Organic

Barbera d'Alba Scarrone from the vineyard of the same name is a beautifully complex, rich Barbera cru. Aromas of dark, fragrant fruit, spices, liquorice and minerals. Opulent and impeccably balanced, silky tannins, sweet floral notes on the long, dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Spicy, with flavours of black cherry, violet, cumin and cardamom and a hint of toasted oak. Fresh and harmonious, with a long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"Lots of black berries and black liquorice on the nose, medium body, very fine tannins and a fresh and lively finish. Fine texture." James Suckling

"This single-vineyard Barbera pops out of the glass with tart blueberry and boysenberry jam aromas accented by candied violets and savory spices. Round and giving, the wine aims to please while still being serious. Ripe mixed berries combine with dried herbs and finish with such great structure and acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The Barbera d'Alba Vigna Scarrone 2021 is dense, lush and explosive. An onslaught of dark red cherry and plum fruit, mocha, liquorice, spices, rose petals and a hint of French oak builds in the glass. The Scarrone is another excellent Barbera from Vietti, powerful and quite deep. The Scarrone has developed very well in recent years." Vinous

The extremely complex Barbera d'Asti La Crena comes from vines up to 90 years old in the heart of the Nizza Monferrato region and smells of ripe red fruits, hay and pastries. The full-bodied, warm taste lingers long with plenty of dark fruit, well-proportioned acidity and fine cocoa tones. SUPERIORE.DE

"Barbera from Asti is noticeably different from Barbera from Alba. You will recognize Asti for the brighter aromas, the tart fruit flavors and the freshness. The Vietti 2020 Barbera d'Asti La Crena makes this point with lifted aromas of sour cherry, unripe plum and pomegranate seed. The wine remains juicy and very fruit-forward, but the high tones are given more prominence here." Wine Advocate

"Notes of candied dark berries, chocolate, roasted spices and burnt orange peel. Full-bodied and intense with a toasted, chocolaty character. The juicy fruit is supported by a bed of broad but soft tannins. Long finish." James Suckling

"The Barbera d'Asti La Crena 2020 is soft and lush from the start. In this vintage, the La Crena is particularly forward and fruit-driven. The 2020 needs at least a couple of years to fully develop the classic aromas and flavours of La Crena. Hints of gravel, crushed rock and dried herbs hint at what is to come. La Crena usually blossoms with time in the bottle. I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case here too." Vinous

Coltassala Gran Selezione is an impeccable representative of the royal class in Chianti Classico. The immensely fragrant bouquet shows black fruits, spices and ploughed earth. All the aromas are on the dark and spicy side, but the wine always remains fresh, dense, buoyant and very linear. Shows rich volume and a strong personality and precision. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich ruby. Finely marked nose with notes of cherry, raspberry and cloves. Appealing play between juicy fruit and grippy tannin, long after cherries." Falstaff

"Lustrous ruby. Iron, tar and cherry with hints of cardamom. Generous, yet with a medium-bodied weight. Concentrated, tangy, dark fruit with polished tannins. Far from ready." Jancis Robinson

"A complex version, this red sports plum, blackberry, leather, earth, camphor and eucalyptus aromas and flavors. Though vivid and incisive with its core of fruit, dusty tannins grip the finish, where an oak spice element lingers. Be patient, here." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala is striking. Rich and ample, with tremendous depth, the 2017 shows all of the mystique that makes Sangiovese so alluring. Sweet dark cherry, dark plum, leather, licorice, menthol and tobacco build as the 2017 shows off its breadth and personality. The Coltassala has a bit more volume and oak influence than the other Volpaia wines, but it's an approach that works so well here." Vinous

"A real beauty, the 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala (made with organic fruit) shows medium-rich textural fiber with plenty of dark fruit, cherry, spice and leather. The important thing to mention here is how light and elegantly fragrant this wine remains despite the considerable heat and dryness of the growing season. In fact, all those fruit tones emerge with terrific purity and focus, backed by acidity and integrated structure, that invite an evening-long sampling with some medium-aged pecorino." Wine Advocate

"Transparent and linear with currant and cherry aromas and flavors. It's beautifully fine and bright with crushed cherries and berries and hints of strawberries. Pine needles and fresh herbs, too. Very silky tannins and a palate that shows poise and polish." James Suckling

