Bibenda

The "Griesfeld" site in Neumarkt is one of the best and warmest Lagrein sites in South Tyrol. Strong purple red. Spicy bouquet with hints of blackberry, plum and cherry juice. Firmly packed on the palate, full-bodied with good freshness and primary fruit, vinous and delicately spicy; the warm tannins flank through to the very harmonious and deep final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby red. Fine spicy nose, lots of sour cherry and blackberry, a hint of ripe elderflower. On the palate some cardamom, already very open, fresh, juicy, vibrating acidity, ripe tannin, medium finish." Falstaff

"This is spicy and racy with crushed dark berries, toasted cloves and nut shell with moist earth undertones. Medium- to full-bodied, textured and chalky with a racy dark fruited character and hints of dried orange peel at the end. Polished tannins and juicy acidity. Lingering finish." James Suckling

Poggio Lombrone is a selection of Sangiovese vines that are over fifty years old. The 2018 vintage is stunningly beautiful and absolutely classic with a bouquet that opens with crushed black cherries, cooling sweet herbal notes and dusty cedar. After some time in the glass, flavours of plums, cranberries and undergrowth unfold. Velvety and rich on the palate, harmonious, with ripe wild berries pouring over a core of savoury acids balanced by a hint of sour citrus. All framed by fine tannins that slowly rise towards the end. In the delightful final, rosy flowers, ferruginous mineral notes and savoury spices, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Shimmering ruby red colour. Spicy notes and ripe, dark fruit predominate on the nose. Finely integrated tannins and soft, ripe fruit flavours on the palate, mouth-filling with good length." Falstaff

"Cherry pits, tomato leaves, sage and crushed pepper on the nose. It is medium to full-bodied, with beautifully polished, fine-grained tannins and a flavoursome, peppery finish." James Suckling

"The 2018 Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva Poggio Lombrone opens slowly in the glass, initially earthy and a little herbal, while notes of wild strawberries and dusty roses unfold with swirling. The palate is lapped by a seamless, silky texture and ripe wild berries, underpinned by salty minerals that gain traction towards the finish. A layer of fine tannin remains along with residual acids that maintain a lovely freshness as the Poggio Lombrone finishes discreetly and with medium length." Vinous

Passorosso is a single-varietal Nerello Mascalese with a bright ruby red colour and fine garnet reflections. Proud and fascinating, it has an intense aroma of red berries, coffee and olives. Its captivating flavour convinces with clear, well-defined fruit and pronounced minerality. Graceful and special. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Passorosso 2022 is spicy in the glass with an herbal attack that leads into ginger-flavoured dried cherries and dusty sage. It is silky-smooth with ripe red and blue fruits. Lively acidity drives the mouthfeel, while it takes on a salty flavour towards the end. It finishes with excellent length and concentration, leaving a layer of fine tannins and a lingering liquorice aftertaste. This wine is anything but your average Etna Rosso, as almost 50% of the fruit comes from Contrada Guardiola." Vinous

"This 2022 is a true olfactory explosion of violets, lavender, wild herbs and black cherry. Intense, ripe and fleshy flavours of red and black fruits are accompanied by a hint of Parma violets, followed by a balanced finish that is both rich and fresh." Decanter

"Bright and luminous ruby red, with aromas of wild strawberries, almond paste and smoky minerality. It is firm on the palate, with the dusty texture of the Nerello Mascalese grape, but also with a fairly full body. The austerity on the finish is balanced by a crisp acidity." James Suckling

The still young DOC Colli Tortonesi is probably still one of the least known wine regions in Piedmont. The term Derthona is already used as a generic term. It is the old name for Tortona, a small village in the centre of the DOC. The indigenous white grape variety Timorasso led a shadowy existence for many years, but today some winegrowers are already calling it the "white Barolo". This is due to its great complexity and finesse on the one hand and the excellent ageing potential of the wines on the other. In addition, the grapes often vary in size and ripeness during the harvest, which makes selection a major challenge, just as with the great Nebbiolo crus.

