Tuscany
Tuscany, a picturesque region in central Italy, is renowned for producing some of the world's finest wines. With its rolling hills, Mediterranean climate, and rich cultural heritage, Tuscany offers a perfect combination of terroir and winemaking expertise. The region is home to legendary vineyards and wineries that have become synonymous with excellence and tradition.
One of the most famous vineyards in Tuscany is Antinori, a family-owned winery with a history dating back over 600 years. Their wines, such as Tignanello and Solaia, have achieved iconic status, showcasing the region's commitment to quality and innovation. Another renowned vineyard is Castello di Volpaia, known for its exceptional Chianti Classico wines that beautifully represent the Sangiovese grape.
Tuscany is synonymous with Chianti, a red wine made primarily from Sangiovese grapes. Chianti Classico, produced in the heart of the Chianti region, is highly regarded for its balance, elegance, and age-worthiness. Vineyards like Castello di Ama, Fontodi, and Fèlsina craft outstanding Chianti Classico wines that capture the essence of Tuscan winemaking.
The region is also famous for Brunello di Montalcino, a prestigious red wine made from Sangiovese Grosso grapes. Montalcino is home to renowned wineries such as Biondi-Santi and Casanova di Neri, which produce exceptional Brunello di Montalcino wines with remarkable structure, depth, and longevity.
Tuscany's coastal region, Bolgheri, has gained international acclaim for its Super Tuscan wines. These wines often blend international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with local varieties. Notable vineyards in Bolgheri include Tenuta San Guido, known for its iconic Sassicaia, and Ornellaia, which produces the renowned Ornellaia wine.
Tuscany's diverse terroir also allows for the production of white wines, with Vernaccia di San Gimignano being the most notable. Vernaccia vineyards like Teruzzi & Puthod and Panizzi create crisp and aromatic white wines that showcase the region's versatility.
Tuscany
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Kerin O'Keefe (97)
Camphor, forest berry, dark spice and new leather aromas form the enticing nose. Elegantly structured and radiant, the linear, vibrant palate delivers ripe red cherry, pomegranate, ground clove and peppercorn set against a backbone of bright acidity and taut, fine-grained tannins. What a beauty.د.إ1,210.00 -
Kerin O'Keefe (97)
Aromas of ripe dark-skinned berry, blue flower, camphor and pipe tobacco form the enticing nose on the gorgeous 2019 Brunello from Argiano. Delicious and elegantly structured, the palate also has captivating, youthful tension that lifts mature black cherry, raspberry compote, blood orange, licorice and dried herb. A backbone of firm, refined tannins provide support while bright acidity keeps it perfectly balanced.د.إ1,105.00 -
James Suckling (97)
A reincarnation of Argiano’s IGT Suolo as a single-vineyard Brunello, without the heavy new-wood use, this is a sleek and exquisite wine. Lifted orange peel defines the nose, which also offers wild strawberries, nutmeg, lightly roasted coffee, glazed cherries and dried herbs. Finely tuned and only medium-to full-bodied on the palate, the tannins taking on a graceful, medium-chewy persona. Suave and delicate, yet long and powerful on the finish. Drink from 2024.د.إ2,820.00 -
Falstaff (100)
Sparkling ruby garnet with a brightening rim. A charming and inviting nose, offering aromas of fresh wild raspberries and tree-ripened cherries, along with pomegranate and tobacco. Plenty of juicy fruit on the palate, again cherry and raspberry, then opens with plenty of fine, present tannins, very good tension, and a long finish.د.إ3,875.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Fantastic aromas of flowers such as violets and roses with dark purple fruits and hints of stones, too. Full body with ultra-fine tannins and a long and linear finish. This is a return to the great Solengos of the mid-1990s. The best since 1997. Cabernet sauvignon 50%, petit verdot 30%, merlot 15% and sangiovese 5%. Drinkable now but better in 2020.د.إ1,350.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A focused and tight red with a currant, blackberry and mineral character. Medium to full body with tight and pretty tannins. Shows class in this vintage.د.إ1,325.00 -
Vinous (96)
The 2019 Solengo seduces with its richly decadent display of vanilla and mocha-tinged dark fruits and spices, which are wonderfully lifted by minty herbal tones and white smoke. This enters the palate like weighted velvet, smooth and fleshy at first, yet lively, as mineral-tinged black currants mix with fine-grained tannins, clamping down with youthful poise. Like the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove, this tapers off incredibly long and staining, with echoes of licorice beneath an air of cedar and tobacco; yet somehow, through it all, the palate is left watering for more. It will be many years before the 2019 is ready to show its best, but it will certainly be worth the wait. The Solengo is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese that spends eighteen months refining in a combination of 60% new to 40% second-pass barriques.د.إ1,210.00 -
