5-Grappoli Wines Bibenda

For us, the pure Cabernet Franc from Duemani is one of the best representatives of the grape variety and the western Tuscan coastal region. The bouquet has an extraordinary clarity of dark plum, coffee and wild roses. Rich and with a perfectly integrated woody note on the palate, its strength, structure and elegance are particularly fascinating. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby colour with a subtly brightening rim. On the nose, gentle notes of blood orange zest, cassis, a hint of eucalyptus, liquorice, with an aftertaste of incense, very fruity. A juicy entry and progression on the palate, showing fleshy, precise fruit, savoury, noble, with great length and a rosemary final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Duemani is classy, refined and supple. Mocha, dried herbs, menthol, rose petals and succulent red/purplish fruit all meld together effortlessly. A bit of aeration brings out the wine's energy and vibrancy, both of which are admirable. I would give it a year or two in bottle to see if a more aromatic Franc character emerges. Today, the 2020 is still very much on the fruity side." Vinous

"A pure and juicy red with black berries, juicy fruit, spice and fresh herbs, like thyme. Some terra-cotta. Medium-bodied with juicy fruit and a creamy texture. Plenty of flavor at the end." James Suckling

The single-varietal Duemani is for us one of the best representatives of the West Tuscan coastal region. The bouquet of exceptional clarity of dark plum, coffee and wild roses. Rich and with perfectly integrated wood notes on the palate, its structure and elegance are particularly fascinating. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby with fine violet shimmer. Very clear and memorable nose of resinous cedar, lots of dark berry fruit, wild raspberry, blackberry and elderberry, tobacco in the background. Shows a lot of fine-meshed tannin on the palate, juicy dark berry fruit, opens up in many layers, energetic and present, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Cabernet Franc Duemani was tasted in a preview capacity as an unfinished wine. What stands out most at this time is the enormous richness and concentration of the fruit. This is a characteristic of the vintage, although we can expect this wine to flesh out and loosen up as it gets closer to its commercial release next year. The grapes are fermented in cone-shaped vessels that enhance the extract during maceration. Fruit comes from 20-year-old vines. Dark black and purple fruits are followed by garden herb, dried mint and tarry spice. With that natural richness comes extra structure and power." Wine Advocate

"Fragrant nose of violets, dried flowers, plums, morello cherries, milk chocolate and toffee. It’s supple and juicy, with a medium body and creamy tannins. Lovely, plush plum fruit and a caressing, lengthy finish. Very structured at the end. Needs a couple of years at least. This is in form like a top long distance runner." James Suckling

Tasca d'Almerita recalls the first vintage of their legendary Rosso del Conte from the San Lucio vineyard with this lush Riserva del Conte. Ruby red, the aromas of berries, cherries and spices have wonderfully taken the wood into their midst. A lively taste, dense tannins and an endless finish complete the perfect picture. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. Restrained, yet balanced nose, appears multilayered, albeit filigree. On the palate very juicy, dense, with clear fruit and tightly meshed enveloping tannin, shows elegant pressure, builds up in many layers, great length and finesse." Falstaff

"Deep crimson. A little less immediate and floral than the normal 2016 with brooding fruit and touches of dark spice. Tightly wound and still very embryonic fruit palate with vibrant, almost linear acidity. The fruit slowly unfurls on the palate over a rich layer of polished, fine tannins. Finely balanced but in need of much more time." Jancis Robinson

"The 2016 vintage was characterised by a mild and dry winter, a cool spring and a summer with well-distributed rainfall. Summer temperatures were not very high and ensured a slow and complete ripening of the grapes. Grapes were harvested on 29 September. 'The vintage was deemed worthy of being sealed in numbered bottles,' said Corrado Maurigi, estate manager. The wine is extremely youthful with a vinous, violet character. Vibrant red cherry fruit dominates over a balsamic whiff, with a floral bouquet in the background. Silky first, then velvety, it's a precise and crisp wine - although lacking layers at the moment due to the youthfulness." Decanter

"The 2016 Riserva del Conte Vigneto San Lucio keeps you at the edge of the glass, with a dark yet gorgeous display of licorice-tinged currants and plums complemented by notes of stone dust, mint and hints of spiced orange. This is elegance personified, casting a polished display of black cherries across a core of vibrant acidity, complementary notes of sour citrus and wild herbs mounting toward the close. You hardly notice its tannic heft until the very end, as this tapers off with harmony, showing classically dry, persistent yet still so enjoyable, even at this young stage. That said, the best is truly yet to come, and collectors will benefit from cellaring this for at least another three to five years." Vinous

"Only made in the best vintages, the Tasca Conti d'Almerita 2016 Sicilia Contea di Sclafani Riserva del Conte Tenuta Regaleali sees its fruit sourced from the Vigneto San Lucio in a classic winemaking subzone on the western side of the island. Made with a blend of the indigenous grapes Perricone and Nero d'Avola, the wine is streamlined and elegant with enormous persistence that can be counted in many long minutes. The bouquet shows dried cherry, plum, leather and a touch of scorched earth or grilled rosemary. This is a spectacular wine that sits at the top of the Sicilian wine pyramid. I love the mineral interlude with granite and crushed slate that appears on the close." Wine Advocate

NA for Nals, MA for Margreid. A tribute to two outstanding sites where something special can be felt, seen and felt, and which have inspired cellarmaster Harald Schraffl to create something equally special from their grapes. A wine and essence that expresses the essence of the small parcels in its purest form, whose typicity tells the South Tyrol of tomorrow, a timeless wine with recognition value in an international context.