Light yellow in colour, tending towards golden as it matures in the bottle. The nose is very fresh, floral and fruity, with some orange confit, petrol and honey. Rich and deep on the palate, with an almost Riesling-like minerality and fine acid wire. With increasing aeration, it becomes more multi-layered, complex and surprisingly deep, hinting at the great potential of the grape variety. Not an off-the-peg wine, but all the more convincing for those wine lovers who expect character, personality and a high degree of independence from a white wine. For us, Timorasso is THE white grape variety discovery of recent years and Vietti's new addition, alongside the whites from Roagna and Walter Massa, is an excellent example of how Italian white wines can play at the very top of the international league! SUPERIORE.DE

"This classic Timorasso is characterised by a pronounced herbal note and a variety of aromas and flavours. On the nose, there are crisp notes of green apple and lemon pith, hinting at the wine's lively character. On the palate, the green apple notes become more pronounced, with a tart quality that adds to the freshness. The lemon pith adds a bitter, savoury dimension to the wine and complements the herbal notes reminiscent of freshly pressed thyme and sage. These flavours merge seamlessly, creating a complex and structured experience that highlights the unique characteristics of the Timorasso grape." Wine Enthusiast

"Timorasso is an extremely sensitive variety, so it's easy to understand why it was nearly abandoned. It is rich in proteins and tends to go into reduction. Luckily, it has been enthusiastically revived in recent years, and we have a new school of age-worthy white wines from Piedmont to enjoy. The Vietti 2022 Colli Tortonesi Timorasso Derthona works nicely because it has the sweetness of the vintage that opens it up to a medium-term drinking window, sparing you from having to wait years. Its flavors are generous and rich, with apricot and poached apple, and you get a salty mineral note as well." Wine Advocate

Dense, deep red, in the nose forest fruits, ripe red berries and sweet-spicy notes. On the palate elegant, soft, almost creamy, rich, with fine tannin, pronounced body and an optimal balance between alcoholic potency, freshness and fruit and with a furious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Bellovedere is dark yet elegant, with an inviting bouquet of blackberries, crushed violets, exotic spice and hints of camphor. This is silky in texture with a savory, almost-salty display of wild berries and minerals, all balanced by brisk acids. You can hardly feel its fine-grained tannins settling in until the very end, as the palate aches under the Bellovedere’s youthful structure, with echoes of licorice and black fruits lingering long. That said, the balance here is on point, and all the 2016 needs is a few more years of cellaring to really shine." Vinous

"Aromas of dark fruit, mushrooms, flowers and spices. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins. Chalky texture in the mouth. Juicy and spicy. Flavorful finish with some length." James Suckling

"This rich red offers a cohesive mix of cigar box spice, menthol, hoisin sauce and brandy-soaked blackberries. It's densely packed in fruit and spice flavors on the full-bodied palate, yet balanced well by a polished sheen of tannins and plenty of fresh acidity. Showing ample power and concentration, this would hold well in the cellar." Wine Enthusiast

"Lovely nose, fragrant with a great purity, showing notes of dark cherries, cinnamon and hints of tobacco with leathery undertones. Very elegant and complex palate." Decanter

Brilliant golden yellow colour. Complex notes of light peach, fresh pineapple and poached apricot on the nose. Rich and creamy on the palate with accents of smoke and toasted almonds. The finish is long-lasting, mineral and herb-accentuated. This very focussed and complex white paints a beautiful portrait of the refined side of the Trebbiano di Lugana grape, which is becoming increasingly popular. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, bright straw yellow with a golden centre. Complex nose with notes of pickled peach and camomile, delicate smoky notes in the background. Taut on the palate, ripe fruit and crisp acidity, unfortunately a noticeable use of wood on the final, still needs to age." Falstaff

