Supertuscan

Strong ruby red. Clearly defined bouquet with beautiful herbal spice. In the glass, a deep dark fruit and a very round body, fine acidity and polished tannins. A classic representative of the noble Bolgheri appellation with an exceptionally harmonious overall impression. Be sure to aerate. SUPERIORE.DE

Dark ruby, some smoke, butter and herbs on the nose. A full-bodied and relatively dense red that does not hide its origin any more than it hides its status as a small Supertuscan. Soft mouthfeel, a mineral spiciness at the end; its structure provides a nice acidity with well-integrated tannins for a long and lively finish. SUPERIORE.DE

This successful blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon opens with dark concentration and great density. Fornace offers impressive juiciness and rich aromas of red cherries, blackberries, spices and grilled herbs. Its full body, restrained acidity and silky tannins are perfectly balanced, with balsamic hints accompanying this attractive supertuscan into a smooth and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

On the nose, noble, typically Tuscan notes of cherries, blackberries, violets and spices. Exceptionally complex, multi-layered and excellently structured on the palate. Gripping tannins, intense fruit and pleasant acidity are already in perfect harmony. The drinking pleasure builds nicely and increases in the long final. For us, it has been the attractive alternative to Antinori's famous Tignanello for years. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes of this Supertuscan come from the San Giovanni vineyard near San Giovanni a Cerreto. In the church next to the vineyard there is a painting by Rutilo Manetti depicting Saint John the Baptist (San Giovanni).

Deep ruby red, youthful, rich, dark fruit, berry and cassis aromas meld with the French oak. On the palate with deep, subtle fruit flavours and an excellent balance of fruit and tannin, plus some smoke, liquorice and tar. A rich, almost lush red with excellent structure and great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lean and taut, this red reveals robust tannins wrapped around black cherry, blueberry, earth and tobacco flavors. The tannins have the upper hand now, but time should restore the equilibrium." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Valdisanti is Tolaini's Cabernet Sauvignon/Sangiovese-based blend. Dark, ample and super-expressive, the Valdisanti shows off plenty of curves as it opens in the glass. Rich black cherry, mocha, chocolate, rose petal, spice and licorice all flesh out with some coaxing. A touch of Cabernet savoriness adds complexity and brightness. Valdisanti is another impeccable wine from Tolaini." Vinous

"A beautiful, juicy young red with currants, berries and hints of walnuts and dried herbs. Full-bodied and chewy. Polished and attractive. Needs time to soften." James Suckling

"Tolaini makes some of the best wines in Chianti Classico and specifically in the sun-kissed Castelnuovo Berardenga appellation. From a classic vintage, the 2016 Valdisanti is made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc grapes all sourced from the estate's Tenuta San Giovanni vineyard. The wine is absolutely fantastic on all fronts, with rich and soft fruit that hits all those sensorial pleasure points. It offers ample dark fruit, cherry, spice and dried blackberry." Robert Parker

Uccelliera is not only famous for its outstanding Brunello every year, but also for the Rapace Rosso IGT, which has meanwhile become an icon, demonstrating the high quality with which the winery has been delighting wine connoisseurs all over the world for decades. A strong dark ruby red, the aroma spectrum is skilfully balanced by a mix of dark red cherries, plums, liquorice, smoke, spices and menthol. The beautifully cherry-like primary fruit is embedded in a warm texture, the silky tannin skillfully takes over on the sidelines and the wine storms into a long, nuanced and delicately mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A firm and fresh red with medium body, bright acidity and fine, linear tannins that are integrated and focused. Plenty of cherry and berry character." James Suckling

Uccelliera is not only famous for its outstanding Brunello every year, but also for the Rapace Rosso IGT, which has meanwhile become an icon, demonstrating the high quality with which the winery has been delighting wine connoisseurs all over the world for decades. A strong dark ruby red, the aroma spectrum is skilfully balanced by a mix of dark red cherries, plums, liquorice, smoke, spices and menthol. The beautifully cherry-like primary fruit is embedded in a warm texture, the silky tannin skillfully takes over on the sidelines and the wine storms into a long, nuanced and delicately mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A medium-to full-bodied red with currant and plum character and some sandalwood. Rather chewy tannins. Fresh at the end." James Suckling

Lemartine shines in a stunningly beautiful red. Dark fruit aromas, pomegranate and cinnamon flow from its dense, expressive bouquet and continue full-bodied on the palate. Refined opulence and a supertuscan in pure culture! SUPERIORE.DE