The Chardonnay vines for NAMA are between 30 and 40 years old. The grapes are harvested and selected by hand. After the gentle whole bunch pressing, the must is pre-clarified by natural, static sedimentation, fermentation and ageing in small oak barrels for 18 months on the lees. This is followed by ageing on the lees for a further year in stainless steel tanks. This is followed by a further year of bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet white flowers, opal apples and notes of candied lime make up the bouquet of the 2019 Chardonnay Nama, flooding the palate with opulent textures and rich white stone fruit balanced by a vibrant acidic core and gentle acidic citrus notes. The Chardonnay is beautifully balanced, leaving a hint of concentration that gives it a tactile feel, while finishing with great length and finesse." Vinous

"Bright straw yellow with strong green nuances. Opens with notes of mint, ripe pineapple, fine smoky components, some brown butter. Firm and sturdy on the palate, well-integrated acidity, firm pressure on the final, roasted hazelnuts in the aftertaste." Falstaff

"The Nals Margreid 2019 Alto Adige Bianco Nama is a Chardonnay, although previous vintages have included small amounts of Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon Blanc. From this vintage onwards, the wine is only identified as Chardonnay on the front label. Characterised by a cool mountain climate, this lovely wine shows many of the elegant fruit and mineral accents we have seen in past editions of Nama. It also offers light toasty and oaky notes that give the wine a lovely texture, a soft creaminess and excellent length. It is a beauty." Wine Advocate

"The intensity and subtlety of this young white wine is impressive. It offers aromas of spicy pears, granite and flint, as well as alpine flowers and hints of cream and vanilla. Also mango. Full-bodied yet very linear, with wonderful length and intensity. It lingers on the palate for minutes. It has the class of a top Burgundy and yet is a true South Tyrolean. 100% Chardonnay this year. 2,000 bottles." James Suckling

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three micro-vineyards, which will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. The range of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione now includes, in addition to the famous Castello di Brolio, three cru sites (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% planted with Sangiovese. They differ in structure and taste in close correspondence with their terroir and impressively demonstrate the complexity of the Chanti Classico region.

CeniPrimo is a single-varietal Sangiovese from soils shaped by a former river course. It is a 6.4 hectare site planted in 1998 with southwest exposure. This site is in a valley on the Arbia River, and the soils are very complex at this point with alluvium and clay that is low in organic matter and lower in limestone. From our tasting, it seems to be the most nuanced and diverse of the three single vineyard Gran Selezione.

Intense, fresh and bright bouquet of violets and wild spicy notes. In the drink, an elegant acidity and fine mineral slate traces. Cherry, blackberry, plum, white pepper and a little rosemary lead the perfectly structured drop into a never-ending and multi-layered finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A complex, concentrated red wine with seductive aromas of cherries, blackcurrants, violets, minerals and spices. Dry and powerful, with a firm, mineral finish. It shows good balance and a long-lasting aftertaste, combining the fruity, mineral and spicy elements." Wine Spectator

"Straightforward fruit and floral aromas, then subtle spice too; the tannins powdery, well underpinned by the acidity, the finish on notes of sun-ripened berries. Pleases with its verve." Vinum

"The CeniPrimo, the lowest of Ricasoli's three crus, comes from a site 300 metres above sea level in the Arbia Valley on river soils. As a result, it is darker and earthier compared to the other two crus, grippier and also with an amazing acidity. There is a hint of creaminess in the background, with notes of earth, pepper and wood. It's very tasty and vertical, with balsamic freshness and beautiful purity, but definitely needs more time to show its best side." Decanter

"The Barone Ricasoli 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio CeniPrimo opens with a medium-dark, saturated appearance and a slightly more concentrated feel, with aromas of cherry liqueur, blackberries, spices and sweet earth. Thanks to the lower-lying vineyards and silty riverbed soils, this wine is a little fruitier and richer in texture. However, this wine also offers a touch of lively freshness on the finish, and that makes a big difference in a warm vintage like this. It remains very balanced throughout." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of firm-to-the-bite cherries with citrus peel. Flowers, like red roses, also come through clearly. Medium to full body, with open-grained tannins that cling like cashmere. Powerful, fresh and lively. Give this wine three to five years to develop." James Suckling

Passito Seré is not a new wine from Dal Forno, but the former Recioto DOCG, which is now on the market as IGT - if you get to see it or drink it at all. Incredibly rich and dense, lots of ripe, dark fruit and roasted coffee beans on the nose. Opulent and generous on the palate, the sweetness shows excellent balance. A particularly structured and almost magical dessert wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Labeled as “air-dried sweet red wine” instead of its traditional name “Recioto,” this is indeed a powerful and generous wine. It boasts huge density and superintense aromas of blackberry, oak spice and tobacco. Keep it for your cellar." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright deep ruby. Intense but refined aromas and flavors of red cherry jam, licorice cocoa and flinty minerals, with a bright violet topnote. Lively but harmonious acidity really lift and extend the rich high concentrated and multilayered flavors on the long, luscious and very precise finish. In many respects, this is always my favorite wine from Dal Forno, as I find it has impeccable balance (14% alcohol, 150g/L r.s. and 7g/L total acidity) and a very high easy-drinking quality (especially given a rather crazy-high 56g/L dry extract). The extremely high quality of this wine (it used to be labeled as a Recioto della Valpolicella) and Dal Forno’s exacting standards are well demonstrated by the fact that he has only made this wine six times in the roughly thirty year lifetime of the estate! Even though the 2004 vintage was marred by an early July hailstorm, this is one of Dal Forno’s best Reciotos ever." Vinous

"The 2004 Passito Rosso Vino Dolce Vigna Seré is a masterpiece that is impossible to repeat. In fact, the wine has not been produced since 2004. Even if a vintage as good as this did come along, we'd need to wait another 13 years before we could enjoy this level of maturity and evolution. Formally a Recioto della Valpolicella, this sweet red wine is made with air-dried fruit as local tradition dictates. Luckily no botrytis set in that year, because that would have eroded the wine's deep and luscious color saturation. The bouquet delivers a generous flow of dark spice, bitter chocolate, espresso, raisin, plum, barbecue spice and teriyaki smoke. The concentration and layering of the wine are both rare and distinctive. The mouthfeel sees sweet flavors with a syrupy mouthfeel. The finish offers hints of caramelized brown sugar and savory hickory. The aging window is impossible to predict, but the wine is surely built to last. I can think of no other wine that comes close to matching this unique style." Wine Advocate

Zero140 is Enrico Serafino's most extreme Alta Langa and also the most impressive Italian Metodo Classico we have ever tasted. It represents the pinnacle of Enrico Serafino's Alta Langa project and sets an undisputed benchmark in Italy's world of sparkling wines produced according to the méthode champenoise in terms of finesse and emotionality (and length of bottle ageing).

