Home Winners > Winners 2020 > Tuscany (including Montalcino & Montepulciano DOCG)

Winner Details

Tuscany
(including Montalcino & Montepulciano DOCG)

Think ‘Tuscany’ and you usually think top-end: sports car wines that are great for showing off, but not much good for a midweek run to Asda with three kids in tow.

But while we did, as always, get plenty of expensive, ego-laden wines here - and a lot of them were very good - the story this year, perhaps, was at the more affordable end of the spectrum. We found quite a lot of good wines under £14 here. It’s highly unusual, but rather heartening. And the By The Glass Award-winning Ciacci Piccolomini ought to be on everyone’s radar.

A wine’s success or failure in SWA always depends on its drinkability. Our tasters simply don’t want wines that need five more years in the cellar. So our top medal winners here were those that had the best integration and balance and delivered for the price. You can order them with confidence.

From The Tasting Teams

‘Towards the more expensive end these were perhaps a bit too young at the moment. It makes you look to the lower price points, where structurally they’re a lot more approachable. At that level I’d want to list them – there were some really pretty wines there.’ Laura Rhys MS, team leader

‘Tuscany is typically dry tannin, dry acidity, but these had a little bit more of a velvety tannin. Enjoyable wines.’ Lionel Periner, team leader

‘With these I’d serve wild boar and lentils: spicy, hearty fare.’ Nigel Lister, St. Swithins Wine Shippers

‘People gravitate towards Tuscany. Chianti obviously has a big pull, but people really like these Super Tuscan wines too.’ Andres Ituarte, team leader

‘Tuscany has a lot of age-worthy wines, but those all carry a price tag. Value for money isn’t so relevant.’ Jade Koch, team leader

‘With that cedarwood and spice, Brunellos are food-friendly wines.’ Laurent Richet MS, team leader

‘We sell a lot of big names from this region. The name of the producer can be more important than the region itself.’ Savvas Symeonidis, Goodman Restaurant Mayfair

Award winners

Found 46 wines

Italy: Tuscany, including Montalcino

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, Toscana Rosso 2016, Tuscany, Italy

Gold medal winner By the glass

'This is a great example of Tuscany, and well suited to a gastropub list.'
Raphael Thierry, consultant.

'Black forest fruits on the nose move quickly to intense red cherries on the palate, with some cassia spice too.'
Sam Winterbottom, The Albert Square Chop House.

'Super ripe without being cooked, there's fleshy black fruit along with some sweet spice.'
James Fryer, team leader.

£7.03 Mentzendorff & Co

Capezzana, Ugo Contini Bonacossi 2016, Tuscany, Italy

Gold medal winner

'This is rich and intense, with persistent fruit and a warm, long finish.'
Bianca Potenza, 212 Amsterdam.

'Tons of complexity, with blackcurrant and violets, as well as meaty, savoury notes - a bold wine for food matching.'
Laura Rhys MS, team leader.

'With plum and cassis notes, as well as some vanilla and cinnamon, and good acidity, this would be perfect with lamb loin fillet.'
Arturo Scamardella, The Ritz London.

£38.70 Liberty Wines

Val delle Rose, Morellino di Scansano 2018, Tuscany, Italy

Gold medal winner

'Delicate red fruit and white pepper on the nose, with violets and a touch of cassis joining on the palate. A fresh wine with lively tannins.'
Gaetano Giangaspero, C&C.

'A very savoury wine, with rosemary notes and smoke on the finish.'
Sam Winterbottom, The Albert Square Chop House.

'With fruit, spices and a touch of mocha, this is a good Tuscan for any wine list.'
Raphael Thierry, consultant.

£10.85 Vinexus Ltd

Poggio al Tesoro, Il Seggio 2017, Tuscany, Italy

Gold medal winner

'This has ripe black fruit and tomato leaf character, with vanilla and Christmas spices, and massive tannins with long length.'
Andres Ituarte, team leader.

'Aromas of blackcurrant, dried plums, violets and white spices lead to a palate that's complex and jammy, with a good level of acidity to balance the weight of this wine. Something that will improve with age too.'
Gaetano Giangaspero, C&C.

£19.30 Liberty Wines

Castello Vicchiomaggio, FSM 2016, Tuscany, Italy

Gold medal winner

'This is rich and complex, with lots of personality and well-integrated alcohol.'
Erik Simonics, Annabel’s.

'An elegant expression of Sangiovese, with balanced tannins, ripe black fruits, hints of leather and smoke, and a long finish.'
Gary Newborough, The Aristologist.

