Wines from Tuscany | Chianti

Very appetising Sauvignon Blanc from Tuscany, fermented in steel, wood and terracotta. Pale straw yellow in colour, with a beautiful aroma of light berries, mint, chamomile and wild flowers. Round, harmonious and fresh flavour that is vibrant and aromatic. Only 8,000 bottles are produced each year. SUPERIORE.DE

Cultus is a modern style Chianti Classico Riserva and a dark, lavish interpretation of the terroir of the slightly cooler and wilder commune of Gaiole in Chianti. It delights with a generous mineral- and graphite-tinged berry bouquet, tones of tobacco, dark spice and the soft, juicy, primary fruit flavour. The fine tannins and well-proportioned acidity give this Riserva a harmonious grip and an undeniable class for this price. SUPERIORE.DE

Everything is just right here: Brolio Riserva is classic in its composition, in its ageing, in its overall impression from the label to the last sip. Velvety, dense ruby colour, dense nose with rich fruit, especially blackberry, some elderberry and a beautiful herbal spice. Juicy and supple on the palate, the finish is polished with fine-grained tannins and a long-lasting final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Dark berries on the nose, fine, spicy notes with a blood orange aftertaste. Medium structure on the palate, polished, present tannins, fresh acidity, lingering finish." Falstaff

"This Chianti Classico is a savoury version with aromas of green olive, tomato leaf, iron and tobacco clustered around a core of macerated cherry fruit. Although lean and sinewy, it is also intense and focused, with a lingering aftertaste that feels the pull of both the savoury and fruity sides." Wine Spectator

"A firm and fresh Chianti Classico with a light to medium body, sour cherries, orange peel and hints of sandalwood. Crunchy finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio is a dark, brooding wine. Black cherry, licorice, sage, tobacco, incense and leather fill out the layers as this strapping Riserva shows off its imposing personality. This is nicely done." Vinous

"In the bottle with the black label, this is a very pretty, relatable and well-priced wine from Tuscany. Made with 100% Sangiovese, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio offers blueberry, plum and sweet spice thanks to 18 months of tonneaux aging. I especially appreciate the wine's pronounced mineral signature that gives the wine a salty or savory side, which is perfect for food pairing." Wine Advocate

"Its versatile aroma is reminiscent of redcurrants, Mediterranean maquis, peony and pepper leaf. Sip with powerful tannins, tension and juiciness, finish with a fruity-floral return." Luca Gardini

Dark ruby, some smoke, butter and herbs on the nose. A full-bodied and relatively dense red that does not hide its origin any more than it hides its status as a small Supertuscan. Soft mouthfeel, a mineral spiciness at the end; its structure provides a nice acidity with well-integrated tannins for a long and lively finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Monica Raspi produces her Riserva from a single vineyard with the oldest vines of the winery, planted in 2000. The east-facing vineyard lies at an altitude of 350 metres and the soil is poor and stony with many limestone deposits. With its subtle bouquet, it slowly but surely seduces with aromas of raspberries, cherries and thyme flowers. The palate is wonderfully elegant, with a stony minerality and a tangy, appetising backbone. Terracotta-like tannins sneak up and envelop the fruit rather than undermine it. This is how pristine and good Chianti Classico Riserva goes! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Pomona is bursting with wild cherry, smoke, licorice, tobacco, game, incense and mocha. This somber, potent Riserva packs tons of intensity into its full-bodied frame. Graphite, lavender, sage and dried flowers linger on the imposing finish. I would give this a year or two in bottle." Vinous

"A concentrated red wine with aromas of cherry, plum, iron, eucalyptus and resin. Straightforward and taut, with refined tannins for support. Complex and lively, with a firm, long finish." Wine Spectator

"The oak remains very much in the background, allowing the fruit to come through fully. It's beautifully weighted with red and blackcurrants wrapped in terracotta-like tannins and balanced by lively, crisp acidity. Damp earth, green herbs and stony minerals slowly emerge. With time, this wine will show more of its generous side." Decanter

