VINOUS.COM – Chianti Classico & Co.

Vigna Poggiale, a full-bodied Riserva from the single vineyard of the same name, is an extroverted classic drop. Dark fruits, blossoms, smoke and liquorice in the complex, differentiated bouquet. Admirably hamonic, the juicy taste is interwoven with silky tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red with light garnet reflections. The nose shows intense aromas of ripe black cherries, notes of undergrowth, rhubarb, red wild roses, violets and spices. Harmonious in the mouth, with lively tannins and a fine spicy aftertaste of noble wood." Falstaff

"This elegant and tasty red wine made from 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo and 5% Colorino smells of wild berries, crushed mint, fragrant blue flowers and baking spices. The supple, elegant palate shows juicy Marasca cherry, star anise and mint, framed by polished tannins. It finishes with a hint of vanilla." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggiale is a deep, powerful wine endowed with depth. Wild cherry, tobacco, incense, leather and dried herbs add remarkable complexity to this virile, deceptively medium-bodied Riserva. A few years of ageing should work wonders here. Stylistically, the Poggiale has a little more new oak structure and sweetness than the pure Riserva." Vinous

"Strawberries, pomegranates, lemons, acacia flowers, cinnamon and sweet spices on the nose. Medium bodied with crisp acidity and slightly chewy tannins. Tangy and fresh with excellent drinkability." James Suckling

"Ripe dark cherry and plums with a hint of spices and dried herbs. Tannins exuberantly extracted yet in the end not too dry or bitter, it's an attractive and ambitious style." Decanter

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggiale shows dark, saturated fruit and medium aromatic intensity. Indeed, the wine takes a few moments to open up, offering dried fruits, grilled herbs, spices and white chocolate." Wine Advocate

"A Riserva of great reliability, from a single vineyard, a Sangiovese, with a contribution of Canaiolo and Ciliegiolo, of excellent flavour impact. On the nose, notes of red cherries with hints of quinotto, nutmeg and ibis. The mouthfeel is juicy, with a fruity and spicy finish." Luca Gardini

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 every year and unbeatable with white meat dishes and sugos. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red in colour. The nose has notes of red fruits, berries, floral notes of violets and sweet vanilla spice. Soft on the palate, with good structure and a pleasant return of fruit. Long finish, pleasant freshness." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is deep, fat and lush, making it a good choice to drink now and over the next few years. Dark cherry, plum, incense, tobacco and chocolate give this fleshy Chianti Classico great appeal." Vinous

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is made from 90% Sangiovese and a small proportion of Malvasia Nera and Colorino, all aged for 12 months in oak. This wine offers a classic interpretation of Castellina in Chianti with bright fruit, lots of cherry, background tones of earth and crushed flowers. You will appreciate the underlying energy and finesse of this wine." Wine Advocate

"Perfumed, with flowers, dark berries and some raspberries. Medium body with a solid core of fruit and firm tannins. Hints of chocolate and berries. Tasty finish. Still needs a little time to open up, but is already precise and concentrated." James Suckling

"Point of reference of the type, from an accurate selection of the farm parcels. Notes of red raspberry on the nose, Valdostan mint and floral touches of rosehip. Iodized taste, with fruity-mentholated comeback and a pleasant juicy-taut drinkability." Luca Gardini

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

A study commissioned by Francesco Ricasoli has shown that there are 19 different types of soil on Brolio. This made it possible to precisely define the sites that are particularly good for Merlot, from which wines with a unique structure and unmistakable flavour emerge. With the 2018 vintage, Francesco Ricasoli is now presenting the "new" Casalferro, whose grapes come from the three different vineyards Vigna Casalferro, Vigna Pecchierino and Vigna Sodacci. The production volume has been drastically reduced, but the result is impressive!

