Tuscany | Montepulciano

The Chianti Colli Senesi from Fattoria del Cerro is a dark, lively wine with beautiful fruit, mineral and leather aromas in the nose. Pleasantly round and balanced on the palate. A drinkable wine with a certain standard. SUPERIORE.DE

"A Chianti with lots of berry and chocolate character, medium body, vanilla undertones and a simple finish." James Suckling

Manero from Sangiovese and Merlot exudes wonderful aromas of plum, raspberry and cinnamon. Medium body, full-bodied, very well integrated tannins and a long, silky final. Very fine and a great wine for all days. SUPERIORE.DE

"Seductive nose of musk, pine needles, dried chamomile, dried lemon peel and an array of spices. Fascinating pine-cone and herbal flavors, too. It's medium-bodied with fine, sleek tannins." James Suckling

Bright ruby red, inviting scent of red fruits. Clear and smooth on the palate. Very good value. SUPERIORE.DE

A racy, elegant Rosso di Montepulciano, slender and feminine, with the aromas of ripe red cherries and good length. SUPERIORE.DE

Intense straw yellow. Full bouquet of almond blossom, some pineapple and white fruits. Vibrant on the palate, with nice freshness and acidity, again very full-bodied and complex with an interesting long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Intense, immediate Rosso di Montepulciano with aromas of cherries, blackberries and spices. Juicy and expressive on the palate, the tannins well integrated. SUPERIORE.DE

Rosso De Ferrari by Boscarelli reveals a wide scent of chocolate and redcurrants alongside the classic cherry aroma. This complexity continues in the taste, in which the dense, soft texture has an overly pleasant effect. SUPERIORE.DE

Ambrae is an elegant cuvée of Chardonnay and Sauvignon. Pleasant, intense aroma of light berries and some bread, round and harmonious on the palate with a mineral vein and a nice acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

Boscarelli's Prugnolo opens with velvety and cherry aromas on the nose, then becomes full-bodied and powerful. Excellent fruit on the palate, pleasantly fresh acidity, present tannin, structured and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"A medium-fruity red with some walnut and chocolate undertones. Lightly chewy tannins and a flavorful finish." James Suckling

Discreet ruby red with light reflections. Warm, well-dosed bouquet of wild berries, cherries and some smoke. On the palate, finely meshed tannin, plus lots of juice and fruit, floral and spicy notes, compact. A fine salty vein in the harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. In the nose first after red beet and slightly earthy nuances, then after rich cherries and ripe raspberries, slightly resinous, fine spice. Compact and present on the palate, opens with a juicy core and tight tannin, shows fine wood spice, with persistence." Falstaff

"Juicy and elegant, this offers bright red cherry, dried thyme, wild rose and orange peel. Finessed, clinging tannins are decidedly chalky in texture. Mid-weight and mouth cleansing, it finishes with an almost grapefruit tang. Winemaker Giuseppe Rigoli says that even ripening allowed the estate to pick Sangiovese at full phenolic ripeness in the first week of October. Though Merlot only ever makes up a small percentage of the blend, there is even less than usual as the vines were hit with downy mildew." Decanter

Boscarelli's Merlot smells very complex and pleasant of ripe blueberries and plums, a little smoky and of roasted nuts. Firm and powerful on the palate, ripe, juicy, tart fruit and youthful but polished tannin. Wonderfully persistent, long, spicy and soft. SUPERIORE.DE

Intense ruby red Vino Nobile Riserva with a spicy bouquet of aromas of dried fruits, cinnamon, cloves and liquorice. Smooth on the palate with a variety of nuances, beautiful fullness, structure and intensity, smooth tannins. Very sophisticated pleasure at an excellent price. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sangiovese with some Canaiolo and Merlot, aged 24 months in Tonneaux: Smells of fresh berries and violets; smooth start, the tannins and acidity are well-balanced, the finish is spicy-fruity and long. Convinces with its elegant style." Vinum

