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

"The Passi di Orma is the entry-level wine at Orma from Bolgheri. The 21 has a dull, light-toned aroma of chocolatey fruit and berry accents with incense, rosemary and bay leaves. Sweet, fleshy, round and somewhat hearty it then appears in the mouth. Broad, full-bodied, with a rich mid-palate but little finesse or character, lingering somewhat reductive and framed by good wood." Weinwisser

"Rich ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Spicy on the nose of black pepper and fruity of rich sour cherry, then slightly leathery with a touch of chocolate and coffee grounds. Lots of ripe cherry on the palate, well balanced, with fine-grained tannin and a long final." Falstaff

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

"Mushroom, meat and earth with some blackcurrant on the nose. Medium to full body, firm and chewy tannins and a long, fresh finish. Bright and tensioned for the vintage. Crushed-stone undertones." James Suckling

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

Le Difese is the freshest and most accessible of San Guido's three wines. For us, it is one of the most beautiful price-quality wonders of Tuscany. Magnificent, sweetly perfumed fruit aromas in the opulent bouquet, just as generous and wide the long-lasting taste of dark cherries, wild strawberries and tangy rose hips. Le Difese shows the great class of the winery in a more playful way. SUPERIORE.DE

"Le Difese 2021 is made up of a majority of Sangiovese (55%), departing from the traditional 70/30 split in favour of Cabernet Sauvignon. The third generation of Tenuta San Guido, Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta, explained that this decision was made to enhance the wine's "local Tuscan" character and improve its drinkability at an early stage as a "first step into the world of Tenuta San Guido". While the Cabernet is grown on the estate, the Sangiovese is sourced as always from long-standing partners in Chianti Rufina. Bright, incredibly vibrant red, black and blue fruits are accompanied by subtle, fine-grained tannins with notes of wood and chocolate. It is at once juicy, tangy and crisp, with good ripeness and great acidity." Decanter

"The 2021 Le Difese smells of crushed red berries, rose petals, lavender, spices and sweet pipe tobacco. The 2021 is medium-bodied but beautifully complex and impeccably balanced. Even at this early stage, it is a real pleasure. In many vintages, Le Difese is a fruity, forward wine, but the 2021 has a classic feel that is very appealing. It is one of my favourite vintages of recent years. As it has been for some time, Le Difese is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate and Sangiovese bought from various estates in Chianti Classico, with the energy of the Sangiovese coming through very strongly in this vintage." Vinous

"Dark, sparkling ruby red. Opens on ripe sour cherry and blueberry on the nose, followed by notes of sage and wood spice. Flattering on the palate entry, with pithy tannin and concentrated fruit, pleasant into the lingering final." Falstaff

Pergolaia is mainly Sangiovese with smaller portions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine opens with a medium-bodied attack and a bright bouquet characterised by notes of cherry, wild plum, ploughed earth and pressed blue flowers. Very Mediterranean in style and with a strong personality, this red coats the palate with delicate, silky intensity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby red with a slightly lightening rim. In the nose restrained at the beginning, then tones of ripe cherry, wild strawberry and currant, in the aftertaste hints of violets, seems slightly icy. Elegant on the palate with supple tannin, multi-layered and with a long and exciting finish." Falstaff

"Sangiovese takes the lead in this blend with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, giving it nerve and deep cherry flavours, while the French additions absorb the touch of oak. The result is velvety, finely textured and long. You can drink this now and for up to six years while you wait for the 'grand vin' 2019 to come round. Sheer class and with bags of Italian flair." Jancis Robinson

"A lush, opulent red, featuring blackberry, blueberry, plum, violet and black pepper flavors. Dense, with well-wrought tannins that add support and bolster the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Black olives, iodine, salted plums and blackberries here. It’s medium-bodied with firm, creamy tannins. Lovely creaminess, with fresh, savory and saline character." James Suckling

"The bouquet opens to red and purple fruits with wild plum, dried cherry, potting soil and pressed rose. Those floral tones and mild herbal signatures are what give this wine its very Mediterranean, easy-drinking personality." Wine Advocate

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

"Aromas of dried cherries, bark, mahogany and porcini mushrooms. Lemons and herbs, too. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and tangy acidity. Juicy, savory and supple." James Suckling

"This blended red is Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon in a supporting role. The Poggio Bonelli 2018 Poggiassai is velvety, saturated and rich with dark fruit, cherry liqueur, barbecue spice and grilled herb. The wine shows a pretty dark color and thick concentration to complete what is ultimately a very contemporary winemaking style." Wine Advocate

