REGION: Tuscany

La Colombina borders on both the Ciacci and Uccelliera estates in Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Sourced from vineyards owned by the Caselli family for generations. Husband and wife Alamiro and Anna Maria make ripe, powerful wines of great aging potential at affordable prices.

In 1988, twin brothers Andrea & Marcello began growing their family farm into the nine hectares it spans today. About six of those are under vine dedicated exclusively to Sangiovese for Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino and certified organic since the 2013 vintage. Enologist Paolo Caciorgna consults.

Le Calcinaie is one of San Gimignano’s youngest wineries but has quickly become one of its best. Founded by Simone Santini in 1987, the estate runs 12 organically-farmed ha. with perfect northeast exposure. Classic Vernaccia with good structure, balance and charm, as well as a great-value Chianti.

Brothers Carlo and Lorenzo, with cousin Ludovica, craft traditional and laser pure expressions of Sangiovese from the hills around Sant’Angelo in Colle, in the Southwest corner of Montalcino. Lisini is sine qua non – the epitome of classically-styled Brunello, against which all others are measured.

Lucignano, or Juicy Lucy as the wine is known amongst friends, is the iconic Tuscan label of Marc de Grazia selections. A favorite of the wine press for years, Vinous calls it “fresh, fruity and absolutely delicious.”

Tiziano Ciacci with wife Alessandra and daughter Pamela operate 20 hectares in Montalcino and another 20 hectares in the Maremma, where they make Morellino di Scansano and grow olives. Traditionally-crafted Montalcino wines, their Brunello classico ages only in large French and Slavonian oak casks.

Montevertine is situated in the heart of the Chianti district about halfway between Florence and Siena, specifically 3 kilometers or so south of Radda in Chianti. Despite the formal lack of the appellation, Montevertine is one of the rare examples of a true Chianti Classico.

Located in the heart of Carmignano, Mauro Vannucci founded 1990 with the aim to produce wines that act as a benchmark of the Carmignano appellation. Today, Mauro works alongside daughter Silvia to produce wines from their estate that Gambero Rosso calls, “one of the best wineries in the region."