Wonderfully fragrant, fruity-floral bouquet. The taste is reminiscent of plums and cherries with a fine vanilla-spicy component and clear, very pleasant acidity and polished tannins. Clear fruit aromas, enormous velvety and a long finish emphasise the harmony of this Nobile Riserva. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich shining brown-red with minimal cloudiness. First smell of rich ripe cherry fruit, then rosehip and also juniper berries, then delicate leather spice in the background. Lively palate entry, stretches out a wide dress, compact and medium-bodied on the palate, tightens up a bit on the back end and finishes with some pressure on sweet fruit." Falstaff

"A medium-bodied, structured red with aromas and flavors of cloves, cedar and dried cherries. Hint of pine. Well integrated tannins. The oak spices blend in nicely." James Suckling

Salcheto's garnet-red sparkling Vino Nobile delights us with fragrant dried plum and a hint of cinnamon and clove. On the palate, much present fruit, fine, sweet melting in the long finish. An authentic and pleasantly elegant organic wine from the heart of the Montepulciano region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliantly shining garnet red. At first smell, rich spicy notes of rosemary, black olives and cedar, then ripe blueberry and cassis. Fills the mouth completely, presents itself in a stoffig woven tannin dress, with good structure, compact, pithy, with some persistence in the finish." Falstaff

"A core of black cherry, plum and blueberry fruit is augmented by earth, tobacco and rosemary in this chunky red, which is balanced, with a light granular quality to the tannins. The herb elements linger, along with the fruit." Wine Spectator

"Salchetto's launching pad Vino Nobile is crafted from the estate's organically farmed 15 hectares and is the choicest selection of grapes. Appealing from the get-go, this 100% Sangiovese smells of summer's bounty with cherry, plum, blackberry and strawberry. Hints of flint, iron and garden herbs provide nuance. The palate is fruit-laden but not heavy, and there is lovely freshness. Dry, linear tannins are sandy in texture and speak to the wine's serious side." Decanter

A solid and every year excellent drop is the Nobile by Poliziano, which smells of dark red cherries, blackberries and toasted notes. Compact and polished on the palate, soft and balanced with silky tannins and a long, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. In the nose of wild berries, sour cherries and a hint of violets. Very juicy on the palate, with clear fruit and pithy tannin, tension-filled, gentle pressure, minimal drying on the final." Falstaff

"Made since 1968, Poliziano's stalwart Vino Nobile is oak-smoothed and chocolatey, with ageing in a combination of French barriques, tonneaux and larger casks. Sweet wood spice and vanilla lead but make room for liquorice and blackberry. It's full and rich with some Merlot plumpness, and chewy wood tannins and bright acidity underneath. It all works - just give it another year to knit together." Decanter

"All charm, the 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is an attractive wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Dark cherry fruit, licorice, menthol, pine, tobacco and cedar add pretty aromatic nuances. This easygoing, mid-weight Vino Nobile has plenty to offer." Vinous

"Aromas of mulberry, plum, dried herb, chestnut and chocolate. Medium-to full-bodied with slightly rustic tannins and fresh acidity. Juicy, with a chalky texture and flavorful finish." James Suckling

Brilliant ruby red with a slightly lightening rim. Impressive scent of red berries, smoke, roasted almonds and dark spices. Taut, straightforward, expressive and of beautiful length on the palate. Boscarelli's Nobile di Montepulciano is a wonderfully precise example of its growing zone every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. Slightly reductive on the nose at the beginning, then opens up on red berry fruit, cherries, a hint of cinnamon, reverberating with sealing wax. Bright and juicy on the palate, showing savoury fruit, with fine tension and persistence." Falstaff

"Marked by juicy cherry and strawberry fruit, this red is vibrant and accessible. Fine-grained tannins lend support, with hints of iron and wild herbs adding detail." Wine Spectator

"Produced since 1968 and the mainstay of Boscarelli's portfolio, this Vino Nobile has changed little since its inception. Canaiolo Nero, Colorino and Mammolo round out Sangiovese, and ageing is in various sizes of used Allier and Slavonian oak barrels. This is all leather and tar mixed with dry, gravelly soil to start. But there is a still-youthful vibrancy with plum and orange zest poking through. It flows gracefully, allowing long, dusty tannins to coat the palate. There's sneaky power here, and crunchiness to the fruit." Decanter

