5-Grappoli Wines Bibenda

Great, beautiful and evolving wine, expansive and enveloping on the nose, with plant and vanilla notes on the palate, long and with a fine texture. A wine that is in no way inferior to the great international vintages, yet retains its Sardinian originality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe dark berries, dried flowers and spices on the nose. Rich and concentrated, with a full body and creamy, supple tannins. Broad and mouth-filling with a juicy finish." James Suckling

"A fragrant version, with hints of bay leaf, ground coffee, vanilla and woodsy spices, this fresh red offers a pure, dark core of black currant and black raspberry fruit. Shows minerally accents of iron and smoke. Structured but well-knit and not overly weighty, with a touch of chewy tannins firming the lasting finish." Wine Spectator

Medium ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Deep, concentrated bouquet with some lift and brooding intensity. Concentrated and long, but convincingly balanced by an integrated acidity and a rich layer of sandy tannins. Good potential, even if it can be enjoyed now. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very pale ruby in the glass, with mushroom earthiness, straw, strawberry, cinnamon and a meaty touch. This fierce character is supported by a very savoury attack, with delicate acid, polished and vibrant tannins: a large palate and a lot of details. There is great balance despite a bit of austerity on the finish. Super-classic for ageing." Decanter

"Fresh and crunchy with red fruit, dried herbs, potpourri and moist earth. Medium- to full-bodied with firm tannins, that are ripe and velvety. Dry and a little chewy at the end with attractive fruit coming through." James Suckling

"Packaged with a black label and eye-catching lettering in red, the Fontanabianca 2020 Barbaresco Serraboella reveals a very fine, almost dusty personality with wild berry, crushed rose and wet river stone. The wine is beautifully balanced, with dry tannins presented next to delicately sweet berry fruit. The Serraboella shows the careful winemaking practiced at this estate. Only 4,000 bottles were made." Wine Advocate

"Reserved yet somewhat haunting on the nose, this wine presents pristine dark-berried fruit aromas, dried rose and savory spices. Warmed and macerated black cherry shines on the palate, accompanied by mouthwatering acidity and a solid earthy bass note with firm, yet fine tannins. This wine is meant to be savored." Wine Enthusiast

Elena Fucci's exceptional Titolo wine is built for the long haul. It will continue its steady development for at least the next 20 years, which is why it is particularly enjoyable when aged in magnum format. Dark ruby red in colour, the bouquet has aromas of ripe red fruit and a fine woody spice. The wine is assembled with enormous precision, offering a balanced intensity and a beautiful degree of fruit purity that speaks both in favour of the Aglianico grape and the extreme region that produces it. Titolo impresses with its fine texture and elegantly integrated tannins. This is the kind of masterful Aglianico performance we love. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose is primarily savory, with aromas of balsamic, mushrooms, earth and stone, but medicinal undertones and a drizzle of black-cherry syrup provide nuance. The palate also skews savory at first, but lingering notes of cherry and herbs eventually take center stage. Aggressive acid hurls spicy punches at the dusty tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Aglianico del Vulture Classico Titolo 2021 is unmissable with a classic bouquet that blends tart black fruit and citrus notes with exotic spices, incense and ash stone. Seamless and silky to the touch, it is elegant through and through. Crisp red and black berries combine with a mixture of mineral notes and piquant acidity. The tannins only become noticeable on the finish, which is crisp and angular, yet retains a perfect freshness. The 2021 rejuvenates with nuances of liquorice and sage. This racy version of the Titolo impresses on so many levels." Vinous

"The 2021 Aglianico del Vulture Titolo is indeed a classic Elena Fucci and the wine you should buy if you love her distinctive style. It opens with sweet flavours that come from the velvety ripeness of the fruit, but also from the careful ageing in oak. Baked plums, rum cake and dried fruit mingle with honey granules on the nose. The finish of the Titolo is very long and is characterised by an acidic freshness and the grippy tannins typical of this grape variety. In this case, the tannins are not too dry and there is enough power to drive future development in the bottle." Wine Advocate

"An exceptional terroir, from 50-70 year old vines, in one of its favourite cradles, the volcanic soil of Barile. The Titolo is a masterpiece: tension, citrus fruit, pomegranate and a sometimes iodised finish. In the mouth, it is vertical, savoury, with great elegance and depth." Luca Gardini

"La Firma" - "The signature". The names of Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti's wines are reminiscent of his father's world as a notary.