Villa di Capezzana is considered one of the longest-lived wines in Tuscany, with a vertical tasting of 20 vintages dating back to 1937 - none of the vintages showed any signs of fatigue. The wine is fermented spontaneously and matured in large and small wooden barrels, a third of the small wood is renewed every year. Dark ruby red in colour. Black cherries, blackberries, cassis and fine woods dominate the nose. On the palate, the wine is firm, well-structured and has a long finish. Decanting recommended. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Inviting nose of wax and grated forest fruits, with subtle hints of honey and dried rose petals on the finish. Initially juicy on the palate, with good tension and a slightly salty undertone." Falstaff

"Opening like a veritable spice box, the 2020 Carmignano Villa di Capezzana entices with its autumnal blend of allspice, clove, and star anise before giving way to steeped plums and sage. It’s silky and refined, with supple textures and ripe red and blue fruits that swirl across a stream of vibrant acidity. It leaves a pleasantly chewy sensation while finishing with fine-grained tannins and a staining of primary concentration. Wait a full minute and hints of white pepper still linger. Wow. While richer than usual and easier to appreciate out of the gate, the 2020 is balanced for a long and steady evolution." Vinous

Deep ruby red colour, as expected from a good traditionally and organically produced wine. A wonderful, elegant and open-hearted aroma spectrum between sour cherry and nutmeg. Clear and savoury on the palate, beautifully balanced and with plenty of youthful freshness and minerality on the long finish. This medium-bodied Riserva is already drinking well today, but also has enough energy to develop positively in the bottle for at least a handful of years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive red-fruited character with hints of walnuts, dried leaves, ground cloves and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied with polished tannins and chalky texture. Firm and linear with vivid acidity." James Suckling

"The key here is territory. This estate manages a very authentic and clean expression of Gaiole in Chianti, which is one of the wildest corners of the appellation with winding roads that cut through thick forests. That wild character is transmitted here with aromas of forest fruit, spice and earth." Wine Advocate

Valletta is a blend of Sangiovese from the Gagliole vineyards in Castellina and Merlot from the Panzano vineyards. The wine is fermented in stainless steel (each variety is processed separately) and then aged in oak, some of which is new. Supple and racy, it offers enormous appeal from the very first sip. Ripe black cherry, mint, spices, espresso and blood orange open up with a little time in the glass. An open, sensual Tuscan red wine that has a lot to offer. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of plums, dried flowers and bark follow through to a medium body with round, juicy tannins and a soft, bright finish. Half Merlot from Panzano and half Sangiovese from Castellina in Chianti. Beautiful finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Valletta is a blend of equal parts Sangiovese and Merlot. It's a combination that works very well in this vintage. Juicy dark cherry and plum fruit opens first, followed by sweet tobacco, mocha, dried herbs, leather and cedar. The flavours of the Sangiovese and bright acidity complement the fruit of the Merlot very well." Vinous

Sweet red cherries, roses and violets, mint and dried herbs on the nose. Fruity, well balanced and with silky tannins and a beautiful texture. A warm Pinot Nero from central Tuscany with elegance, grace and full of harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicious and structured red with dried strawberry, light chocolate and walnut undertones. Full-bodied and firm with chewy tannins and a structured finish. Not a lot of pinot character, but a solid red. Give it time to soften. Try after 2023." James Suckling

"The 2019 Pinot Nero Il Chiuso is bright, fresh and beautifully perfumed. In 2019, the Il Chiuso is all grace. Crushed rose petal, sweet red berry fruit, cinnamon and cedar are all laced together in this silky, mid-weight Pinot from Ama. I would give this a few years in bottle for the aromatics to open." Vinous

"The Castello di Ama 2019 Pinot Nero di Toscana Il Chiuso offers a darker and more concentrated interpretation of this delicate Burgundian grape. That's the proverbial Tuscan touch. This wine offers nice freshness coupled with medium structure and consistency. Ruby highlights underline the energy and brightness of the wine and its aromas of cassis, blood orange and blue violet. Pinot Nero was planted at the estate in 1984, and traditionally, harvest times came in mid-September. Now, with a changing climate, it is not unusual to harvest at the end of August. For that reason, a cooler north-facing site was found, and fruit grown there comes off the vines during the first week of September. So, it does represent some return to normalcy." Wine Advocate

