3-Glass Wines Gambero Rosso

Medium, bright ruby red colour. The bouquet and flavour are dominated by interesting notes of fresh cut flowers, sweet red berries, liquorice, mint, pine and cedar wood. As the wine progresses, the Chianti Classico reveals a marvellous precision and spiciness, which is enveloped by a well-measured extract sweetness. The overall impression is one of grace and an open-hearted style, which impresses with all its components and not least with its typical Radda Sangiovese freshness from the high altitudes of the Chianti Classico. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Multi-faceted nose, pleasant cherry and blueberry fruit, followed by pepper and tobacco. The fruit also predominates on the palate, paired with stimulating acidity and a mineral finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Chianti Classico is a lovely wine from Volpaia. Aromatic, light on its feet and gracious, the Chianti Classico here is a consistently fine example of Radda. Clean mineral notes shape this bright, taut offering. A burst of red fruit, chalk, white pepper and mint lingers on the finish." Vinous

"A delicious, well-rounded and velvety Chianti Classico with aromas of strawberries, raspberries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins and texture. Juicy and velvety with elegance and a pure character. Fresh and delicious finish." James Suckling

The pure Nero d'Avola is bursting with dark aromas of berries, black cherry, liquorice and tobacco. Lush and distinctive on the palate with wonderful spicy notes of mint, aniseed and espresso. Juicy tannins, good length, fine pressure. A really great wine of impressive intensity at a still very reasonable price, incidentally certified organic since the 2020 vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet edges. Fine spicy notes on the nose, ripe plum and forest floor. Balanced on the palate with a fine tannin structure, fresh and fruity core, medium length." Falstaff

"The Saia 2021 exudes a captivating blend of crushed violets, lavender, blackberries and wet stones. A powerful core of ripe red and blue fruits forms the framework, while a juicy acidity provides freshness. A pleasantly bitter hint of tangerine develops towards the end. The 2021 is spotty and long, finishing with a layer of fine tannins and a saturation of primary concentration that creates a slight chewy sensation towards the end. This is a fantastic and energetic interpretation of Saia, a Nero d'Avola grape variety that I suspect will age very well." Vinous

"Lots of blackberries, mushrooms, bark and a hint of pumice. A hint of smoke. Mussel shells. Blue fruits. Medium-bodied with fine and silky tannins that add tension and focus. Black fruits on the finish with a hint of orange peel. Crisp and fruity with structure." James Suckling

Opulent, savoury fruit, plus sage, ginger and thyme. Very soft and rich on the palate, fresh and agile as it progresses until it finally reaches its persistent and mineral final. A terroir wine full of character and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lemon peel, kumquats, sage and fresh pineapple on the nose, followed by a very fresh, medium-bodied and subtly spicy palate." James Suckling

Monte Carbonare comes from red volcanic iron soils with plenty of black basalt in the centre. Six hectares of 60-70 year old vines in cooler sites, which continue to rise to the crème de la crème of the top sites as the climate warms. A richer wine than the younger Classico, but without the same cheeky vitality. While the Classico is an unbeatable everyday wine, the Monte Carbonare is a complex wine that demands food and a little more contemplation. Mirabelle plum, apricot pit, a hint of dried mango and plenty of smoky, sharp mineral grip, with dutiful freshness that brings marvellous length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Golden light yellow; yeasty-fruity notes; round, full-bodied, yeasty, complex and deep, juicy acidity, length, drinky." (JLF) Merum

"A serious and very precise Soave with subtle citrus flavours and notes of orange blossom, hay and crushed stones. Finely balanced and concentrated, with a medium body and fine texture. Spicy and exciting with a gentle phenolic note and a hint of lemon peel and ginger on the finish." James Suckling