La Firma, a single-varietal Aglianico that matures in natural caves of volcanic tuff, carat and French oak barrels. Beautiful ruby red colour with bright violet reflections. Complex bouquet with aromas of small black berries, liquorice and hay. Powerful and very harmonious on the palate, characterised by velvety tannins and a long, balsamic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark and moody, the 2017 Aglianico del Vulture La Firma smolders up with a seductive bouquet of plum sauce, medicinal black cherries, cocoa and incense. This sweeps across the palate like liquid velvet, ushering in a cool-toned blend of crisp red and black fruits. It finishes dramatically long and intensely mineral, leaving behind a tart tinge of blackberries and a sour citrus resonance. The 2017 is complex and loaded with personality, but it’s currently in a youthfully backward state. Bury this is the cellar for the best results." Vinous

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.

Conte Vistarino's Pinot Nero Pernice, which is great every year, comes from the single vineyard of the same name and fascinates with its fine fragrance and elegance. Intense ruby red colour with garnet reflections. The bouquet is complex and rich with notes of violets and small red fruits, some roasted coffee and cocoa. Elegant, full-bodied on the palate, with present fruit, very balanced with a pleasant minerality and a long, spicy finish. The harmonious tannins make this wine elegant and give it a good backbone from start to finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; Pinot fruit, also spicy, inviting; sweet, intense fruit, distant roast, fine, pleasant tartness, very nice." Merum

"Floral and inviting, with spicy aromas leading to a palate of earthy strawberries, graphite, red fruits and supple tannins." Decanter

"Chocolate orange, cherry, raspberry and nutmeg on the nose of this juicy and pretty pinot. It’s medium-bodied with powdery tannins and attractive sweet-spice undertones." James Suckling

"Il Sigillo" - "The Seal". Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti's wines recall his father's notarial world with their names.

Aglianico del Vulture of enormous beauty. Dark and impenetrable, it lies in the glass, from which opulent tones of dark fruits, spices and stony nuances emerge. Seamless and massive on the palate, structural richness, tannic sweetness, fine fresh acidity. A soulful, very promising drop with a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark and creamy, with chocolate-covered cherry flavors, accents of dried rosemary, spiced orange peel and a base note of minerally iron and smoke. Delivers dense, plush tannins, which are wrapped in the juicy flavor profile and emerge to firm the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2015 Aglianico del Vulture Il Sigillo is a beast. It slowly opens in the glass, at first peppery and herbal, focused on earth tones and hints of musk. With time, a more perfumed mix comes to the fore, as nuances of mint give way to tart cherry, incense and smoke. Within, I’m finding texturally elegant waves of dark red and black fruits, washing across the senses with prominence, boasting full-bodied heft, yet expertly balanced by a vibrant core of acidity. There are depths here yet unseen, as a kaleidoscopic mix of dark chocolate, licorice, and cloves battle for supremacy against a coating of fine tannins throughout the finale. The 2015 is just a baby today, yet full of potential. Il Sigillo is made through a partial drying of late harvested grapes, similar to Amarone. It’s refined for 24 months in a combination of barriques and tonneaux." Vinous

The grapes for "del Fondatore" are harvested from historic Apulian Alberello vineyards in the Cellino San Marco region, which were planted in 1968 and are personally tended by President Angelo Maci. The carefully selected Primitivo and Aglianico grapes are harvested by hand in crates. Some of the grapes are dried in a well-ventilated drying room, and the high concentration of juice inside the grapes gives it extra body and an excellent structure. This exceptional wine, whose labels are numbered consecutively, matures for 9 months in new barriques and is further refined before being released in the bottle.