"Aromas of plums, dark cherries, dried herbs and minerals. Medium-to full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Round and creamy with juicy character and plenty of fruit on the palate. Long, flavorful and vibrant finish." James Suckling

Fine Nobile Riserva with spicy notes of clove and cinnamon on a clear fruit base of wild berries. Soft, full-bodied and with delicate tannins on the palate, it finishes long and dynamic. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. Expressive and inviting nose of blood oranges, rich cherries and a hint of cold smoke, reverberating with rich raspberries and slightly fleshy tones, multi-layered. Round and harmonious on the palate, opens on a spicy core, with tension and juice, punchy finish." Falstaff

"Winemaker Michele Manelli has retooled Tuscany's traditional governo technique for Salcheto's Riserva. He adds partially dried grapes to his best cask of Vino Nobile, triggering a second fermentation for a softer, rounder and more concentrated Sangiovese. The 2016 is laden with black cherry, cinnamon, clove and orange peel. Underneath all the richness, a stony mineral note shines through. This is flattering in its presentation and accessible now, but has the fruit, structure and succulent acidity to age for another seven to eight years." Decanter

"Aromas of plum, violet and tobacco are front and center along with a whiff of camphor on this fragrant, savory red. The smooth, enveloping palate has a weightless quality, featuring spiced blueberry, dried cherry and licorice framed in tightly knit but elegant tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Boasting ripe black cherry, blackberry, floral and licorice flavors, this red is expressive and balanced. Firm tannins offer structure as this remains on the elegant side, lingering with echoes of fruit, wild herbs and mineral." Wine Spectator

Golden yellow, wide, floral bouquet with fine wood notes and distinct aromas of light fruit and freshly baked brioche. Full, round and persistent on the palate with elegant structure, very long. SUPERIORE.DE

"A creamy, fruity white with sliced cooked apples, lemons and hints of vanilla. It’s full-bodied, layered and delicious." James Suckling

Ruby red with garnet glints. Boscarelli's Riserva exudes a wonderful scent of herbs, leather and cherries. Juicy, dense and compact on the palate, with robust tannins and fine acidity. Long, seductive and finely spicy on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of dark cherries, blueberries, stones and fresh flowers. It's medium-to full-bodied with sleek tannins and bright acidity. Structured and textured with juicy character on the mid-palate." James Suckling

"Subtle aromas of dark-skinned berry, star anise and a whiff of leather form the nose on this blend of Sangiovese and 10% Colorino. Medium bodied and rather austere, the linear palate features dried Marasca cherry, white pepper and ground clove alongside taut, fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"For this Riserva, the De Ferrari brothers select bunches from four or five parcels throughout their historic vineyards in the area of Cervognano. This captivates with fragrances of mint, tobacco, woodland berries and dusty earth, while lush red cherry fills the mouth. There's a sumptuousness to the fruit but also a purity which permeates Boscarelli's wines. It glides fluidly, supported by integrated powdery tannins. Pressed flowers and sweet herbs resonate on the finish." Decanter

Antica Chiusina from a single vineyard with a clean and intensely sweet bouquet, beautiful fruit and fine tannins. Deep, balanced taste with mineral tones, very convincing due to its density and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling brick red with a ruby sheen. Pronounced aroma of dried figs and rum pot, also something of goji berries, wrapped in clove and tobacco. Stretches juicily across the tongue, showing interwoven tannins, gliding through the palate with good pressure and holding its own on the final." Falstaff

"A medium-bodied red with lots of wild cherries, blackberries, cloves, dried lavender and leaves on the nose. Some juicy raspberry, chocolate and walnut character on the palate, too. Sleek, fine tannins." James Suckling

If the Vin Santo is vinified from 100% Sangiovese or Prugnolo Gentile, it carries the addition Occhio di Pernice. Amber color, on the nose dried fruit, candied orange and hints of hazelnuts. Full and dense on the palate, with a subtle but never broad sweetness and a wonderfully long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Shortly after the turn of the millennium, Avignonesi planted four new wine plots, which after long research and experimentation were identified as the best to produce the future cru-mobiles of the house. Their names are Banditella, Caprile, El Grasso and Oceano. Each of them gives an exciting impression of the complex terroir around the small town of Montepulciano and the results impressively demonstrate the potential of the region, which has long been in the shadow of Montalcino.

