Bibenda

The anniversary edition of the Novecento opens on the nose with layers of dark fruits, spices, tar and smoke. Then on the palate, there is terrific depth and hints of earth or crushed black rock. Novecento offers a great texture that is velvety and rich without ever seeming heavy or sluggish. Long and crisp on the spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe nose with aromas of maraschino, herbs and leather; the tannins robust, showing character and length, solid finish. Pair with a T-bone steak." Vinum

"The organic Dievole 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Novecento is slow to open and is neutral on first nose. It does eventually show some dark fruit and wild cherry that is nicely intermingled with spice, leather and tar. There is a warm or savory quality to this wine with autumn leaf and forest floor. The blend is 95% Sangiovese, 3% Canaiolo and 2% Colorino. This release celebrates the 30th vintage of this wine." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 vintage was one of the most balanced in recent years in Chianti Classico. Here, as Antonini confessed, there is no intention to make an approachable wine. The colour shines in its ruby red tinge; the nose is intensely fresh, flowery and slightly reductive at first, before an orange vert emerges from the depths to overlay black cherry and creamy strawberry. The attack is firm, crunchy and extracted. Fierce acidity supports a youthful cherry fruit expression with enough concentration and a thick finish. Quite austere for 2019, but amazing considering its ability to age." Decanter

"A tight, tannic version, this red has a strong grip on its currant, cherry and strawberry fruit. Revealing mineral and tar details, this remains succulent and breezy through the lingering aftertaste; just needs to absorb the tannins." Wine Spectator

"This is extremely aromatic, with strawberry and cherry character and hints of orange peel and flowers. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are integrated and polished. Bright acidity at the finish, Made from a mix of parcels from the highest vineyards of Dievole. Beautiful to drink now, but will age will, too." James Suckling

Quercegobbe with sparkling, rich ruby violet. Clear and memorable nose with notes of blackberries, raspberries and ripe cherries. Substantial on the nose, opens with supple tannins. Sweet melting on the finish, fresh and clear, powerful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure varietal Merlot that tones beguilingly of blackberries, undergrowth and herbs; powerful construction, balanced, nice progression on notes of plums, pepper, also bitter almond notes." Vinum

"Dark ruby core with garnet rims. Restrained on the nose with hints of blueberry and forest floor. A little clearer on the palate of cherry and floral notes, striking acidity and fine-grained, somewhat astringent tannins with noticeable wood." Falstaff

"A creamy and delicious red with redcurrant and fresh-herb aromas and flavors. Medium body, fine tannins and a creamy finish. Balanced and delicious now, but better in a year or two, to allow the wood to resolve into the wine." James Suckling

Castello di Monsanto's Chianti Classico Riserva is a fabulous wine that punches well above its weight. Dark cherry, plum, liquorice, spice, leather, lavender and tobacco run through this wonderfully nuanced and vibrant Riserva. It is surprisingly expressive and open even at a young age and will continue to drink well for over 15 years. Sweet floral notes extend the finish of this medium-bodied, graceful and well-structured wine. Interesting Storage potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Opens with inviting, dense cherry fruit, underpinned by juniper, clove and a subtle medicinal note. Concentrated and precise fruit core on the palate, elegant tannins and supporting acidity, juicy and persistent." Falstaff

"Concentrated medium ruby red colour. Balsamic, cherry and crushed raspberry on the nose with a hint of eucalyptus. Juicy fruit with sandy tannins on the palate. Fresh, elegant and long. Great balance and style in this not easy to handle vintage." Jancis Robinson

"A dense red wine with well-defined aromas and flavours of black cherries and blackberries, underpinned by graphite, eucalyptus and cumin. Balanced, though still tightly wound, with a lingering fruity, spicy and mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"It shows a medium-dark concentration with typical flavours of wild cherry, peat moss, blue flower and light spice. This winery offers consistently well-made and convincing wines at a favourable price." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 that has just been bottled is magnificent. It offers a beguiling blend of dense fruit supported by a core of vibrant acidity. Striking aromatics, remarkable depth and exceptional balance make the Riserva a winner. This is such a great and compelling wine." Vinous

