Tuscany | Montepulciano

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

"Aromas of raspberry, lavender, burnt lemon and dried oregano. It’s light-to medium-bodied with fine tannins and crisp acidity. Zesty and crunchy." James Suckling

As always, the Rosso from Cerro is good and very drinkable. Smoky, spicy and chocolate notes in the pleasantly fruity aroma, typical of the grape variety, juicy and persistent on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

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 aroma of red fruits. Clear and supple on the palate. Very successful value. 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

Fine Rosso di Montepulciano with a typical fruity-spicy aroma and solid body. It has just the right balance, is multi-layered, reveals an aromatic fruit and also has a final decent persistence. SUPERIORE.DE

Rosso De Ferrari by Boscarelli reveals a wide scent of chocolate and currants alongside the classic cherry aroma. This complexity continues on the palate, where the dense, soft texture is pleasing beyond measure. 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

Rich and dense ruby red, open and accessible nose with beautiful blackberry fruit, light tea notes in the background. Also in the taste a beautiful fruit, reminiscent of ripe, dark cherries, then hearty tannin and a round finish. You simply can't get more classic Vino Nobile for this price. SUPERIORE.DE

"Surprises with an opulent fruit bouquet underpinned by fine spicy and violet notes; compact on the palate, has good tannins, finishes long." Vinum

"Medium shimmering garnet red. Fragrant on the nose of cardamom and ripe blackcurrant, a hint of liquorice and cocoa bean, multi-layered. Spans a wide arc on the palate, grippingly tightly meshed tannin, builds up in layers, compact, pithy, pulls itself juicily into the finish." Falstaff

"The 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Silineo takes some time to open up in the glass, dusty and floral, yet beneath, I’m finding musky blackberries and hints of cedary spice. Its textures are silky-smooth and pliant, contrasted by floral-tinged tart berries and a flourish of sour citrus that keeps the expressions lively. A hint of wild herbs and a gentle grip of tannin lingers." Vinous

Brilliant ruby red with violet reflections. Delicate scent of strawberries, raspberries and blackcurrants, which flows towards together with a hint of cinnamon. Balanced, fresh and firm taste, supported by a lively acid structure, harmonious and long. A delightful, uncomplicated drinking pleasure with a convincing finish. SUPERIORE.DE

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

The name Da-Di is derived from Chinese and means earth/soil. It underlines not only the organic cultivation of the vines, but also the subsequent ageing in 11 Tuscan terracotta amphorae. The result is a fascinatingly fresh, precise and varietally pure Sangiovese that is a joy to drink from the very first sip.

Intense bouquet of cherries, ripe raspberries, currants and wild strawberries. Complex, lively, almost explosive on the palate with beautifully pronounced primary aromas such as sour cherry and black cherry, accompanied by floral accents. The well-proportioned tannin and the agile fruit-acid interplay underline all the advantages of the Sangiovese grape and the long finish is introduced by a freshness and at the same time delicate sweetness that only the ageing in amphorae can produce. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wickedly fresh and floral, the 2020 Rosso Da-Di wafts up with sweet lavender, mint and crushed pomegranates. There are masses of concentration here, yet it’s not heavy in any way as purple-tinged florals and wild berry fruits cascade across the senses. There’s incredible length as well and a subtle tug of round tannin. The Rosso Da-Di is a wonderfully complete and, quite simply, lovely amphora-aged Sangiovese." Vinous

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

"The 2016 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva is dark with arching violet-tinged florals, hints of plum and Tuscan dust. Its textures are silky, communicating undeniable elegance, with a polished display of mineral-tinged wild berries contrasted by hints of sour citrus. What balance, tapering off lightly structured, with a purple and blue-toned array of residual fruits and inner herbal tones lingering on and on. This is classic but in need of some time to fully come together. The Riserva hails from Fattoria del Cerro’s higher-elevation vineyards that contain a high percentage of pebbles, fossils and shells." Vinous

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

"Appealing bouquet of black cherries and herbs; powerful texture, the acidity invigorating and in harmony with the tannins, finishes long. Convinces with its powerful fruity style. Goes well with game dishes." Vinum

"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

"This superb estate is basically a guarantee of great, delicious wines, even in difficult vintages as this savory red proves. It opens with heady aromas of wild berry, truffle, blue flower and dark spice while the racy, polished palate features juicy strawberry, blood orange, licorice and cocoa. It's balanced and focused, with vibrant acidity and taut, refined tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Avignonesi's classic shows a lean to medium body, offers seamless tannins and a delicious flavour profile. Intense ruby red with garnet hues. On the nose, aromas of red berries, cherry and pomegranate and the unmistakable scent of violets so typical of the Sangiovese grape, with a hint of vanilla and Mediterranean herbal spice in the background. Well balanced in the drink, with beautiful primary notes of ripe cherry and plum. The warm, ethereal body is embedded in a dense tannic structure and leads into a long, persistent finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dusty dried cherries, currants and florals, crushed stone and a lifting hint of smoke all waft up from the 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. It’s silky and elegant in feel, casting ripe red berries and saline-minerals across the palate, slowly saturating the senses with a tug of grippy tannins. This tapers off with a perfumed coating of red florals and dried berries. I expect the 2017 to have a pleasurable yet limited drinking window, needing a year or two of cellaring to come fully together." Vinous

"A very attractive red with plum and berry character. Some chocolate and walnut, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with round, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish." James Suckling

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

"Waits with accurate notes of cassis and herbs; juicy in the mouth, the tannins well integrated, noticeable acidity, finishes long on spicy wild berry flavours. Always reliable." Vinum

"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

"Inviting bouquet of stone fruit, herbs and dark chocolate; compact on the palate with noticeable acidity, tight tannins, finishes multi-faceted. Pleases with its powerful style." Vinum

"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

"The 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano lifts up perfumed with roses, violets, sage and tea leaves in an exotic and fresh display. Its textures are silky-smooth yet lifted and juicy, staining the palate with purple-tinged florals and blueberries. There is tannin here, yet they are sweet and round, hardly getting in the way of the 2018’s jovial feel." Vinous

"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

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

"Animating notes of raspberries and flowers open the round; polished texture, carried by the fineness of the tannins, the freshness of the acidity and the fruit. Fruity and yet with finesse." Vinum

"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

If the Vin Santo is vinified from 100% Sangiovese or Prugnolo Gentile, it bears the addition Occhio di Pernice. Amber in colour, dried fruit, candied orange and hints of hazelnuts on the nose. 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