Here are the 11 Syrah labels that narrate the new era of Cortona winemakers

"When people think of great Italian Syrah, they will automatically think of Cortona." These are the words of Stefano Amerighi, a visionary winemaker who, in recent years, has shaped a new identity for the small Tuscan DOC of Cortona, located in the province of Arezzo. Amerighi earned a spot on the cover of Revue du Vin de France, placing among the best Syrahs in the world. He has also brought together a group of winemakers with a shared mission: to define a territory and build it around a grape variety that is far from native, first gaining recognition in the region only in the 1970s.

The vineyard of Fabrizio Dionisio in Cortona. Above, his farmhouse.

Changes in Style and Climate

The small DOC of Cortona is now growing and improving—not just in numbers but especially in quality. The choice to focus on Syrah in Cortona is also tied to the need to address the challenges posed by climate change, such as droughts, intense rainstorms, and extreme weather events. We’ve selected a range of labels—11 in total—that capture Cortona’s new trajectory and the character of its Syrahs.

The latest edition of Chianina Syrah, an event dedicated to the wine and meat that are symbols of the small Tuscan DOC.

The new wineries elevating Cortona’s Syrah

Alongside the historic names in this corner of Tuscany—such as Tenimenti D’Alessandro, Antinori, and Avignonesi — that have played a pivotal role in establishing a territorial identity, newer wineries are now decisively embracing the single-varietal path. Here are the labels marking this decisive leap within the DOC.

97
Cortona Syrah Serine '20
Stefano Amerighi
Cortona (AR)
A wine that sends a message to the entire denomination about how a Tuscan Syrah can achieve Rhône-like levels. With great allure, it reveals notes of rose and peach blossoms, blueberry, dried apricot, and zesty hints of blood orange. Tense, dynamic, and full of character, it has a salinity that lends incredible clarity and depth to its flavour. Refined and convivial.

96
Cortona Syrah Il Castagno '23
Fabrizio Dionisio
Cortona (AR)
Il Castagno '23 immediately enchants with its aromatic brilliance, delivering a glass filled with freshness and crisp, well-defined fruit. Raspberry and wild strawberry stand out, developing into a sip defined by juiciness and excellent progression. A wine of modernity and exceptional drinkability.

95
Cortona Syrah '21
Stefano Amerighi
Cortona (AR)
Light and intense on the nose, it bursts with joyful floral aromas such as violet, lavender, and iris. Savoury and spicy, with pronounced black pepper notes, it’s lively and expressive, offering a delicate enveloping mouthfeel with consistent structure, fleshiness, and remarkable progression. Savoury and persistent, it leaves a splendid saline trail on the finish.

95
Syrah Cortona Crano '20
Baldetti
Cortona (AR)
The flagship label of the winery led by brothers Gianluca and Daniele Baldetti embodies a contemporary and confident style. Crano is a juicy, poised, and vibrant Syrah, enveloping and rich in nuances. It builds beautifully in the glass, leaving a sinuous and pleasant mineral touch on the finish.

95
Cortona Syrah Villa Passerini '21
Cantina Canaio
Cortona (AR)
This cru has a luminous vision, with a sophisticated opening on the palate that showcases its elegant character. It is rich in fragrant, spicy notes complemented by juicy fruits like currant and pomegranate. It balances strength and delicacy harmoniously.

94
Syrah Cortona Doc Terrasolla '21
Cantina Canaio
Cortona (AR)
This Syrah reveals its darker side, with earthy and rose petal aromas, rustic yet refined. It has an impressive palate presence, offering ripe fruit with smooth, well-defined structure. The tannins are expertly managed, resulting in depth and exceptional persistence.

94
Cortona Syrah Riserva '19
Poggio Sorbello
Cortona (AR)
On the nose, it recalls small, refreshing, and luscious fruits like wild strawberries, raspberries, and red currants. This Syrah is juicy, with effortless eloquence and immediacy on the palate. Its greatest strength lies in the freshness of the fruit, making it wonderfully drinkable.

93
Arenite '20
Baldetti
Cortona (AR)
Arenite 2020 smells of spicy black pepper and black olives, initially presenting as brooding but opening up with flavour and depth. A wine with impressive structure and material, destined for long aging. A Syrah of great fullness to be savoured patiently like the finest bottles.

92
Cortona Syrah Linfa '22
Fabrizio Dionisio
Cortona (AR)
From a vineyard that also produces other cru wines, this Syrah ferments on the skins for several months in terracotta jars before resting in cement. Handcrafted and artisanal, this is a straightforward and genuine Syrah, with tones of cherry and Mediterranean scrub. It has an invigorating vibrancy on the palate.

92
Syrah Cortona Doc Campetone '21
Il Fitto
Cortona (AR)
Mature and dark in its fruit and floral profile—blueberry, wild plum, violet, and red rose—it offers excellent texture and structure, with power managed elegantly and with precision. Its robust sip is full of vitality, ensuring smooth development and an overall luminous dynamic.

90
Cortona Syrah Poggi Lunghi '22
Il Fitto
Cortona (AR)
Sourced from the winery's youngest vineyards, this Syrah displays lively balsamic touches and the fragrance of small fruits. Savoury and tasty on the palate, it ages for 12 months in cement, lending it vivacity and rhythm. Energetic and pleasantly drinkable.