Bibenda

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

This Riserva, which is partly aged in barriques, shines in the glass with an intense ruby red colour. Deep red cherries, wild berries and a lovely spicy bouquet of cinnamon, pepper and cloves on the nose, rounded off with fine vanilla and tobacco notes. Medium-bodied on the palate, velvety and supple, the tannins flank a respectable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smells fruity at first, juicy red cherries, wild berries, plums, then spicy notes, cinnamon, cloves, tobacco, vanilla. Rich, dense, a fine acid wire provides freshness. Has really nice play and good balance." Vinum

"Delicate ruby red colour with light reflections. Dried flowers, cherry and cloves on the nose. Good pressure on the palate, savoury, followed by soft tannins, nice length." Falstaff

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

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

Filetta di Lamole comes from selected Lamole vineyards owned by the Manetti family at an altitude of 600 metres. A multi-layered, elegant Chianti Classico with nuanced flavours and a fascinating structure. Ruby red in colour with light reflections. A multi-layered bouquet of cherry, followed by slightly tarry notes, violets and wild flowers. You can recognise Fontodi's signature in this profound wine, and yet it is different because it is more subtle and restrained with its existing strengths. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby colour with purple reflections. Dense and inviting nose of ripe sour cherry, rosehip and fine spice. Fresh fruit on the palate, fine-grained tannins, juicy and carried by invigorating acidity through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

"Deep, youthful ruby red colour. Brooding, deep red fruit nose with salty, mineral notes. Loosened up and with a peppery tingle. Lush and energetic on the palate, with fantastic, gravelly tannins and plenty of juice. Real substance." Jancis Robinson

"The organically grown Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole offers bold, lifted fruit with almost carbonic tones of fresh cherry and raspberry. For those of you interested in Lamole fruit from cool climates and high altitudes, which tend to be more transparent and fresh overall, this wine emphasises that contemporary style." Wine Advocate

"An abundance of savoury herbs, juniper and heather pours from the glass. On the palate, it shows a beautiful clarity and energetic acidity, which is gently enveloped by long, flowing and confident tannins. And the dark red cherry stone radiates lightness and brightness." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole is fabulous. In fact, it is the best edition of this wine yet, combining all the aromatic intensity and energy of Lamole with an extra kick of fruit and suppleness on the mid-palate. Dark red cherry, plum, spice, rose petals, crushed rock and herbs create a multi-layered finish. What a wine." 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 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

The Fanti family owns over 8,500 olive trees of typical Tuscan varieties, all planted in the hilly areas of the estate. The extra virgin olive oil is produced in the estate's traditional oil mill, where the olives are processed at room temperature to preserve their natural flavours. Multi-layered and of powerful finesse with aromas of freshly cut grass, notes of honey and sultanas. The flavour is peppery and spicy. SUPERIORE.DE

Sauvignon Sanct Valentin is probably the best-known white wine from the St. Michael-Eppan winery. It has been vinified from carefully selected single vineyards at the foot of the Mendelstock since 1989. Yellow-green in colour, dense bouquet of yellow fruit, gooseberry, elderflower and ripe redcurrant, smooth on the palate with elegant, floral fullness and crisp acidity. A great and very savoury top wine and probably the most award-winning white from the internationally highly respected winegrowers' cooperative. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate golden yellow with green reflections. The first nose has a clear green flavour of gooseberry and green mango, with a little air clearly elderberry and spicy herbs. Slightly spicy on the palate, dominated by citrus fruits, well-integrated acidity and a balanced, medium-long finish." Falstaff

"Spicy white fruit, elegant gooseberries and sea salt. Delicious and slightly salty, with a medium body and a tactile, mealy finish. A pure, outstanding South Tyrolean Sauvignon Blanc that you can enjoy right now." James Suckling

Tramonto d'Oca is a single-varietal red wine made from the French (and not entirely simple) Petit Verdot variety. In addition to the traditional wood note from the barrel, the bouquet has a variety of aromas of spices, violets, blackberries and blackcurrants. Notes of pickled fruit, coffee and chocolate on the palate. Firmly structured and long, needs time and air. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dense and concentrated red wine with black cherries, hints of chocolate and flowers that develop into a medium body. Firm finish." James Suckling

Chardonnay - at home all over the world - thrives for the Sanct Valentin in the best single vineyards in the municipality of Eppan and develops into splendid grape material here. Strong straw yellow colour with green reflections. Powerful, fruity bouquet of ripe fruit, yeast and vanilla notes, with a hazelnut aftertaste. Very memorable, powerful, racy and mineral flavour. One of the house's most important wines with outstanding balance, well-integrated acidity and excellent Storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Strong, shiny golden yellow colour. Yellow-fruity nose of ripe plums, pears and dried fruit, roasted hazelnuts and butter. Well-integrated wood, good balance between acidity and ripe fruit, long finish." Falstaff

