Organic Red Wine

Deep dark ruby red. Ripe notes of dried small currants and blackberries, plus some smoke and tobacco - this is Sangiovese in concentrated form. Lush and fleshy on the palate, with firm body, spicy nuances, multilayered fruit and a wonderful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Petresco is another stellar wine from Le Cinciole. Bright and focused, with striking explosive energy, Petresco sizzles with tension. Black cherry, coffee, spice, leather, incense, lavender and plum all run through a linear, driving pure Sangiovese that is going to need at least a few years to come together. There is a ton of potential here, but readers need to be patient." Vinous

Opulent nose of red berries, pleasant smoky notes and fine herbal spice. Opulent and round on the palate, the fine tannins give the wine a delicate but definite structure and the necessary seriousness until the long, soft finish. The well-integrated wood and the fruit of the Cabernet grape find an exciting symbiosis with the rather strict and taut Petit Verdot style in a very harmonious way. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby. Opens with slightly smoky notes, then lots of spices, coriander seeds and cardamom, finally dark plum. Full and intense in attack and course, opens with gripping, hearty tannin, grippy, but also shows lots of juicy fruit, long finish." Falstaff

"The 2019 Ilatraia, Brancaia's top wine from Maremma, is racy and lush from the start. A whole range of spicy and savoury overtones envelop the dark blue and blackish fruit. This heady blend is very expressive today. Blackberries, espresso, liquorice and leather climax the lush finish." Vinous

"This wine strides forward with an extremely herbaceous nose, from oregano to thyme to tomato leaf. It also conveys the peppery savoriness of capsicum plus the depth of newly turned soil and a final pop of sour cherries. The palate continues the theme, with more peppers and cherries, but also sundried tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Polished and consistent tannins make for a fun but slick balance of savory and sweet." Wine Enthusiast

"This is a generous and layered expression with dark fruits, baker's chocolate and elegant spice. I tasted this wine alongside the 2018 vintage, which showed much more balance due to the additional year of ageing. Based on this observation, I recommend a longer drinking window for this wine. The 2019 shows plenty of primary fruit, brightness and concentration." Wine Advocate

"It has aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, black olives, cedar, dark chocolate, pralines, salted almonds and mint. Also some gunmetal and graphite. Creamy and flattering, with velvety tannins and a full body. Delicious notes of salted chocolate. So much power and concentration, yet it remains elegant. Long." James Suckling

Cherry-red Cabernet Sauvignon with a small proportion of Petit Verdot, the complex bouquet is reminiscent of blackcurrants; there are also mint flavours and floral notes, which are interwoven with the pleasantly balanced wood note. Powerful and dense on the palate; the fine-grained tannins are harmoniously integrated, with an impressive elegance and length on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, bright ruby red colour. Presents itself with a distinctly fragrant nose, lots of fresh blackcurrant notes, with crisp blackberry fruit and fine sage and ivy leaf notes in the background. Shows itself on the palate with juicy fruit and grippy tannins, fine herbal notes, medium weight at the back." Falstaff

"Generous dark fruity character with notes of cassis, spices, dark chocolate and bark. Medium to full-bodied, polished and refined with firm, velvety tannins and a long finish." James Suckling

"On the nose, cigar box spice and aromas of smoked tobacco run like a fragrant thread through ripe red and blackcurrants, iron, olive tapenade and notes of dried flowers. The wine is firm and tightly knit, yet has a generous texture and flavour palette that wraps around a dense core of chalky tannins. A few years in the cellar or decanting will help this fine wine to become even more expressive." Wine Spectator

"This 2018 has a creamy aroma of red and black hedgerow berries, accompanied by some notes of green pepper. Fine, ripe tannins support the juicy fruit of black cherries and blackberries with a green tinge. Vertical, fresh and flavoursome, a delicious wine that stands out for its balance." Decanter

"The 2018 Cor - Latin for heart - opens with aromas of black cherries, red plums and blackberries with subtle hints of cola, aniseed, cloves and crushed rock. The palate is concentrated, yet shows grace and a light-footedness that gives the wine great lift on the finish. Powerful with a very lingering and delicious finish, this wine will go far." Wine Enthusiast

