The Wine Advocate

The grapes come from the Ginestra, Mosconi and San Pietro cru sites, with around 10 rows planted outside the appellation boundaries (this is why the wine is a Langhe Dolcetto and not a Dolcetto d'Alba). Beautiful, detailed aroma of rose gardens and lavender fields. The finish is slender, soft and silky with aromatic richness and plenty of fruit. A wonderfully complex Dolcetto in the impeccable style of the Clerico house. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a wine that is fun to drink and reveals sweet, explosive fruit. It is charming through and through. The Domenico Clerico 2022 Langhe Dolcetto Visadì shows fresh sour cherry and summery blueberry. The fruit is sweet and fresh, and there are also subtle floral aromas." Wine Advocate

Rich ruby red with a violet hue, the typical black cherry flavour with notes of roses and bitter almonds caresses the palate. This very authentic Dolcetto shines with finesse, a powerful body and a fruity, crisp finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pretty straightforward Dolcetto that starts off with lots of bold dark fruit but that also has the benefit of fine chalk and hints of flinty minerality. The 2022 Dolcetto d'Alba offers a little more complexity and aspires to more than just monotone blackberry. You get tart cherry and a hint of lilac or another blue flower. This is a terrific value buy." Wine Advocate

"Rich, deep dark ruby violet. Intense nose, opens with notes of dark chocolate, then lots of blackberry and cassis, underpinned by fine graphite. Medium weight on the palate, showing lots of crunchy currant fruit, some beetroot, grippy tannin." Falstaff

"The 2021 Alpha is a new wine from Montepeloso. It offers sweet, dark plum fruit, graphite, menthol and liquorice, framed by jabbing tannins that need a little time to soften, though I imagine most bottles will be long gone before that happens. Alpha is a blend of young vines and some bought-in fruit." Vinous

"A rich and firm red wine with aromas and flavours of dark berries and dark earth. Medium to full-bodied with solid tannins and a flavourful finish." James Suckling

"Here is a new submission from Montepeloso in Suvereto, Tuscany, described as a "vino rosso" (or no appellation). The 2021 Alpha shows a rich and lush personality with medium weight fruit. There is plenty of tart fruit, with the two characteristics - acidity and tannins - giving this young wine the qualifications to pair with a hearty pasta or grilled meats." Wine Advocate

Rich, dark shimmering ruby colour. Open-hearted, dense bouquet of blackberry, plums and a delicate hint of clove in the background. Juicy flavour, shows supple tannins, spreads out beautifully. A great Chianti Classico every year with an exemplary price/quality ratio. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is a flavoursome, fruit-driven wine that can be drunk now and over the next few years. Juicy red cherries, spices, leather, tobacco, cedar and mint are beautifully brought to the fore. The 2022 has a lot of charm." Vinous

"The Barone Ricasoli 2022 Chianti Classico Brolio is a bright, perfumed wine where the primary fruit takes centre stage. There is a strong cherry theme that adds drive and accessibility to the bouquet. This beautiful wine also benefits from an elegant mineral tone that frames the light fruit. A small percentage of Colorino is added to this red wine made from Sangiovese." Wine Advocate

"A burst of pure cherry in both aroma and flavour underlines this elegant red wine, while pink and mineral notes add detail along with a subtle hint of white pepper. Charming and long on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A textbook Chianti Classico, offering a fragrant juxtaposition of damp earth and spring flowers on a well-padded background of redcurrants, cranberries and sour cherries. Tightly knit with an elegant frame of light, powdery tannins and firm, steely acidity. Very impressive indeed." Decanter

"Vibrant and floral nose with plenty of berries, Mediterranean herbs and red blossoms. Juicy and well balanced, with a medium body and light, crunchy tannins. Really fresh, pure and pretty. This is made in a medium-bodied, drinkable style, and a bit more length in the finish would certainly take it to the next level. Enjoy now." James Suckling

"One of the impeccable landmarks of its kind, it is both balanced and complex. The nose opens with aromas of pomegranate, then notes of star anise and sensations of rhubarb. The sip is iodised, with hints of small fruits and nuances of sweet spices, closing with nuances of undergrowth." Luca Gardini

