Bibenda

High-quality grappa stravecchia made from a selection of the best marcs of Trentino, aged for at least 18 (diciotto) months in small barrels of noble wood. With its delicate aromas and round, soft taste, Le Diciotto Lune was also able to conquer the female audience. SUPERIORE.DE

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

Amarone Classico is made from grapes grown in the vineyards of the classic Valpolicella area at the entrance to the Marano Valley. The drying process of the carefully selected grapes takes about 120 days. After fermentation, the wine matures in wooden barrels for at least 3 years.

Dark cherries, plums, smoke, mint, liquorice, sweet herbs and crushed rose petals swirl around in the glass as the wine gradually opens. Lively and lively, it features an expressive and well-defined personality and seriousness. For all its depth, the 2017 edition is an almost weightless Amarone built on finesse and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright shimmering ruby red. Finely marked on the nose, slightly barrel-spicy, savoury cherry and plum fruit, as well as blood orange and rosehip on the finish, white pepper. Very juicy and radiant on the palate, compact and polished, with tension and vibration until the final." Falstaff

"Exotic spices and dusty black cherry are complemented by a vivid notes of cinnamon and dried flowers as the remarkably pretty 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico opens in the glass. This is cool-toned and seamless in feel, coasting across the palate with mineral-tinged red berries, hints of sour citrus and exotic spices, all energized by brilliant acidity. The 2017 finishes long, lightly structured and staining without a hint of its 16.5% abv and amazing balance." Vinous

"This shows excellent intensity on the nose, with suggestive notes of sweet raspberries, Christmas spices, nutmeg and hints of salted plums, caramel and chocolate. Very flavorful, but agile and silky on the medium-to full-bodied palate. Signature Amarone warmth and bittersweet berry and chocolate in the finish, with some savory and sweet spice, too. Long and complex." James Suckling

Dreamlike Barbera, dedicated to the last work (La Luna e i Falo = Young Moon) of the writer Cesare Pavese. This wine symbolises the connection to the earth and to one's own origin. Dark purple. On the nose complex aromas of dark red, plump, juicy cherries, finest spices, plums and black forest berries. In the mouth polished, dense and with lots of fruit. Present but silky tannins, finely enclosed by the fruit, finesse-rich and persistent with a first-class acid structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Herbal aromas with plums, orange peel and fresh flowers. Full-bodied with gentle tannins. Juicy and succulent on the palate, with a savory finish." James Suckling

Subtle ruby red colour with light reflections. Warm, well-dosed bouquet of wild berries, cherries and some smoke. Fine tannins on the palate, with plenty of juice and fruit at the core, floral and spicy notes, compact. A fine salty vein in the harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby dark red; peppery notes, arouses curiosity; juicy, sweetness, balanced, length, drinky, pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Very typical, elegant, with polished tannins and full of fruity charm, sour cherry, some chocolate, sweet fruit melting, round." Weinwisser

"Pleasing nose of black cherries, flanked by plum notes and tobacco; polished attack, finely chiselled acidity, fruity and mineral finish." Vinum

"Medium ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Leather, ripe cherry and some undergrowth on the nose, then slightly spicy and balsamic. Grippy on the palate, with gripping, somewhat rustic tannins, then beautifully juicy on the finish. To savoury Tuscan dishes." Falstaff

"One of the best-balanced 2020s, Gracciano della Seta's Vino Nobile is discreetly padded with an abundance of dark, fleshy cherry, yet remains straightforward and sculptural. The tannins are slightly steely but yield smoothly, while zesty, citrusy acidity provides graceful support. Nuances of forest, leather and mint interweave with notes of orange that linger." Decanter

"This spicy red wine contains notes of dried herbs and olive pits, which mingle with cherries and blood oranges. It is medium-bodied, juicy and beautifully balanced. Fine tannins. Fresh and flavoursome finish." James Suckling

