Bibenda

The Pinot Grigio Zuc di Volpe impresses with seductive aromas of ripe pears and apricots, accompanied by sweet white flowers and a hint of buttercream. It is silky and round, with a certain heaviness, yet perfectly balanced. Then on the palate, notes of ripe melon underlined by zesty lime and a salty note towards the spicy, smoky final. For all its complexity, very bright and fresh and full of personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intensely perfumed and rich in the glass, the 2021 Pinot Grigio Zuc di Volpe wafts up with notes of dried peaches and apricots complemented by a whiff of chamomile. It’s silky, nearly oily in texture, with tart green apple fruits and zesty lime tones complicated by a salty core of minerality. The 2021 lingers incredibly long and savory yet fresh with rosemary and liquid stone nuances. This characterful Pinot Grigio communicates importance and refinement from the first tilt of the glass. Fans of the variety should seek it out." Vinous

"A terrific and serious pinot grigio with lime, apple-pie and lemon-zest character throughout. Full-bodied and driven, with so much fruit flavor and intensity in the finish." James Suckling

Single-varietal Aglianico whose grapes come from Pietradefusi and S. Angelo all'Esca. Brilliant ruby red with garnet reflections, an enveloping bouquet of morello cherries and marasca cherries in harmony with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, vanilla and aniseed. The full, balanced flavour with sweet, silky tannins ends in an aromatic, lasting final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Black fruit on the nose, such as blackberries and black cherries, followed by walnut, tobacco and bitter-chocolate notes. It’s full-bodied, mellow and supple on the palate, with excellent freshness and drinkability." James Suckling

The grapes are harvested at the end of August when they are well ripe and then dried in 5 kg crates at 23⁰C in the fruit cellar. After about 40 days, when half of their weight has been lost, the grapes are pressed and the resulting must, which is particularly rich in sugar, ferments slowly at 18°C for over a month in stainless steel vats, where it remains until bottling.

Light golden yellow, fine bouquet of orange blossom, some quince, apricot and peach. Sparkling on the palate with surprisingly lively acidity, spreads nicely, in the long final again orange peel and some grapefruit. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweetly seductive, the 2020 Passito di Noto captivates with a rich blend of spiced blood orange and lemon curd complicated by savory herbal tones and white smoke. This soothes with its weighty, silken textures while mixing sweet and sour through a blend of saline-tinged acids, sour citrus and sweet tropical melon. While long and potent, the 2020 remains impossibly fresh, leaving candied lime and Sour Patch green apple to linger on and on." Vinous

Produced in just 6,000 bottles per vintage, Godenza from the vineyard of the same name undergoes spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, followed by temperature-controlled maceration in stainless steel tanks. After malolactic fermentation, it then matures for 12 months in cement vats and at least 9 months in the bottle. Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, it is characterised by its complex and open bouquet with aromas of small red berries and spices. On the palate, it is firm and clear with a wonderful balance between acidity and ripe flavours and has a very respectable, slightly salty and spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine with its deep colour shows the beauty, power and depth that Sangiovese from Predappio in Emilia-Romagna possesses and seems almost reserved at first. Aromas of baked plums with sweet and savoury spices, dried wild herbs, roasted game and forest floor. On the palate with firm tannins that balance the richness of dark berry fruit with liquorice and candied violets, finishing with grace and elegance." Wine Enthusiast

Brilliant, rich yellow with silver-green reflections. The bouquet has pronounced smoky, mineral notes, full flavours of mango, citrus fruit, sage and asparagus. It shows its true class on the palate: wonderfully complex structure, lots of naturally sweet flavour, refreshing acidity and a juiciness, strength and length that can only be achieved through long contact with the lees and simultaneous agitation. Very convincing, downright captivating! SUPERIORE.DE

"Firm and quite deep, yeasty, very delicately nutty and smoky aroma with citrus flavours, some white berries, spring onions, broccoli, white pepper and crab meat. Ripe, juicy, dense fruit, very fine acidity and some grip, vegetal spice, blackcurrant leaves, some smoke and nutty-yeasty traces, blackcurrants and gooseberries in the background, mineral foundation, good depth, very good, firm, juicy, mineral and somewhat herbal-spicy finish with blackberry and floral nuances." Wein-Plus