Deep, elegant wine with an intense red colour with violet reflections. The bouquet is complex and of great finesse, revealing almost explosive notes of roasted coffee, ripe cherries and plums, combined with woody and spicy vanilla notes. On the palate, it is harmonious and velvety, with delicate tannins, full-bodied and with the typical characteristics of grapes dried using the appassimento method. SUPERIORE.DE

Tavignano's complex top product Misco Riserva represents the synthesis of the winery's Verdicchio expertise and is its most refined interpretation of the terroir. Starting with the grapes from the Cru Misco vineyard, those grapes are selected that can best develop first in steel and then in the bottle. This ageing process emphasises the richness of the grape variety, its spicy and mineral notes and provides the ideal conditions for long ageing, while retaining its aromatic vibrancy at all times. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant straw yellow colour. Sea salt, raspberries, pineapple, juicy pear and candied lemon zest on the nose with a hint of spice. Opens up on the palate with great playfulness, savoury and clear, appears very noble, lingers long and polished on the final." Falstaff

"The Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva Misco 2019 is wonderfully perfumed and rich in the glass, with nuances of brown spices and hints of baked apples that give way to sweet floral tones. It also impresses with a silky, almost glycerine-like texture and a depth of ripe apples and pears that practically envelop the salty minerals that only emerge towards the end. The 2019 finishes elegant and long, leaving a subtle hint of lemony tension that lingers. The 2019 Misco Riserva is a real pleasure." Vinous

"The certified organic Tenuta di Tavignano 2019 Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva Classico Misco is a wine with texture and medium fruit weight. The wine presents many yellow and golden fruits with a hint of saffron and dried ginger. It undergoes partial malolactic fermentation to achieve the extra creaminess that is particularly noticeable in this beautiful vintage. Production is limited to 3,500 bottles." Wine Advocate

"Deeper and earthier in flavour, it combines floral notes with baked apple, citrus peel and a hint of almond. In the mouth, it is broad, creamy and intense, with apricot, baked apple and hints of black pepper and sweet spices. There is good acidity in the background, supporting a lively and fresh expression; savoury and salty, bright and long." Decanter

Piaggia Riserva is pure elegance in a bottle: clear ruby red colour, almost impenetrable, very consistent. Raspberry compote, dried orange peel, roses, exotic spices and a hint of cocoa on the deep bouquet. Silky and refined on the palate, with notes of violets, ripe red and black fruit in rapid succession. Its lively acidity retains exceptional finesse, although the primary fruit slowly asserts itself. Finishes long with a layer of sweet tannins and balsamic cherry flavours. Its finesse and balance are already astonishing at a young age, and the best will only come in a few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby red colour with a violet hue. Expressive nose, lots of ripe plums, some grilled peppers, subtly leathery. Blackberry and dark chocolate on the palate, crisp acidity, rich tannins, builds pressure, lingering final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Carmignano Riserva Piaggia impresses with its understated power, unfolding with a delicate blend of dried roses and black cherries, complemented by cedar spice and hints of dark chocolate. On the palate, it is pure elegance, seamless and silky, with a depth of red and blue fruit flavours that are lapped up by vibrant acidity. A web of fine tannins envelops the senses with youthful serenity as the 2020 finishes incredibly long and colourful, lingering notes of white pepper, liquorice and violet flowers. This is a dark and radiant beauty. The 2020 is a real head-turner." Vinous

Wonderful single-vineyard Nerello from the north side of Etna at an altitude of 750 metres. Cherry and small wild strawberries on the nose. Very clearly accentuated and fresh flavour, acidity and tannin in perfect harmony and well integrated. Long finish with impressive elegance and freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. On the nose, hints of mustard seeds, dried rose petals, raspberries, ripe cherries and delicately resinous tones, reminiscent of plaster on the finish. Hearty on the palate with tightly woven tannins, powerful, stony, with a polished red fruit final, currently still somewhat unbalanced." Falstaff

"Herbal and summer meadow scents accompany balsamic red and black cherries, while in the mouth it's earthy and floral, with a juicy sapidity of ripe red fruits, a soft, silky mid-palate and fine, integrated tannins. Vertical and elegant, it finishes with some lavender and milk chocolate on the finish." Decanter

"It has flavours of strawberry, orange peel, raspberry and chocolate orange, with some oyster shells. It is medium-bodied and flavoursome with firm, fine-grained tannins. Subliminal mineral restraint. It is just opening up." James Suckling

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo is dense and concentrated with volcanic tones of scorched earth and dark fruit. The wine has a bright primary side of crushed cherries and blueberries, and it fills out nicely across the palate thanks to the mid-weight texture of this supple fruit. Floral notes of rose and iris are also evident. This vintage has something to offer now, and it will offer even more for those who choose to wait." Wine Advocate

