An On-Site Report of Tuscany’s Latest Wine Releases
By Gabriel Riel-Salvatore, Food & Wine Editor
Each February, the Tuscan wine world quietly resets its compass in Florence and surroundings for the Anteprima Toscana week.
Anteprima offers an early glimpse into the newest vintages from Tuscany’s leading wine regions—long before the wines land on SAQ shelves or LCBO listings. The 2026 edition once again gathered journalists, buyers, educators, and sommeliers for a tightly packed programme that included the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Preview, Chianti Classico Collection, L’Altra Toscana with upcoming docs such as Montecuco or Suvereto, Chianti Lovers&Rosso Morellino, and the Valdarno di Sopra Day.
For Canadian wine drinkers, this week offers more than just a sneak peek—it signals where Tuscany’s export-driven denominations are heading next.
A Quality Pyramid Designed for the Modern Drinker
One of the most significant developments across Tuscany’s flagship appellations—particularly Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano—has been the gradual evolution of their quality pyramid in the past decade.
Borrowing from the logic of Burgundy, the current framework moves from entry-level Annata wines toward Riserva and ultimately single-vineyard expressions such as Gran Selezione or Pieve bottlings. The strategy aims to simplify messaging for newer drinkers—often through approachable wines such as Chianti Classico Annata or Rosso di Montepulciano—while creating a natural pathway toward cru-level expressions.
Vintage Report
For the most recent 2024 which will end up on the Canadian shelves within the next 6 to 12 months, think about fresh leaning reds with a clear fruit-forward character for an easy, yet elegant drink.
For later-released Riserva or Gran Selezione wines, the 2023 vintage proved to be a challenging year, marked by downy mildew pressure that resulted in uneven outcomes depending on the region and producer. Where vineyard management was rigorous, however, the wines display balance, soft tannins, and notable freshness—yielding reliable, approachable expressions.
By contrast, the warmer 2022 vintage is characterised by riper tannins and moderate acidity, offering a more harmonious and consistent profile overall, albeit with slightly less ageing potential.
Chianti Classico Collection 2026: Culture in the glass
Held at Stazione Leopolda on February 16–17, the 33rd edition of Chianti Classico Collection brought together a record 223 producers presenting 680 wines—a powerful snapshot of stylistic diversity across Tuscany’s most recognisable denomination.
This year’s theme, Wine Is Culture, reflects Chianti Classico’s enduring identity as more than a commercial category. Since its production boundaries were first defined in 1716, more than 300 protected historical sites have been identified within the appellation—underscoring the territory’s deep cultural resonance.
While Annata wines are trending toward a lighter, more approachable profile, the steady qualitative gains seen in Riserva and Gran Selezione since the early 2000s—both in the vineyard and the cellar—are yielding Sangiovese-based wines with notable ageing potential.
For Canadian consumers, the shift toward premiumization is becoming increasingly evident. According to Consorzio data, Riserva and Gran Selezione accounted for 43% of total production volume and 55.2% of overall value in 2025, while Canadian consumption of these higher-tier wines rose by nearly 30% over the same period.
In a market defined by moderation and more cultured drinkers, Tuscany’s message appears to resonate: drink less, drink better.
General Assessment and Tasting notes from Chianti Classico Collection 2026
The Chianti Classico Collection tasting at Anteprima Toscana 2026 offered a broad look at the latest releases across the appellation’s quality pyramid—Annata, Riserva and Gran Selezione—with a stylistic thread emerging clearly across many producers: freshness, precision, and a renewed focus on Sangiovese purity.
The 2024 Annata wines generally show bright, crunchy fruit and lively acidity, suggesting a vintage built on drinkability and clarity rather than power. Wines such as Ricasoli Brolio, Fèlsina Berardenga, and Querciabella stood out for their balance between fruit intensity and freshness, while many others offered easy, approachable expressions of Chianti Classico designed for earlier enjoyment.
Moving up the hierarchy, the Riserva category demonstrated greater depth and complexity. The 2021 vintage, represented by wines like Tenuta Perano (Frescobaldi) and Badia a Coltibuono, delivered particularly harmonious results, combining ripe fruit with vibrant structure. Among the highlights of the tasting was Castellare di Castellina’s Il Poggiale 2023 Riserva, which impressed with remarkable elegance and length.
The Gran Selezione wines remain the flagship expressions of the denomination, showcasing the potential of specific vineyards and UGAs. The 2022 vintage produced some of the tasting’s most compelling bottles, with wines such as Fontodi Terrazze San Leolino, Fèlsina, Castello di Ama San Lorenzo, and Riecine Vigna Gittori demonstrating both concentration and finesse. Meanwhile, Ricasoli Castello di Brolio 2023 confirmed the strong pedigree of Gaiole’s historic estate.
