Supertuscan

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

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 Brunello, which is outstanding every year, but also the Rapace Rosso IGT, which has meanwhile become an icon, shows the high quality with which the winery has been delighting wine connoisseurs all over the world for decades. Powerful dark ruby red, the aroma spectrum skilfully coordinated from 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

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 bouquet of fruit and a hint of leather aromas. Powerful, concentrated and pure taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very coherent wine of Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese; multi-faceted bouquet of wild berries, licorice and dried flowers; grippy attack, the fine-grained tannins in perfect balance with the acidity, the finish long and linear. Also very successful in this warm vintage." Vinum

"Rich garnet. Very spicy nose, underpinned with green pepper and light leather, lush cherry fruit, some plum, then chalky tones and ripe cassis again, layered and rich. Equally full-bodied on the palate, albeit with a fine drinking flow, compact, tightly woven tannin gives support, still young, very good foresight." Falstaff

"Smooth, this evokes black cherry and blackberry flavors gently singed by earth and spice flavors. Light tannins gird the finish, with a bittersweet chocolate feel." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Piastraia is a super-expressive wine in this range that will drink well right out of the gate. Ripe red/purplish fruit, sweet spice and floral notes are all wrapped together in this attractive, mid-weight wine. Time in the glass brings out an attractive, bright upper register, while silky tannins add quite a bit of appeal." Vinous

"The Michele Satta 2017 Bolgheri Superiore Piastraia offers intensity and bold fruit with plenty of rich blackberry, dried cherry and toasted spice. The is a full and generous wine from a hot vintage that does not hold back in term of fruit density or intensity. It would welcome some pork-filled ravioli. The soft tannins add to the wine's balanced full-bodied approach." Robert Parker

"A full, rich red with beautiful softness and balance. It’s impressively tight and focused with polish and beauty. Layered and bright. Give this some time to come together, but very well done for the vintage. Better after 2022." 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 bouquet of fruit and a hint of leather aromas. The taste is strong, concentrated and pure." SUPERIORE.DE

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 complexity are outstanding and it will develop even more complexity with time." SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby. Intense notes of cloves and cardamom, some white pepper, then blackberry and plum. Rich, grippy tannin, shows fine play of fruit and spice, balsamic notes in the final." Falstaff

"The 2016 Vigorello is a blend of Pugnitello and Bordeaux varieties. Big swaths of tannin wrap around a core of dark red/purplish fruit, mocha, dried herbs, chocolate, licorice, iron, spice, new leather and dried herbs infuse the 2016 with character. Like all these wines, Vigorello is very much on the richer side, but it all comes together. I would give the tannins a few years in bottle to soften." Vinous

"A fresh and clean wine with a very intense structure and density. Linear and bright finish. Shows such a condensed structure and finish." James Suckling

"This is a historic Tuscan wine, with the first vintage produced in 1968. The San Felice 2016 Vigorello is a blend of the Tuscan indigenous grape Pugnitello, with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. It offers depth, intensity and a profound level of dark fruit with blackberry, plum, spice, earth and campfire ash. Robust and softly textured, it has the length and power to pair with a juicy leg of lamb with white beans and rosemary potatoes." Robert Parker

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

"Noble garnet. Spicy, bacony nose, slightly reductive, then of dried tomatoes, light leather and rich cherries. Elegant and polished on the palate with compact fruit and salty undertones, clear course, harmonious and with plenty of finesse." Falstaff

"There is so much Tuscan tang to this wine that I wouldn't be remotely surprised if someone told me it contained a little of Tuscany's signature grape Sangiovese. This is appetising rather than luscious. Nicely balanced and much more accessible now than the current 2017 vintage of Sassicaia. No more than medium bodied. Clean and neat." Jancis Robinson

"Made with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, this smooth red opens with aromas of cassis, vanilla, violet and a whiff of bell pepper. Racy and delicious, the linear palate doles out juicy red currant, black cherry and vanilla set against lithe tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and fresh." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2018 Guidalberto, tasted from an approximate blend from barrel, is positively stellar. I can only hope that the bottled wine is as fresh, vibrant and nuanced as this sample. A rush of black cherry, plum, spice, leather and licorice graces the 2018 with striking depth and nuance. Light on its feet and deep, the 2018 has a lot to offer. In many years, Guidalberto can be a rather rich wine, but in 2018 it is very closely aligned with the house style." Vinous

"A deft and bright blend to serve with a platter of creamy Camembert wedges, the 2018 Guidalberto showing a smooth and silky delivery of aromas with black fruit and sour cherry backed by spice, pressed flower and tilled earth. These are fragrant and delicate results fitted to a medium-weight finish that is driven by freshness and elegant tannins." Robert Parker