Vigorello was created back in 1968 at the beginning of the Super Tuscan movement. It is a beautiful and extremely elegant wine that storms from the glass with unadulterated tones of black fruits, liquorice, rose and dried lavender, Mediterranean herbs and a sweet hint of vanilla. The balance and structure are outstanding and it will develop even more complexity with time. SUPERIORE.DE

"A broad, muscular red, this reveals black cherry, blackberry, earth, tobacco and wild herb flavors, turning leaner and slightly sinewy on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Some spice and berry character. Full body and juicy fruit. A slightly cooked edge, too. But it should be just fine." James Suckling

"The 2017 Vigorello is one of the most compelling wines in this range. It offers plenty of intensity, with more freshness and better balance than the other wines today. Black cherry, mocha, leather, spice and lavender build in a voluptuous, powerful blend that combines Pugnitello with Bordeaux varieties." Vinous

Piastraia fully corresponds to the classic image of a great Bolgheri Rosso Superiore. Made from a quarter each of Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, it fills the glass with its intense scent of fruit and a hint of leather aromas. The taste is strong, concentrated and pure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red. In the nose very spicy with a tendency to animal, truffle, rich Amarena cherries, ripe plums, in the reverberation leathery-earthy tones. On the palate very spicy, very dark berry, opens with a dense texture, the dark fruit and spice are embedded in salty, tightly meshed tannin, coherent in itself, earthy, even more fun with preventive aeration." Falstaff

"Really attractive currants, spice, black licorice and blueberries follow through to a full body with very fine tannins that integrate beautifully into the wine. Blackberries and currants. Pure and finely structured." James Suckling

Piastraia fully corresponds to the classic image of a great Bolgheri Rosso Superiore. Made from a quarter each of Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, it fills the glass with its intense scent of fruit and a hint of leather aromas. The taste is strong, concentrated and pure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Both Syrah and Sangiovese in the blend! Good balance and freshness. Very lively and Tuscan and not remotely bordelais. Tuscany lives! I’d love to drink this well-balanced wine with a meal this very day… But it shouldn’t age too quickly." Jancis Robinson

"Sweet-spice, chocolate, anise and nutmeg notes to the cassis, blackberries and olives. A medium-to full-bodied, tightly structured red with silky tannins and savory plums in the middle. Better after 2024." James Suckling

Intense scent of currants and black cherries, leather, spices and liquorice. Lush and flowing on the palate, all elements merge into a big, striking wine. Great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby with a fine violet shimmer. Intense notes with lots of fresh, crisp fruit, of mulberries, fresh plums, goji berries and some coriander seeds. Lots of juicy fruit on the nose, then opens up with grippy tannins, pithy, seems a little raw overall." Falstaff

"Extremely floral, with cut violets, black cherries and blueberries, following through to a medium to full body with firm tannins and tangy acidity." James Suckling

"The 2017 Geremia is a revelation. It might be even better than the 2015 or 2016, which is saying a lot. Soaring aromatics make a strong first impression. In 2017, the fruit profile leans more into the red fruit end of the spectrum. The warm, dry year yielded a Geremia that is unusually open. I doubt too many of the estate's fans will have a problem with that given how long these wines usually take to open. Today, the 2017 Geremia is a total pleasure bomb. Don't miss it." Vinous

Deep dark cherry red with a violet glow at the rim. Aromas of spices such as rosemary and thyme on the nose, plus fruity notes of blackcurrant and cherry. On the palate blackberry, cherry, fresh plum and cranberry, wonderful cassis note and dark chocolate on the long final. Modern Tuscan, stylistically rigorous according to the French model. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark garnet. Hearty and elegant cherry nose of wild berries and ripe raspberries, also slightly of cassis, in the reverberation delicately of cardamom. On the palate polished and compact, opens finely drawn with rich fruit, grippy-compact tannin accompanies the drink, minimal drying due to its youth." Falstaff

"Extremely floral and aromatic with blackberry, violet and sandalwood character. Full-bodied, tight and focused with rich, chewy tannins, yet pointed and focused. Needs time to open and come together. Better after 2023." James Suckling

Since Guidalberto has been vinified from its own grapes, most of which also grow in the Sassicaia DOC monopoly position, San Guido's "second wine" has almost surpassed itself. Spicy, earthy bouquet with hints of tobacco, clove and lavender, dense and juicy on the palate with fresh red and black berry fruit. The tannins are well-dosed and the finish is complex with a majestic elegance that will become even more refined with years of bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Nice freshness on the palate with plums and berries and citrusy acidity. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a powdery texture. Hints of mushrooms. You can enjoy this young, but it will age nicely, too." James Suckling

