Advocate

"Undergrowth, new leather and ripe berries are just some of the flavours you'll find in this fantastic Sangiovese. Velvety, enveloping and delicious, the full-bodied palate serves up fleshy black cherry, baked plum, liquorice and crushed mint, framed by tightly knit, refined tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Brilliant and finely shaped on the palate. Expressive, floral notes merge with bright red fruits, mint and ground berries to create a lively and distinctive Barolo that is endowed with pure energy and class. Albe is juicy and fruity and a clear buy not only because of its comparatively moderate price. It comes from the three plots Fossati, Castello della Volta and Costa di Vergne. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby and healthy looking. Spicy and stony raspberry and cherry fruit that is lively and with notes of red fruit. The fruit becomes more concentrated the longer it sits in the glass. Supple and gentle fruit palate with crunchy tannins. Long and with a certain leggerezza. Filigree and at the same time intense." Jancis Robinson

"Aromas of ripe raspberries and dark spice follow through to a medium-to full-bodied palate, with some fine, fruit and spice-coated tannin and a medium finish that firms up at the end." James Suckling

"This wine consistently delivers one of the greatest values to be found in Italian wine. The G.D. Vajra 2018 Barolo Albe has all its cards in play as an immediately enjoyable and extremely food-friendly Nebbiolo. This really is the top of the category in that sense. With straightforward winemaking, the wine offers bold cherry, wild plum and plenty of fragrant blue flower and violet. This vintage has the added benefit of softly textured richness." Wine Advocate