Bright ruby red colour, open-hearted notes of cherry, raspberry and violet, paired with green pepper and cloves. Delicate on the palate, with a nice tang. Delicate, fine tannins, vivaciously supported by a fresh acidity structure with subtle extract sweetness, round off this incredibly authentic and juicy Tuscan experience. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is bright, floral and fruity, giving it great immediacy. Crushed flowers, cedar, tobacco and mint play with a core of vibrant Sangiovese fruit in this charming, medium-bodied offering from San Felice." Vinous

"A fresh and delicious Chianti Classico with a lightness and crispness. Sour cherries and light orange blossom. Light and beautiful." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico proves to be a versatile wine and a fundamentally food-friendly choice with lots of purple and blue fruits with hints of fragrant wild roses. The wine has a medium weight and plenty of fresh acidity that pairs well with cream or butter ingredients." Wine Advocate

"Cranberries, strawberries and orange peel with fennel and sage and a mineral edge of just crushed rock are on the nose and then are repeated on the palate, where they come together in an elegant balance against firm but polished tannins and vibrant acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Intense notes on the nose, hints of black raspberries, with memories of mint and cinnamon from Valdostan. Juicy and spicy flavour, with a comeback of rowan and green pepper." Luca Gardini

At Conterno Fantino, the Dolcetto grape is always processed with great sensitivity. Deep ruby violet colour. Aromas of crème de cassis, smoke, lavender and cloves. Firm on the palate, the typical Dolcetto acidity and a delicately bitter vein accompany this incredibly powerful Dolcetto through to the fresh, fruity and delicate final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Dolcetto d'Alba Bricco Bastia from organic farming is densely packed with sweet blackberries and blackcurrants. The wine is dense and rich with bitter almond and blue flower in the background. There is a lot of varietal character in this wine." Wine Advocate

"The Dolcetto d'Alba Bricco Bastia 2022 is a very nice wine. Crushed blue fruits, menthol, liquorice and baking spices are beautifully highlighted in this delicate, understated Dolcetto. Like so many Dolcettos, the 2022 is more finesse than power." Vinous

"Aromas of ripe blueberries and mulberries with rose petals and peppery undertones. Medium body with a polished texture and fine tannins. Fresh and floral on the finish." James Suckling

After a year of bottle ageing in the cellar, Feudi's famous Fiano "Pietracalda" is labelled Riserva.

A particularly high-quality Fiano di Avellino from Campania with a bouquet of light-coloured stone fruit, nuts and honey. On the palate, its fruity character, aromatic herbal notes and clean structure and minerality make it extremely stimulating. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Fiano di Avellino Pietracalda wafts up with a delicate blend of white flowers, young peach and crushed stone. It flows across the palate with silken textures offset by tactile mineral tones as a core of ripe pit fruits and inner florals amass toward the close. A youthful tension lingers as the Pietracalda finishes classically dry and lightly structured. Today, the 2022 is coy, yet it possesses the balance for medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"That's good. Taut and fresh. It relies on a chewy lattice of salted lemon pith, as well as a distinct acidity. Taut and medium-bodied, with dabs of pistachio, fennel, tonic and jasmine. Long and complex." James Suckling

"The Fiano di Avellino Pietracalda 2022 is another very approachable and drinkable white wine from Feudi di San Gregorio. It is fresh and lively, both on the nose and in the mouth, with lots of flavours of white melon, pear, almond and gravel." Wine Advocate

Intense ruby red, complex bouquet with notes of black cherry, blueberry and plum, followed by coffee, liquorice and leather. Powerful and full-bodied on the palate, sweet in its tannic texture, infused with a lively freshness and with a beautiful fruit centre. Persistent on the palate with notes of liquorice and cocoa, giving the Rosso an elegant and full-bodied finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A bright, fruity style that offers flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry, iron and tobacco, supported by a lively structure. Lingers with a tangy, delicious finish." Wine Spectator

"The Tenuta le Colonne 2021 Costa Toscana Plenum punches above its weight with hints of dried mint, dark fruit and pencil shaving. The wine has a medium-rich finish with nice freshness and easy fruit." Wine Advocate