A Tuscan Merlot as it is written in the book. On the nose, complex aromas of dark red fruit, delicate cedar wood, leather, very spicy. Initially taut and dense on the palate, it opens up as it progresses and expands with impressive elegance. The interplay between bouquet and complexity on the palate is perfectly balanced and its impressive size is already unmistakable. This Merlot will have a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure Merlot from (for the first time) three selected vineyards that are particularly suitable for the variety and a hit right from the start: complex nose with intriguing notes of blackcurrant, sandalwood, tobacco and pepper; harmony on the palate, which increases in fullness and density with aeration and yet retains its elegance." Vinum

"Noble, bright ruby red colour. The nose is barrel-spicy and reminiscent of precious woods, plum, blackberry, peppery-malty tones in the finish. Very fresh on the palate with crisp acidity, without missing its body, stretches out nicely, polished and with lots of juice, keeps coming back, put it down, will be a long-distance runner." Falstaff

"The 2018 Casalferro, Brolio's (Merlot) is a powerful, brooding wine, packed with dark fruit, espresso, dried herbs, menthol, liquorice, incense and cloves. This juicy, intensely flavoured red wine delivers a lot of impact, that much is clear." Vinous

"The secret of Casalferro is the fruit, which comes from different locations, including one that is 500 metres above sea level. It delivers vertical power and intensity with dark fruits, spices and dried mint. This wine is already drinking beautifully." Wine Advocate

"A very precise and beautiful Merlot with violets, spices and blackcurrants. Extremely perfumed. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a long, polished finish that shows finesse and complexity. Delicious to drink now, but will get even better with age." James Suckling

"Beautiful intense ruby color, on the nose intense aromas of blueberry, currant and balsamic herbs. The taste is broad, elegant and of spectacular cleaning. Silky tannins, excellent drinkability." Luca Gardini

Unadulterated expression of Sangiovese, terroir and the typical Riecine style, based above all on elegance. Deep, sparkling colour, complex, animating aroma of small red berries and corresponding persistence on the palate. An impressive wine with the finesse of a great Sangiovese. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red. Opens on the nose on juicy cherries, some plums, plus fine earthy tones and lots of pepper. Very tightly woven on the palate with juicy tannin, punchy, builds in many layers, elegant and distinctive, long, present final. " Falstaff

"Plush and racy, with soft curves and striking balance, the 2018 offers up sweet plum, cherry, rose petal, licorice and lavender. Ripe, silky tannins wrap it all together in style. This plush red has a ton to offer." Vinous

"The Riecine 2018 La Gioia is 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot made from a selection of the best fruit from high-elevation vineyards ranging from 480 to 600 meters above sea level. Dark fruit, sweet cherry and spice appear over medium-rich concentration. You get more sweet fruit on the finish, and the wine produces attractive freshness. That small component of Merlot goes a long way to shape this wine's fruit-forward personality. Production is 5,000 bottles." Wine Advocate

Castello di Ama, one of the highest wineries in the Classico area, produces one of the best wines of its appellation every year with the Ama. The grapes come from the single vineyards Bellavista, Casuccia, San Lorenzo, Bertinga and Montebuoni. A fresh wine with youthful charm and aromas of cherry, plum and spicy notes. Complex, full-bodied and with fine-grained tannin on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"An expression of Castello di Ama’s young vines - 10 to 12 years old - Ama is aged in second passage barriques. The delightfully fruity and vibrant nose exudes rose and lavender, with oak notes in the background. Plump sweet fruit on the mid-palate speaks to the modest dollop of Merlot in the blend. The tannins are velvety and polished, and the acidity is refreshing. A citrussy tang brings this near-term charmer to a close." Decanter

"Fleshy and firm, with plum, cherry, iron and Tuscan scrub flavors. Reveals tannins, but is mouthwatering in the end." Wine Spectator

"Castello di Ama settles on a tried-and-true formula with its 2020 Chianti Classico Ama. The trick is to present the elegant side of Sangiovese (blended in this case with a touch of Merlot) while also remaining fun, accessible and easy-drinking. The 2020 vintage brings forth a bit more heat and fruit concentration, but it also shows delicate cassis, red rose and Mediterranean aromas. The tannins are gentle and the mouthfeel is streamlined." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Ama is a pretty, understated wine that shows the vivid side of Sangiovese in its bright, red-fleshed fruit. Medium bodied and vibrant, with brisk acids and lifted aromatics, the 2020 is a gorgeous wine to drink now and over the next 10-15 years. Ama is the estate's young-vines Chianti Classico. I loved it." Vinous

"Blue flower, sandalwood, cassis and spice shape the nose on this lovely red. All about finesse and youthful tension, the savory, elegantly structured palate features juicy Morello cherry, coffee bean and star anise framed in taut, fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced and focused." Wine Enthusiast

"A fresh and composed red with blackcurrant and blueberry aromas with minerals and citrus underneath. It's medium-bodied with fine tannins and a racy, long finish." James Suckling

This wine is the essence of Sangiovese from the Radda commune and the result of the rigorous selection of Sangiovese grapes from the estate's best sites. An elegant, terroir-driven red that is (in Sean's words) "made the way we like it.