"Aromas of toast and pineapple fruit. The attack is soft and smooth, with a silky texture, a glycerine layer, refreshing acidity and a light to medium body. Cedar that is lean on the finish. Drinkable now, but it has potential for aging." James Suckling

"Rich flavors of toasted hazelnut, patisserie apple and pear, lemon curd and vanilla are chiseled by well-honed acidity and a streak of salinity in this white, which shows focus and tension. Tightly meshed today, this will unfurl nicely with some bottle age or in the glass." Wine Spectator

Light ruby colour. Rich bouquet of red cherry, strawberry, chocolate and violet. Generous and lively on the palate of rhubarb, strawberry cake and sour cherry, the fruit is beautifully concentrated and full. The nobly knitted tannin structure leads this multi-layered and very serious Sangiovese into a charming, mineral finish. Every year, Fuligni produces a wine that is outstanding for the appellation and, in terms of style, is an ingenious crossover between tradition and modernity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby red colour. Seductive and fresh aroma of wild red fruits. Lots of tension and the finest tannins. Beautiful balance between lively fruit and mouth-filling freshness and dry texture. Very long." Jancis Robinson

"The 2021 Rosso di Montalcino Ginestreto is gorgeous, blossoming before my eyes with a heady blend of sweet rose petals, dried black cherries and autumnal spice. Its textures are pure and silky, as a polished wave of ripe red fruits and cooling mineral tones wash across the palate. Rich raspberry and balsamic spice hints linger, and the 2021 finishes crisp and fresh yet still youthfully structured. This is one of the prettiest interpretations of Ginestreto I've experienced, yet that's not to say it's any less powerful." Vinous

"From young vines, barely more than 10 years old, but already of exceptional quality, a red wine aged in wood and steel with a very intense nose, blueberry, then notes of thyme and marjoram, a juicy palate, iodised tannins, a very persistent finish with fruity-balsamic notes." Luca Gardini

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

"Restrained muscat character with aromas of leafy roses, lychees, orange peel and orange blossoms. Vibrancy on the palate, with a light body, refreshing acidity and a fruity finish." James Suckling

The organically grown Etna Rosso Reseca is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese from a 1.5-hectare vineyard located at 800 metres above sea level on the blackened cone of the volcano. The wine offers both power and grace, the two contrasting qualities that characterise the great wines of Etna.

Sweet cherries, dried flowers, liquorice and spices on the nose. The elegant style continues on the palate with silky tannins and restraint in all components. A medium-bodied, prancing red with all the classic, elegant advantages of Etna's volcanic terroir. The fresh fruit should easily carry this wine to the 10-year mark and probably beyond. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Reseca opens with a cascade of rosy florals and a dusting of spice, grounded by hints of wet stone. It possesses a lovely inner sweetness and silky textures as citrus-laced wild berry fruits swirl throughout. Only gently tannic yet incredibly long, the 2019 finishes potent, youthfully grippy and fresh." Vinous

Light ruby colour. Rich bouquet of red cherry, strawberry, chocolate and violet. Generous and lively on the palate of rhubarb, strawberry cake and sour cherry, the fruit is beautifully concentrated and full. The nobly knitted tannin structure leads this multi-layered and very serious Sangiovese into a charming, mineral finish. Every year, Fuligni produces a wine that is outstanding for the appellation and, in terms of style, is an ingenious crossover between tradition and modernity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling ruby red colour. Very open-hearted nose, juicy cherry fruit, geranium, light spice, some watermelon on the finish. Elegant on the palate with polished tannins, savoury, surprising freshness and juiciness, drinks very well." Falstaff

"Light brick red colour. Sweet fruit and sweet oak, but also fragrant with wild flowers and a hint of mocha. Complex flavour. Deep, chewy, firm-grained tannins. Lots of integrity and depth of flavour. It was bottled a few months ago and still needs to mature in the bottle, but has great potential." Jancis Robinson

