Bibenda

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

Pernice comes from the single vineyard of the same name and fascinates with its fine fragrance and elegance. Intense ruby red with garnet reflections. Complex and rich bouquet of violet notes and small red fruits, some roasted coffee and cocoa. On the palate elegant, full-bodied, with present fruit, yet 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 the beginning to the end. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; inviting Pinot fruit; also in the mouth fruit, length, fine tannin" (JLF)." Merum

"An elegant red, with delicate notes of woodsy spices, dried flowers and wild herbs serving as an enticing thread that winds through macerated black cherry and dried fig flavors. Long and fresh, with creamy tannins providing fine definition through the minerally finish." Wine Spectator

Medium-deep ruby red with orange reflections. Wonderful bouquet of fine sour cherry and strawberry compote with restrained oak spice. Multi-layered and juicy on the palate with a potpourri of dark fruits, framed by fine-grained tannins. Well structured, it leads into an interesting, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This red wine is fleshy and shows notes of cherries, strawberries, mint and earth, accompanied by a firm, lively structure. Although this wine sounds rather austere now, it is fresh and has a lingering fruity and spicy aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"This wine is lively and racy with ripe raspberries, blackcurrant leaves, rose petals and bergamot. Also dry earth. Medium to full body with crisp tannins and chalky texture. Structured and a little chewy, yet fresh and red-fruited with a mineral finish." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco Bordini 2020 (with fruit from the village of Neive) shows a medium-bodied density with more texture and structure in this vintage. The Bordini is a little more austere in character and savoury overall. This added richness is accompanied by an open approach that makes this wine approachable in the medium term. Or you can wait if you prefer." Wine Advocate

"Black raspberries, medicinal herbs and spiced tea dominate the aromatic profile. The firm palate reveals that the fruit is at the core, surrounded by sweet and savory spices, including notes of cigar box and worn leather. Mouthwatering acidity adds to its appeal." Wine Enthusiast

The name says it all: Marne means marl soil, on which the vines for this marvellous Amarone grow. They are over 20 years old and lie in an ideal 180° direction, from south-west to south-east. Rich, shiny ruby red colour, compact bouquet with intense aromas of plum, black cherry, green tea and tobacco, with a fine chocolate note in the background. The body, coated in fine berry fruit, develops a dynamic flavour experience on the palate with a sweet fruit melt, firm tannins and a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, bright ruby red with garnet reflections. A complex nose of dried red fruits, liquorice and forest floor, with a balsamic finish. Powerful on the palate with intense fruit and length as well as a fine tannin structure." Falstaff

"Dried flowers, plums, red berries, beautifully combined with leather, oak, figs and dates, lively freshness with a beautiful tannin structure." Decanter

"The wines from this reliable producer are consistently delicious, in a modern style without ever slipping too far into excess. Cherry, alpine spruce, candied orange zest, violets and camphor. The oak combines with the refined tannins of the grapes, condensing the fruit with a welcome restraint. The vintage has a hint of sweetness. The age and accompanying complexity will serve this wine well. Lasting." James Suckling

"The 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Marne 180 is wonderfully floral, with dusty, dried roses and violets accompanied by notes of crushed chalk and spiced blackberries. It has a silky texture and a pleasant inner sweetness with crisp forest fruits contrasted by candied orange notes. The Marne 180 finishes structured and remarkably fresh with a hint of dark chocolate that lingers. It is fantastic." Vinous

Beautiful and very well-balanced red wine from the three main historical areas of Montalcino, which have different geoclimatic characteristics due to their different slopes and altitudes - and thus ensure a unique balance between freshness and structure, body and elegance.

Ruby red in colour with garnet reflections, opens immediately with a rich, complex nose. Initially dark cherry, chinotto orange and violet. It then opens up to broader, more complex notes of blueberry, vanilla, tobacco, cinnamon and chocolate with a subtle menthol finish. This juicy 2016 Brunello di Montalcino offers plenty of energy and brightness, conveyed by the cherry fruit and wild berry flavours at its core. The primary fruit is surrounded by spice, grilled herbs and floral earth. The natural complexity, purity and depth of the Sangiovese grape comes into its own in this dream vintage and especially in this Brunello. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, noble ruby red colour with a radiant core. Open-hearted and inviting nose, slightly fleshy, with nuances of ripe sour cherries, pepper and raspberries, with an aftertaste of rose hips. Very polished and balanced on the palate, with tightly woven tannins, opens up beautifully on the palate, slightly salty finish." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red colour. Senescent fruit sweetness, beautiful ripe cherry and undergrowth. There is also an obvious oak sweetness on the palate, but there is still a delicacy here, perhaps because the tannins are so fine and relatively light. Elegant, dry, delicate, long, even juicy." Jancis Robinson

