Wines from Tuscany | Chianti

From the 2019 vintage, the successor to the famous "Eticchetta Blu" is called "Maggiolo", derived from maggio (May) and giaggiolo (iris). The latter covers the fields in May with its flowers and floral scents, which we also find in the bouquet of this Chianti Classico. Bright ruby red in colour, fruity aromas of violets, mulberries, blackberries and blueberries as well as hints of sweet spices and cocoa. Very fresh and juicy on the palate, then the soft tannins envelop the pretty fruit centre and, together with a fine saltiness, lead into the medium-long finish. A wonderfully balanced and drinkable red wine from organic cultivation that certainly won't get old in good company. Drinking pleasure at a high level! SUPERIORE.DE

The owner of Selvapiana, Francesco Giuntini, and the owner of the Petrognano winery, Cecilia Galeotti Ottieri, have a long friendship. Their small winery, located on Tuscany's border with Emilia Romagna, lies in the middle of the Pomino DOC, which was first mentioned in a document in 1716 and is one of the first four protected appellations in Tuscany (along with Rufina Classico, Carmignano and Valdarno Superiore). For some years now, the two have been united in the "Villa Petrognano" project, under which Selvapiana produces one of the region's best Pomino Rosso wines.

Subtle aroma of dried herbs, crushed raspberries, blackberries, grilled meat and orange peel, full-bodied and lively on the palate. A spicy cuvée that you won't forget in a hurry! SUPERIORE.DE

pep, briar, dark spices and black cherries on the nose. Juicy and pretty vertical on the palate with a medium body and firm, fresh tannins. Medium-long finish." James Suckling

Sting's sparkling wine is produced in small batches using the Charmat method from Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco grapes. Straw yellow in colour with green reflections. A subtle yet intense bouquet of acacia blossom and green apple. Medium length, lovely freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

Chianti Classico Vallenuova has the potential to become a favourite wine. It is an archetypal expression of Sangiovese from a single vineyard that could not be more typical and authentic. Vibrant, sparkling ruby in colour, with a hint of cedar wood and small wild berries on the nose, along with spices, beetroot and white pepper. Leather, tobacco and a hint of citrus fruit on the palate, with a pleasantly lean final and a convincing, drinkyfreshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red colour. The nose immediately reveals notes of wood, cherry, sour cherry, spices and a hint of liquorice. The palate is juicy and full-bodied. The tannins are balanced and the finish is long and equally pronounced." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Vallenuova is a racy, exuberant wine. Super-ripe red cherries, spice, mint and sweet oak burst from the glass in this medium-bodied, inviting Chianti Classico from Tolaini." Vinous

"The spicy nose oscillates between woody aromas of tobacco leaves, earth and cedar wood and metallic notes of graphite and meat jus, before opening up on the palate to ripe cherries and strawberries with a salty, mineral note carried by powerful tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Plums, cherry pits, blackberries and bark on the nose. Medium body with firm, chewy tannins. Darker fruit character with a firm, slightly austere finish." James Suckling

Chianti Classico Rubiolo shows its delicately spicy side on the nose with cloves, cinnamon, lavender, wild dark cherries and blackberries that are beautifully ripe but not overripe. There are also floral hints. The fruit for this extremely good value wine comes from Castellina and Panzano, whereby the fullness and richness of the Panzano region are clearly noticeable. The finish is soft and velvety. It is the exceptional balance of the wine that really sets it apart. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid-to-deep crimson. Concentrated, full yet cool nose of cherry fruit. Tangy cherry fruit with a layer of grainy tannins. Great balance and length." Jancis Robinson

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Rubiolo is a soft, fruity wine to drink now and over the next few years while the flavors remain vibrant. Succulent red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint and white flowers all race out of the glass. This exuberant, juicy Chianti Classico is a delight." Vinous

"Aromas of ripe red fruit, licorice, spices and pink peppercorns. Medium- to full-bodied, juicy and tense with vivid acidity and polished tannins. Hints of walnuts and savory herbs at the end." James Suckling

"The organic 2021 Chianti Classico Rubiolo is an excellent value wine. The wine is all Sangiovese sourced from three sites in Castellina, Panzano and Badia a Passignano. The wine delivers a dark ruby color, and although the aromatic intensity is measured, there are delicately perfumed tones of cherry, raspberry and blood orange that feel punchy and bright. You also get pretty floral tones." 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

The Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc grapes for this very drinkable, juicy Rosso come from sites in Montefili and Panzano. The grapes are vinified separately: the Cabernet Franc in small Litersbarrels (tonneaux), the Sangiovese in larger 2,000-litre wooden barrels. Montefili Rosso is a very harmonious red with character, finesse-rich and fresh on the palate, with a beautiful melt and respectable depth. SUPERIORE.DE

