The 2007 Tenuta Belguardo is a perfect example of how Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vines are well suited to the limestone terroir of Maremma, Tuscany. The blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. You are getting a lot for your money here with the special 2007 vintage, it's drinking beautifully now, no need to decant just open and imbibe, it is an ideal BBQ wine that would go very well with grilled meats or roasted game.

Made with Cabernet Sauvignon and a small percentage of Cabernet Franc grapes, this powerful and elegant wine is the most important "Cru" of the Estate, the maximum expression of its native exceptional "terroir". -

Dark ruby. This has developed beautifully - the nose is full of intoxicating ripe dark and red berries, smoke, sweet pipe tobacco, cool mint, and lead pencil. The palate is razor sharp with dense but velvety dark fruit, enveloped by mint, pencil shavings, cigar box and new shoe leather. The oak is nicely integrated. There is enough acidity to lend cleansing freshness to the high extract. The texture and mouthfeel is really excellent and while the flavors are very primary, it is lovely, balanced and very precise. It will develop and hold for at least ten years but shows well now. Tannins are fine and sweet. We can offer a 6 pack of this wine for £300.00 including delivery - that is £50 a bottle for a wine that hit 94 points in Wine Enthusiast..Wine Enthusiast 94 Points, Robert Parker 91 Points

One of Italy’s most preferred by wine connoisseurs, the region of Tuscany is probably only rivalled for its prestige by Piedmont, in the north. Tuscany contains a number of very fine DOC and DOCG appellations within its geographical borders, and is also home to the Super Tuscans. By far the most relevant Tuscan appellation is Chianti Classico, where some incredible wines that compete at the highest level are produced. Many of these amazing Chiantis will age for over twenty years. Chianti shares Tuscany with Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, both of which produce wines of great quality. Brunello is a local variety of the Sangiovese grape. The warm temperatures coming off the coast, combined with the cool breezes from the hills, create a multitude of microclimates.

DOCG and DOC

IGT: Toscana; Colli della Toscana Centrale; Vermentino di Toscana

DOC: Barco Reale di Carmignano; Bolgheri; Chianti; Elba; Maremma Toscana; Rosso di Montalcino; Val d’Arno di Sopra DOC;Vin Santo del Chianti; Vin Santo del Carmignano

DOCG:Brunello di Montalcino; Chianti Classico; Chianti Classico Riserva; Carmignano; Morellino di Scansano; Vernaccia di San Gimignano; Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Tuscany accounts for over thirty DOC and half a dozen of DOCG wines. In addition to the great, well-known and appreciated reds, the local production includes a few distinguishable whites, the most notable among them being, without doubt, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Other delicious whites include the Bianco d'Elba, Bianco di Bolgheri, Vermentino and Bianco di Pitigliano.

Grape varieties

One of the most well known is Sangiovese the mainstay in all but one of Tuscany's seven red-wine DOCGs. In Montalcino it goes by the name Brunello, hence the name Brunello di Montalcino; in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano it is locally known as Prugnolo Gentile. Chianti, famed the world over, also features Sangiovese, as well as permitting the addition of small amounts of Canaiolo and Colorino, and international gems Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. As well as being famed for its reds, Tuscany produces some distinguished whites, one of which has achieved DOCG status: Vernaccia di San Gimignano.