"Bringing together grapes from diverse vineyards throughout Montalcino, this midweight, almost-approachable Brunello is focused and vibrant. It takes a bit of coaxing on the nose then divulges sage, orange rind and fennel. Brisk acidity and chalky tannins meet crisp red currant and cranberry, cleansing the palate nicely." Decanter

"The Brunello di Montalcino 2016 has something spicy and slightly rustic about it, which I find very attractive. Baked black cherries, balsamic spice and a hint of animal musk create a beguiling spectacle. The textures are silky smooth, with cooling acids and salty minerals lifting the expression as they give way to tart red fruits. The tannins increase and slowly dry out the senses, but even today the 2016 is a pleasure to drink, coming across as both youthfully structured and savoury and fresh. It is a blend from the vineyards of Val di Suga in Montalcino." Vinous

"Aromas of iron, blood and cherry introduce this soft and lively red wine, while an abundance of dark fruit - black cherry and blackberry - lingers on the palate. The finish is characterised by dark, chocolaty tannins." Wine Spectator

"Dusty notes of crushed gravel and dried tea leaves are the prelude to aromas of fresh mushrooms and hints of fennel. Spicy mushrooms and olives, followed by firm, fine-grained tannins. Structured and full-bodied." James Suckling

The grapes for Gaglioles Riserva come from vineyards in Panzano that used to belong to Le Cinciole and neighbouring Gagliole. Dark and full-bodied in the glass, it shows the full range of the Conca d'Oro area of Panzano, but does so in a pleasantly restrained style that is typical of the elegant 2019. Currently still very young, in a few years it will be much more enjoyable. SUPERIORE.DE

"Harmony and depth in this version that bears the ancient name of this beautiful farm. Complex nose, blackberries and blueberries together with mentholated touches and floral nuances, of carnation, dense and taut mouth, savory tannins, juicy finish, with mentholated-floral return." Luca Gardini

"Beautiful aromas of roses and other flowers, together with fresh cherries and lemon rind, following through to a medium body with freshness and vivid intensity to the finish. Spicy at the end." James Suckling

"Only in its second vintage, the certified organic Gagliole 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva addresses the need for a category that sits between the entry-level reds and the high-end Gran Selezione wines. Fruit is sourced exclusively from Panzano for an intense ruby color shaded by elegant darkness. Aromas recall blackberry, graphite, flint and white pepper. This wine prizes freshness, a streamlined mouthfeel and those pretty mineral notes that drive a very long and polished finish." Wine Advocate

Muscular Nero d'Avola, deep dark red in colour, rich in extract and powerful with aromas of dried fruit, raspberries, beetroot and blackcurrants. A juicy Sicilian from natural cultivation that enchants us with its great personality and beguiling finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"The scent of wild hedgerow berries leads to a softly structured, flavoursome palate that mirrors the nose and shows good intensity of red and black berries. Polished and well balanced, it is an elegant interpretation of Nero d'Avola." Decanter

"The organic Nero d'Avola Siccagno 2020 offers a lovely blend of cherry, dark fruit and a hint of clove. The wine shows notes of cola, black olives and baked plums in the background. There is plenty of fruit in this wine, leading to a bold, vibrant style. It is fluid in personality, but also lean in texture." Wine Advocate

"A very attractive Nero d'Avola with crushed black berries and bright citrus acidity with hints of fruit, black tea and dark mushrooms. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and tangy acidity on the finish. Drink or store." James Suckling

"The 2020 Nero d'Avola Siccagno captivates with an earth-inspired bouquet that blends crushed ashen stones with sage and smoke before giving way to crushed wild blueberries. It’s silky and refined, with a sleek wave of ripe red and blue fruits carried across a core of zesty acidity. A saline tinge adds a savory edge toward the close. The 2020 finishes lightly structured, long and with immaculate balance, leaving a coating of primary concentration, hints of citrus and inner florals. While already a total pleasure aromatically and on the palate, I expect the 2020 Siccagno will blossom beautifully over the next five to ten years in a cold cellar. This is stunning." Vinous

Dry and aged for 5 months on the fine lees, Moscato Giallo presents itself with a golden yellow colour. It is an aromatic wine, with notes of citrus fruits, white peaches, lemon balm and elderberry, combined with hints of nutmeg and sweet spices. The lively acidity and the discreet mineral structure give this wine an excellent freshness and pleasant style. SUPERIORE.DE