Bright straw yellow in colour. Elegant, highly complex Vermentino di Gallura Superiore with an intensely floral, fruity bouquet of beautifully articulated tropical fruit flavours. Wide and expansive on the palate, lots of fruit, fine, fresh acidity and a long, powerful and mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"On the nose, aromas of narcissus, lime and freshly cut green apples swirl together to create a sweet, floral freshness that persists on the palate in the face of strong salinity and sharp acidity." Wine Enthusiast

Sessantanni (60 years old) comes from vines at least as old and impresses with a deep garnet red colour and visibly high concentration. The bouquet is reminiscent of a rum pot, with beautiful primary and secondary aromas of black fruit and woody spice. The palate is dense, smooth, jammy and gently tannic. Long and sweet on the finish. Unique in its opulence and density and undisputedly one of Puglia's favourite reds. SUPERIORE.DE

"This bold and rich wine has intense aromas of mushrooms, currants, roasted cherries and cinnamon. It’s full-bodied with herbal undertones to the dried-fruit sweetness. Medium-chewy tannins match the flavor intensity." James Suckling

An elegant, finely sparkling and invigorating Prosecco Brut with irresistible charm. Straw yellow, crystal clear and clean, with fresh aromas of white peach and apple, wonderfully light, yet precise, fruity and with a fine salty note on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling silver-grey with persistent perlage. Vinous nose, fragrant, white flowers, meadow herbs, pleasant green spice. Balanced on the palate, very fresh, accessible, finishes sparkling clean and slightly salty." Falstaff

"The 2023 Extra Brut Valdobbiadene Col Credas Rive di Farra di Soligo bursts from the glass with a complex blend of dried flowers, stone dust, ground ginger and crushed green apple. This is chiseled in feel, with a crunch of saline minerals and zesty acidity that balance its elegant and soothingly round persona. The 2023 tapers off with tension, with a lingering pleasantly bitter tinge that leaves the mouth watering." Vinous

Riesling is the Pratzner family's speciality: bright straw yellow with green reflections. Complex nose of flint, lime, white flowers with salty hints. Precise acidity on the palate, which vibrates delicately on the tongue and then draws the wine taut and fresh into the long, juicy final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pretty flavours of nectarine, peach and mango, with a bright, lively acidity and a pleasant citrus note on the palate." Decanter,

"A very restrained and minerally wine. Slate and gunpowder on the nose are enhanced by white peaches, orange blossoms and slightly peaty notes. Light-bodied on the palate, with zesty acidity and a tense yet balanced finish." James Suckling

Castello della Sala, located not far from Orvieto at an altitude of 500 metres, produces excellent wines without exception, as the inexpensive "entry-level wine" San Giovanni della Sala proves. The wine is produced in the vineyards of the ancient castle of Castello della Sala from the combination of the indigenous grape varieties Grechetto and Procanico with Pinot Bianco and Viognier and interprets the Orvieto Classico in a new style. Its freshness, richness and balance are remarkable, with notes of yellow flowers, green apple, sage and ginger. On the palate, an incredibly silky texture and juicy acidity guide this juicy white wine into a beautiful, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Well-integrated acidity defines the aromas and flavours of white peach, pomelo, spring herbs and white flowers in this light, supple white wine with a salty finish." Wine Spectator

"Lemon zest and crushed green apples come together with a whiff of spring flowers as the 2023 Orvieto Classico Superiore San Giovanni della Sala blossoms in the glass. It opens with a pleasant inner sweetness matched by masses of citrus-tinged orchard fruits, all balanced by a core of saline minerals and juicy acidity. The 2023 cleans up beautifully, both long and potent yet remarkably fresh. Sour melon hints slowly fade." Vinous

Not a Lambrusco, but a highly elegant and classically yeast-fermented spumante made from Lambrusco di Sorbara grapes: elegant pale pink colour, delicate aroma of rosehip and a hint of wild strawberry and raspberry. A lovely freshness on the palate with a fruity, long finish and great structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale salmon pink; restrained; fine foamy, not really fruity, pastry, balanced, drinky." (JLF) Merum

