The estates, domaines and châteaux worth the drive in Tuscany, from classified growths to grower gems.

Estates to visit in Tuscany

Marchesi Antinori ★ 4.9

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)

Castello di Ama ★ 4.8

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Malvasia Nera, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Nero90 haFounded 1972Lorenza Sebasti and Marco PallantiWinemaker Marco PallantiChianti Classico DOCG

Founded in 1972 in the hamlet of Ama at Gaiole in Chianti, the estate produces single-vineyard Gran Selezione bottlings from Bellavista and La Casuccia and pairs the wine programme with a contemporary art collection.

Tasting: Cellar tour, hamlet walk, art collection and tasting flight bookable through the estate; the property hosts a contemporary art programme with installations by Anish Kapoor and Louise Bourgeois.

Signature wines: castello-di-ama-vigneto-bellavista, castello-di-ama-vigneto-la-casuccia, castello-di-ama-haiku, castello-di-ama-l-apparita

Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2019), Vinous 95 (2018)

Felsina ★ 4.7

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)

Fontodi ★ 4.9

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)

Isole e Olena ★ 4.8

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)

San Felice ★ 4.6

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)

Castello di Volpaia ★ 4.7

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)

Querciabella ★ 4.7

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)

Castell'in Villa ★ 4.6

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)

Riecine ★ 4.7

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione and Toscana IGTSangiovese, Canaiolo Nero13 haFounded 1971Lana FrankWinemaker Alessandro CampatelliBiodynamic PracticingICEAChianti Classico DOCG

Tiny Gaiole estate of 13 hectares founded in 1971 by Englishman John Dunkley. Organic since 2014, vegan vinification, and now producing 100% Sangiovese under the La Gioia Toscana IGT flagship.

Tasting: Small-group estate tastings by reservation; vegan-vinified wines.

Signature wines: riecine-la-gioia, riecine-chianti-classico-riserva, riecine-chianti-classico

Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2018), Vinous 95 (2019)

Castello di Querceto ★ 4.4

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)

Biondi-Santi ★ 4.9

Brunello di Montalcino DOCGSangiovese Grosso25 haFounded 1888EPI Group (Christopher Descours), acquired from the Biondi Santi family in 2017Winemaker Federico RadiBrunello di Montalcino DOCG

The founding estate of Brunello di Montalcino; Ferruccio Biondi Santi bottled the first 1888 vintage. Now owned by EPI Group with the historic Greppo Sangiovese Grosso vines as the core.

Tasting: Cellar tours of the historic Greppo property by appointment; rare vintages tasting on request.

Signature wines: biondi-santi-brunello-di-montalcino, biondi-santi-brunello-di-montalcino-riserva, biondi-santi-rosso-di-montalcino

Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2016), Vinous 97 (2016)

Case Basse di Gianfranco Soldera ★ 4.9

Toscana IGT (estate withdrew from Brunello DOCG in 2013)Sangiovese8 haFounded 1972Soldera family (children of Gianfranco Soldera, who passed in 2019)Winemaker Mauro Fastelli (cellar master under Gianfranco Soldera)Biodynamic PracticingBrunello di Montalcino DOCG (now bottled as Toscana IGT)

Cult Montalcino estate founded 1972 by Gianfranco Soldera. Withdrew from Brunello DOCG in 2013 after a cellar sabotage incident; bottles continue as Toscana IGT from the original Intistieti and Case Basse vineyards.

Tasting: Not currently open to the public; allocation-only sales via mailing list.

Signature wines: soldera-case-basse-toscana-igt, soldera-case-basse-intistieti-vineyard

Casanova di Neri ★ 4.9

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)

Castello Banfi ★ 4.6

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)

Tenuta Caparzo ★ 4.5

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese Grosso, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay90 haFounded 1970Elisabetta Gnudi AngeliniWinemaker Massimo BracalenteICEABrunello di Montalcino DOCG

Founded 1970 in the cooler northern Montalcino. The Vigna La Casa single-vineyard Brunello has been bottled since 1977; estate has been organic since 2014.

Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings by reservation; the Vigna La Casa cru is the historical flagship.

Signature wines: caparzo-la-casa-brunello, caparzo-brunello-di-montalcino, caparzo-le-grance

Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2016), Vinous 93 (2016)

Poggio Antico ★ 4.6

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)

Il Poggione ★ 4.8

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)

Mastrojanni ★ 4.8

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)

Argiano ★ 4.9

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)

Col d'Orcia ★ 4.7

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)

Avignonesi ★ 4.8

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)

Poderi Boscarelli ★ 4.7

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)

Salcheto ★ 4.6

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile), Canaiolo Nero, Mammolo, Merlot60 haFounded 1984Michele ManelliWinemaker Michele Manelli with Federico Curtaz consultingBiodynamic PracticingCCPBVino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG

Off-grid solar-powered cellar at Montepulciano, certified organic by CCPB. Salco Evoluzione is the Riserva flagship; the estate publishes a carbon-footprint declaration on every label.