"Refining a bottle for 12 years means having 12 vintages in your own underground cellars at the same time. How can you recognise them? How do you emphasise the complexity of such a special wine? We have chosen to paint the bottom of the bottles with a different colour for each vintage produced, marking the beginning of the rotation of the remuage on the glass. In addition, the decision not to use the label emphasises the complexity of the wine. This is why, in addition to the legally required capsule, on each bottle you will only find the jewel that represents our logo or a section of a fossil from the Piedmontese Tertiary period, an unmistakable sign of the footprint that nature has left on the natural world over the centuries.

And finally, the choice of colours. The quality of our wines comes from nature. That's why we decided to be inspired by the theory of planets and colours. This connects the sun, the nine planets, the moon and Ceres (dwarf planet) with the different colours that exist: 12 colours that identify and distinguish the 12 vintages of ZERO 140, which are simultaneously refined in our cellars. Starting with the yellow of the sun, we continued with the green of Venus and tried to represent life in colours. The current vintage is 2010, which has been given the black colour dedicated to the planet Pluto." Paolo Giacosa, Kellermeister

Pale gold in the glass. The inviting, deliberately delicately reductive bouquet of poached pear, peach with toasted almonds and baked bread. On the palate, it has a warm, rich texture and a never-ending, soft and perfectly integrated perlage, which only occurs when the wine is given time to mature. A lot of time. On the palate, an unrivalled complex, balanced, buttery and creamy texture, elegant and intense, with an invigoratingly fresh acidity, followed by a deeply emotional mineral finish. This absolutely exceptional sparkling wine opens the doors of Fort Knox (and others) in the blink of an eye. Blessed are those who can call a bottle their own. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale straw yellow with golden reflections and a subtle perlage. A nose of ripe stone fruit, a hint of nutmeg and bread crust. Hearty on the palate, with clear, ripe fruit and well-integrated perlage, finishing with buttery notes, very mature. A speciality." Falstaff

"A creamy and delicious sparkling with attractive notes of lemon tart, custard, brioche and apricot. Medium-bodied, with a very fine, silky mousse. Tasty pastry notes. All tied together with a sharp backbone of acidity." James Suckling

"Aromas of lemongrass, candied lemon zest, orange blossom honey, hazelnut and fresh croissants pour from the glass of this vital and important wine. Lifted on the palate with energetic acidity, the wine has a richness and depth from 140 months on the lees but pops with citrus notes finishing with a lingering minerality." Wine Enthusiast

"the Enrico Serafino 2010 Alta Langa Metodo Classico Pas Dosé Riserva Zero 140 is a wine that adds up dozens of tiny nuances to create a united aromatic front. These are subtle and elegant results with unripe peach, quince, apple, mint, lemon preserves, saffron, breakfast pastry and dusty mineral. There's a lot going on, but one thing is certain: the wine's freshness and bright primary intensity never lets on that the wine was made 13 years ago. It is impressive." Wine Advocate

"The 2010 Alta Langa Riserva Zero 140 mixes fresh hints of chamomile, mint and sweet smoke with enriching notes of whole butter and Werther's hard candies. This is elegant with a luxurious wash of silken bubbles that envelop the palate as ripe orchard fruits and hints of confectionery spice swirl throughout. The word seamless comes to mind, as the 2010 finishes long, yet lifted and fresh. Hints of baked apples and pears mingle with a tactile mineral tinge. Enrico Serafino has taken their Alta Langa game to a whole new level with the Zero 140 Riserva." Vinous

"Bearing the name of a dwarf planet, this wine is made up of 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay from 56 micro-plots distributed in 16 municipalities. It is the result of the first experiment of Alta Langa with extreme refinement: 140 months on the lees gives this Riserva wine an exceptional character. The mousse is silky, almost vaporous, and aromas of bread dough, caramelised butter and figs capture the nose. The mouth has a pristine acidity, soft and dry." Decanter

Barolo Brunate comes from the heart of the appellation in La Morra and is one of the most expressive Barolos in Ceretto's single-vineyard collection. The vines are over 50 years old and the total production of the wine is therefore negligible. Brilliant ruby-garnet colour. Finely balanced aromas of dark cherry, rose blossom, mint and lavender on the nose, followed by cassis and plum. More fruity on the palate than its "colleagues", then shows its origins impressively with its depth and complexity. A red full of personality and character that will only realise its full potential as it matures in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim. Clearly and distinctly characterised on the nose, of mountain mint, red apple, raspberry, also reminiscent of red peach. Tightly woven on the palate, with savoury tannins and beautiful juiciness, balanced and harmonious, keeps coming back." Falstaff

"There's richness to embrace the cherry, raspberry, mint and tar flavors, backed by a line of firm tannins. Nonetheless feels balanced and lingers on the finish, even if this needs more time to knit." Wine Spectator

"Beautiful aromas of wild cherry, allspice, fresh leather and flowers rise gracefully from the glass. The wine delights with mouth-watering acidity and crushed red fruits such as raspberry and strawberry, accompanied by balsamic notes. It has a juicy and round profile, is well integrated and ready for ageing." Wine Enthusiast

"The Barolo Brunate 2019 is great. In this tasting, we clearly moved from Barbaresco to Barolo. Rich, creamy and inviting, the Brunate has great depth and a remarkable textural resonance. The attack reveals red fruits, spices, tobacco and cedar, followed by an array of spicy and floral notes that unfold effortlessly. The Brunate has incredible energy and class." Vinous

