Le Ragnaie is known for its elegant, terroir-driven wines that stand out in this Tuscan powerhouse category. The owner and winemaker, Riccardo Campinoti, acquired the property in 2002 and now farms 15.5 ha. Making complex, traditional wines from Sangiovese Grosso, Riccardo’s wines exhibit elegance and finesse by farming some of the highest altitude vineyards in Montalcino. All four Brunello wines are fermented in concrete without selected yeast followed by a long maceration up to 90 days and three years in large Slavonian oak botti. All wines are bottled unfiltered and certified organic in the vineyards and cellar.

Located just two miles from the town of Montalcino, Il Greppo sits on a 47-hectare parcel of land. The oldest vines on the property are over 80 years old, dating back to 1930. In 1988, Franco Biondi-Santi started an enormous undertaking in the vineyard, eventually increasing plantings from 4 to 25 hectares. He planted the vines on steep terraces, using the natural contour of the hills to create an amphitheater, setting Il Greppo’s cellar at center stage. The soils, rich in a stony marl known locally as galestro, are ideal for the cultivation of Sangiovese Grosso. Dry, warmer weather typically leads to a September harvest. Noted diurnal shifts ensure the characteristic aromas and acid levels that lead to the expressive, long-aging Brunellos typical of the estate. Thanks to the meticulous cultivation and clonal selection of the different generations, the Brunello Biondi-Santi, or BBS11, became an officially recognized and registered clone – the first to be named after a single producer.

This estate has four hectares of vineyards, 2.5 of which are destined for Brunello and the rest for Rosso di Montalcino. The estate is situated in Tavernelle, to the north of Argiano and to the west of Pieve di Santa Restituta. It is in south-central Montalcino. Owned by Sergio Marchetti, whose family has been there since the 1700s, the wines are now made by his son-in-law, Adriano Bambagioni, with help from his son, Stefano. Adriano learned his trade during the 10 years he worked with Giacomo Tachis and this comes across in the supple tannins of the Brunello.

The Rancia vineyard takes its name from the historic Rancia farmhouse, once a Benedictine monastery. Located in Castelnuovo Berardenga at elevations ranging between 400 and 420 metres it has a fine southwest-facing exposure. The more recent plantings utilize genetic material from massal selections gathered from the old Rancia vineyard. The soil is composed of limestone-derived alberese classic to the Castelnuovo Berardenga area and of galestro marl in some areas. First vintage was 1983.

Located at the heart of the Vino Nobile zone, Tenuta Valdipiatta was founded in 1973 and then purchased at the end of the 1980s by Giulio Caporali. In 2002, he handed over the management of the estate and winery to his daughter Miriam, who brought in top Bordeaux oenologist, Eric Boissenot in 2010. Boissenot also consults for Lafite, Latour, Margaux and Palmer. The main grape varieties planted on the 40 hectare estate, of which 30 hectares are under vine, are Sangiovese (also called Prugnolo Gentile in Montepulciano) and Canaiolo.

The Chianti Classico of Tenuta di Carleone has been strongly thought of and wanted as the purest expression of traditional Chianti, being its vineyards located in the most beautiful territories of the Municipality of Radda. The vinification takes place in steel, cement and porcelain egg where the venus is left to macerate for 40 - 60 days. It is aged for 18 months in steel and concrete containers.

An almost ethereal like Sangiovese from the Brunello commune. Medium bodied, dry, and delicate, with intricate layers of fresh herbs and red fruit.

This wine opens with aromas of ripe black fruit, earth, leather and a balsamic note. The juicy palate delivers fleshy black cherry, fruit, licorice and menthol accented with hints of Mediterranean herbs alongside big, round tannins. Drink 2015–2021. KERIN O’KEEFE

The Rosso has a bright and glossy ruby red colour. On the nose, it has aromas of fresh berries, Morello cherry, and blackberries that are complemented by a hint of vanilla spice. This is a fragrant, intense wine with smooth, finely-balanced tannins and a persistent, aromatic finish.

As with the whites, the DOC for this red is in the south of the Marche region, close to Falerio, Offida and Rosso Conero. The blend is 30% Sangiovese and 70% Montepulciano. It has been matured for 12 months in 400-litre oak barrels. It is a dark ruby red with a complex bouquet of the darker fruits (plum, cherry), hints of liquorice too. The first rich sip tells much. It is a lovely rounded wine, full of flavour, some moderate spice, with a terrific balance, quite fine tannins and a persistent finish.

Madregale Rosso is a light-bodied blend of Montepulciano, Sangiovese. Although easy-drinking, simple, and fresh, this is serious quality for an entry-level wine. Hand-harvested from vineyards that stretch from the coastal hills right up into the Majella Massif, the vines benefit from good expositions and large diurnal temperature differences, which are ideal for building aromatic flavor profiles. It has aromas of red cherries and tea rose and finishes a pleasant herbal edge. At only 5g/l of residual sugar, there is no tricking-up to please international palates. Honest and refreshingly drinkable. CANTINA TOLLO, MADREGALE, Colline Teatine Organic principles & Certified organic From the award-winning Cantina Tollo, one of the biggest and best co-operative wineries in the Abruzzo region, covering 3,200 ha owned by 800 farmers.

