Bibenda

Named after the ancient Roman wine festivals, Passito Vinalia is a sweet dessert wine that goes particularly well with South Tyrolean apple strudel. The strictly selected grapes, which are air-dried after the harvest, come from the sun-drenched vineyards on the slopes of Bolzano at 300 to 400 metres above sea level. They are gently pressed around 4 months after the harvest and then fermented in used French barriques.

Golden yellow with amber-coloured nuances, the nose is captivated by the aroma of ripe apricots, pineapple, sugar melons and peaches, as well as candied exotic fruits. The flavour is impressively opulent with a very refreshing and harmonious acidity. A masterpiece! SUPERIORE.DE

Piastraia fully lives up to the classic image of a great and delicate Bolgheri Rosso Superiore. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller portions of Merlot and Sangiovese, it fills the glass with its intense aroma of fruit and a hint of leather flavours. The flavour is powerful, concentrated and pure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Promising bouquet of blueberries and cherries, also sandalwood, liquorice and flowers; the tannins are powdery, the acidity skilfully integrated, combines race, juiciness and a lot of melting and at the same time not at all pretentious, but very drinkable." Vinum

"Dark and full ruby colour. Open, elegant bouquet of blackberry, underlaid with spicy notes of liquorice, leather and undergrowth. Powerful on the palate, round, juicy and easy to drink. The tannins are well integrated, retronasal black cherry and chocolate, long final." Falstaff

"A firm and compact red wine that shows walnuts, dried herbs, loam, black fruit and cedar on the nose. It is full-bodied, polished and compact, with firm but fine-grained tannins. Roasted walnut notes on the long finish." James Suckling

"The Piastraia 2021 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. It is a great example of where the house style is heading under the direction of Giacomo Satta. The Syrah has disappeared from the blend, but the wine still offers plenty of textural depth and energy. Dark red cherries, spices, new leather, rose petals and dried flowers gradually open up in the glass. This is beautifully made." Vinous

"The 2021 Bolgheri Superiore Piastraia shows great balance with an overall restrained personality that harkens back to a classic interpretation of Bolgheri you might have seen a decade or more ago. The wine offers just enough blackcurrant and cherry to keep you wanting more. There are also pencil shavings and a hint of savoury spice." Wine Advocate

"The core flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry and pomegranate are overlaid with notes of mint, violet, iron and toasted oak. This red wine is dense and rich, with a matrix of polished tannins in support. The balance and finish are outstanding." Wine Spectator

Normally, the Sangiovese grapes from the 14-hectare single vineyard are mainly harvested in Ama and San Lorenzo. Since the 2018 harvest, Lorenza and Marco have decided to vinify a small quantity separately. Deep, dark ruby red colour with violet reflections. Extroverted bouquet of blackberry, raspberry and redcurrant, with notes of crushed gravel, tobacco and traces of young leather. Very powerful and beautifully textured on the palate, the various layers of primary fruit only gradually unfold, the wood pleasantly receding into the background. Finely granulated tannins and a well-integrated acidity flank this very harmonious red on an elegant, long final. There is a lot to like here, for us it is once again a typical Ama wine: racy, powerful and elegant! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with violet reflections. Very precise nose of ripe cherries and plums, some eucalyptus, undergrowth and juniper berries on the finish. Initially soft on the palate with a delicate fruity flavour, then with gripping tannins." Falstaff

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni is a bold, potent wine. Black fruit, leather, tobacco, grilled herbs, licorice and incense add to an impression of virile intensity. Ideally, readers will cellar this for a few years. It’s a serious wine that needs a bit of time." Vinous

"Flavours of black cherries, dark mushrooms and some lemon zest follow through to a medium body that finishes long and energetic." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni is a broad and rich expression of Sangiovese, offering concentrated blackberries, plums and velvety tannins. The wine shows attractive accessibility and a generous, medium-bodied mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

Zenato's Amarone is all about elegance, with ripe fruit at the centre of the inviting bouquet with light notes of aromatic herbs. Powerful, sparkling ruby colour. Very appealing and multi-layered nose of plum, black cherry and a hint of leather. The palate reveals its overripe power, fine tannins and warm, expansive flavour, very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright garnet red colour with a brightening rim. Intense aroma of ripe, dark cherries, pickled sultanas, orange zest and wild raspberries on the nose. Compact on the palate with a melting texture, pleasant tannin structure and a long, fruit-driven finish." Falstaff

