Chianti Classico DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot270 haFounded 1385Antinori family (Marchese Piero Antinori, chairman emeritus; Albiera Antinori, president)Winemaker Renzo CotarellaChianti Classico DOCG
The Antinori family has produced wine in Tuscany since 1385. Anchored by the Tignanello estate in Chianti Classico, the parent house also owns Bolgheri's Guado al Tasso under a separate producer slug.
Tasting: Antinori nel Chianti Classico cellar at Bargino offers visits, tastings and the Rinuccio 1180 restaurant; multi-tier tasting programmes by reservation.
Signature wines: tignanello, solaia, marchese-antinori-chianti-classico-riserva, villa-antinori-chianti-classico-riserva
Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), Vinous 96 (2019)
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay95 haFounded 1966Domenico Poggiali and familyWinemaker Giovanni PoggialiChianti Classico DOCG
Castelnuovo Berardenga estate established 1966 by Domenico Poggiali. Sangiovese-focused with the Rancia Gran Selezione and the IGT Fontalloro forming the core of the range.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tasting flights by appointment; the Rancia single-vineyard Gran Selezione is the estate's flagship.
Signature wines: felsina-rancia-chianti-classico-riserva, felsina-fontalloro, felsina-berardenga-chianti-classico
Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), Vinous 95 (2019)
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Nero90 haFounded 1968Manetti familyWinemaker Giovanni ManettiICEAChianti Classico DOCG
Panzano estate in the Conca d'Oro amphitheatre, owned by the Manetti family since 1968 and ICEA-organic certified since 1990. Flaccianello della Pieve is the flagship Sangiovese IGT.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by appointment in the Conca d'Oro amphitheatre of Panzano; organic since 1990 and certified by ICEA.
Signature wines: fontodi-flaccianello-della-pieve, fontodi-vigna-del-sorbo, fontodi-chianti-classico
Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2019), Vinous 96 (2019)
Chianti Classico DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay56 haFounded 1956EPI Group (Christopher Descours), acquired from the De Marchi family in 2022Winemaker Emanuele ReolonChianti Classico DOCG
Founded in 1956 by the De Marchi family; the EPI Group acquired the estate in 2022. The Cepparello pure Sangiovese IGT remains the flagship alongside the Chianti Classico.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by appointment; Cepparello (100% Sangiovese IGT) is the long-running flagship from the De Marchi era.
Signature wines: isole-e-olena-cepparello, isole-e-olena-chianti-classico, isole-e-olena-collezione-de-marchi-syrah
Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), Vinous 95 (2018)
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Pugnitello, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot200 haFounded 1968Allianz Group (insurance investor); historic property of the Grisaldi del Taja familyWinemaker Leonardo BellacciniChianti Classico DOCG
Castelnuovo Berardenga estate combining a Relais & Chateaux resort with a Chianti Classico programme that recovered the indigenous Pugnitello grape from near-extinction.
Tasting: The Borgo San Felice resort hosts cellar tours, tasting flights and a vineyard experience programme; the property includes a Relais & Chateaux hotel.
Signature wines: san-felice-il-grigio-gran-selezione, san-felice-vigorello, san-felice-pugnitello
Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2019), Vinous 94 (2018)
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran SelezioneSangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon49 haFounded 1172Mascheroni Stianti familyWinemaker Giancarlo CecchiICEAChianti Classico DOCG
ICEA-organic certified estate on a fortified hamlet at 600 metres in Radda in Chianti, with the cellar dispersed through medieval buildings owned by the Mascheroni Stianti family.
Tasting: The fortified medieval hamlet of Volpaia houses the cellar across the village buildings; tastings, cellar walks and Bottega lunches by booking.
Signature wines: castello-di-volpaia-coltassala, castello-di-volpaia-il-puro-gran-selezione, castello-di-volpaia-chianti-classico
Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), Vinous 94 (2018)
Chianti Classico DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay81 haFounded 1974Castiglioni familyWinemaker Manfred IngDemeter CertifiedECOCERTChianti Classico DOCG
Greve in Chianti estate founded 1974 by the Castiglioni family. Demeter-certified biodynamic with vegan vinification practices; Camartina is the long-running Sangiovese-Cabernet IGT.