"Wood spices, vanilla, creamy citrus and stone fruit on the nose. Flavourful and quite full-bodied on the palate, with a fine texture and a long, toasty finish." James Suckling

Chianti Classico by Giovanni Manetti offers a profound, densely woven and still very youthful bouquet of dark and red berries and fine spicy notes. The dry, cherry flavour with long-lasting impressions, well-extracted tannins and the acidity typical of Sangiovese show a clearly recognisable terroir character. Very clear, straightforward, long, always fresh and juicy, with excellent strength and balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, shiny ruby red colour with a dark core. Intense and memorable nose of black cherry, dark chocolate and a hint of mocha. Silky tannins, concentrated fruit and fine acidity on the palate, with a grippy final." Falstaff

"Deep carmine red colour. Tantalising nose of deep red fruits with hints of white pepper and leather. Juicy red fruits, with fine-grained, abundant tannins that unfold on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The organic Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico shows a special density in this vintage. There are ripe fruit flavours with blackberries and plums. The fruit also has a rich fleshiness or thickness that contributes to the overall dimension and mouthfeel of this approachable wine. The bright acidity brings out all these elements even better." Wine Advocate

"Fontodi's 2021 is a symbol of the exceptional quality of Chianti Classico at the Annata level. It exudes the wild, rugged and dry Tuscan landscape against a backdrop of dark, multi-layered fruit. Hints of coffee and liquorice mingle with concentrated black cherry and blackberry. With ripe, gravelly tannins, this wine shows the power of the vintage without being overbearing, retaining its charismatic energy. It's worth waiting a few more months before drinking, but if cellared properly, it can easily impress for a decade." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is a classic wine from the estate, made in the restrained style that has become the norm here of late. There is plenty of richness from Panzano, but more energy and less heaviness than was the norm a few years ago. Giovanni Manetti and his team have given the Chianti Classico a wonderful sophistication. Spices, flowers, mocha and blue fruits linger, all wrapped in extremely fine tannins." Vinous

"This red wine combines the fruity and spicy side of Sangiovese and shows flavours of cherries and blackberries, accompanied by eucalyptus, juniper and wild rosemary. Lively and fluid, with tension in the complex, mineral aftertaste." Wine Spectator

Essenza is a classic Valtellina Superiore that draws its fruit from the terraced high mountain vineyards in one of the northernmost corners of Italy. Ruby red with garnet-coloured inclusions. Wonderful aromas of dried strawberries, mushrooms and flowers that open up into pure fruit. It is medium-bodied on the palate with appealing depth and intensity. The fine and complex tannins are polished and flattering. Essenza magically balances power and elegance, gaining much of its straightforwardness and focus from the lingering mineral notes of crushed slate or granite that add salty notes to the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A poised Nebbiolo with plenty of raspberries, strawberries, sweet spices and mixed herbs. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins. Velvety and elegant with a harmonious, succulent finish." James Suckling

Intense, compact, ruby red colour. An intense mixture of black raspberry, wild herbs, air-dried meat, thyme and smoke flows from the glass. Refined and lively on the palate with delicate, salty acidity and berry fruit flavours. As it progresses, a beautiful cherry centre with a hint of sweet blood orange that keeps you coming back to the glass. This is already a pure thrill for the palate, and with further bottle ageing it will reveal its full depth and sophistication. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, bright ruby red colour with a light garnet hue. On the nose, rich heart cherries and ripe plums, then cassis and slightly leathery. Sweet and fruity on the palate, with velvety tannins, juicy and drinky, long finish." Falstaff

"Rich redcurrants, baked cherries, some sweet spices and hazelnuts. Lots of juicy fruit on the medium to full-bodied palate with firm tannins and a fleshy centre. Spicy, ripe finish at the end." James Suckling

"This red is about purity and silkiness, with black currant, cherry, violet, graphite and rosemary aromas and flavors defined by vibrant acidity. Harmonious, with fine length, this is set to evolve over the next decade." Wine Spectator

"The Carmignano Il Sasso 2021 impresses with its rich bouquet of crushed plums, sage and balsamic spice. On the palate it is pure energy, silky yet supple with racy acidity and a depth of crunchy wild berries, underpinned by tactile minerals and a hint of mandarin orange. The 2021 refreshes the palate and finishes structured and long, while purple flowers and blackberry notes fade away. This super seductive Il Sasso will win many hearts." Vinous

The Passito I Capitelli is like a delicious sweet, with a lightly mouth-coating and finely knitted palette of flavours that includes fruity notes of papaya, candied watermelon, preserved Meyer lemon and dried fig, with aromatic accents of tea rose, star anise and pickled ginger just above the dryness level. Luscious and juicy, with fresh acidity on the slightly roasted finish, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"A sweet and nutty passito with aromas and flavors of dried peach and apricot. Some floral complexity, too. It’s full and sweet, but contained, without any cloying or syrupy character. All in all, it’s a nimble, balanced and inviting sweet wine." James Suckling

