The Wine Advocate | 95–100 Points

The third vintage of the red crus from Cusumano's still young Alta Mora family from Etna is a deep dark red, single-varietal Nerello. Elegant bouquet with aromas of berries and herbs, on the palate lean, juicy and very finesse with silky tannins and fine acidity, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright shining ruby red. Intense nose of raspberries, cherries and Mediterranean herbs as well as a little smoky in the back. Very fresh and juicy on the palate with very appealing tannins and pleasant drinking flow." Falstaff

"A fresh, focused red, with brambly herb accenting the wild cherry and red currant fruit flavors. It's light- to medium-bodied, with a fine frame of light, snappy tannins and a subtle underpinning of tarry smoke and spice lingering on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Elegant and savory, this focused red has aromas of wild berry, blue flower, underbrush and dark spice. The radiant palate has great energy, delivering juicy Morello cherry, licorice and tobacco alongside lithe, fine-grained tannins that give it a rather drying finish. Bright acidity keeps it well balanced." Wine Enthusiast

"Complex aromas of smoke, bramble and savory herbs, followed by cloves and dried flowers. This is an elegant, medium-bodied red with ultra fine tannins and red-tea notes. Firm and lightly austere. Mouthwatering finish." James Suckling

"The Alta Mora 2016 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo is a wine of unsuspecting power and intensity. The momentum takes a moment to build, but sure enough, this wine fills the balloon of your glass with ripe cherry, cassis, blue flower and rusty nail aromas. It also shows a sanguine or mineral side with iron ore and pencil shavings. Made with fruit from 90- to 100-year-old vines, the wine hits the palate in a sharp and decisive manner, thanks to the tannins and the wine's focused style. A tasting party with just a few slices of caciocavallo cheese will be huge success with this bottle." Wine Advocate

The grapes for the Barbaresco come mainly from the top vineyards Pora, Ovello, Montestefano, Muncagota and Rio Sordo. Deep, lively ruby to garnet red. Extensive bouquet of red fruits and pastries with a mineral touch. On the palate, it convinces with a rich, solid structure as well as a continuous development, which ends in a long-smelling final. The leading winegrowers' cooperative in Italy shows every year already with its basic Barbaresco what it and its members are capable of. SUPERIORE.DE

"Youthful mid ruby. A proper, concentrated fruit nose, which this vintage is woefully short of. Subtle marasca cherry palate with lots of finely ground tannins; head and shoulders above the rest." Jancis Robinson

"This is aromatic and attractive with notes of dried cherries, hibiscus, cocoa and bark, following through a medium body with polished and refined tannins with velvety texture, and a linear finish. Fresh and floral at the end with a bright red fruit backbone." James Suckling

"The 2020 Barbaresco is a lovely, harmonious wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring. Forward fruit and soft curves are perhaps a bit uncharacteristic for young Barbaresco but that also make the wine very enjoyable. Juicy red cherry/plum fruit, rose petal, spice, cedar, mint and tobacco all meld together in the glass. Classicists will probably prefer other vintages, but it's hard not to like the 2020 for its charming, effusive personality. At the same time, aeration brings out greater aromatic presence and a good deal of structure, too." Vinous

"Still vinous, with youthful strawberry notes, rosebud, violet, liquorice and a whiff of cinnamon. Savoury and floral on the palate which is dominated by firm, crisp, long acidity and velvety ripe tannins of an amazing quality; perhaps just a bit stern on the aftertaste. Amazing Barbaresco. Here we have the cooperative of Barbaresco and one known as producing some of the best-priced quality wines in all of Langhe." Decanter

"The 2020 Barbaresco boasts an ample set of aromas with wild cherry, blue flower, sweet spice and crushed limestone. As always, the wine paints an exciting and authentic portrait of Nebbiolo, albeit with a little more richness and texture in this vintage. This is especially true in terms of the palate, where the wine offers mid-weight intensity with melting tannins." Wine Advocate

Bright golden yellow. On the nose, an impressive potpourri of yellow fruits, apricot, quince, dried fruits and honey. On the palate, almost overwhelmingly full and soft, but never sticky or broad. You taste dried fruit again, some acacia honey and wonderfully ripe yellow fruit. A fine sweetness fills the mouth and inevitably awakens the desire for another sip. An elegant, deep and at the same time fresh wine with blockbuster potential that has no equal. SUPERIORE.DE

"A lot of caramelized orange and a rich, creamy texture make this a very appealing dessert wine and the sweetness is enough to go with quite a wide range of desserts. Good length at the finish." James Suckling

"The 2016 Alto Adige Baron Salvadori Baronesse Passito is a syrupy and sticky dessert wine with fragrant layers of candied orange peel, almond marzipan, sun-dried apricot and chestnut honey. The wine is aged in tonneaux for 12 months, but those characteristic notes of cinnamon and spice appear as distant afterthoughts and are evenly folded into the thick texture of the wine. This is a seriously delicious wine that is difficult to score because it stands so far apart in a group of peers. The intensity here is truly stratospheric. Only 3,000 precious bottles were made." Wine Advocate