Tasting: Tours of the off-grid energy-independent cellar, tastings and a restaurant overlooking Montepulciano; certified organic.

Signature wines: salcheto-salco-evoluzione-vino-nobile-riserva, salcheto-vino-nobile, salcheto-rosso-di-montepulciano

Scores: Wine Advocate 94 (2017), Vinous 93 (2018)

Poliziano ★ 4.7

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)

Tenuta San Guido ★ 5.0

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)

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia ★ 4.9

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)

Masseto ★ 5.0

Toscana IGTMerlot7 haFounded 1986Frescobaldi familyWinemaker Eleonora MarconiICEABolgheri DOC

A 7-hectare blue-clay Merlot parcel inside the Ornellaia estate. First released as a separate brand in 1986. Now operates with its own dedicated cellar opened in 2020; widely considered Italy's most prestigious Merlot.

Tasting: Visits to the dedicated Masseto cellar by very limited appointment; one of Italy's hardest-to-secure cellar tours.

Signature wines: masseto, massetino

Scores: Wine Advocate 98 (2001), Wine Advocate 100 (2015)

Tenuta Guado al Tasso ★ 4.8

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)

Le Macchiole ★ 4.8

Bolgheri DOC and Toscana IGTCabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese22 haFounded 1983Cinzia Merli and family (widow of co-founder Eugenio Campolmi)Winemaker Cinzia Merli with Luca d'Attoma consultingCCPBBolgheri DOC

Family estate founded 1983 by Eugenio Campolmi; Cinzia Merli has led the property since his death in 2002. Single-varietal Cabernet Franc (Paleo), Merlot (Messorio) and Syrah (Scrio) bottlings; CCPB-organic certified.

Tasting: Cellar visits and tutored tastings by appointment; vegan vinification practices used since 2014.

Signature wines: le-macchiole-paleo-rosso, le-macchiole-messorio, le-macchiole-scrio, le-macchiole-bolgheri-rosso

Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2015), Vinous 96 (2019)

Grattamacco ★ 4.7

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)

Michele Satta ★ 4.6

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)

Tenuta di Capezzana ★ 4.7

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)

Fattoria Le Pupille ★ 4.8

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)

Rocca di Frassinello ★ 4.6

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)

Panizzi ★ 4.5

Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG and Toscana IGTVernaccia, Sangiovese, Trebbiano Toscano32 haFounded 1979Simone Niccolai (acquired from the Panizzi family in 2010)Winemaker Davide MazzolaVernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG

San Gimignano's leading Vernaccia specialist, founded 1979 by Giovanni Panizzi and acquired by Simone Niccolai in 2010. The Riserva ages in a mix of stainless steel, tonneau and acacia wood.

Tasting: Cellar tours, tasting flights and an on-site museum dedicated to Vernaccia; guided visits at the Santa Margherita property.

Signature wines: panizzi-vernaccia-di-san-gimignano, panizzi-riserva-vernaccia-di-san-gimignano, panizzi-vertigo-chianti-colli-senesi

Scores: Wine Advocate 93 (2022), Vinous 92 (2021)

Castello di Nipozzano ★ 4.7

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)

Frescobaldi CastelGiocondo ★ 4.7

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Toscana IGTSangiovese Grosso, Merlot235 haFounded 1989Frescobaldi family (Marchesi Frescobaldi)Winemaker Niccolo d'AfflittoBrunello di Montalcino DOCG

Frescobaldi's Montalcino estate, acquired in 1989. 235 hectares of Sangiovese Grosso in the western reaches of the appellation; Ripe al Convento is the Riserva from oldest vines.

Tasting: Estate tours, Brunello cellar visits and tasting flights by reservation; Luce della Vite is bottled separately on a neighbouring property.

Signature wines: castelgiocondo-brunello-di-montalcino, castelgiocondo-ripe-al-convento-riserva, castelgiocondo-lamaione

Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2016), Vinous 94 (2016)

Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni ★ 4.5

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)

Frescobaldi Tenuta di Pomino ★ 4.5

Pomino DOC and Toscana IGTPinot Nero, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Sangiovese90 haFounded 1855Frescobaldi family (Marchesi Frescobaldi)Winemaker Niccolo d'AfflittoPomino DOC

High-elevation Frescobaldi estate at Pomino (550 to 700 metres) bordering Chianti Rufina. Pinot Nero and Chardonnay vineyards date to 1855; Benefizio Riserva is one of Tuscany's pioneering barrel-aged Chardonnays.