'This has it all, with great balance and freshness, and a spicy finish. Ready to drink now.'
Rémi Cousin, Le Gavroche.

£142.00 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Castellare di Castellina, I Sodi di San Niccolo 2015, Tuscany, Italy

Gold medal winner

'A sophisticated, complex wine with blackberries and currants, as well as crunchy red fruits and some herbal notes and black pepper spice, with fine tannin structure and a long finish. A superb match with roast lamb.'
Laura Rhys MS, team leader.

'This is showing some power, with charming redcurrant fruit and dark spices, sandalwood and mocha complexity.'
Raphael Thierry, consultant.

£43.97 Bibendum

Il Poggione, Brunello di Montalcino 2015, Tuscany, Italy

Gold medal winner

'A serious wine with notes of both cooked and dried dark fruit, as well as spice, bell pepper, black peppers and dark flowers. Well-developed, balanced and rounded.'
Lucie Hammerschmiedova, Portland Restaurant.

'A robust, earthy and musky wine, with blueberry and red forest fruit on the juicy palate, along with typical spice, earthiness, tar and grippy tannins. A big wine to pair with equally rich food.'
Olivier Gasselin, OenoTrade.

£30.13 Enotria&Coe

La Togata, La Togata dei Togati, Brunello di Montalcino 2015, Tuscany, Italy

Silver medal winner

'A very fine example that's quite complete, with a fine structure and well balanced by precise acidity and well-defined tannins. This has some savoury character, and a very finely textured finish.'
Olivier Gasselin, OenoTrade.

'Elegant and polished, with cinnamon, clove, vanilla and dried fruits, with firm but very well-integrated tannins.'
Matthieu Longuère MS, team leader.

£35.00 Try Wines

Banfi, Poggio all'Oro 2013, Tuscany, Italy

Silver medal winner

'This has a soft nose and growing complexity, showing hints of evolution, with lots of cooked fruit and spices - a smoky wine with tannins in support.'
Antóin UáRuairc, UK Midland Sommelier.

'A serious wine full of flavour, with jammy black and red berries and plums, as well as dried flowers, spice and pepper.'
Lucie Hammerschmiedova, Portland Restaurant.

£86.48 Louis Latour Agencies

Morisfarms, Barbaspinosa, Monteregio di Massa Marittima 2015, Tuscany, Italy

Silver medal winner

'With smoky, truffled red fruit, this is juicy and generous, with abundant sour cherry, leather and cigar box.'
Harry Crowther, Grape Times UK.

'Rich and warm Tuscan sunshine, with red berries and brambles, a little tar and liquorice on the nose. Robust, balanced and very juicy, this will pair very happily with food.'
Jade Koch, team leader.

£13.85 Jeroboams

Nottola, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2013, Tuscany, Italy

Silver medal winner

'There's freshness bounding out of the glass, with cranberries and cherries, as well as some fresh violet and rose petals, and notes of tar. Brilliant fine tannins and acidity leave a pleasant grip and mouth-watering finish.'
Tim Handley, Royal Automobile Club.

'This ticks all the boxes, with great, fresh acidity, well-integrated tannins and ageing potential.'
Immacolata Cannavo, Hakkasan Mayfair.

£20.15 Jeroboams

Bibi Graetz, Casamatta, Rosso 2018, Tuscany, Italy

Silver medal winner

'Herbaceous and elegant, with pretty red fruits like cranberries, wild strawberries and cherries.'
Laura Rhys MS, team leader.

'Crunchy, fresh and easy to drink, with some raspberry notes and minerality.'
Arturo Scamardella, The Ritz London.

'Juicy and savoury, with some dark fruit.'
Lucie Hammerschmiedova, Portland Restaurant.

£9.92 Bibendum

Bibi Graetz, Grilli 2018, Tuscany, Italy

Silver medal winner

'Morello cherry pie aromas with a figgy sweetness, echoed on the palate with an added touch of cream, and a lovely sense of ripe raspberry on the finish.'
Nigel Lister, St. Swithins Wine Shippers.

'Ripe jammy fruit with rich spices at first, leading to fresh and elegant fruit concentration with nice tannins.'
Andre Luís Martins, team leader.

£14.33 Bibendum

Brancaia, Tre, Rosso di Toscana 2016, Tuscany, Italy

Silver medal winner

'A ripe, modern style with a good chunk of new oak, and notes of plum and black cherry, and an earthy character on the finish.'
Andres Ituarte, team leader.

'Dark fruits, black pepper and cardamom are well defined on the nose, with generous fruit on the palate, and herbaceous flavours too. Great value for money.'
Gaetano Giangaspero, C&C.