"San Guido's 2018 Guidalberto is soft, open-knit and inviting. Sweet dark cherry, cinnamon, licorice and new leather fill out the layers in an undeniably attractive Guidalberto that will drink beautifully upon release. Finesse and elegance are the signatures. The 2018 is a terrific choice for drinking now, while some of the more powerful vintages of Guidalberto come together, or while waiting for its sibling, Sassicaia." Vinous

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

"Mid ruby with a touch of sediment - a sample blend, rather than a finished wine, as with the last two release presentations. Quite reticent on the nose, just giving hints of what it's got - a flash of creamy vanilla, a scent of ripe, plummy, black fruit and some toasted tobacco. Full bodied, with mouth-coating but fine-grained tannins. Plump and velvety - Merlot making its presence felt here. Pretty good length too. This is embryonic and a little closed, but I think has plenty to give - an attractive Guidalberto that will reward cellaring." Jancis Robinson

"This enticing red offers alluring aromas of fragrant purple flowers, dark-skinned berries and crushed mint. The elegantly structured palate doles out succulent blackberry, orange zest, licorice and saline notes set against taut, refined tannins. It's nicely balanced by fresh acidity." Wine Enthusiast

Deep dark cherry red with violet glow at the edge. In the nose aromas of spices like rosemary and thyme, in addition fruit notes of black currant and cherry. On the palate blackberry, cherry, fresh plum and cranberry, wonderful cassis notes and dark chocolate on the long final. Modern Tuscan, stylistically rigorous after French pattern. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, dark glowing ruby red with delicate purple and brightening rims. In the nose first clearly after violets and blood orange, then rich cherry and blackberries, softly after graphite. Dense in the drink with dark fruity play, spreads out nicely, slightly grippy tannin, compact in approach and course." Falstaff

"This is showing a plethora of primary fruit at the moment, such as elderberries and brambleberries. But there’s some real complexity beneath, featuring roasted herbs and nettles. Full-bodied with impressive fruit, but firm tannins to back it up." James Suckling

"The 2016 Terra di Monteverro is a great choice if you love blended reds from sunny Tuscany. This pretty expression is dark, exuberant, rich and fruit-forward. However, the wine is also characterized by that sense of focus and linearity that is the very definition of the classic 2016 vintage. Blackberry and black currant segue to spice, tar and smoked cedar." Robert Parker

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

"Dark, rich garnet. Elegant and finely fragrant nose of ripe blackberries, cassis as well as a pinch of wild berries, in the reverberation noble spice notes. At the palate compact and multilayered, shows itself present and clear with a long course, juicy finish." Falstaff

"The 2016 Geremia is a total knock-out. An exotic mélange of sweet dark cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice, spice and menthol races out of the glass. The 2016 is deep, dense and full of character. It is also easy to drink with minimal cellaring. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon work so well here in the way they express richness and structure, all with a real sense of Tuscan raw power." Vinous

Sister Moon was the first wine composition under Sting's direction and was logically named after one of his most famous songs. Dark ruby red, complex on the nose and with intense cherry fruit and hints of spices on the palate, very harmonious and long. Well-integrated wood does not make this red at all heavy or one-dimensional, but rounds off the pleasure on the palate masterfully and long with beautifully integrated tannin." SUPERIORE.DE

"Appealing nose with notes of ripe sour cherry and dark forest berries. In addition, smoky and spicy hints and some grapefruit. Juicy acidity on the palate, pleasantly elegant. Discreet fruit aromas with sour cherry and red currant. Slightly noticeable tannin and long finish." Falstaff

"Gorgeous aromas of crushed berries and currants with violet and lavender undertones. Full body, fine tannins and a long and polished finish. Shows drive and focus. Sting and Trudy Styler are the wine producers. Better after 2021, but a beauty already." James Suckling

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

Grifi is a wonderfully sophisticated and elegant pleasure from the best locations around Montepulciano and Cortona. Brilliant deep ruby red, complex scent of ripe red fruits, black berries, olive and tobacco. Beautifully balanced and harmonious on the palate, silky tannins, well structured, the wood note excellently integrated and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"A very solid red, showing aromas and flavors of berries and blackberries with black olives and walnuts . Full and chewy tannins add pull and excitement. Flavorful and intense at the end. Needs two or three years to soften." James Suckling

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

"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

From its deep violet red it sends hints of black currant, candied lemon peel and spices into the nose. The weight of the taste is optimal, the finely granulated tannin is perfectly integrated into the overall structure. SUPERIORE.DE