Prosecco del Fondatore Graziano Merotto is the winery's flagship wine - certainly one of the best in its denomination - and a very dry and complex brut from the special hillside vineyards of the Rive di Col San Martino. Bright silver-grey with a persistent perlage. Light fruit and flowers on the nose, a fine citrus note on the palate introduces the finesse-rich, exciting mineral flavour with an impressive finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant green-yellow with silver reflections, persistent, fine perlage. Fine, appealing nose, Williams pear, shortbread, redcurrant. Medium-bodied on the palate, clear fruit with a very fine perlage. Remains precise until the final." Falstaff

The Serpara is elegant, intense and long-lasting every year. Its grapes come from a single vineyard and the wine matures in a combination of new and used French Allier oak barrels. In the glass, it exudes aromas of blackberries, tobacco, sage, thyme and a hint of smoked meat. It has a soft, almost creamy texture and juicy acids that keep the balance, while ripe black fruits and minerals move effortlessly across the palate. The bold tannins make their presence felt on the final, but are more of an accent that frames the experience well, while hints of dark chocolate and balsamic spices slowly fade away. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Aglianico del Vulture Superiore Serpara is dark and brooding in the glass, with a mix of crushed violets and lavender, exotic spices and citrusy blackberries. The wine is round and supple, lapping the palate with a silky texture and mineralised red and black fruits, while a core of zesty acidity maintains a fantastic freshness. The finish is long with a strong hint of bitter liquorice, framed by fine tannins. The 2017 is absolutely classic and suitable for the cellar." Vinous

"This wine comes from my family's historic vineyard. It is a wine that is the result of long reflection, study and experimentation, where nothing has been left to chance: Monte Grande is to be my great Soave wine." Graziano Prà

Monte Grande is the white cru of the house and a blend of 70% Garganega and 30% Trebbiano di Soave of great complexity with ideal ageing potential. Deep bouquet of exotic fruits and rocks with a fine citrus note. Multi-layered and spicy on the palate, intense and sharply focussed, with mineral notes and a pretty salty core. Beautifully crafted acidity, with notes of orange zest and almonds on the long finish. A terrificmasterpiece! SUPERIORE.DE

"A riper iteration, suggestive of dried or later harvested fruit. Tangerines, kumquats and salted quince. There is ample poise, avoiding excess by virtue of a streak of saline freshness and a ripple of volcanic energy. A fine, mid-weighted Soave, showing drinkability over weight and ripeness. A welcome choice." James Suckling

"Opening with aromas of jasmine and white tea that lead to fresh, crisp apples and roasted almonds, this Soave is a wine that is hard to move past the nose. Mouthwatering acidity and a honeyed texture define the wine's palate as roasted orchard fruits, flint and pressed yellow flowers all weave in and out of focus. It is a complex and compelling wine that shows the greatness of this region in full." Wine Enthusiast

Volpolo is the highly elegant second wine from the up-and-coming Bolgheri winery Podere Sapaio. Spicy notes on the nose, full, long and intense flavour with silky tannins and restrained refinement. A more than respectable representative of the noble Tuscan region with an excellent value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Restrained brambleberries with licorice root, slightly leafy eucalyptus and integrated graphite. Full body with elegant, velvety tannins, crisp acidity and a tight-knit structure. Power and extraction here, but a good, toasty finish with a sweet-tobacco aftertaste. One of the best examples of 2022." James Suckling

Schiopetto's Friulano is youthfully unobtrusive with a pretty bouquet that blends lemon peel with mint and hints of crushed rock. It washes over the palate with a tense mix of citrusy acids and salty minerals, while a core of tropical melon develops towards the end. Finishes on a more delicate note, but long and with pretty inner flowers that still linger. The beautiful balance and underlying power of this wine will guarantee good ageing in the bottle. The best is yet to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"Hawthorn blossom on the nose and then that indefinable, seamless, petal-wax smoothness-that-is-Friulano on the palate. It has Friulano's macadamia-nut-carved-into-flower smooth, sweet, floral oiliness. Kind of hard to define, kind of delicate, kind of ploppy (like fat rain drops). Poached-pear sweetness. A wine that would be delicious with anything soft and green and drenched in buttery beurre blanc. Wonderful with cold, minty lamb sausages." Jancis Robinson

