Bibenda

The Barbera d'Alba Piani is pleasantly fresh and complex. A remarkable concentration in its aroma of dark fruits and sweet flavours of toasted oak. The palate is full, full-bodied, silky-textured tannins and harmonious all round. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Barbera d'Alba Piani is a knock-out. Creamy and ample, with striking depth, the 2021 has a ton to offer. Succulent red/purplish fruit, cedar, spice, new leather and a kiss of sweet French oak all build in this effortless, engaging Barbera." Vinous

The profound Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, made from 100 per cent Sangiovese from the small Campo ai Peri vineyard, exudes a pleasantly warm aroma of red berries, flowers, spices and liquorice. Intense fruitiness on the palate with a charming, fine texture, fresh acidity and a great balance of extract sweetness, acidity and tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright cherry flavours, floral notes, very lively on the nose. Deep wine with striking minerality, compact and structured, fresh acidity, taut tannins, underpinned by juicy fruit sweetness, has tension and a stony character, still a little restrained." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby colour with a slightly brightening rim. Opens with notes of blackberries and ripe plums, some liquorice and pepper. Clear on the palate with full-bodied tannins, builds for a long time, somewhat metallic on the final, dries out, still needs longer ageing." Falstaff

"Intriguing blackberry and dried flower flavours, also leather notes; the attack is full-bodied with a perfectly balanced tannin-acid structure, the finish finely chiselled with stone fruit aromas, also tobacco notes. To wild duck with polenta." Vinum

"Aromas of cherry chocolate, red plums, mild spices and hazelnuts. Medium to full-bodied, structured and velvety with crisp and delicate fruit and polished tannins. Floral and mineral on the finish." James Suckling

"The nose reveals intensely spicy aromas of old leather, balsamic and damp earth, enlivened by a hint of cherry syrup. This fruit element explodes on the palate with a cornucopia of berries, but the earthiness lingers as an undertone before a synthesising final finish. The acidity floods a valley of fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi Campo ai Peri 2019 from Le Cinciole is an exquisite wine that is immediately seductive. More than anything, I admire its purity and delineation. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, rose petals and dried herbs are finely chiselled in this chiselled, vibrant Gran Selezione. Le Cinciole sets the standard. What a great wine this is." Vinous

"The aromas of tarragon, jasmine and camomile slowly unfold against a background of pulverised stone. The palate is youthful and shows a sinewy substance. It blends in evenly and lands with mineral vigour. Distinct accents of bitter orange underpin the firm, chiselled tannins, and there is no lack of lively acidity." Decanter

Benanti's new red comes 100% from the Monte Serra vineyard (Contrada) and from 13-100 year old Nerello Mascalese vines. The maximum production per year is just 6,000 bottles. It delights with its lively flavour and silky texture with beautiful cassis notes, enormous energy and terrificminerality and ends with a wonderfully long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine comes from the historic vineyard around the very attractive winery. It is very complex with graphite nuances, ripe red berries, raspberry pulp, redcurrants and delicate floral notes. It is strikingly reminiscent of a Barolo with its earthy and dense character." Weinwisser

"Clear, more red than black berry nose with nutty aromas, some dried flowers, a hint of tobacco, hints of tar and tomato essence. Ripe, tart, juicy, firm, yet transparent fruit, restrained nutty flavours, some cocoa and pepper, herbal nuances, a certain acid bite and ripe, fine, quite present tannins, persistent on the palate, lots of salt, tobacco and smoky nuances, very good, firm finish." Wein-Plus

"A slightly chewy, medium-bodied red wine with notes of sun-dried cherries, rich loamy earth, grilled herbs and mocha finely interwoven with silky tannins. There are hints of tar and spice accents on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra 2021 is dusty, floral and yet delicate. It smells of red fruits and spices with hints of rose. It flows easily over the palate, soft and round, gaining traction through a core of mineral, tart cherry and strawberry flavours. A crisp cranberry lingers along with edgy tannins and a hint of residual acidity that provides a lovely freshness. This is a beautiful interpretation of Monte Serra." Vinous

