The Case for Sangiovese

Described as a ‘full, rich, generous, outstanding` Chianti in our 2024 Wine Champions tastings, this is from Fontodi, an estate that is now world- famous but whom we were one of the very first to work with back in the 1980s. From the exceptional 2015 vintage, it shows seductive, ripe red fruit and really grew in the glass: decant this wine in advance for even greater rewards. For more on the story of this wine, please scroll down.

This exclusive Chianti was a winner in our 2024 Wine Champions blind tastings, a testament to the talents of Francesco Ricasoli, whose family has been making wine in Chianti Classico at Castello di Brolio since the 12th century. This traditional-style example has wonderful lift, with red apple and rosemary aromas and great elegance. For a video message from the winemaker, and for more on the story of this wine, please scroll down.

Volpaia's Chianti Riserva is made from a blend of wines from its best vineyards, all organically cultivated, aged 24 months in barrel. 2020 was a warm vintage with great promise and the wines have an elegance over concentration that is very appealing. Perfumed cherry, leather and graphite notes lead to fine tannins and long finish.

Succulent sangiovese from organically grown grapes in a splendid site at Castellina, looking south towards the beautiful Italian city of Siena and surrounded by forests. This Chianti Classico is perfumed with cherry and dried cranberries, with a medium body, tart red fruit and balsamic spice, balanced by fine tannins.

This historic cellar is still operating from the town square of the beautiful walled village of Montepulciano in Tuscany. Made from predominantly sangiovese, this red has real personality with cherry, redcurrant and leather spice that lingers on the finish. The Contucci family is one of the oldest in Montepulciano, having lived there continually since the 11th century.

Chiara Condello works with her father Francesco as the winemaker and viticultural manager for this family estate in the village of Predappio, in Emilia Romagna, Italy. The wine has powerful, ripe tannins, tart red and blackberry fruit and a mineral-rich finish.