"Intense straw yellow with a green tinge. Aromatic nose, lots of gooseberry and nettle, some passion fruit in the background. Straightforward and precise on the palate, animating, mouthwatering, delicately melting, lingering, salty final." Falstaff

"On the nose, cooked lemons, savoury herbs, pepper and a hint of flinty minerality. Medium-bodied, juicy and citrusy with lively acidity and a flavourful finish." James Suckling

"The Sauvignon Blanc Picol 2021 is flavoursome and incredibly fresh. In the glass, it unfolds aromas of nectarine, rosemary and sage, accompanied by candied lime. It is full of zesty tension with sharp yellow citrus fruits and salty mineral notes that tantalise the senses. Its brilliant acidity is the real highlight of the show, as the Picol finishes long and powerful with a mix of sour melon and young kiwi that makes the taster return to the glass." Vinous

"Inviting, smoky nose of gooseberry aromatics; palate of tropical notes and a neat, bright acidity." Decanter

The best grape material ensures intensely fruity aromas and distinct characteristics in the Pinot Blanc of the Zuc di Volpe line. Brilliantly clear, soft, floral tones, harmonious and juicy, persistent and long. Beautiful ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

A very elegant Recioto di Soave with an intense golden yellow colour. The fresh citrus bouquet and the delicately herbaceous-lovely taste form a ravishing symbiosis. A dessert wine full of character that lingers long. SUPERIORE.DE

Ferentano is a pure white made from the rare indigenous vine Roscetto, which has a very thick skin. Therefore, the grapes are frozen after harvesting to then better break the skins during pressing and to ensure that only the fruit passes through during pressing.

Bright yellow colour, the aroma is slightly sweet of citrus fruits, melon and Golden Delicious. Rich and fruity in the mouth, with a strong structure and hints of grapefruit, honeydew melon and apricot jam. An exceptional and very harmonious white wine in which all components are finely tuned to each other - and an equal alternative to high-quality Chardonnay aged in wood. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Bianco Ferentano is delicately floral in the glass, with a savory bouquet that blends peach skins with raw almonds and dusty dried flowers. This is soft textured yet racy in style, blending rich hints of spice with crunchy yellow apple. A brioche touch adds depth toward the close. It finishes clean and youthfully tense as a nuanced blend of lemon oil and nectarine fades slowly. It's a lovely Lazio white produced from the indigenous Rossetto variety (Trebbiano Giallo)." Vinous

"Tangible evidence of impeccable varietal work, a pure Roscetto of temperament and crispness, which benefits from ageing in barriques. Tropical fruit on the nose, notes of lychee, pineapple and touches of cinnamon, with hints of orange blossom. Salty-orangey on the palate, with a fruity return." Luca Gardini

Complex and rich bouquet of citrus fruit and sage flavours. Excellently structured and consistent on the palate with a fresh acid wire. This wonderful Sauvignon offers multi-layered fruit notes and great harmony with a delightful grapefruit flavour on the long finish. Good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"This has aromas of minerals, honeysuckle, flint and slice limes. It’s medium-bodied with fresh acidity and a tight and focused center palate. Tight and linear at the end, with density and focus." James Suckling

Brilliant light straw yellow colour. Elegant aromas of gooseberry, smoke, some flint and lemon followed by a full body with powerful fruit and mineral nuances, very balanced, savoury and unmistakably high-class. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh and flavoursome on the nose with crushed apples, spicy herbs, mussels and citrus leaves. Medium-bodied, bright and lively with citrusy freshness, mouthwatering acidity and chalky minerality. Some salty undertones." James Suckling

"The 2022 Sauvignon is perfumed, casting a delicate array of wildflowers, tangerine and hints of incense from the glass. Seductively smooth and soothing upon entry, this quickly gains tension as zesty acidity and sour citrus tones collide over a core of tart green apple. Crisp and nearly crunchy in feel, the 2022 keeps the mouth watering for more while leaving a minty herbal tinge and salty flourish to linger on. Simply stunning." Vinous

"A Sauvignon of complexity and completeness, representative of the Capriva terroir. On the nose, notes of white apricot, then rosemary, bergamot and jasmine. Spicy and sweet on the palate, with a fruity note and a citrus finish." Luca Gardini