"The Benanti 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra (with fruit from the Viagrande side of the volcano) shows a floral and slightly more fragrant side of Nerello Mascalese. It is packed with red berries and small background details reminiscent of volcanic rock, mountain herbs and dried lavender. On the palate, the wine is straightforward and linear with very fine and dusty tannins." Wine Advocate

"Fine garnet red colour. Animating, elegant aroma of cherry and redcurrant, fresh herbs, spicy aftertaste. Strong structure on the palate, noticeable acidity and present tannins, powerful, fruity final." Falstaff

"Aromas of strawberries and cherries emerge first on the nose, but savoury notes of herbs, spices, earth and stone soon follow. The savoury elements unfold on the palate, which is built on a foundation of salty, fleshy flavours, but a citrus tone underlines the fruit of the nose, while the acidity escalates on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"It has a nice acidity, with chocolaty red fruits in the mouth, accompanied by lots of spice, leading to a long woody, balsamic finish." Decanter

"Aromas of fresh plums, peaches and nectarines with some lemon blossom. Some caramel. Full-bodied yet unobtrusive with wonderfully finely structured tannins that spread openly across the palate. Oranges at the end with some candied lemons." James Suckling

Deep red colour. Captivating aromas of sweet cherry, crushed rock and violet. Juicy, supple and perfumed, it shows excellent vinosity in the complex, very precise flavours of plums, sour cherries and dried herbs. Fine-grained tannins and a beautiful, persistent aromatic flavour characterise the long, very pure finish. Firm tannins form the backbone of this finely modelled, chiselled Nerello Mascalese and spicy notes frame the bright, powerful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep bouquet with ripe, delicately gelled wild berries, wild cherries and redcurrants, with a hint of floral notes. There are also earthy and floral notes reminiscent of rose bush. A wonderful, elegant, concentrated wine with a clear character of origin." Weinwisser

"Aromas of cherries, oranges and flowers with a hint of smoke. Medium to full-bodied with plush, open and velvety tannins that caress the palate. It is juicy and full of flavour. Tantalising to taste even as a young wine, but it will be even better in two or three years." James Suckling

"From the most recent acquisition of the winery in the municipality of Castiglione, on the northern slope of Mount Etna, a Nerello Mascalese of great freshness and verticality. Notes of cranberry on the nose, hints of laurel, then Mediterranean scrub and nutmeg, salty and savoury on the palate, with a fruity and oily finish." Luca Gardini

Rich, deep dark ruby colour with a fine violet sheen. Compact and appealing nose, showing crisp fruit, especially blackcurrants and mulberries, underpinned by fine chocolate tones. Extremely precise on the palate too: ripe, fresh fruit, opens with firm, tightly woven tannins, develops rich pressure, then juicy and long-lasting on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Fragrant on the nose, of precious wood, graphite, a hint of stone fruit, delicate floral tones and some candle wax on the finish. Polished on the palate, with clear fruit and well-integrated tannins, savoury, has a certain light-footedness in the finish without being ponderous, a striking wine that invites you to drink it." Falstaff

"The nose starts with a soft-serve swirl of vanilla and milk chocolate, then deepens into the richer sweetness of dark cherry syrup, which is balanced by the crackling sharpness of pepper and graphite." Wine Enthusiast

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto di Campolungo offers an interesting potpourri of ripe fruit, including blackberry, cassis and small wild strawberries, rounded off by a warm woody spice. Modern and polished on the palate, with a beautiful fruity centre, it is multi-layered, with plenty of pressure and length and balanced tannins as it progresses. The vines grow at an altitude of around 500 metres, which gives this cru a wonderful freshness and plenty of drinkability. Should gain in elegance with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright cherry aroma with liquorice and star anise. Smooth texture, firm tannins, shows good typicity with good length." Decanter