This wine is literally on fire. Flammante comes from the Inferno (hell), an area where the fruit of this fiery, warm and full-bodied wine comes from the hardness of the Rhaetian rock. With all the vigour in every sip, it is a wine of extreme grace and elegance that makes you think and marvel. Ruby red colour tending towards garnet. A beguiling bouquet of Mediterranean spices and herbs, then strawberry, wild rose, dried earth and minerals. Complex and full of character on the palate with a beautiful fruit centre and animating freshness that makes you long for the next glass. SUPERIORE.DE

"Creme de cassis, berries, mushrooms and some herbs on the nose. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. Balanced and flavorful with bright acidity and a focused finish with excellent length." James Suckling

Neromaccarj comes from a low-lying vineyard facing the sea and shows the ripe and juicy side of Nero d'Avola. The wine opens with a deep dark appearance and flavours that are dense and broad, forming a high wall of black plum fruit. The wine is very immediate and impressive, and you don't have to look far to recognise all these wide-ranging aromas on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate with multi-layered fruit and fine tannins. 6,500 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried plums, mussels, dark cherries, figs and warm cinnamon spices on the nose. Quite flavorful and juicy on the palate with tight yet silky tannins that grow on the palate. Quite ripe but refined, with a long, intense finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 NeroMaccarj tempts the imagination as dark depths of black cherry and brown spice evolve into an array of minty herbs, clove and crushed raspberries. This is soft and supple on the palate, with tart red berries and exotic spice motivated by brisk acidity. It tapers off with a bitter tinge of wild berry concentration and only lightly structured, ending with blood orange and rosy dark chocolate. The 2019 is very pretty today, yet holding its power in reserve." Vinous

Rich and fruity is the well-made Dolcetto from Chiara Boschis. Violet red, on the nose blackberry, candied cherries and some plum compote. On the palate a soft fullness with wonderfully fresh acidity, its medium face makes it an indispensable companion to light meat dishes and pasta. SUPERIORE.DE

Strong ruby-purple colour, the bouquet exudes clear, fresh fruit, blackcurrants and raspberries. Spicy on the palate with supple tannins, sweet melting, rich and with a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, impenetrable purple-red colour with violet reflections. Multi-layered nose with cedar wood in the foreground, followed by spices with finely balanced plum. Slightly greenish on the palate with pleasant tannins, has potential." Falstaff

"Fragrant redcurrant and blueberry fruit, underlaid with mint and violets; creamy and structured with silky tannins and a refreshing finish." Decanter

Feudi's Riserva Piano di Montevergine is only vinified in outstanding years. The wine has a very impressive concentration and great richness in every vintage. Dark and brooding on first impression, it slowly awakens in the glass with a captivating blend of menthol, mint and exotic spices that evolves with a lively note of cinnamon-dusted redcurrant. This velvety-smooth and elegant wine appears heavy at first, but is quickly enlivened by a core of vibrant acidity and zesty citrus notes that embellish the tart black fruits. The tannins on the finish are sweet and chalky, while notes of wild red plum and blood orange keep the tasterer coming back for more. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with garnet reflections. Ripe fruit of plums, heart cherries and bay leaf on the nose, underlaid with cedar wood, tobacco leaf and cardamom. Very polished and straightforward on the palate with gripping tannins and a very spicy final." Falstaff

"Aromas of juicy red cherries, baked strawberries and sage. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Fresh and juicy on the palate with beautifully balanced red fruits. Subtle length. Charming." James Suckling

"The hot and dry 2017 vintage may be too much for most Italian appellations, but for Irpinia it is one of the best harvests. This Riserva comes from the village of Taurasi. Its dark purple colour and dark fruit profile with cassis and cherry are complemented by an aftertaste of dark chocolate, pistachio and sweet tobacco. The palate is compact with taut, chalky tannins and fresh fruit flavours and shows great balance at this stage. However, it lacks a little complexity, although it will develop more layers as it ages." Decanter

"The Feudi di San Gregorio 2017 Taurasi Riserva Piano di Montevergine is one of Campania's flagship red wines and carries some of the heaviness and softness of this notoriously hot and dry growing season. The fruit comes from a beautiful site with volcanic sand and clay soils. This release is more open and approachable than some of the recent releases, which we have put aside for a long maturation in the cellar." Wine Advocate