Sweet cherries, flowers, spices and a hint of mint on the nose. Firm yet harmonious tannin in the lively, very intense flavour, which never feels heavy but elegant until the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Etna Rosso Erse keeps me returning to the glass to take in its vibrant and spicy bouquet, where sour cherries complement dried roses, cloves and a hint of fresh mint. This wine is round and juicy, yet pure, with mineral red berries that saturate, while the lively acidity maintains a fantastic freshness. A subtle coating of fine tannins and a salty note define the final, while the 2020 tapers off smoothly and grippily under a hint of red flowers. This is an excellent entry-level Etna Rosso." Vinous

"The entry-level Tenuta di Fessina 2020 Etna Rosso Erse is elegant and lean with a fun set of aromas that recall white pepper, wild berry, blue flower and candied orange peel. I like this fresh, snappy style and you get great value." Wine Advocate

Dark ruby red in colour. Opens with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spices and Spanish cedar. The delicate blackberry flavour is also very seductive on the palate, which in turn blends with tobacco, minerals and well-integrated wood. The final is fresh with pinpoint acidity and an intense, spicy length. The Chianti Classico from Poggio Bonelli is very attractive, stylish and in tune with the times every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Poggio Bonelli 2021 Chianti Classico shows a beautiful combination of candied cherries and powdery mineral notes. These are characteristics I often find in Sangiovese wines that are best suited for a pizza or pasta night. This casual presentation hits the mark, offering plump dark fruit and good acidity to finish. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and leans slightly towards the more robust side of the spectrum." Wine Advocate

"Spiced cherries, wild berries and hints of licorice, walnuts and wet stones. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. It has a toasty, cedary aftertaste. Bright and focused." James Suckling

Rich ruby red colour, precise, clear fruit on the nose with a very light mineral note. Pleasant, beautifully smooth flavour, round and of good substance. A Rosso di Montalcino with a lot of charm. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino offers medium weight fruit with dark cherry, wild plum and savoury spice. This is an excellent vintage with moderate summer temperatures and a long growing season, which is very favourable to Sangiovese, a grape that needs its time to mature and develop complexity. This Rosso also shows a particularly spicy character with nutmeg and cinnamon, which seems to come from both the grape skins and the 12 months in oak barrels." Wine Advocate

"The nose leads with earthy, umami aromas of balsamic and fresh soil, but fruit notes of cherry and blackberry gradually emerge. The palate runs with the fruit, but that fresh, almost stony earthiness persists to create a cool, bouncy feeling, like a sudden gust of wind. Acid acts as a whetstone for sharp tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"A juicy red with leather and undergrowth accents framing smoky cherry, plum and mineral flavours. Well-structured and long, with a solid grip of tannins on the lingering aftertaste. Offers fine intensity." Wine Spectator

"A beautifully spicy Rosso di Montalcino with cloves, dried flowers, sour cherries and orange peel on the nose. Creamy and medium to full-bodied, with chalky tannins and a ripe, chocolaty finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Rosso di Montalcino immediately catches the eye, with a classic, dusty blend of dried cherries, worn leather and earthy tones, complicated by aromas of roasted meat. It is polished. A crisp minerality emphasises the pure red fruits, which are accompanied by a lively acidity. This leaves you wanting more, as the orange and cranberry flavours linger in the mouth for a long time. The 2021 is a fantastic, dynamic Rosso that makes me curious to see what the Brunello of the vintage will bring." Vinous

Bright ruby red colour with a delicately brightening rim. Fresh, full-bodied, very enjoyable wine with the aroma of dark cherries, flowers and mint. Hearty, delicate flavour, good acidity, very lively and full of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Morisfarms 2019 Maremma Toscana Sangiovese Barbaspinosa shows very dense and tart fruit flavours and has a slightly green note reminiscent of blackberries or balsam herb. The wine is a little prickly with a medium-heavy palate that finishes with cedar and toasted wood. It opens up nicely when it gets more air in the glass." Wine Advocate

Pale straw yellow in colour. Characteristic Chardonnay flavours: bright, tropical fruit, plus some apple, melon and pear. Full and round on the palate with invigorating acid wire and a delicate nutty/mineral note on the medium-long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh and bright Chardonnay with sliced green apples and lemon blossom. It has a medium to full body with beautiful fruit and a crisp finish. Lime zest." James Suckling

