Sangiovese Wine

Winemaker Description 

Bright red in color, aromas of violets and red berries complement undertones of leather and anise. On the palate, this wine is dry and mellow with smooth tannins that make for a crowdpleasing, easy-to-drink red wine.

Expert Ratings

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2021 Chianti Classico Berardenga is boisterous and expressive right out of the glass. Dark fruit, earthiness, leather, spice and tobacco convey tons of Castelnuovo Berardenga character. The 2021 keeps getting better in the glass. It's a super-classic example of the house style and a wine readers should consider buying by the case. The Berardenga bottling can be a bit wild, but in 2021 has an added touch of sophistication that is undeniable.  Drinking 2024 - 2038.  - Vinous 92

James Suckling writes:  A firm and silky red with cherry, dried flower and orange peel aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh and focused finish. Needs a little time to soften but I already enjoy the energy here. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 93

Bruce Sanderson writes:  This has a saline undercurrent to the cherry, cinnamon, rose hip, earth and Tuscan scrub flavors, all backed by a solid base of tannins and vibrant acidity. Long, energetic finish. Best from 2024 through 2030.  - Wine Spectator 91

Walter Speller writes:Lustrous ruby. Deep cherry with dark-spice notes. Concentrated, supple and with plenty of stuffing. Quite formidable structure with bags of powdery tannins that still need to settle; right now, they are a little demanding.  Drinking 2023 - 2029.  - Jancis Robinson 16.5

Michaela Morris writes:  In the southeastern confines of the denomination, the Fèlsina estate has been an unwavering proponent of 100% Sangiovese. Even the annata captures the wildness of this grape combined with the Mediterranean character of this warm and luminous corner of Chianti Classico. The 2021 starts with smoky nuances, earth and subtle oak, then progresses to fragrant mint and thyme. It is concentrated and ripe, yet balanced by freshness and agility. An underlying firmness releases gradually to reveal a savoury finish of sundried tomato.  Drinking 2023 - 2029.  - Decanter 91

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description 

"Maraschino cherry, pomegranate, smoked meat, earth and rosemary flavors highlight this sleek red, which is defined by vivid acidity and solid tannins, with a dry, sinewy finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2037. 3,000 cases made, 1,250 cases imported."

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Expert Reviews

Eric Guido writes:  The 2021 Rosso di Montalcino opens with a dusty bouquet, blending sweet smoke with mentholated herbs and wild strawberries. This begins with a lovely inner sweetness and cooling minerality, which lifts its tart wild berry fruits. Zesty acidity refreshes the palate as the 2021 finishes long and stains with a licorice tinge. Very nice.  Drinking 2023 -2027.  - Vinous 90

Zekun Shuai writes:  An excellent Rosso di Montalcino that shows precision of ripeness and a mineral twist. Plenty of red berries, plums and hints of grapefruit and fine spices. Juicy and tense on the palate with good texture and firmness. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.  - James Suckling 92

Winemaker Description

The Rosso di Montepulciano has a ruby red color highlighted by purple streaks. The bouquet presents caresses of violet, raspberry and black currant, integrated with aromas of sweet spices, cinnamon and vanilla. On the palate it is pleasant and fresh, supported by a good acidity. It is accompanied by an enveloping tannic structure and notes of ripe red and black fruit.

Expert Rating

James Suckling 91 Points | (2020 Prior Vintage) Notes of ripe red berries, licorice, cocoa and bark. Ripe but fresh with medium body and fine tannins. Juicy and fruit-forward. Vivid and delicious. From biodynamically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink now.

Winemaker Description

Opaque with a red berry rim. Aromas of cherry, dark fruits, and vanilla. Silky tannins frame flavors of dried strawberries, plums, violet, and red cherries. Robust and balanced. Delicious with Pasta dishes and grilled red meats. 

Expert Ratings 

94 Points James Suckling | Subtle aromas of sliced strawberries and cherries with some orange peel follow through to a medium body with succulent tannins and a bright and tangy finish. Lovely energy in this one. So good now. From organically grown grapes.

93 Points Wine Spectator | Rich and velvety, laced with black cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral flavors. This is driven by vibrant acidity and backed by well-mannered tannins. Shows excellent balance and length.