Pietranera is intensely spicy and perfumed with a floral bouquet that blends roses and sage with vibrant black cherry. The palate is soft, round and juicy to the core, with stimulating acidity that drives the tart wild berry fruit and adds a balanced inner sweetness towards the end. Fresh and full of character on the finish with strong raspberry and liquorice notes. Wonderful value! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Pietranera, a zesty blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Franc, opens with a darkly alluring blend of dried flowers and citrus-tinged wild berries. Silky-smooth, it washes across the palate with a fresh mélange of herbaceous red and blue berries guided by vibrant acidity. This leaves a staining of blackberry and hints of orange, finishing fresh with unexpected length. The Pietranera is the real value score of the Piaggia portfolio." Vinous

Il Randagio, the "stray", is Sean's new Bordeaux cuvée made from Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Initially quite closed, the delicately spicy nose creeps up with increasing aeration and opens up further into a wonderfully complex bouquet of dark red to black berries. The palate is wide-ranging with delicate forest berry flavours, perfectly polished tannins and a fresh, very invigorating acid wire that uninhibitedly enhances the drinkability of this once again typically different red. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, bright ruby red colour. Delicately scented on the nose, small red berries and orange zest. Lots of cherry on the palate, delicate, well-balanced, ripe, well-integrated tannins, savoury final." Falstaff

"The 2021 Il Randagio, the estate's red blend, is another wine in this range that demands cellaring. Dark and muscular, yet with the finesse that characterizes all these wines. Black cherry, lavender, spice, leather and sweet pipe tobacco emerge with air. The wine's best days are in the future though." Vinous

"The Tenuta di Carleone 2021 Il Randagio is a blend of equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot and features the cartoon character of a bulldog with a top hat and eye patch on the label. You can taste the flavours that come from the long maceration with grape skins and dried plums. Matured exclusively in cement, this wine shows energy and a bright, powerful personality. It offers a very authentic or individual quality with raw blackberry and cherry flavours." Wine Advocate

Pèppoli is an entertaining, very relaxed red wine with a firm fan base. A sparkling, intense ruby colour with a slight garnet hue. The Pèppoli expresses its strong personality through its bouquet of ripe fruit with light mineral accents. The flavour spreads gently yet powerfully on the palate with lively tannins and a long finish. Very easy to drink, very classic and, incidentally, excellent value! SUPERIORE.DE

The Chianti Classico exudes beautiful fruit and spice notes, juicy and flattering on the palate. Successful - this classic from Castello di Monsanto foreshadows the style of the even greater reds from this winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep, youthful ruby red. Powerful and deep cherry on the nose with hints of raspberry and salty notes. Great depth of fruit on the palate with a compact layer of tannins. Impressive and boldly structured." Jancis Robinson

"It shows cherry and redcurrant with violet, blood orange and gravel. This winery was among the first to take the very lean and elegant approach to Sangiovese that is so popular today." Wine Advocate

"Intense and structured, this Annata combines ripe red and black cherries with high acidity and a super fresh balsamic quality, and just a hint of creaminess in the background. The mid palate is juicy and delicious, showing great balance through to the lovely cherry finish." Decanter

"A smooth, juicy red wine with intense aromas and flavours of blackberries, black cherries, violets, earth and graphite. The tannins leave a powdery feel on the finish, along with lively acidity. Overall, this wine is balanced and very long. Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino." Wine Spectator

"Notes of spiced cherries and red plums with walnuts, spicy herbs, dark liquorice and damp bark. Juicy and racy on the palate with medium body and polished tannins. Fresh and crisp. Supple and structured with a spicy, red-fruited finish. Very attractive." James Suckling

"Bright ruby with dark nuances. Elegant aromas of fresh cherry and raspberries, underpinned by fine spice, filigree. Very good balance on the palate, fine-grained tannin, invigorating acidity meets crisp fruit, also slightly peppery, very successful." Falstaff

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is outrageously beautiful. Rich, dark and layered, the 2021 is packed with dark red/purple fruit, lavender, spice and tobacco. harvestwill find a Chianti Classico with a striking inner sweetness and exceptional balance. The 2021 is one of the best editions of this wine I have ever tasted." Vinous

"Even in the Chianti "vintage", all the crackling quality of the house's raw material can be felt. Redcurrant on the nose, with hints of rhubarb and mentholated Valdostan mint. In the drink, iodine-salty tannins, great crispness of fruit with a fruity, mentholated finish." Luca Gardini

