2021 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Rosso di Toscana IGT, Tuscany

Ultra fresh juicy cherries with more delicate aromas of violets and rose petals on the nose roll onto a palate rich with more cherries and berries balanced by earthy, astringent notes of soil, branches and roots and a finish of bitter cocoa and anise.

93 points Wine Enthusiast

The purity of fruit is impressive in this wine with currants, orange peel, peaches and lemon in the nose and on the palate. Full-bodied yet compressed and agile. Flavorful finish. Reserved now, but if you give it a year or two it will really deliver. Drink after 2026.

95 points James Suckling

There is plenty of history behind Tenuta Sette Ponti, an estate set among the rolling hills of the Valdarno, between Florence and Arezzo. The property belongs to the Moretti Cuseri family and takes its name from the seven bridges that cross the Arno River along the ancient route connecting the two cities. Under Antonio Moretti Cuseri, the winery has earned an international reputation for beautifully crafted Tuscan reds, including the celebrated Oreno. Crognolo, named after the wild cornelian cherry trees growing around the estate, is a particularly attractive introduction to the family's winemaking philosophy, combining the character of Sangiovese with a generous, contemporary style.

The 2021 Crognolo is predominantly Sangiovese, with a small addition of Merlot providing extra roundness and depth. The vineyards occupy the gently undulating hills of eastern Tuscany, where clay, sand and limestone soils help shape the wine's structure and freshness. The exceptional 2021 growing season produced ripe, concentrated fruit with excellent natural acidity, allowing the estate to create a wine of impressive balance. Maturation in French oak contributes subtle spice and polish without overwhelming Sangiovese's natural vibrancy. There is real substance here, but also the energy and savoury character that make good Tuscan reds so appealing.

Bright ruby red with garnet highlights. Black cherry, ripe raspberry and red plum mingle with violet, dried oregano and a hint of sweet tobacco. As the wine opens, notes of cedar, liquorice and dark chocolate begin to emerge. The palate is generous and finely textured, with juicy red and dark fruit supported by supple tannins and lively acidity. A savoury thread of dried herbs, earthy spice and a touch of graphite adds complexity, while the finish is long, smooth and beautifully balanced. There is a lovely combination of richness and freshness, making this an especially satisfying expression of the vintage.

Porcini risotto, wild mushroom pappardelle or roasted eggplant with tomato and aged Pecorino would all make excellent partners. Duck breast with cherries, rosemary roasted lamb or a simple wood fired mushroom pizza would also suit its generous character. Serve just below room temperature, and consider a short decant if opening a bottle while it is still young.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2035. Already appealing with aeration, with the balance and structure to develop additional savoury complexity over the next decade.