92 Points Decanter | This flagship Chianti Classico from the renowned Fontodi estate has grown over the years to its current annual production of 170,000 bottles, however it has not lost its identity, deeply rooted in a sun-drenched stretch of Panzano’s Conca d’Oro. The 2020 version has all the ripe dark fruit and assertive tannins that come so neatly into balance. Grilled meat, baked earth and thyme flirt with black plum. The youthful juiciness has the energy to carry this over the next eight or so years. It finishes with its signature bitter liquorice twist.

91 Points Robert Parker | A certified organic wine, the Fontodi 2020 Chianti Classico shows dark fruit and blackberry with earthy sensations of crushed stone that reflect the schistous soils found in this area of the appellation. Unlike the Filetta di Lamole (with fruit from Lamole) that is very floral in personality, this expression from Panzano has more structure, girth and general fruit weight

Winemaker Description

Deep ruby in color with garnet lights that hint at the wine's extended barrel aging, Castello di Bossi Gran Selezione is explosive in its intensity and yet the wine manages an astounding complexity and finesse. Aromas of rich black cherry and plum integrate well with cedar, sweet cooking spices, chocolate and saddle leather. On the palate the wine is fleshy and dense. The finish achieves great balance and very pronounced length. This is a wine that will age with grace for many years.

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 96 Points | There’s purity to the cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and herb aromas and flavors in this solidly built red, which shows excellent balance and length. The muscular finish begs for more time for the beautiful fruit to assimilate. 

Wine Advocate 94 Points | You drive through a postcard-perfect panorama of cypress-lined roads and sun-lit farmhouses as you approach the tiny hamlet of Bossi on the southern side of the appellation. The organic Castello di Bossi 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione reveals a dark core of black fruit that is surrounded by flinty mineral, spice and black licorice. This wine should become even silkier and softer with more bottle age. This 20,000-bottle release will hit the market this fall."

James Suckling 94 Points | Lots of blackberry, black-cherry and lavender aromas with some sage. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Linear and polished red.

Vinous 91 Points | The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Bossi is laced with dark red cherry, incense, tobacco, game, spice and licorice. Dense and a bit wild, the 2019 has plenty of personality. This really needs quite a bit of air to emerge, but there is plenty of stuffing there.

Winemaker Description

This riserva has a luminous ruby red color. Appealing aromas of dark cherries, plums, sweet spice, violets, vanilla and hints of dark chocolate and menthol emerge on the nose. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied but smooth with an almost creamy mouthfeel. Tannins are well integrated with the alcohol, and lead to a subtly sweet, silky finish.

Pair this wine with Korean short ribs, ragù sauces, gnocchi with roasted rabbit, and beef negimaki.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 94 Points | A very beautiful and fresh riserva with blackcurrant, blackberry and dark-chocolate aromas and flavors with some almond. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a fresh finish. From organically grown grapes. (2019).

Decanter 93 Points | The Bacci family bought this centuries-old estate in 1998, and Alberto Antonini has been the consulting enologist for almost as long. A selection of lots from the estate’s extensive vineyards in Castelnuovo Berardenga, the Riserva presents a particularly earthy nose of truffle, sweet damp earth and iron. On the palate, subtle black raspberry is inflected with tea and tobacco, and the oak is understated and sophisticated. What this may lack in sheer concentration, it makes up for in its fluid gait and assertiveness of structure. A natural with mushroom risotto. (2019).

Robert Parker 93 Points | A certified organic wine, the 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardo offers bright aromas of dried cherry, forest berry, sweet spice and cinnamon. With fruit from beautiful Castelnuovo Berardenga on the southern side of the appellation, this wine shows medium-rich concentration and good texture with savory oak-driven elements. (2019). 

Winemaker Description

The Chianti Classico Riserva has a ruby red hue with a trace of garnet. The nose is elegant, displaying hints of spice and fruit. This is a well-structured wine with smooth tannins and a long finish.

Blend: 100% Sangiovese

Expert Ratings

James Suckling 94 Points | Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones, following through to a medium to full body with compact tannins that are firm and finely grained. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.(2020). 

Robert Parker 93 Points | In the bottle with the black label, the organic 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva offers ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone. Achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season such as this. This wine is characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes it over the palate with good momentum. (2020).

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | A rich ruby color, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is a selection from the best vineyards, aged for two years. The nose opens to ripe and polished aromas of toasted cedar, cherry lozenge, menthol, and spiced orange peel. Medium-bodied, it offers ripe tannins that fold into a more mineral texture, with mouthwatering stony earth and a rather long, clean finish.