Oceano comes from soils of maritime origin, rich in clay, silt and limestone. The vines grow at about 300 m above sea level in a north-western orientation. Just 3,379 bottles were filled with vintage 2016. SUPERIORE.DE

"An elegant style, offering strawberry, cherry, leather and earth flavors, shaded by vanilla and toasty oak notes. Balanced, with subtle, refined tannins gracing the extended finish." Wine Spectator

"Avignonesi has always vinified their different plots separately, assembling them after ageing. In 2015 however, the estate started bottling small quantities of several single vineyards separately in order to show the nuances of Montepulciano. Oceano is made from small, bush-trained vines at 290 metres on limestone-rich clay. It's darkly fruited, all blackberry and black currants, yet lifted by accents of orange zest. The fruit is polished, round and powerful, rending the wine gracious rather than austere. Vigorous, clayey tannins cling to the palate but this finishes on a fresh, tangy note." Decanter

"Love the blueberry and strawberry character with hints of cream and toffee. Medium-bodied, integrated and finely grained with a beautiful, creamy texture. Hint of bitterness at the end. From biodynamically grown grapes." James Suckling

Shortly after the turn of the millennium, Avignonesi planted four new wine plots, which after long research and experimentation were identified as the best to produce the future cru-mobiles of the house. Their names are Banditella, Caprile, El Grasso and Oceano. Each of them gives an exciting impression of the complex terroir around the small town of Montepulciano and the results impressively demonstrate the potential of the region, which has long been in the shadow of Montalcino.

La Banditella comes from soils of maritime origin, rich in clay, silt and limestone. The vines grow at about 320 m above sea level in a northern orientation. SUPERIORE.DE

"One of five limited production, single-vineyard offerings from Avignonesi, the north-facing Banditella vineyard is the last to ripen. It sits at 300 to 320 metres above sea level and the soil is sandy with abundant pebbles and varying degrees of calcium-carbonate. This is a fragrant, vertical wine with nuances of rosehip, violets and mint, along with refreshing acidity asserting itself throughout. Though the tannins aren't immense, they are firm and powdery in texture. The subtle rustic edge remains charming and a saline finish lingers with herb blossoms." Decanter

"This is polished and lush, with plum, black cherry, iron and tobacco flavors, accented by smoky oak. Balanced, but give this a year or two to integrate more fully. Offers a firm, lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of cherries, smoke and hints of tobacco and fresh herbs. Full body. Tangy and chewy with lovely intensity and length. Shows energy and freshness. From biodynamically grown grapes." James Suckling

Racy and seductive Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Very intense bouquet of fruit, tobacco, herbs and toasted notes. At the palate voluminous and harmoniously round, silky-sweet tannins and excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2015 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Salco is an organic selection of fruit from across the estate's best vineyards. You definitely get the warmth and intensity that is characteristics of this vintage, and the wine shows a very healthy and opulent quality of fruit. Like some of the other important wines from 2015, Salco's texture is loose and open-knit, with some mild grittiness on the tannins. However, the mouthfeel tapers down to a silky and fine finish all said and done." Robert Parker

"Fragrant purple-flower, dark spice and black-skinned-berry aromas mix with new leather and pipe tobacco. It's both elegant and enveloping, delivering ripe Marasca cherry, cranberry, licorice and hints of dried herb alongside taut, velvety tannins. It closes on a note of coffee bean. Drink through 2027." Wine Enthusiast

"Beginning to hit a sweet spot, revealing fading cherry, plum, iron, mushroom, woodsy and tobacco aromas and flavors. Its tannins are still a bit gruff, but nothing a good steak or braised lamb or beef dish won't take care of." Wine Spectator