"The wine has floral highlights, citrusy fruit and a botanical side with bramble and lavender sachet. Those aromas are rounded off by earthy sensations and a mineral pinch of pink Himalayan salt." Wine Advocate

"In contrast to many more powerful, imposing wines from Montalcino, the Fuligni wines unfold with discretion and patience. This is a wonderful introduction to the pure style of the house. The supple, soft fruit of black cherries and strawberries is framed by freshness and soft but structured tannins. Rich and ripe, but still with a real sense of balance. The vineyard is named after the ginestra (broom) that grows on this single hectare of 10- to 15-year-old vines." Decanter

"The 2022 Rosso di Montalcino Ginestreto is beautiful and classic for the house style, with a cascade of dried black cherry, rose petal, clove and spice accompanied by a hint of floral underbrush. The wine is silky and serene, with ripe wild berries and juicy acidity balanced by tactile mineral notes. The finish is long and spicy, leaving you wanting more as the hints of liquorice and cloves fade. Wow." Vinous

Straw yellow with greenish reflections. A lovely floral nose with hints of peach and banana. The flavour is clear, fresh and pure with spicy aromas of lemon, mandarin and crushed gravel. Roero Arneis is also known as Barolo Bianco, which is entirely appropriate for this excellent white wine from Neive's noble forge. SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine is salty, mineral-driven and bright with citrus and white peach. It is executed in stainless steel only. Perhaps this vintage is a little thinner in terms of mouthfeel, but it draws to a close with lingering acidity. Bruna Giacosa recommends giving it a little oxygen before you drink it. This white wine is always a great value buy." Wine Advocate

"A fresh and crisp white with light lemon, mango and bitter lime flavours. It is medium to full-bodied with lots of fruit. The hot vintage is noticeable, but it remains fresh on the finish." James Suckling

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, thus ensuring a unique balance between freshness and structure, body and elegance. Ruby red in colour with garnet hues, it 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. The primary fruit is surrounded by spice, grilled herbs and floral earth; nice length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Cherry and tomato leaf on the nose, then a fine leather flavour. Good freshness and juicy fruit on the palate, shows firm body and pressure, accessible, delicately bitter on the final." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red colour. Compact and dense on the nose with notes of sweet raspberries and fresh mint. Lots of sweet raspberry fruit on the palate with a tangy acid nerve that runs through the fullness of the fruit. Firm but ripe and fine-grained tannins. A fairly rich wine, but one that will probably age well." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino exudes hints of wild berries, violet pastille and sweet smoke. This is a seductive effort with juicy acidity and vibrant red and blue fruits swirling throughout. Autumnal spices and dark chocolate slowly saturate towards the finish. The 2019 finishes long yet remarkably fresh with a hint of liquorice and slightly grippy tannins. The 2019 aims to please and will provide early satisfaction after a short stay in the cellar while the single-vineyard wines slowly mature." Vinous

"The Brunello from the Val di Suga vineyard is made up of equal parts from the Vigna del Lago vineyard in the north-east, Poggio al Granchio in the south-east and Vigna Spuntali in the south-west of Montalcino. The bright ruby red colour and youthful freshness are well preserved. Concentrated aromas of red cherry with a hint of pepper fade into deep violet and sweet earth. The medium-bodied palate is appealing and pure, offering layers of lush red berry and plump persimmon flavours underscored by juicy acidity. The sandy textured tannins are supple and yielding. Hard to resist." Decanter

"This lively red wine is smooth and harmonious, with strawberry, cherry and blackcurrant fruit flavours underpinned by mineral and wild herbal notes. Dusty tannins give it grip and texture on the finish. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"A blend of three vineyards belonging to three different sides of the appellation. Durone di Vignola on the nose, a hint of lemon thyme and clementine peel. Juicy on the palate, with a hint of savoury and balsamic notes. Persistent." Luca Gardini