Dievoles Gran Selezione Vigna Sessina is dark, deep and with wonderfully powerful cherry and blackberry flavours. Very defined and precise on the palate with an archetypal interpretation of the grape variety. Everything is in the right place here, the balance and clarity impresses with every sip. The finish has terrificlength and depth. This is Sangiovese in its purest form with infinite energy and expression. SUPERIORE.DE

"Seems a little cheesy with its "sugary" fruit and sweetness, but can please with the juicy vein and the robust tannin as well as the fine acidity and lets the wood resonate skilfully in the background." Weinwisser

"From a vineyard 420 metres above sea level: profound bouquet of red berries, lilacs and herbs; juicy on the palate, beautifully polished, supple tannins and crisp acidity, fruity and spicy finish. Successful." Vinum

"Medium ruby red with first orange-coloured reflections. A little dusty, probably from the oak, with shy, fragrant raspberry fruit underneath. With aeration, the nose becomes finer and more concentrated, with a hint of iron. The palate is elegant and delicate, with plenty of freshness." Jancis Robinson

"Sessina is a 5.5-hectare, south-facing vineyard on Macigno (sandstone soil), but with a limestone vein running through it. It shines in the fresh 2019 vintage - it is the best bottling of this wine that I have tasted. It has a lively aroma of mint, sage and a hint of chocolate. The dark plum core is ripe yet crisp, with tannins that are gently textured and grip in all the right places. Refined and elegant, but not without depth, it offers a tantalising interplay of warm Mediterranean balsamic notes with cooler forest tones. Delicious." Decanter

"Polished and pretty nose of dried flowers, cloves, mocha, dried cherries and chocolate orange. It is medium-bodied with firm tannins. Beautiful freshness and balance, with a long and elegant finish." James Suckling

"The organic Dievole 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna di Sessina is a true beauty, offering elegance and power in two ways in this vintage. There are plenty of black fruit flavours that delicately fade into crushed stone, spices and grilled herbs. The winery opts for fermentation in cement and rapid ageing in oak for about a year. These steps ensure intact primary aromas and the wine is characterised by energy and lively flavours." Wine Advocate

Maestro Raro shines first with its lively colour and then impresses with a bouquet that reveals a wonderful blackberry scent after spices, leather and tobacco aromas. The concentrated taste spreads softly, in which a stable acid structure cooperates perfectly with the tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet. In the nose noble spicy note, after cassis and elderberries, carried by cloves and a hint of red pepper. Spicy on the palate with a slight peppery-animal note, very warm, has tension throughout and comes back juicy on the final." Falstaff

"The currant character is supercharged with wood and bark highlights. It’s full-bodied with lots of blackberry and blackcurrant undertones. Chewy and firm. Needs time to open." James Suckling

"The 2018 Maestro Raro is dense, powerful and rich. As always, Maestro Raro is a decidedly Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon. Black fruit, leather, spice and smoke are front and center. This burly Cabernet is a bit angular, but it certainly has plenty of character." Vinous

"This is an exacting and powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of Tuscany. The Fèlsina 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Maestro Raro always stands out in a crowd, and it definitely stands apart in this portfolio. The wine is sultry and rich in personality, sporting tightly wrapped tannins that will need time to soften and unwind. At its core, the wine shows concentrated black fruit flavors, but there are hints of spice, baker's chocolate and smoky tobacco that add to the complexity and the aromatic lift of the bouquet." Wine Advocate

Tasca got involved in Etna early on and the latest result of these years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante estate: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are filigree and profound, and despite their power, acidity and taut tannin, very elegant, finesse-rich and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine - due to the altitude, soil composition and morphology of the historic lava flows. A high annual rainfall ensures that the soil has all the water it needs, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the aromatic diversity of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Contrada Rampante parcel is situated at an average altitude of 740 metres above sea level between Solicchiata and Passopisciaro. It covers an area of just 4.6 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 15,000 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante is remarkably pretty, wafting up from the glass with dusty rose and cherry complicated by ashen stone. It soothes with its silky textures and ripe red berry fruits. Vibrant acidity maintains a lovely energy throughout. Fine tannins linger, flexing its youthful structure as the 2019 finishes potent yet fresh and wonderfully perfumed. This is a beautiful interpretation of Rampante fruit." Vinous

"Aromas of ash, baked strawberry and roasted herbs. Medium to full-bodied with silky tannins. Mineral, with some spicy herbal character, but it remains pleasantly red-fruited throughout. Very complex and balanced." James Suckling