Complex aromas with notes of wild berries, chocolate and mint, plenty of power, fruit and fullness on the palate, spicy and opulent final. A Barbera that can and should mature. The small edition of this exquisite extract from just under 1.4 hectares of vineyard usually sells out in no time at all. SUPERIORE.DE

"A smooth, lively red wine with sweet spices centred around a core of plum, black cherry and blueberry. Smooth in texture, with a line of dusty tannins on the finish. Balanced, just needs time. Decant now." Wine Spectator

"Floral aromas with sandalwood to the character of black berries and black cherries. Medium-bodied with firm and racy tannins. A juicy and bright finish. 50% of the vineyards were planted in 1918." James Suckling

"As if staring into a purple void, this deep Barbera draws the attention immediately open with aromas of framboise liquor, dried violets and baking spice. Forward, fun and serious at the same time, the wine pops with tart cherry jam and wild herb flavors with vibrant acidity keeping the palate fresh." Wine Enthusiast

"The Barbera d'Alba Scarrone Vigna Vecchia 2021 is endowed with enormous depth and resonance. Black cherry, plum, smoke, liquorice and chocolate are all turned up to the max. The Vigna Vecchia is Vietti's most extracted Barbera. As such, it is also the one most clearly associated with the wines of the past. It is certainly a good performance, but it is not significantly better than the Scarrone." 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

Morei (dark in Trentino dialect) is an original red wine that is true to its terroir and yet irresistibly elegant and refined. Warm, dense and mineral like the soil on which it grows. Morei is protected from cold northerly winds by the nearby, abruptly rising rock faces.

Morei Cilindrica is the Demeter-certified Teroldego cru in Riserva quality and a racy wine with intense and mineral-driven flavours. The vineyard is planted in an old river bed lying in rocks and sand. This and the 12 months of ageing in cylindrical amphorae give the site wine its terroir-typical, clear profile. SUPERIORE.DE

"Vibrant, wild, dark-red fruit, a little peppery. The tannins are extremely fine, especially for Teroldego, and increase the freshness of the fruit. pep, tender texture. Delicate and long." Jancis Robinson

"The 2018 Teroldego Morei Cilindrica smells of wild berries, melon and gravel. It is soft with a deep minerality, but also with juicy acids that create a lively and joyful feel, even as the tart wild berries saturate. It leaves a subtle layer of tannin and a hint of spice as it finishes dry and fresh. This limited edition version of Morei has spent an extra year on a Cilindrica Amphora, which essentially means two years of refinement." Vinous

Sgarzon is a single vineyard, hardly more than a kilometre from Morei as the crow flies, but here the Noce has deposited more sand in the upper soil layers, the plot is more open and thus less protected from cold winds. The grapes ripen about a week later. Teroldego Sgarzon is fabulous, filigree and yet full of richness and energy from the attack to the final.

Sgarzon Cilindrica is a Demeter-certified Teroldego Cru in Riserva quality and a delicate wine that is at the same time full of richness and energy from the start to the final. The extended ageing of 12 months in cylindrical amphorae underlines the character of the site wine once again in an impressive way. Only 350 bottles of this "project wine" were bottled! SUPERIORE.DE

Dense with complex fruit flavours, lots of extract, soft, mouth-filling, unusually velvety and enveloped in gentle tannins. Matured in small barriques of old and new oak and in traditional Tuscan wooden barrels. Riecine has been producing one of the most subtle Chianti Classico wines for years - a marvellous wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium carmine red colour. Lively, fresh cherry and raspberry fruit with savoury, spicy notes in the background. Cool raspberry fruit on the palate with plenty of fresh acidity and fine tannins that linger on the palate. Very long and precise." Jancis Robinson

"Shows its harmonious side again, on the one hand charming, with juicy fruit and creamy, then also with fine acidity and depth." Weinwisser