Friulano Dolée is another impressive Vie di Romans flagship. Bright straw yellow in colour. Clean, fresh aromas of honey, citrus fruit and pear, complemented by ripe banana. On the palate, its soft texture forms an ideal sounding board for the beautifully layered fruit basket of peach, melon, quince and fresh pear. A ripe, finesse-rich wine that finishes long and with an excellent acid-fruit balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Friulano Dolèe springs from the glass with an intense mix of crushed grapefruit, sage, lemon curd and dusty slate. It is soothingly round and supple with a lovely inner sweetness contrasted by a lash of acidic citrus and green melon. The saline minerality provides a crisp feel as the 2022 cleans up beautifully, mouthwatering yet precise, and a savoury herbal note still lingers. This is a seductive Dolèe with a balance and tension that will reward cellaring." Vinous

"This is an intense wine focused on herbs, tomato leaves, grapefruit and white peaches. Smooth and silky on the palate, with a medium body, crisp acidity and a savory, fruited finish." James Suckling

Alma Gran Cuvée brut - a Franciacorta in the classic Bellavista style, modern yet very elegant and complex. Aromatic bouquet, fine perlage, wonderfully integrated fruit on the palate with a delicate mellowness, plus well-balanced acidity, harmoniously long and deep. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright green-yellow with golden reflections and persistent perlage. Finely characterised nose of apple and citrus fruit, also reminiscent of candle wax, with a subtle hint of marzipan on the final. Crisp on the palate, with airy perlage and a clear fruit centre, stretches across the palate with light pressure and shows fine wood spice, balanced in the final." Falstaff

"An aromatic bouquet of floral, green melon and sweet spice aromas introduces the NV Brut Franciacorta Alma Grande Cuvée. This is seamlessly silken and round with brilliant acidity and crisp orchard fruits complicated by a tinge of ground ginger toward the close. A saline sensation lingers along with hints of lime as this finishes with an intense, crunchy character. Very nice." Vinous

"Aromas of acacia honey, white pepper, green apples and lemon pulp with fresh pastry. Strong acidity with a lean body, but a fine, creamy mousse. Good finish." James Suckling

The elegant blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot surprises with its aroma full of purity and intensely aromatic fruit flavour. Elegance and finesse trump muscle in Turpino, a wine that is always light on its feet. Fermentation in wooden barrels and ageing in barriques lend the spicy, balsamic notes of the grape blend a softness, a fine frame and a beguilingly long finish on the palate. With its tangy acidity balancing the ripe fruit, Turpino manages to be generous and restrained at the same time, making it a great accompaniment to Mediterranean meat dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, dark ruby red colour. Captivating nose with aromas of black cherry, tobacco and ebony, also some iodine. On the palate, with a good length, young but fine tannins, lots of chocolate, still needs time, lots of potential." Falstaff

"Infused with plum, cherry and blackberry fruit, this well-balanced red wine is soft in texture. Hints of Mediterranean scrub, iron, earth and tobacco complete the flavour profile. The finish is fresh and long." Wine Spectator

"Lots of black liquorice and aniseed with blackberries and blueberries. Medium-bodied with very refined and polished tannins that run the length of the wine. Crisp, firm and juicy. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot. Needs time to mellow, but is very nice." James Suckling

"The Turpino 2020, which I tasted from the barrel last year, has developed wonderfully. The 2020 is rich, multi-layered and expansive and captivates from the very first sip. The blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot is very well done. The Syrah contains some whole bunches (50%), another good choice that works very well. All the elements are very harmonious. This is another fabulous wine from Querciabella." Vinous

Don Antonio Riserva is the best selection from the Morgante vineyards, where only Nero d'Avola grows. Concentrated and hauntingaromas, very typical of the variety, ripe fruit accompanied by mineral and balsamic notes. Lively and elegant on the palate. The flagship of the winery and a prime example of the "Taste of Sicily". SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with purple reflections. Dense and dark on the nose, of sweet black cherry, dark chocolate, liquorice, toast and bacon. With sweet, savoury fruit on the palate, powerful and with a lot of pressure, on tightly woven tannins, with a long finish." Falstaff