"On the nose, the fresh sweetness of cherries and strawberries is balanced by the lightly bitter astringency of orange jam and fennel. The fruit sweetens and deepens on the palate thanks to a rich, full mocha flavor, but strict, imposing tannins and acid preserve order." Wine Enthusiast

"With flavours of black cherry, plum, chocolate and iron, this rich red wine impresses across the board. Fresh and refined, with velvety tannins that support the long-lasting aftertaste, while notes of eucalyptus and tobacco enhance the complex finish." Wine Spectator

"The organically grown Lamole di Lamole 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto di Campolungo draws its fruit from a long row of vineyards stretching from the hill of Lamole towards Greve and orientated towards the sunset. This wine is creamy and medium-bodied with blackberry jam, tarry spice and earthy orris roots." Wine Advocate

It could easily be mistaken for a very high-quality St Emilion from a cooler vintage! A compact and finesse-rich Merlot-Cabernet from old vineyards and vinified according to traditional methods. Deep dark red in colour, with complex, berry aromas on the nose. On the palate, the Cuvée Anticus impresses with pleasantly ripe fruit, velvety tannins and a wonderful texture. Lush and almost endless finish! SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Ripe fruit on the nose, Amarena cherry and blackcurrant, as well as spice and forest floor. Precise fruit and balanced acidity structure on the palate, lingering finish with great spicy notes." Falstaff

"Currant, cigar tobacco and hints of blackberry aromas follow through to a medium to full body, with creamy tannins and a juicy finish. Light velvet. Some tar and black olives as well." James Suckling

Delicately yeasty and opulent tropical fruit flavour. Outstanding personality, elegant, full-bodied and with a great balance between fruity softness and structure. Oenologist Mattia Vezzola and Bellavista also set standards in terms of complexity and depth with their Satèn. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium straw yellow colour. Fine aromas of citrus zest and ripe yellow apple on the nose, accompanied by elegant yeast notes and a hint of nuts. Fine foam caresses the palate, while the refreshing acidity and creamy, mineral texture glide gently over the tongue. The finish is characterised by an invigorating freshness that allows the floral accents to linger for a long time. Young and dynamic with plenty of potential for maturity." Falstaff

"Bright and crisp fruit flavours, accompanied by lemon peel, flow from the glass. Light yeasty notes add complexity, while crisp acidity provides freshness. The wine is fruit-driven, with a slight minerality and a hint of yellow flowers." Wine Enthusiast

Fine grappa made from the marc of the Langhe Chardonnay Gaia & Rey: Crystal clear, freshly scented with tropical fruits and brioche with a slender body, intense berry aroma and noble fruit note in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Cleopatra Grappa, whose distillation is done with the so-called Crysopea method. An innovative, discontinuous method with negative pressure and the still in a water bath. Distinctive, very aromatic fragrance and wonderfully balanced, round and soft on the palate, pleasantly long and gentle finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cleopatra" does not refer to Caesar's gspusi in Egypt, but to an alchemist who invented revolutionary distillation processes in the ancient empire. At Poli, "Cleopatra" also alludes to an innovative chemical process, but in this case for the distillation of grappa. The Cleopatra Amarone is made from marc of the Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara varieties and smells of dirndl and beetroot. On the palate, there is a strong spiciness underpinned by herbs and white pepper." Falstaff

Only in the best vintages are a few parcels of Olim Bauda's vineyards in the Nizza DOCG selected for the Riserva Bauda to make one of the greatest wines of the entire, still very young appellation. The wait was clearly worth it. Deep purple red colour. Complex bouquet of red fruits with an almost tactile texture and a terrificharmony of fruit, typicity and acidity that perfectly combines the winemaker's long proven Barbera expertise and the class of the Nizza DOCG. Not only for us an absolute archetype for grape variety and origin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, rich and dense ruby red colour tending towards violet. Intense nose, distinctly redcurrant, undergrowth, dark chocolate, with an aftertaste of stewed plum and coffee. Pronounced on the palate, full-bodied, spicy, multi-layered with mature, sweetish tannins, beautiful drinkability and medium length." Falstaff