"The fruit in this wine comes from one of the most distinctive crus in the appellation, which is known for its elegant and powerful wines. The organic Barolo Brunate 2019 has power and a good amount of muscle, while the wines from La Morra are softer and silkier overall. However, this wine shows dark fruit flavours, a beautiful chalky minerality and fragrant iris. Everything is presented with nuanced intensity." Wine Advocate

"RIpe, sweet, floral marmalade tones on the nose, burnt/toasted pastry, a smell of baked fruitcake, which for me is so wonderfully seductive about Ceretto wines. Stylish and lean, this wine has great charm despite its power. Dense but supple tannins fill the mouth, powdery and slightly metallic, with a marvellous minerality, but also cola, dark chocolate, raspberry and pink flowers. It is taught and direct, not so much friendly, but so well crafted with drive and persistence. It is lively and open, it wants to charm, and it does, but in a calm, compelling and direct way. Full of character and delicious. The finish is slatey and leaves the saltiness behind. Powerful and penetrating all the way through - simply excellent." Decanter

"The purity of the fruit and flowers is exceptional with flavours of lavender and blue berries leading to a medium to full body with ultra-fine tannins and a long and racy finish. It will be better in four or five years, but is already showing its greatness. One of the greatest Brunates from here in a long time." James Suckling

40 years Brunello di Montalcino by Casanova di Neri: Intense bouquet of sour cherry with nuances of chocolate, spices, liquorice and herbs. Energetic and highly vital on the palate. Wonderfully layered and seamlessly integrated dark fruit flavours open up with each sip, paired with a subtle vein of salt. Its tannins are like velvet and silk, the long, sweeping finish reveals that Sangiovese excellence we love so much at Casanova di Neri! SUPERIORE.DE

"Also convincing in this vintage: Scents of cherries, flowers and herbs; intense on the palate, robust texture, lots of character and juice, excellent length on complex notes of wild berries and spices. Pleases with its complexity and elegance." Vinum

"Dense, still closed bouquet with dark red and blue fruits reminiscent of plum and dark cherry, clearly tobacco and chocolate as well as balsamic nuances. Powerful, immensely compact, but materially melting palate with juicy contours, quite different from the warm 2017, much more grippy with a tightly gripping, densely meshed, but definitely sweet tannin. final grippy and animated with cranberry juice. Good future potential." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby-garnet with brightening rim. Appealing nose with notes of blood orange, cranberries and crisp cherries, Mediterranean herbs in the background. Shows very good tension on the palate, lots of juicy fruit, fine-meshed tannin, saline, a classic." Falstaff

"Lots of clean cherry and plum character on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied with dense, chewy tannins and a long finish. Nice freshness to the fruit, but give the tannins a year or two to settle. 40th anniversary bottling. Best from 2024." James Suckling

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino keeps me returning to the glass to savour its pretty bouquet of dusty flowers, exotic spices and dried strawberries. The palate is like pure silk, seamless and supple, with a depth of dark red fruits and mineral tones that give a more tactile feel towards the finish. Balsamic herbs, cedar and tobacco resonate on the long and dramatic final, while fine tannins frame the experience with youthful poise. As is often the case, Casanova di Neri is a master at producing one of the region's most balanced and enjoyable Brunellos." Vinous

"The Casanova di Neri 2018 Brunello di Montalcino, with a special commemorative label celebrating its 40th anniversary (1978-2018), is lush and carefully concentrated to offer intensity and richness of structure. The bright fruit remains intact in this wine, with plenty of cherry and blackberry, an encouraging indication of the future cellar potential of this bottle. Many Brunellos from this vintage show faded or dried fruit, but fortunately not this wine. The acidity is mild and fades gently into the background, and the tannins are well integrated." Wine Advocate

"A bright, fruity style that offers aromas of cherries, strawberries, currants, white pepper and minerals. Accents of almonds and earth emerge on the finish. It stands out for its balance and pleasant length." Wine Spectator

"Another fundamental label from Casanova di Neri, a compendium of craftsmanship and territorial vocation. Black raspberry, with balsamic and officinal notes, like sage, on the nose, then liquorice nuances. The mouthfeel is iodine-juicy, with a return of medicinal herbs and liquorice." Luca Gardini

With tireless dedication, the Bologna family fulfils the legacy of Giacomo Bologna, who is rightly described as the father of modern Barbera d'Asti. The historic jewel of the house is the Bricco dell'Uccellone: dense and complex on the nose, with blackberry jam, mocha, liquorice and cloves on the palate. Its fine-grained tannins and excellent structure carry it with beautiful fruit and acid wire into a long-lasting finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Initially bread crust on the nose, then rich wild berry fruit, liquorice, wild berry, dark chocolate. On the palate with tightly woven tannins, clear fruit and beautiful juiciness, very drinky for 16.5% alcohol, very well balanced, long." Falstaff

"The Braida 2020 Barbera d'Asti Bricco dell'Uccellone is one of the bottles that made Italian wine history. It shows its dark and savoury side with ripe cherries, baked plums, spices, tarry smoke and campfire embers. With time, these aromas soften and reorganise, reminiscent of espresso beans or baking chocolate. The wine is very concentrated and fruit-driven." Wine Advocate

"A supple red wine with flavours of plums, blueberries, clay and toasted oak. On the finish it shows assertive tannins, but it has plenty of fruit and the long finish shows its future potential." Wine Spectator

"Notes of crushed dark berries, chocolate, cured meat and dark earth. Medium to full-bodied, juicy and fresh with tension and energy in the dark fruit. Lively acidity. Chalky and intense finish. Very attractive." James Suckling

"This historic Barbera opens with blackberry compote, spiced black plums, cedar and sweet spices. The opulent palate shows notes of preserved cherries, aniseed, cloves and cocoa, with polished and elegant tannins. The wine finishes with a lively acidity that keeps this big, bold and beautiful wine fresh with every glass." Wine Enthusiast