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

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

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

Soft, round and captivating. This is a grappa refined for 10 months in large terracotta amphorae from the marc of Trentino's typical red and white grape varieties. Maturation in classic vessels made of clay and loam with minimal oxygenation ensures soft and mature ageing notes without any taste of wood. The bouquet is strong, pure and fresh with a terrificsoftness and lots of unique character. An exceptional speciality! SUPERIORE.DE

"Four hectares are planted with Pinot Nero in this unique location: a south-facing high plateau, constantly exposed to the wind, ideal for the narrow-berried Pinot grapes." Michael Graf Goëss-Enzenberg, Weingut Manincor

Rich ruby red, ripe fruit flavours with fresh mineral spice reveal the complexity of a great Pinot Noir. Juicy, yet velvety, fine-grained tannins and perfect structure on the palate, balanced and harmonious on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Presents itself on the nose with an intense aroma of blackberry, cherry and eucalyptus, also showing clear floral hints. Juicy on the palate, precise fruit and grippy tannins, expands well, with a delicately bitter final." Vinum

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Presents itself on the nose with an intense aroma of blackberry, cherry and eucalyptus, with clear floral hints. Juicy on the palate, precise fruit and grippy tannins, expands well, with a delicately bitter final." Falstaff

"A complex pinot noir where the toasted aroma of graphite dominate. Better on the palate, with red fruit and green pepper notes. Elegant and medium-bodied, with crisp acidity and good length. Juicy and balanced." James Suckling

Sparkling ruby colour. Expressive, very fragrant bouquet of red stone fruit, wild berries, mint and leather. Juicy, clear attack with well-proportioned tannins. Wonderfully long finish with ripe berries and spices. SUPERIORE.DE

"A taut, lightly sinewy red informed by a mix of cherry, plum, eucalyptus and tobacco flavors. For now, the balance tips toward the grainy tannins, yet this offers a lasting impression of fruit and savoriness." Wine Spectator

"The Barbaresco Nubiola 2019 is quite a high-flyer in this year's Pelissero range. Aromatically intense and also quite deep, the Nubiola impresses with its balance. The blend of different vineyard sites was clearly an advantage. Bright red fruit, cedar wood, tobacco, orange peel and pomegranate give it a remarkable complexity. Give the tannins a few more years to soften." Vinous

Querciabella's Riserva, with an annual production of 10,000 bottles, is a selection of the best lots. It blends fruit from Greve, where the vineyards lie between 350 and 550 metres above sea level, with grapes from the stony high altitudes of Radda and the chalky soils of Gaiole. Tantalising aromas of spring flowers, cranberries and potting soil are accompanied by vanilla and smoke. On the palate, it is polished and pure, with a delicious, tangy acidity and sinewy tannins. As every year, one of the most refined wines of the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a dark core. Elegant on the nose with notes of hibiscus, juniper berries, plus some saddle leather and undergrowth. Precise on the palate, fine tannins and fresh acidity, with pleasant pressure towards the lingering finish." Falstaff

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2020, which has just been bottled, is still a little restrained. Crushed red flowers, mint, white pepper, aniseed and orange peel give the 2020 a beautiful aromatic brilliance that matches its medium-bodied personality. We find a Riserva of linear intensity and power, more than volume. The vineyard sites are Greve, Lamole and Radda." Vinous

"The Querciabella Riserva is a selection of the estate's best parcels. The bottling of the 2020 vintage shows the generosity and grace of the vintage. Attractive pressed flowers, plums and red berries intertwine with subtle wood smoke. Garden herbs and tangerines emerge on the palate. The tannins are assertive yet supple and sweet, culminating in a chalky grip. This invigorating and bright wine is already very enticing - but there is much more to discover." Decanter

"Aromas and flavours of cherries, raspberries, rosehips and black pepper characterise this bright red wine. It is light on its feet, but a hint of nubby tannins coats the finish. A hint of bitter almond lingers on the finish, along with fruit and spice flavours. It shows good balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Crisp and vibrant red berries with dried flowers, savoury herbs, cedar and spice box. Medium-bodied with fine, powdery tannins and lively acidity. Fresh and concentrated with a linear finish. Crisp with a mineral backbone." James Suckling

This smooth and exceptionally polished Valtellina Superiore comes from Sassella, one of the most famous villages in the Valtellina appellation on the north bank of the River Adda. Bright ruby red in colour. Camphor, wild roses, wild berries and hints of graphite and vanilla are the main characters in this fragrant red wine. Straightforward and elegantly structured, it reveals red cherry, pomegranate and liquorice on the palate, accompanied by present but fine tannins. The lively acidity provides the necessary drive, including further ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A well-balanced Nebbiolo with notes of red berries, bark and forest floor. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Velvety with a juicy core of red berries. Fresh and delightful." James Suckling