"Slightly earthy with dark spices, crushed wild berries, dried violets and a hint of tar. Dry and polished, but at the same time juicy and agile, with bright acidity accompanied by polished, fine tannins. Lively, red-fruity finish." James Suckling

Masari's flagship presents itself in a deep, dense garnet red colour. Ripe blackberry and cassis on the nose, underpinned by bitter cocoa and ripe cherries, light leather spice and liquorice. Full and balanced on the palate, slowly but complexly spreads over the tongue, then convinces with beautiful and lasting pressure, long, salty and simply wonderful. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright, very rich ruby red colour. The nose initially smells of marzipan and precious wood, then opens up to fine wild berry fruit, blackberry and milk chocolate. On the palate with a profound depth and a great stony feel, tight tannins, fine salinity and clear, floral, sweet fruit, lingers for a long time, still a little grippy on the finish." Falstaff

"A Bordeaux-inspired blend with a detailed tannic kit, conferring depth and a je ne sais quoi seriousness, while evincing structural authority to a wave of tapenade, anise, cassis, dried sage and alpine herb. The oak is evident, but a mere adjunct rather than a yelp. A very fine example, possibly worth an additional point with the complexity that time will surely imbue." James Suckling

A little bit of everything, but never too much of a good thing. One of the most complex Nobiles we have ever tasted. Delicate red fruit with a pinch of sweetness and a floral aroma, underpinned by some tobacco and raspberry. Clear cherry flavour on the palate, plus a wonderful spiciness with that subtle sweetness in the background again. A finesse-rich and harmonious final whets the appetite for the next glass. Very successful and full of precision! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim. Fine leather aroma on the nose, delicate roasted malt flavour, fine strawberries on the finish. Very radiant on the palate, juicy, with clear red berry fruit and a powerful final with elegant spicy notes." Falstaff

"Subtle yet complex bouquet with good depth coming from red fruits and spicy flavours. A certain stony minerality adds a touch of austerity to the plums and cherries. Medium to full body with chalky tannins. Transparent and delicious." James Suckling

"The Boscarelli 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Costa Grande is amply rich and fleshed out with dark fruit, tarry smoke and toasted spice. This is a savory wine with a heavy center of gravity that would work next to braised meats or roasts. The wine remains mid-weight in stye, but the texture is velvety and rich." Vinous

"This soft red wine, made exclusively from Sangiovese, opens with aromas of ripe wild berries, undergrowth, violets and dark spices. On the polished palate, refined tannins accompany baked plums, liquorice and a hint of espresso." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Costa Grande is incredibly pretty, as crushed stone gives way to bright cherries, dusty violets, mint and a hint of animal musk. The wine feels round and supple, but gains traction from mineralised red fruits. The finish is lightly structured yet lively. Although the 2018 has only just been bottled, it shows wonderfully and is full of potential. I love it." Vinous

"This ripe and almost opulent red wine shows flavours of black cherries, blackberries, violets, iron and spices. There is a hint of wild herbs that intertwine on the long, dense finish. A tantalising expression of fruit supported by a solid structure." Wine Spectator

Smells intensely of redcurrants and black cherries, leather, spices and liquorice. Lush and flowing on the palate, all elements merge into a great, striking wine. Great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby colour with a hint of violet and a delicately brightening rim. A compact nose of ripe blackberry and rich cherry, with elegant peppery spice and a fine malt flavour rounding off the bouquet. Polished and juicy on the palate, shows great entry with a racy, gripping finish, with a fine salty undertone, can be stored for a long time." Falstaff

"Impenetrable dark ruby. Rich blackberry and blueberry fruit with touches of cassis, bell pepper, black pepper and fully integrated oak. Juicy blackberry fruit with gritty elegant tannins and a lush finish. A very good wine from an unremarkable year." Jancis Robinson

"On the nose, there are spicy notes of thyme, sour cherries, lemon leaves and blackcurrants as well as black olives. It is full-bodied with firm, well-integrated tannins and a tangy kick of acidity. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable from 2023." James Suckling