Tasting: Estate visits and tastings by reservation at the high-altitude Pomino property; the cellar specialises in white-grape work unusual for the region.

Signature wines: pomino-benefizio-riserva, pomino-bianco, pomino-pinot-nero

Scores: Wine Advocate 94 (2021), Vinous 93 (2020)

Fattoria Selvapiana ★ 4.8

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)

Tua Rita ★ 4.8

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)

Fattoria Le Fonti ★ 4.4

Chianti Classico DOCG and Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOCSangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, Colorino, Malvasia Bianca Lunga, Trebbiano Toscano22 haFounded 1999Vicky Schmitt-VitaliWinemaker Vicky Schmitt-Vitali with Stefano Porcinai consultingICEAChianti Classico DOCG

Small Chianti Classico estate at Poggibonsi run by Vicky Schmitt-Vitali since 1999. Certified ICEA-organic; the Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is aged 10 years in caratelli.

Tasting: Small-group estate tastings and cellar visits by appointment; agriturismo rooms available; certified organic.

Signature wines: le-fonti-chianti-classico-riserva, le-fonti-vito-arturo, le-fonti-vin-santo

Scores: Vinous 92 (2019), Wine Advocate 91 (2019)

Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio ★ 4.8

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)

Montevertine ★ 4.9

Toscana IGT (estate withdrew from Chianti Classico DOCG consortium in 1981)Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino18 haFounded 1967Manetti family (Martino Manetti, son of founder Sergio Manetti)Winemaker Martino Manetti with consulting from Giulio Gambelli historically and currently Paolo SalviToscana IGT (Radda in Chianti)

Sergio Manetti founded Montevertine at Radda in 1967 and walked out of the Chianti Classico consortium in 1981 to bottle pure Sangiovese as Toscana IGT. Le Pergole Torte (1977 first vintage) is the canonical pure-Sangiovese IGT.

Tasting: Cellar tour and tasting by appointment only; small-group visits hosted at the estate cellar at Radda in Chianti.

Signature wines: le-pergole-torte, montevertine-rosso, pian-del-ciampolo

Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2019), Vinous 96 (2019)

Poggio di Sotto ★ 4.9

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Rosso di Montalcino DOCSangiovese Grosso17 haFounded 1989ColleMassari Group (Maria Iris Bertarelli and Claudio Tipa), acquired 2011Winemaker Luca Marrone with Maurizio Castelli consultingICEABrunello di Montalcino DOCG (Castelnuovo dell'Abate)

Castelnuovo dell'Abate estate founded by Piero Palmucci in 1989, now part of the ColleMassari Group (acquired 2011). Long Slavonian-oak ageing and southeastern Montalcino fruit anchor a top-tier modern Brunello.

Tasting: Cellar visits and Brunello tastings by appointment only at the Castelnuovo dell'Abate estate.

Signature wines: poggio-di-sotto-brunello, poggio-di-sotto-brunello-riserva, poggio-di-sotto-rosso-di-montalcino

Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2016), Vinous 96 (2016)

Marchesi Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli ★ 4.8

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)

Petrolo ★ 4.8

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)

Azienda Agricola Cesani ★ 4.5

Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG, San Gimignano Rosso DOC, and Toscana IGTVernaccia, Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, Merlot22 haFounded 1951Cesani family (Letizia, Marialuisa, and Sara Cesani)Winemaker Letizia CesaniICEAVernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG (Pancole)

Cesani family estate at Pancole near San Gimignano, founded 1951 when Guido and Annunziata Cesani acquired the property. Long-time organic producer of Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG plus Chianti Colli Senesi and Toscana IGT reds.

Tasting: Estate tastings, vineyard walks, and agriturismo at Pancole 6 km from San Gimignano; booking via the estate site.

Signature wines: cesani-vernaccia-di-san-gimignano, cesani-clamys-vernaccia, cesani-luenzo, cesani-chianti-colli-senesi

Scores: Wine Advocate 92 (2021), Vinous 91 (2021)

Vineyards in Tuscany, FAQ

When is the best time to visit Tuscany for wine?

Peak wine-travel season in Tuscany is spring through autumn, with harvest the standout window.

Do I need an appointment to taste at Tuscany estates?

classified-growth and grand-cru estates require booking days to weeks ahead; smaller family domaines often take walk-ins midweek.

What hours do Tuscany cellars and tasting rooms keep?

most estates open 10:00 to 17:00 by appointment, often closed Sunday and Monday.

How does tipping work at Tuscany tastings?

tipping is not expected at tastings; buying a bottle from the cellar door is the customary thank-you.

What is the one wine to try in Tuscany?

Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Tuscany rewards trust.

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