Maestro Raro shines first with its lively colour and then impresses with a bouquet that reveals a wonderful blackberry scent after spices, leather and tobacco aromas. The concentrated taste spreads softly, in which a stable acid structure cooperates perfectly with the tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet. In the nose noble spicy note, after cassis and elderberries, carried by cloves and a hint of red pepper. Spicy on the palate with a slight peppery-animal note, very warm, has tension throughout and comes back juicy on the final." Falstaff

"The currant character is supercharged with wood and bark highlights. It’s full-bodied with lots of blackberry and blackcurrant undertones. Chewy and firm. Needs time to open." James Suckling

"The 2018 Maestro Raro is dense, powerful and rich. As always, Maestro Raro is a decidedly Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon. Black fruit, leather, spice and smoke are front and center. This burly Cabernet is a bit angular, but it certainly has plenty of character." Vinous

"This is an exacting and powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of Tuscany. The Fèlsina 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Maestro Raro always stands out in a crowd, and it definitely stands apart in this portfolio. The wine is sultry and rich in personality, sporting tightly wrapped tannins that will need time to soften and unwind. At its core, the wine shows concentrated black fruit flavors, but there are hints of spice, baker's chocolate and smoky tobacco that add to the complexity and the aromatic lift of the bouquet." Wine Advocate

A masterpiece is the strong ruby red Pinot Nero Schweizer, which is only produced in the best vintages. Its bouquet is large, complex and reminiscent of very ripe small forest berries. These particular aromas are also found in the mouth, in combination with ripe, candied dark cherry and delicate floral and red berry notes. Juicy, wide palate, mouth-filling and with delicate, sveltenuances and an inviting and slightly tannic body that, together with the well-proportioned acidity, gives the wine a long life. SUPERIORE.DE

"Redcurrant, floral, spicy oak and forest floor bouquet. The tannins are ripe and smooth, and the acidity is nicely lifted; slightly peppery finish. Good ageing potential." Decanter

"Closed in its trademark screw cap, the Franz Haas 2019 Alto Adige Pinot Nero Schweizer is a a true beauty. There is so much freshness here, and the wine offers all the brilliant floral and wild berry tones that are characteristic of this delicate grape. This wine delivers those varietal aromas with flare. It ages in barrique for 12 months." Wine Advocate

"This has complex notes of sage, lemon leaves, porcini, black cherries, currants, nutmeg and tobacco. Vibrant and medium-bodied with tight-grained tannins. Beautiful balance of bright berry fruit and dark spice. Long and persistent." James Suckling

"From the undisputed master of Pinot Noir in South Tyrol, the nose has sensations of marasca cherries in alcohol, touches of pepper leaf and nuances of orange zest. The palate has iodine tannins, crispness, density and tension, with fruity-citrusy return and great persistence." Luca Gardini

The third vintage of Dievoles Gran Selezione presents itself dark, deep and with wonderfully powerful cherry and blackberry notes. The palate is very defined and precise with an archetypal interpretation of the grape variety. Everything is in the right place here, the balance and clarity impressing with every sip. The finish is of terrificlength and depth. This is Sangiovese at its purest, with endless energy and expression. SUPERIORE.DE

"Stylish bouquet of red berries and flowers; juicy on the palate, the tannic acid framework balanced, engaging evolution with polish and fresh fruit but also perfectly placed balsamic nuances through to the final." Vinum

"Fresh red fruit and a hint of mint, spice and tea on the nose. Refined palate with lots of powdery tannins giving texture and frame. Clean finish with a salty touch." Decanter

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna di Sessina shows a streamlined personality with pinpoint aromas of wild berries, forest floor and dried blackberries. This wine is vertical, focused and even a little edgy in personality thanks to its firm tannins and fresh acidity. There is a brief ripeness in the mid-palate, but overall the wine is very balanced." Wine Advocate

"Bright aromas of flowers, citrus, strawberries and cherries follow a full body with bright, very lively tannins and zesty acidity. Energetic on the finish. Very clean and bright. A wine for the cellar, although it is already drinking wonderfully." James Suckling

"Pervasive aromas recall cherry, raspberry, iron and sage in this red wine, while rich fruit flavours balance a backbone of assertive tannins. It reverberates from start to finish, ending with a long aftertaste of fruit, earth and tobacco. Still firm, but harmonious overall." Wine Spectator