"The organically certified Il Borro 2022 Chardonnay La Melle does not come into contact with oak and is made without malolactic fermentation to maintain a crisp and fresh fruit profile. This wine is bright and shiny with flavours of white spring flowers, citrus and zesty salinity." Wine Advocate

Opulent, savoury fruit, plus sage, ginger and thyme. Very soft and rich on the palate, fresh and agile as it progresses until it finally reaches its persistent and mineral final. A terroir wine full of character and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Colli di Lapio 2022 Fiano di Avellino shows good freshness and fruit quality in a challenging and very hot vintage and is beautiful on both the nose and the palate. It opens with creamy citrus, golden apple and yellow papaya flavours. Mineral tones are gently woven in. The secret of this wine lies in the vineyard's high altitude, with vines planted at a cool 530 metres above sea level on volcanic soils." Wine Advocate

"A fine expression from a warmer year. Peach, raw almond, apricot kernel and a noble quinine bitterness embrace an inherent ripeness. An engaging column of saltiness and a stream of gentle, maritime freshness. Perfect balance, the result. In such vintages, there is always a tendency towards excess. The winners are those who avoid this. Here is an example." James Suckling

"Bright and juicy, with pineapple, peach, blood orange sorbet, pink grapefruit granita, anise hyssop and honeysuckle flavors. Silky on the palate and well-knit, sculpted by lively acidity and a nice push of minerality that shines on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Traces of camomile complement sweet flowers and crushed yellow apples when the Fiano di Avellino 2022 opens in the glass. It is tangy and fresh, with a slightly effervescent feel. Salty mineral tones provide an echo of excitement. Young peach and sage notes linger as the 2022 finishes crisp." Vinous

This Venetian is exceptionally rich, concentrated and fresh in character with international appeal. Dried black cherry, plum and star anise are flanked by finely woven tannins and fresh acidity. Impeccable and a paragon of concentration and flavour enhancement. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, deep dark ruby red colour. Opens invitingly on the nose, with lots of savoury fruit, concentrated and spicy, slightly animal on the finish. Soft and flattering on the palate, opulent, with great presence and a long finish." Falstaff

"The Palazzo della Torre 2020, a blend of Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Sangiovese, is lush, dark and extremely modern in style and execution. It is a soft and well-structured expression with layers of ripe fruit, black cherry, spice, dark chocolate and spicy Spanish cedar from the oak ageing. The oak is quite dominant, so be prepared for this particular stylistic approach." Wine Advocate

"A part of this wine undergoes a drying process called appassimento and is then blended with the undried wine. This process gives the wine richness and intensity, while maintaining the freshness necessary for the wine's balance. Aromas of blackberries, cassis, sour cherries, mixed herbs and dried violets emanate from the glass. On the palate, the wine is rich yet balanced, with savoury notes and forest floor intertwining with the densely packed fruit, and a perfectly timed pop of acidity on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Palazzo della Torre impresses with a seductive bouquet of exotic spices, cedar shavings, lavender and dried black cherries. This is soft textured and racy in style, with sleek red and blue fruits that flow across a core of brisk acidity. It leaves a staining of bitter dark chocolate, along with a primary concentration that puckers the cheeks as edgy tannins resonate. The 2020 packs a punch and will require some time to settle down." Vinous

"In the past, all grapes were dried. Today, only the Corvinone is dried due to the large berries and the greater ratio of liquid to solids. While the oak is evident, it is clearly a full-bodied wine built for ageing. In that sense, it serves more as a textural addendum than a shout-out. Notes of dark, saturated cherry, kirsch, liquorice, black olive tapenade and alpine herbs tied to an edgy band of tannin, with an underlying freshness that gives it a juicy, crisp feel and fine length." James Suckling

The aromas of dark cherry, plum, smoke, leather, spices and menthol are supported on the palate by wonderfully juicy blackcurrant, clove, tobacco and aniseed. The refined tannins flank the compact, very straightforward style into a long final where we discover fine notes of hazelnuts. An aristocratic wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"A well-loved expression of Dolcetto that you often see in local restaurants, the Pecchenino 2021 Dogliani Superiore Sirì d'Jermu is a rich and hearty wine to pair with a pizza topped with spicy sausage. The wine flaunts food-friendly appeal with ripe blackberry, soft tannins and a spot of bright acidity. The presentation is simple but complete as far as Dolcetto goes." Wine Advocate