"The Tenuta Tascante 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante takes a little longer to open up aromatically compared to some of the other wines in this impressive series from Etna. This initial shyness quickly melts away as the wine takes on more air and intensity in the glass. It shows aromas of wild cherry, rosemary or Mediterranean herbs and pressed violet. You get a good impression of the incredibly fine and articulate nature of Nerello Mascalese, especially when the grape is handled with a restrained winemaking style. There is a salty or mineral note on the finish." Wine Advocate

Sparkling, medium-dense ruby-garnet colour. The Rancia Riserva from the single vineyard of the same name is powerful and energetic, expressive and dense. The aroma is characterised by ripe, full-bodied fruit and mineral notes. The flavour is earthy, tannic and terroir-influenced, beautifully articulated, fine and with an enjoyable length. A wine that requires sensitivity and/or a few years of rest. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. On the nose, it smells of beautiful precious wood, lightly of coconut flakes, ripe cherries, cranberries and cold smoke. Compact on the palate with tightly woven tannins, beautifully savoury, opens up on the final with warm-hearted fruit, carried by a full-bodied, long finish." Falstaff

"Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Seductive, sophisticated nose of raspberries with oak notes and mineral, stony notes. Almost a little exotic. Juicy raspberry fruit with lots of gravelly tannins. Elegant and long. Undeniably attractive now." Jancis Robinson

"On the nose, small red fruits, redcurrants, then notes of laurel and peony. The mouthfeel is flavoursome, very taut, with a strawberry and juniper berry note that keeps reappearing and an excellent persistence." Luca Gardini

"Intense, with complex flavours of cherries, blackberries, violets, minerals and leafy undergrowth, this red wine is silky and almost racy. Harmonious and persistent, with a long, resonant aftertaste that reflects red fruit, mineral and spicy elements." Wine Spectator

"A sophisticated and very refined Rancia with sweet berries, cedar wood and a hint of chocolate. Medium body. Fresh and concentrated. A little restrained on the finish. It needs two or three years to develop." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia 2020 shows a beautiful minerality with dusty notes of crushed limestone or flint. This is the wine's special signature, which comes into its own particularly well in a warm vintage like this one. The Rancia also offers a superficial quality with red and violet fruit tones. The 2020 vintage shows lovely concentration and richness with wild cherry and plum, but ultimately the wine leaves an elegant mineral finish. The Rancia will need additional bottle ageing." Wine Advocate

Tenuta le Colonne Bolgheri Superiore comes from a beautiful vineyard just a stone's throw from the pine-lined coast. Intense, impenetrable ruby red. On the complex bouquet, dark fruits with distinct notes of blackcurrants and blueberries, accompanied by spicy notes, coffee and graphite. On the palate, energetic and refined at the same time, concentrated and powerful, just as complex yet beautifully balanced as on the nose and very long-lasting as it progresses. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red and leafy-scented, full of fresh notes of rosemary and lavender, pipe tobacco and a balsamic touch. Multifaceted and complex, dense and fresh, it shows a delicate rose aroma with dense, youthful and crisp cassis and red cherry. It's edgy, but the toasty flavours make for a lovely finish." Decanter

"An elegant, lively red wine characterised by aromas of mint, wild rosemary and eucalyptus. It offers flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries, violets and minerals that unfold on the palate in a lingering finish. Balanced and will be even better in a year or two." Wine Spectator

"The Tenuta le Colonne 2019 Bolgheri Superiore is a small production of 6,000 bottles from a site with sandy, gravelly soils. It shows pure aromas of black fruits, dried blueberries, toasted oak, cherry and gravel. Soft-textured and medium to full-bodied, this red also shows lovely hints of earth, forest floor and delicate blue flowers." Wine Advocate

The 2019 Brunello vintage from Altesino stands proudly among its peers. The bouquet has a pronounced floral character with delightful notes of pressed rose petals and dried violets. The fruit tones are elegant and harmonious, ranging from light red cherries to redcurrants. Firm and well-structured on the palate, the multi-layered fruit is accentuated by a refined fennel and liquorice note. Long and stately in the final, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Already firm and compact on the nose with a fine, complex character, as is often the case on the dark red, black berry side (cassis, dark cherries), with earthy and ethereal notes reminiscent of mint. Very present and again grippy on the palate, the ripe fruit is clasped by fine tannins, the delicate acidity embraces the athletic body. This has power and fine tension. A very typical 2019." Weinwisser

"Bright, light ruby red colour. Very fragrant on the nose, of ripe currants, reminiscent of raspberries, orange juice and cold fruit tea. Shows earthy notes on the palate, ripe berry fruit and full-bodied tannins, with good pressure, warm and grippy with good length on the finish." Falstaff

"This red wine has a solid structure and shows macerated flavours of cherry, plum, earth and wild herbs, supported by a lively acidity. A hint of chocolate adorns the finish alongside dense tannins." Wine Spectator