Beguiling aroma of sweet, dark berries with hints of cassis, cedar and antique leather. Very balanced and elegant on the palate, of beautiful viscosity with an elegant melting. Fine-meshed tannin, restrained mineral tones and a wonderfully fresh and polished fruit accompany into a remarkable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2018 shines in a rich ruby red and has a pronounced aromatic complexity, which is a typical characteristic of the vintage. On the nose, aromas of wild berries, blackberries, raspberries and red cherries unfold, accompanied by floral nuances such as wild roses and spicy notes such as pink pepper and liquorice. On the palate, the wine is supple and balanced with a lovely tannic structure and a crisp, tasty final." Olga Fusari (Kellermeisterin Ornellaia)

"Bright, rich garnet. In the nose noble but reserved, a hint of mint, ripe wild berries. Then extremely polished on the palate, excellent use of wood, with pressure, tightly woven, spreads elegantly, punchy, long and compact." Falstaff

"The 2018 Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia is everything a second wine should be. Open-knit and silky, with impeccable balance and tons of sheer appeal, the 2018 is exquisite today. I would prefer to drink it on the early side in order to capture all of its freshness." Vinous

"The 2018 Bolgheri Rosso Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that is aged in oak for 15 months. The wine shows depth, concentration and generous fruit weight that adds to the intensity and the textural importance of this abundant, full-bodied expression. Late-season rains threw some challenges at the winemakers of Bolgheri, but this open-knit wine has emerged unscathed." Robert Parker

"Le Serre Nuove's approachable style comes from younger vines or those on lighter, sandier soils, whilst retaining its potential to age in bottle. 2018 brought useful winter dormancy, provocative spring deluges, hot August flushes, and cool, calming harvest nights. It's a sophisticated red with smooth, Ornellaia-esque appeal in a lighter key. Its forward-flowing, velvety fruit is well defined, clear, persistent and easy to engage with. Tannins from both fruit and oak are integrated and in sync." Decanter

"Really beautiful second wine from Ornellaia with blackcurrant and blueberry aromas and flavors. Full body and round, soft tannins that caress the palate." 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

The Concerto was born in 1981, a period in which Italian viticulture has dynamically changed. The untapped potential was recognized and experimented with new 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 Supertoscan phenomenon and long belonged to the elite wines of the region.

Rich bouquet of red currant, cherry, spices and a delicate vanilla note. On the palate infinitely much fruit, dense and full-bodied, in the background velvety soft tannin and a very discreet acid wire. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, bright ruby red. In the nose elegant and inviting, many dark berries, light liquorice, finest spice. In the drink very pleasant with tightly woven tannin, large structure and yet light-footed playing, stretches a wide bow. This wine lives up to its name." Falstaff

"A flamboyant and flavorful red with lots of plum and cherry character. Full body, soft tannins and a fruity finish. Lovely, fruity wine with a caressing structure." James Suckling

"The Cabernet Sauvignon element comes through nicely with dark fruit, spice and some grilled herb. The grape gives the wine a heavier and more concentrated center of gravity. However, the soul and style of the wine is driven by the freshness and delicate aromas of the Sangiovese." Robert Parker

"The 2016 Concerto di Fonterutoli, the estate's blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, is dense, plush and explosive, with superb depth and notable persistence. Super-ripe black cherry, lavender, spice, menthol, licorice and rose petal build in a rich, dramatic wine endowed with superb depth, intensity and pedigree. All the best elements of the house style are on display in this sumptuous, modern Tuscan red. Two thousand sixteen is a terrific vintage for the Concerto. I loved it." Vinous

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 after cherry and noble woods, in the reverberation after cigar box, undergrowth. Taut and compact on the palate, perceptible, well-integrated wood, with power, long finish, with pressure." Falstaff

Shiny, deep ruby violet. Compact nose with intense notes of dark currants, blackberries and tobacco, exciting play. Shows warmth and fire, juicy, rich fruit and unfolds with fine-grained, dense tannin and ends with a furious finale to noble dark chocolate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Plenty of blackcurrant, blackberry and dark chocolate character with oyster shell and walnut undertones. Full body, extremely tight and structured with blueberry and light vanilla and coffee highlights. A gorgeous Oreno." James Suckling

"Rich and dense, but elegant, with a dusty swath of tannins coating the finish. Black cherry, black currant and mineral flavors hold court, with a fresh, balanced feel on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2015 Oreno is fabulous. Rich, sumptuous and yet very much medium in body, the 2015 has it all going on. Silky tannins and juicy, pliant fruit add to the wine's considerable appeal. Succulent dark cherry, plum, chocolate, mocha and licorice infuse this racy, showy Tuscan red. The 2015 is one of the best vintages of Oreno I have tasted of late." Antonio Galloni