Camarcanda is a rich Bolgheri Rosso Superiore with a dark bouquet of black fruits, espresso, chocolate, liquorice and tar. On the palate, it is decidedly full-bodied, with excellent depth, dense structure and firm body. Opulent and long, this wine already shows a wide range of its personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Promising raspberry and herbal notes flatter on the nose; harmonious texture, wonderful tannic acid framework, has juice and power through to the final. Makes you want more." Vinum

"Dark ruby red with violet edges. Deep, elegant bouquet, rather dominated by red and blue berries and seductive floral notes that almost remind you a little of a Barolo, but only almost, because here the whole thing is framed by cassis and cabernet aromas. On the palate, too, this is not made for power, but rather elegant and well-proportioned. I have rarely had such an elegant Ca' Marcanda in my glass. This is precise, almost feminine, punchy and yet also with the juiciness and melting of a modern Bolgheri coastal blend." Weinwisser

"Very typical for the region of Bolgheri, showing fresh and dried herbs, from sage to mint, with currants and dark berries. It’s medium-to full-bodied with very fine tannins and very attractive length and energy. Very drinkable now, but better in 2023." James Suckling

"The 2018 Camarcanda is a rich, dense wine that marries the natural intensity of the Tuscan Coast with the greater sense of energy the estate's wines have today. A blast of dark cherry, plum, espresso, menthol and licorice infuses the 2018 with notable depth that continues to build over time." Vinous

"Intense, vibrant and juicy, the 2018 Camarcanda features bright red and black fruits, wood and balsamic notes all wrapped up in some soft creaminess. Tight and tangy, the palate features ripe fruits and a mouthwatering saline finish, leaving you wanting more. So fresh and youthful, this will benefit from time in the cellar." Decanter

"Dense and fluid at once, this red delivers plum, black cherry, licorice, olive, bay leaf and spice flavors. Ripe and balanced, with a lingering, spicy, tobacco-tinged aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The Ca' Marcanda estate does not make a Bolgheri Superiore, although this bottle would qualify as such. The 2018 Bolgheri Rosso Camarcanda is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, and you definitely feel those full-throttle varietal aromas with big intensity and clarity. Spicy greenness comes forward as grilled rosemary and lavender essence, but the wine boasts nice depth and dimension, and enough textual richness to smooth it all out. This was a slightly cooler vintage with some sporadic rain showers throughout the summer. These conditions might explain the sharper side of those Cabernet aromas. As the wine moves over the palate, it reveals more substantial aromas of black fruit, spice and baker's chocolate." Wine Advocate

Amarone Sergio Zenato Riserva - seductive complexity. Deep bouquet of black berries and cocoa, violets and lavender. The taste with aromas of cherries, blackberries and wild berries, in the long finish the invigorating fresh impressions of medicinal herbs. A stately wine of the upper class. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is a real palate pleaser with lush notes of black cherry coulis, raspberry ganache, strawberry jam, ground anise and espresso. Fine-grained tannins frame this lively, silky red, with notes of smoke, dried herbs and spices that linger on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato 2007 by Zenato is of great fascination. Truffles, tobacco, orange peel and incense give it exotic dimensions, nuances and complexity. The incredibly young 2007 will need at least a few years in the bottle, but it will always remain an opulent wine built on texture and volume. All the elements come together to create a remarkable wine that stands out for its purity and depth. This is a fabulous achievement by Zenato." VINOUS

"Tertiary aromas laden with mahogany, toasted chestnut, varnish and umami, like dried porcini rolled in coffee grind. A forceful thrust of fruit and parry of impeccably hewn tannins. An impressive wine that is as hedonistic as it is intellectual. The style is contextually dry, powerful and layered." James Suckling

Deep, dark ruby red colour. Ripe notes of dried small redcurrants and blackberries, plus some smoke and tobacco - this is Sangiovese in its most focussed form. Lush and fleshy on the palate, with a firm body, spicy nuances, multi-layered fruit and a wonderful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Plenty of sweet spices lie upon the citrus and rich berry fruit. Lots of ripeness here but it is also fresh and flavorful, showing impressive texture, structure and a long, juicy finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Petresco picks up where the 2018 left off, although it is perhaps a bit more reserved at this stage than its older sibling was. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2019 possesses notable depth and intensity. Time in the glass brings out shades of red/purplish Sangiovese fruit mixed with suggestions of new leather, spice and menthol." Vinous

In the Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni, all the elements of a wine full of character multiply exponentially: room-filling aromas of sweet berries, perfectly integrated wood tones, a cornucopia of ripe fruit on the palate, powerful and sensual. Caprai's top wine, which gives incredible pleasure and must be aerated for 3-4 hours when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe dark berries, chocolate, sweet spices, charred bark, walnuts and a hint of tar on the nose. Full and intense with depth and persistence in the fruit and firm, slightly chewy tannins. Long lasting and earthy finish." James Suckling

"A rich, medium to full-bodied red with a fragrant thread of chopped marjoram, orange peel and spice box that winds through concentrated flavours of reduced cherries, damson jam, red liquorice and tarry minerals. Firm and chewy, but balanced overall, with a tightly wound, well-spiced finish." Wine Spectator

"This darkly hued wine opens with rich aromas of macerated blackberries, preserves, pepper and clove with a hint of violets. The powerful palate is layered with black plums, dried herbs, baking spices and forest floor, all framed by classic firm Sagrantino tannins and finishing with balanced acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"24 months in barriques for the 'definitive' Sagrantino, the culmination of years of research: sour cherry, balsamic notes and star anise, with a hint of wild iris, dense, juicy, savoury on the palate, with notes of undergrowth, black fruits and sweet spices." Luca Gardini

"Rich ruby red with a garnet-red rim. Intense and multi-layered on the nose, with notes of ripe blackberries and Amarena cherries, echoes of violets, dark chocolate and malt, slightly ethereal. Powerful but well-integrated tannins on the palate, builds up in a multi-layered way with a very long final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni is imposing, buzzing with a dark mix of dried black cherries, crushed plums, sage, allspice and sweet mint. The texture is exciting, velvety yet cool, weighty yet tangy, washing over the palate with polished red and black fruits and slowly building black tea tannins. An abundance of spice, tobacco and blood orange nuances linger on the finish with tremendous length and concentration. The balance is absolutely fantastic. This is a breathtaking achievement." Vinous

Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2018 is unusually open and seductive, as it is normally rather shy and needs time before it shows the full range of its personality. Rose petals, spices and red-coloured fruits float in the glass, supported by fine, racy tannins. In the drink, then, the typical, medium-heavy characteristics of Bricco delle Viole, at the same time the contours are soft and the wine's personality demands the next sip. Vajra fans should give it a few more years of maturity, despite its current accessibility. SUPERIORE.DE

"Appealing bouquet with nuances of wild berries, mushrooms and herbs; pithy attack with fine-grained tannin, the acidity well integrated, lots of melting and juice. Pleases with its compact style." Vinum

"Bright fruits, raspberries and citrus, floral and spicy notes; substantial type with taut acidity and balanced tannins; the bright and at the same time spicy character is also convincing on the palate, fine and focused, timelessly elegant." Weinwisser

"Bright, radiant ruby red with a lightening rim. Expressive on the nose, of wild berries, elderberries, also floral, then eucalyptus, plus noble spice, of black tea on the final. On the palate compact, juicy, with dense tannin, comes in several layers, energetic, salty in the final." Falstaff

"Just mid ruby with the beginning of orange tinges. Concentrated and subtle at the same time with brooding concentration and beautiful depth. Bags of chewy tannins that make their mark on the still-embryonic fruit on the palate. Long, elegant, fresh and still to open up further. Elegant filigree fruit on the finish. Definitely needs more time." Jancis Robinson

"Intense, flavorful Barolo that shows some good, nutty red-fruit character and fine, firm tannin. Medium-bodied and very tight. Needs time to even out." James Suckling

"The 2018 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is finely cut and chiseled, as it so often is. Dried flowers, mint, crushed rocks, pine and red berry fruit all grace this taut, sculpted Barolo. The 2018 has all of the energy of this site, but its signatures are decidedly dialed down." Vinous

"Heady aromas of violet, camphor, leather and tobacco lead the way on this fragrant red. On the palate, tightly knit, fine-grained tannins accompany ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry and licorice. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2018 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is not super intense, but it is balanced in its own way. The wine is subdued but complete with softly yielding tannins to support an elegantly streamlined mouthfeel. Bricco delle Viole is a high and cool growing site in Barolo at 400 to 480 meters in elevation with characteristic Sant'Agata marl soils with fossils. The wine represents a selection of fruit from over seven hectares. With fermentation in steel tank and aging in large Slavonian oak, you are invited to a silky, lifted and beautifully delicate experience with an accessible personality." Wine Advocate

"An elegant version, this red features rose, black currant, cherry, mineral and a hint of eucalyptus aromas and flavors. Linear in profile, this is solidly built on a graceful frame, with finely woven tannins and vibrant acidity." Wine Spectator

Monteverro - a classic French blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot - is a great cru from the Maremma and brims with opulence and diversity. Rich, dark ruby with a black core. Incredibly rich in aromas of dark fruits, chocolate and spices, soft, full body, polished tannins. It is impossible to exaggerate the joy of the magnificence of this wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"This vintage of Monteverro's premium red wine (made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot) has light green aromas reminiscent of blackberries, grilled herbs and potting soil. It was an uneven growing season with a cool and wet spring followed by a hot summer." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Monteverro is classy, elegant and polished. Lifted aromatics and silky tannins frame this decidedly understated Maremma red. Crushed flowers, spice, menthol, licorice, lavender and dried herbs are all finely laced together. This is such an engaging wine." Vinous

"Sparkling, powerful ruby violet. Compact nose with notes of juicy, dark blackberries, black cherries and currants, fine spice in the background. Full-bodied and gripping on the palate, shows firm, grippy tannins, builds up well, firm pressure on the final and tobacco in the aftertaste." Falstaff

"Blackcurrant and black liquorice with dried flowers and sandalwood. Full-bodied, really racy and powerful with great tannins. Flavourful and very long. Needs time to develop. Give it time until 2024 and beyond." James Suckling

Barbaresco Vanotu is the most powerful Barbaresco from Pelissero and also the top wine every year. Attractive garnet red colour, concentrated, hearty bouquet with fine tobacco and leather notes. Lush, deep and multi-layered in the glass, it offers generous dark fruit, mocha, spices, liquorice, plum and sweet French oak. A spectacular and masculine wine with great ageing Storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shows cherry and berry flavors, framed by sweet spices and balsamic notes of eucalyptus and sandalwood. Though light in weight, this red is firmly structured and balanced, with fine length." Wine Spectator

The showpiece of the Zenato winery from the terrific year 2006 with a perfect balance between expressiveness, elegance and almost infinite length. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a real beauty, with huge intensity and loads of deep chocolate fudge, black cherry, cola, barbecue and black licorice flavors. It manages contrasting tones of sweet versus savory that pleasure the tastebuds. The palate is rich, smooth and superconcentrated." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato wraps around the palate with layers of mocha, espresso, Morello cherries, spices, mint and new leather. It is a wonderfully plush, expressive wine loaded with aromatic and flavor complexity. There is plenty of inner perfume and sweetness, but what impresses most is the wine's sense of structure and length. Darker notes flesh out on the finish adding a baritone register to the fruit that is highly appealing. This is a fabulous showing from Zenato." Wine Advocate

"Incredible nose of wet earth, spices, dark chocolate and blueberries. Stunning. Full body, with superfine tannins and polished texture. Balance and harmony. Better in three or four years." James Suckling

 