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

"Excellent purity and ripeness to the fruit-expressive nose, but this still has some complexity to offer, too. Some violets, graphite and spices to the fresh blue fruit and slate. I like the texture here on the palate with fresh, fine-grained tannins and a cooling finish. Long, fresh and juicy." James Suckling

Uccelliera is not only famous for its outstanding Brunello every year, but the Rapace, which has become an icon in the meantime, also shows 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

Vigorello was created in 1968 at the beginning of the Super Tuscan movement. It is a powerful yet finessed 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

"Exuberant bouquet with aromas of black cherries. Licorice, leather, also pepper and fine tobacco spice; perfectly balanced tannin-acid framework with discreetly salty minerality, ell-long fruit finish." Vinum

"The 2018 Vigorello is a blend of Pugnitello, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Ripe, racy and exuberant, the 2018 is laced with super-ripe red cherry, kirsch, mint, rose petal, blood orange and a kiss of new French oak. All the elements are nicely balanced. Even so, I would give the 2018 at least a year or two to come together." Vinous

"Very attractive blackberries and currants with hints of chocolate and fresh herbs, such as lemon grass. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Will age nicely, but why wait?" James Suckling

"When the wine was first produced in 1968, it started off as a Sangiovese-based blend. Cabernet Sauvignon was added in 1979, and Merlot came later. Recently, Pugnitello and Petit Verdot were introduced and the Sangiovese was taken out completely. This is a generous, full-bodied wine. The Pugnitello (a grape named after the Italian word for "fist" due to its tight concentration) underlines the wine's black color and earthy notes of black truffle. The other grapes add concentration, structure and black fruit flavors." Wine Advocate

"Still marked by vanilla and new oak, but this has loads of blackberry, black cherry and plum fruit. It's rich without overextraction, boasting dense tannins, superb balance and a long finish." Wine Spectator

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Raspberry, blackberry, chestnut, mushroom and earth on the nose. Full-bodied with chewy tannins. Structured with a chalky texture in the mouth and a long, flavorful finish." 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

"Very typical Bolgheri scent with ripe red and blue fruits and the spicy terroir note. Juicy, with grippy tannin, polished, finely contoured, builds powerfully on the palate with lovely freshness, well infused with fine-grained acidity, clasped by firm tannin. Potential." Weinwisser

"Powerfully shining ruby with a slight violet shimmer. Open and very accessible nose, lots of ripe berry notes, of cassis and blackberries, plus some dark tobacco, underpinned by spicy components. On the palate very full-bodied, grippy, hearty tannin, dark fruit, has very good potential, lots of pressure." Falstaff

"Intriguing aromatics of red berries and flowers, also herbal and spicy notes; punchy construction, powerful yet fine-grained tannins, spot-on evolution, long seductive chocolate berry finish." Vinum

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

"Exceptional bouquet of stone fruit, flowers, tobacco and eucalyptus; full-bodied and powerful on the palate, has perfectly cut tannins in harmony with the vivid acidity, combines character, elegance and length." Vinum

"Rich, deep dark ruby with 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

Lodano Rosso is a blend of Petit Verdot and Merlot, seamlessly integrated with its dark fruits, blackberries and plums, nicely rounded out by smoke and tobacco from French oak and a smaller amount of American oak. The Merlot comes from the winery's famous old vines, the contemporary concentration and richness of the Lodano is found in this wine and, for that matter, throughout the winery's portfolio. The dark fruits and spices speak in a deep baritone that calls for a juicy grilled steak, it also offers excellent value! SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy and chewy young wine with blackberries and blueberries as well as some graphite. Vine bark. Black pepper, too. Medium body, firm and fine tannins and a linear finish. Bright and structured. Needs three or four years to soften but impressive." James Suckling

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 on the palate with intense cherry fruit and hints of spices, some smoke, 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

"Deep aromas of blackberries, blueberries and bark with some dried flowers, following through to a medium body with firm and polished tannins and a tangy and fresh finish. Some dark earth at the finish." 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

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

"Dark shining ruby with a little violet and delicately brightening rim. Compact nose of ripe blackberry and cherry, elegant pepper spice, fine malt aroma rounds off the bouquet. On the palate polished and juicy, shows great entry with a racy and gripping course, in addition a fine salty undertone, can be stored for a long time." Falstaff

"Excellent, elegant blend of Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon: spicy forest fruit aromas, powerful attack, the tannins finely meshed and in balance with the acidity, the finish berry-spicy and long." Vinum