Le Difese is one of the little brothers of Sassicaia and was first produced in 2003. Made with 70% Cabernet and 30% Sangiovese, it is aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels previously used for Guidalberto and Sassicaia and a further three months in bottle. The aim is to produce a Super Tuscan wine with good structure and extremely supple tannins. Vibrant red and blackberry fruits with violet and herbal notes. Good structure on the palate with round tannin and good length.

The flagship Cepparello is 100% Sangiovese aged in French oak barrels. This nearly complete vertical charts the history of one of Tuscany's most compelling wines. The first Cepparellos were vinified in cement. The cellar was heated to induce malolactic fermentation and the wines were subsequently aged roughly equal parts Slavonian oak casks and smaller French oak barriques, with a dollop of chestnut barrels thrown into the mix. It was a time of enormous sacrifice, given that green harvesting was viewed as throwing money out the window, and every purchase of new French oak barrels was accompanied by a stern reprimand from De Marchi's father to pay attention to costs. But De Marchi persevered. The fruits of his hard labor and pricing are amply captured in these magnificent wines. Always one of the benchmarks for Sangiovese, 2017 doesn't disappoint. It boasts alluring scents of blue flower, perfumed berry, exotic spice and a whiff of French oak that flow over to the vibrant, elegant palate along with wild cherry, raspberry compote and licorice. Bright acidity and taut, fine-grained tannins provide an age-worthy framework. Give it time to develop to its maximum potential. Drink 2021–2033. KERIN O’KEEFE

A deep garnet colour with violet reflections. The bouquet is very fruity and intense, with hints of cherry, coffee, vanilla and spice. The palate is full, with soft mouthfeel and complex flavours.

Established in the mid-1800s, Biondi-Santi is one of Italy’s greatest historic estates. While some might argue that Barolo is the king of Italian wines, when looking at the extraordinary balance, elegance, and longevity of Biondi-Santi’s wines, there is a compelling argument that it is Brunello that deserves the crown. Fragrant and loaded with finesse, this stunning red still shows the estate's hallmark of elegance and structure, opening with enticing scents of rose, iris, wild red berry, and a whiff of new leather. The vibrant palate is dazzling and almost ethereal, delivering flavors of succulent red cherry, pomegranate, star anise and a hint of forest floor. Taut, polished tannins and bright acidity provide impeccable balance. Drink 2021–2033.

Established in the mid-1800s, Biondi-Santi is one of Italy’s greatest historic estates. While some might argue that Barolo is the king of Italian wines, when looking at the extraordinary balance, elegance, and longevity of Biondi-Santi’s wines, there is a compelling argument that it is Brunello that deserves the crown. Biondi-Santi’s wines are aged in large, old Slavonian oak casks, which act as neutral vessels rather than transformative structures. The results can be staunch, tannic beasts in youth, but with patience, they can evolve into some of the most compelling wines you’ll ever taste. Underbrush, ripe berry, new leather, and Mediterranean herb aromas slowly take shape in the glass. Showing youthful tension, the vibrant palate delivers red cherry, pomegranate, white pepper, and pipe tobacco notes framed by bright acidity and taut, refined tannins. Drink from 2021 to 2031.

Ornellaia La Volte Toscana, Tuscany Red 'Few vintages have expressed all the virtues of the Tuscan coast’s climate as eloquently as 2017. An almost perfect combination of sunshine, warm summer days and cool nights, with just about enough rain to slow down the vine’s growth without making them suffer from drought have led to one of the purest expressions of Le Volte dell’Ornellaia, combining perfrectly ripe yet vibrant fruit with a silky and generous texture underlined by a fresh and lively acidity.’ Axel Heinz, Wine Maker 92 points, Wine Spectator 92 points, James Suckling

70% Sangiovese, 30% Canaiolo This wine has a bright ruby red colour and an intense bouquet with hints of strawberries and cherries. Fruity flavour, young, fresh and slightly tannic. Enjoy with cold cuts, white meats and fresh cheeses.

On the palate the full body is gratifying and persistent, outstanding minerality. Remarkable tannins, soft and creamy in texture, confer concentration and great aging potential to this wine.

It comes from vineyards located at a great altitude in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, around aRomanesque church dating back to the 10th century. It uniquely combines the freshness and elegance of Sangiovese with the soft structure of Merlot, to which a refined touch is given by Petit Verdot.

"The Chianti Classico has a crimson colour with typical sour cherry and bramble notes. The palate has a supple, lithe character full of perfumed fruit and is given depth by a mineral vein. Structure comes from the taut acidity and tannin structure." Liberty Wines

On the nose, classic aromas of red berries and violets with subtle notes of coffee and tobacco. It is full-bodied with ripe tannins which are balanced by a lively acidity. Slowly leaves your mouth in a warm, smooth exit.

A complex nose of brooding fruit and flowers proceeds a palate full of dark, ripe red berries and a soft finish. This dry, medium-bodied wine is a true people pleaser!

Inviting aromas of black cherries, plums and sweet spices, with notes of roses and black pepper. This wine is elegant and lush on the palate with ripe round tannins and a long finish.