Bright shining ruby garnet. Attractive, precisely marked nose with distinct notes of raspberry, some pomegranate. Fine fruit, freshness and a good acid structure on the nose, also shows a distinctive tannin, which withdraws characterfully after minutes of further aeration. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with brightening rim. Very fragrant and appealing on the nose, of goji berries, pomegranate, plus some plums, clear and present. Juicy in attack and course, unfolds with grippy, hearty tannin, fine salty notes, firm pressure in the final." Falstaff

"Closed with a white wax capsule, the Tenuta di Carleone 2019 Uno is all Sangiovese that sees two months on the skins during fermentation and a year and half of cellaring between cement, stainless steel and large oak casks. The wine offers a fun and distinctive bouquet with candied cherry, crushed limestone, herbal nuances and crushed flowers. There could be a distant hint of entrapped CO2 that you perceive on the finish. It adds some spice and snap." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Uno shows the darker side of Sangiovese. Wild and potent, Uno is another compelling wine from Tenuta di Carleone. Dried flowers, herbs, incense, leather and tobacco lead into a core of wild cherry fruit as the 2019 gradually opens in the glass. Stellar and compelling, Uno is absolutely fabulous in 2019." Vinous

The wine icon, rare every year and very highly rated, presents itself in a shiny, rich ruby. On the nose, crisp berry fruit, ripe dark cherries, sweet plums and delicate notes of cinnamon. In the mouth it is full-bodied and firm, very juicy, unfolds a finely woven tannin and glides in a wide arc into a powerful, long final. A great wine full of tension and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, sweet and with great seductiveness, it smells out of the glass with lots of chocolate and nutty aromas. Fine-grained and clearly structured on the palate, it has excellent breed with playful acidity, which in turn gives it depth and length. Impressively typical I Sodi, which has never lost its traditional character. Even though it was one of the more modern top wines from Tuscany in the 90s because of its ageing in barriques, today it has to be classified rather with the classics." Weinwisser

"Rich, sparkling ruby with a slightly pale rim. Opens clear and deep on the nose, with plums and blackberries, discreet smoky notes, some cardamom. Firm and sturdy on the palate, shows lots of tightly woven tannin, builds up firm pressure, lots of plum, long final." Falstaff

"This is marked by new oak initially, then the plum and cherry flavors shine through. Vibrant, with leather and earth elements joining in before the oak spice and tannins frame the finish. Fresh and complex, with a lot going on—just needs time." Wine Spectator

"Bright and vibrant, the trademark lively and vibrant acidity at the fore straight away giving life and lift to the caramelised cherries, pomegranates and strawberry fruit. The wood is a little apparent, giving the frame a spiced edge that sticks out a little and pulls the fruit forwardness back a bit. Clearly powerful, there is a richness and ripeness to the fruit with massy tannins. Nuanced and generous with precision and focus from beginning to the end." Decanter

"This celebrated Tuscan red is a blend of mostly Sangiovese with a smaller part of Malvasia Nera. The Castellare di Castellina 2018 I Sodi di S. Niccolò shows the elegance and grace of these native grapes with aromas of red and purple fruit, cherry, wild rose and gardening soil. However, there is also a strong oak element that adds spice and toast to the bouquet and textural weight to the wine's generous build." Wine Advocate

"A vibrant, balanced and fresh red with raspberries, pomegranates, cherry stones and spice box on the nose. Sleek, tight tannins. Focused, with a very fine structure and wound-up energy." James Suckling

"The 2018 I Sodi di San Niccolò is the most elegant Sodi I have ever tasted, and I have tasted them all. Sodi can be quite the bruiser in its youth, as the tannins are often imposing, but the 2018 is impressive because there is more than enough fruit to balance things out. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and gravel build in a Sodi endowed with mind-blowing purity and exceptional finesse. Superb!" Vinous

A study commissioned by Francesco Ricasoli has shown that there are 19 different types of soil on Brolio. This made it possible to precisely define the sites that are particularly good for Merlot, from which wines with a unique structure and unmistakable flavour emerge. With the 2018 vintage, Francesco Ricasoli is now presenting the "new" Casalferro, whose grapes come from the three different vineyards Vigna Casalferro, Vigna Pecchierino and Vigna Sodacci. The production volume has been drastically reduced, but the result is impressive!