Every year, La Crena is one of the best and most refined Barbera wines that Piedmont produces. The vines in the Vigna del Nove parcel date back to the 1930s. This vintage will also need many years to develop its full expressiveness, but that's the way it is and we love this crazy development potential so much. La Crena is creamy and rich in the glass, dense, very concentrated with an abundance of layers of fruit that only develop fully with further years of ageing and make for an energetic, exciting wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Opulent nose, with dark fruits tempered with some stylish oak. Suave and juicy, fine texture, balanced by firm acidity, which gives some spice and flair to the finish. Vincenzo Arnese: Candied aromas of Morello cherry and wild strawberry, very expressive. Bold palate with robust tannins; time will smooth it, yet quite rich and pleasant." Decanter

"The 2021 Barbera d'Asti La Crena is exceptional. Bright, red-toned fruit, chalk, mint, white pepper and rose petal are all beautifully delineated. In recent times Vietti has focused more on freshness in their Barberas, and that is especially evident in La Crena—a wine that used to be very dark and heavy but is far from that today. Clean, mineral notes extend the vibrant finish. Give this a few years to develop the full range of its aromatic breadth. What a wine!" Vinous

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

Ghiaie della Furba means "pebbles of the Furba stream" and there is a reason for this, as the vines for this wine grow on the river pebbles on the banks of this stream. It is one of the very first "Supertuscans". After an hour in the carafe, this extremely complex red reveals wonderfully clear, dark fruit, blackberries and cassis, as well as coffee notes, dark chocolate and spices. Its very good structure and personality are impressive. It is already very accessible today (with aeration), but still hides its great potential for the next decade. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of crushed dark berries, dark chocolate, spices and dried herbs. Also some graphite. So bright and lively, concentrated and juicy dark fruit flavours, yet fresh and harmonious. Medium to full body. The tannins are well developed, firm but polished and unobtrusive. Long finish." James Suckling

"The Ghiaie della Furba 2020 opens with a mentholated freshness that combines minty herbs, spiced orange peel and redcurrants. It envelops the palate with a texture of pure silk and quickly gains grip with a core of tart red berries and acidic citrus, while the angular tannins pinch the cheeks. It finishes with admirable length, structure and concentration, leaving a pleasantly bitter aftertaste as notes of cedar and savoury herbal notes slowly fade. The 2020 needs time, and lots of it. Ghiaie della Furba is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Syrah and 25% Merlot." Vinous

"The nose is a garden after a storm, as a fresh floral quality mingles with the stoniness of still-damp air. On the palate, that stony element persists, while a blast of pepper, a flash of astringent red fruit and lively acid sparkle above grippy, persistent tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Poggio Landi's top growth Chiuso del Lupo comes from a plot of one hectare at 550 m altitude. Fermentation is spontaneous with indigenous yeasts, ageing is in 30 hl French oak barrels. Deep dark ruby red. On the nose, dark, earthy forest and undergrowth, plus ripe forest berries with menthol and floral accents. The sweet, lush fruit is accompanied by a salty note, the tannins are expansive but not aggressive, but youthful and chewy. A wine that is made for the long haul and whose future will be great. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy and succulent red with plum and berry character, along with orange peel and spice. Full-bodied with creamy tannins that coat the mouth. Lots of fruit, but attractive firmness and brightness." James Suckling

"This red wine is rich, round and fruity, offering aromas of black cherries, blackberries, blackcurrants and spices. It shows a solid tannin structure, yet remains balanced and leaves the impression of ripe fruit." Wine Spectator

"Here is a new addition to the Poggio Landi portfolio, representing a small production of 6,000 bottles. The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Chiuso del Lupo is pressed from a one hectare parcel at an altitude of 550 metres above sea level and is a true delight and the proverbial diamond in the rough. The high altitude vines on the silty, clay-limestone Alberese soils really make the difference. The wine opens with a rich ruby colour that is vibrant and bright. The bouquet offers candied cherry, lilac, blood orange, cola and sweet earth. It stays true to the grape variety and offers added concentration, depth and complexity as it progresses. The wine finishes with soft, silky tannins. This wine is one of the great discoveries of the vintage." Wine Advocate

Syrah Suisassi is rich and expressive. The bouquet convinces with aromas of sage, rosemary, wild flowers, liquorice, violets and plums. On the palate very full and round with memories of berries, chocolate and nuts. Elegant and intellectual. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, dark ruby-violet, impenetrable. Opened in the nose with notes of elderberries, very clear, much juicy and precisely worked out fruit. Vibrating on the palate, with spices and dark fruit, juicy, with fine-meshed tannins, a wide arch, very long aftertaste, high elegance." Falstaff