Tasting: Tastings and estate visits by appointment; the entire farming operation is Demeter biodynamic and the cellar uses no animal products in vinification.
Signature wines: querciabella-camartina, querciabella-batar, querciabella-chianti-classico
Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2018), Vinous 94 (2018)
Chianti Classico DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malvasia Nera55 haFounded 1968Principessa Coralia Pignatelli della LeonessaWinemaker Coralia Pignatelli della Leonessa with Vittorio Fiore consultingChianti Classico DOCG
Castelnuovo Berardenga property owned since 1968 by Principessa Coralia Pignatelli, producing some of Chianti Classico's longest-lived traditionally-styled Riservas.
Tasting: Estate visits and tasting flights by appointment; lunch available in the borgo with prior reservation.
Signature wines: castell-in-villa-chianti-classico-riserva, castell-in-villa-poggio-delle-rose-riserva, castell-in-villa-santacroce
Scores: Vinous 95 (2016), Wine Advocate 94 (2016)
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mammolo60 haFounded 1897Francois familyWinemaker Alessandro FrancoisChianti Classico DOCG
Francois family estate in Greve in Chianti dating to 1897, set around a medieval castle. Il Picchio Gran Selezione anchors a Sangiovese-led range alongside Super Tuscan IGT bottlings.
Tasting: Cellar tours and tasting flights from the medieval castle property; on-site agriturismo accommodation.
Signature wines: castello-di-querceto-il-picchio, castello-di-querceto-la-corte, castello-di-querceto-chianti-classico-riserva
Scores: Wine Advocate 93 (2019), Vinous 92 (2018)
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese Grosso, Cabernet Sauvignon63 haFounded 1971Neri family (Giacomo Neri, owner and winemaker)Winemaker Giacomo NeriBrunello di Montalcino DOCG
Family estate founded 1971, with the single-vineyard Cerretalto and the Tenuta Nuova selection driving the reputation. Wine Spectator named the 2001 Tenuta Nuova its 2006 Wine of the Year.
Tasting: Cellar visits, vineyard walks and vertical tastings of Tenuta Nuova and Cerretalto by appointment.
Signature wines: casanova-di-neri-cerretalto, casanova-di-neri-tenuta-nuova, casanova-di-neri-brunello-di-montalcino, casanova-di-neri-pietradonice
Scores: Wine Spectator 97 (2001), Wine Advocate 98 (2016)
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Sant'Antimo DOC and Toscana IGTSangiovese Grosso, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay850 haFounded 1978Mariani family (Castello Banfi srl)Winemaker Rudy BurattiBrunello di Montalcino DOCG
Single largest Brunello estate at 850 hectares of vineyards inside Montalcino. Mariani family-owned since 1978 and home to the Castello di Poggio alle Mura medieval fortress and Relais hotel.
Tasting: Castello Banfi houses a Relais & Chateaux hotel, restaurants, an enoteca and the Banfi glass-and-wine museum; cellar tours and tasting flights run daily.
Signature wines: banfi-poggio-alle-mura-brunello, banfi-brunello-di-montalcino, banfi-summus, banfi-poggio-all-oro-riserva
Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2016), Vinous 94 (2016)
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese Grosso, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot32 haFounded 1984Marcel Van Poecke (Belgian; via AtlasInvest, acquired 2017)Winemaker Paolo SalviICEABrunello di Montalcino DOCG
High-elevation estate at 450-500 metres in the southern Montalcino. Certified organic with ICEA, producing structured age-worthy Brunello and the Altero IGT Sangiovese.
Tasting: Estate visits, tastings and on-site restaurant overlooking the southern Montalcino vineyards.