A Tuscan Merlot as it is written in the book. On the nose, complex aromas of dark red fruit, delicate cedar wood, leather, very spicy. Initially taut and dense on the palate, it opens up as it progresses and expands with impressive elegance. The interplay between bouquet and complexity on the palate is perfectly balanced and its impressive size is already unmistakable. This Merlot will have a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure Merlot from (for the first time) three selected vineyards that are particularly suitable for the variety and a hit right from the start: complex nose with intriguing notes of blackcurrant, sandalwood, tobacco and pepper; harmony on the palate, which increases in fullness and density with aeration and yet retains its elegance." Vinum

"Noble, bright ruby red colour. The nose is barrel-spicy and reminiscent of precious woods, plum, blackberry, peppery-malty tones in the finish. Very fresh on the palate with crisp acidity, without missing its body, stretches out nicely, polished and with lots of juice, keeps coming back, put it down, will be a long-distance runner." Falstaff

"The 2018 Casalferro, Brolio's (Merlot) is a powerful, brooding wine, packed with dark fruit, espresso, dried herbs, menthol, liquorice, incense and cloves. This juicy, intensely flavoured red wine delivers a lot of impact, that much is clear." Vinous

"The secret of Casalferro is the fruit, which comes from different locations, including one that is 500 metres above sea level. It delivers vertical power and intensity with dark fruits, spices and dried mint. This wine is already drinking beautifully." Wine Advocate

"A very precise and beautiful Merlot with violets, spices and blackcurrants. Extremely perfumed. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a long, polished finish that shows finesse and complexity. Delicious to drink now, but will get even better with age." James Suckling

"Beautiful intense ruby color, on the nose intense aromas of blueberry, currant and balsamic herbs. The taste is broad, elegant and of spectacular cleaning. Silky tannins, excellent drinkability." Luca Gardini

Unadulterated expression of Sangiovese, terroir and the typical Riecine style, based above all on elegance. Deep, sparkling colour, complex, animating aroma of small red berries and corresponding persistence on the palate. An impressive wine with the finesse of a great Sangiovese. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red. Opens on the nose on juicy cherries, some plums, plus fine earthy tones and lots of pepper. Very tightly woven on the palate with juicy tannin, punchy, builds in many layers, elegant and distinctive, long, present final. " Falstaff

"Plush and racy, with soft curves and striking balance, the 2018 offers up sweet plum, cherry, rose petal, licorice and lavender. Ripe, silky tannins wrap it all together in style. This plush red has a ton to offer." Vinous

"The Riecine 2018 La Gioia is 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot made from a selection of the best fruit from high-elevation vineyards ranging from 480 to 600 meters above sea level. Dark fruit, sweet cherry and spice appear over medium-rich concentration. You get more sweet fruit on the finish, and the wine produces attractive freshness. That small component of Merlot goes a long way to shape this wine's fruit-forward personality." Wine Advocate

Tenuta Tignanello is located in the heart of Chianti Classico on the rolling hills between the valleys of the Greve and Pesa rivers and comprises 319 hectares of land, of which about 130 are planted. The estate's vineyards include two jewels: Tignanello and Solaia, located on the same hill, on marl soils rich in limestone and slate of marine origin dating back to the Pliocene, and which benefit from warm days and fresh nights during the growing season. From these vineyards are produced two wines that many years ago had the stature to become the starting point of the renaissance of Italian wine. This has not changed to this day.

Intense ruby red. Deep, complex nose of ripe red berries like sour cherry, Amarena cherry and redcurrant, in the background a delicate mint and vanilla note and spicy hints of white pepper and myrtle. In the mouth, very straightforward and precise, juicy, fresh and with silky smooth fruit and well-dosed tannin, in the further course of captivating elegance, finesse and with wonderful length. SUPERIORE.DE

"In a classic vintage like 2019, a Tignanello - lots of Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc - is always a safe bet: multi-faceted aromas of fruit, mint, orange zest and liquorice; the attack is elegant, fine-grained tannins, great length, also mineral components. Combines fullness and character with great finesse." Vinum