Monleale is a rich, intoxicating wine. Medium ruby-garnet in colour, the bouquet has a subtle sweetness, dried cherry, balsamic notes and clove. On the palate, spicy and earthy undertones support its precise core of dense red cherry and plum fruit, while it briskly presents a powerful and pleasantly savoury style that is ideal for the dining table. Monleale has plenty of personality and character, and its persistence and longevity make it one of the most profound and intense Barbera wines to be found in this price range. SUPERIORE.DE

In 1773, a rich and resourceful merchant named John happened to land on the Marsala Coast. He was the first to produce the classic Marsala known to this day by adding brandy, refining it so that he could take it back to England without the risk of early spoilage. Intense amber colour. On the nose notes of apricot and carob, some thyme and black pepper. Full and warm on the palate with a fine apricot touch and candied fruit notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light amber; sea, fruit ripeness, candied, caramelised orange peel, deep, beautiful nose; not too sweet, round, bittersweet, dates, depth and extended length." Merum

"If you aren't familiar with Marsala, this medium-dry wine would be a good place to start, with intense caramelized-nut, candied-orange and bitter-chocolate character, plus a restrained touch of sweetness. The tannins in Marsala can make the aftertaste bitter, but here they really help to balance the sweetness." James Suckling

"Cantine Pellegrino is a historical producer active since 1880 that has over 150 hectares in different parts of Sicily and on the Island of Pantelleria. This Marsala is bright amber. The nose is pleasant and fresh, with straightforward notes of apricot, hints of carob and thyme. The wine is full, sweet with integrated alcohol, round and generous on the palate. It is made with Grillo, Inzolia and Catarratto, ages 48 months in oak barrels and at least six months in barrique." Decanter

Generous, seductive and very complex bouquet of cherries, plums, spices and other flavours. The flavour of the "Vigneti Vallata di Marano" is particularly impressive due to its elegance and length. A wonderful Amarone in which power and concentration go hand in hand. SUPERIORE.DE

"A classically rich Amarone that has aromas of walnuts, dates, dried cherries and spice box. Full-bodied and powerful yet tangy and stylish, with chewy layers of dried fruit and spices." James Suckling

La Fabriseria comes across as an elegant, medium-bodied Amarone. Its intensity, tannin structure and density are hard to beat in this price range. Very juicy on the palate, full-bodied and soft, with notes of cherries, cardamom and cloves. And always with the elegant seriousness of the Tedeschi family's great flagship of the same name. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very deep ruby red colour. Spicy notes of white pepper and tobacco on the nose, with hints of coffee and small red fruits. Full-bodied and intense in the mouth, soft, with character, personality and pronounced tannins on the finish, lingers for a long time." Falstaff

"Vibrant and fresh aromas of wild cherry and sour plum give way to exotic purple flower aromas and tobacco on the nose. The palate pops with tart red fruit notes followed by a mix of sweet and savory spices finishing with a bright pop of acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"A dense nose of dried fruit, mainly plums and black berries, which opens up a little on the medium-bodied palate, but the fruit is still essentially wrapped in a cocoon of fine, slightly drying tannin. This wine clearly needs more time in bottle to develop, but it shows great promise. Try decanting it now, but best from 2024." James Suckling

"The 2019 Valpolicella Classico Superiore La Fabriseria has sweet cherry syrup or crème de cassis that transitions to a savory side with hints of spice and tarry smoke. The wine presents bright flavors and enough structure to pair next to a heavy meat ragù and homemade pasta." Wine Advocate

"This is a long-standing and favourite Tedeschi production. The 2019 Valpolicella Classico Superiore La Fabriseria has sweet cherry syrup or crème de cassis that fades into a savoury side with hints of spice and tarry smoke." Wine Advocate

"The Valpolicella Superiore La Fabriseria 2019 is a real delight on the nose, with an opulent blend of crushed black cherries complemented by cinnamon, cloves and cocoa. It is silky and supple, with a lively acidity that further enlivens the ripe red fruit and inner spice. The 2019 tapers off with amazing length but also freshness, leaving a subtle train of fine tannins as the raspberry and liquorice notes slowly fade. This is a real crowd favourite." Vinous