Signature wines: poggio-antico-brunello-di-montalcino, poggio-antico-brunello-riserva, poggio-antico-altero
Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2016), Vinous 94 (2016)
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese Grosso, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot125 haFounded 1890Franceschi familyWinemaker Alessandro BindocciBrunello di Montalcino DOCG
Franceschi-family estate founded 1890 in Sant'Angelo in Colle, southern Montalcino. Vigna Paganelli Riserva uses the estate's oldest Sangiovese Grosso vines planted in 1964.
Tasting: Estate tours, cellar visits and tasting flights at Sant'Angelo in Colle by appointment.
Signature wines: il-poggione-brunello-di-montalcino, il-poggione-vigna-paganelli-riserva, il-poggione-rosso-di-montalcino
Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2016), Vinous 96 (2016)
Brunello di Montalcino DOCGSangiovese Grosso, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese24 haFounded 1975Illy family (Illycaffe), since 2008Winemaker Andrea MachettiBrunello di Montalcino DOCG
Castelnuovo dell'Abate estate founded in 1975 and acquired by the Illy family in 2008. The Vigna Loreto and Schiena d'Asino crus are among Montalcino's most idiosyncratic Sangiovese expressions.
Tasting: Estate tours and cellar visits by appointment; the southeast-facing Vigna Loreto cru is the property's calling card.
Signature wines: mastrojanni-vigna-loreto, mastrojanni-brunello-di-montalcino, mastrojanni-schiena-d-asino
Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2016), Vinous 95 (2016)
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese Grosso, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot125 haFounded 1580Andre Esteves (Brazilian financier; acquired from Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano in 2013)Winemaker Bernardino SaniBrunello di Montalcino DOCG
Renaissance villa estate at Sant'Angelo in Colle dating to 1580. Wine Spectator named the 2018 Brunello its Wine of the Year for 2023 (95 points), the first Italian wine to claim that ranking in two decades.
Tasting: Cellar tours, tasting flights and the Casa di Argiano dining experience at the Renaissance villa.
Signature wines: argiano-brunello-di-montalcino, argiano-vigna-del-suolo, argiano-solengo
Scores: Wine Spectator 95 (2018), Wine Advocate 93 (2018)
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese Grosso, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot145 haFounded 1890Conte Francesco Marone CinzanoWinemaker Pablo HarriICEABrunello di Montalcino DOCG
Cinzano family estate at Sant'Angelo in Colle, 145 hectares of vines under one of Italy's largest organic conversions (certified ICEA 2013). Poggio al Vento Riserva is the historic cru.
Tasting: Estate tours, cellar visits and tastings by reservation; one of the largest organic-certified estates in Italy.
Signature wines: col-dorcia-poggio-al-vento-riserva, col-dorcia-brunello-di-montalcino, col-dorcia-olmaia
Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2015), Vinous 95 (2016)
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC and Toscana IGTSangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Trebbiano, Malvasia Bianca Lunga200 haFounded 1974Virginie SaverysWinemaker Matteo GiustinianiDemeter CertifiedECOCERTVino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
Montepulciano estate acquired by Belgian shipowner Virginie Saverys in 2009 and converted to Demeter-certified biodynamics. The Occhio di Pernice Vin Santo from Sangiovese remains a benchmark of the style.
Tasting: Cellar tours, Vin Santo vinsantaia tastings and estate lunches by reservation; certified biodynamic by Demeter.
Signature wines: avignonesi-vino-nobile, avignonesi-grandi-annate, avignonesi-occhio-di-pernice, avignonesi-50-50
Scores: Vinous 95 (2017)
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile), Canaiolo Nero, Mammolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot16 haFounded 1962De Ferrari Corradi familyWinemaker Maurizio Castelli (consulting) with Luca De FerrariVino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
De Ferrari Corradi family estate at Cervognano, 16 hectares of high-density Prugnolo Gentile. The Vigna del Nocio Vino Nobile, from a single 1968-planted vineyard, is the flagship.
Tasting: Boutique cellar visits and tastings by appointment; the Vigna del Nocio single-vineyard is the estate's calling card.