Concentrated ruby red with garnet-coloured reflections. The wood contributes very slight hints of roasted coffee to the predominantly black cherry and berry aroma. Full and very intense flavour of dark berries, very slight hints of violets and plums, the compact tannins are supported by balsamic notes, with fine liquorice tones in the finish. The harmony that this powerful and already delicious Aglianico hints at today will only fully come into its own after a few years of ageing in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby colour with a noticeable rim. Dark nose of blackberries, dark chocolate, coffee and a hint of tar. Rolls gently over the palate, spicy fruit paired with velvety tannins, round and powerful into the long finish." Falstaff

"This wine has aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry, dried herbs, tobacco and dark chocolate. On the palate, it is firm and toasty, with a full body and chewy tannins. Ambitious but balanced." James Suckling

Pas Dosé - here the normally added dosage is omitted, which after disgorgement determines not only the sugar content but also the style of the sparkling wine fermented in the bottle. Instead, the volume naturally lost during the years of bottle ageing is replaced by other wines of the house, which, however, do not further influence the sugar content. Thus we have here an extremely dry sparkling wine, which, however, in no way lacks volume, character and finely modelled taste nuances. Straw yellow in the glass, bright fruits, herbs, citrus and wild flowers on the nose. In the drink, then, an impressively fine perlage and texture that reveals layers of spices, dried fruits and slightly salty components. Its creaminess and elegance is flanked by a well-proportioned, well-integrated and fresh acidity and delights into the full-bodied, lingering finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of apple pie, with a hint of swirl. Lively bubbles with irregular bead. Drier flavours than expected from the nose, but always in the realm of apple. Tasty." James Suckling

"Intense straw yellow with green shimmer, persistent perlage. Restrained nose of honeydew melon, mango and yellow flowers. On the palate with good tension, fine pressure and salty undertone, fine-grained perlage and clean finish." Falstaff

"The Stilèma project was created as a testament to Antonio Mastroberardino's love for his land, his vines and his wines, and their original character." Piero Mastroberardino

The project aims to highlight the link between the vines, the wines and their territorial origins. The Mastroberardino family wants to recreate the style of winemaking of the indigenous grape varieties of Irpinia (Greco, Fiano and Aglianico) that took place between the late 1950s and early 1970s for the Taurasi and between 1970 and 1980 for the two white wines from Irpinia. It is the unmistakable style (the stilèma) of a family that has interpreted the natural heritage of its territory over generations and that today impressively emphasises the genuine character of the terroir, which by no means can be expressed through high concentration and intensity alone.

Pale straw yellow in colour with light green reflections. The 24 months of ageing on the lees of this exceptional Fiano creates a fascinating balance and complexity in the aroma profile with classic hints of flint, fine saltiness, the scent of fresh almonds, cedar wood and wild herbs. The flavour is lively with a pronounced mineral note, accompanied by an inspiring freshness that gives it great drinking flow and finesse. The precise and very long finish is also extremely convincing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Proof of the grape variety's ageing potential: Fresh hay and apple notes, including mint, are captivating on the nose; in the mouth, the wine is acidic and fresh with a fine salty minerality and a precise evolution towards citrus and apple notes." Vinum

"This slight hint of initial reduction fades to reveal soft citrus, exotic fruit, white peach and pear. The wine's flinty minerality is well defined. The fruit comes from four vineyards and the wine is mostly aged in stainless steel." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Fiano di Avellino Riserva Stilema is aromatically intense, with a burst of ground ginger, cumin, incense and crushed green apples. It's a seductress, with a sweet burst of ripe fruit on the attack that is quickly contrasted by lemon zest and vibrant acidity. As well as being incredibly fresh, the 2019 is also incredibly long, finishing with a sense of liquid stone and a pleasant bitter note that calls me back to the glass for more." Vinous

"A fresh Fiano with aromas of honeysuckle, flint, oyster shells and green pear, which fade into a medium body, a creamy texture and a fruity finish. Slightly salty on the finish." James Suckling