"Intense ripe dark fruits mixed with leather flavours, powerful and bright with a sweet, oaky finish." Decanter

"The 2020 Nero d'Avola Riserva Don Antonio rises from the glass with a mentholated blend of grilled herbs, dried black cherries and balsamic spice. This is an elegant and refined wine with a polished wave of ripe red and blue fruit accented by hints of spiced orange. Fine-grained tannins rise towards the finish, leaving it long and structured, yet remarkably fresh. Notes of cherry and dark chocolate linger on the final. The 2020 is a fantastic edition of the Don Antonio with a perfectly integrated hint of new oak. It should only need a short stay in the cellar before it reaches a long and wide drinking window." Vinous

100% Nero d'Avola yields a dense ruby-violet colour and a fresh bouquet with rich fruity notes of dark cherries, honey and some grenadine. Doppiozeta unfolds explosively and finesse-rich on the palate, with a velvety tannin and very appealing length. SUPERIORE.DE

"With fruit from old bush-trained vines, the 2018 Sicilia Noto Rosso Doppiozeta is sweet and slightly jammy with blackberry preserves and black cherry confit. The wine spreads heavily over the palate with thick fruit weight and substantial texture. " Wine Advocate

"This harmonious red is bright and stylish, with a dark and juicy blend of ripe blackberries and fragrant accents of ground pepper, dried sage, ground coffee and iron. Silky tannins show through on the mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Rosso Doppiozeta is dark and seductive. It opens with balsamic herbs, tobacco and a hint of mocha before moving into the depths of blackcurrant and plum skin. It glides across the palate with ease, guided by bright acidity as it throws around citrus and savoury spices. Fine tannins linger along with a bitter hint of blood orange and a touch of sage. The 2018 has a finesse that already makes it extremely attractive. However, I don't think that's why it will be so long-lived." Vinous

"A juicy, complex red wine with plums, cherries and hints of slate and pumice. Also some rosemary and thyme. Full body, soft and creamy tannins and a subtle, beautiful finish." James Suckling

Vibrant, golden straw yellow in colour. The floral and spicy nose offers ripe pear, cinnamon, chamomile, white peach and grapefruit with subtle hints of ginger. Rich and racy, with multi-layered flavours of orchard and tropical fruit and a subtle spiciness that lingers beautifully on the rich, luscious finish. Its excellent salinity and a very juicy, fresh cut accompany the tropical and spicy fruit flavours on the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pretty notes of honeysuckle and jasmine play on the nose of this graceful white. Focused by bright, well-meshed acidity, offering flavors of ripe apple and pineapple, tangerine zest and macadamia nut, with a subtle touch of beeswax." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Bianco Flors di Uis is unobtrusive yet beautifully refined. With its pretty blend of lime sherbet, chamomile, spring flowers and white smoke, it keeps the drinker coming back to the glass. It flows across the palate with a sensation of liquid stone and minerals, lifted by a vibrant acidity, while a candied lemon core is contrasted by tart green apple fruit. The 2022 finishes with a lingering concentration and a tart bitterness of citrus pith that leaves the palate wanting more. In its youth, harvestwill find it hard to put down, but I would advise patience. This Flors di Uis is still a baby in its development and has developed wonderfully with further bottle ageing. A fantastic performance." Vinous

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

"Bright ruby red with brightening edges. Lots of mocha and pepper on the nose, with a cassis and blueberry aftertaste. Precise fruit on the palate with racy acidity, tightly woven tannins with good drinking pleasure. Great fun!" Falstaff

"This shows aromas of dark cherries, white pepper and touches of tile and stemmy herbs. Juicy, with succulent fruit intersected by fresh acidity and chalky tannins. Very enjoyable." James Suckling