"The 2013 Syrah Suisassi is faithful to the grape and shows abundant notes of blackberry, cured meat, exotic spice and grilled herb. Luca D’Attoma has been experimenting with increased stem inclusion. In the 2012 vintage, 30% of the mass saw stem inclusion, but that figure rises to 100% with the 2016 vintage. This Syrah is an extremely well integrated and smoothly textured. The oak still needs time to integrate, but past tasting experiences with Suisassi give excellent promise for its age-worthiness. Luca believes stem inclusion provokes a slightly reduced effect when the wine is young. For this reason, you should wait before popping the cork. The 2013 vintage in particular boasts an all-Rhône approach." Wine Advocate

"This is setting a new benchmark for syrah with so much intensity yet it remains refined and velvety textured. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a long and flavorful finish. So much licorice, smoked meat and spice. Light berry. Green apple skin. What a wine." James Suckling

"Duemani's 2013 Syrah Suisassi is impressive. The inclusion of a third of whole clusters adds considerable aromatic lift and nuance to the dark fruit flavors. Lavender, mint, sage, licorice and plum are all pushed forward. Beams of underlying acidity shape the expressive, saline finish." Antonio Galloni

Smells intensely of redcurrants and black cherries, leather, spices and liquorice. Lush and flowing on the palate, all elements merge into a great, striking wine. Great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby colour with a hint of violet and a delicately brightening rim. A compact nose of ripe blackberry and rich cherry, with elegant peppery spice and a fine malt flavour rounding off the bouquet. Polished and juicy on the palate, shows great entry with a racy, gripping finish, with a fine salty undertone, can be stored for a long time." Falstaff

"Impenetrable dark ruby. Rich blackberry and blueberry fruit with touches of cassis, bell pepper, black pepper and fully integrated oak. Juicy blackberry fruit with gritty elegant tannins and a lush finish. A very good wine from an unremarkable year." Jancis Robinson

"On the nose, there are spicy notes of thyme, sour cherries, lemon leaves and blackcurrants as well as black olives. It is full-bodied with firm, well-integrated tannins and a tangy kick of acidity. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable from 2023." James Suckling

"Outstanding, elegant blend of Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon: spicy forest fruit flavours, a powerful start, the tannins are fine-meshed and in balance with the acidity, the finish is berry-spicy and long." Vinum

"The Geremia 2018 is outstanding. A wine full of energy and finesse, the 2018 Geremia is more about persistence than volume. Blueberry, blackberry, lavender, liquorice and scorched earth are abundant. In 2018, Geremia is a wine of tension and restraint. Its best days are still far in the future. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon." Vinous

Every year, Coltassala is a red wine that offers all the essentials - and in impeccable style. On the nose, black fruits, spices and ploughed earth. All the flavours are dark and spicy, but the wine remains fresh, dense, lively and very linear. The ageing in new oak gives it a modern touch without overpowering it. Coltassala 2020 is noble and refined from start to finish, and it is one of the great Chianti Classico Gran Selezione! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with garnet-red rim brightening. Dense nose, characterised by wood ageing, lots of cigar box and tobacco, with fully ripe plums behind it. Lively and balanced on the palate, dark minerality, reminiscent of grated pencil, ripe tannins and a long, salty final." Falstaff

"A fresh, herbal yet earthy nose pulls a light sweetness from notable cherry undercurrents, which are emphasized on the palate by a creamsicle swirl of orange and vanilla, but the lightly metallic, medicinal herbaceousness works with polished tannins and vibrant acid to create a streamlined, balanced feel." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala is a sleek, elegant wine. Silky contours and sweet floral notes lend finesse to this very pretty, nuanced Gran Selezione. All the elements are very nicely balanced. Hints of black cherry, plum, licorice and leather lend darkness throughout." Vinous

"Nicely balanced overall, the Volpaia 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala offers an earthy side that gives nice context to forest berry and wild cherry. There are floral notes as well, especially violet and iris, and the wine maintains a firm, medium-weight texture to the palate." Wine Advocate

"Saturated with black currant, black cherry, iron and wild herb aromas and flavors, this red is firmly structured and shows fine harmony already in its youth. The supple texture is offset by well-integrated, dusty tannins, while the fruit echoes on the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Very attractive with ripe cherries, red plums, dark chocolate and spices with hints of dried lavender and citrus peel. Medium-bodied with lots of energy and tension. Tannins are polished and well-integrated to the wine. Very complete and balanced. Crunchy and long." James Suckling

