Bibenda

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sparkling yellow-green colour. The elegant, floral-scented Sauvignon Bianco Mantele is irresistible, with beautiful varietal typicity and a pleasingly slender waistline. Fine mineral notes on the palate add playfulness and vibrancy, overall very juicy and fresh. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny golden yellow colour. Pronounced nose of nettle, followed by tropical fruit of pineapple and passion fruit. Velvety on the palate on entry, then with a lot of tension, fresh and fruity until the lingering final." Falstaff

"After aeration with a fine Sauvignon nose, passion fruit, green chilli pepper, cassis leaves, grass clippings, Granny Smith. Finely woven, profound, generous. Minerality on the palate, tweaks the edge of the tongue, vital, taut acidity." Vinum

"Aromas of gooseberries, lemon leaves and subtle tomato leaves. Light- to medium-bodied with weight and texture, yet it has sharp acidity, savory citrus notes and a gently leafy aftertaste." James Suckling

Potenti, a concentrated and single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, is full of finesse with a touch of rurality, typical of the wines from this wild and untamed corner of Tuscany. Refined bouquet, rich and dense on the palate, the mineral note closely interwoven with the wood nuances. Potenti will develop into a great wine in a few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cabernet Sauvignon signature of sun-warmed blueberries, flowers, also pepper and sandalwood; combines fresh texture with character and a red berry fruit finish." Vinum

"Strong ruby with garnet red nuances. Finely marked nose with fine wood spice and ripe forest berries, underlaid with tobacco notes. The palate is characterised by firm, fine-grained tannin, ripe fruit, and striking freshness, with good balance and decent pressure on the finish." Falstaff

"Aromas of blackcurrants, tobacco leaves and bark with some praline and chocolate orange. Medium-bodied with sleek, well-integrated tannins, supporting layers of fresh dark-berry fruit. Juicy finish." James Suckling

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

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

This archetypal Etna Rosso presents itself with great grace and beautiful varietal typicity. The bouquet has aromas of strawberry and cherry, the palate has medium-bodied fruit, slightly salty notes and spicy nuances in the beautiful final. It shows the specific volcanic character and is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, which is harvested at 600 to 700 metres above sea level on ashy volcanic soils. SUPERIORE.DE

"Berry bouquet with ripe red fruits such as red cherries, pomegranate, orange peel, plus bloody iodised notes. Dense and elegantly woven on the palate, concentrated mid-palate with small red berries, framed by a peppery, savoury acidity structure, fine tannins and a racy final. Wow, and this is the entry-level red!" Weinwisser

"Tightly wound at the core, with bright, creamy, fleshy black cherry and damson, overlaid with herbs and supported by gently mouthcoating tannins. The quality is evident and it's one of the most appealing Etna Rossos for an immediately pleasurable sip thanks to its contrast between freshness and depth of dark fruits." Decanter

"This energetic red Etna has a well-filled nose of blood orange, violets, geranium, black pepper and assertive pomegranate. Full-bodied with a soft, supple attack, crisp acidity and velvety tannins. It has very good fruit concentration, a crisp finish and good balance. It is drinkable now, but will continue to develop and gain in integration and complexity." James Suckling

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

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

The Serpara is elegant, intense and long-lasting every year. Its grapes come from a single vineyard and the wine matures in a combination of new and used French Allier oak barrels. In the glass, it exudes aromas of blackberries, tobacco, sage, thyme and a hint of smoked meat. It has a soft, almost creamy texture and juicy acids that keep the balance, while ripe black fruits and minerals move effortlessly across the palate. The bold tannins make their presence felt on the final, but are more of an accent that frames the experience well, while hints of dark chocolate and balsamic spices slowly fade away. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Aglianico del Vulture Superiore Serpara is dark and brooding in the glass, with a mix of crushed violets and lavender, exotic spices and citrusy blackberries. The wine is round and supple, lapping the palate with a silky texture and mineralised red and black fruits, while a core of zesty acidity maintains a fantastic freshness. The finish is long with a strong hint of bitter liquorice, framed by fine tannins. The 2017 is absolutely classic and suitable for the cellar." Vinous

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

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

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

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

L'Arcione Rosso, an elegant Friulian cuvée of Pignolo and Schiopettino, reveals a variety of aromas ranging from earthy to exotic on the nose. It is a highly expressive wine full of lively fruit and extraordinary complexity, its purity and race are breathtaking. This selection should be savoured at leisure! SUPERIORE.DE

"A perfumed red displaying aromas of raspberries, bark, orange rind and violets. It’s medium-bodied and firm on the palate with chalky tannins. Crushed-walnut character coming through at the end." James Suckling

