The 2016 Vino Nobile Montepulciano shows an intense ruby red colour. The nose is marked by fruity notes well balanced by hints of vanilla and violets. On the palate, the wine is balanced and pleasurable and is characterized by the notable persistence of aromas of cherries and strawberries. A long finish with delicate sensations of vanilla and supple tannins completes the tasting experience. The Tenuta Braccesca in Montepulciano was purchased by Marchesi Antinori in 1990 and consists of 151 hectares of vineyards between the towns of Montepulciano and Cortona with a further 87 hectares situated in the prime Montepulciano real estate of Cervognano, Graciano and Santa Pia. The local clone of Sangiovese, Prugnolo Gentile is planted along with non-indigenousvarieties such as Merlot and Syrah. The range includes the delicious 100% Syrah wine, Achello and Bramasole from the Cortona DOC, the Sangiovese blend, Sabazio Vino Rosso di Montepulciano and the stunning 100% Prugnolo Gentile, Vigneta Santa Pia designated as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Riserva.

Dal Zotto Sangiovese is mid garnet with a purple hue; the savoury bouquet is immediately reminiscent of Tuscany with briary red fruits, sour cherry in particular, sage and thyme and a little earthy complexity adding interest; the palate is medium-bodied and fleshy on entry, with the crunchy tannin and acid of the variety providing an engaging and savoury platform to conclude; will handle a huge array of flavours, from light to full blooded.

Santa Cristina offers a red colour with purple highlights. The nose shows notes of ripe cherries, typical aromas both of Sangiovese and of Syrah well integrated with the balsamic sensation of mint which characterize merlot. Pleasurable sensations of vanilla and coffee complete the bouquet. The palate is soft and ample with a fruity finish and aftertaste. The grape varieties were fermented separately. After destemming and a soft pressing, the grapes were macerated on their skins for approximately one week in stainless steel tanks. During this phase, the wine finished its fermentation at a temperature held to a maximum of 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees centigrade). The wine was then racked and terminated its malolactic fermentation by the end of the year. The wine aged for a few months in small oak barrels and began to be bottled in November of 2018. Antinori is a name synonymous with wine in Italy, the equivalent of the royal family of wine in the country. Intimately involved in the wine industry of Italy since 1385, initially in Tuscany, but in more recent years their influence has grown seeing them involved in wine-making projects across the country. They were instrumental in the renaissance of Chianti and their portfolio of wines includes some stellar names such as Tignanello - the Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc blend that was most influential in the Super Tuscan movement, Solaia - the Cabernet dominant blend also from the Tignanello Estate and the beautiful Peppoli Chianti Classico.

Made from Sangiovese, this is a wine of great personality. Dusty tannin and earthy spice are balanced with some red fruit characters and mouth-watering acid that cries out for something rich and hearty to be eaten with it.

Rich plums, tarry leather, cedary oak and a long dry finish. An utterly delicious full bodied wine. Perfect with pan fried scaloppini.

Castelgiocondo is produced from an uncompromising selection of the finest Sangiovese grapes, in a vineyard whose ideal elevation, well-drained soils, and southwest-facing exposure yield all of the qualities that converge to produce the finest expression of this ancient grape variety. It is an elegant, well-balanced Brunello di Montalcino of magnificent structure.

In the glass: Deep garnet crimson.On the nose: Exotic aromas of succulent red and black cherry, woody herbs, brown spice, earth and smokey oak.On the palate: Beautifully rich yet not sweet with a layered and elegant core of bramble fruit, dried herbs and fine tannin depth. So savoury, long and elegant with a delicious mix of secondary leather, tobacco and primary fruit richness blending seamlessley. A wine of character and brooding complexity.