Pianrosso comes from a south-western site of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone at an altitude of about 300 m with mainly Galestro soils. It opens the pleasure cinema with a rich, sparkling garnet red. The bouquet is seductive and deep with hints of dark and black fruits, sage, rose petals and violets. On the palate, there is a distinct salty-fresh minerality, which soon enters into a wonderful harmony with the fine-grained tannins and the perfectly layered fruit, leading the wine powerfully with optimal balance into a soft, hardly ending finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant wine that smells of berries, leather and tobacco; the tannins finely chiselled yet long-lasting, the acidity well integrated, the finish seductively long on notes of ripe forest fruits and balsamic notes. Of Burgundian elegance." Vinum

"The Cru wine is a selection of the best vines and is also one of the best Brunelli this year. The wines benefit from well-draining Galestro soils. Immensely complex and multi-faceted, it beguiles with redcurrants, fresh ethereal spicy notes reminiscent of Mediterranean herbs, plus mineral-salty hints as well as floral nuances (rose petals, violet blossoms). Finesse-rich palate with fresh, juicy fruit, very cleverly arranged, skilfully framed by fine polished, noble tannin, very elegant style, with ethereal spicy notes on the long final." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, medium dense ruby garnet. Finely marked nose with notes of wild raspberries, ripe, small plums, some cardamom and rose petals. Round and supple on the attack, showing plenty of sweet melt, lots of raspberry, opens up on the back end with fine meshed, slightly grippy tannin, savoury, slight bitterness on the final." Falstaff

Both 2018 wines from Ciacci Piccolomini offer a "deliciousness" of flavour and a true Umami quality, but the Pianrosso selection offers greater Brunello satisfaction. This not quite 12 hectare, iron-rich marl vineyard has had just enough warmth to make its southern origins clear. It has more shape, form and depth that give it staying power. Iron and salty minerals emerge against a backdrop of persimmon and hibiscus, finishing with Mediterranean herbs. The soft, sandy tannins are smooth and yielding, giving the wine a complex texture and immediate drinkability." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens in the glass with dark aromas of crushed plums and black cherries, accompanied by notes of rosemary, spiced citrus peel and a hint of cocoa. This is a particularly racy style for Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, with cool mineral tones and zesty acidity driving the ripe berry fruit and hints of sour citrus across the palate. Although structured, it finishes with tremendous energy and freshness, leaving a bitter hint of balsamic spice in the mouth. The 2018 may not have the power often associated with Pianrosso, but it impresses with its lively and spicy character." Vinous

"A complex red wine with dark, spicy notes of liquorice, eucalyptus and tobacco that combine with cherry and berry flavours. Juicy, with a slightly viscous texture, with wild herb and iron elements creeping in on the long finish. Power meets grace." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino produces beautiful results if you choose to drink it now, or if you cellar it a little longer. It offers immediate intensity and complexity with a red and purple berry fruit attack that follows tarry spices, campfire ash, liquorice and rusty nails. These Savoyard tones are balanced with the wine's elegant, medium-weight finish. And the tannins are seamlessly integrated. The winemaking team has done a good job in a difficult vintage." Wine Advocate

"This wine is so complex, with citrus and herbal notes underpinning the blue and red berry fruits. Thyme, sage and lavender, but also mocha and cloves. Full-bodied, full of depth and intensity, with firm but seamless tannins. Develops into espresso. Balanced, powerful and very long. Taste after 2025." James Suckling

"A certainty of appellation for the Bianchini family vineyard, just a few steps from Castelnuovo dell'Abate. Very multi-faceted nose, redcurrant, then marjoram and iodine touches, like Taggiasche olives. The sip is juicy, with a fruity-officinal finish and very long reverberation." Luca Gardini

Monteverro - a classic French blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot - is a great cru from the Maremma and brims with opulence and diversity. Rich, dark ruby with a black core. Incredibly rich in aromas of dark fruits, chocolate and spices, soft, full body, polished tannins. It is impossible to exaggerate the joy of the magnificence of this wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"The organic Monteverro 2019 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot from a vintage that has natural concentration and richness from the start. The bouquet is complex with ripe fruit, blackberry jam, oak spice and leather. It is a very oak-heavy wine with a soft finish and a hint of sweetness on the finish." Wine Advocate

"Dense, dark ruby with fine violet shimmer. Finely marked nose, fragrant, opens with notes of mint and eucalyptus, then lots of fresh plums and blackcurrant, some blueberry. Lots of juicy dark berry fruit on the palate, hearty, gripping tannin, still needs time." Falstaff

"Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot in a harmonious blend: exquisite berry and flower aromas on the nose. Sandalwood, spices and more; complex, dense attack, the acidity and silky tannins in perfect balance, then nevertheless very fresh with salty-mineral nuances, the final opulent and yet full of elegance. Great." Vinum

"This wine is so concentrated and powerful, with aromas of blackberries, black olives, chilli chocolate, bay leaves and peppercorns. Some iodine too. Full-bodied, yet agile and fresh, with a firm, taut tannic framework. To be tasted from 2025." James Suckling

Tenuta Tignanello is located in the heart of Chianti Classico on the gentle hills between the valleys of the Greve and Pesa rivers and comprises 319 hectares of land, of which around 130 are planted with vines. The estate's vineyards include two jewels: Tignanello and Solaia, which are located on the same hill, on calcareous and schistose marl soils of marine origin from the Pliocene, and which benefit from warm days and fresh nights during the growing season. Two wines are produced from these vineyards, which many years ago had the potential to become the starting point of the Italian wine renaissance. Nothing has changed to this day.