Signature wines: boscarelli-vigna-del-nocio, boscarelli-vino-nobile, boscarelli-boscarelli-igt
Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), Vinous 95 (2019)
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Canaiolo Nero130 haFounded 1961Carletti family (Federico Carletti, owner)Winemaker Federico CarlettiVino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
Carletti family estate founded 1961 at the foot of Montepulciano. The Asinone single-vineyard Vino Nobile, named after the donkey-shaped hillside, is among the most consistently reviewed wines of the DOCG.
Tasting: Cellar tours and tasting flights by appointment; the Asinone single-vineyard Vino Nobile is the flagship.
Signature wines: poliziano-asinone, poliziano-vino-nobile, poliziano-le-stanze
Scores: Wine Advocate 94 (2019), Vinous 94 (2018)
Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC (single-estate DOC, established 1994)Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc90 haFounded 1944Incisa della Rocchetta family (Marchese Nicolo Incisa della Rocchetta, president)Winemaker Carlo Paoli (estate manager) with Graziana Grassini consultingBolgheri Sassicaia DOC
The Bolgheri estate where Mario Incisa della Rocchetta planted Bordeaux cuttings in 1944. First released as Sassicaia 1968; awarded its own Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC in 1994.
Tasting: Strictly limited visits; the estate prioritises trade and allocation customers. Public access is rare.
Signature wines: sassicaia, guidalberto, le-difese
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (1985)
Bolgheri Superiore DOC and Toscana IGTCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc115 haFounded 1981Frescobaldi family (acquired full ownership 2005)Winemaker Marco Balsimelli (estate director); Olga Fusari, head winemakerICEABolgheri DOC
Bolgheri estate founded by Lodovico Antinori in 1981 and fully owned by Frescobaldi since 2005. Bordeaux-cloned reds with Masseto and Ornellaia as flagships; the estate is ICEA-organic certified.
Tasting: Cellar tours, vineyard walks and tutored tastings by appointment; the Vendemmia d'Artista label programme is on display at the cellar.
Signature wines: ornellaia, le-volte-dell-ornellaia, ornellaia-bianco, le-serre-nuove-dell-ornellaia
Scores: Wine Spectator 96 (1998), Wine Advocate 98 (2015)
Bolgheri Superiore DOC and Toscana IGTCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Vermentino, Syrah320 haFounded 1990Marchesi Antinori (the Antinori family's Bolgheri estate, separate producer slug from Marchesi Antinori in Chianti Classico)Winemaker Renzo Cotarella (Antinori chief winemaker); Pierluigi Talamo, estate directorBolgheri DOC
Antinori's Bolgheri estate, established as a standalone vineyard in 1990 from the family's 1932 land purchase. 320 hectares; Guado al Tasso Superiore is flagship.
Tasting: Cellar visits, vineyard walks and the Osteria Magona village kitchen at Bolgheri; bookings via the Antinori hospitality desk.
Signature wines: guado-al-tasso, il-bruciato, scalabrone, matarocchio
Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2015), Vinous 97 (2018)
Bolgheri Superiore DOC and Toscana IGTCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Vermentino30 haFounded 1977Claudio Tipa (ColleMassari Group)Winemaker Luca Marrone with Maurizio Castelli consultingCCPBBolgheri DOC
The second estate to release a Bolgheri red after Sassicaia, founded 1977. Acquired by Claudio Tipa's ColleMassari group in 2002; CCPB-organic certified since 2014.
Tasting: Cellar visits, vineyard walks and tastings by appointment; certified organic since 2014.
Signature wines: grattamacco-bolgheri-superiore, grattamacco-bolgheri-rosso, grattamacco-grattamacco-bianco
Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), Vinous 95 (2018)
Bolgheri DOC and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Teroldego, Vermentino, Viognier27 haFounded 1983Michele Satta and familyWinemaker Michele SattaBolgheri DOC
Bolgheri's enduring artisan: Michele Satta arrived in 1974 and bottled his first wine in 1983. Notable for keeping a 100% Sangiovese (Cavaliere) on the Bordeaux-dominated coast.