Medium ruby red colour. A violet note on the nose with delicate hints of vanilla and spices. Powerful, fresh and very precise on the palate with dominant fruit and plenty of energy. A fine spiciness and saltiness on the medium-long finish. Very balanced and delicious. SUPERIORE.DE

"A crunchy and delicious red with berries, white pepper and other spices. Medium body, creamy tannins. Juicy at the end." James Suckling

Traditional Chianti Classico Riserva: Ruby red, intense and refined bouquet with fruity aromas and a very gentle hint of vanilla and tobacco. Powerful on the palate, with a persistent flavour, well-balanced tannins and nicely defined body. Great length and impressive storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling garnet red with ruby reflections. In the nose with aromas of herbal spice, noble wood, red pepper, and plum jam. Mouth-filling on the palate, with noticeable acidity, with soft bitter notes and broad tannins." Falstaff

"Savory plums, mushrooms, leather and spiced oranges on the nose, with a medium-bodied palate rounded by firm but polished tannins. Elegant and refined." James Suckling

"Boasts juicy cherry, blackberry, plum, earth and tobacco aromas and flavors, with undertones of leafy underbrush. Firm and balanced, with a lingering aftertaste that echoes the fruit and picks up a mineral note." Wine Spectator

"Another great classic from Zingarelli family’s estate, from Castellina in Chianti area. Sangiovese, with Cabernet and Merlot to enrich the blend, berry jam on the nose, with notes of iris and peony. The mouthfeel has iodine-brackish tannins, with floral-fruity return and good persistence." Luca Gardini

Castellares Chianti Classico with refined aromas reminiscent of juicy sweet cherries, flowers and spices such as mint. Silky and polished on the palate, the final is long and creamy. A radiant, seductive wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling ruby red colour. Fragrant, appealing nose, very floral, then plum juice, fine spice, inviting. Great presence and freshness on the palate, compact tannins, pithy, accessible, with a finish of ripe cherry fruit." Falstaff

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

The Trebbiano and Malvasia Bianca grapes for this exceptional white wine come from the Casanova dell'Aia vineyard in Radda in Chianti, the first 0.2-hectare, calcareous and clayey plot that the family bought and planted in the 1980s and then renewed in 2014. It matures on the fine lees mostly in terracotta amphorae and only a small part remains in stainless steel tanks. Total production per vintage: 2,500 bottles.

Brilliant, sparkling golden yellow colour. Intense and attractive on the nose with fresh notes of yellow-fleshed fruit and an elegant, delicate finish with a delicately reductive note. Fresh and balanced on the palate, with an invigorating acidity and a fine mineral note. An agile white wine with great independence and an animating drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

Citrus yellow with greenish reflections. The nose reveals fresh, floral notes with a constant hint of citrus fruits such as grapefruit and orange peel. Its great minerality, combined with good acidity, provides nice harmony and a stable framework. SUPERIORE.DE

Vibrant ruby colour with light violet reflections, rich fruity aromas on the nose, typically of wild berries and sour cherries. Fresh, balanced and well-structured on the palate, with silky tannins and spicy accents. An energetic classic of the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"A classic and as if from a single mould; cherries, blackberries, the juicy vein and the charm are pleasing, the fine tannin and acid bite invigorate." Weinwisser

"Almost medium ruby red colour. Dense and rather closed on the nose and a little reductive. Great intensity and purity of fruit, with plenty of tangy acidity and fine tannins. Impressive." Jancis Robinson

"Boasting black cherry, blackberry, violet and earth flavors, this rich, dark red shows fine balance, with a light grip of tannins on the finish. This is more about the fruit, so very drinkable now." Wine Spectator

"A powerful and flavoursome Chianti Classico with aromas of red plums, herbs, mushrooms and some citrus peel. Medium-bodied with plenty of bite thanks to the chewy tannins. Made from organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico 2021 is a prime example of excellence. Pure, bright and wonderfully lively, the 2021 possesses outstanding energy and exceptional balance. Crushed red/purple-coloured fruit, rose petals, sweet spices and orange peel burst with excitement. This is a rare Chianti Classico that I would cellar for a year or two. Outstanding." Vinous

"As the high temperatures in mid-August stopped the Sangiovese from ripening, he harvested about a week later than usual, reports Marco Ricasoli. He also introduced a sorting table to remove dried or green berries and pieces of stem. The result is a flawless and refined Annata. It has a deep purple colour and an equally youthful bouquet with aromas of wild berries, black plums and a hint of wood spices. In the mouth, it is full of spicy dark red cherries, carried by a lively acidity and framed by tannins with a suede structure. Winter mint and liquorice root linger on the finish. With its admirable complexity, it surpasses its category." Decanter