Wonderful, finesse-rich selection of the estate's best Sangiovese grapes. The nose is impressive with its richness: red fruits, dark flowers, fine tar and vegetal notes, traces of blackberry jam. Full-bodied on the palate with subtle extract sweetness, powerful and juicy at the same time, the well-proportioned tannins come into play very well and glide this red elegantly into a long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Selvapiana 2020 Chianti Rufina Riserva Vigneto Bucerchiale is nicely balanced with lots of fresh fruit, tart cherry, candied watermelon and crushed rose. The effect is pretty and balanced in this 100% Sangiovese. This is one of the nicest expressions to be found from Chianti Rufina in this vintage. The tannins are dry and powdery over a mid-weight mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"Spicy and complex nose with fleshy, earthy notes of orange peel, iron, baking spices, leather and ripe plums. Juicy and firm on the palate with medium to full body and ample, mealy tannins. Long and flattering finish." James Suckling

"Restrained raspberry flavours, enveloped by delicate herbal notes, balanced, still youthful texture with fullness and elegance, long cherry finish. Will give a lot of pleasure with maturity." Vinum

Maurizia di Napoli Rampolla and her brother Luca describe their strategy of natural viticulture in Panzano as "gentle farming". The very successful Chianti Classico with its clean fruit bouquet, precise flavour, firm tannins and beautiful texture and depth is a delightful wine that is unfortunately very limited in quantity each year. SUPERIORE.DE

After almost two centuries, it is time to erect a "monument" to the enthusiastic grape grower Philip Mazzei (1730-1816). In the form of this single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, this succeeds extraordinarily well. Elegant, deep dark colour, classic aromas, complex, fruity and spicy flavour, well-proportioned tannins and acidity, taut, structured and persistent. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Philip (Cabernet Sauvignon) is a blend from vineyards in Castellina and Maremma. Rich and supple, the 2020 offers plenty of varietal character. Dark plum, menthol, liquorice and espresso are all present in this supple, resonant red. Attractive floral and spicy top notes brighten the finish." Vinous

"A bright, elegant red with cherry and blackcurrant flavours, with lively acidity and dusty tannins. Packs plenty of fruit, with hints of tobacco and wild herbs, despite the lean profile." Wine Spectator

"A layered nose leads with salt and pepper, then turns earthy, vegetal and woody, before finishing with black cherries and blackberries. On the synthesizing palate, a smudge of earth keeps the berries' freshness in check, before a swirling mocha finish ties everything up with a bow. Tannins and acid are harmonious throughout." Wine Enthusiast

Penetrating and wonderfully clear in colour, the Chianti Classico Riserva unfolds its inviting aroma reminiscent of ripe cherries with notes of spices and wild herbs. Dense and extremely juicy on the palate, it is packed with tannins and full of personality and authenticity. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is a dark, brooding wine. The darker side of Sangiovese comes through in a potent, strapping Riserva. Black cherry, incense, tobacco, smoke, game and dried herbs give the Riserva its bold personality, as do the burly tannins that wrap it all together. Today, the 2019 is a bit rustic, but certainly full of character." Vinous

"The Fèlsina 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardenga shows bright fruits and pebbles. This wine is dense and compact with mint, balsamic herbs, black fruits, tobacco, liquorice and tea leaves. The result is medium-bodied and fresh." Wine Advocate

"This has a perfumed nose of wild cherries, strawberries, sandalwood, peppercorns, cloves, rosemary and truffles. Elegant and refined, with firm, fine tannins. Long and deliciously wild, with savory spice notes." James Suckling

Trebianco is a golden yellow "natural/orange wine" made from Chardonnay, Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Trebbiano and matured in clay barrels. The initially reductive bouquet has hints of sweet tobacco, nutmeg, leather, honey, orange peel and spicy herbs. Fresh on the palate with vibrant acidity. Note: The wine is unsulphurised, unfiltered and fascinatingly special. An oxidative note and lees in the wine do not represent a lack of quality. SUPERIORE.DE