"Bright, hearty ruby red. In the nose hints of freshly baked bread, juicy cherries, wild berries, a hint of elderberries, fine peppermint in the aftertaste. Shows exciting on the palate with clear, polished fruit, with currently still young, high quality tannin, nice arch, comes back constantly juicy in the final, can rest for a long time." Falstaff

"The 2019 Tignanello is one of the most restrained, understated young wines I can remember tasting here. In so many vintages, the Tignanello is quite showy, but in the 2019, the nervous energy and brightness of the Sangiovese take centre stage. This is intriguing because the 2019 blend contains slightly more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, a decision made to compensate for some of the lighter qualities of the Sangiovese. In air, the 2019 shows wonderful depth and a captivating inner perfume, even if it is not yet fully mature." Vinous

"The nose on the 2019 vintage of this Super Tuscan benchmark is soft and dense, with dark macerated berries in tension with green and black pepper, a hint of hibiscus or a cranberry tea, followed by tanned leather, wet soil and moss under a tree. The palate echoes the nose but adds more decadent notes of plum, fig and chocolate mousse, with tannins that feel like a good pair of loafers—supportive, but comfortable. It's long and harmonious." Wine Enthusiast

"Extremely fragrant and lively, with fresh mushrooms, cherry pits and blackberries. Medium body with very fine tannins that are long and complete. Fresh acidity. Spicy and lively. Beautiful is the word." James Suckling

"The Marchesi Antinori 2019 Tignanello was made in a classic growing season with cool summer rains and relatively stress-free conditions. It is an elegant and extremely polished wine made mainly from Sangiovese with smaller proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Again, the small blend of Cabernet Franc has slowly increased in recent years. The 2019 vintage was born with a good amount of power and tannic structure, and the maceration times were therefore slightly reduced. This less extractive approach shapes a polished and elegant wine with lots of bright berry fruit, cherry, dried mint, blue flowers, blood orange and rusty earth. The palate is more compact and lean. It shows beautiful grace." Wine Advocate

"A supple, elegant red wine with aromas and flavours of cherry, blackcurrant, violet, tobacco, iron and oak spice. Although fluid and seemingly approachable now, it is well structured and shows the balance needed to age. Fine length." Wine Spectator

The wine icon, rare every year and very highly rated, presents itself in a shiny, rich ruby. On the nose, crisp berry fruit, ripe dark cherries, sweet plums and delicate notes of cinnamon. In the mouth it is full-bodied and firm, very juicy, unfolds a finely woven tannin and glides in a wide arc into a powerful, long final. A great wine full of tension and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, sweet and with great seductiveness, it smells out of the glass with lots of chocolate and nutty aromas. Fine-grained and clearly structured on the palate, it has excellent breed with playful acidity, which in turn gives it depth and length. Impressively typical I Sodi, which has never lost its traditional character. Even though it was one of the more modern top wines from Tuscany in the 90s because of its ageing in barriques, today it has to be classified rather with the classics." Weinwisser

"Rich, sparkling ruby with a slightly pale rim. Opens clear and deep on the nose, with plums and blackberries, discreet smoky notes, some cardamom. Firm and sturdy on the palate, shows lots of tightly woven tannin, builds up firm pressure, lots of plum, long final." Falstaff

"This is marked by new oak initially, then the plum and cherry flavors shine through. Vibrant, with leather and earth elements joining in before the oak spice and tannins frame the finish. Fresh and complex, with a lot going on—just needs time." Wine Spectator

"Bright and vibrant, the trademark lively and vibrant acidity at the fore straight away giving life and lift to the caramelised cherries, pomegranates and strawberry fruit. The wood is a little apparent, giving the frame a spiced edge that sticks out a little and pulls the fruit forwardness back a bit. Clearly powerful, there is a richness and ripeness to the fruit with massy tannins. Nuanced and generous with precision and focus from beginning to the end." Decanter

"This celebrated Tuscan red is a blend of mostly Sangiovese with a smaller part of Malvasia Nera. The Castellare di Castellina 2018 I Sodi di S. Niccolò shows the elegance and grace of these native grapes with aromas of red and purple fruit, cherry, wild rose and gardening soil. However, there is also a strong oak element that adds spice and toast to the bouquet and textural weight to the wine's generous build." Wine Advocate

"A vibrant, balanced and fresh red with raspberries, pomegranates, cherry stones and spice box on the nose. Sleek, tight tannins. Focused, with a very fine structure and wound-up energy." James Suckling