Tasting: Cellar tours and tasting flights by appointment; Michele Satta personally hosts on advance booking.
Signature wines: michele-satta-piastraia, michele-satta-i-castagni, michele-satta-cavaliere
Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2018), Vinous 93 (2018)
Carmignano DOCG and Vin Santo di Carmignano DOCSangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Canaiolo, Trebbiano Toscano, San Colombano96 haFounded 1920Contini Bonacossi familyWinemaker Benedetta Contini BonacossiICEACarmignano DOCG
Contini Bonacossi family estate at Carmignano with vineyard records back to 804 AD on the property. Wine production formalised in 1920; certified organic and a Carmignano DOCG benchmark.
Tasting: Cellar tours, Vin Santo vinsantaia visits, vineyard walks and on-site agriturismo accommodation; certified organic.
Signature wines: capezzana-villa-di-capezzana, capezzana-trefiano-riserva, capezzana-vin-santo-di-carmignano-riserva
Scores: Wine Advocate 93 (2018), Vinous 93 (2018)
Morellino di Scansano DOCG, Maremma Toscana DOC and Toscana IGTSangiovese (Morellino), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Alicante, Vermentino80 haFounded 1985Elisabetta Geppetti and familyWinemaker Luca d'Attoma (consulting) with Cosimo Cossutti, estate enologistMorellino di Scansano DOCG
Maremma estate built by Elisabetta Geppetti from her 1985 inheritance into the region's reference producer. Saffredi (Cabernet-Merlot-Alicante IGT) and Morellino anchor the range.
Tasting: Cellar tours, vineyard walks and tasting flights by reservation; Saffredi is the long-running Super Tuscan flagship.
Signature wines: le-pupille-saffredi, le-pupille-poggio-valente, le-pupille-morellino-di-scansano
Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2019), Vinous 95 (2018)
Maremma Toscana DOC and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Vermentino90 haFounded 2005Castellare di Castellina (Paolo Panerai) in joint venture with Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)Winemaker Carlo FerriniMaremma Toscana DOC
Joint venture between Castellare di Castellina and Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), housed in a Renzo Piano-designed cellar at Gavorrano. Baffonero, a 100% Merlot, is the prestige bottling.
Tasting: Tours of the Renzo Piano-designed cellar, vineyard walks and tasting flights by reservation; the cellar's underground barrel hall is a destination in itself.
Signature wines: rocca-di-frassinello, rocca-di-frassinello-baffonero, rocca-di-frassinello-le-sughere
Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2018), Vinous 94 (2018)
Chianti Rufina DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malvasia Nera250 haFounded 1000Frescobaldi family (Marchesi Frescobaldi)Winemaker Niccolo d'AfflittoChianti Rufina DOCG
Frescobaldi's Rufina estate, in the family since 1000 AD and on its current 250-hectare scale since the mid-19th century. Montesodi single-vineyard Sangiovese is the long-running flagship.
Tasting: Castle tours, cellar visits, vineyard tastings and lunch in the medieval estate by reservation; one of the Frescobaldi estate-visit anchors.
Signature wines: nipozzano-vecchie-viti, nipozzano-montesodi, nipozzano-chianti-rufina-riserva
Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2019), Vinous 94 (2018)
Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot110 haFounded 1100Frescobaldi family (Marchesi Frescobaldi)Winemaker Niccolo d'AfflittoChianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG
The Frescobaldi family's oldest property, in continuous family ownership since the 11th century. 110 hectares of vines in Montespertoli; Giramonte is the Bordeaux-blended IGT flagship.
Tasting: Cellar visits, vineyard walks and tasting flights at the Castiglioni manor; Tenuta di Castiglioni is the historical Frescobaldi family property.
Signature wines: castiglioni-giramonte, castiglioni-chianti, castiglioni-tenuta-di-castiglioni
Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2019), Vinous 93 (2018)
Chianti Rufina DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malvasia Nera60 haFounded 1827Federico Giuntini MassetiWinemaker Federico Giuntini Masseti with Franco Bernabei consultingICEAChianti Rufina DOCG
Family-owned Chianti Rufina estate since 1827, certified organic by ICEA. The Bucerchiale single-vineyard Riserva is among Tuscany's most consistently age-worthy Sangiovese under €40.