"The Chianti Classico 2021 is a very beautiful, elegant wine. Sweet floral notes open the wine, followed by ripe red cherries, blood oranges, mint and rose petals. This medium-bodied, noble Chianti Classico is a winner." Vinous

"It smells of raspberries, potting soil, roses and cherry blossom. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and transparent, with flavours of redcurrant and orange peel. The light tannins are powdery in texture and the racy acidity electrifies with nervous energy." Decanter

"Dark ruby red with brightening edges. Medium intensity nose of juniper, sweet cherry and a hint of pomegranate. Very fresh on the palate, with a fine fruit flavour and grippy tannins, carries well through to the juicy finish." Falstaff

"Aromas of black cherries and violets with a hint of lemon peel. Also gravel. Medium body, well-integrated tannins and a creamy texture with beautiful tannins and fruit." James Suckling

"A Sangiovese, lively, intense and spicy. Liquorice on the nose, then undergrowth and red raspberry. Iodised on the palate, surprisingly persistent, with an aftertaste of red mulberry." Luca Gardini

Deep, dark ruby red colour. Ripe notes of dried small redcurrants and blackberries, plus some smoke and tobacco - this is Sangiovese in its most focussed form. Lush and fleshy on the palate, with a firm body, spicy nuances, multi-layered fruit and a wonderful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Plenty of sweet spices lie upon the citrus and rich berry fruit. Lots of ripeness here but it is also fresh and flavorful, showing impressive texture, structure and a long, juicy finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Petresco picks up where the 2018 left off, although it is perhaps a bit more reserved at this stage than its older sibling was. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2019 possesses notable depth and intensity. Time in the glass brings out shades of red/purplish Sangiovese fruit mixed with suggestions of new leather, spice and menthol." Vinous

Cherry-red Cabernet Sauvignon with a small proportion of Petit Verdot, the complex bouquet is reminiscent of blackcurrants; there are also mint flavours and floral notes, which are interwoven with the pleasantly balanced wood note. Powerful and dense on the palate; the fine-grained tannins are harmoniously integrated, with an impressive elegance and length on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A delightful nose of cigar box spices and smoked tobacco draws you into the glass, where the fragrant overtone continues. This finely meshed version offers notes of ripe red and blackcurrant with slightly chalky tannins and hints of olive, espresso and smoke. This seductive red wine is fresh, elegant and expressive." Wine Spectator

"The Alois Lageder 2019 Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon Cor Römigberg shows very concentrated and rich fruit that gives the wine a heavy center of gravity. That fruit density is accompanied by lifted aromas of sour cherry, Valentine's Day red rose and scented candle. All these elements are framed by a pretty mineral lining. The tannins reveal a very dry quality that I liked less, but the aromas accurately reflect cool Alpine influences." Wine Advocate

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

The Frappato Vino di Contrada BB from the single vineyard Bombolieri is the darkest and most saturated of the three Frappato wines. This vineyard lies high on a promontory with white limestone soils. The expression is open and accessible like the other wines, but in this wine there is an added layer of earth or potting soil to the bright red and black fruits one perceives on the nose. This wine also seems to have extra layering and textural richness. All this fruit is topped with a fresh acidity that plays a big role and makes this wine a nice partner for creamy fettuccine. Only 2,400 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has some flinty reduction at this early phase in its life, hinting at milk chocolate, black cherry and earthy red fruit aromas. In the mouth it's grippy, broad and juicy, offering dark hedgerow berry flavours with a depth of warm soil, cardamom and peppery spice." Decanter

"The Frappato Vino di Contrada BB 2020 has a slightly richer colour with aromas of dark fruits such as black cherry and fresh plums. I like the impeccable balance of the BB (from Contrada Bombolieri with sandy soils and stones)." Wine Advocate

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 garnet red with ruby reflections. Intense nose of sour cherry and rosehip, then some leather, tobacco and forest floor, complex. On the palate filigree mouth entry, with soft tannin, harmonious and well balanced, elegant, juicy finish." Falstaff