"The 2020 Guidalberto is a gorgeous, classy wine. Less opulent than it can be, the 2020 impresses with its energy and drive. Sweet red cherry, plum, mint, rose petal, cedar and pipe tobacco all take shape in this super-attractive, mid-weight offering from Tenuta San Guido. There's a bit more Merlot in the 2020, but Guidalberto is increasingly made from lots that don't make it into Sassicaia, which explains the style of recent vintages. This is a terrific showing, especially considering the recent bottling. It's a fine relative value in Bolgheri's high-rent district." Vinous

Madre is an elegant and yet juicy cuvée of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon matured in barrique. Its rich, slightly tobacco and leather coloured bouquet and the impressive, persistent taste give it great originality and character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Plenty of tar, earth, dried red plums, redcurrants, dried cedar, tobacco, vanilla and dark chocolate. Full body, ripe and round tannins and a chewy, drying finish." James Suckling

"This is a blend of equal parts Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2016 Madre most definitely benefits from extra oxygen (I tasted the wine at different intervals after I had first opened the bottle). It's still a bit tight and nervous at this young stage of its life, and this of course bodes well for the aging future of the wine. In fact, I recommend you wait a year or two before pulling the cork. This is a cool and elegant vintage that delivers sharp lines of blue and blackberry fruit with subtle tones of spice and underbrush. The acidity is noticeable, and the wine offers tart fruit nuances on the close. Give it time to unwind in the glass." Robert Parker

The combination of two such different personalities as Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend ingeniously in Grifi, giving this wine a unique character. The Cabernet gives the wine an extra kick of depth in the mid palate as well as a tannic backbone that gives the wine plenty of stamina and energy.

Dark ruby red with violet reflections. The nose opens with hints of blueberries, blackberries and incense to sandalwood and graphite. The palate is dense and complex with hints of blackberry jam and cinnamon. On the palate, it then develops like a balsamic explosion, supported by good acidity. The lively tannin accompanies the spicy and persistent, very linear finish. Grifi is a wonderfully sophisticated and elegant pleasure from the best sites around Montepulciano and Cortona. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. Fragrant nose of violets and juicy cherries, shows fine red pepper tones, also liquorice in the finish. On the palate with pressure and lots of juice, shows light wood tannin, long in the finish, with minimal tasting, currently still young, will develop well." Falstaff

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 purple; aromas of chocolate, berry jam and vanilla characterise the bouquet; supple texture, the tannins fine-meshed, yet has pressure and fullness through to the final, but does not lack elegance." Vinum

"Tight and focused with very pretty fruit and a solid core of fruit and tannins. Full-bodied, tight and focused." James Suckling

Deep dark ruby. 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

"This blend comes from the Maremma and already shows the generosity of the local landscape in the aroma. Wonderfully juicy dark cherries and morello cherries blend skilfully with chocolate and smoky, dark-roasted notes. Elegant in the mouth, the fruit is precise and finely contoured despite its concentration, the grippy, fine-pored and noble tannin and the juicy acidity wonderfully embrace the meltingly dense body, and a fine dark chocolate flashes in the final. Weinwisser

"Rich ruby red. In the nose of ink, graphite, noble wood, then blackberry and truffle. On the palate with great, polished and clear fruit, spreads out nicely, dense and elegant, radiant, stays long." Falstaff

"The 2018 Ilatraia is a heady, potent wine that captures all of the natural density of Maremma. A blast of black plum fruit, chocolate, dried herbs, licorice and copious French oak lends notable exuberance. Ilatraia doesn't quite have the open-knit charm of most Bolgheri reds, likely because of the booming structure of Petit Verdot and its formidable tannic clout. Even so, there is plenty to like, especially for readers who enjoy big Tuscan wines." Vinous

"Blackberries and currants with some violet and walnut undertones. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, polished tannins that show balance and focus. Stone and mahogany. Just a hint of chocolate. Racy and fine." James Suckling

Massimo Piccin lives the dream of giving new expression to Bordeaux grapes from Bolgheri and producing wines that combine power, elegance and longevity. And so the Sapaio magnificently offers its full, vital and tannin-rich style and takes a lot of time for the finish. Once again, part of the grapes come from Bibbona, i.e. outside the Bolgheri DOC, so that this great wine is only allowed to bear the label Toscana IGT. Truly no reason to mope ...