Wine Spectator 90 Points | A juicy yet firmly structured red highlighted by bright cherry and blackberry fruit. Reveals dense tannins that inform the finish, where accents of earth and mineral linger. Balanced in a youthful, exuberant way. Best from 2025 through 2039.

Expert Rating - Vintage 2022

Winemaker Description

The certified organic vineyards cover 20 hectares in Gaiole in Chianti at different altitudes, exposures and soil types. All wines are artisanally crafted from hand-sorted grapes that are crushed by foot and fermented with native yeasts in small, concrete fermentors. 

The Riecine Chianti Classico is made from 100% Sangiovese from different vineyard sites throughout Gaiole in Chianti. Mid ruby in the glass with aromas of cranberry and sour cherry interspersed with a strong mineral note.

The palate is vibrant with fine, persistent tannins and energetic acidity. Lots of tension in this mineral and sour-fruited wine. Enjoy with pasta or artisanal pizza. Winemaker Description

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Wine Spectator 92 Points | This red starts out supple, revealing cherry, blackberry, violet and spice flavors. There's a line of dusty tannins underneath, yet this is balanced and long in the end. Best from 2025 through 2039.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | The stony, metallic nose is all graphite, pencil shavings, pennies and topsoil with subtle fruit aromas of cherry skin and orange peel scorched quickly to release its essential oil. Juicier cherries on the palate are still traced by graphite and crushed soil, held together with tightly wound tannins.

James Suckling 90 Points | Dark cherries, baked cherries, cloves, herbs and cedar on the nose. It’s medium- to full-bodied with solid tannins. Quite firm still with a fruity frame and a chewy finish.

Winemaker Description 

Expert Review - Vintage 2018 

Wine Spectator 91 Points | A powerful red, with savory eucalyptus, tobacco and tomato leaf aromas and flavors offset by cherry and plum notes. Beefy tannins set the stage for a lingering, grainy finish. Best from 2024 through 2033. -- Bruce Sanderson (2018).

Winemaker Description

In the glass it shows intense garnet red reflections. On the nose aromas of small red fruits, strawberries and currants. Then pomegranate and the unmistakable violet scent of good Sangiovese. In the background a touch of vanilla, sweet spices and licorice. The palate is well balanced with hints of ripe cherries and plums, supported by precise and elegant tannins. The body is warm and enveloping with a long and persistent finish. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Its bouquet is intense, pure, pleasant and refined, reminiscent of sweet violet, tobacco, chocolate and pleasant hints of wild berries and vanilla. Its flavor fully confirms the above in a well-balanced, full-bodied wine with good tannins and a solid structure. 

Expert Reviews-Vintage 2019

Decanter 95 Points | Altesino counts approximately 50 hectares throughout Montalcino’s northern and southern stretches. A compilation of diverse sites, the estate Brunello is among the denomination’s best values. If the Montosoli bottling is more solemn in tone, this 2019 is joyful and bright. Heady red currant and cherry mingle with plum and anise. The sumptuously fruited, plush palate is mouth filling yet agile. Sandy textured tannins envelop and caress while citrusy acidity lifts the whole. Already accessible, it has sufficient depth, concentration and backbone for a solid decade of enjoyment. (2019). 

Robert Parker 95 Points | The Altesino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino boasts a rich and savory side that this wine wears very well. There is a beautiful level of dark fruit that folds into the wine's velvety texture. Blackberry and plum envelop the palate, adding elegant full-bodied volume and fine tannins along the way. The wine is aged in traditional Slavonian casks, and production reaches 110,000 bottles annually (which is very ambitious considering this level of quality). (2019). 

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | Pouring a rich ruby color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino offers an attractive nose of cherry candies, sweet herbs, polished leather, and orange oils. It moves seamlessly to the palate with equally harmonious structure and a great, long finish. Medium to full-bodied, it lasts for ages. This is one of those wines that’s going to have a very wide drinking window and is exceptional already. Drink 2026-2046. (2019). 

Wine Spectator 95 Points | This is packed with ripe cherry, plum and raspberry fruit, with floral, mineral, juniper and wild herb accents adding depth and complexity. There's plenty of energy and structure as well, providing excellent balance, with a long aftertaste. (2019).