"This wine is complex and flavoursome with red and dark berries, dried orange peel, nutshells and roasted spices. Also a hint of walnut and crushed stones. Medium to full-bodied with super-polished tannins and juicy acidity. Delicious fruit character with a firm mineral backbone. Complete and concentrated." James Suckling

"Bing cherry and blood orange, floral earth, graphite and then wild herbs - especially sage - appear on the nose, before a hint of vanilla and cedar. The palate is juicy and fresh, with vanilla, chocolate and cherry, while herbs reappear on the back palate. A rare example of a wine with great refinement that is also an undeniable crowd favourite." Wine Enthusiast

"Opening slowly, this reveals strawberry blossom, coriander and hints of tobacco. The palate is remarkably perfumed, with an undercurrent of rose and pepper running through the dark brambly berries. Firmly structured, ripe tannins wield an assertive grip, and the zesty acidity has a citrussy, blood orange ring that draws out the finish. Lots of life here." Decanter

"Wild strawberries, then nuances of white pepper and eucalyptus. It is powerful on the palate, ending with a fruity-balsamic return, long flavour." Luca Gardini

The "I Giganti" line, with its three wines, represents Contini's top collection. In white, rosé and red, they pay homage to the large statues that were discovered in the 1970s in the archaeological site of Mont'e Prama, just 2 km from the Cabras pond. They were farmers working the fields with their ploughs, bringing to light the precious treasures of the past. These sandstone figures were called "giants" because of their considerable size. They represent brave warriors, symbols of strength and courage.

Spicy and distinctive Tharros Rosso from Nieddera vineyards. Clear ruby red in the glass with a fine lustre. Complex and fine nose with Maraska cherry, liquorice and blackcurrant jelly. Very direct on the palate with well-dosed power, accompanied by fine tannins that lead into an impressive finish. Refined and remarkably independent, very well made. SUPERIORE.DE

High-quality Rosato Spumante made from 100% Pinot Nero. Old pink, almost onion-coloured and with interesting copper reflections. Fine perlage and a fine, creamy foam. The bouquet has a delicate aroma of roses, grapefruit, small red fruits and a hint of yeast. Dry, full, fresh and elegant on the palate. Hints of blackcurrants and wild strawberries, then a consistent tang and a beguiling silkiness. A great alternative to the famous neighbouring region of Franciacorta and a real insider tip for Pinot Noir sparkling lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pale sparkling rosé that has aromas of pomegranate, strawberry and apple pastry. It’s medium-bodied, silky and balanced with fine bubbles and a dry finish." James Suckling

A Lambrusco with almost zero (!) grams of residual sweetness seems like an insurmountable contradiction. But far from it, the Lambrusco benchmark Cantina della Volta delivers a sparkling wine here that can keep up with the best rosé champagnes of the noble region of France.

Delicate pale pink with an impressively fine perlage in the glass. In addition to the classics raspberry and wild strawberry, the bouquet opens with wonderfully floral notes that make it seem downright lovely despite its lack of sugar. On the palate, then, of indescribable finesse, creaminess and "dry sweetness", which makes us refill without much hesitation and draws us fully into the glass. La Prima Volta is a spumante with just the right balance of class, drinkability and mineral freshness, just as we would like to enjoy a sparkling wine today and tomorrow. Never too heavy, but still with an irresistible depth and far from any arbitrariness. SUPERIORE.DE

The porphyry-rich steep slopes on the Ritten above Bolzano offer first-class conditions for producing a Sauvignon Bianco with unique fruit, minerality, elegance and depth. Straw yellow in colour with greenish reflections. Precise fruity flavours of gooseberry, elderflower, herbs, yeast and a fine woody note. Harmonious flavour with very well-integrated acidity, an accentuated body and an elegant mineral note. Long and deep on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow colour. Lots of redcurrant on the nose, some herbs and a hint of lemon zest. Powerful, powerful, pleasantly astringent on the palate, again lots of redcurrant, some nettle, long finish." Falstaff

Natural distillate matured in barriques and small wooden barrels from selected soft vintage marc from Friuli. Distillation with separation of the first and last run in exclusive copper steam stills.