"Altesino covers around 50 hectares in the northern and southern parts of Montalcino. The estate's Brunello is a blend of different vineyards and is one of the best wines in the appellation. While the bottling from Montosoli has a rather solemn tone, this 2019 is cheerful and bright. Strong redcurrants and cherries mingle with plums and aniseed. The lusciously fruity, plush palate is mouth-filling yet agile. Sandy tannins envelop and caress it, while the citrus-like acidity lightens the whole. It's already approachable and has enough depth, concentration and backbone for a solid decade of enjoyment." Decanter

"A medium-bodied red wine with beautiful plum and berry aromas and flavours. Fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very fine and concentrated. This is all about finesse and polish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino has a dark ruby red colour in the glass and opens with a beguiling mix of dusty earth, crushed rock, spicy herbs and dried roses. It is racy and supple, with vibrant ripe wild berries underscored by orange and sage, all with a lively acidity. The grippy tannins take control on the finish, but hints of bitter liquorice and dark chocolate leave the mouth wanting more." Vinous

"The Altesino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows a rich and flavoursome side that this wine carries very well. There is a nice amount of dark fruit that blends into the velvety texture of the wine. Blackberry and plum envelop the palate, adding elegant, full-bodied volume and fine tannins." Wine Advocate

In the very well-balanced 2019 vintage, the winery offers us an extremely flavoursome and juicy wine that carries the spirit of Montalcino from the first to the last sip. Fine notes of sage and mint beautifully round off the warm, ripe and extremely rich fruit bouquet. The palate prances with a fine red berry acid wire that is underpinned by a great velvety texture. On the other hand, it is a taut, precise and particularly fresh Brunello that delights us even at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, spicy bouquet with fully ripe fruit, blue berries, ripe cherries, leather and sweet spices. Juicy and beguiling on the palate with redcurrant and pomegranate, followed by tobacco and delicate mineral and herbal notes with balsamic nuances. Very juicy and full of finesse, full of crackling tension and yet so seductive, stylish and powerful. It scores with its subtle and refined style on the spicy final." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby-garnet colour with a brightening rim. Extremely appealing nose, fine aromas of roses, ripe dark cherries, fresh blackberries and a hint of saffron. Supple on the palate with lush fruit, but then also shows grippy, present tannins, firm pressure on the final, long finish." Falstaff

"The Brunello is made from a large number of south-facing, airy plots at an altitude of 240 to 360 metres. The exceptionally fragrant 2019 wine smells of sweet Mediterranean herbs, arbutus and raspberries. It is medium-bodied with soft, sandy tannins and captivates with its tangerine freshness. While a hint of warming alcohol shines through, it retains its graceful stature." Decanter

"Sour cherries with undertones of stone and bark in the flavours. Medium body, firm tannins and a long, linear finish that ends tightly. However, it softens with age. Subtle bark and dried mushroom character at the end." James Suckling

"Dusky cherry and plum flavors are the main themes in this red, with accents of leather, spices and wild herbs. Lively and focused, with excellent harmony and a sequel of ripe cherry on the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"This wine is not to be confused with a Brunello. The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows a beautiful continuity that unfolds in sync on the nose and palate. There are aromas of grilled watermelon, red cherry, garden herbs and violets, and there is a charred note reminiscent of toasted oak. The bouquet is very balanced, but on the palate it is much more powerful, thanks to the high alcohol content of 15% and the young tannins that hit the palate. Give this wine a few more years of bottle ageing." Wine Advocate

"A compact Brunello from Ciacci Piccolomini. The nose opens with notes of cranberry, then marjoram and a hint of eucalyptus. Juicy and taut drinkability, tasty tannins, closes with a return of small fruits and balsamic sensations." Luca Gardini

Just 9,000 bottles make up the annual production of this boutique winery from Etna. At 950 metres above sea level, the one-and-a-half hectares of vines, divided into eight tiny plots, are gradually bought up by the renowned Oenologist. The area is planted with Nerello Mascalese bush vines, which have been spared the phylloxera vine louse and make their way through the lava-covered terraces.

The single vines, which are on average 80 to 100 years old, are cultivated in the traditional, low-bush Alberello style, to which the wine also owes its name. Alberelli di Giodo is of extreme elegance and spiciness and represents to a remarkable degree the minerality and finesse typical of its volcanic growing region. SUPERIORE.DE

"From 2 hectares, the well-known Tuscan Oenologist Carlo Ferrini produces his own Brunello di Montalcino from Podere Giodo as well as a Sicilian red wine from Etna called Albarelli di Giodo. It is made from the local, Burgundy-like grape variety Nerello Mascalese and has the typical delicate colour. Quite fruity and very accessible, the Albarello di Giodo presents itself as an inviting, harmonious interpretation with a sweet, Tuscan touch. Deep, fine and very balanced also in the mouth, the delicate tannins are enveloped by Tuscan-like sweetness." Weinwisser

"Bright, radiant ruby red. In the nose hearty, of rich cherries, wet stone, some black truffle, in addition noble nuances of tea. On the palate radiant and juicy, showing fine creamy nuances, currently also still with very young tannin, in the final with firm grip and pressure." Falstaff