James Suckling 94 Points | A dark ruby color in the glass, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a beguiling blend of dusty earth, crushed rocks, savory herbs and dried roses. This is racy and sleek, with vividly ripe wild berry fruits elevated by orange and sage, all guided by vibrant acidity. Grippy tannins take control through the finish, yet the mouth is left watering for more as a bitter licorice tinge and dark chocolate adds a crunchy sensation. (2019). 

James Suckling - 92 points "A savory and pretty nuanced Vino Nobile here showing orange zest, plums, grapefruit, mineral and fine spices. A twist of mineral salinity on the palate with firm, tense tannins and a pure, pithy finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink in the next five years."

Vinous Media - 91 points "The 2019 Nobile di Montepulciano is a total pleasure on the nose. Sweet spice complements bright raspberry and cherry aromas. This envelopes the palate with silky textures balanced by juicy acidity as rose-tinged red berries cascade across the palate. It leaves a gentle coating of fine tannins while maintaining a lovely energy as hard red candy hints fade."

In the glass the Nobile 2020 shows garnet red reflections. On the nose, it offers aromas of small red fruits, pomegranate and the unmistakable violet scent of good Sangiovese. In the background a touch of vanilla and tomato leaf. The palate is well balanced, with sweet notes of ripe cherries and plum jam, supported by precise and elegant tannins. The body is dynamic and compelling and the pleasant drinkability is accompanied by good persistence.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 93 Points | This has a toasty character with hints of cardamom, cloves and crushed walnuts with ripe red fruit, plum skins and red flowers in the background. It’s full-bodied with firm, chalky tannins and steady acidity to give it freshness. A little bit of toasted oak at the end. Lengthy and spiced with a crunchy finish. Better after 2025.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points |  The medium red 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale is inviting with aromas of poppy red cherry, dusty earth, roses, and orange peel. Medium-bodied and juicy all the way through, this is an easygoing quaffer with a kiss of sweet tannins that are fine-grained all the way through the finish. It keeps good freshness for this hot vintage and has some warmth on the finish. It’s a versatile wine for pizza night or drinking on its own over the next few years. 

Winemaker Description 

Intense ruby red. Aroma: This complex wine is characterized by cherry and violet notes with delicate hints of tobacco, white pepper, and a touch of flint. Tasting profile: Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico Riserva is well balanced on the palate, with velvety tannins, firm acidity, and a lingering finish of rosemary. Its structure will allow it to age for two to five years, if not longer.

Winemaker Description

Monte Bernardi Retromarcia Chianti Classico is a deep, ruby red with hints of purple. Intense notes of mountain herbs, aromas of cranberry, wild cherry and red plums, anise, spice, and orange peel. Fresh and fruity, medium-bodied, well balanced, with a nice structure, juicy acidity and a long finish.

Expert Review

Decanter 91 Points | A lovely vintage for Retromarcia, this smells of place: scents of bergamot and lavender meet fresh herbs and wild red berries. The midweight, buoyant palate is juicy with ripe red cherry and raspberry enfolded in layers of fine, well-structured tannins. A subtle earthiness adds appeal. As with the Sangió, this sees a spontaneous fermentation with native yeast, and is unfiltered and carries low total sulphur (less than 25mg/L). It hails from the estate’s younger vines (less than 20 years old) from varying aspects, elevations and soils. (2021)

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 90 Points  | The 2022 Sangiovese Love You Bunches is 100% Sangiovese done with carbonic maceration, Chianti Classico meets Beaujolais if you will. Bright acids drive a core of red-toned fruit in a wine that offers tons of harmony, precision and sheer appeal.  Drinking 2023 to 2028.  - Vinous 90

Erin Brooks of the Wine Advocate writes | The 2022 Stolpman So Fresh Sangiovese Love you Bunches, a carbonic style meant to be served chilled, is scented of wild berries, charcuterie, dried herbs and leather. The light-bodied palate is bright and juicy, with firm, chalky tannins, somewhat dilute flavors and a simple finish. Drink it at the table over the next year or two.  Drinking 2024 to 2026.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Winemaker Description

Bright red raspberry, red currant, rhubarb, and violet. Refreshing to the max but bone dry with just a kiss of fine tannin. Just enough of a riper profile behind the bright "ray of sunshine" energetic cut. Candied cherries and red jolly ranchers bring home the deliciousness quotient. A floaty, foamy layer bordering on frothed cappuccino milk marries to the zip and tang.