Light gold colour. Slightly cinnamon, white chocolate, delicately floral. Soft with notes of vanilla, gently creamy, good length, harmonious finish. Elegant and persistent in bouquet and flavour. No added colourings. SUPERIORE.DE

The steep porphyry slopes at an altitude of up to 650 metres on the Ritten above Bolzano offer ideal conditions for vinifying this powerful yet elegant Chardonnay with outstanding balance, well-integrated acidity and excellent ageing potential. Straw yellow in colour with greenish inclusions. Pure exotic flavours of pineapple, mango and white peach on the nose, underpinned by a delicate vanilla note. Powerful on the palate, the well-integrated acidity keeps it fresh and mineral despite its power and complexity, right through to an almost infinitely long finish. A great Chardonnay from South Tyrol! SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense straw yellow with greenish reflections. Ripe banana, vanilla yoghurt and white flowers on the nose. Additional citrus notes on the palate, full-bodied and creamy, long finish with hints of herbs." Falstaff

"The 2021 Alto Adige Chardonnay Riserva Stegher opens to a generous bouquet with peach cream, apricot, almond biscuit and softly delivered baking spice. It shows volume and brightness over a medium-plus mouthfeel. That almond theme returns on the close, adding a hint of pretty tartness." Wine Advocate

Deep, dark ruby red colour. Full, deep and explosive bouquet reminiscent of dark berries, tobacco and liquorice. Illuminati's single-vineyard classic Zanna, with its elegant, very complex flavour and delicate oak spice, leaves nothing to be desired every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Colline Teramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Zanna is quite backward today, dark and brooding. Exotic spice and black currants form its understated bouquet. This is a more lifted and fresh style for Zanna, with round, supple textures and ripe citrus-tinged black fruits. Edgy tannins linger through the mentholated finale as hints of spiced cherry fade slowly." Vinous

On the nose, noble, typically Tuscan notes of cherries, blackberries, violets and spices. Exceptionally complex, multi-layered and excellently structured on the palate. Gripping tannins, intense fruit and pleasant acidity are already in perfect harmony. The drinking pleasure builds nicely and increases in the long final. For us, it has been the attractive alternative to Antinori's famous Tignanello for years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of dried cherries, bark, mahogany and porcini mushrooms. Lemons and herbs, too. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and tangy acidity. Juicy, savory and supple." James Suckling

"This blended red is Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon in a supporting role. The Poggio Bonelli 2018 Poggiassai is velvety, saturated and rich with dark fruit, cherry liqueur, barbecue spice and grilled herb. The wine shows a pretty dark color and thick concentration to complete what is ultimately a very contemporary winemaking style." Wine Advocate

With his flagship Poggio al Lupo from the Magliano winery of the same name, Antonio Moretti has created an extremely varietal Cabernet Sauvignon. Its full bouquet of red fruits and spices is already delicious. On the palate, there is a lot of pressure and an equally generous variety of aromas of blackberries, dried cherries and young leather. Enveloped by a finely woven tannin, this typical Maremma wine goes gently and long into a very attractive finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red. In the nose of ripe blackberries, cassis and rum pot, slightly vegetal note in the reverberation. On the palate fruity, juicy, with soft tannin, harmonious, has train, long final." Falstaff

"A fruity cab with an attractive structure of firm, polished tannins and a juicy finish. Medium-bodied, linear and bright." James Suckling

Deep dark, sparkling ruby red colour. An opulent dark red fruit basket on the nose, intense and full. From the very first sip, a depth that is unrivalled in this price range. The heights to which this wine is capable of carrying the connoisseur are nothing short of spectacular. At the same time, it always convinces with an indescribable balance. Maharis is never fat or jammy, but its potpourri of dark fruits, spices, matured leather and a subtle smoky note is balanced at all times with an almost surprising freshness and liveliness. The final is long, velvety and richly textured. Magnificent! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Nose with elegant wood, fine spice, black pepper and grated blackcurrants, sour cherries, dried flowers on the finish. On the palate, grippy and present, with a cool fruit centre and tight tannins, final on fine salty notes." Falstaff