Vinous (96)
The 2019 Solengo seduces with its richly decadent display of vanilla and mocha-tinged dark fruits and spices, which are wonderfully lifted by minty herbal tones and white smoke. This enters the palate like weighted velvet, smooth and fleshy at first, yet lively, as mineral-tinged black currants mix with fine-grained tannins, clamping down with youthful poise. Like the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove, this tapers off incredibly long and staining, with echoes of licorice beneath an air of cedar and tobacco; yet somehow, through it all, the palate is left watering for more. It will be many years before the 2019 is ready to show its best, but it will certainly be worth the wait. The Solengo is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese that spends eighteen months refining in a combination of 60% new to 40% second-pass barriques.د.إ1,130.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Profound nose here with chili chocolate and sandalwood beneath the sweet blackberry background. A hint of violets, too. An opulent and densely packed palate with full body and concentrated blackberries. Very tight tannins rendered in a fine-grained and almost seamless way, with a lingering finish. Drinkable now if decanted, but better after 2025.د.إ1,150.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Lots of plum and dark-berry character with citrus, cedar and sandalwood. Very pure sangiovese. Full-bodied with firm, racy tannins and cool, vivid fruit at the finish. Some mineral, tar and steel undertones. Needs time to open and soften. Better than the 2015. Try after 2023.د.إ1,405.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Lots of dried bark, cinnamon stick, forest floor and earth add to an impression of dried cherries and sandalwood. But there are also hints of caramelized oranges and preserved lemons. The attack on the palate takes immediate effect; the powerful tannins pucker the edges of the mouth with imposing depth, but equally fascinating detail. This is a robust, take-no-hostages style of Brunello with a modern twist of finesse and tension. Drink from 2025.د.إ1,315.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Extremely complex aromas of cedar, mushroom and walnut highlighting the cherry and flowers. The palate is full and complete with ultra-fine and caressing tannins that are truly silky. It’s still very young, but shows beauty and seduction. Try after 2020.د.إ2,505.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (97)
Truffle, underbrush, new leather, wild berry and violet aromas are front and center on this gorgeous, full-bodied red. The taut, vibrant palate combines power and grace, delivering crushed red cherry, cranberry, white pepper and tobacco. It's young but impeccably balanced, with firm noble tannins and bright acidity. Hold to give it time to fully develop. Drink 2023–2043.د.إ1,410.00 -
Vinous (96)
Good full ruby-red. Captivating nose combines, ripe red cherry, black plum, minerals, herbs, mocha and sexy brown spices. Juicy and sweet, with refined, suave blackberry, raspberry, minerals and tobacco flavors dominating. Finishes extremely long, with a steely quality, fine-grained tannins and a multifaceted personality. Another great Brunello from Baricci.د.إ1,400.00 -
Wine Spectator (97)
Fresh and vivid, this red features cherry, raspberry, plum, floral, black tea and mineral aromas and flavors. The well-defined fruit character is nicely balanced by earthy, savory elements, lively acidity and refined tannins. This is complete, with terrific finesse and complexity.د.إ1,465.00 -
Kerin O'Keefe (98)
The captivating Baricci 2019 Brunello is another gorgeous wine from this storied producer. It offers enticing scents of woodland berry, new leather, camphor, pipe tobacco and dog rose while the full-bodied, elegantly structured palate delivers juicy Morello cherry, red plum, licorice and cake spice before a flinty mineral finish. A backbone of tight, refined tannins and fresh acidity provide support and racy tension. While it’s still youthfully austere, it already shows great balance and precision.د.إ1,470.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
The excellent 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a wine of impressive texture and depth. Specifically, what sets this Brunello apart from its peers is the masculine personality it so confidently delivers. This is a dark, brooding and expressive wine that boasts a firm sense of place and variety typicity. The bouquet shows defined aromas of dark cherry and pressed blackberry, but it also reveals beautifully etched aromas of spice, licorice and tobacco. The mouthfeel is impeccably polished and fine. It's a true work of beauty and charm. This is a very impressive effort.د.إ1,625.00 -
Vinous (93)
Bright red. Highly perfumed nose offers red cherry, rose petal, violet, tobacco and earth tones, with blood orange nuances providing added lift. Juicy, spicy and sweet, with very concentrated, multifaceted flavours of sour cherry, liquid stones, and candied violet. Harmonious, vibrant acidity lifts and extends the flavors on the supple yet firm finish. Approachable now but structured to age, this exceptionally well-balanced, pure, concentrated wine may well be the best Rosso di Montalcino of the vintage.د.إ816.00 -