"Outstanding, elegant blend of Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon: spicy forest fruit flavours, a powerful start, the tannins are fine-meshed and in balance with the acidity, the finish is berry-spicy and long." Vinum

"The Geremia 2018 is outstanding. A wine full of energy and finesse, the 2018 Geremia is more about persistence than volume. Blueberry, blackberry, lavender, liquorice and scorched earth are abundant. In 2018, Geremia is a wine of tension and restraint. Its best days are still far in the future. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon." Vinous

Ghiaie della Furba means "pebbles of the Furba stream" and there is a reason for this, as the vines for this wine grow on the river pebbles on the banks of this stream. It is one of the very first "Supertuscans". After an hour in the carafe, this extremely complex red reveals wonderfully clear, dark fruit, blackberries and cassis, as well as coffee notes, dark chocolate and spices. Its very good structure and personality are impressive. It is already very accessible today (with aeration), but is still hiding its great potential for the next decade. SUPERIORE.DE

"A lively, elegant red wine with aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackcurrants, violets, cedar and tobacco. Balanced, while a sweep of firm, dense tannins support the long, fruity and flavoursome finish." Wine Spectator

"The nose is like a garden after a storm, with aromas of fruit and flowers mixing with the stones crushed underfoot and the saltiness of still-wet air. Red plums, mission figs, roses and violets continue onto the palate, with umami undertones setting up a coffee and chili pepper finish." Wine Enthusiast

Medium, bright ruby red colour. The bouquet and flavour are dominated by interesting notes of fresh cut flowers, sweet red berries, liquorice, mint, pine and cedar wood. As the wine progresses, the Chianti Classico reveals a marvellous precision and spiciness, which is enveloped by a well-measured extract sweetness. The overall impression is one of grace and an open-hearted style, which impresses with all its components and not least with its typical Radda Sangiovese freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; reductive, appealing; round, balanced, fruit, dense, round tannin, very pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"10% Merlot gives this animating Chianti Classico a rich mouthfeel, it glides velvety over the palate and offers plenty of fruit." Weinwisser

"Intense, radiant ruby red colour. Inviting on the nose, with elegant spice and red cherry fruit, light peach flavour. On the palate with tightly woven tannins, fresh, with clear fruit and subtle spice, beautiful length, drinks very well." Falstaff

"On the nose, dark chocolate links sweet cherry and vanilla to savory tomato leaf and earth. The streaks of cherry, chocolate and vanilla continue on the palate, with strawberries highlighting their sweetness, but well-timed tannins and acid boost the enduring, vegetal tomato note to maintain balance." Wine Enthusiast

"This Annata opens to reveal generous plums and strawberries flecked with black pepper. Sweet red berries fill the mouth while showing the brightness and freshness associated with the heights of Radda. The balanced tannins have a slightly chalky texture that adds a special touch to this delicious red wine." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is an absolute delight. Fragrant, silky and super-expressive, the 2021 captures all the finesse of Radda. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petals, orange peel and mint are beautifully brought out in this vibrant, medium-bodied Chianti Classico that has so much to offer. It's a beautiful performance." Vinous

"A racy version with flavours of black cherries, blueberries, violets and iron. It has firm tannins that harmonise with the acidity, while a hint of Mediterranean scrub shines through. Mouthwatering finish." Wine Spectator

"Balanced blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, notes of redcurrants, undergrowth and liquorice on the nose, wild mint on the finish. Juicy attack, dense and crisp, salty-sour tannins, very long finish. Closes with a return of small red fruits." Luca Gardini

The A in the name of the Boggina stands for the natural wine aged for about 6 months in terracotta amphorae of 400-600 Liters each, which is bottled in an edition of just 5,000 bottles without further addition of sulphites. Bright, luminous garnet red. The bouquet is ethereal, very delicate and nuanced, with a very precise fragrance interpretation of the Sangiovese grape. Medium-bodied, with a beautiful structure and authentic Sangiovese fruit with a salty vein. The finish is highly drinkable, with silky tannins and a beguiling length. A masterpiece of beauty and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure red wine with aromas and flavours of cherry, strawberry, iron, earth and tobacco. Lean and supple in texture, with an elegant profile and a long finish that reflects the fruit and spicy notes." Wine Spectator