"Notes of ripe and juicy dark berries with plum skins and spices, following through to a medium body with racy tannins and vivid acidity. Fresh and tangy with plenty of energy. A little salty at the end. Drink now." James Suckling

Open-hearted, very appealing bouquet of tart berry fruit, forest floor, bitter almond, blue flowers and grilled herbs. The palate has the typical Sangiovese profile of bright red berries, with wonderfully integrated acidity and freshness. A classic from Castellina in Chianti, rich in finesse every year and unbeatable with white meat dishes and sugos. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Clear and expressive on the nose, blackberry and redcurrant, followed by some thyme and cloves as well as white pepper and marzipan. Refreshing and lively on the palate, pleasantly savoury, ripe, well-integrated tannins, vibrant acidity, juicy and animating through to the final." Falstaff

"Transparent ruby red colour. Fully ripe fruit with an intense, characteristic, rustic and spicy aroma. Lots of acidity and light tannin after very pure, tangy fruit on the palate. Extremely fresh and quite persistent with a certain fruit fullness. Really very refined and ethereal." Jancis Robinson

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli smells of dark cherry, plum, leather, liquorice, menthol, dried herbs, incense and sage. Supple and expressive, with marvellous depth, the 2021 is a fine edition of pure Chianti Classico." Vinous

"The Chianti Classico Fonterutoli 2021 comes from a vintage that delivered great results throughout the region. It is somewhat darker, stronger and more concentrated than the normal entry-level Chianti Classico. Cherry and dark plum give way to beautiful mineral tones. This added intensity is part of the house style and a little gift for those who appreciate more meat on the Sangiovese bones." Wine Advocate

"Notes of raspberries and cherries with red liquorice, dried orange peel and spices. Medium to full-bodied with a fleshy structure. The tannins are broad and velvety with a juicy, red-fruity mid-palate. Fresh and crisp on the finish." James Suckling

"This powerful red wine is dense and fleshy and is reminiscent of cherry, tobacco, iron, earth and wild herbs. Balanced and fresh, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit, savoury Mediterranean herbs and mineral notes." Wine Spectator

"Red currant on the nose, with hints of cinnamon and bitter licorice, iodized on the palate, with hints of sensations of small fruits and sweet spices." Luca Gardini

Rich ruby. Elegant cuvée with spicy aromas of black cherry, plum and white pepper as well as an earthy undertone. Clear on the palate with hints of blackberry, the fruit always very fine, nice spice, including star anise, very rounded. Ends with a lot of freshness, elegance and a hint of lemon peel. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Mamertino is dark and earthy, grumbling up with suggestions of plum sauce and grilled herbs complicated by flowery undergrowth. It's soft and round yet quite mineral in style, taking on a crunchy sensation as tart wild berry fruits cascade across the palate. Blackberry hints linger through the licorice-tinged finale. The 2018 finishes grippy and long." Vinous

"This wine shows a bright bouquet supported by lots of fresh fruit. The Mamertino Planeta 2018 smells of fresh summer cherries, dried raspberries and wild plums. It is a traditional blend of 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Nocera, with a light tannin content. The wine is an approachable and easy-drinking companion to your favourite southern Italian pasta dishes." Wine Advocate

"Intense nose of blackcurrants, black plums, mocha, cloves, cigar box and iodine. Medium-bodied with polished and integrated tannins. Solid mid palate." James Suckling

Since the 2015 vintage, Piancornello has been vinifying a small-batch Ciliegiolo of 4,000 bottles that is solid, deep and very distinctive. Intense, ruby-red colour. The nose reveals very pure, straightforward aromas of ripe cherries and sour cherries, rounded off by spicy notes and hints of medicinal herbs. In the mouth it is rich, with noticeable tannins, but well inserted into the structure, of solid body and with a tasty, long finish of good complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pure expression of one of the Tuscan indigenous grapes often used as a blending agent with Sangiovese, the Piancornello 2019 Ciliegiolo Podere del Visciolo Per Emma gives us a chance to consider Ciliegiolo on its own merits. This is a pretty but simple wine with sweet cherry perfumes backed by very light hints of cola, lavender bud and crushed limestone. Per Emma brings us a graceful, delicate and fresh taste of Tuscany at a great low price." Wine Advocate