Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva is ruby red in colour. The nose shows intensely fruity notes of ripe cherries, red currants, and wild berry fruit along with well integrated notes of toasted oak and tobacco, and a touch of balsamic sensations. The palate is ample and enveloping, savory, soft in its tannins and velvety in texture. The finish and aftertaste are long and persistent. 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.

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.

Deep in the heart of Chianti in Italy's beautiful region of Tuscany lies Frescobaldi. Made from Sangiovese with a touch of Merlot to soften the palate, the wine displays bright cherry and red berry fruit with a well balanced savoury backbone of earthy spice.

A beautifully styled and expressed Chianti, with a complex bouquet showing cherry, baking spice and almond meal, rounded out with gamy nuances. Perfectly balanced on the palate, it has fine tannins and a long, dry finish. Perfect with pastas, grilled chicken and mild cheeses.

In the 1950s, the father of current winemaker Paolo di Marchi purchased the adjoining hamlets of Isole and Olena and their estates in the Tuscan commune of Barberino Val d'Elsa. The concept and style of Cepparello was developed by Paolo De Marchi over a period beginning in the mid 1970's. This Sangiovese wine is named after a small stream, Borro Cepparello, originating in the highest point of the vineyards on the Isole e Olena estate.

Fred Pizzini grew up in Italy and is bringing the taste of his homeland to the Australian dining table. His Sangiovese is one of the best examples in the country, with spicy, savoury fruit hiding a vein of mouth watering acid that is a hallmark of the variety. Delicious now - and will get better with bottle age!

Santa Margherita Chianti Classico hails from the historic Tuscan region of Chianti; the spiritual home of Sangiovese. This exciting Sangio has an intense ruby red colour with faintly garnet tones. The initial aromatic sensations are sweetish and vanilla-like, typical of wines matured in barriques. The clean, ethereal bouquet then highlights Sangioveses spicy notes. On the palate we again find very well integrated oak which soon gives way to hints of wild berry fruit preserve and to that nuance of spices we perceived on the nose.

In the glass: Dark red. On the nose: Chery berry fruit, herb and cumin spice. On the palate: Ripe, juicy and generous with sweet, fleshy dark cherry and red plum fruit, some confectionery notes, sweet earth, cola, liquorice and milk chocolate - deliciously savoury.