£15.70 Enotria&Coe

Campaperi, Brunello di Montalcino 2014, Tuscany, Italy

Silver medal winner

'With sweet dark berries and spices, and some jamminess, this is also showing some signs of development. The intensity of flavours are well balanced by high acidity and tannins.'
Lucie Hammerschmiedova, Portland Restaurant.

'Vanilla, Virginia tobacco, sweet plum and sour cherries macerated in brandy - this is full-bodied and concentrated.'
Matthieu Longuère MS, team leader.

£25.69 Top Selection

Campaperi, Rosso di Montalcino 2017, Tuscany, Italy

Silver medal winner

'Vanilla spice with cinnamon and cloves balanced with ripe dark fruits such as cherries and plum, and an earthy backbone that brings layers to this. A fun wine by the glass, but would also pair well with food.'
Laurent Richet MS, team leader.

'Intense, with juicy black plums, dried violets and loads of liquorice, cloves and nutmeg spice.'
Lucie Hammerschmiedova, Portland Restaurant.

£12.96 Top Selection

Capannelle, Solare 2010, Tuscany, Italy

Silver medal winner

'This is showing lovely development, with chocolate and balsamic notes - a vibrant style.'
Raphael Thierry, consultant.

'Very intense flavours of red fruits, leather, cherry liqueur and vanilla and cedar oak notes. A pricey but well-made wine, and a solid option for bottle list placement anywhere.'
Tim Smith, Winesurfer Consulting.

£31.14 Top Selection

Villa Saletta, Saletta Giulia 2016, Tuscany, Italy

Silver medal winner

'This has a lot going on, with jammy black fruits and some herbaceous, medicinal notes, a woody character and a long, sweet finish.'
Andres Ituarte, team leader.

'This has perfume, sweet spice and red fruit, with firm tannins, ripe plum and sweet spices on the palate.'
Andre Luís Martins, team leader.

£35.69 Top Selection

Monte Solaio, Collevato 2016, Tuscany, Italy

Bronze medal winner

'Cherry, tobacco, a minty balsamic note and cocoa, with a smooth palate that has alcohol and tannins in good balance, leading to a long, spicy finish.'
Filippo Pastorini, consultant.

'Smoky blackcurrant fruit with some bay on this very enticing nose, with a dry palate that has a wallop of oak and vanilla character. Will age well but is enjoyable now, decanted and with a Florentine steak.'
Jade Koch, team leader.

£20.00 Bedmond Hill Estate

Banfi, Poggio alle Mura 2015, Tuscany, Italy

Bronze medal winner

'Fresh acidity, with some jammy red fruit, sweet spice, and a chocolate note - an intense wine.'
Lucie Hammerschmiedova, Portland Restaurant.

'Ripe and fruity, yet classy and fresh. This is supple, with an elegant structure. A wine to enjoy with a rib of beef or game.'
Laurent Richet MS, team leader.

£38.72 Louis Latour Agencies

Banfi, Summus 2016, Tuscany, Italy

Bronze medal winner

'A concentrated wine with blackcurrant, liquorice and dark chocolate notes.'
Elena Serban, Heritage Restaurant.

'An attractive, opulent and juicy black fruit profile, with fennel and aniseed towards the finish.'
Harry Crowther, Grape Times UK.

'Fresh, ripe red fruits married with hints of underlying vanilla and cinnamon, with some slatey minerality too.'
Sam Winterbottom, The Albert Square Chop House.

£29.17 Louis Latour Agencies

Castello Vicchiomaggio, Ripa delle More 2017, Tuscany, Italy

Bronze medal winner

'Intense aromas of dark fruit with some dried flowers, and ground black pepper, and a smooth palate with a good fruit profile, nice tannins and a medium finish.'
Lionel Periner, team leader.

'Beautiful notes of black cherry, cloves and dried plums. A well-balanced wine that's ready to drink but could age more.'
Lukas Nikanorovas, 20 Stories.

£22.65 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Morisfarms, Mandriolo Rosso, Maremma 2018, Tuscany, Italy

Bronze medal winner

'Some forest floor notes behind bursting red fruit upfront, with tannins prominent but supported by freshness.'
Harry Crowther, Grape Times UK.

'Strawberry, cherries and well-integrated oak, with a smooth texture and vibrant fruit.'
Elena Serban, Heritage Restaurant.

'Great tannins, with notes of sour cherries and dried roses. This is good value.'
Diego Carballido, Bar Boulud - Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park.