The top wine of the eponymous winery presents itself exemplary and quasi as a reference for many other so-called Super Tuscans of the region. Deep ruby red with light red reflections. On the nose, dark fruits, spices, herbs, some leather and a fine tarry note. On the palate, the flavours then unfold powerfully and concentrated, yet it glides velvety with a wonderfully balanced acidity-tannin ratio into a rich, well-proportioned and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red. The nose has notes of cherries, sour cherries, strawberry jam, plums and a hint of mint. Rich, distinctive and full-bodied on the palate. Ripe and present tannin. Pleasant fruity and balsamic aftertaste." Falstaff

"A supple, almost opulent red, with a core of ripe raspberry and kirsch. Features floral, wild herb and iron notes that provide depth, and the firm structure keeps this buoyant and well-defined. Reveals hints of vanilla that leave a spicy impression on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Il Borro 20th Annata takes things to a richer, darker and slightly more confectionery place, as its bouquet opens with cherry sauce, sage and dark chocolate notes, all offset by a lifting hint of mint. It's undeniably elegant, full-bodied and silky in feel, with polished red and blue fruits contrasted by grippy tannins that mount with each passing sip. Violet and lavender nuances combine with a bitter tinge of balsamic spice that lingers as the 2018 finishes structured and long. There's a sensual feel to this vintage of Il Borro, yet patience will be required to enjoy it fully." Vinous

"The wine shows the mint and spice of Merlot and Syrah, respectively, and the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2018 vintage shows rich concentration and bright freshness. It had 18 months of oak to add supple softness." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of blackberries, tar and bark. Complex. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that spread across the palate. Fresh and vivid. Beautiful to drink now, but will be even better in three or four years." James Suckling

Syrah Suisassi is rich and expressive. The bouquet convinces with aromas of sage, rosemary, wild flowers, liquorice, violets and plums. On the palate very full and round with memories of berries, chocolate and nuts. Elegant and intellectual. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and explosive in the glass, the 2015 Suisassi has a lot to offer. A blast of heady blueberry jam, crème de cassis, leather and pepper notes emerges as this big, tannic wine gradually starts to open up. The 30% stems add quite a bit of savoriness without dominating the wine's balance. This is very nicely done, especially within the context of the year." Antonio Galloni

"The blackberries and cloves are intense on the nose with licorice and hints of eucalyptus, too. Full body, extremely fine tannins and citrus rind undertones. Tight and composed. I love the length." James Suckling

Ceretto's single-vineyard Barbaresco Bernadot shows off its elegance and graceful personality. From the fruit of a 4.8-hectare, organically and biodynamically farmed site in Treiso, planted at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level, this pretty Barbaresco develops very specific aromas of wild berries, spices, liquorice and iron rust. These flavours are also essential components of its classic Nebbiolo game on the palate, as is its light and silky texture. Barbaresco Bernadot is very straightforward, delicately flavoured and has a supple personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby-garnet colour with a sparkling core. Rich raspberries and sugared strawberries on the nose, some pomegranate and truffles. On the palate with a red berry centre and a slightly creamy texture, shows a lot of fine-meshed tannin, appears very polished, describes a long arc." Falstaff

"Lustrous, youthful ruby. Serious cherry- and strawberry-fruit nose that is still a little subdued. Stunning lightness of touch yet long and concentrated, with long, finely chiselled tannins. Super-elegant and wired at the same time." Jancis Robinson

"Very floral with orange blossom, iron, cedar, and dried spice. Medium body, firm and slightly lean in the middle palate. Firm and racy. Lightly chewy. Needs a couple of years to soften." James Suckling

"Beautiful florality and almost baked cherry sweets - cherry drops - on the nose, rose, Caramac bars, vanilla, white chocolate and lavender - an infusion of sweet, fruit and floral elements. Statuesque on the palate, ripe and massy, but so well textured - like crushed velvet with a powdery and also fleshy aspect to the tannins so they expand and fill the mouth and leave a lingering chalky, powdery salinity on the tongue and cheeks. Round, ample yet defined and detailed, so much going on but with no one element overpowering another building to a really impressive overall impression. Acidity is beautiful, and there are cola flecks that give the freshness and savoury touch. The power shines at the end where the tannins constrict and just grip the final flavour, so you know this is a big wine with long ageing potential." Decanter

"The 2020 Barbaresco Bernardot is a super-classic Barbaresco from Treiso. Dried cherry, spice, tobacco, leather, incense and cedar all grace this understated, exquisite Barbaresco. Time in the glass brings out compelling inner sweetness and perfume. This is such a gorgeous wine." Vinous