James Suckling (97)
There’s lots of clove character here, but the fruit really shines through, offering up intense hibiscus, orange rind, cranberries, Thai basil and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and really structured and refined with an agile core of red berries and savory undertones. Long but minerally on the finish. Drink from 2024.د.إ957.00 -
James Suckling (96)
A polished and reserved Castello with cherry, orange-peel and chocolate aromas and flavors. Tight and round-tannined, in a very subtle and curated way. The precision in this wine is impressive. Needs time to open. Try after 2025.د.إ391.00 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
The Barone Ricasoli 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà exudes an elegant fruit profile, but the wine is not without significant intensity and concentration too. With Sangiovese from clayey limestone soils rich in calcium carbonate and poor in organic matter, this wine also boasts that beautiful minerality that we saw in the others. Delicate berry fruit cedes to crushed oyster shell, dark spice and campfire ash. To the palate, the wine is high, firm and long.د.إ1,345.00 -
Wine Advocate (96+)
The Barone Ricasoli 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole Colledilà opens to dark fruit, but perhaps more significantly, you get a slate-like mineral note that adds focus. That mineral note appears in all these beautiful Gran Selezione wines from vintner Francesco Ricasoli, but in the case of this bottle, it adds a dark or slightly brooding personality. The finish is absolutely savory and salty.د.إ1,325.00 -
James Suckling (98)
I love the purity of fruit to this Gran Selezione that shows hibiscus, orange peel, violets, lavender, early grey tea, cloves, tobacco and wet earth. Elegant and flowing with lithe yet structured tannins, intensely refreshing acidity and a long, complex finish. Superb sangiovese. Drink from 2023.د.إ1,620.00 -
Producer's Note:
Bright, fruity aromas of lemon zest and green apple. The Vermentino brings clean, fresh acidity with structure; Moscato adds floral notes; and Trebbiano balances and smooths this wine giving way to a medium-bodied mouthfeel.د.إ457.00 -
Wine Advocate (92)
Compared to the 2016 vintage, this edition from 2015 offers more volume and fruit weight, and it leans into oxidized flavors. The Bibi Graetz 2015 Colore is reaching the top of its drinking window, showing dried fruit, plum and a hint of something savory that reminds me of juniper or cured bresaola. The wine is quite accessible in terms of mouthfeel, and it ends with a touch of tannic dustiness. This wine is not evolving as I would have hoped.د.إ1,570.00 -
James Suckling (99)
What intense aromas of cherries and raspberries! Then it turns to flowers and orange peel. Roses, too. This is really full and powerful with layers of ripe tannins. It’s super fine-tannined, but shows wonderful length and intensity. A great expression of Lamole in Chianti Classico with ancient vines. Some older than 100 years. Best ever? Superb. Try after 2024 and onwards.د.إ1,450.00 -
James Suckling (99)
This is so perfumed and seductive, with blackberries, cherries, dried flowers and perfume. It’s full-bodied and tight with very fine tannins. Really structured and long. Superb tannin texture. So fine, yet so powerful. This is an incredible combination of fruit and structure. Old-vine magic. Drink after 2026.د.إ1,555.00 -
Decanter (98)
Bright and lively on the palate, such beautifully expressed raspberry and red cherry fruit flavours alongside high-shining acidity that is so clean and precise. A supremely joyful expression with hints of caramelised strawberries and fresh mint. So sharp but so well defined with a clarity to the palate that is gorgeous. Really delivers a sophisticated, charming, characterful wine that is balanced, easy to enjoy with plenty of life. A more structured and perhaps harder to understand wine than Testamatta this year, but both have their own lovely personalities. This is so complete and abundant, muscular but controlled and full of complexity and detail - there's weight and density without heaviness. A sensational wine. Ageing 12 months in 500l French oak barrels.د.إ1,165.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
Just love this wine, the lyricism and the generosity of it, and its always vivid depiction of fruits and stones. So juicy, so drawn out, works with the vintage, leans into its low yields, with greengages, raspberry, plum, gentle spices, lemongrass, minerality studded with mandarin peel and sage. Translucent and yet full of flavour, once again it begs you to draw up a chair, gather friends, and enjoy. What a brilliant wine and a brilliant winemaker in Bibi Graetz. From a 58ha estate, Colore comes from the oldest vineyards of Sangiovese that range up to 135 years old.د.إ1,455.00 -
James Suckling (98)
This is the same quality or better than the legendary 2006. Lovely aromas of berries, chocolate and walnuts follow through to a full body with loads of fruit, and chewy tannins that are polished and velvety. Pure sangiovese. Needs at least four to five years of bottle age still. Try in 2017.د.إ5,605.00