"Bright, medium-dense ruby with a slightly pale rim. Very fragrant and appealing nose, of ripe raspberries, fresh plums, plus notes of cinnamon, some cardamom. Firm tannin on the palate, shows good tension, but at the same time seems a bit raw, salty on the final." Falstaff

"The Petrolo 2020 Val d'Arno di Sopra Bòggina A presents the Sangiovese grape with a fresh, concentrated, almost crisp personality. This organic wine opens with aromas of wild strawberries or fragolino, lilac, blood orange and rusty earth. It has an almost shiny or brilliant character. The Bòggina A shows plenty of primary freshness, fine tannins and balanced acidity." Wine Advocate

"Very floral and pretty with aromas of orange peel and cherries that transition into a medium body with lots of tension and brightness. A dusty texture of tannins." James Suckling

"The 2020 Boggina A, 100% Sangiovese vinified and aged in amphora, is possibly the best vintage of this wine I have ever tasted. Finely sculpted and nuanced, the 2020 sizzles with energy. Crushed rocks, red fruit, spice, mint, rose petal and orange peel are all beautifully delineated throughout. Just as important, the 2020 doesn't have any of the awkward aromas and flavors that have penalized some previous editions. Superb." Vinous

Bright golden yellow colour and a creamy bouquet of exotic fruits, banana and almond. The fruit is finely balanced with the barrique tones. Soft, warm and dense on the palate, with wonderful freshness, structure and suppleness. Good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very minerally profile for a vermentino. On the nose are notes of brooms, salted peaches, pineapple and seaweed with a peaty touch. The attack is super savory, with a dense and weighted palate, a medium body and refreshing acidity. The toasted finish is integrated, with complex notes of cheese and candied fruit. A classy wine." James Suckling

Sister Moon was the first wine composition under Sting's direction and was logically named after one of his most famous songs. Dark ruby red, complex on the nose and on the palate with intense cherry fruit and hints of spices, some smoke, very harmonious and long. Well-integrated wood does not make this red at all heavy or one-dimensional, but rounds off the pleasure on the palate masterfully and long with beautifully integrated tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep aromas of blackberries, blueberries and bark with some dried flowers, following through to a medium body with firm and polished tannins and a tangy and fresh finish. Some dark earth at the finish." James Suckling

Core Rosso impresses with a blend of dark, rich fruit, exotic spices, boulders and peppery herbs. It is unexpectedly soft and airy, with a pure display of pure plums, complemented by nuances of sage and rosy flowers that develop towards the end. A layer of fine tannin leads into the lingering final, while hints of liquorice and blackcurrant linger. Great ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"A lighter expression of Aglianico, handled with aplomb. Juicy red cherry, lilac, a hint of tobacco, liquorice root and a touch of freshness. One of the better approaches to transforming this wiry variety into an earlier drinkable expression without losing integrity. Prosaic in the most delicious sense." James Suckling

Core" means "heart" in Italian dialect, and a heart-shaped drawing can be seen on the front label. The Montevetrano 2020 Core Rosso has a certain astringency of the hot vintage, but not much, with fine chalky tannins. The wine is made from 100% Aglianico and is very fruit-driven, with deep black cherries and ripe plums. It has a lovely spicy finish." Wine Advocate

"Dusty and floral, the 2020 Core Rosso wafts up with an alluring bouquet that blends cedar shavings with dried black cherries and lifting whiffs of sage. This is round and juicy in style yet still quite complex. A core of zesty acidity and hints of citrus offset depths of tart red and black fruits. The 2020 finishes long yet fresh, with rosy inner florals and notes of licorice that linger on and on." Vinous