Deep ruby red colour. Complex bouquet of ripe fruit such as cherry, strawberry and blackberry, with delicate hints of violet, mallow and rose in the background, followed by roasted coffee and some cocoa. Vibrant, full-bodied and very complex on the palate with primary fruit, elegantly integrated wood spice, pepper and liquorice. Tignanello 2020 is resonant, dense, breathtaking, almost regal. The balance and freshness of the vintage will ensure a promising further maturation and development towards even more finesse and elegance, which will certainly make this vintage one of the best in the long line-up of Tignanello vintages. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby colour with a delicate garnet rim. Very clear and precise on the nose, with a flavour of ripe, plump cherries and blackberries, plus delicate notes of chestnuts and blood oranges. Firm, savoury tannins characterise the palate, lots of juicy fruit, builds full-bodied." Falstaff

"A concentrated red wine with aromas of black cherries, blackberries, iron, tobacco and vanilla, framed by sweet spices and roasted flavours. It finishes with mouth-flattering tannins, but is quite balanced overall. Seductive and stylish." Wine Spectator

"The Tignanello 2020 shows a beautiful bouquet with an open-minded and accessible personality. Right away you can recognise dark cherries, dried raspberries, spices, toasted almonds and citrusy blood oranges. This vintage is very nice and will not require a long wait. The tannins are sweet and silky." Wine Advocate

"Delightfully approachable on the nose right away, with warm mocha notes and cool graphite aromas against bing and black cherries, and a palate that's equally outrageously delicious and easy to love even in its unbridled youth, with more cherries, blackberries, raspberries and chocolate inside a framework of tannins made to measure and acid built like an invisible force field." Wine Enthusiast

"The Tignanello 2020 is so original, so intensely fruity that it almost tastes like a barrel sample. A burst of red Sangiovese fruit opens first, followed by notes of blood orange, cinnamon, spices, dried flowers and mocha that develop later. With time in the glass, the impressive dimensions come to light. In 2020, the Tignanello is wonderfully supple and racy, with fine tannins lying beneath a core of bright, plastic fruit. The balance here is simply superb. I can't wait to taste the 2020 again as it ages." Vinous

"The ancestor of the Supertuscans in timeless form: Multi-faceted bouquet with aromas of black cherries, black pepper, orange zest and herbs; despite its youth, it has a cosy texture, tightly woven tannins, the acidity provides ageing potential, complex finish that tempts you to have another glass." Vinum

"Violets and lavender with dark fruits and a hint of dark chocolate. Sophisticated nose. Medium-bodied with a fine tannin structure that gives it finesse and beauty. It is very long and lingers for minutes. Precision. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years." James Suckling

"One of the first Italian brands with international appeal and at the same time a great terroir wine. Refined bouquet with notes of blueberry jam, undergrowth and black peppercorns, with a citrus-like finish. Salty on the palate, very persistent, fruity and spicy on the finish." Luca Gardini

Twenty years have passed since the Berta family left Nizza Monferrato. Today, with the acquisition of Castelletto dell'Annunziata, they are returning to the homeland where Paolo began writing his impressive story. To celebrate the return, a special grappa is being produced. A Piedmontese grappa, made from the best marcs that this land at the foot of the mountains has to offer. A new product, but with an old history. A homage to the land and a grappa that tastes like coming home.

Warm amber tone. Complex bouquet of ripe fruit, cherry, tobacco, cocoa, vanilla and a hint of orange blossom. Rich and enveloping in the drink, very seductive aroma that corresponds with the impressions of the nose. A versatile Grappa Riserva with personality! SUPERIORE.DE

Rose petals, spices and red-coloured fruit float in the glass, supported by fine, racy tannins. On the palate, the typical, medium-bodied characteristics of Bricco delle Viole are evident, while the contours are soft and the wine's personality demands the next sip. Vajra fans should give it a few more years to mature, despite its current accessibility. SUPERIORE.DE

"Beguiling aromas of stone fruit, dried flowers and tobacco; harmonious, albeit still very youthful structure, the tannins as if chiselled from stone, great length. Excellent food companion that impresses with its wealth of finesse." Vinum

"Rich fruit and flowers with real spread across the palate. Impressive. Polished leather and liquorice. Dry, but not too dry, finish. Very fine and fresh. To bite into." Jancis Robinson

Bricco delle Viole is the vineyard that has taught us patience and naturally defines the style of our craft," says Aldo Vaira about this MGA. Graceful and austere at the same time, it has sweet violet and pomegranate flavours, restrained in style but not without complexity in depth. The attack is firm, with steely acidity and very austere tannins on the gums, dusty and muscular. It will soften as it matures in the bottle." Decanter

"Flavours of gravel, flowers and berries merge into a medium to full body with firm and velvety tannins and a juicy finish. It is very original now and needs time to develop in the bottle." James Suckling

"Bright ruby-garnet colour with a subtly brightening rim. Somewhat restrained on the nose, a little sealing wax after aeration, raspberries, fine earthy notes, cranberries. Creamy entry on the palate, but immediately shows power and muscle, plenty of complex tannins, savoury, deep, powerful." Falstaff

"A juicy Barolo with lively acidity and a fluid profile that exudes aromas and flavours of cherries, raspberries, mown hay, minerals and eucalyptus. Taut yet long, with outstanding potential." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2019 offers a beguiling combination of depth and energy. Dark and strong in the glass, but also quite restrained, the 2019 will need a few more years to unfold. Black cherry, graphite, crushed rocks, mint, sage and incense open up in the glass, but only with some restraint. I particularly like the way the 2019 opens up in its sonorous, extended finish, but it remains a decidedly brooding Barolo whose best days are still far in the future." Vinous

"Lifted aromas of crushed cherries and raspberries mixed with blue violets and savory spice on the nose. Super-fine tannins with crushed chalk; very floral with a bright and lifted palate. Mouth-watering acidity. Alluring, captivating, energetic and precise." Wine Enthusiast

"With its high altitude in the hills west of Barolo, Bricco delle Viole is a world apart in terms of soils (with marl and fossils from Sant'Agata) and even harvest times. Slow and careful ageing, typical of the 2019 vintage, gives it a very delicate and ethereal expression with floral notes, wild mint and liquorice. This organic wine is solid in composition and structure." Wine Advocate

"A great classic of elegance, on the nose notes of red raspberries and clementine peel, a hint of nutmeg and wild iris. On the palate, it is juicy and exciting, with a return of red fruits and spicy notes. It finishes with a floral hint." Luca Gardini