"The 2018 I Sodi di San Niccolò is the most elegant Sodi I have ever tasted, and I have tasted them all. Sodi can be quite the bruiser in its youth, as the tannins are often imposing, but the 2018 is impressive because there is more than enough fruit to balance things out. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and gravel build in a Sodi endowed with mind-blowing purity and exceptional finesse. Superb!" Vinous

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 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

"Sparkling, brightening ruby with a light rim. Opens with notes of cinnamon and cloves, then lots of raspberry, some dark cherries. Silky and polished in the attack and course, fine raspberry note, very juicy, opens with fine-meshed tannin in many layers, firm pressure in the final, pithy." Falstaff

"The 2020 Il Guercio (Sangiovese) is airy, gracious and perfumed. Crushed red berry fruit, flowers, white pepper, orange zest and mint lend notable aromatic presence to this mid-weight, eccentric Sangiovese. All the elements are so nicely balanced. Il Guercio is one of the most distinctive wines in all of Chianti Classico." Vinous

"The Tenuta di Carleone 2020 Il Guercio is all Sangiovese that sees an extended skin maceration lasting five months and aging in cement vats. Fruit comes from an especially high vineyard located 700 meters above sea level, which is unusual for this area. This special wine reveals an exotic personality with layers of cumin, exotic spice and honey that frame a core of dark fruit. There is crushed white pepper over a very delicate and streamlined mouthfeel. This wine shows how closely Sangiovese can get to Pinot Noir." Robert Parker

A study commissioned by Francesco Ricasoli has shown that there are 19 different types of soil on Brolio. This made it possible to precisely define the sites that are particularly good for Merlot, from which wines with a unique structure and unmistakable flavour emerge. With the 2018 vintage, Francesco Ricasoli is now presenting the "new" Casalferro, whose grapes come from the three different vineyards Vigna Casalferro, Vigna Pecchierino and Vigna Sodacci. The production volume has been drastically reduced, but the result is impressive!

A Tuscan Merlot as it is written in the book. On the nose, complex aromas of dark red fruit, delicate cedar wood, leather, very spicy. Initially taut and dense on the palate, it opens up as it progresses and expands with impressive elegance. The interplay between bouquet and complexity on the palate is perfectly balanced and its impressive size is already unmistakable. This Merlot will have a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure Merlot from (for the first time) three selected vineyards that are particularly suitable for the variety and a hit right from the start: complex nose with intriguing notes of blackcurrant, sandalwood, tobacco and pepper; harmony on the palate, which increases in fullness and density with aeration and yet retains its elegance." Vinum

"Noble, bright ruby red colour. The nose is barrel-spicy and reminiscent of precious woods, plum, blackberry, peppery-malty tones in the finish. Very fresh on the palate with crisp acidity, without missing its body, stretches out nicely, polished and with lots of juice, keeps coming back, put it down, will be a long-distance runner." Falstaff

"The 2018 Casalferro, Brolio's (Merlot) is a powerful, brooding wine with dark fruit, espresso, dried herbs, menthol, liquorice, incense and cloves. This juicy, intensely flavoured red wine delivers a lot of impact, that much is clear." Vinous

"The secret of Casalferro is the fruit, which comes from different locations, including one that is 500 metres above sea level. It delivers vertical power and intensity with dark fruits, spices and dried mint. This wine is already drinking beautifully." Wine Advocate

"A very precise and beautiful Merlot with violets, spices and blackcurrants. Extremely perfumed. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a long, polished finish that shows finesse and complexity. Delicious to drink now, but will get even better with age." James Suckling

"Beautiful intense ruby color, on the nose intense aromas of blueberry, currant and balsamic herbs. The taste is broad, elegant and of spectacular cleaning. Silky tannins, excellent drinkability." Luca Gardini

A study commissioned by Francesco Ricasoli has shown that there are 19 different types of soil on Brolio. This made it possible to precisely define the sites that are particularly good for Merlot, from which wines with a unique structure and unmistakable flavour emerge. With the 2018 vintage, Francesco Ricasoli is now presenting the "new" Casalferro, whose grapes come from the three different vineyards Vigna Casalferro, Vigna Pecchierino and Vigna Sodacci. The production volume has been drastically reduced, but the result is impressive!