"Dark cherries and dried flowers with pumice and spices on the nose. Medium to full body with tight, firm tannins. Racy, with wonderful depth. From old vines with an average age of 70 years." James Suckling

"The Alberelli di Giodo 2019 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese is a wine true to its volcanic roots. This elegant grape variety reveals a tight embroidery of aromas with wild rose, sour cherry, white pepper and campfire ash. The tannins are polished and long, and this deftly made Nerello Mascalese is endowed with plenty of natural freshness and tart berry flavors that drive a long, nuanced finish. This is another super star bottle from winemaker Carlo Ferrini." Wine Advocate

Maestro Raro shines first with its lively colour and then impresses with a bouquet that reveals a wonderful blackberry scent after spices, leather and tobacco aromas. The concentrated taste spreads softly, in which a stable acid structure cooperates perfectly with the tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Beautiful aromas of currants and fresh herbs with some green coffee bean. Medium to full body with firm, chewy tannins and a flavourful finish. Needs time to mellow and come together." James Suckling

"The 2019 Maestro Raro is impressive. Dark, layered and striking in its completeness, the Maestro Raro is endowed with tremendous depth and sheer resonance. Black cherry, plum, menthol, liquorice, spice and grilled herbs give the 2019 considerable depth." Vinous

"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Maestro Raro is a lovely expression with deep layers of dark fruit and savory spice that are woven tightly together to form a solid core of primary and secondary flavors. This vintage is especially tight and concentrated, showing terrific balance and freshness and impeccable fruit ripeness that is generous and full. There are no green elements in this vintage. Instead, the fruit is beautifully rich and velvety." Wine Advocate

Vigorello was created back in 1968 at the beginning of the Super Tuscan movement. It is a powerful yet refined wine that bursts from the glass with unadulterated tones of black fruit, 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 over time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose mixes juicy plums and violets with dustier aromas of pepper and mocha. Those notes all continue onto the palate, where bright acidity spotlights the fruit and flowers, and chalky tannins underline the more savory flavors on the long and luxurious finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of black cherries and currants with licorice, walnut and dried leaves. Medium- to full-bodied with fine, polished tannins and bright acidity. Toned and focused with a fresh, juicy fruit character and firm, flavorful finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Vigorello, San Felice's Pugnitello, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot blend is terrific. I especially admire the interplay of dense fruit and energy. Plum, pomegranate, mocha, new leather, spice and dried herbs all build in a sensual, beautifully layered red that delivers the goods." Vinous

"The San Felice 2019 Vigorello is another hit from this leading winery in Castelnuovo Berardenga. The wine reveals an inky dark appearance and a profound bouquet that goes beyond the standard black cherry and spice. This offering also brings on pretty tones of cola, crushed flower, grilled rosemary and sweet crème de cassis. There is freshness and grippy tannins to close. Production is only 6,000 bottles." Wine Advocate

Treat yourself to a big glass or better: decant the wildly racy Il Guercio, then a dark berry mix with black cherries and a hint of dark chocolate will be in the air. On the palate, equally juicy Sangiovese fruit, full-bodied with fine silky tannins, elegant and finely structured, with animating acidity, very precise and animating in the long finish. Potential for many years in the cellar. A not at all loud, but highly impressive wine full of elegance and the masterpiece of the winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Il Guercio is a wine with class. Bright, silky and beautifully perfumed, the 2021 has tons of finesse. Sweet red Sangiovese fruit opens first, followed by a burst of exotic floral and spicy notes that give it character. The wine has real substance and presence. The racy yet light-footed Il Guercio 2021 is a true star." Vinous

"Radiant, shiny ruby red. Open and inviting nose, floral, of violets, roses and juicy fresh cherries, underpinned by vegetal spice, plus sugared wild strawberries. Opens up on the palate with great crispness, juicy, clear, showing youthful fresh tannin on the final, can still age." Falstaff

"The Tenuta di Carleone 2021 Il Guercio, named after the Tuscan word for "one-eyed rogue", is a pure Sangiovese aged in cement barrels for up to five months. The wine delivers a very clear and true-to-type expression with bright plums, wild cherries and iris roots. You can taste the artisanal approach of this beautiful wine. Dusty lime notes provide a cool finish. I am pleased to recommend this very special wine." Wine Advocate

This beautiful cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from a great vintage presents itself impeccably! Deep, complex fruit bouquet, rounded off by fine sweet spices, tobacco and coffee. Punchy and textured on the palate, blackberry, raspberry and a solidly woven tannin structure in the several-minute final. A wine with great development potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Fratta lifts up with a dark and alluring display of black currants, sweet herbs, rich notes of mocha and savory brown spice. This is cool-toned and spicy, a bit lean, yet with a polished feel, showing tart blackberries offset by hints of sour citrus and toasty oak, as violet-tinged florals form toward the close. Fine tannins make themselves known throughout the finale, as this tapers off lightly structured, with hints of licorice lingering long." Vinous