"This balanced Syrah from Alberello vines grown on chalky soils in Noto has an incredible perfume of Parma violets, cedar wood, dark chocolate, balsam, dried cherries and wild strawberries. In the mouth, it is concentrated and vertical, with plenty of freshness, floral scents and airy delicacy combined with dark, juicy fruit. Juicy and stony with hints of violets and lavender, then liquorice, black pepper and coffee notes on the long finish, this is such a beautiful wine." Decanter

"The aromas of dark fruit, dried meat, bacon and orange peel are impressive. It’s medium-bodied with juicy fruit, round tannins and notes of dried meat and cedar. Lightly bitter at the end in a good way. An attractive blend of syrah and nero d’avola that gives an international take on the Sicilian area of Noto." James Suckling

Don Luigi Riserva opens with a dark, seductive blend of musky blackcurrants, sweet sage and crushed ash stones. It is full-bodied and almost creamy in flavour. The palate is lapped up by deep, ripe dark fruit and exotic spices. In between, a lively acidity with lingering notes of red plums and cedar wood. Beneath the surface is a hint of grippy tannin. The balance of this wine is breathtaking and further bottle ageing will improve it even further. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet reflections. Very ripe, sweet fruit notes on the nose, aromas of preserved cherries, plums and liquorice, underlaid with cocoa and a hint of liquorice. A fruity-sweet core on the palate, grippy and rustic tannins, with a hint of liquorice on the finish." Falstaff

"A powerful red wine with flavours of black cherries, plums, dried mint and hazelnuts. It is ripe and full-bodied with firm but creamy tannins. Opulent yet balanced." James Suckling

Deep dark ruby red. On the nose, complex aromas of dark fruits, espresso, liquorice and herbal notes. Very classically taut on the palate, with finely honed tannins and a fresh, bright acid wire. An Apulian classic as it is written in the textbook. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich hints of tarry smoke and toast on the nose underscore baked strawberry and plum fruit flavors in this robust, full-bodied red. Tightly-knit and fresh, a stemmy touch of dried herb lingers on the grippy finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of nicely baked berries, dark plums, dried leaves and a twist of red dates and fine, savory cocoa beans. Full-bodied and lightly spicy with very compact, powdery tannins. Slightly bittersweet and savory in finish. Very tight now, but shows impressive tannin quantity and quality." James Suckling

Amarone Selezione Antonio Castagnedi delivers high quality for its price every year: bright ruby red with sparkling reflections. A variety of aromas of violets, graphite, black cherries and minerals and a lively, structured, down-to-earth, very present style. Its richness and depth make it the perfect accompaniment to winter cuisine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright, rich ruby red colour. Very fragrant bouquet on the nose, spicy, cinnamon, blood orange, fresh peach, raspberries. Spicy flavours and clear fruit on the palate, balanced, with a juicy tannin finish and beautiful length." Falstaff

"If you've ever had the opportunity to stand in old hand-fired brick drying sheds, three storeys high, filled with hot steam, leaves tied in bundles, stacked up and up and up, you'll know what this wine smells like. It is an extraordinary odour. It smells of steam-soaked red clay bricks, of tobacco leaves, green, yellow, gold, copper-coloured, brown and of earth, spices, dust and oven smoke. It is the smell of a good Amarone. And this one carries its layers of tobacco between layers of dried plums, dried cherries, crushed rosehips, bitter oranges and nutmeg. It is dry, elegant, refined. It is an extraordinary beauty." Jancis Robinson

"Very dense on the nose, so it should be swirled well to emphasise the bright red fruits such as raspberries and red cherries, which are immediately apparent on the palate. Full-bodied and structured, with a youthful feel created by the backbone of fresh tannins. It can be drunk at the dinner table now, but it is made to last and will lie in the cellar for a few more years." James Suckling