Overall, the tasting reinforced a broader trend seen across Anteprima Toscana this year: even in a warming climate, many producers appear to be moving toward more transparent, terroir-driven wines with moderate alcohol, vibrant acidity, and refined tannins—a direction that places Sangiovese’s elegance firmly at the centre of Chianti Classico’s modern identity.
Chianti Classico Collection 2026
Tasting Notes — Anteprima Toscana
Florence, February 2026
Chianti Classico Annata
Vintage 2024
Antinori – Pèppoli 2024
Chianti Classico DOCG – San Donato in Poggio
Grapes: Sangiovese with Merlot and Syrah
Bright, crunchy red fruit leads the nose. Juicy and supple on the palate with silky texture and lively acidity. An approachable and fruit-driven expression of Chianti Classico.
88
Badia a Coltibuono 2024
Chianti Classico DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Crunchy red berry aromas with subtle cedar and light smoky nuances. Lively and easy-drinking with bright acidity and fresh fruit character. Ready to enjoy.
89
Banfi 2024
Chianti Classico DOCG – Castellina
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Fresh floral aromatics lead into a lively palate. Fluid and refreshing with vibrant acidity and light structure.
88
Carpineto 2024
Chianti Classico DOCG – Greve
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Deeper dark-berry aromas with hints of sandalwood. Broad-shouldered and powerful with chewy tannins and slightly rustic edges.
88
Castello di Meleto 2024
Chianti Classico DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Red berry fruit layered with leafy herbal nuances and cranberry notes. Fresh but slightly green-edged.
87
Castello di Volpaia 2024
Chianti Classico DOCG – Radda
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Bright red fruit with lively sweet spice and crunchy red-currant character. Juicy palate with firm tannins and a touch of blood orange on the finish.
89
Fèlsina “Berardenga” 2024
Chianti Classico DOCG – Castelnuovo Berardenga
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Plum and cherry aromas combine with tangy acidity and muscular tannins. A serious Annata with energy and structure.
90
Ricasoli – Brolio 2024
Chianti Classico DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Lovely bouquet of fresh red berries with floral hints and well-integrated oak. Luscious fruit and excellent balance.
92
Vintage 2023
Castello di Ama 2023
Chianti Classico DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Bright red fruit with inviting cherry notes. Medium-bodied with chalky tannins and crisp acidity.
89
Borgo Scopeto 2023
Chianti Classico DOCG – Vagliagli
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Fresh red berry aromas lead into a juicy, fruit-forward palate with crunchy texture and refreshing finish.
89
Castello di Verrazzano 2023
Chianti Classico DOCG – Montefioralle
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Red berry fruit with gentle oak and savoury undertones. Juicy and fresh with good structure.
89+
Isole e Olena 2023
Chianti Classico DOCG – San Donato in Poggio
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Elegant nose of field berries and violet with subtle oak. Balanced palate with rounded tannins and lively freshness.
91
Tenuta Perano (Frescobaldi) 2023
Chianti Classico DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Fresh raspberry aromas and crunchy acidity. Light-to-medium body with cherry and plum notes and chalky tannins.
89
Querciabella 2023
Chianti Classico DOCG – Greve
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Red and black berry fruit layered with sweet oak and earthy clay tones. Rounded mouthfeel with lively acidity and excellent balance.
92
Nittardi – Vigna Doghessa 2023
Chianti Classico DOCG – Castellina
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Crunchy red fruit with cranberry and cherry notes. Firm tannins balanced by fresh acidity.
90+
Nittardi – Belcanto 2023
Chianti Classico DOCG – Castellina
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Ripe strawberry aromas with floral accents. Juicy palate with powdery tannins and subtle dark chocolate undertones.
90
Le Miccine 2023
Chianti Classico DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Lively nose of red berries with delicate floral hints. Fresh and fruit-driven with a comforting, balanced finish.
89
Chianti Classico Riserva
Vintage 2023
Antinori – Villa Antinori 2023
Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – San Donato in Poggio
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Juicy red berry fruit with hints of smoke and gentle complexity. Round palate with medium tannins and fresh acidity.
91
Banfi 2023
Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – Castellina
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Ripe red fruit aromas with charred oak tones. Structured and moderately powerful.
90
Castellare di Castellina – Il Poggiale 2023
Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – Castellina
Grapes: Sangiovese with Canaiolo
Luscious red berries with clay and polished oak tones. Silky and elegant with layered fruit and a long refined finish.