"Deep, dense aromas of crushed black fruit with notes of charcoal and dried herbs, such as rosemary and thyme. The fruit envelops the lightly firm tannins on the full-bodied palate, creating a dense, velvety and lengthy mouthful. A well-crafted red that’s highly concentrated and bursting with flavor, but it also shows astute balance." James Suckling

"Here's an iconic wine from the Veneto made from a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot. The Maculan 2017 Fratta shows enormous intensity, muscle and brawn. The wine has absorbed every last drop of sunshine, heat and dry weather conditions that characterized the 2017 growing season, and it does so with elegance and poise. The wine is impeccably balanced with dark fruit and spice. It's the kind of big-boned red wine you'll want to pair with a hearty dish of barbecue or marinated beef." Wine Advocate

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

Ruby garnet colour, fine violet note and many spices in the bouquet. Dense and compact with taut tannin and sweet fruit melt. Given time, this wine (age of the vines: 100 years, production: 4,000 bottles) is at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just medium ruby and youthful. Captivating, stony, mineral raspberry nose. Brooding depth, sweetly perfumed. Racy cherry and raspberry, with coated tannins clinging to the fruit. Still dense, a little embryonic and super-elegant." Jancis Robinson

"A silky, harmonious red wine with pleasantly juicy aromas of soaked cherries and strawberries, fresh, loamy earth and accents of tangerine peel and ground pepper. Hints of tar and herbs show on the crisp finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Contrada Guardiola (G) rises from the glass in classic form: dark, smoky, ashy even, with a burst of spiced black cherries that evolve with flattery. It impresses with a core of salty minerality and bright acids before releasing its ripe red fruits and inner rose tones. The 2019 retains its amazing energy while becoming structured and tastily rejuvenated, with hints of sage and fresh plums lingering. The Guardiola is a selection of old vines from the vineyard, growing between 800 and 1,000 metres above sea level." Vinous

"The Vini Franchetti 2019 Contrada G is elegant and tight with varietal tones of wild berry, black rose, iron ore and spent ember. The wine is streamlined and elegant in texture with firm tannins and some powdery dustiness on the close." Wine Advocate

"This magnificent red wine shows its Etna ancestry and is full of finesse. It has inviting aromas of camphor, crushed red berries, blue flowers and Mediterranean scrub. The palate is full-bodied but with an almost weightless elegance. It offers raspberry compote, ripe strawberries and baking spices, as well as a mineral note that gives it depth. Enveloping, polished tannins offer supple support, while fresh acidity provides balance. It's already showing beautifully, so there's no need to wait." Wine Enthusiast

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family has for the first time vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione to reflect the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiòla.

Vicoregio 36 is the successor to the ambitious Mix 36 and, since 2017, a true Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. As a result of 50 years of research, 36 biotypes of the Sangiovese grape were planted on a sunny plateau near Castelnuova Berardenga, from which this extremely interesting and independent wine was created a few years ago. The overall impression is very balanced and straightforward with hints of red cherries, spices, dried blueberries and tobacco. It is the warmest and most balanced of the three Gran Selezione wines. Its intensity, richness of colour and precise fruit instantly captivate the Sangiovese lover. SUPERIORE.DE

"Raspberry-scented seducer with floral and herbal notes; flattering on the palate, silky tannin, embedded in fine acidity, ends long and fresh. Pleases with its elegance and no-frills style. Among the best cuts of Viennese beef cuisine." Vinum

"Bright ruby red. In the nose initially marked by rich noble wood, then after blood orange and fresh raspberries, pink roses in the finish. Compact and with clear fruit on the palate, shows itself polished and radiant, pithy, minimal afterdrying in the final." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red with orange reflections. Brooding and with the faintest suggestion of gingerbread and sweet oak. In this youthful state, the palate is similar to that of the Castello di Fonterutoli Gran Selezione of the same vintage, but this is slightly richer and with firmer, if polished, tannins. Enormous length. Monumental and far from finished." Jancis Robinson

"Mazzei's expression of the Vagliagli commune comes from a vineyard planted with 36 different Sangiovese biotypes, the result of 50 years of research. At an altitude of 350 metres, it is the lowest of the winery's three Gran Selezione sites and also the most expansive and supple. It leads with mocha, dried cherry and balsam wood and wears its oak well. The purity of the red berries shows on the palate with toasty flavours. This wine is full yet gracefully structured, with appetisingly integrated acidity." Decanter

"This classy red boasts a core of ripe, juicy plum, cherry and blackberry fruit framed by a subtle touch of new oak and a mineral underpinning. Reveals refined tannins, which should come into the fold over the next five to seven years as this integrates fully. Shows terrific balance and length, with finesse and complexity." Wine Spectator