Beautiful, animating bouquet of blackcurrants, blueberries, lavender and a delicate hint of chocolate. Firm, full-bodied, multi-layered on the palate with an attractive extract sweetness, finely woven but definitely present tannin and a resting, seamless substance that leaves nothing to be desired until the long and tasty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Currants, crushed berries and violets on the nose and the palate. It's full-bodied with chewy tannins that are polished and very pretty. Extremely long and flavorful. Slightly austere." James Suckling

"A concentrated, muscular style, this features dusty black currant, black cherry, plum, rosemary and iron aromas and flavors. Firms up as the finish plays out, with lively acidity and a complex aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"This is his top-end wine, and this latest vintage opens to a dark appearance with bright ruby and garnet that shines from deep within. The bouquet is piled high with blackberry, dried cherry, tar, leather and spice. The wine offers thick concentration, and that richness extends warmly to the palate in this hot and dry vintage. The tannins are a little too dry at this young stage, and I suggest holding onto this bottle for an extra year or two." Robert Parker

"Its muscular reputation put it in danger in 2017, however it shows a better balance than usual considering the vintage conditions. Crimson in colour, it is restrained on the nose with youthful, almost estery fruit, elegant, vinous and balsamic. The tight yet ripe palate displays grainy tannins and integrated acidity. The toasty finish completes a very good picture indeed in 2017." Decanter

Beguiling aroma of sweet, dark berries with hints of cassis, cedar and antique leather. Very balanced on the palate, of beautiful viscosity with an elegant melting. Fine-meshed tannin, restrained mineral tones and a wonderfully polished fruit accompany into a remarkable finish. With all its elegance, it shows pressure and power and promises a long life with the right dose of acidity. A great wine from a great vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2019 shines in its typical intense colour. Fresh aromas of ripe red berries unfold on the nose, accompanied by lively balsamic notes that recall the scent of cypress cones and eucalyptus. On the palate, the wine presents itself silky-soft and full-bodied, with an elegant tannic structure and a tasty, long-lasting final." OLGA FUSARI (KELLERMEISTERIN ORNELLAIA)

"Sparkling, rich ruby with violet. Fresh and appealing nose, opens with notes of tobacco, lots of blackberry and cassis. Round and supple in attack and course, showing plenty of polished, well-integrated tannin, lots of juicy berry fruit." Falstaff

"The 2019 Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia is delicate, refined and exceptionally beautiful. Floral accents and mid-weight structure inform a Serre Nuove that is all finesse. Dark red berry fruit, licorice, incense, cedar, aromatic dark spice and leather all meld together in an understated, fabulous Serre Nuove that delivers the goods. The 2019 is especially aromatic for a Merlot-based wine from the Tuscan coast. Give it a few years to come together." Vinous

"A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2019 Bolgheri Rosso Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia shows a greater degree of focus and detail compared to the previous vintage that I tasted at the same time. This wine reveals the sharp contours and etched character of the Cabernet Franc, especially with black licorice and black pepper. The results are linear and pure. Elegant fruit notes of blackberry and dark currant add to the thick layering of the wine." Robert Parker

"Currants, sweet tobacco, walnut husk and flowers on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied, it grows on the palate, with firm yet polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Very solid and well-crafted second wine from Ornellaia." James Suckling

Concerto was born in 1981, a time of dynamic change in Italian viticulture. The hitherto unused potential was recognised and experiments were carried out with new grape varieties and, for the first time, successfully with international grape varieties. Produced from 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Rosso Toscana Concerto was one of the pioneers of the later phenomenon of the Supertoscans and was one of the elite wines of the region for a long time.

Intense, bright ruby red. Rich bouquet of red currant, cherry, spices and a delicate vanilla note. Endless fruit on the palate, dense and full-bodied, velvety tannin in the background and a very discreet acid wire. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with garnet. In the nose of cherry and noble woods, in the reverberation of cigar box, undergrowth. Taut and compact on the palate, perceptible, well-integrated wood, with power, long finish, with pressure." Falstaff

"The 2018 Concerto di Fonterutoli is a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Inky blue fruit, crème de cassis, licorice, spice and menthol, meld together in a sumptuous, voluptuous wine that marries vibrancy with opulence. This beautifully layered, racy red will drink well for the next decade or so. The 2018 is just gorgeous." Vinous

