Saracosa is inspired by the ‘Super Tuscans’ – a style first developed in the 1970s. These wines kickstarted the region’s renaissance and became some of the most exclusive and expensive in the world. Saracosa is from the Barbanera family estate, where half the vineyards are in the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, and the remainder just beyond. In the 5-Star 2017 vintage Saracosa’s old vines delivered exceptional concentration. Dense, dark cherry and chocolatey tones make this a serious choice for pasta with pork ragù or bistecca alla fiorentina (steak with cannellini beans in tomato sauce).

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.

Castello di Volpaia Il Puro Gran Selezione, Chianti Classico DOCG Il Puro or, The Pure, is so named as its made from 100% Sangiovese from the celebrated vineyard Casanova between similarly lauded vineyards of Coltassala and Balifico. Situated at an altitude of 500 metres on south-facing slopes of Volpaia above the sea level. The vineyard is organic and is home to 25 clones of 60-plus-year-old Sangiovese vines indigenous to Volpaia. The number of clones doesnt just give the wine complexity, it preserves the genetic diversity and health of the vines.

Castello di Volpaia Balifico Toscana IGT Balifico is named after for the vineyard from which the fruit is sourced. Situated at an altitude approximately 450 metres, youll find it between the celebrated vineyards of Coltassala and Casanova. The Balifico is a Supertuscana blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignonand one of the first of this revolutionary new breed to win acclaim by international wine media.