"A masterful, intense and complex pure Fiano. Beautiful profile on the nose, lychee, a hint of pink grapefruit and pineapple, with a finish of herbs, thyme and a hint of jasmine. Dense, iodised mouthfeel, lovely depth, with a return of exotic fruit." Luca Gardini

"The nose is sweet yet structured, thoughtful and almost wistful, with notes of vanilla, pear, yellow apple, lemon, dried pineapple and almond paste. On the elegant, equally compelling palate, a more intense lemon element swirls around fresher pineapple notes and emerging melon flavours before a toasted almond finish follows. The bright acidity adds a subtle sizzle to the overall silky mouthfeel." Wine Enthusiast

Guardiola, a cru from Nerello Mascalese, shows the typical elegant flavour of volcanic soils. Fine raspberry fruit, gentle acidity and silky tannins, full and ripe, but never too full-bodied. A modern wine from a traditional vine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Spectacular vineyard with steep terraces. Extraordinarily deep and multi-faceted, highly elegant and full of finesse with finely honed red berry fruit, extraordinarily precise and puristic, a true mountain wine with Burgundian finesse. Bravo Diego!" Weinwisser

"A mineral version that starts with hints of tar, smoke and iron, then segues into flavours of black plum, dried rosemary, resin and sandalwood. It shows fine-grained tannins that firm up the lively finish." Wine Spectator

"A dusty mixture of balsamic herbs, menthol, dark chocolate and dried black cherries characterise the 2019 Etna Rosso Guardiola. It is surprisingly soft and enveloping, but quickly gains tension. Salty minerals and exotic spices complicate the tart red berry fruits. The finish is still a little chewy and tannic, with a residual acidity that balances while a bitter balsamic hint fades. Patience is required." Vinous

"A pretty serious expression from Guardiola, showing a unique peppery flavour with lots of dark minerals, sweet spices and tar. Also savoury berries and dried orange peel. Full-bodied on the palate with flattering, integrated tannins that give it a full, dense body. Long and spicy finish." James Suckling

"The nose starts with sweet, bright aromas of strawberries and raspberries, then turns savoury and wild with notes of tar, earth and herbs. On the palate, a gentle floral note makes the fruit elements sweeter and more delicate, but the earthy tones linger while the acidity pushes against a curtain of refined tannins." Decanter

"It shows fragrant red fruits, black cherry and earth, with some peppery spice. Dense, flavoursome and grippy with fresh acidity, the palate shows some lovely dark fruits and a chewy finish lifted by its inherent freshness." Decanter

"A pure Nerello Mascalese, with notes of undergrowth alternating with a crisp freshness. Blackcurrant on the nose, with a hint of pepper leaf, taut on the palate, spicy, with great length on the palate, with a fruity-official return." Luca Gardini

"The Stilèma project was born as a testimony of Antonio Mastroberardino's love for his land, his vines and his wines, for their original character." Piero Mastroberardino

The project aims to highlight the link between the vines, the wines and their territorial origins. In this way, the Mastroberardino family wants to recreate the style of winemaking of the autochthonous grape varieties of Irpinia (Greco, Fiano and Aglianico) that took place between the end of the 1950s and the beginning of the 1970s of the twentieth century for the Taurasi and between the years 1970 and 1980 for the two white wines from Irpinia. It is the unmistakable style (the stilèma) of a family that has interpreted the natural heritage of its territory over generations and today impressively highlights the genuine character of the terroir, which by no means can be expressed by high concentration and intensity alone.

Stilèma Greco di Tufo Riserva is a blend of grapes from the Montefusco, Tufo and Petruro Irpino vineyards. During the cellar processes, special attention was paid to the malolactic fermentation and the ageing phase, which give the wine density and consistency. Pale straw yellow with greenish reflections. On the nose, notes of ripe fruit, lychee and grapefruit, yellow flowers, dried fruit and figs. Powerful but agile taste with a pronounced salty note, accompanied by a surprising freshness that gives it drinkability and finesse. It closes with a subtle and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich straw yellow with greenish reflections. In the nose of tropical fruits, lychee and grapefruit, in the aftertaste iodine, flint and slightly herbal, very complex. On the palate filigree, very salty and fresh, drinky, with draught, long and mineral final." Falstaff