Tasting: Cellar visits, vineyard walks and tastings by appointment; the Bucerchiale single-vineyard is the long-running flagship.
Signature wines: selvapiana-bucerchiale, selvapiana-chianti-rufina, selvapiana-fornace
Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), Vinous 95 (2019)
Toscana IGT, Val di Cornia DOC and Suvereto DOCGMerlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese32 haFounded 1984Stefano Frascolla and Simena BistiWinemaker Stefano Frascolla with Luca d'Attoma consultingSuvereto DOCG (Val di Cornia coastal area)
Suvereto estate founded 1984; Redigaffi, a 100% Merlot, scored 100 points from Wine Advocate for the 2000 vintage and put the Val di Cornia on the Super Tuscan map.
Tasting: Cellar tours, vineyard walks and tasting flights by appointment at Suvereto, just south of Bolgheri.
Signature wines: tua-rita-redigaffi, tua-rita-giusto-di-notri, tua-rita-perlato-del-bosco
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2000), Vinous 97 (2019)
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione, Chianti Classico DOCG, and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Abrusco240 haFounded 1141Francesco Ricasoli (32nd generation of the Ricasoli family)Winemaker Massimiliano BiagiChianti Classico DOCG
1,200-hectare estate at Gaiole in Chianti with 240 hectares under vine. Bettino Ricasoli codified the modern Chianti formula here in 1872; the family has owned the castle since 1141 and produces Gran Selezione plus the Casalferro IGT.
Tasting: Cellar visits, guided tastings, wine shop, agriturismo, and the Osteria del Castello restaurant at the Madonna a Brolio property. Open daily 10:00 to 19:00.
Signature wines: castello-di-brolio-gran-selezione, colledila-gran-selezione, casalferro, brolio-bettino
Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), James Suckling 96 (2019)
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione, Chianti Classico DOCG, and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malvasia Nera, Colorino117 haFounded 1435Mazzei family (brothers Filippo and Francesco Mazzei; Filippo's son Giovanni represents the 25th generation)Winemaker Carlo Ferrini consulting with the Mazzei familyChianti Classico DOCG (Castellina in Chianti)
Mazzei has owned Castello di Fonterutoli at Castellina since 1435. Today 117 hectares of vineyards across 120 parcels, with the Castello Fonterutoli Gran Selezione, the Sangiovese-Merlot Siepi IGT, and the 1981-launched Concerto.
Tasting: Estate tour and tasting at the Fonterutoli hamlet, plus the Osteria di Fonterutoli restaurant; booking via mazzei.it. The cellar at Castellina is open by appointment.
Signature wines: castello-fonterutoli-gran-selezione, siepi, concerto-di-fonterutoli, poggio-badiola
Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2019), James Suckling 97 (2019)
Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC and Toscana IGTMerlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Trebbiano31 haFounded 1947Sanjust family (Lucia Bazzocchi Sanjust and Luca Sanjust)Winemaker Luca SanjustBiodynamic PracticingICEAVal d'Arno di Sopra DOC (Mercatale Valdarno)
31-hectare estate in upper Val d'Arno owned by the Sanjust family since 1947. The Galatrona vineyard produces a 100 percent Merlot widely cited among Italy's top Merlots; Torrione and Boggina cover Sangiovese under the Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC.
Tasting: Estate tasting and cellar visits by appointment; multiple agriturismo properties (La Villa, Boggina, La Vigna, La Costa, Feriale) on the estate.
Signature wines: galatrona, boggina-c, torrione
Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2019), James Suckling 97 (2019)
Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, MerlotAppointment onlyChianti Classico
Marchesi Antinori's signature Chianti Classico cellar in Bargino, opened 2012. Spiral staircase and rooftop vineyard architecture; flights cover the estate wines including Tignanello and Solaia.