"Lithe and well-balanced, this mouthwatering white has lively hints of grapefruit zest, milled white pepper and lemon thyme underscoring juicy tangerine, peach skin and lentil notes." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Friulano wafts up with a delicate bouquet, blending minty herbs and wet stone with green apples and lime zest. This flows across the palate with ease, crisp and cool-toned in feel, with saline mineral tones adding a tactile feel as candied citrus notes resonate throughout. It finishes clean and with medium length, leaving a salty sensation and the mouth watering for more." Vinous

"Oyster shell, light flint, match stick, dried pear, and apple puree aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Layered. Very minerally. Tight and focused. Serious." James Suckling

This Pietracupa wine perfectly combines the aromatic grace of Fiano di Avellino with the mineral strength of the Montefredane soil. Citrus notes on the nose, a variety of fruit flavours on the palate, rocky minerality, complexity and an excellent structure beguile the senses. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pietracupa 2021 Fiano is a linear and crisp white wine that opens to a flinty mineral tone that dovetails into unripe peach, white flower and pulpy grapefruit. The whole presentation is smooth and very true to this fantastic white grape from southern Italy. The wine ends with notes of freshness and saltiness, and it's all beautifully balanced." Wine Advocate

"Colline di Montefredano, province of Avellino, a commendable project of denial of the territory from which this Fiano comes, produced exclusively in steel. On the nose, marjoram and white peach, then wisteria and lime, salty, crisp, slightly almondy on the palate." Luca Gardini

The Biancosesto is a true Friulian made from equal parts of the local Ribolla Gialla and Friulano grape varieties. Fresh, citrus-fruity aroma with hints of apple and pear, accompanied by a full-bodied, harmonious and pleasantly dry flavour. A refined interpretation of down-to-earthness with a beautiful arc of tension. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright olive green with straw yellow colour. Juicy citrus fruit on the nose, elderberry, juicy pink peach, rose petal, grapefruit, pomegranate, inviting. Fresh, juicy, clear on the palate, with well-defined fruit, full of tension and accessible, pure drinking pleasure." Falstaff

"Perfumed, elegant nose with citrus blossom and menthol, rich on the palate with candied fruit." Decanter

"This bright white features juicy pineapple, passion fruit and lychee notes accented by hints of grated ginger, ground cardamom, vanilla and white blossoms. Well-knit and lightly chalky in texture, with a focused, mineral-driven finish." Wine Spectator

"I like the undertones of crushed stone in the grapefruit and gooseberry flavours. It's bright, creamy and citrusy, with a medium body and a lively, zesty finish." James Suckling

"The Tunella 2022 Friuli Colli Orientali Biancosesto emphasises its modernist style with a very rich and creamy texture that comes from ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels. The blend consists of equal parts Friulano and Ribolla Gialla, and the fruit benefits from marl and sandstone soils that develop freshness and sweet concentration. This wine is complex and rich with ripe fruit, apricots and pears. It is a 360-degree expression with an extra dose of opulence to finish." Wine Advocate

Gioia del Colle is an Italian municipality near Bari and probably the most famous DOC for Primitivo wines. The wines from this appellation embody a straightforward, fresh style and are far removed from the usual jammy suspects. The vines here grow at altitudes of up to 450 metres above sea level, the nights are cooler here than elsewhere in Apulia and the wines have a racier, tighter style and more structure than their namesakes.