£8.85 Jeroboams

Nottola, Rosso di Montepulciano 2016, Tuscany, Italy

Bronze medal winner

'Nice red fruit here, with a touch of dry leaves and a hint of elegant oak, leading to a generous palate with some dark fruit, cacao and well-integrated oak.'
Lionel Periner, team leader.

'This is showing some very pleasant red fruits alongside some developing aromas and flavours.'
Tim Smith, Winesurfer Consulting.

£10.50 Jeroboams

Fattoria Casaloste, Rosso Maniero, Colli della Toscana Centrale 2016, Tuscany, Italy

Bronze medal winner

'Fresh red fruit notes along with some baked aromas - this is earthy, with some oak notes and chalky tannins.'
Andre Luís Martins, team leader.

'Mouthwatering, fruity and slightly spicy.'
Bianca Potenza, 212 Amsterdam.

'A nice dry red showing a bit of age, with great fruit, well-balanced alcohol and a touch of cooked fruit on the finish.'
Lionel Periner, team leader.

£11.60 Jeroboams

Nottola, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2016, Tuscany, Italy

Bronze medal winner

'A dry, earthy and meaty wine, with notes of forest floor and wild blackberries, some delicate oak and hints of development, with grainy tannins.'
Marco Marcuzzo, Zuma Rome.

'Complex black and green olive aromas bring a nice rustic personality to this, with a wealth of primary fruit, like raspberries and plums.'
Joshua Castle, Noble Rot.

£14.20 Jeroboams

Rocca di Frassinello, Sughere di Frassinello 2016, Tuscany , Italy

Bronze medal winner

'A pretty floral note with some red fruit and cooked sweet spice, leading to a dry palate with some new oak, good acidity and high tannins.'
Lionel Periner, team leader.

'Fragrant spice on the nose, with notes of ripe fruit and chocolate too. This is well balanced, and good to drink now, but can age too.'
Lukas Nikanorovas, 20 Stories.

£17.17 Bibendum

Querciabella, Turpino 2015, Tuscany, Italy

Bronze medal winner

'Very complex on the nose, with confit fruits, liquorice and spices. The palate is solid, with a very long finish and good levels of acidity too. A gastronomic wine for top Italian restaurants.'
Gaetano Giangaspero, C&C.

'Pronounced flavour intensity here, with ripe black fruit, liquorice, dried fruit, figs, chocolate and smoke.'
Savvas Symeonidis, Goodman Restaurant Mayfair.

£25.40 Armit Wines

Uggiano, Il Sanzio, Sangiovese/Syrah 2019, Tuscany, Italy

Bronze medal winner

'A fresh and elegant style, with good red cherry fruit, and showing some development too.'
Andre Luís Martins, team leader.

'An easy-drinking style, with spicy red berry fruits.'
Vivienne Franks, Aspects of Wine.

'Nicely done, with a touch of spice and some bright fruit.'
Nigel Lister, St. Swithins Wine Shippers.

£6.25 Boutinot

La Togata, Brunello di Montalcino 2015, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

£25.00 Try Wines

Capezzana, Villa di Capezzana, Carmignano 2016, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

£20.30 Liberty Wines

Felsina, Fontalloro 2017, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

£37.80 Liberty Wines

Val delle Rose, Poggio al Leone, Morellino di Scansano Riserva 2016, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

£21.50 Vinexus Ltd

Val delle Rose, Il Ciliegiolo 2017, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

£13.50 Vinexus Ltd

Rocca di Montemassi, Sassabruna 2017, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

£16.33 Zonin UK

Morisfarms, Morellino di Scansano 2017, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

£11.00 Jeroboams

Carpineto, Brunello di Montalcino 2014, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

Frescobaldi, Tenuta Castelgiocondo, Brunello di Montalcino 2015, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

Castellare di Castellina, Governo di Castellare 2018, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

£10.92 Bibendum

Talenti, Rosso d Montalcino 2018, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

£14.86 Bibendum

Talenti, Brunello di Montalcino 2014, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

£32.56 Bibendum

Bibi Graetz, Testamatta 2015, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

£69.00 Bibendum

Terenzi, Madrechiesa, Morellino di Scansano Riserva 2015, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

£26.75 Top Selection

Villa Saletta, Chiave di Saletta 2016, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

£17.51 Top Selection

Villa Saletta, Saletta Riccardi 2016, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

£35.69 Top Selection

Badia di Morrona, Sodi del Paretaio, Chianti 2018, Tuscany, Italy

Commended medal winner

£8.85 Eurowines