A Tuscan Merlot as it is written in the book. On the nose, complex aromas of dark red fruit, delicate cedar wood, leather, very spicy. Initially taut and dense on the palate, it opens up as it progresses and expands with impressive elegance. The interplay between bouquet and complexity on the palate is perfectly balanced and its impressive size is already unmistakable. This Merlot will have a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure Merlot from (for the first time) three selected vineyards that are particularly suitable for the variety and a hit right from the start: complex nose with intriguing notes of blackcurrant, sandalwood, tobacco and pepper; harmony on the palate, which increases in fullness and density with aeration and yet retains its elegance." Vinum

"Noble, bright ruby red colour. The nose is barrel-spicy and reminiscent of precious woods, plum, blackberry, peppery-malty tones in the finish. Very fresh on the palate with crisp acidity, without missing its body, stretches out nicely, polished and with lots of juice, keeps coming back, put it down, will be a long-distance runner." Falstaff

"The 2018 Casalferro, Brolio's (Merlot) is a powerful, brooding wine with dark fruit, espresso, dried herbs, menthol, liquorice, incense and cloves. This juicy, flavourful red wine delivers a lot of impact, that much is clear." Vinous

"The secret of Casalferro is the fruit, which comes from different locations, including one that is 500 metres above sea level. It delivers vertical power and intensity with dark fruits, spices and dried mint. This wine is already drinking beautifully." Wine Advocate

"A very precise and beautiful Merlot with violets, spices and blackcurrants. Extremely perfumed. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a long, polished finish that shows finesse and complexity. Delicious to drink now, but will get even better with age." James Suckling

"Beautiful intense ruby color, on the nose intense aromas of blueberry, currant and balsamic herbs. The taste is broad, elegant and of spectacular cleaning. Silky tannins, excellent drinkability." Luca Gardini

The wine icon, rare every year and very highly rated, presents itself in a shiny, rich ruby. On the nose, crisp berry fruit, ripe dark cherries, sweet plums and delicate notes of cinnamon. In the mouth it is full-bodied and firm, very juicy, unfolds a finely woven tannin and glides in a wide arc into a powerful, long final. A great wine full of tension and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, sweet and with great seductiveness, it smells out of the glass with lots of chocolate and nutty aromas. Fine-grained and clearly structured on the palate, it has excellent breed with playful acidity, which in turn gives it depth and length. Impressively typical I Sodi, which has never lost its traditional character. Even though it was one of the more modern top wines from Tuscany in the 90s because of its ageing in barriques, today it has to be classified rather with the classics." Weinwisser

"Rich, sparkling ruby with a slightly pale rim. Opens clear and deep on the nose, with plums and blackberries, discreet smoky notes, some cardamom. Firm and sturdy on the palate, shows lots of tightly woven tannin, builds up firm pressure, lots of plum, long final." Falstaff

"This is marked by new oak initially, then the plum and cherry flavors shine through. Vibrant, with leather and earth elements joining in before the oak spice and tannins frame the finish. Fresh and complex, with a lot going on—just needs time." Wine Spectator

"Bright and vibrant, the trademark lively and vibrant acidity at the fore straight away giving life and lift to the caramelised cherries, pomegranates and strawberry fruit. The wood is a little apparent, giving the frame a spiced edge that sticks out a little and pulls the fruit forwardness back a bit. Clearly powerful, there is a richness and ripeness to the fruit with massy tannins. Nuanced and generous with precision and focus from beginning to the end." Decanter

"This celebrated Tuscan red is a blend of mostly Sangiovese with a smaller part of Malvasia Nera. The Castellare di Castellina 2018 I Sodi di S. Niccolò shows the elegance and grace of these native grapes with aromas of red and purple fruit, cherry, wild rose and gardening soil. However, there is also a strong oak element that adds spice and toast to the bouquet and textural weight to the wine's generous build." Wine Advocate

"A vibrant, balanced and fresh red with raspberries, pomegranates, cherry stones and spice box on the nose. Sleek, tight tannins. Focused, with a very fine structure and wound-up energy." James Suckling

"The 2018 I Sodi di San Niccolò is the most elegant Sodi I have ever tasted, and I have tasted them all. Sodi can be quite the bruiser in its youth, as the tannins are often imposing, but the 2018 is impressive because there is more than enough fruit to balance things out. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and gravel build in a Sodi endowed with mind-blowing purity and exceptional finesse. Superb!" Vinous