"The 2018 Greco di Tufo Riserva Stilèma is rich and sweet-smelling, captivating with a tropical blend of green melon and exotic flowers. On the palate, it flows with a medium-heavy texture that feels silky and shows mineral fruit and savoury spices. The 2018 finishes with admirable depth and concentration, ending with a saline feel and notes of lime and liquid stones. While enjoyable, this wine is still very young and needs further ageing to reveal its hidden charms." Vinous

"Peachy piney notes at the start, evolving into more pronounced notes of fresh white grapes, yellow peaches and minerals on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, bright and concentrated. An interesting and refined Greco." James Suckling

"Here is a new wine from Mastroberardino, and what a charming beauty it is. The 2018 Greco di Tufo Riserva Stiléma takes advantage of the new "Riserva" status and offers us a glimpse into the age-worthiness of Greco. It is a white wine with a soft texture and medium-weight approach. The bouquet shows a filigree of lemon curd, pastry cream, saffron and wet stone." Wine Advocate

Selected grape marc from fully ripe and aromatic Prosecco grapes from the Conegliano region is carefully distilled for this grappa and matured in barriques for 18 months. Enjoy the special fruit flavours of Prosecco in a golden-coloured, mild Grappa Riserva with a soft finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright light gold colour. Smells of white bread, candy floss, flaked almonds and butterscotch on the nose. Sultanas on the palate, with a soft, sugary finish, slightly burnt on the finish." Falstaff

"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

Confini can justifiably be described as one of Friuli's best white wines. This crescendo is an exciting blend of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio and Riesling, with the strong flavours of Traminer clearly leading the way. Medium-bodied on the palate, with a creamy fullness and silky intensity, with hints of tropical fruit, gingerbread and exotic flowers. In the final third, the palate is then again wide-ranging, full of freshness, juicy acidity and grace - and with the lasting, deep impression that more than does justice to a top wine from this appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright golden yellow colour. Intense, aromatic nose, lots of fruit exoticism, mango and papaya, followed by rose petals and white pepper. Powerful on the palate, with phenolic grip, mouthwatering, animating, harmonious acidity structure, long, spicy final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Confini is uncannily fresh, emerging from the glass with an array of sweet herbs and wet stones that give way to a vibrant lime pudding. It is soft and round with an almost oily texture and a cascade of liquid flowers under a hint of incense and exotic spices. Zesty acidity resonates on the finish, while the 2019 finishes longer and is more savoury than expected. A salty note slowly fades. The Confini 2019 is a wine of constant contrasts. It is a blend of Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer and Riesling." Vinous

"Very aromatic with ripe pineapple, lychees and glazed lemons with dried flowers and spicy herb undertones. Medium- to full-bodied, tense and energetic with steady acidity and a firm, lightly phenolic mid-palate. Hints of dried leaves and citrus peel at the end." James Suckling

Ruby red with violet reflections. Intense notes of sour cherry, wild berries, chocolate, undergrowth and coffee on the nose. Velvety, structured, full and rich on the palate of dark spices, candied cherries and cocoa, finishes juicy and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Michele Chiarlo 2017 Nizza Riserva La Court is a beautifully enriched and generous wine that adds ample volume and depth to the Barbera grape. This kitchen-friendly option shows the dark fruit (blackberry and plum) that goes well with most pasta or meat dishes. It also offers just enough acidity to get through any recipe with lots of cheese or cream." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of dark fruit, cedar and scorched earth lead the nose. The structured, balanced palate offers Marasca cherry, blackberry jam and liquorice alongside polished tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2017 Nice LaCourt is soft, supple, rich and open, but not at all heavy. Raspberry jam, mocha, spices, new leather - all build as this juicy Nice unfolds its considerable appeal. The 2017 hits just the right notes. It's a great effort from the Chiarlo family." Vinous

"Forest floor and farmyard on the nose, lots of dark fruit and wild herbs on the palate. Good intensity and freshness with a touch of volatile acidity, not in a negative sense, which gives the wine personality." Decanter