"This has aromas of oak and toasted nut that come to the forefront while berry and spice stay in the background. Tightly wound and primary, the palate offers raspberry jam, vanilla and licorice alongside close-grained tannins that grip the close. Fresh acidity keeps it bright." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Barbaresco is bright and nicely focused. Crushed red berry fruit, cedar, tobacco and spice are lifted. Veins of supporting tannin and acid give this mid-weight, nervy Barbaresco lovely energy. The 2019 is elegant and also quite promising." Vinous

"The 2019 Barbaresco displays high-toned aromas of sweet raspberries, rose petals and liquorice that anticipates an open-knit palate with clear-cut flavours of crunchy raspberries and redcurrants. Ripe acidity and well-extracted tannins extend the attractively floral and balsamic finish." Decanter

"This is a very firm young Barbaresco with dried strawberry, crunchy fruit and fresh flowers, such as roses. Bitter lemon and tar, too. Full-bodied, chewy and polished. Flavorful finish." James Suckling

"The Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco is an organic wine that paints a clear picture of a beautiful vintage. Tart cherry, white licorice and dusty earth lift from the bouquet and give this wine a sharp sense of focus and intensity. Ceretto has released a superb set of Barbarescos this year, starting with this classic expression." Wine Advocate

The Frappato Vino di Contrada FL (from Contrada Fossa di Lupo) shows a slightly looser texture than the other two Contrada wines that have been part of Arianna Occhipinti's portfolio for 4 vintages. The Contrada Fossa di Lupo provides much of the fruit used for the entire Occhipinti line. It consists of sandy limestone with red and dark brown clay veins. The wine shows aromas of red fruits, including plums and blackberries. Slight hints of exotic spices only emerge after the Frappato has had time to really unpack in the glass. This wine is perhaps the most open of the three. Only 2,700 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dark, rich expression with earthy red and black cherry flavours and a bright, stony palate with intensely tart wild red fruits. It has a pronounced spiciness and sharpness that seems to come from the yeasts, leading to a dry finish with juicy cherry and strawberry notes." Decanter

"The Frappato Vino di Contrada FL 2020 has a more delicate style with aromas of wild roses and flowers rising delicately from the glass. Behind this are earthy tones, baked aubergine skin and slight hints of roasted fennel seeds. On the palate, the wine is tart and fresh, with equally macerated flavours. This wine is the somewhat wilder of the three Contrada wines in the series. The fruit comes from the Contrada Fossa di Lupo, with reddish and dark brown soils." Wine Advocate

The Frappato Vino di Contrada PT (with fruit from the Contrada Pettineo) is a shade lower in colour intensity than the BB. This wine is similar to the FL in terms of accessibility and the very silky and delicate nature of its fruit. Arianna Occhipinti has achieved something marvellous for our collective understanding of the Frappato grape with the fermentation of these contrasting wines. Pettineo has sandy soils, and the Alberello vines (later converted to trellises) are over 60 years old. It is definitely on the right track, as you get a better understanding of the range of the grape variety. This expression shows bright freshness, wild berries, wild roses and hints of sweet almonds. Around 2,700 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"It's the finest and most perfumed of the three contrada wines, offering hedgerow berries and lovely florality. Intense, vibrant red fruits and juicy acidity combine on the textured, airy, vertical palate, with some hints of dried cherry on the long, sapid finish. Delicious!" Decanter

"The Frappato Vino di Contrada PT 2020 (from old vines of Contrada Pettineo) has a unique bouquet that stands out from the other wines in this series, especially in this warm and sunny vintage. There is a hint of purple plum, but the aromas are mainly focused on red fruit flavours with cassis and fresh cherries. I love the lively, powerful approach of this vibrant wine. It feels very lively." Wine Advocate

Nastagio (also called Nastasio) is the name of an ancient farmhouse of the Fattoria di Sant'Angelo, which was already recorded in the maps of Grand Duke Leopold. Brunello Nastagio is released six years after the harvest, as if it were a Riserva, and is the result of Col d'Orcia's many years of experience in developing and cultivating the Sangiovese vineyard. It is also the result of the many research chapters that Col d'Orcia has been carrying out with the University of Florence for more than twenty years. The ageing in tonneaux (500 Liters) oak barrels and then in the traditional large "botti" represent an ideal combination between tradition and modernity, while maintaining the essential aspect of longevity.