"The organic 2020 Barbaresco Bernadot offers a darker fruit performance with black cherry and blackcurrant. Like the other wines from this hot and sunny vintage, you taste the ripeness of the fruit and some background softness that comes with the territory (and the growing season). The Ceretto team delivers a deft hand, and you'll notice the etched sharpness and focus of the wine in terms of mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"From a plot located in Treiso, at about 400 metres, raw material that benefits from biodynamic management. Jammy sour cherries on the nose, with touches of peony, nuances of dogwood peel and mentholated touches. Juicy-savoury on the palate, with a fruity-floral return." Luca Gardini

The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento 2016, which comes onto the market seven years after the grape harvest, is a breathtaking wine. It soars to the highest heights in terms of elegance and power. These opposing forces - power and grace - are what characterise this classic vintage. Col d'Orcia has effortlessly captured and immortalised both sides of the continuum. The bouquet displays a long array of aromas, including dried cherries, liquorice, cola, lavender flowers, cured meat and black truffles. The velvety finish is smooth and lingering. A wonderful creation from the top 2016 vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, bright ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Memorable nose with notes of plums, some cranberries, dark cherries, very clear. Firm, full-bodied tannins on the palate, opens with a lot of pressure, coated in ripe berry fruit, savoury and profound, subtle earthy notes on the final." Falstaff

"Brilliant, medium to deep ruby red colour with only light orange tones. Some development on the nose, but otherwise still very closed. Supple and concentrated, with fine, tangy acidity and astonishing balance. Finely chiselled tannins and supple, concentrated fruit on the finish. An elegant wine whose 15% alcohol is imperceptible." Jancis Robinson

"The organic Col d'Orcia 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is beautiful, to be honest, with a unique sense of direct power, medium-rich texture and evolved fruit. This Riserva takes us back in time to one of the most successful vintages in Montalcino's history. The bouquet is characterised by dried fruit, rose potpourri and roasted chestnut shells. The tannins are dissolved and the wine ends on a soft, silky note." Wine Advocate

"The nose is primarily spicy, with aromas of old leather, dirt and mixed spices, like a general shop in the old west with cherry and liquorice candy in bins. The palate is more fruit-driven, with notes of cherries and figs mingling with coffee and sambuca flavours to create a subtle hint of spiciness. The tannins and acidity oversee the proceedings without imposing themselves, like a good host at a party." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio al Vento is a classic wine that takes its time in the glass, slowly gaining depth and nuance: dusty roses and leather give way to dried strawberries, then notes of cedar and spiced blood orange. It is elegant and refined, with polished red berry fruit and a silky texture contrasted by notes of sour orange. A core of lively acidity provides a wonderfully fresh appeal. The finish is long and colourful, but also youthfully structured. A layer of fine tannins holds on to the remnants of redcurrant and spice. Ultimately, the 2016 Poggio al Vento leaves the taster longing for another sip and regretting its incredibly youthful state. It will be many years before we can fully enjoy the depth and complexity it currently harbours, but I hope to be there when that day finally comes." Vinous

"Packed with vibrant cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and tobacco aromas and flavors, this red is racy and pure, with a superb aftertaste. Defined by its bracing acidity and precise fruit flavors, this still has some tannins to resolve. So youthful and fresh, it feels like this has hardly budged in its evolution." Wine Spectator

"Super classic Brunello from a classic vintage that is now coming onto the market. The fragrance has it all: cherries, flowers, pencil and slight hints of graphite. This is followed by raspberries and black cherries with some sandalwood shavings. You just want to smell it. Clear and transparent. Full-bodied with very fine and incisive tannins that fill the mouth and show great tension and shape. Extremely long and structured. Beautiful now, but it will age for decades to come." James Suckling

This impressive red comes from the single vineyard "Vitticciana", which was specially created for a pure Sangiovese wine by the "Godfather of Carmignano" Ugo Contini Bonacossi due to its perfect orientation. It is only produced in the best years, when it presents itself as a multi-layered wine with fine fruit and fine-grained tannins. After a few years of ageing in the bottle, it can easily hold its own with some of the best Brunello di Montalcino. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Red sour cherries and pickled plums on the nose, with some verbena and spice in the background. Velvety tannins on the palate, well-balanced, still a little young on the final." Falstaff

"A hint of floral and spicy notes, with beautiful, pure fruit underneath. Very well-managed tannins and a long finish." Decanter

"A hint of dusty spices and pencil shavings accompany the ripe cherry and plum fruit flavours. Juicy and very lively on the palate with medium to full body and firm, metallic tannins that are firmly attached to the finish. Needs time." James Suckling

