Smoky and slightly reduced, this shows licorice, strawberries and cherries. The fruit character is brilliant on the palate with juicy acidity and firm yet ripe tannins, medium body and a good, tight finish. Drink now.

A round and juicy red with berry, cherry, mushroom and wet-earth character on both the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied with integrated tannins that are soft and luscious. Long, flavorful finish. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years.

The 2019 Orleto, 100% Cabernet Franc, is a new wine from Aia Vecchia. Dense and plush to the core, the 2019 is packed with blackberry, gravel, incense, licorice, espresso and sweet spice. There’s plenty of depth, that much is sure. It would be nice to see more varietal expression, as Franc can be magical on the Tuscan coast. In this tasting, the 2019 comes across as a bit hot.

JAMES SUCKLING TOP 100 ITALY 2025 - #69

Lots of violets, cola and blueberries on the nose, complemented by a clay pot note. Fascinating aromatics. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with polished tannins. A cohesive and complete wine that’s angular and incisive, with subtlety, precision and elegance. Lots of personality in each detail. It needs at least four years to soften. But what a wine.

The 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Antonio Castagnedi is darkly alluring, as crushed black cherries blend with shavings of Baker's chocolate and sage. It is silken in feel, with a cascade of mineral-infused red berry fruits saturating the palate, all elevated by brisk acidity. The finish tapers off classically dry and gently tannic, leaving a pleasantly bitter tinge of cocoa and citrus that lingers. Don't be afraid of bringing this savory and sultry Amarone to the dinner table. Nicely done.