Like a Riserva, Nastagio is always released one year later. The terrific 2016 edition glows ruby in the glass and offers a rich bouquet of crushed black cherries with hints of brown spices and sage, enhanced by notes of white smoke, cedar and dried roses that give it finesse. It seems a little restrained at first, then seductively smooth as the sweet red fruits are quickly contrasted by lively acids and savoury spices, and the fine tannins slowly build towards the finish. The finish is long, structured yet balanced, evoking tart wild berries with hints of red liquorice and pretty flowers. It is already a lovely young wine, but it has over a decade of cellaring left and deserves its Riserva status. Perhaps it is the best Nastagio ever made. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. Expressive and clearly marked nose of ripe wild strawberries, blood oranges, rose hips and raspberry syrup, delicate floral notes round off the bouquet. Polished and finesse-rich on the palate, opens delicately creamy, then with great tension and fine salt, beautiful length." Falstaff

"Lustrous mid to deep ruby. Alluring, expressive sweet cherry fruit nose. Elegant, supple, mouth-filling fruit on the palate. Perfumed and very long but remains poised. Very polished, juicy and elegant and with fine, clinging tannins turning up on the finish. Great purity." Jancis Robinson

"Underbrush, toasted nut, grilled herb and eucalyptus aromas waft out of the glass. On the full-bodied palate, tightly knit, close-grained tannins support dried cherry, licorice, tobacco and mocha notes. Give it several more years to fully develop." Wine Enthusiast

"Rich aromas of ripe plums, crushed stones and rose petal follow through to a medium to full body, with medium chewy tannins and a polished and rather creamy texture at the finish. Give this three or four years to soften but already very attractive. Try after 2024." James Suckling

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Nastagio is youthfully coy, requiring time to release its dark fruits and savory exotic spices. This is velvety in feel yet not weighty at all, with ripe black fruits contrasting nervous acidity as autumnal spices come forward toward the close. Hints of vanilla, tobacco and sweet herbs linger through the long, structured finale. The 2016 finds a wonderful balance of fruit, structure and acidity, and it should be glorious in another five to ten years’ time." Vinous

"Always released one year later as if it were a Riserva (although it is not labeled as such), the Col d'Orcia 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Nastagio offers an increased level of clarity and purity that comes directly from the high quality of organically farmed fruit collected in this classic vintage. This growing site is characterized by rocky, limestone-rich soils. This is a broad and large expression of Sangiovese that wraps evenly over the palate, offering good textural weight and freshness along the way." Wine Advocate

"This red finds a nice equilibrium between ripe cherry and strawberry fruit and balsamic notes of sage, thyme and juniper. Features iron, leather and tobacco accents, which chime in as this plays out on the densely structured finish. Fine balance and length." Wine Spectator

The latest addition to Vajra's Barolo line-up comes from a 1.5-hectare plot in Coste di Rose, a small MGA (Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive) in the Barolo region. This is a steep slope at 310 metres above sea level with a high proportion of sandy soils with good drainage, whose vines and soils are cultivated close to nature. This very accessible Barolo is straightforward, forward and impresses even at a young age with its refreshing candour. A very precise bouquet of cherry, plum, liquorice, spices and menthol, followed by a broad and multi-layered fruity palate with plenty of juice and power, supportive tannins and a full, long, mineral and minty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright ruby red colour. Elegant nose of red berries, violets and rose petals. Medium structure on the palate, fine acidity with precise fruit, well-integrated tannins and a persistent finish, still storable." Falstaff

"Very perfumed with fresh roses and lilacs as well as cherries and raspberries. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a slightly liquid palate that should fill out well with bottle ageing." James Suckling

