If you drink or collect some of the top names of Tuscany, then you are going to want to check out this weekly report. Ratings include such illustrious names as Masseto, Saffredi, Galatrona, Solaia, Siepi, Biserno, Ornelaia, and Redigaffi as well as some relative newcomers such as Sette. Most are from the excellent 2021 and 2019 vintages – years that delivered fresh and structured Super Tuscans from all grape types. But merlot really seemed to excel if you simply look at a few of the names above.
I have written this before but merlot is a terrific variety in Tuscany, delivering unique character that is hard to match anywhere in the world. It gives you some of the character of Bordeaux (read Pomerol), yet it has more freshness with lower pH that gives it a different underlying acidity and energy compared with France’s famous region.
This report also includes bottles that are clearly and soulfully Italian, the great reds of Sicily’s volcano, Etna. The wines of some of the best producers have been reviewed including Passopisciaro, Tenuta delle Terre Nere, Pietradolce, and Girolamo Russo. And some of their bottlings – from ancient vines as old as 100 years or so – are truly amazing.