"Potpourri and fresh herbs on the nose. Palate shows alcohol-soaked Morello cherry, leafy, tobacco, dark chocolate, and coffee. Dense and lush with evolving spice and a hint of woodsmoke. Good typicity." Decanter

"A soft red wine whose lush texture carries finely tuned flavours of stuffed cherries and baked raspberries. It offers accents of loamy earth, orange peel, medicinal herbs and rosehip. Long and flowing, with good tension through the well-seasoned, lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Very complex nose of bay leaves, dried plums and blackberry jam, complemented by leather and some restrained chocolate. Velvety tannins flow on the palate, with a full body, zesty and cleansing acidity and a savoury finish of roasted black pepper and chocolate." James Suckling

Caprais Montefalco Rosso is an attractive red made predominantly from Sangiovese with small amounts of Sagrantino and Merlot. The aroma is unmistakably of black cherries and violets. Juicy and playful on the palate, with balanced acidity that enlivens the crisp red berry fruit, which leaves a slight mineral touch towards the end. Plenty of power and freshness, good structure, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red colour with a violet hue. Fragrant, playful nose, fine cherry fruit, blueberries and some pepper. Juicy on the palate, dancing acidity, builds up pressure towards the end via the tannin structure, lingers." Falstaff

"Black cherry and spice dominate the aroma, along with an intense floral element. The wine is lush on the palate, with gripping tannins, mouthwatering acidity and ample dark fruit notes both fresh and preserved with an undertone of clove and cinnamon." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright and fruit-forward with ripe raspberries and cherries as well as sweet spices, chocolate and candied orange peel. Medium- to full-bodied with deep, succulent fruit and firm, tightly packed tannins. Lingering, racy finish." James Suckling

Pecchenino has long been based in the Dogliani area and is known for its first-class Dolcetto. The property in Barolo is more recent and includes vineyards in Bussia, Le Coste di Monforte and Ravera di Monforte and San Giuseppe blends fruit from all three areas for this wine. On the nose, bright red fruits mingle with orange, rose and mushrooms. Polished, silky tannins effortlessly support the flawless ripe fruit. This wine is thoroughly vibrant with a lingering strawberry finish, and while the structure is already accessible, its complexity will become even more apparent with time in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pecchenino 2020 Barolo San Giuseppe is an easy wine that is not particularly expressive in this vintage and shows standard aromas of dried fruit, cassis and iris root. I would recommend this bottle for near and medium-term drinking." Wine Advocate

"The Barolo San Giuseppe 2020 smells of dark cherry, gravel, incense, leather, game and dried herbs. Powerful and dynamic in the glass, the 2020 has a lot to offer. I would prefer to drink it over the next ten years or so, despite its considerable power." Vinous

"Subtle aromas of red cherries, wild strawberries, dried roses, stones and pink peppercorns. Juicy and flavoursome with a medium body. It has a firm structure that builds on the palate. Dense and fleshy with a lingering aftertaste." James Suckling

This grappa gets its unmistakable character from a harmonious blend of grape varieties that 'belong to the same family' but differ in origin, time of harvest and pressing method. Fruity, very inviting marc aroma, fresh and fruity taste with slight sweetness and nice length. SUPERIORE.DE

Sommet means peak, i.e. the view of the mountains behind the vineyards. The Nebbiolo biotype, which is found in the southern alluvial valley of glacial origin, brings the winery back to the origins of viticulture in the Aosta Valley. Sommet was born from the desire to vinify and enhance a traditional grape variety. The result is a wine of great character and cool sophistication, a precise interpretation of the grape variety under the strong influence of the pre-alpine terroir.