Colpo di Zappa is a beautifully articulated Primitivo that brings out the fruity richness of Puglia and the intensity of the dark fruit, but all with appropriate intensity. This is no easy task for a region where the ripening of the grapes is never a problem. The trick is to allow the ripening to proceed slowly in order to preserve the wine's more subtle nuances. Dark fruit with earthy tones of dusty terracotta and beetroot in the background, plus aromas of tar and liquorice. Solid and firm on the palate with flavours of dark cherries, wild roses and cassis. A terrificexample of Primitivo off the beaten track and anything but undemanding. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sliced oranges, figs and strawberries on the nose, as well as molasses. It’s full-bodied, soft and ripe with a juicy finish. Nicely done." James Suckling

The first 1,850 Pinot Noir vines were brought to Italy from Burgundy by Count Vistarino back in 1865. Since then, the vinification of this demanding grape variety has been continuously refined over the generations. Today, the Pinot Noirs from the winegrowing dynasty can even outshine much more expensive Pinot Noirs from Burgundy at international tastings.

Tavernetto is the third cru of the estate, named after the 1.71-hectare vineyard where the grapes develop splendidly at an altitude of 250 to 325 metres and with a south-southeast exposure. It is considered the most balanced of the Tenuta's vineyards, with the most evenly positive results. The calcareous subsoil of the single vineyard is ideal for Pinot Nero, resulting in a top wine of great personality.

Intense ruby-garnet colour. Fruity on the nose with elegant, fresh notes, yet the incipient depth and complexity of this Pinot Noir can already be sensed today. Full, round and fruity on the palate, the silky tannins flank its fine flavour through to the elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A well-composed, textured and serious pinot nero with aromas of berries, warm herbs and mild spices. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Refined texture here with control and poise and a flavorful finish." James Suckling

The grapes for this elegant Metodo Classico come from loose limestone soils with a clay content from the Überetsch and Unterland regions. The three grape varieties are vinified separately, gently pressed and fermented at a controlled temperature of 14°-16°C. The wine is matured in stainless steel on the lees of the first fermentation until spring. The wine is matured in stainless steel on the lees from the first fermentation until spring. Bright straw yellow in colour, fine and persistent perlage, fruity aroma with a subtle yeast note. Fresh, dry and very persistent on the palate, with a pleasant aftertaste of dried fruit and a saline touch. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw yellow with an olive green centre, persistent perlage. Fresh nose of green apple and white peach, also reminiscent of pepper and flint. Gentle entry on the palate, with fine-grained perlage, subtly full-bodied in the mid-palate, with a grapefruit final." Falstaff

"Flinty and floral, with orange blossom aromatics, then to a palate of bright acidity, peach, citrus fruit and strawberry." Decanter

Borgo 2022 is the debut vintage of a Chianti Classico that embodies the soul of San Felice with great character. Sangiovese and a small amount of Pugnitello combine to create a fragrant and lively wine that faithfully and authentically represents the unmistakable terroir. The overall impression is versatile and immediate, with freshness, fruity aromas and floral notes. Rich and complex on the palate, with sweet tannins that accompany a persistent and balanced finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is exactly the kind of wine you want to come home with. Its freshness alone is a pick-me-up. Its cherry, raspberry and blackberry-coloured fruit is so vibrant and three-dimensional and 'now' that it tastes like you're picking it in the garden in the sunlight and popping it straight into your mouth. You take a sip of it and look for spots of juice on your fingers. It's a happy wine. It's fabulous at this moment." Jancis Robinson

"A juicy, fresh and delicious red wine with flavours of plums, cherries and oranges. Medium-bodied, bright and lively. Why wait?" James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Borgo 2022 opens with a medium-dark garnet red colour, characteristic of Sangiovese from a warm vintage. The wine's bouquet is true to the variety, with aromas of wild cherry, floral earth, iris and blue flowers in the background. These flavours are delivered in a very clean and concentrated way, followed by good acidity. It is approachable and pleasant to drink, especially when a plate of pasta with meat ragout is on the menu." Wine Advocate