"Silky and lightly mouth-coating, this bright, smooth bonbon offers a core of mandarin sorbet, mango and passion fruit coulis. It offers aromatic accents of candied ginger, jasmine, graham cracker and chive blossom and has a long and creamy finish." Wine Spectator

Trebbiano Castello di Semivicoli, matured without the use of barrels, exudes an aromatic fragrance of ripe peach, mint and flowers, with mineral notes. Firm, rich, graceful and elegant on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lemons, chopped herbs and beeswax on the nose. Crushed stones, too. So fresh, with a medium body and lots of texture leading to a long, waxy and tangy finish." James Suckling

Castello di Ama, one of the highest vineyards in the Classico region, produces one of the most delicious wines in its appellation every year with Ama. The grapes come from the single vineyards Bellavista, Casuccia, San Lorenzo, Bertinga and Montebuoni. A fresh wine with youthful charm and flavours of cherry, plum and spices. Complex, full-bodied and with fine-grained tannins on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, bright ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Spicy, fruity and slightly fleshy on the nose with aromas of cranberries, wild berries and some undergrowth. Delicate fruit flavours on the palate, good balance and still a little youthful tannin." Falstaff

"The 2022 is full of youthful vim. Scents of cinnamon, red plum and dark cherry percolate on the nose, and red rose lurks in the background. Medium in weight, it offers a mouthful of cherry pits and gravelly stones inflected with white pepper. Very juicy, peppy acidity joins a light, chalky tannin frame." Decanter

"The 2022 Chianti Classico Ama opens with a burst of dark red cherry/plum fruit. Vibrant and generous, with bright acids, the Ama is an absolute delight. Its forward personality and impeccable balance make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so." Vinous

"The fresh and floral nature of this wine is more than evident, with black cherry and orange undertones. The palate is medium-bodied and refined, with silky tannins and mineral highlights. Tangy and crisp at the end." James Suckling

Mandrone di Lohsa is a supple wine, with a soft, feminine structure. Fruity berry aromas, herbs, spices and a warm woody note on the nose. Round, full and rich in dark red fruits on the palate. Very pleasant and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"A very fresh and fine tannined cabernet with a medium body, caressing texture and a flavorful finish. Better in 2024 but already impressive." James Suckling

Long Now is still a real insider tip for us. Dark ruby colour. Opulent nose with notes of black cherry, smoke, tobacco and liquorice. The palate is full of tension with a breadth and power that is unrivalled. In this exceptional wine, Barbera and Nebbiolo merge into a spectacular blend that is rich, powerful and has a beautiful, long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Long Now, Pelissero's Barbera/Nebbiolo blend, is fabulous. The combination of inky, jammy Barbera fruit and Nebbiolo structure works so well here. Inky dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate, spice, new leather, licorice and lavender saturate the palate." Vinous

The rich garnet-red Pelago in Riserva quality made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano and small amounts of Merlot has a captivating aroma of raspberries, strawberry jam, cloves, tobacco and mocha. On the palate, it reveals a noble spiciness and a hearty, juicy and very long flavour. Pelago 2019 should turn out to be a real charmer after some ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light ruby red colour with a garnet-red hue. Rum pot, rich black cherry and ripe plums on the nose, then slightly spicy. Fruity-sweet, juicy, drinky on the palate, with well-integrated tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"Lush fruit that presents the blue-black fruit, Napeta spice and ink dust of a ripe Cabernet and the velvety red plum of a Montepulciano. A hint of cigar smoke pervades the long, fine-grained, slightly chunky tannins. A hint of freshly gathered wild mushrooms, a touch of pine needles, and then the finish is deep and lush and juicy red soaked with Montepulciano fruit. Modern and international, but stylish, and the Montepulciano from Le Marche shines through." Jancis Robinson

"This blend is a rich, dense and concentrated wine that shows well today or will age in the cellar. It opens with Cabernet leading the way with aromas of blackberry, cassis and tobacco as hints of savory herbs and spice quickly follow. Concentrated but with a lift, the palate shows power with some restraint as flavors of plum, coffee and liquorice all seamlessly meld together on the long and savory finish." Wine Enthusiast

"A pleasant, fruity red wine with the character of blackcurrants and blackberries and a lovely mineral freshness. Medium-bodied with excellent balance and non-distracting tannins. It radiates clarity and drinkability. Very well made." James Suckling

"The Pelago 2019 seduces with a beguiling blend of crushed plums, sage and tobacco, underpinned by sweet smoke. This is pure elegance, silky and enveloping with cooling acidity to balance. A wave of polished red and blue fruit flows easily across the palate. Tart blackberries and a hint of citrus resonate as the 2019 finishes long and powerful, with a hint of minerality that leaves a crisp feel as a layer of fine-grained tannins tug at the cheeks. This wine is still very young, but full of potential." Vinous