"From grapes left to slightly over-ripen on the vine, with a portion of the fruit left uncrushed for fermentation, it has a deep and perfumed blackcurrant aroma with noticeable tannic structure overlaid by incredibly smooth and plush fruit. Despite this, it's light on its feet and well balanced despite the 15.5% alcohol, lifted on the finish by a touch of balsam." Decanter

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

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

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

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

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

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

After almost two centuries, it is time to erect a "monument" to the enthusiastic grape grower Philip Mazzei (1730-1816). In the form of this single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, this succeeds extraordinarily well. Elegant, deep dark colour, classic aromas, complex, fruity and spicy flavour, well-proportioned tannins and acidity, taut, structured and persistent. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Philip 2021, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, is a fine achievement from the Mazzei family. Dried herbs, lavender, sage, mint and liquorice play with a core of blue and purple fruit. There's a lot to like - that's for sure." Vinous

"The Mazzei 2021 Philip is soft and richly textured with all sorts of blackberry and black fruit aromas packed inside. These come through with special intensity in this balanced vintage. The wine style is contemporary and easily accessible for an international palate." Wine Advocate

"Cloves, dark fruit, leather and savoury complexity. Youthful, velvety tannins with crisp acidity, a full body and a spicy finish full of blond tobacco and coffee grounds." James Suckling

Fascinating, brightly coloured cuvée that smells of fresh fruit and flowers. Flavours of apple, pear and peach flatter the palate, well balanced and well-balanced. The fine mineral saline note on the finish is also delicious. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh white, with lovely verve and fine balance imparting an open-knit accessibility, carrying a pleasing range of poached pear and apricot fruit, fresh herb and milled white pepper accents. Reveals tangy notes of tangerine and pink grapefruit zest on the salty finish." James Suckling

"Lively citrus notes, followed by subtle flavours of mussels and wet stones. Medium body. Flinty finish at the end. Clean and crisp." James Suckling

"The Graci 2022 Etna Bianco has a pronounced mineral note that gives it additional sharpness and brightness. Over the years, the proportion of Carricante in the blend has increased. The salty-mineral profile of this grape variety takes centre stage. The wine has a very light golden colour and is already very drinkable." Wine Advocate

"Blend of Carricante and Catarratto. Notes of chinotto, yellow plums and lemony sage on the nose, almondy, salty and acidic on the finish, with a fruity, lemony and dried fruit aftertaste. Very long lasting." Luca Gardini

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

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

"Very spicy, almost peppery fruit notes on the nose that expand into juicy blackcurrants on the palate, with the peppery note persisting. Medium to full-bodied with very fine tannins that coat the lips and tongue and a bright and fruity finish." James Suckling

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

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

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

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

Bright ruby red colour, typical of Sangiovese. Intense aroma of blackcurrants, cherries and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, it immediately shows great freshness and minerality, good tannins and structure, a very long finish that shows that Sangiovese from the Montalcino region possesses wonderful elegance, complexity and depth even when aged in stainless steel. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red colour. Delicate and delicately scented on the nose of blueberries, violets and a touch of roasted coffee on the finish. Flattering and soft on entry, then with gripping tannins, subtly fruity and bitter on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 vintage has given the Toscana Sangiovese a darker and richer profile. Dried black cherries and autumnal spices combine with sage aromas. The wine shows a wonderful inner sweetness and ripe red and blue fruits, while a steely minerality defines the finish. It finishes with a tension on the palate that frames the experience well and leaves a tart blackberry note." Vinous

The grapes for this graceful Valpolicella Classico come from the Miniere vineyard on the Bertani Villa Novare estate, a south-west-facing site covering just 4 hectares and consisting of two terraces. Bright ruby red in colour, with a very clear nose of fresh fruit, cherry and wild berries, with elegant notes of white pepper. Spicy, juicy and flavoursome on the palate, with remarkable persistence, straightforwardness and great length! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red colour. Delicate fruity notes on the nose, raspberries and cherries, some orange zest and a hint of herbs. Pomegranate on the palate, fresh and straightforward, refreshing acidity, delicate tannins, salty final." Falstaff