"The 2019 Barolo Coste di Rose is the most open of the single-vineyard wines, but it is not the light-footed Barolo it has often been in the past. Bright acids and supportive tannins give the 2019 a taut, rather nervous feel. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, spicy flowers and earthy tones develop with a little time in the glass. The tannin is a little nervous and needs to be softened, but all elements are nicely balanced." Vinous

"An open, flowing red wine with solid tannins and flavours of cherry, raspberry, earth and iron. Accents of tomato leaf and eucalyptus shine through in the long aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Coste di Rose is located on a steep sandstone slope that descends from Barolo towards Monforte. A little hidden gem," says winemaker Giuseppe Vaira. The fruit is denser compared to the Bricco delle Viole, but still shows a perfumed finesse with spicy raspberries, dark berries, balsam and woody undertones. A beautiful balance of bright acidity and vibrant wild berries and pomegranate, with hints of earth, wood, balsam and forest undergrowth. Bright and juicy, but with the structure and concentration to excel after a few years in the cellar." Decanter

"The G.D. Vajra 2019 Barolo Coste di Rose shows a darker fruit core with dusty earthy tones and campfire ash. The grape skins were quite thick in 2019, which means less work was done with the dipped pomace cap and other extractive methods. The beauty of this wine is its mouthfeel, which feels rich, dense and silky." Wine Advocate

"This wine lifts from the glass with poise and confidence from the get go. Macerated and dried raspberries capture the attention, as wildflowers, herbs and truffles draw you deep into the glass. The textured palate offers layers of mixed red berries that are framed by fine, yet firm tannins and crunchy acidity. The wine ends with tart red fruits, mint and dusty chalk" Wine Enthusiast

"It comes from a very small MGA of Barolo, characterised by the presence of a dune of Diano sandstone from the Torton period. It has a very fine bouquet with notes of red cherries and dog rose, with hints of white pepper and eucalyptus. Juicy and balsamic on the palate, with iodised tannins and great firmness." Luca Gardini

Starting with the 2015 vintage, Avignonesi has decided to market the flagship Nobile Grandi Annate "only" as Sangiovese IGT. The reason for this is that the Consortium Vino Nobile DOCG imposes rigid requirements with regard to maturation vessels and ageing time, which they would like to deviate from in favour of the style and quality of the wine. Vinified only in the best vintages and aged in 20% new and 80% used barriques, Grandi Annate is certainly not only one of the rarest, but also one of the best single-varietal Sangiovese in the region. Sparkling, dense garnet, it smells intensely of liquorice, pickled cherries and delicate raspberries. Powerful and robust on the palate, lots of taut, present tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"An elegant, firmly structured style, featuring cherry, plum, berry, iron and earth flavors. Balanced and long, but needs a few years to absorb the dusty tannins. Sangiovese." Wine Spectator

"The 2015 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Grandi Annate is a powerful, expressive wine. Sweet red cherry, mint, sage, blood orange, tobacco and cedar all grace this mid-weight Vino Nobile from Avignonesi. The 2015 is done in the more restrained style favored by the estate today, so it is a pretty understated wine, all things considered." VINOUS

"Orange peel and plums with hints of cedar on the nose. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh finish. A very solid wine as always. Needs a year or two to soften before drinking." James Suckling

Fine Nobile Riserva with spicy notes of clove and cinnamon on a clear fruit base of wild berries. Soft, full-bodied and with delicate tannins on the palate, it finishes long and dynamic. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red. Expressive and fragrant on the nose, with notes of rose hips, pomegranate, blood oranges, plus red berries, wild berry syrup, reverberating on mint and balsamic notes. On the palate polished and juicy, with a clear fruit core wrapped in precisely placed tannin, noble use of wood supports the ensemble, great length." Falstaff

"The 2018 Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva is dark and brooding in the glass. Dried black cherries, dusty florals and savory spice hints form its bouquet. This displays ample depth with silky textures lifted by saline-tinged acids as cooling herbal tones and bright red fruits settle upon the senses. It finishes structured and long with a staining of primary concentration and licorice notes that linger on." Vinous

