Tuscany | Montepulciano

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

"Some blueberry and black cherry with a steely edge. Medium body. Firm palate." 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

Racy elegant Rosso di Montepulciano, lean and feminine, with the aromas of ripe red cherries and good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"A medium-bodied Rosso di Montepulciano with vibrant cherry and strawberry aromas and a floral note. Juicy, pristine palate, loaded with cherries and plums and some nice, sandblasted tannins. A little short, but clean and quite fruity." James Suckling

Bright ruby red, inviting aroma of red fruits. Clear and supple on the palate. Very successful value. SUPERIORE.DE

Intense ruby red colour and with a bouquet reminiscent of wild fruits, joined by fresh grass and fine spicy notes, accompanied by a hint of cedar wood. Its taste is wonderfully round, harmonious, full-bodied and rich in silky tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. Fine, fragrant nose of dried tomatoes and raspberries, some sealing wax, cherries, then distinct pepper tone and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate of medium structure but expressive, with beautiful cherry fruit, tightens up juicily, pithy and prancing, really fun." Falstaff

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

"A rich, smooth style, delivering cherry, plum, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Balanced, with a solid line of tannins providing support." Wine Spectator

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

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

"A fruity, supple red with aromas of sour cherries, raspberries, button mushrooms and bay leaves. Medium-bodied with sleek tannins and a juicy 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

"Ripe berry and cherry aromas with some vanilla undertones. It’s full and juicy with a big palate and a creamy finish. Layered, if a little old-school." James Suckling

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

Discreet ruby red with light reflections. Warm, well-dosed bouquet of wild berries, cherries and some smoke. On the palate, fine-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

"Camphor, forest berry and rosemary aromas shape the enticing nose on this fragrant red. Elegantly structured, the lithe palate offers sour cherry, orange zest and star anise alongside fine-grained tannins and bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

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 diverse nuances, beautiful fullness, structure and intensity, supple tannins. Very elegant pleasure at an excellent price. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, noble ruby red. The nose is appealing, fragrant, with ripe raspberries underpinned by a hint of peppermint, a pinch of lovage and light leather in the aftertaste. Firm and sturdy on the palate, with a red berry core and tight tannin, it pulls finely across the tongue, very classic, with a considerably juicy finish." Falstaff

"Rather than hailing from a single vineyard, Gracciano delle Seta’s Riserva is a harvest selection. In 2017, the grapes were picked about a week earlier than usual. Initial aromas of prune cake and sweet spice speak to the warmth of the vintage, freshening up as fennel and lavender take hold. The fruit is plush but not heavy, and elevated by an underlying juiciness. Soft tannins give a gentle grip on the finish." Decanter

"Aromas of red berry, rose and camphor slowly expand in the glass to include accents of dark spice. Supremely elegant, the lithe, savory palate features juicy black cherry, raspberry compote and licorice before closing on a ground cinnamon note. Taut, fine-grained tannins provide polished support." Wine Enthusiast

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

"This has a pretty nose of roses, violets, raspberries, orange zest, sliced mushrooms and sweet spices. Medium-bodied with crunchy acidity and powdery tannins. Creamy and bright." 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

"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

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

The DOC Cortona, which has existed since 1999, is famous for its single-varietal Syrahs and Merlots, whose vines thrive excellently on the Pliocene clayey soils. Since 2006, the Carletti family has also been involved in this appellation, which was quite unknown until today, and their Merlot Il Violas is now known beyond the borders of Italy and has many lovers.

Dense, dark ruby with violet reflections. On the nose, an open-hearted bouquet of black berry fruits, sandalwood, rosemary and with fine spice. The texture coats the palate, warm, intense and rich of dark fruits, chocolate, plum and redcurrant. In Violas is a generous and deep red that just calls out for a Bistecca Fiorentina and gives much pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh and linear merlot with blueberry, black-olive and citrus undertones. It’s medium-bodied and creamy with vivid intensity. Some wood, too. Shows attractive potential. Try after 2024." James Suckling

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

"A dense, tightly wound version, displaying cherry and berry fruit, earth and underbrush flavors wrapped in a grip of dusty tannins. Gains fruit, allowing the vibrant acidity to focus and extend the finish." Wine Spectator

"Poliziano's 120 hectares extend over diverse subzones within the northern sector of Montepulciano. Drawing fruit from the various plots, its Vino Nobile (90% Sangiovese) is bolstered by Canaiolo Nero, Merlot and Colorino. It is youthfully restrained, with discreet mineral notes eventually giving way to black currant, red plum and floral nuances. The palate is tight but full with tangy acidity, appetising salinity and a subtle hint of oak. The tannins sport a grainy grip and all the elements are kept in check." Decanter

"Aromas of plums, orange peel and fresh flowers follow through to a medium body, with very crisp acidity and fine yet dusty tannins with a succulent and fresh 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

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

"Rich, boasting plum, cherry, sage, earth and iron flavors. Bright and persistent, with fine balance and a lingering finish that leaves a chalky sensation." Wine Spectator

"An understated Vino Nobile with discreet minerals, spiced plums, cumin and tarry savoriness that needs some time to pull together and open up further. Quite nicely chewy and tight, with a full-bodied palate and a clean, mineral finish. A little demanding now, but shows potential. Try after 2024." James Suckling

"The De Ferrari family make multiple passages to pick each bunch at optimal ripeness. Grapes for the Vino Nobile came in between 30 September and 7 October. It's a plentiful, chewy, exuberant mouthful yet balanced and poised in its size. Wild forest berries harmonise with cedar and fresh earth nuances. The plump fruit is girdled by burly, ripe tannins and polished oak is in step with both. There's a smoothness without any lack of intrigue, while racy acidity adds extra crunch." Decanter

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

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

"For Salcheto’s Riserva, winemaker Michele Manelli adds a small percentage of dried grapes during fermentation with the goal of increasing weight and concentration as well as achieving more mature, resolved tannins. Aromas are ripe and upfront, leading with oak notes before mint chocolate meets macerated cherry. Wood takes a back seat on the palate, where rich fruit and supple tannins fill the mouth. The vintage’s fresh acidity keeps this elegant." Decanter

"Marked by vanilla and resinous oak, this red delivers plum, blackberry and iron flavors. Rigid now, with fine depth and a lingering spicy finish. Give this a year or two to absorb the oak." Wine Spectator