"This broad, rich red wine shows flavours of cherries, raspberries, iron and wild herbs. Well defined and firmly structured, with a fluid feel and excellent length on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Sanguine and floral with a delicate but persistent earthiness on the nose, offering flavours of cranberry, hibiscus, earth and coffee. The same mix of tart fruit and slightly bitter earth defines the palate, while a lively acidity washes over still slightly dusty tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico Borgo 2022 is a racy, sensual wine. Crushed red berry fruit, wild flowers and cinnamon fill out the layers beautifully, all framed by soft contours that give it plenty of charm. This juicy red wine has a lot to offer." Vinous

Villa di Capezzana is considered one of the longest-lived wines in Tuscany, with a vertical tasting of 20 vintages dating back to 1937 - none of the vintages showed any signs of fatigue. The wine is fermented spontaneously and matured in large and small wooden barrels, a third of the small wood is renewed every year. Dark ruby red in colour. Black cherries, blackberries, cassis and fine woods dominate the nose. On the palate, the wine is firm, well-structured and has a long finish. Decanting recommended. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Inviting nose of wax and grated forest fruits, with subtle hints of honey and dried rose petals on the finish. Initially juicy on the palate, with good tension and a slightly salty undertone." Falstaff

"Inviting bouquet with seductive cherry aromas, herbal and sandalwood notes; polished texture, the tannins are fine-grained and in balance with the acidity, combining suppleness and length. To a roast beef." Vinum

"A solid, concentrated and compact red wine. Red berries, warm herbs, earth, mushrooms and baking spices dominate the nose, followed by a full body with fine, slightly chewy tannins. Concentrated and dense, with a solid tannic framework for the fruit and spices on the long, funnel-shaped finish." James Suckling

"This red wine is expressive, with flavours of ripe cherries, raspberries, flowers and wild herbs and a smooth texture. It is well-structured and balanced and leaves a long, fruity, ferruginous and spicy aftertaste with a fine grip on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Carmignano Villa di Capezzana opens like a veritable spice box, seducing with an autumnal blend of allspice, clove and star anise before moving on to soaked plums and sage. It is silky and refined, with a supple texture and ripe red and blue fruit flavours that are lapped up by a lively acidity. It leaves a pleasant chewing sensation and finishes with fine-grained tannins and a hint of primary concentration. After a minute, a hint of white pepper lingers. Wow. While the 2020 is richer than usual and easier to savour from the start, it is balanced and will develop long and steadily." Vinous

Top-class Pinot Bianco from the South Tyrolean Wine Road, more precisely from the exposed Sirmian hillside, where the Pinot Bianco finds its ideal location and an optimal microclimate. As a result, it is of remarkable quality every year. Clear and sparkling straw yellow in the glass, with an intense bouquet of light flowers, green apple, redcurrants and a hint of sage and nutmeg. Harmonious, powerful and persistent on the palate, with a full flavour typical of the grape variety and a beautiful melting, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, light golden yellow colour. Intense on the nose with notes of meadow herbs, juicy vineyard peach, very subtle hints of white bread. Slightly creamy on the palate, lively, supportive acidity, very pleasantly persistent." Falstaff

"Matured for eight months in large oak barrels, the 2022 Pinot Bianco Sirmian has a bright colour and allows plenty of light to shine through. The wine is multi-layered and rich in stone fruit, quince and pear. You get a very nice ensemble with ripe fruit tones, herbal notes on the finish and a pinch of cinnamon spice. This is the 50th vintage." Wine Advocate

"A minerally pinot blanc with a fairly smoky character. The nose shows restrained Williams pears, apple juice and assertive salt-and-pepper minerality. Smooth and soft attack with weight and concentration, a medium body and toasted flavors with classy depth and length. Juicy finish." James Suckling

"Exciting flavours of grapefruit, freshly cut grass and flowers with a hint of pepper that hugs the lively acidity. Full-bodied and viscous with a luscious lemon liquid that percolates towards the end. Superb!" Decanter