Castello di Monsanto's Chianti Classico Riserva is a fabulous wine that punches well above its weight. Dark cherry, plum, liquorice, spice, leather, lavender and tobacco run through this wonderfully nuanced and vibrant Riserva. It is surprisingly expressive and open even at a young age and will continue to drink well for over 15 years. Sweet floral notes extend the finish of this medium-bodied, graceful and well-structured wine. Interesting Storage potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Opens with inviting, dense cherry fruit, underpinned by juniper, clove and a subtle medicinal note. Concentrated and precise fruit core on the palate, elegant tannin and supporting acidity, juicy and persistent." Falstaff

"Concentrated mid ruby. Balsamic, cherry and crushed-raspberry nose with a hint of eucalyptus. Succulent fruit palate with sandpapery tannins. Fresh, elegant and long. Great balance and style in this not easy-to-handle vintage." Jancis Robinson

"A dense red wine with well-defined aromas and flavours of black cherries and blackberries, underpinned by graphite, eucalyptus and cumin. Balanced, though still tightly wound, with a lingering fruity, spicy and mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"It shows a medium-dark concentration with typical flavours of wild cherry, peat moss, blue flower and light spice. This winery offers consistently well-made and convincing wines at a favourable price." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 that has just been bottled is magnificent. It offers a beguiling blend of dense fruit supported by a core of vibrant acidity. Striking aromatics, remarkable depth and exceptional balance make the Riserva a winner. This is such a great and compelling wine." Vinous

"This wine is complex and flavoursome with red and dark berries, dried orange peel, nutshells and roasted spices. Also a hint of walnut and crushed stones. Medium to full-bodied with super-polished tannins and juicy acidity. Delicious fruit character with a firm mineral backbone. Complete and concentrated." James Suckling

"Bing cherry and blood orange, floral earth, graphite and then wild herbs - especially sage - appear on the nose, before a hint of vanilla and cedar. The palate is juicy and fresh, with vanilla, chocolate and cherry, while herbs reappear on the back palate. A rare example of a wine with great refinement that is also an undeniable crowd favourite." Wine Enthusiast

"Wild strawberries, then nuances of white pepper and eucalyptus. It is powerful on the palate, ending with a fruity-balsamic return, long flavour." Luca Gardini

The Campo della Pieve vineyard (approx. 380 metres above sea level) faces south-west and has thicker soils and more tufa. The most recent parcel, which was recently acquired, is the highest to date at 400 metres above sea level. The site is more susceptible to wind and has good water retention thanks to the heavier clay soils.

Bright, light golden yellow colour. Delicate nose of fresh yellow apple, some peach, lemon balm, flint in the background. Round and smooth on the palate with a lovely balance between acidity, freshness, citrus and tropical fruit, plus a subtle minerality. In keeping with the characteristics of the Vernaccia grape, the wine is not overly fruity, but displays an exciting spiciness that lends it personality and an additional arc of tension. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant straw yellow with light olive-green reflections. Fresh and fragrant on the nose, juicy lemons, sage, minimal hints of white peach, elegant spicy tones on the finish. Very fresh on the palate with clear fruit, balanced, with subtle creamy fruit and a long, juicy finish. A great Vernaccia!" Falstaff

The grapes for Gaglioles Riserva come from vineyards in Panzano that used to belong to Le Cinciole and neighbouring Gagliole. Dark and full-bodied in the glass, it shows the full range of the Conca d'Oro area of Panzano, but does so in a pleasantly restrained style that is typical of the elegant 2019. Currently still very young, in a few years it will be much more enjoyable. SUPERIORE.DE

"Harmony and depth in this version that bears the ancient name of this beautiful farm. Complex nose, blackberries and blueberries together with mentholated touches and floral nuances, of carnation, dense and taut mouth, savory tannins, juicy finish, with mentholated-floral return." Luca Gardini

"Beautiful aromas of roses and other flowers, together with fresh cherries and lemon rind, following through to a medium body with freshness and vivid intensity to the finish. Spicy at the end." James Suckling

"Only in its second vintage, the certified organic Gagliole 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva addresses the need for a category that sits between the entry-level reds and the high-end Gran Selezione wines. Fruit is sourced exclusively from Panzano for an intense ruby color shaded by elegant darkness. Aromas recall blackberry, graphite, flint and white pepper. This wine prizes freshness, a streamlined mouthfeel and those pretty mineral notes that drive a very long and polished finish." Wine Advocate

Sparkling, rich ruby colour. Intense aroma of raspberries and cassis, herbal and spicy notes. Smooth, dense, fresh and juicy berry fruit on the palate. Long, voluminous and elegant - and this little masterpiece is a clear buy, and not just because of the price! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim. Fine resinous tones on the nose, followed by juicy cherries, ripe raspberries, a hint of elderberries, delicate black bread crust, dried herbs and fine cold stone. Very juicy on the palate, full-bodied, with tight, youthful tannins and a juicy, salty final." Falstaff

"Blue and black fruits are enveloped by fine, chocolaty tannins with a hint of bitterness - possibly from bottle shock. Juicy and dense, with violet nuances and good acidity that continue into a long finish with blackberry and salinity. Good concentration and elegance at the same time." Decanter

"Ripe berries, citrus, preserved plums and some savoury baking spices lengthen to a medium-bodied palate with fine, juicy tannins and a tight, concentrated finish." James Suckling

"This red wine begins with bright black cherry and raspberry fruits, which take on notes of tobacco, eucalyptus, iron and leaves. Dense tannins emerge on the long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"The La Massa 2020 is a real powerhouse. An onslaught of black cherries, plums, liquorice, incense, chocolate and dried herbs stain the palate. This extravagant, dense wine is packed to the marrow. Give it a few years to mature." Vinous

"The Tenuta La Massa 2020 La Massa offers great value across the board. This is a generous and multi-layered blend. Winemaker Giampaolo Motta breaks the rules by producing Bordeaux-inspired wines in one of the most Sangiovese-orientated areas of Tuscany. But he still adds a little charm and magic to this wine." Wine Advocate

"The nose is a tart mix of dried cherries, cranberries, brick, earth and hibiscus, with a mix of fresh wild herbs providing some warmth. The sanguine fruitiness and earthy notes continue on the palate, but polished tannins and supple acidity provide a round texture." Wine Enthusiast

The 2022 Il Bianco is noble and elegant. Its exciting bouquet of citrus oil, white flowers, almonds and dried herbs is infused with energising rays. Very nuanced and flavoursome on the palate, with great intensity and elegance as it progresses. SUPERIORE.DE

On the nose, noble, typically Tuscan notes of cherries, blackberries, violets and spices. Exceptionally complex, multi-layered and excellently structured on the palate. Gripping tannins, intense fruit and pleasant acidity are already in perfect harmony. The drinking pleasure builds nicely and increases in the long final. For us, it has been the attractive alternative to Antinori's famous Tignanello for years. SUPERIORE.DE

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

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

"Lareale" - the "true, genuine" Chianti Classico Riserva from Lamole di Lamole offers attractive aromas of black cherries and spices. The palate has plenty of depth; a slender body, velvety tannins and a beautiful texture right into the long, clean finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A core of black cherries and blackberries is the essence of this intense red wine. Notes of juniper, rosemary, clay and iron lend it complexity and it finishes long, albeit a little crushed today. Sangiovese and Canaiolo Nero." Wine Spectator

"The Lamole di Lamole 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Lareale displays medium-bodied concentration with plenty of blue and violet fruit intensity. This wine is particularly soft and silky in texture, and its finish appreciates the beautiful nuances of Sangiovese and the bright freshness of a cool growing climate. The finish is lean with dry tannins." Wine Advocate

"The nose leads with fruit aromas of cherry and strawberry, then turns savory and herbaceous with notes of tomato leaf, sage and oregano. On the palate, that tension between sweet and savory continues, with an earthy undertone anchoring everything. Acid bounces around firm yet refined tannins." Wine Enthusiast