"The 2018 Ugo Contini Bonacossi, a varietal Sangiovese, evolves in the glass with a rich blend of cherry and plum sauce, accentuated and lifted by hints of sage and sweet mint. This is velvety smooth yet full of zesty energy, with a core of nervous acidity that enlivens its sour red and black berry fruits. The 2018 finishes long and staining yet light on its feet, leaving edgy tannins to resonate as the cheeks pucker with youthful tension. I expect the 2018 to evolve sooner than bigger vintages, but with that said, it is no less pleasurable." Vinous

Ceretto's single-vineyard Barbaresco Bernadot plays up its elegance and graceful personality. From the fruit of a 4.8-hectare, organically and biodynamically farmed site in Treiso, planted at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level, this pretty Barbaresco unfolds very specific aromas of wild berries, spices, liquorice and iron rust. These aromas are also essential components of its classic Nebbiolo game on the palate, as is its light and silky texture. Barbaresco Bernadot is very straightforward, finely spiced and with a supple personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium dense ruby garnet. Clearly marked nose with notes of sour cherry, some thyme and coriander seeds. Very precise in attack and course, opens with fine-meshed tannin, builds well, pithy and firm on the final, sweet melting on the final." Falstaff

"Youthful-looking mid ruby. Rather closed on the nose and pure and concentrated fruit on the palate that is still a little embryonic and with firm but truly ripe, complex tannins. The finish is breathtaking, with perfect balance. Simply gorgeous." Jancis Robinson

"Dried herbs, sour cherries, peaches and fresh mushrooms on the nose. Some cedar, too. Succulent and medium-bodied with fine, sleek tannins. Bright and well balanced." James Suckling

"Ceretto planted vines in Bernadot (400 metres above sea level) in 1997 and 1998. The nose shines for its elegant notes of earthy strawberry, fresh violet and a restrained bloody character. The attack is savoury with pomegranate fruit to the fore. It's full and ripe in terms of tannic structure, despite the extraction, with crisp acidity and a dusty finish. A wine full of delicacy but not without structure for the long haul. One to follow." Decanter

"A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barbaresco Bernardot is dark, fleshy and wonderfully nuanced. Soft contours and silky tannins give the 2019 its racy, super-inviting personality. The Bernardot is usually a potent Barbaresco, but in 2019 it is all finesse, all the way. Rose petal, mint, dried cherry and cinnamon linger in this super-expressive Barbaresco from the Ceretto family." Vinous

"The organic Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco Bernadot shows a broader character and a more open-knit personality compared to the Asili. There is a lot of dark fruit, spice, truffle and earth to frame the medium-build of this elegant wine." Wine Advocate

Sparkling ruby red colour. Complex and enveloping bouquet of rich cherry, black forest berries, violets, tobacco, tar, liquorice, incense and smoke in the background. The single-vineyard Chianti Classico San Marcellino has an excellent structure, interwoven with lively, elegant tannins, exemplary harmony and a savoury, slightly salty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable dark ruby. I can see the vintage with the oak having a bigger impact on the elegant fruit than is normally the case. That is not to say there isn’t plenty of concentrated black fruit contoured by savoury oak and a touch of undergrowth with just a hint of tar. Long, tangy and generous, with fine, sandpapery tannins. Elegant yet with plenty of stuffing, and ready now." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto San Marcellino 2018 is outstanding. Silky and medium-bodied, the 2018 is a wine with more finesse than power. Dark fruit, coffee, lavender, liquorice, dried herbs and a hint of new oak adorn this exquisite, wonderfully nuanced Gran Selezione. The San Marcellino 2018 is a wine of restraint and understatement." Vinous

"Packed with red berry fruit, sweet spices and mint. Quite full and powerful on the palate and richer than most other 2018s we've tasted." Decanter

"A rich, juicy red wine with aromas and flavours of cherry, raspberry, rose, graphite and earth. Pure, with lively acidity and refined tannins to support it. Balanced and long, with a mineral note on the finish. Sangiovese and Pugnitello." Wine Spectator

Crognolo is a wonderfully balanced wine that offers the tangy freshness and acidity of Sangiovese, which is balanced and softened by the small proportion of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine smells of cherry, blackberry and plum. Its primary intensity is bright and cheerful. The finish shows a nice density, extraction and well-integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Crognolo 2021 is a great entry-level wine from Sette Ponti. An explosion of red/purple fruits, blood orange, spices and rose petals race across the palate, lifted by bright acids that add energy. All elements are very well balanced. This is a very inviting wine." Vinous