96
Castello di Meleto 2023
Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Velvety vanilla and berry aromas with red-currant highlights. Bright acidity and crisp finish, though slightly short.
88
Castello di Verrazzano 2022
Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – Montefioralle
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Cooked fruit and savoury tobacco notes. Full-bodied with slightly dry tannins and hints of sage on the finish.
91
Vintage 2022
Castello di Ama – Montebuoni 2022
Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Juicy and vibrant with crisp acidity and luscious texture. Well balanced and fresh.
93
Carpineto 2022
Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – Greve
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Similar in style to the Annata but fresher. Cedar and cranberry notes with chocolate and charred oak undertones.
90
Querciabella 2022
Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – Greve
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Crunchy red fruit and delicate oak. Medium-bodied with slightly diluted fruit expression.
90
Le Miccine 2022
Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Silky aromas of red and black berries. Medium body with crunchy fruit and dark chocolate notes supported by chalky tannins.
91
Vintage 2021
Badia a Coltibuono 2021
Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Ripe red berries with menthol and eucalyptus accents. Juicy and fresh with mid-weight structure.
91
Tenuta Perano (Frescobaldi) 2021
Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Rich dark berries with plum and cherry tones framed by charred oak. Full and generous with excellent balance.
94
Vintage 2020
Casina di Cornia – Vigna La Casina 2020
Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – Castellina
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Deep ripe red berries with savoury and balsamic nuances. Warm, fruit-forward palate with sweet oak and a long complex finish.
93+
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Vintage 2023
Antinori – Badia a Passignano 2023
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – San Donato in Poggio
Grapes: Sangiovese
Ripe red berry aromas with floral lift. Slightly less structured on the palate but elegant with refined balance.
92
Brancaia 2023
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Radda
Grapes: Sangiovese
Rich dark-berry aromas with tar, smoke and pepper. Firm muscular tannins balanced by vibrant acidity.
93
Ricasoli – Castello di Brolio 2023
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese
Ripe red fruit layered with savoury tobacco and sweet spice notes. Powerful yet polished with a long finish.
95
Vintage 2022
Carpineto 2022
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Greve
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Rich bouquet with slightly rustic edges. Deep structure supported by chewy tannins and bright acidity.
92
Castello di Ama – San Lorenzo 2022
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese with Merlot and Malvasia Nera
Elegant red berries with floral highlights and well-integrated oak. Refined and fruit-driven.
94
Castello di Fonterutoli 2022
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Castellina
Grapes: Sangiovese-based blend
Complex savoury bouquet with balanced fruit expression and medium acidity.
93
Castello di Fonterutoli – Badiòla 2022
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Castellina
Grapes: Sangiovese
Lifted red berry aromas and rose-petal tones. Juicy crunchy fruit with refreshing balance.
93
Castello di Meleto 2022
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese
Ripe red berries with clay and cedar nuances. Firm structure and fruit-driven palate.
93
Castello di Volpaia – Il Puro Casanova 2022
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Radda
Grapes: Sangiovese
Bright red berry fruit with sage and cinnamon notes. Elegant and vibrant.
93+
Fèlsina 2022
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Castelnuovo Berardenga
Grapes: Sangiovese
Complex red fruit with cigar box and underbrush notes. Vibrant acidity and chalky tannins.
94
Fontodi – Terrazze San Leolino 2022
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Panzano
Grapes: Sangiovese
Silky nose of ripe berries and vanilla. Juicy, mouth-filling palate with vibrant acidity and impressive length.
95
Fontodi – Vigna del Sorbo 2022
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Panzano
Grapes: Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon
More austere and structured with leathery undertones and muscular tannins.
93
Nittardi 2022
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Castellina
Grapes: Sangiovese
Fragrant red fruit bouquet with subtle oak and leather notes. Structured with long finish.
94
Riecine – Vigna Gittori 2022
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese
Deep blackberry aromas with balsamic and violet tones. Powerful yet balanced with mineral precision.
96
Vintage 2021
Arillo in Terrabianca – Vigna Terrabianca 2021
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Radda
Grapes: Sangiovese
Layered red fruit with sweet spice. Elegant balance and refined structure.
94+
Le Miccine 2021
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese
Fruit-forward with early tertiary hints. Medium structure and gentle complexity.
91
Vintage 2020
Capannelle 2020
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Gaiole
Grapes: Sangiovese
Red fruit with clay and herbal notes. Smooth round tannins and lively acidity.
93
Vintage 2019
Borgo Scopeto 2019
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Vagliagli
Grapes: Sangiovese
Ripe strawberry and maraschino cherry with balsamic and sandalwood nuances. Warm yet fresh with elegant finish.
92