Forcole is produced in a surprisingly small quantity for a Chianti Classico - just 15,000 bottles. The bouquet begins with a slender texture and aromas of wild berries, sour cherries, pressed violets and sweet earth. Supple, generous and inviting on the palate, it captures all the natural intensity of the vintage. Its attractive silky tannins and the rather darker and crispy-cool Sangiovese flavour profile of the Panzano region make it a great soloist as well as food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of ripe cherries and kirsch with dried flowers, pomegranate and tree bark. Some wet stones, too. Medium- to full-bodied, fine and polished with depth and intensity to the fruit. Some clove and vanilla undertones." James Suckling

"Made with 100% Sangiovese, the Tenuta degli Dei 2021 Chianti Classico Forcole shows tart cherry and cassis with potting soil, blue flower and grilled rosemary over a mid-weight finish. This is a classic expression of the grape from sunny Panzano in Chianti." Wine Advocate

Trudie and Sting's latest creation is a beautiful and very serious interpretation of the Vermentino grape. Pretty nose of peach, apple, lemon and fresh pears. Medium-bodied with well-integrated acidity and a creamy, fruity palate. As it progresses, pure and juicy with a nice depth and length. SUPERIORE.DE

Straw-yellow, banana and white flower-scented Chardonnay with a fresh, savoury taste, crisp, tropical fruit fullness and beautiful length. One of the great white wines of Tuscany! SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of waxed lemons and baked apples with toffee, almonds and praline on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, creamy and sleek with delicious stone fruit and a polished finish." James Suckling

"Showing a luminous and crystalline shine, the 2021 Chardonnay I Sistri is packed with citrusy flavors that cede to unripe peach, crisp pear and crushed stone. This is a classic expression of Chardonnay with lots of pretty fruit intensity. You also recognize it as a wine from Tuscany thanks to its soft, sun-kissed texture and those characteristic salty mineral notes." Wine Advocate

Sangiovese in its purest form: bright ruby colour with a broad garnet rim. Rich in fruity and floral aromas, multi-layered, herbal, deep and well-polished with further development potential. A full-bodied and harmonious Chianti Classico with a highly authentic and very inviting style. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Deep cherry flavour with dark spice notes. Concentrated, supple and full-bodied. Impressive structure with powdery tannins that have yet to settle." Jancis Robinson

"Animating cherry, cassis and herbs, shows its pithy side with a bite, salty vein and tart charm, is robust and lingers for a long time. The classic from the south of the growing region." Weinwisser

"The Fèlsina 2021 Chianti Classico Berardenga has a savoury or crisp side that I often find in Sangiovese. There's a lot of fruit brightness here with cassis, red cherries, minerals, dried tobacco and grilled rosemary. This is an easy-drinking Tuscan red wine with a natural acidity and brightness that goes well with a classic lasagne or aubergine parmigiana." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 begins with smoky nuances, earth and subtle oak, before moving into fragrant mint and thyme. It is concentrated and ripe, but balanced by freshness and vibrancy. The underlying firmness gradually dissipates to reveal a spicy finish of dried tomatoes." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Berardenga 2021 is impetuous and expressive right from the glass. Dark fruits, earthy notes, leather, spices and tobacco convey the character of Castelnuovo Berardenga in tonnes. The wine gets better and better in the glass. It's a super-classic example of the house style and a wine to buy by the case. The Berardenga bottling can be a little wild, but in 2021 it has an added touch of sophistication that is undeniable." Vinous

"Sparkling ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Fresh raspberries and strawberries on the nose, then a touch of forest floor and sour cherry. Fresh and juicy on the palate, with well-integrated tannins, long and fruity final." Falstaff

"A firm and silky red wine with aromas and flavours of cherries, dried flowers and orange peel. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh and concentrated finish. It still needs some time to mellow, but I'm already enjoying its energy." James Suckling

"Nose of red raspberry, touches of wild sage and floreal finish, with nuances of lavender. The drinkability is crunchy-sapid, good persistence with a return of Taggiasca olive." Luca Gardini

Montegrossi's Chianti Classico remains true to the estate's style every year with its deep violet colour and initially youthful, reductive nose. On the palate, it shows its potential with a fascinating build-up of tension and fresh fruit of black cherries and blackberries. The supple tannins are refined and polished, but it's the juicy, savoury notes and tangy acidity that really make the wine sing. An energetic classic of the appellation, whose average it surpasses every year. Great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE