Il Borro

Light salmon pink due to very short skin contact. Fresh and very homely bouquet of white flowers and fresh berries. Delicate, crisp on the palate with a fruity elegance that makes it ideal as an aperitif or accompaniment to mild Mediterranean fish dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is really fresh and floral with floral, stone and cherry aromas. It’s full-bodied with bright acidity and a delicious, vivid finish. Just the right amount of bitterness at the end." James Suckling

Borrigiano is an enchanting cuvée that brings an ideal balance of fine and balanced wood use and fresh, lively fruit into the glass. In the nose an interesting berry aroma and some plum jam. For us, Borrigiano is an ideal companion for convivial evenings and mild pasta dishes or risottos - he shows in a charming (and affordable) way the great potential of the up-and-coming winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is the first wine from Il Borro to be made under the Valdarno di Sopra appellation designation (the first vintage made was 2015), and the wine's name Borrigiano means "inhabitants of the Il Borro hamlet." The 2018 Valdarno di Sopra Borrigiano is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah that sees a brief period of cold maceration followed by ten months of aging in large oak casks. The aim here is to keep the freshness of the fruit intact, and this goal has been readily achieved. The bouquet opens to forest berry aromas with raw plum and fresh prune. This is a terrific wine with a confident, pure and easy-drinking appeal that is nothing short of charming." Robert Parker

Medium ruby red. On the nose, a note of violets with delicate hints of vanilla. On the palate, powerful, fresh and very precise with a dominant fruit and lots of energy. Then a fine spiciness in the medium-long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A really beautiful, fine red with black cherries, minerals and light wet earth. Medium body with slightly chewy tannins and a vivid finish. It’s linear and long. Lots of blue fruit and hints of minerals." James Suckling

Polissena shows the typical handwriting of Il Borro: The wines are vinified as typical for the grape variety as possible and therefore come - especially recognizable here with Sangiovese - as authentic as possible into the glass. In the nose fine cherry aroma with hints of wild berries, forest floor and some plum. In the drink then the typical acidity paired with a delicate fruit, a firm core and a taut final. The 12-month aging in used and almost neutral barriques suits the freshness and straightness of the Polissena very well. Great drinking pleasure! SUPERIORE.DE

"Wild herbs, crushed cherry, blackberry, cedar spice box, hints of damp earth and leather tones create a classic display on the 2017 Valdarno di Sopra Petruna Vigna Polissena. On the palate, silky textures are contrasted by tart red fruits with crunchy minerality, creating a cascading effect, as masses of inner violet florals form. The finish is long, full of youthful tension but also energetic, as fine tannins coat the senses, offset by a solid core of primary fruit, promising years of development." Vinous

"This wine now boasts an appellation identity (previous editions were labeled as IGT Toscana). The newly minted Il Borro 2017 Valdarno di Sopra Sangiovese Vigna Polissena opens to a pretty ruby color and imparts bright berry aromas with tart raspberry and wild cherry. You might also detect a very Mediterranean note of rosemary or lavender essence, and there are faint mineral notes on the close. This is a great choice for your favorite pastas topped with a meat and tomato sauce." Robert Parker

"A really refined sangiovese with cherries, strawberries and some citrus undertones. Hints of walnuts, too. Full-bodied with round, creamy tannins that are so beautiful and soft. The texture is exceptional. From organically grown grapes from a beautiful single vineyard. Better in 2022, but already a beauty." James Suckling

Polissena shows the typical handwriting of Il Borro: The wines are vinified as typical of the grape variety as possible and therefore come into the glass as authentically as possible - especially recognisable here with Sangiovese. On the nose, a fine cherry aroma with hints of wild berries, forest floor, herbs and a little plum. In the mouth, the typical acidity is paired with a delicate fruit, a firm core and a taut final. The 12-month ageing in used and almost neutral barriques is very conducive to the freshness and straightforwardness of the Polissena. Great drinking pleasure! SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a fantastic Polissena. So transparent and perfectly ripened with plum, cherry and orange peel. Full-bodied with fresh acidity and a complement of tannins that spread across the palate and provide a weightless feel. Pure, single-vineyard sangiovese. Top Brunello level." James Suckling

Just like the equally famous neighbour Fattoria Petrolo (with his Boggina A), Il Borro can also convince us with a red wine aged in amphorae. Petruna is a pure Sangiovese, fermented in hermetically sealed amphorae with skin contact for 12 months. The result is surprising, not in the sense of an "interesting" experimental wine, but because the typical character of Sangiovese is fully expressed in freshness, fruit and energy. The bouquet is dominated by cherry and small red berries, along with some orange zest. His body is of medium weight, which makes him an excellent eating companion. Its fresh acidity and an array of fine tannins increase the drinking pleasure enormously. Experiment succeeded in an elegant way, we can say. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, bright ruby. Very fragrant, open nose, floral, after violets, pomegranate, blood oranges, rhubarb, delicate white pepper. On the palate with lots of fruit and plenty of juice, fine texture, lively on the tongue, medium to slender body, well balanced, enjoys enormous flow, powerful tannin in the aftertaste." Falstaff

"Bright and fresh with cherries, watermelon and orange peel. Light body. Fine tannins and crisp acidity. A pure, single vineyard sangiovese made in amphora." James Suckling

"My reaction to this wine is overwhelmingly positive. This is a pure expression of organic Sangiovese that is farmed with extreme care, down to one kilogram of fruit per plant. The grapes are fermented in clay amphorae with daily punch-downs. The clay vessels are then sealed with steel lids, and the wine is left in contact with the skins for 12 months. The results are offbeat and provocative for sure, but the wine pleases the senses thanks to its grape-skin purity and firm mid-weight texture. The freshness and energy of the fruit comes through loud and clear, and you don't feel the heat of the vintage whatsoever. I give it my thumbs up." Robert Parker

The top wine of the eponymous winery presents itself exemplary and quasi as a reference for many other so-called Super Tuscans of the region. Deep ruby red with light red reflections. On the nose, dark fruits, spices, herbs, some leather and a fine tarry note. On the palate, the flavours then unfold powerfully and concentrated, yet it glides velvety with a wonderfully balanced acidity-tannin ratio into a rich, well-proportioned and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark purple; aromas of chocolate, berry jam and vanilla characterise the bouquet; supple texture, the tannins fine-meshed, yet has pressure and fullness through to the final, but does not lack elegance." Vinum

"Tight and focused with very pretty fruit and a solid core of fruit and tannins. Full-bodied, tight and focused." James Suckling

Just like its equally famous neighbour Fattoria Petrolo (with its Boggina A), Il Borro can also convince us with a red wine aged in amphorae. Petruna is a single-varietal Sangiovese that is fermented with 12 months of skin contact in hermetically sealed amphorae. The result is surprising, not in the sense of an "interesting" experimental wine, but because the typical character of Sangiovese is fully expressed in freshness, fruit and energy. The bouquet is dominated by cherry and small red berries, plus some orange zest. Its body is of medium weight, which makes it an excellent food companion. Its fresh acidity and a tangle of fine tannins increase the drinking pleasure enormously. We can say that the experiment was successful in an elegant way. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Valdarno di Sopra Petruna Sangiovese in Anfora is fresh and vibrant in the glass, with a wild display of zesty red berries, sweet spice and peppery herbs. On the palate, soft textures are firmed up by brisk acids, ushering in notes of raspberry and cherry, while tugging at the cheeks with grippy tannins, yet still so lively. The finish is medium in length with a salty twang of minerality, as inner florals slowly taper off. This 100% Sangiovese is aged in Anfora and really shows the worth of this revitalized yet ancient technique of winemaking. Very nice." Vinous

"This is another exciting wine from Il Borro that is now back in the Valdarno di Sopra appellation. The 2018 Valdarno di Sopra Sangiovese in Anfora Petruna is the Ferragamo family's amphorae-based wine, created as a way of showcasing the purity and sharpness of Sangiovese from this tiny, new and exciting appellation. This is a wine of character, showing the pure forest berry, bitter almond and earthy aromas that are associated with the grape. You also get some clay and terracotta from the hands-off winemaking process. You could pair this wine with a lasagna rich in cheese, because the acidity of the grape is ever-present to clean your palate." Robert Parker

"Extremely floral with sweet cherries, as well as flowers and hints of mushrooms. Medium to full body with a lovely, creamy texture that seems so pinot noir-like. But this is sangiovese from a single vineyard, aged in amphora for one year. No wood here. Love the finish." James Suckling

Sweet, dark and lush, the 2013 shows all the richness of a 100% Sangiovese Vin Santo and equally possesses remarkable restraint for such a big wine, with plenty of intensity but always without excess weight. Hints of leather, liquorice and cloves round off the silky, medium-bodied and very harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Spumante of the extra class! Bolle di Borro - Sangiovese interpreted in a completely new way. Il Borro has been producing a pure Sangiovese sparkling wine in the champagne method (Metodo Classico) for a few years now. Fragrant yeasty nose, fine after small red berries and candied citrus peel. On the palate then bread, brioche, finely chiselled Sangiovese fruit and a wonderfully creamy yet precise, crisp, very long finish. Elegance and finesse in puezza! SUPERIORE.DE

"Lightening salmon pink. In the nose after roasted nuts, salt, very tenderly after raspberries, something dark bread crust, of middle intensity. At the palate with finely integrated perlage, juicy, also salty, stretches elegantly over the tongue, harmonious mouthfeel, absolutely enjoy from a big glass."

"This is really fresh and bright with white peaches and cherries. Medium-bodied with fine bubbles. Delicious and so drinkable." James Suckling

"Il Borro's festive 2014 Bolle di Borro Metodo Classico Rosé Brut (made with Sangiovese) shows a light pink color with amber and copper highlights. The wine is tart and fresh, yet it shows a generous, mid-weight mouthfeel that lasts long on the palate. Aromas of white cherry and cassis are followed by toasted almond and freshly baked Tuscan bread. This vintage is lithe and delicate, offering just the right dose of elegance to counter the more robust and sophisticated approach to the palate." Robert Parker

The top wine of the eponymous winery presents itself exemplary and quasi as a reference for many other so-called Super Tuscans of the region. Deep ruby red with light red reflections. On the nose, dark fruits, spices, herbs, some leather and a fine tarry note. On the palate, the flavours then unfold powerfully and concentrated, yet it glides velvety with a wonderfully balanced acidity-tannin ratio into a rich, well-proportioned and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark purple; aromas of chocolate, berry jam and vanilla characterise the bouquet; supple texture, the tannins finely meshed, yet has pressure and fullness through to the final, but does not lack elegance." Vinum

"Tight and focused with very pretty fruit and a solid core of fruit and tannins. Full-bodied, tight and focused." James Suckling

Polissena shows the typical handwriting of Il Borro: The wines are vinified as typical of the grape variety as possible and therefore come into the glass as authentically as possible - especially recognisable here with Sangiovese. On the nose, a fine cherry aroma with hints of wild berries, forest floor, herbs and a little plum. In the mouth, the typical acidity is paired with a delicate fruit, a firm core and a taut final. The 12-month ageing in used and almost neutral barriques is very conducive to the freshness and straightforwardness of the Polissena. Great drinking pleasure! SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a fantastic Polissena. So transparent and perfectly ripened with plum, cherry and orange peel. Full-bodied with fresh acidity and a complement of tannins that spread across the palate and provide a weightless feel. Pure, single-vineyard sangiovese. Top Brunello level." James Suckling

We have known since Galatrona and Torrione (Fattoria Petrolo) at the latest that the still relatively unknown Valdarno region near Arezzo produces great wines. But one immediately thinks of Sangiovese, at best Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. From a small vineyard, however, the Ferragamos only vinify a pure Syrah in the really good years, which is then consistently only available in the Magnum bottle in the hand-picked specialist trade or the top gastronomy.

Expressive bouquet of blackberries, pepper and chocolaty notes. It is fleshy, juicy and impresses with a very present fruit. Full and round, well textured and flanked by wonderfully defined tannins, Alessandro dal Borro leads into a great finish. High expectable maturity potential, not only because of the 1.5l large format. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2012 Alessandro dal Borro (1.5-liter) is a pure expression of the mighty Rhône grape from the Arezzo area of Eastern Tuscany. This wine is only bottled in magnums. This is a very precise and linear expression that shows characteristic traits of blackberry, chocolate, cured meat and cracked peppercorn. This wine happily offers a greater level of complexity and textural depth compared to 2011. It showcases this power and potential of the Valdarno territory." Robert Parker

"A very rich style of syrah with dark berry, coffee, chocolate and hints of smoked meat. Full body, velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Big and juicy wine." James Suckling

Just like its equally famous neighbour Fattoria Petrolo (with its Boggina A), Il Borro can also convince us with a red wine aged in amphorae. Petruna is a single-varietal Sangiovese that is fermented with 12 months of skin contact in hermetically sealed amphorae. The result is surprising, not in the sense of an "interesting" experimental wine, but because the typical character of Sangiovese is fully expressed in freshness, fruit and energy. The bouquet is dominated by cherry and small red berries, plus some orange zest. Its body is of medium weight, which makes it an excellent food companion. Its fresh acidity and a tangle of fine tannins increase the drinking pleasure enormously. We can say that the experiment was successful in an elegant way. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Valdarno di Sopra Petruna Sangiovese in Anfora is fresh and vibrant in the glass, with a wild display of zesty red berries, sweet spice and peppery herbs. On the palate, soft textures are firmed up by brisk acids, ushering in notes of raspberry and cherry, while tugging at the cheeks with grippy tannins, yet still so lively. The finish is medium in length with a salty twang of minerality, as inner florals slowly taper off. This 100% Sangiovese is aged in Anfora and really shows the worth of this revitalized yet ancient technique of winemaking. Very nice." Vinous

"This is another exciting wine from Il Borro that is now back in the Valdarno di Sopra appellation. The 2018 Valdarno di Sopra Sangiovese in Anfora Petruna is the Ferragamo family's amphorae-based wine, created as a way of showcasing the purity and sharpness of Sangiovese from this tiny, new and exciting appellation. This is a wine of character, showing the pure forest berry, bitter almond and earthy aromas that are associated with the grape. You also get some clay and terracotta from the hands-off winemaking process. You could pair this wine with a lasagna rich in cheese, because the acidity of the grape is ever-present to clean your palate." Robert Parker

"Extremely floral with sweet cherries, as well as flowers and hints of mushrooms. Medium to full body with a lovely, creamy texture that seems so pinot noir-like. But this is sangiovese from a single vineyard, aged in amphora for one year. No wood here. Love the finish." James Suckling