"Dusty, perfumed aromas of spiced plums with sour cherries and dried cherries are followed in the mouth by a vertical palate full of fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity and juicy fruit. It feels balanced and upright, ready to spring into action as soon as the cork is pulled. Vibrant red and black fruits intermingle, punctuated by a certain saltiness and supported by those tannins. The finish is long, juicy and flavoursome and leaves you wanting another sip." Decanter

"This young red wine shows all its components in the right place, but needs time to integrate. It offers flavours of cherry, violet, earth, iron and mint, which fade into powerful tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Bright ruby violet colour. Expressive flavours of blackberries and rich cherries, with fine spicy components in the background. Compact, concentrated on the palate, with grippy tannins that also become juicy, salty on the finish." Falstaff

"The wine shows dark concentration, certainly more than you'd expect from Sangiovese, with lots of cherry, spice and blue flower that ties directly into the Merlot. It offers a medium to full-bodied texture with fine, chalky tannins." Wine Advocate

"Ultra-fresh, juicy cherries with more delicate aromas of violets and rose petals on the nose roll onto a palate rich with more cherries and berries balanced by earthy, tart notes of earth, branches and roots and a finish of bitter cocoa and aniseed." Wine Enthusiast

"The purity of the fruit in this wine is impressive, with redcurrants, orange peel, peaches and lemon on the nose and palate. Full-bodied yet compressed and agile. Tasty finish. Restrained now, but given a year or two it will come into its own." James Suckling

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"The Sette is a single-varietal Merlot from 7 different vineyards, to which the name Sette refers. It is aged for 18 months in small wooden barrels. The aroma is very spicy, intense and chocolaty, with lots of wood and medium depth. Dense, sweet and wood-accentuated, it confirms the first impression in the mouth too, with a racy and powerful structure. Despite its concentration, it is somewhat hollow in the centre and is clearly more built on power and fullness than on length. Pithy Merlot with enormous power." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red colour. Intense nose with an impressive aroma of wild berries, mint, milk chocolate and precious wood. Firm, beautiful structure on the palate, with finesse and elegant, grippy tannins, appears light-footed despite 15 per cent by volume and drinks finely, sweet melting in the final." Falstaff

"While Tenuta Sette Ponti takes its name from the seven bridges spanning the Arno river, Sette is named after the seven different vineyards which supply the fruit for this 100% Merlot wine: in 2020, the vineyards are Cypresses, Salvareccio I, Salvareccio II, Poggio Sinistro, Sorbaccio, Nocetta I, and Nocetta II. Aromatic and earthy, fragrant notes of cherry and cool blue fruits introduce a ripe and fresh palate that's light on its feet, vertical and balanced. The mid-palate has a stony element while the red and blue fruits are supported by a web of tannins and good acidity." Decanter

"An unctuous, umami blend of hot tar, balsamic vinegar and wild herbs on the nose, with a crack of black pepper before blackberries flood in. More pepper and crushed stones on the palate insist on the savory and austere elements right now, but the fruit promises to mature and offer a truly luxurious experience with time." Wine Enthusiast

"A sleek, well-defined red, exuding vivid cherry, raspberry, plum, iron, chocolate and vanilla flavors. Nicely balanced, with the youthful tannins lending assertiveness now on the saline finish." Wine Spectator

"Distinctive aromas of walnuts and hazelnuts with plums and berries. Some flowers as well. Full-bodied yet fresh and hemmed in with chewy tannins that give liveliness and compactness to the wine. Tannins are integrated and extremely long." James Suckling

Ceretto's entry-level Barbaresco comes from different sites, mostly younger vines from Asili (35%) and the lower part of Bernadot (65%). Bright, elegant ruby red. It has full energy and vivacity and offers excellent persistence and remarkable balance. On the nose, sweet red cherry, mint, pine, liquorice and candied orange peel. Taut and ferruginous on the palate, very juicy, salty, stretches precisely across the tongue, with some pressure, considerable juicy-long finish. After good aeration already impressively accessible when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. In the nose noble, perceptible use of wood, discreet spice, red fruit core, blood orange, light leather. Taut and ferruginous on the palate, very juicy, salty, stretches precisely across the tongue, with some pressure, considerable juicy-long finish." Falstaff

"Pure flavors of cherry, strawberry and rose highlight this elegant red, accented by cut hay, white pepper and tobacco. It's solid and long, with a chalky feel on the finish. Best from 2023." Wine Spectator