Terre Brune is a Carignano, with a small proportion of Bovaleddu, of seductive balance and fruitiness and one of the best reds in Sardinia every year. Matured in barriques, it has a fresh but ripe fruit on the nose with a slight hint of cocoa. On the palate, it has a beautiful depth with present tannins. An exemplary wine vinified with love and full of regional typicity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, dense ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Ripe aromas of blackberry and blueberry, herbal flavours and hints of liquorice on the nose. Dense and fruity on the palate, very fine tannins and a long, balanced final." Falstaff

"Fine and creamy, this elegant red wine offers fireworks of raspberry and strawberry fruit, as well as accents of lavender, incense, tea rose and thyme. Juicy and fresh, with supple, fine-grained tannins that are evident on the mineral, tarry and salty finish." Wine Spectator

"A savory nose features aromas of old leather, top soil, coffee and herbs, for an overall spicy, earthy feel. The palate is tangy and fresh, with black-cherry notes and a potent floral component, before a bitter-chocolate undertone sets up a finish of resurgent earth and spices. Tannins and acid are lithe, but anchored in that earthy depth." Wine Enthusiast

"I love the flavours of liquorice and herbs alongside chocolate cherries and plums. There's also a hint of vanilla and praline. It's creamy, slightly chewy and full-bodied, with berry-like tannins and a long and wonderfully smooth finish. Makes you want more." James Suckling

"Dark cherry, blueberry, followed by a hint of ink and graphite, classic aromatic garrigue herbs with fine and juicy tannins." Decanter

Anadûron is the Celtic name for Naturns, which means "settlement by the swamp". The selection is a tribute to the Pratzner family's home village of Naturns. 12 months of fermentation and ageing in tonneau, 5 months in stainless steel and a further 31 months of ageing in the bottle.

Pretty and slightly exotic aroma of crushed stones, green plants and nectarines. Silky and youthfully dense on the palate with a net of minerality that skilfully envelops the tart fruit. The bright acidity provides a beautiful balance, Anadûron finishes long and full of spicy tension. Great ageing potential, Falkenstein's new masterpiece is at the beginning of a long journey on which it will continue to develop. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, bright yellow-green colour. Impressive nose with lots of rich, ripe peach fruit, plus plenty of apricot, underpinned by notes of flint, some sage. Juicy and with great tension on the palate, fully ripe vineyard peach, good tension, long finish." Falstaff

"Intense smoky notes with candied lemon, pineapple and white peach aromas. Very juicy and crisp, with a light to medium body, chewy acidity and substance on the finish." James Suckling

Fine grappa made from the marc of the Langhe Chardonnay Gaia & Rey: Crystal clear, freshly scented with tropical fruits and brioche with a slender body, intense berry aroma and noble fruit note in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Cleopatra Grappa, whose distillation is done with the so-called Crysopea method. An innovative, discontinuous method with negative pressure and the still in a water bath. Distinctive, very aromatic fragrance and wonderfully balanced, round and soft on the palate, pleasantly long and gentle finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cleopatra" does not refer to Caesar's gspusi in Egypt, but to an alchemist who invented revolutionary distillation processes in the ancient empire. At Poli, "Cleopatra" also alludes to an innovative chemical process, but in this case for the distillation of grappa. The Cleopatra Amarone is made from marc of the Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara varieties and smells of dirndl and beetroot. On the palate, there is a strong spiciness underpinned by herbs and white pepper." Falstaff

Only in the best vintages are a few parcels of Olim Bauda's vineyards in the Nizza DOCG selected for the Riserva Bauda to make one of the greatest wines of the entire, still very young appellation. The wait was clearly worth it. Deep purple red colour. Complex bouquet of red fruits with an almost tactile texture and a terrificharmony of fruit, typicity and acidity that perfectly combines the winemaker's long proven Barbera expertise and the class of the Nizza DOCG. Not only for us an absolute archetype for grape variety and origin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, rich and dense ruby red colour tending towards violet. Intense nose, distinctly redcurrant, undergrowth, dark chocolate, with an aftertaste of stewed plum and coffee. Pronounced on the palate, full-bodied, spicy, multi-layered with mature, sweetish tannins, beautiful drinkability and medium length." Falstaff

"Slightly earthy with dark spices, crushed wild berries, dried violets and a hint of tar. Dry and polished, but at the same time juicy and agile, with bright acidity accompanied by polished, fine tannins. Lively, red-fruity finish." James Suckling