Sangiovese, Vernaccia, Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotWalk-ins welcomeSiena historic centre
Italy's oldest official wine promoting organisation, set inside the Medicean Fortress in Siena. Showroom with more than 1,600 Italian wines and a tasting bar across the bastion vaults.
Sangiovese, Vermentino, Trebbiano, Cabernet SauvignonWalk-ins welcomeOltrarno, Florence
Founded 1992 just behind Ponte Vecchio, this Oltrarno wine bar sources from small independent Tuscan producers. Rotating by-the-glass list shows Chianti Classico, Vernaccia and lesser-known appellations.
Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet SauvignonWalk-ins welcomeGreve in Chianti
Tuscany's largest enoteca with over 1,000 wines and 100 simultaneously available for sampling via Enomatic dispensers. Underground vaulted cellars on the site of Greve's first wine merchant.
Sangiovese Grosso, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotWalk-ins welcomeBrunello di Montalcino
Founded 1980 inside the medieval fortress walls of Montalcino, with Val d'Orcia panoramas from the ramparts. Specialises in Brunello di Montalcino verticals and Rosso di Montalcino flights.
Sangiovese Grosso, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, SyrahWalk-ins welcomeBrunello di Montalcino
Family-run since 2004 by the Fedolfi family, with multiple shop fronts across Montalcino. Enomatic-driven tasting room covering 40 Brunello producers side by side; staff sommelier on call.
Sangiovese Grosso, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot GrigioAppointment onlyBrunello di Montalcino
The Castello Banfi tasting room inside the 14th-century Poggio alle Mura castle, with the Bottle and Glass Museum next door. Flights cover the full Banfi range from Pinot Grigio to Brunello Riserva Poggio alle Mura.
Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Trebbiano, San ColombanoAppointment onlyCarmignano
Tasting cellars at one of Tuscany's oldest estates, documented at 804 AD. The Vinsantaia is included on tours; flights cover Carmignano DOCG, Trefiano Riserva, and the Vin Santo di Carmignano DOC.
Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, MalvasiaAppointment onlyChianti Classico
Tour the cellars of this organic Greve estate, named for the navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano. Flight programme covers Chianti Classico, Riserva, the Sassello IGT, and Vin Santo of the property.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, VermentinoAppointment onlyBolgheri
Bolgheri's second-oldest winery, with a hilltop tasting terrace overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast. Flights include Bolgheri Rosso DOC, L'Alberello and Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore DOC.
Sangiovese Grosso, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit VerdotAppointment onlyBrunello di Montalcino
Marchesi Frescobaldi's flagship Montalcino estate, founded as a fortress in 1100. Cellar tour ends in tastings of CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino and the Lamaione single-vineyard Merlot.
Maremma Toscana DOC and IGTSangiovese, Alicante, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vermentino, Trebbiano, Malvasia di CandiaFounded 1985Francesca Sfondrini (Niccolaini family)Biodynamic PracticingICEAMaremma
Massa Marittima estate working biodynamically since 2004. Native-yeast, low-sulfite reds, whites and roses from the Maremma's metalliferous hills.
Tip: Tastings are by appointment only; ask for the rose and the white Vermentino alongside the Sangiovese-led reds.
Toscana IGT{'grape': 'Sangiovese', 'pct': 60}, {'grape': 'Cabernet Sauvignon', 'pct': 20}, {'grape': 'Merlot', 'pct': 20}€10-14 retail
Castello Banfi entry-level IGT, named after a 19th-century farmhouse on the Montalcino estate. Sangiovese-Cabernet-Merlot blend made for everyday drinking at around twelve to thirteen euros.
Tip: True under-15-euro Tuscan wine that punches above its weight on weeknight pasta with red sauce.
Chianti Classico DOCGSangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot€14-18 retail
Castellina-based Zingarelli family blend pouring under twenty euros at most Italian retailers. A reliable Chianti Classico annata template: Sangiovese fruit, light international wood polish, ready to drink.
Tip: Available in most Tuscan supermarkets; pair with cinghiale-sauce pappardelle on weeknights.