"For Salcheto’s Riserva, winemaker Michele Manelli adds a small percentage of dried grapes during fermentation with the goal of increasing weight and concentration as well as achieving more mature, resolved tannins. Aromas are ripe and upfront, leading with oak notes before mint chocolate meets macerated cherry. Wood takes a back seat on the palate, where rich fruit and supple tannins fill the mouth. The vintage’s fresh acidity keeps this elegant." Decanter

"Marked by vanilla and resinous oak, this red delivers plum, blackberry and iron flavors. Rigid now, with fine depth and a lingering spicy finish. Give this a year or two to absorb the oak." Wine Spectator

"Savory dark spices, brown walnuts and some tar to the dried orange peel and earthy plums. Full-bodied with tight tannins and a rather mineral-driven center palate. Savory and long." James Suckling

Ceretto vinifies four masterful site Baroli with the Bricco Rocche, Bussia, Brunate and Prapò. If you cannot decide between these wines, you will find this excellent alternative in the winery's basic Barolo.

Elegant, bright ruby red. Dark intensity with great aromatic richness, including ripe cherry and raspberry, paired with noble spice and gentle use of wood. Fruity and floral notes are followed by traces of iron and a delicate portion of liquorice. The aromas are delicate and fragile, and the wine cleverly hides its power in the soft folds of its slender, medium-weight mouthfeel. Polished and clear on the palate, spreads out with delicate creamy tannins, salty undertones, great length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with light garnet reflections. The nose is light and elegant with notes of cherry, raspberry and blood orange followed by elegant spice. The palate is juicy with a spicy aftertaste. Pleasant length and persistence." Falstaff

"A round red, boasting plum, cherry, mint, iron and tar flavors. The tannins are firm but meld nicely already at this young stage, leaving room for an aftertaste of fruit, savory, earth and mineral notes on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Very floral and attractive already on the nose. Bright and clean fruit on the palate with medium body, dusty and fine tannins and a chewy finish. Solid and age–able. From organically grown grapes. Very well made for the vintage. Best after 2024." James Suckling

"The organic 2018 Barolo falls in line with vintage expectations with a very smooth and silky personality that caresses the palate. Dark rose, cherry and licorice cede to a polished, mid–weight palate." Wine Advocate

Vigna del Sorbo pleases at first sight with its full, strong ruby red. It takes over the nose with a clear, intense fruitiness, to which herbaceous notes add, before the wide, consistent flavour and the straightforward, flawless final set in. An excellent harmony between structure and elegance and for years one of the greatest Gran Selezione in Chianti Classico. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep ruby. Rich and fleshy nose, smells of blackberry and ripe plum, some cinnamon in the background. Meaty and gripping also on the palate, lots of dark berry fruit, opens with present, dense tannin." Falstaff

"The Fontodi 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is expressive, dark and thickly concentrated. I received my samples early and found that this wine was a little shy or slow to open in this early phase. If given extra time, the bouquet warms up to dark fruit, plum, rum cake and dried violet. I came back to the wine about two hours later and discovered a pretty note of crushed aspirin or carbon, with more crushed flower. The oak adds sweet spice and scorched earth, but these too will integrate with time." Wine Advocate

"Powerful, tight red with currant and plum character. Hints of new wood and bark. Full-bodied with dark berries and hints of dark chocolate, as well as other dark fruit. Flavorful finish. Solid. Needs time to open." James Suckling

"The summer was dry and warm without extreme heat and leading up to harvest, the nights cooled down substantially. His Vigna del Sorbo is one of the top wines among a robust set of stellar offerings from this outstanding vintage. It is remarkable for the freshness and purity that rises above the concentration and density. A mix of smoke, liquorice , black cherry and thyme emerges slowly. Even in their commanding grip, the tannins are perfectly polished and sophisticated. Full, packed with fruit but with incredible agility and lip-smacking tanginess, this lingers with fragrant earth, tobacco and crushed stone. For the long-haul." Decanter

"The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is a dense, packed wine. It is also surprisingly, almost shockingly backward. That is probably a good thing for its long-term aging prospects. Readers hoping to get an early glimpse into the 2017 before it shuts down may have a hard time doing that, as today acids and tannin dominate. I expect the 2017 will be stellar in another 4-5 years." Vinous