"This is the third vintage in which this wine has the Gran Selezione designation. The fruit comes from an experimental vineyard at an altitude of 350 metres with compact clay soils (with some stones for loosening), good aeration and a dominant southern exposure. The property is 12.5 hectares and was acquired in 1997. Following the graceful 2018 vintage, the Mazzei 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Fonterutoli Vicoregio 36 shows medium-bodied concentration and sweet tannins with plenty of dark fruit, spice, scrub and wild mint." Wine Advocate

"A very straightforward and fine Chianti Classico with crisp cherry fruit and a hint of minerals. Medium body. Crisp and lively finish. Closed and dense on the mid palate." James Suckling

Barolo Castiglione is produced from a large number of parcels throughout the Barolo zone, many of which are of such high quality that they could be bottled separately. The 2019 vintage is beautiful in the way it combines the vibrancy of the year with a soft, inviting textural presence. Fresh cut flowers, mint, sweet spices, aniseed and red berries are beautifully interwoven in the glass. As the wine progresses, it shines with exquisite finesse, floral aromas and an exquisite overall balance. Ripe, silky tannins support the impressive finish. The 2019 version gives a first impression of how great this vintage is at Vietti. This is first-class stuff. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with garnet colour. Medium expression on the nose, fine earthy notes, sealing wax, ripe raspberries and cranberries, precious wood, fine floral aftertaste. Powerful on the palate, with tightly woven tannins and a clearly defined fruit core, currently still young with a delicate broad texture, earthy tones on the final." Falstaff

"Truly a classic example of the historic Barolo blend, this wine opens with a basket full of dark-hued fruits supported by more subtle elements of forest floor, truffle, dried wildflowers and wild herbs. The giving palate shows that young Nebbiolo is not just destined to rest in the cellar as plump cherries, layers of spice and supple tannins define the palate, finishing with refreshing acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The Barolo Castiglione 2019 is elegant, translucent and refined. Crushed red berries, orange peel, mint and cinnamon adorn this elegant, wonderfully nuanced Barolo from Vietti. I particularly admire the energy here. In many vintages, the Castiglione is easy and approachable, but I think the 2019 needs a few more years to come into its own. I particularly admire its focus and polish." Vinous

"Extremely fragrant of hibiscus, flowers and watermelon with some fresh cherries. Medium-bodied with chewy, polished tannins and a fresh and lively finish. Very solid. Made from about 20 different vineyards. Needs time to mellow." James Suckling

"The Barolo Castiglione 2019 is a complex and generous wine that reflects the main characteristics of this very successful vintage. As this wine does not come from a single vineyard, it speaks more to the quality of the vintage than to a specific vineyard. The Castiglione shows generous richness and concentrated cherry fruit with dark saturation and good structure, which comes from the thicker skins that the Nebbiolo grapes developed this year. It finishes with a salty mineral note that gives it focus and elegance." Wine Advocate

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family has for the first time vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione to reflect the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiòla.

Badiòla is the historic name of a vineyard in the municipality of Radda, whose grapes have been vinified separately as Gran Selezione by the Mazzei family since the 2017 vintage. Bright ruby, a restrained but clear nose of wild berries, blue flowers, undergrowth, and hints of dark pepper. On the palate, Badiòla is masterfully balanced, almost weightless. The very well integrated tannin makes it seem supple from the first to the last glass and impresses with a long finish - its elegance is great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Homely bouquet of wild berries, spices and tobacco; harmonious on the palate, fine-grained tannins, accentuated acidity, stylish finish on notes of maraschino cherries and pepper." Vinum

"Medium ruby red with orange reflections. The most compact of the winery's three Gran Selezioni. Elegant, soft fruit that is less baroque than elegant. Long, tangy finish of raspberries and cherries with supple but long tannins." Jancis Robinson

"A juicy and ripe wine with freshness and brightness for the Radda zone in Chianti Classico. Medium-bodied. Spicy. Orange peel." James Suckling

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Fonterutoli Badiòla is a refined and elegant wine with precise aromas of cherry, blackberry, spice, earth and pressed violet. The six-hectare site consists of a mixture of slate Galestro soils and sandstone. The mineral signature is beautiful in this wine." Wine Advocate

"The great Gran Selezione of Mazzei, from three different Sangiovese clones and a mass selection. A wine of great gustatory-olfactory impact, with notes of berry jam, wild mint and gardenia, with iodine sensations. Iodine on the palate too, with a fruity-floral return and flavourful compactness." Luca Gardini

The Fontalloro is a single-varietal Sangiovese that is matured for up to 20 months in new and two-year-old barriques.brilliant ruby colour with a light garnet rim, mineral, woody-fruity aroma of cherry, cedar, blueberry and hazelnut. With aeration, the flavours become increasingly complex and the terroir influence very clear. Compact and very present on the palate with fine-grained tannins and classic proportions. Very high ageing potential and one of the best Sangiovese in central Tuscany every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim. On the nose, initially fresh yeast pastries, then juicy cherries, watermelon and redcurrants, minimal alcoholic aftertaste, precious wood. Taut tannins and beautiful acidity on the palate, savoury, then becomes a little more expansive on the finish, albeit juicy." Falstaff