Top-class Pinot Bianco from the South Tyrolean Wine Road, more precisely from the exposed Sirmian hillside, where the Pinot Bianco finds its ideal location and an optimal microclimate. As a result, it is of remarkable quality every year. Clear and sparkling straw yellow in the glass, with an intense bouquet of light flowers, green apple, redcurrants and a hint of sage and nutmeg. Harmonious, powerful and persistent on the palate, with a full flavour typical of the grape variety and a beautiful melting, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, light golden yellow colour. Intense on the nose with notes of meadow herbs, juicy vineyard peach, very subtle hints of white bread. Slightly creamy on the palate, lively, supportive acidity, very pleasantly persistent." Falstaff

"Matured for eight months in large oak barrels, the 2022 Pinot Bianco Sirmian has a bright colour and allows plenty of light to shine through. The wine is multi-layered and rich in stone fruit, quince and pear. You get a very nice ensemble with ripe fruit tones, herbal notes on the finish and a pinch of cinnamon spice. This is the 50th vintage." Wine Advocate

"A minerally pinot blanc with a fairly smoky character. The nose shows restrained Williams pears, apple juice and assertive salt-and-pepper minerality. Smooth and soft attack with weight and concentration, a medium body and toasted flavors with classy depth and length. Juicy finish." James Suckling

"Exciting flavours of grapefruit, freshly cut grass and flowers with a hint of pepper that hugs the lively acidity. Full-bodied and viscous with a luscious lemon liquid that percolates towards the end. Superb!" Decanter

Castellares Chianti Classico Riserva opens with a bouquet of black cherry, plum, mocha, game, spices, leather and tobacco. A dark, mysterious wine with enormous depth and the potential to develop well for many years to come. This medium-bodied, super-classic Riserva captures the Castellare style beautifully, with plenty of character and a strong personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wood nuances eventually give way to leather and macerated cherry. The fruit is bright and concentrated but pure, and juicy acidity helps brighten the wine, while ripe, polished tannins give way generously. Give this wine another year to digest its oak." Decanter

"A balanced, concentrated and delicious red wine with flavours of baked cherries, cassis and grilled herbs. It is medium-bodied with chewy tannins. Serious, with a juicy mid palate and a solid, compact finish with length." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is a silky, racy wine. With remarkable elegance and finesse, the 2021 is very expressive right from the start. Dark macerated cherry, spice, new leather, liquorice and a kiss of French oak adorn this polished Riserva." Vinous

"A rich, round version, offering plum, cherry, vanilla and iron flavors. There's a solid grip of tannins but also vibrant acidity that focuses this red and propels the finish. The balance tips toward the tannins for now, so give this some time in the bottle." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, notes of Durone de Vignola and peony, then a hint of rhubarb. Spicy tannins on the palate, with hints of dark fruit, flowers and undergrowth." Luca Gardini

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

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

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

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

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

"This red wine is made from Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon in a supporting role. The Poggio Bonelli 2018 Poggiassai is velvety, rich and full of dark fruits, cherry liqueur, barbecue spices and grilled herbs. The wine shows a beautiful dark colour and dense concentration to complete what is ultimately a very contemporary style of wine." Wine Advocate

Berlucchi's 61 Satèn is a soft, creamy Franciacorta. In the glass, it has an intense straw-yellow colour with a fine, even perlage and delicate foam. Smells of bread dough, apple pie and lemon zest, very aromatic and well-structured on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, bright straw yellow with persistent perlage. A fragrant nose of apricot and white peach, lemon balm and jasmine blossom. Good acidity structure and fruity core on the palate, with a slight almond flavour on the finish." Falstaff

"The softly effervescent and creamy mousse caresses the palate, carrying flavors of Asian pear, baked melon, marzipan, honeycomb and fleur de sel. Light notes of spices and smoke linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

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

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

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

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

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

Cultus is a modern-style Chianti Classico Riserva and a dark, elaborate interpretation of the terroir of the somewhat cooler and wilder municipality of Gaiole in Chianti. It delights with a generous mineral and graphite-tinged berry bouquet, tones of tobacco, dark spice and a soft, juicy, primary fruity flavour. The fine tannins and well-proportioned acidity give this Riserva a harmonious grip and an undisputed class for this price. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe red berries with hints of dried orange peel, cocoa and mild spices on the nose. Medium-bodied, juicy and nicely filled with fruit and fine, smooth tannins. Tense and racy on the palate, with a spiced, zesty aftertaste." James Suckling