Bright ruby red colour. Blackberry, cherry and balsamic notes on the nose. Juicy, precise and flavoursome on the palate, with a long finish that expresses the freshness and cool elegance of this exceptional region. Just 3,300 bottles are bottled each year. SUPERIORE.DE

The small 2-hectare Sant'Eusanio vineyard is located approximately 500 metres above sea level in the highest zone of the entire Valle-Reale area. What distinguishes this vineyard from the others in Popoli is its northern exposure and the temperature differences between day and night, which can reach the lowest temperatures in the valley. These factors lead to extreme microclimatic conditions under which the grapes of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Sant'Eusanio ripen, making it a unique wine. It is an uncompromising expression of Montepulciano from the mountains and speaks a dynamic language of acidity and freshness that contrasts sharply with the body and structure of the wines grown in the coastal zone of the region.

Montepulciano Vigneto Sant'Eusanio is spicy and intense with a vibrant blend of black raspberries and cloves, underlined by leather and dusty earth. On the palate, a variety of silky textures with ripe red and blue fruits emphasised by salty minerals and exotic spices. With soft tannins and dramatic length, this wine finishes with brilliant clarity and freshness, while bringing the structure to support further cellaring and ageing. This exceptional red is only produced in vintages where the entire growth cycle can be completed to full maturity. Nevertheless, this wine is never too full-bodied or too rich. Thanks to the cool growing conditions, it always remains elegant and in a class of its own. SUPERIORE.DE

"This characteristic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo comes from Sant'Eusanio, its highest vineyard at an altitude of around 500 metres, with 20-year-old vines on lean, gravelly soils. The exclusive treatment in the winery's steel tanks brings out fresh, herbaceous and fruity aromas of sour cherries and wild berries. On the palate, it is deep and elegant and displays an admirable balance of acidity and structure." Decanter

The grapes are dried on straw mats for 4 months, followed by slow fermentation, which is interrupted in winter due to the temperature. Bright ruby red colour with elegant golden reflections. Aromatic bouquet of great breadth and complexity with characteristic notes of dried fruit, honey and various spices. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of saffron, toffee, and salted caramel followed by a hint of sesame oil. The concentrated and generous palate is supported by bright acidity. Persistent finish with citrus blossom undertones." James Suckling

Maestro Raro shines first with its lively colour and then impresses with a bouquet that reveals a wonderful blackberry scent after spices, leather and tobacco aromas. The concentrated taste spreads softly, in which a stable acid structure cooperates perfectly with the tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet. In the nose noble spicy note, after cassis and elderberries, carried by cloves and a hint of red pepper. Spicy on the palate with a slight peppery-animal note, very warm, has tension throughout and comes back juicy on the final." Falstaff

"The currant character is supercharged with wood and bark highlights. It’s full-bodied with lots of blackberry and blackcurrant undertones. Chewy and firm. Needs time to open." James Suckling

"The 2018 Maestro Raro is dense, powerful and rich. As always, Maestro Raro is a decidedly Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon. Black fruit, leather, spice and smoke are front and center. This burly Cabernet is a bit angular, but it certainly has plenty of character." Vinous

"This is an exacting and powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of Tuscany. The Fèlsina 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Maestro Raro always stands out in a crowd, and it definitely stands apart in this portfolio. The wine is sultry and rich in personality, sporting tightly wrapped tannins that will need time to soften and unwind. At its core, the wine shows concentrated black fruit flavors, but there are hints of spice, baker's chocolate and smoky tobacco that add to the complexity and the aromatic lift of the bouquet." Wine Advocate

Strong dark ruby. Pepper and spice accents, aromas of ripe red and dark fruits and a slightly animal note characterise the precise aroma. The perfect balance between tannin, silky elements and the acidity guarantee a characterful and pithy taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multifaceted bouquet on notes of rose hips, cherries, pepper and blossoms; the attack is full-bodied, invigorating acidity, racy tannins, elegant course with mouth-filling finish, the wood perfectly integrated. With mushroom dishes." Vinum

"Dark ruby red with a drop of violet. In the nose of juicy cherries, juicy plums, plus a hint of iron, in the aftertaste noble pepper and slightly bacony tones. Spicy on the palate, with grippy tannin and juicy fruit." Falstaff

"The 2019 Syrah Case Via is powerful, inky and expressive. A blast of inky dark fruit, espresso, licorice, cloves, game and leather infuses the 2019 with notable depth. This virile, somber Syrah has plenty to offer." Vinous