"The Fontalloro 2020 is a sensual, enveloping wine. Dark red fruits, sweet spices, tobacco, cedar and mint are all beautifully pronounced. Fontalloro is a pure Sangiovese from vineyards located between the Chianti Classico and Colli Senesi appellations. The duality is very evident here." Vinous

"Very refined and complex nose with hints of pine cones, botanicals and dark mushrooms to savoury oranges, minerals, fine musk and plums. Juicy, dry but structured on the palate with stacks of dusty tannins developing on the savoury, full-bodied palate. Long and quite mineral on the finish. Better from 2025." James Suckling

"A vibrant red with fleeting aromas of lavender and wild rosemary mingling with flavours of cherry, orange peel, earth, minerals and tobacco. Despite its youthful vigour, it is elegant, with excellent harmony, refined tannins and a long, complex aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Intriguing entry with notes of ripe stone fruit, red berries, sandalwood, undergrowth and fine spice; with aeration a lot of fullness and also pressure, without missing the charm, the tannins fine-grained, the finish very long and with maturity potential." Vinum

"The 2020 Fontalloro, made from a special selection of Sangiovese, is generous and rich, the wine has a medium-dark colour and is concentrated. The winemaking team has succeeded in giving this vintage a particularly elegant side. The wine offers pronounced notes of cherry and wild plum with delicate spice in the background. As with the other wines in this portfolio, there is a beautiful mineral note that runs like a common thread through all of these new releases." Wine Advocate

"100% Sangiovese from two parcels located between Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi. A wine that shows hints of black cherry, rhubarb and juniper on the nose, with notes of eucalyptus and wild mint. The sip is taut, with spicy tannins. The finish is deep, the aftertaste fruity and balsamic." Luca Gardini

Produced in small quantities, Vallocchio clearly stands out from pure Brunello di Montalcino. Darker, deeper and more mystical, it shows notes of ripe blackberries and plums, complemented by exotic brown spices and a hint of lemon confit. Its texture is like velvet stretching across the palate, black-fruited and ripe, underpinned by minerals and cooling herbal notes. It is youthfully monolithic and dense, revealing its austere tannin core only towards the end, where notes of black tea, liquorice and a hint of cocoa emerge. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe, intense, mineral-spicy bouquet with dark cherries, redcurrants, cassis and rose bushes. Juicy, elegant palate with fine-grained tannins, very intense, powerful and engaging on the palate, combining the ripeness with the freshness of the vintage." Weinwisser

"Aromas of raspberries and herbs are pleasing on the nose, the wood is well integrated; compact texture, robust tannins, lively acidity, pleasantly fruity finish." Vinum

"Bright ruby garnet colour. Initially restrained on the nose, opens up to pepper, dried kitchen herbs and wild berries, with plum in the background. Inviting on the palate, rich, juicy cherry fruit, savoury, still young in the mid-palate, nicely salty on the final." Falstaff

"Grown in the south-east of Montalcino, this wine is customarily ripe and powerful, but balances its components - a powerful body, generous alcohol and a rich structure. Noticeable oak nuances of sweet spice and vanilla are at the forefront, but a foundation of pure cherry and dark plum simmers at the core." Decanter

"Well-marked by new oak, this version adds a note of vanilla and a layer of tannins to its cherry, floral and iron flavors, all backed by a solid structure. Finds nice equilibrium and a sense of elegance in the end." Wine Spectator

"The Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio 2019 is spicy and earthy in the glass, with a beguiling mix of ash stones, undergrowth and a hint of animal musk opening the stage and giving way to mentholated black cherries. It feels velvety and almost creamy on the palate, with a rich blend of ripe red and black fruits emphasised by salty minerals. Grippy tannins are added towards the end. The 2019 finishes structured and impressively long, with a hint of pine shavings and a hint of bitterness that lingers on and on. It should be stored in the cellar." Vinous

"Flavours of crushed berries and flowers with some bark and mushrooms. Medium to full body with medium, round tannins and fresh acidity. Nice balance and finesse." James Suckling

"The Fanti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio shows a pronounced savoury side with tobacco leaf, roasted chestnut shells, dark plums, honeycomb or honey roasted almonds. The tannins are dissolved, almost silky, and there is plenty of concentrated fruit to develop the rich texture. The alcohol content is 15%, but is well integrated into the dark fruitiness of the wine." Wine Advocate

"A selection from the five most historic vineyards, a mosaic of excellence. Black cherry on the nose, with hints of chinotto and lemon thyme. The mouthfeel is reminiscent of citrus fruits and black cherry, a hint of roasted nuts and ends with official notes." Luca Gardini