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

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

"A lively, elegant red wine with aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackcurrants, violets, cedar and tobacco. Balanced, while a sweep of firm, dense tannins support the long, fruity and flavoursome finish." Wine Spectator

"The nose is like a garden after a storm, with aromas of fruit and flowers mixing with the stones crushed underfoot and the saltiness of still-wet air. Red plums, mission figs, roses and violets continue onto the palate, with umami undertones setting up a coffee and chili pepper finish." Wine Enthusiast

Madre is an elegant and at the same time juicy cuvée of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon matured in barriques. Its rich, slightly tobacco and leather-tinged bouquet and impressive, lasting body give it great independence and character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Plums, berries, dried herbs and mushrooms on the nose. Full-bodied with fine tannins. Supple, with a velvety texture in the mouth. Spicy character on the long, savoury finish. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Already very attractive." James Suckling

Deep dark cherry red with a violet glow at the rim. On the nose, aromas of spices like rosemary and thyme, 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 ruby red with a slightly lightening rim. In the nose tones of ripe Amarena cherry, wild berries and plums, in the aftertaste mint and elegant toasty aromas from the wood ageing. Juicy and mouth-filling on the palate, with fine tannin and a long finish." Falstaff

"It smells of violets and black and blue berries. In the mouth it is intense, concentrated and dense, with good acidity, fine tannins and lively, tangy dark fruits. Needs more time before it opens up." Decanter

"A medium-bodied, balanced red wine with notes of cherry, spiced plum, dried herbs and liquorice. Spicy. Slightly chewy tannins. Fresh and delicious finish. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The second wine from Monteverro. Already very tasty." James Suckling

"Fruity bouquet of stone fruit and herbs; excellently structured with fine mineral components, the finish is balanced and fruity." Vinum

"The 2019 Monteverro Terra di Monteverro is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot from organic farming and is the little brother of the winery's Monteverro (from the same grapes). This concentrated vintage shows lots of concentrated fruit, blackberry and black cherry. The wine also has a creamy side that adds to the sense of opulence and density." Wine Advocate

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

"Aromas of blackcurrants, dark cherries, chocolate, ground spices and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied with compact but supple and polished tannins. Spicy notes with hints of dried mushrooms and chocolate. Attractive with a long lingering finish." James Suckling

"The Guidalberto 2021, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from San Guido, is soft, juicy and seductive from the start. The supple contours of the Merlot add fleshiness to this medium-bodied, racy Maremma blend. Ripe red cherry fruit, spice, leather and tobacco come nicely to the fore. Best of all, the 2021 will drink well from the start." Vinous

"The Tenuta San Guido 2021 Guidalberto, a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, shows tart cherry fruit with dark blackberry and plum tones. This vintage delivers particularly angular and focused fruit characteristics elegantly framed by light spice, cola and earth. This vintage shows a heightened sense of intensity and territorial identity that is the hallmark of this storied winery." Wine Advocate

"Sparkling, intense ruby-violet. Opens with appealing notes of mint, plus blackberry and mulberry, spicy cedar in the background. Fine-meshed, polished tannin characterises the palate, present, clear fruit, nice drinking flow." Falstaff

"According to Carlo Paoli, the viticultural director of Tenuta San Guido, the 2021 is the best Guidalberto he has ever made. The Merlot percentage was reduced to the typical 40% this year because the quality of the Cabernet Sauvignon was so good. The Guidalberto 2021 has a very deep colour, almost black with a narrow purple rim. It took about an hour for it to really open up, but then it had a wonderful range of aromas and flavours. Notes of cassis and blueberries, blue flowers, violets and iris are followed by a palate full of perfectly ripe blackberries and blueberries enveloped in smooth, creamy flavours. A wine of velvety richness balanced by vibrant acidity, with very pure, concentrated aromas and flavours. Delicious!" Decanter

"This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, now undergoing a refined stylistic redesign, also stands out: a wine with a nose of blackberries, with notes of Mediterranean scrub and rhubarb, then nuances of eucalyptus. Taut and crisp, with spicy tannins, juicy, nicely persistent." Luca Gardini

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

"Pressive attack with notes of wild berries and spices; combines character with elegance, the tannins fine-grained and interacting with the acidity, polish and length on the final." Vinum

"Fresh and floral with aromas of black cherry and lavender leading to a medium body with well integrated tannins that spread nicely across the palate. It becomes silky and beautiful. A hint of smoke and spice at the end. Crisp on the finish." James Suckling

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