So Fresh wines include the Love You Bunches lineup & Crunchy Rôastie Syrah. The grapes destined for these wines are natively fermented whole, un-crushed, for a delicately high-toned profile. Harvested early for lighter mouthfeel and higher acidity, wines go to bottle early to capture purity and freshness without added sulfur.

Serve cold.

Winemaker Description 

Mevushal. Dacci Chianti DOCG is a classic expression of Sangiovese, the primary grape of the Chianti region in Tuscany, Italy. This dry, red wine boasts a smooth texture and balanced acidity, showcasing the unique terroir of the region. 

With its subtle tannins and bright acidity, Dacci Chianti DOCG is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with traditional Italian cuisine, hearty stews, and grilled meats, making it a must-try for fans of classic Italian wines.

Winemaker Description

The Chianti Classico Riserva La Selvanella has a clear, dark, ruby color and full, complex bouquet with strong notes of red fruits, irises, and hints of vanilla. The flavor is full, generous, warm and savory with an elegant aftertaste of woodland undergrowth and toasted almonds.

Winemaker Description

Borgo Reale Chianti Riserva is made from a selection of the finest grapes, receiving additional aging following fermentation. Enjoy with all types of pasta, hor d'oeuvres, and red or white meats.

Winemaker Description 

A balanced bouquet of wild red berries and floral violet notes. This Chianti has a mélange of dryness and great freshness, with soft tannins and a medium body. The lingering finish of berries on the palate is pleasant and smooth.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020 

Eric Asimov - The New York Times - The Pour October 23, 2024 | Lamole (pronounced LA-mo-lay) is a sub-zone within the commune of Greve-in-Chianti in Chianti Classico, where the high elevation encourages wines of finesse and elegance. This bottle, from Lamole di Lamole, is straight and to the point, a little more concentrated than a Chianti Classico normale and delightful to drink but simpler than some of the better bottles.

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 90 Points | This red shows some depth to the black cherry, black currant, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. There is a hint of tar, and the firm structure is well-integrated. Drink now through 2032.  — Bruce Sanderson

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | This blend opens with ripe aromas that recall blueberry and strawberry jam, followed by notes of spice, chocolate and moist tobacco. The finish is soft and velvety, and it comes with a touch of plush richness. This is complex and balanced.

Decanter 91 Points | Sweet wood nuances lead with cinnamon, clove and a touch of vanilla eventually ceding to wild cherry and wet soil. On the palate, forest berries are laced with chocolate. The fruit is concentrated and plush with ripe, powdery tannins giving effortless support. This is its usual sophisticated and polished self, with lots of juiciness. Yields are a low 30 hL/ha and ageing is in a combination of French oak tonneaux and barriques, 10% new. Give this another year for the wood to integrate.  Drinking 2022 -2027 — Michaela Morris

Jancis Robinson 17.5 Points | Greve in Chianti. 100% Sangiovese.  The grapes were destemmed but not crushed and fermented in stainless steel as well as oak casks where it also went through MLF. Aged in barriques and tonneaux for up to 14 months. Certified vegan and organic.

Walter Speller | Medium to deep crimson. Gorgeous nose of cherry and with the scent of cigar box. Luscious juicy fruit on the palate and silky tannins that make their mark. Beautiful balance and elegant and concentrated at the same time. Amazing length and focus. Drinking 2021 -2028.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2018 Chianti Classico is classy, polished and exceptionally beautiful. Like so many wines in 2018, the Chianti Classico is aromatic and gracious in feel, more finesse than power. Silky tannins wrap around a core of bright Sangiovese fruit. From start to finish, the 2018 is all class.  Drinking 2020 -2033.

Winemaker Description

Deep and ruby red color. Intense and fruity notes of ripe red fruits and sweet spices. Strong personality, harmonious structure and well-complexed tannins, with a long finish.

This wine pairs well with red meats, seasoned pecorino cheese and steak. 

Winemaker Description

Deep ruby red color. The bouquet is rich and complex with aromas of violets, red berries, such as raspberry and red currant, and a fresh hint of red orange. On the palate it is dry, fresh, full- bodied with smooth tannins. Very long and tasty finish, with a pleasant minerality and flavors of violets and berries.