"Ceretto's classic 2017 Barbaresco opens quickly and nicely in the glass. That playful accessibility is a trait that I found in many of the Barbarescos from this vintage. Compared to the two vineyard-specific expressions (Asili from Barbaresco and Bernadot from Treiso), this wine offers broad brush strokes of wild berry, spice, licorice and iron ore. That's exactly the mission of this wine: It provides an authentic portrait of a grape. Fruit represents a blend from various sites, including young vines from Asili and the lower parts of Bernadot. This wine is poised for near and medium-term drinking." Wine Advocate

"Really open, rich and complex on the nose, showing dried roses, strawberries and cherries. Full-bodied, layered, rich and flavorful with dried-strawberry, white-truffle and mushroom undertones. Juicy and fruity at the end. A little more opulence than normal." James Suckling

Vigna San Marcellino Gran Selezione is both youthfully fresh and ripe and complexly muscular. It contains a healthy dose of the deeply coloured Pugnitello grape, and on the nose liquorice, tarragon and broom mingle with lush plum and subtle roasted aromas that are highly seductive in their complexity. Deep, taut and lively on the palate, loaded with black cherry and rich, velvety tannins. The texture is silky, while subtle chalky notes and a salty minerality give it plenty of energy and lead it into a juicy, refreshing finish. Vigna San Marcellino is a convincing wine with enormous ageing potential every year. SUPERIORE.DE

Granato has been an exceptional Teroldego for years: It convinces in the bouquet with its rich balsamic scent of sour cherries and red currants. Extract-rich and intense, powerful and extremely precise on the palate. A great wine that reflects the long-standing consistency and competence of this winemaker. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Teroldego Granato is so youthful yet so beautiful, rising from the glass with an infectiously spicy bouquet that is at times autumnal, at times savoury, mingling with dark red fruits. The palate is flooded with a wave of intense raspberries and wild berries that quickly saturate, but with a hint of sour citrus for a nice balance. A pretty inner sweetness lingers as it finishes structured and remarkably long with a refreshing hint of inner rose and wild strawberry that lingers on. It's powerful but also elegant and perfectly balanced for a long evolution." Vinous

"This wine shows deep red and dark berries with peppery notes, dark chocolate, hibiscus and grapefruit peel. Just a hint of cedar and smoked herbs. Full and concentrated, so stable and dense with lively, finely honed tannins and vibrant acidity giving the wine power and highlighting the savoury fruit and minerality. Very long and tense." James Suckling

"Iconic wine, one of the expressive peaks of Teroldego. Fermentation in open oak vats, ageing in acacia and cement casks, great freshness on the nose, redcurrants, touches of wild mint and rhubarb, on the palate it is dense-sweet, with a fruity-balsamic return and a finish on underbrush notes." Luca Gardini

Marco Ricasoli Firidolfi's latest and strictly limited creation (only 1,659 magnum bottles were filled) was named after Ridolfo, an ancestor of the family. The deliberate composition of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Pugnitello symbolises the combination of tradition and modernity and at the same time impressively represents the terroir of the Chianti hills.

Dark ruby red, refined bouquet of blackberry, dried plum and eucalyptus. On the palate then with a firm, taut core, layers of sour cherry, spicy notes such as pepper and liquorice, powerful as it progresses and slightly balsamic at the same time. The well-proportioned acidity and the characteristic tannins lead this fleshy, muscular red into a furious, long-lasting final. A wine full of character and very independent! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, almost impenetrable ruby. Initially shy on the nose of graphite, delicate noble wood, a hint of bitter chocolate, light pepper spice, ripe cherries, blackberries and a pinch of leather in the finish. Opens up on the palate dense and full of tension, with present spice in the core, rich fruit, noble use of wood supports the ensemble, finishes very long with tightly woven tannin and currently minimal drying, still young, will age excellently." Falstaff

"This red is a beautiful expression of varietal character, with pure cherry and strawberry fruit. Firmly structured, with accents of menthol, earth, iron and tobacco, ending in a long aftertaste emphasizing the fruit." Wine Spectator

"The 2015 Ridolfo is a new Cabernet Sauvignon/Pugnitello blend from Marco Ricasoli bottled only in magnum. Vibrant and finely sculpted, the 2015 impresses right out of the gate. A whole range of savory aromatics, lavender, spice, licorice and mocha open with time in the glass. Sweet rose petal and cinnamon appear later, adding brightness and lift. Cabernet Sauvignon and Pugnitello are not obvious varieties to blend, as they are, on paper, more similar than complementary. Even so, the combination works so well. I can't wait to see how this ages. The 2015 is a total knock-out!" Vinous