Gallule is the flagship of the compelling Chianti Classico range and is extremely finely balanced and precise. The Sangiovese grapes are harvested from an old terraced vineyard in Castellina in Chianti. It offers depth and a long sequence of delicate nuances with dark fruits, balsamic herbs, liquorice and freshly ploughed potting soil. This Gran Selezione is a complete and beautiful wine, executed in a very classic style to boot. Gallule is all about the little details, which reveal themselves with each sip. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet oak on the nose with tobacco and mocha. The palate is clean, elegant, with good tannins and a long finish." Decanter

"Straightforward bouquet of raspberries and dried flowers, also leather and tobacco; punchy attack with buxom tannins, stimulating acidity and a multi-layered finish." Vinum

"Very fine tannins frame this energetic and bright Chianti Classico with red fruits like cherries. It is medium-bodied with bright acidity and a crisp finish. A post-modern Gran Selezione." James Suckling

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gallule is a 100% Sangiovese from the terraced vineyards of the original estate in Castellina. The 2019 is bright and powerful, with lively acids and is already very expressive today. Nevertheless, it still needs a few years in the bottle to develop. The purity of the fruit is striking. Red and purple fruits, spices, mint and blood orange are beautifully brought out. This is the first year that barrels were introduced. The larger oak format seems to give the wine more finesse and freshness. There is so much to admire here." Vinous

"The organic Gagliole 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gallule comes from a vineyard in Castellina in Chianti with 20 to 50 year old vines. Only 2,438 bottles were produced. The Gallule shows more texture and fruit weight, but also structure, with black fruit tones of plum and blackberry. Despite its larger size, the wine has a graceful side with roses, lilac and sweet floral earth. Ultimately, this vintage will be remembered for its concentration and power." Wine Advocate

Vineyards in Gaiole and Greve form the core of the blend, with a touch of fruit from Radda. On the nose, floral aromas and red fruits in the super-classic, mid-weight style that is so typical of the Querciabella style today. Rose petals, lavender, mint and sweet raspberry fruit are in the foreground. In the drink enormous density, firm fruit body, with great youthful-fresh temperament, paired with a certain finesse and elegance. Ends long with notes of juicy red berries, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant medium ruby red. Perfumed and concentrated on the nose, finely balanced on the palate. Lots of polished tannins and vibrant red fruits. Smooth and long." Jancis Robinson

"Bright, sparkling ruby red. On the nose ripe wild berries, juicy cherries and pickled cranberries, plus fine mint. On the palate with a clear fruit core, taut tannin and crisp acidity." Falstaff

"This is Querciabella's calling card - and an impressive one at that. It also gives a concise panoramic view of the Chianti Classico area, as it is a blend of vineyards in three different subzones. Bright and fresh, the Annata 2020 rises energetically from the glass with lush and pure red cherries and currants. It gains intrigue with stylish notes of mocha, tarragon and truffle. It is full and powerful, yet light on its feet thanks to its radiant acidity, while well-shaped tannins give it just the right amount of bite. As supple as it is full of character." Decanter

"The 2020 Chianti Classico is bright, fresh and beautifully lifted, with great precision and energy giving it a lot of character. Bright red Sangiovese fruit, spices and a hint of blood orange are prominent. Yet the 2020 still seems to be recovering from its bottling. This should not be an issue in another 6-12 months. This is the first vintage to include fruit from parcels in Greve's Lamole district." Vinous

"Pure fruit on the nose, with rose hips, cherries, blueberries, lemon leaves and dried flowers. Medium-bodied with tangy acidity and firm tannins. Lively and elegant, with such purity of fruit." James Suckling

"A proverbially solid interpretation of Classico di Querciabella, with fine work both in the vineyard and in the cellar and raw material of beautiful fragrance. Nose with notes of black mulberry, then liquorice and juniper. Spicy sweetness, fruity return and undergrowth." Luca Gardini