"The Mazzei 2018 Concerto di Fonterutoli (an 80-20 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon) is a true crowd-pleaser. There is beautiful roundness, depth and intensity here with the fundamental characteristics of both grapes showing with true grit. It opens to a darkly saturated appearance and terrific aromatic richness that incorporates elements of dark cherry, prune, spice, savory leather and smoked bacon. I'm opening up the drinking window since I last tasted this wine from barrel to accommodate those lovely, softly evolving tannins." Robert Parker

"A suave red, exhibiting dark cherry, blackberry, mineral and tobacco flavors intertwined with the firm structure and velvety texture. Beautifully integrated and caressed by the oak treatment, this is all about finesse and class, yet deeply rooted in Tuscany." Wine Spectator

Massimo Piccin lives the dream of giving new expression to Bordeaux grapes from Bolgheri and producing wines that combine power, elegance and longevity. And so the Sapaio magnificently offers its full, vital and tannin-rich style and takes a lot of time for the finish. Once again, part of the grapes come from Bibbona, i.e. outside the Bolgheri DOC, so that this great wine is only allowed to bear the label Toscana IGT. Truly no reason to mope ...

Beautiful, animating bouquet of blackcurrants, blueberries, lavender and a delicate hint of chocolate. Firm, full-bodied, multi-layered on the palate with an attractive extract sweetness, finely woven but definitely present tannin and a resting, seamless substance that leaves nothing to be desired until the long and tasty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Polished aromas of blueberries, mulberries, baking spice, sandalwood and rosemary. It’s full-bodied with tight, chewy tannins. Structured and layered with a fleshy texture. Try from 2023." James Suckling

"The 2018 Sapaio is distinguished by a lovely dark garnet-toned appearance that is deep and thickly concentrated but not without its shimmer and shine. Massimo Piccin shows a deft hand in a vintage that was not easy along the Tuscan coast. This wine is especially bright and focused in terms of its aromas, with black fruit, plum and ripe blackberry. Hints of spice and pipe tobacco add vertical lift and softness. The finish is leaner than we've seen in the past, but that 2018 austerity suits this wine well." Robert Parker

Deep dark, impenetrable ruby with violet reflections. Opulent, warm bouquet of fully ripe cherries, plum, liquorice, young leather with a hint of French oak spice. Powerful and firm on the palate, with a brilliant structure and taut tannins. With increasing aeration, it reveals its good structure and distinguished elegance. Picconero never seems broad or too heavy until the long finish, but convinces completely with a terrificenergy and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Picconero, the estate's Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend, packs a pretty serious punch. There is plenty of power and density, that much is obvious. It will be interesting to see how things develop over the coming years. Today, oak tannins are imposing. Even so, I am cautiously optimistic. Picconero is the most extroverted and potent wine in the Tolaini range." Vinous

"Intense aromas of currants, fresh herbs and wet earth with some dried flowers. Orange peel, too. Medium to full body, linear tannins and beautiful polish and finesse at the end." James Suckling

A full-bodied, noble cuvée from the vineyard of the same name: aromas of red fruits, a light hint of roasted coffee, juniper, pepper and animal notes, an excellent tannin structure and a beautiful acidity give this "Bordeaux from Bolgheri" its exceptional independence and great elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Perky nose of black cherries, leather and tobacco; sturdy construction with powerful, tightly woven tannins, lots of juice and melting into the final. Convinces with its balanced make." Vinum

"Dense powerful bouquet with ripe dark berry fruit and wonderfully ripe cassis as well as ripe red berries, sour cherries, but black cherries offer an interesting mix together with the notes reminiscent of iron and Mediterranean herbs. In addition, a skilful, noble use of wood. Extremely juicy in the mouth, elegant concentration, wonderfully mature tannins. Finest acid wireadd elegance and distinction. Very fine round long finish with balsamic notes." Weinwisser

"Shiny, rich ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Very appealing and multi-layered nose, of ripe dark berries, in addition fine Havana cigar and the corresponding box, behind it a lot of cassis. Full pressure in the attack and course, builds up in many layers, juicy fruit, also shows very good drinking flow, very long finish." Falstaff

"Crimson and perfumed with notes of milk chocolate, cassis and wild herbs - such as eucalyptus leaf - this Argentiera is broad and supple. The attack is firm and intense with cassis fragrance yet extracted on the mid-palate. Graphite minerality emerges sustained by crisp acidity. This vintage confirms the new, improved style of this wine is able to perform quite well even in less concentrated vintages." Decanter

"Aromas of plums and berries with some chocolate and vanilla undertones. Full-bodied and layered with soft tannins that are bright at the end. Currants and blackberries. Currant bush, too. Love the tannin texture to this." James Suckling