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

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

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

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

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

Radiant ruby red, the wide spectrum of Sangiovese aromas ranges from sweet vanilla notes to hints of raspberries and blackberries. Dense and creamy-soft on the relaxed palate, offering a harmonious blend of tannin and alcohol with a precisely adjusted acidity level. Finishes with a long and impressive finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Warm, rich golden yellow colour. A rich bouquet of pretty white and yellow flowers, layers of apricot, pear and melon. On the palate, a rich texture, a certain opulence and beautiful intensity, with hints of spices and almonds, all framed by a virile acidity that leads this work of art into a long, furious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, pale straw yellow colour. Opens fresh on the nose on grapefruit and freshly cut grass, then warmer on pineapple and passion fruit, a hint of brioche. Silky attack, rolls over the palate with gentle pressure, concentrated fruit, harmonious into the long, juicy finish." Falstaff

"A seductive bouquet of honey blossom, almond custard, lemon curd and chamomile makes the 2022 Chardonnay Vie di Romans impossible to ignore. This wine is very structured, almost oily and heavy in flavour, but still perfectly refined, with a salty mineral note in the foreground that balances the core of ripe fruit well. The 2022 cleanses beautifully, with a concentration of citrus and a hint of tropical melon that lingers incredibly long, while a touch of residual acidity maintains a lovely freshness. This is a fantastic achievement." Vinous

"The 2022 Friuli Isonzo Chardonnay Vie di Romans is a generous white with plenty of fruit weight. Pronounced flavours of ripe peach and fruit steal the show, but there are also sweet notes of calla lily and hibiscus. There is even a spicy hint of lavender, but the wine finishes with a distinctly sweet flavour. Both testify to the hot growing season of 2022." Wine Advocate

"A complex and restrained wine with an intense nose of lemon leaves, pink grapefruit and mangoes, plus a whiff of herbaceous character. Medium-bodied, it shows a silky texture and elegance overall, with long, refreshing acidity and intoxicating savory length." James Suckling

"Notes of ripe mangoes and peaches with tangerine peel, beeswax, caramel and spices. Full and creamy with a crisp, consistent acidity that adds tension and freshness. Balanced, focussed and well made." James Suckling

"The Fèlsina 2019 Chardonnay I Sistri Collezione Privata is a medium-bodied wine with lots of fruit, preserved lemon, apricot, saffron spice and a pinch of cumin or cinnamon. The wine shows a creamy texture with long, soft fruit flavours that should carry this wine beyond the 10-year mark." Wine Advocate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"This savory and full-bodied red has notes of walnuts, dried mint, bitter chocolate and black fruit on the nose. The tannins are still firm and somewhat grainy, but there is excellent freshness." James Suckling

"The dark and atmospheric Aglianico del Vulture La Firma 2017 exudes a seductive bouquet of plum sauce, medicinal black cherries, cocoa and incense. It glides over the palate like liquid velvet and produces a cool blend of crunchy red and black fruits. The finish is dramatically long and intensely mineral, leaving a tart hint of blackberry and an aftertaste of sour citrus. The 2017 is complex and full of personality, but it's currently in a youthfully backward state. Bury it in the cellar to get the best results." Vinous

Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Volpaia is a dark, powerful wine. Black cherry, smoke, liquorice, incense, mocha, menthol, lavender and leather give this virile, brooding Riserva plenty of character. The palate is very aromatic with sweet red cherries, cedar wood and nuances of blood orange, yet very powerful and multi-layered with terrific depth and structure. A dream for Sangiovese lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour with delicate rim brightening. Magnificent, complex nose, lots of small red berries, raspberry and wild strawberry, violets, subtly leathery. Elegant and very juicy on the palate, beautiful tension to peppery-spicy notes, ripe cherry fruit, vibrant acidity on the finish, powerful tannins in the background." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is terrific. Macerated dark cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, dried flowers and underbrush are some of the many notes that grace this super-expressive Riserva. The 2020 is a touch somber, but that only adds to its considerable allure." Vinous

"In the bottle with the black label, the organic 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva offers ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone. Achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season such as this. This wine is characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes it over the palate with good momentum." Wine Advocate

"Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones, following through to a medium to full body with compact tannins that are firm and finely grained. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish." James Suckling

The cherry-fruity Nieddera interpretation by Paolo Contini shows itself in a strong ruby red and with the typical aroma of ripe plum and black cherry. Barrile is a splendid wine in Riserva quality and of great richness, soft and warm, yet fresh, structured with a sweet wood spice and an impressive final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich and dense red with aromas of walnuts, olives, coffee and mushrooms. Full-bodied, toasty and flavorful, with firm yet integrated tannins. Meaty and intense." James Suckling