Sangiovese

The great grape of Central Italy and Italy’s most planted variety, covering a multitude of styles from the very basic to the very grand. It is the principal red variety in Tuscany and, therefore, in the Chianti blend. High acidity and firm tannins mean that the best Sangioveses or Sangiovese blends possess an ability to age well, but should sound a note of caution around overly cheap or massed produced Sangioveses. Traditionally blended in Chianti with other Tuscan varieties like Canaiolo and some white grapes, the rise of the Super-Tuscan has revealed an affinity with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Prone to mutation with mixed results – on one hand more productive clones can have disappointing results, on the other hand the larger berried Prugnolo Gentile makes some of the varieties finest wines in Montalcino and Montepulciano.

2014 Brunello & 2013 Riserva

Opposites Attract: Two Very Different Brunello Releases – 2014 & 2013 Riserva

By on 27/03/2019

Every March the new releases from Montalcino are unveiled. The rules stipulate that Brunello must be aged at the estate for 5 years and for the Riservas it is 7 years before hitting the market.  2019 therefore marks the release of the 2014 Brunellos and the Riservas from 2013.

Read more

Tre-Bicchiere-Dei-Montepulciano-2018-

Dei’s Montepulciano Wines continue to wow the critics

By on 20/10/2017

[caption id="attachment_28311" align="aligncenter" width="508"] Cantine Dei with the town of Montepulciano perched on the hill beyond[/caption] Hot on the heels of last year's success with their 2013 vintage, Cantine Dei has just been awarded the top Italian Wine Award 'Tre Bicchiere' for its stellar Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2014, the estate is quite rightly in the spotlight once again - what an amazing achievement! The Estate - in the heart of Montepulciano is located right in the middle of Tuscany's beautiful Montepulciano region just on the eastern slopes of this 'picture-perfect' hilltop town.

Read more

Piemaggio Fioraie Chianti Classico

Piemaggio Chianti – Outstanding value, mature drinking from the Tuscan Hills

By on 03/10/2017

We are constantly looking to expand our Italian selection and although we already have two excellent Chiantis on our list, we couldn't resist the brilliant ‘Le Fioraie’ wines from Piemaggio, hidden away in the Tuscan hills. Le Fioraie is a specific tract of land in the high ground of Castellina in Chianti – right at the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.

Read more

Il-Giodo-Brunello-Label

Il Giodo Brunello – Carlo Ferrini, The Maestro at home

By on 06/05/2017

Famed oenologist Carlo Ferrini who consults for some of the greatest estates in Tuscany has finally put his expertise - and his heart and soul - into his own winery in Montalcino. The results, as you would hope, are sensational. Not sensational in a big 'in your face way' - these are beautifully crafted, fine wines with a deft touch.

Read more

Poggerino_Piero_Lanza

Wine of the Week: 2014 IL LABIRINTO Poggerino – Sangiovese

By on 29/06/2016

Poggerino - Chianti, Tuscany   Piero Lanza is one of Chianti's greatest young ambassadors. A qualified oenologist, a very competent agronomist and a brilliant winemaker, his wines have improved immeasurably over the past few vintages. Located in the heart of Chianti Classico district the estate consists of 106 acres of vineyards, olive groves and woodlands.

Read more

Brilliant ’99 point’ Brunello – First release of Fuligni’s 2010 Riserva

By on 25/10/2015

Brilliant '99 point' Brunello - First release of Fuligni's 2010 Riserva 'The year 2010 for Brunello di Montalcino is the greatest modern vintage of Italy’s most famous red wine region. Never have the wines been so profound in quality, character, and quantity from the best hillside vineyards of Montalcino.

Read more

2012-ROSSO-DI-MONTALCINO-Ginestreto-Fuligni

2012 Fuligni Ginestreto featured in The Times

By on 23/11/2014

Made by one of Montalcino’s top producers, at c. £20 a bottle the Ginestreto is a snip of the price of a Brunello (although relatively speaking Fuligni’s Brunellos still blow the socks off Bordeaux wines at the same price point), but still offers a beautifully balanced wine; its ripe cherry fruit and hints of tobacco leaf dressed in light satin tannins with a thirst quenching strand of acidity makes a wine suited to drinking on its own or paired with lighter dishes.

Read more