"The 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Antonio Castagnedi is a dark, seductive wine with a blend of black cherries and crushed purple candies that fade into a hint of cocoa. The wine is silky smooth, almost creamy, yet full-bodied, with ripe red fruit contrasted by a hint of bitter balsamic spice. It finishes with youthful tension, leaving a layer of grippy tannins that are nicely balanced by a hint of residual acidity. The 2019 has a wonderful balance that makes it an excellent choice for the dinner table, but will also aid its ageing. It also has only 15% alcohol. Beautiful." Vinous

One of the most exciting Etna Rosso with a balsamic, spicy bouquet and a balanced, yet very characterful, juicy, long flavour. Fine fruit, good acidity, firm tannin, beautiful length. Perfectly reflects the terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multi-faceted bouquet with aromas of stone fruit, flowers and subtle tobacco notes; precise on the palate, the tannins are fine-grained and perfectly integrated, develops full of verve towards a long final." Vinum

"It has a tantalising aroma of red and black cherries, almonds, spices and balsamic. In the mouth it is bright and intense, with a good body and balanced savoury red fruits. The finish is fleshy and juicy, stony and slightly bitter (in a positive way)." Decanter

"The 2021 Etna Rosso ‘A Rina opens slowly in the glass with a savory herbal tinge that gives way to rose petals, ash and wild strawberries. This is juicy and round, with abundant energy and ripe red and blue fruits swirling throughout. Brilliant acidity adds further lift as zesty wild berries linger over a subtle bed of fine tannins, framing the experience without getting in the way. It’s a total pleasure to taste and would even stand up to a slight chill on a warm day." Vinous

"This is the entry-level red wine from Girolamo Russo. The Etna Rosso 'a Rina 2021 is made from Nerello Mascalese and about 10% Nerello Cappuccio from different vineyards and offers excellent value with wild berries, blue flowers and crushed stone with an elegant mouthfeel. The emphasis is on freshness and balance." Wine Advocate

"Plenty of citrus, orange peel, honey and beeswax with some pumice and volcanic soil. Medium-bodied, with firm and integrated tannins that are energetic and integrated. Very nice now, but even better in three or four years." James Suckling

Pale pink with orange reflections. Elegant, fine fragrance of flowers and roses, small red berries and herbs and the typical scent of bread and yeast. Very supple on the palate, fresh and forward, the acidity agile and the mousseux soft and fine. A mouthful of red berries and very broad herb and spice flavours are wonderfully enveloped by a fresh acidity that finishes this very long drop with a fruity, subtle tartness and salinity. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep, dark Riserva with a powerful berry bouquet and intense spicy notes and hints of damp forest floor. Taut on the palate, crisp fruit, solid tannins, good length. Lots of energy, nice spice and great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Very intense and inviting nose, flavours of raspberries, cherry jam and hazelnut biscuits. Firm tannins dominate the palate, lots of damson." Falstaff

"On the nose, the sweetness of cherry and vanilla is balanced by the gentle bitterness of orange zest and herbs. On the palate, a rush of chocolate invigorates the fruit element, but balance is maintained by an earthiness that's drawn out by chalky, clingy tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 is a blend of Sangiovese (90%) with smaller proportions of Merlot and Colorino. It shows a dark, saturated appearance and a heavy aromatic load of black fruits, ripe cherries, plums, spices and sweet floral earth. The wine finishes with medium concentration, herbal notes and the natural freshness of Sangiovese." Wine Advocate

"There's a good balance of fruit and oak here, with red berries and fine oak giving off a hint of vanilla. Medium to full-bodied with well-integrated fruit and oak tannins and a sort of plump feel on the palate. The finish is medium length at the moment but should lengthen with time in the bottle. Try it from mid-2024." James Suckling

Deep, dark ruby red colour. Strong, warm Lagrein with a pronounced aroma of ripe blackberries, cherries, fine mountain herbs, pepper and smoky charcoal notes. The full, juicy, cherry flavour is beautifully balanced with a broad, long finish. Only selected grapes from the best vineyards with low yields are used for the Lagrein Riserva Prestige. An absolute top red wine from the Alto Adige region! SUPERIORE.DE

"Pretty black and blue berry fruit on the nose with violets and bitter chocolate. It’s creamy and beautifully textured with powdery tannins. Medium to full body. Juicy and bright finish." James Suckling