Duel · Wines · 2 addresses
DOC Cortona Syrah Riserva – Baracchi or Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG – Folonari?
Two wines compared criterion by criterion with the editorial rating, the recorded price and the amenities. Verdict written by the code, based on the editorial team's justifications.
ADoc Cortona Syrah Riserva – Baracchi
Baracchi · €15 to €30
reliability medium
29,12 € 33,70 €
BNobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG – Folonari
Folonari · €15 to €30
reliability high
22,07 € 24,91 €
The verdict
Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG – Folonari takes the lead
Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG – Folonari scores 7,6/10, ahead of Doc Cortona Syrah Riserva – Baracchi (7,2). A Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2018 from Folonari, 100 % Prugnolo Gentile, aged 20 months in Slavonian botti then 6 months in bottle. At €22.07, it shows no awards, no organic mention, and no pairing with fresh cheeses.
Choose Doc Cortona Syrah Riserva – Baracchi if…
- 100% Syrah from the Montagna cortonese, DOC Cortona, aged 18 months in barrels and 6 months in bottle, at €29.12 instead of €33.70
Its weak point in this head-to-head: typicité & terroir (7,2). DOC Cortona and the Montagna cortonese zone named, 100% Syrah consistent with this area; no mention of Tuscan grape varieties or of a more precise sub-zone.
Choose Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG – Folonari if…
- you want the safest value in the duel: best overall score (7,6), level with or ahead on typicité & terroir, reconnaissance et rapport qualité/prix
- you prioritise typicité & terroir (8,6 vs 7,2) : Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, 100 % Prugnolo Gentile, Comune di Montepulciano zone between Valdichiana and Val d'Orcia: appellation and grape variety named precisely.
- you prioritise producteur & vinification (8,2 vs 7,8) : Folonari named and located in Montepulciano; fermentation in stainless steel at 26-28 °C, maceration ≥15 days, 20 months in Slavonian botti, 6 months in bottle.
- you care about sangiovese et prugnolo: amenities that only this listing mentions
Reliability medium / high : ratings based on the file of each listing, not on a stay by our team · Ratings of the 20 October 2026 · Our rating method
Tosco's word
The Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva from Folonari, at €22, beats the Toscane Cachée rating (7.6 against 7.2) thanks to its clear typicity, its Prugnolo Gentile grape and its aging in Slavonian botti, a safe choice for anyone seeking a classic and precise red at the table. The Syrah from Baracchi, more expensive (€29), appeals with its intense aromatic profile and long maceration, but its average reliability and lack of distinction make it less obvious for a first discovery. If you want a bet on a characterful Syrah, go for Baracchi; for a reliable and well-typed Nobile, Folonari is the right choice.
Tosco only cites facts from this head-to-head: ratings, criteria, prices, amenities. Text calculated once, checked by the code.
Criterion by criterion
The 5 criteria of the score
Why these ratings?
DOC Cortona Syrah Riserva – B…DOC Cortona and the Montagna cortonese zone named, 100% Syrah consistent with this area; no mention of Tuscan grape varieties or of a more precise sub-zone.
Nobile di Montepulciano Riser…Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, 100 % Prugnolo Gentile, Comune di Montepulciano zone between Valdichiana and Val d'Orcia: appellation and grape variety named precisely.
Why these ratings?
DOC Cortona Syrah Riserva – B…No award or guide cited, producer not attested by any reputation text: simply an absence of information, rating kept within the range.
Nobile di Montepulciano Riser…No award or guide is mentioned; the producer Folonari is named, but without any distinction attested in the sources.
Why these ratings?
DOC Cortona Syrah Riserva – B…At 29.12 € (crossed-out price 33.70 €) for a Syrah Riserva di Cortona aged 18 months in barrique, the price remains consistent with the rank described.
Nobile di Montepulciano Riser…At €22.07 (original price €24.91), this Nobile Riserva 2018 remains within the usual price for its rank, without any distinction that would pull the rating upward.
Why these ratings?
DOC Cortona Syrah Riserva – B…Precise pairings (red meats, roasts, game) and a detailed aromatic profile (amarena, pepper, juniper, chocolate, tobacco), service indicated between 16 and 18 °C.
Nobile di Montepulciano Riser…Precise pairings (maiale ripieno di coniglio, fegatini, verza con torta di cipolle), detailed aromatic profile, serving at cellar temperature recommended.
Why these ratings?
DOC Cortona Syrah Riserva – B…Baracchi named and located at Montagna cortonese; stainless steel vinification, maceration of about 30 days, 18 months in barrels and 6 months in bottle specified.
Nobile di Montepulciano Riser…Folonari named and located in Montepulciano; fermentation in stainless steel at 26-28 °C, maceration ≥15 days, 20 months in Slavonian botti, 6 months in bottle.
Features
Price, estate, grape variety, vintage
What is written on the listing. “Not specified” is not “no”.
| Criterion | DOC Cortona Syrah Riserva – B… | Nobile di Montepulciano Riser… |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded price | 29,12 € | 22,07 € |
| Price per 75 cl | 29,12 € | 22,07 € |
| Estate | Baracchi | Folonari |
| Traveller rating | not specified | not specified |
| Reliability of our score | medium | high |
| Color | Red | Red |
| Area | Cortona, Valdichiana & Arezzo | Cortona, Valdichiana & Arezzo |
| Price | €15 to €30 | €15 to €30 |
| Grape variety | Syrah | not specified |
| Estate | Baracchi | Folonari |
| Bottle or gift box | Wines | Wines |
| Vintage | not specified | 2018 |
| Sangiovese | not specified | Yes |
| Prugnolo | not specified | Yes |
Bottle of ItalyIf you book or order through one of these links, we earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. The partner never influences the rating or the verdict.
Change an address
Other well-rated wines
Other duels
The other head-to-heads: Cortona, Valdichiana & Arezzo
vs
Wines · Cortona, Valdichiana & Arezzo
Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG – Folonari or DOC Cortona Sangiovese – Baracchi?
The two highest-rated wines: Cortona, Valdichiana & Arezzo
vs
Wines · Cortona, Valdichiana & Arezzo
DOC Cortona Sangiovese – Baracchi or DOC Cortona Syrah – Baracchi?
Two well-rated wines: Cortona, Valdichiana & Arezzo
vs
Wines · Cortona, Valdichiana & Arezzo
DOC Cortona Sangiovese – Baracchi or Syrah DOC – Antinori?
Two well-rated wines: Cortona, Valdichiana & Arezzo
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for health, consume in moderation.
All wines