"Intense, exhibiting blackberry, plum, boysenberry and black pepper aromas and flavors. Firm and needs time to resolve the oak, yet this is fresh and persists on the mineral- and spice-tinged finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of blackberries, black tobacco and slate follow through to a medium body with firm tannins and a graphite note in the finish." James Suckling

Classic Rosso from the Langhe, made from 50% Nebbiolo and 50% Barbera grapes from the Ginestra and Bussia districts. Inviting, exuberant Barbera-influenced bouquet of raspberry jam, dark fruit, leather, tar and tobacco. Deep, plump and very inviting, drinky and opulent on the palate. Very accessible even at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Langhe Rosso Monprà 2020 is a blend of Barbera from old vines (planted in 1971) and Nebbiolo from Bussia Sottana. Juicy and expressive, with plenty of Nebbiolo nerve, the Monprà delivers the goods. Juicy black cherry, gravel, spices, menthol, liquorice, dried flowers and a hint of French oak all come together in this wine. The 2020 is a particularly beautiful edition of the Monprà." Vinous

"The Langhe Rosso Monprà 2020 shows lovely richness and concentration in this hot vintage with dried cherry, blackberry, spice and liquorice (both red and black). The flavours are up front, but the wine shows a streamlined mouthfeel to close gently." Wine Advocate

Al Passo is named after the small forest on the highest hill of Tolaini - a magical place with a breathtaking view of the countryside and the sunsets over the towers of Siena. The wine is as unique as the forest, showcasing the natural affinity of Sangiovese and Merlot. Rich garnet with ruby colour. Intense and enticing bouquet of ripe fruit, orange zest and spicy oak notes, on the palate with ripe fruit and fresh acidity, balanced, medium body, long final with a fine salty vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cassis, meat, leather and earth notes. Firm acidity and tannins with a chalky texture, a full body and supple fruit balancing the structure. Austere on the finish." James Suckling

"An intense red, evoking cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, mineral, tobacco and wild herb flavors. Silky and sappy, with fine-grained tannins lingering on the finish. Overall, this shows finesse." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Al Passo is a very beautiful and expressive wine. Dried cherry, tobacco, cedar, licorice and incense lend notable aromatic nuance. This Sangiovese/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend has a ton to offer. Bright acids pull it all together in style." Vinous

Dense, tight and compact with dried and fresh black fruits, walnuts and crushed stones. Full-bodied with fine tannins that have sunk in well, but another year or two of cellaring should complete the job. Flows dense and full-bodied with remarkable depth, breadth and purity across the palate. An opulent wine that lingers long and very harmoniously. Built for eternity. SUPERIORE.DE

Beautiful Amarone Riserva with well-proportioned flavours of ripe dark fruit and noble notes of leather, spices and sweet tobacco. It is dense and full-bodied with remarkable depth, breadth and purity on the palate. An opulent wine with a long and very harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Acute aromas of dried cherries and berries, with spicy and earthy, nutty notes. Full-bodied with a regal structure of velvety fruit and oak tannin, supporting plenty of spicy dried-fruit flavor. Concentrated and intense with a long, long finish. This will age nicely for many a year, despite already being approachable now." James Suckling

Tasca was involved in Etna at an early stage and the latest result of this many years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante winery: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are filigree and profound, and despite their strength, acidity and tight tannin very elegant, rich in finesse and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine due to the altitude, soil and morphology of the historical lava flows. A high annual rainfall secures all water reserves for the soil, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the variety of aromas of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Pianodario plot is situated at an average altitude of 775 metres above sea level between the hamlet of Montelaguardia and Randazzo. It covers an area of about 8 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"One of three new single-vineyard wines introduced by Tasca's Tascante, the 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Pianodario comes from the western-most parcel located between Montelaguardia and Randazzo. These are relatively new vines, planted in 2010, in soils representing various lava flows, the oldest in 1646 and the newest in 1981. This is a bright and accessible wine with pretty tones of wild berry and dried pomegranate followed by candied orange and pressed violets. It will no doubt be exciting to follow this wine as those vines get, proverbially speaking, older and wiser. Some 5,000 bottles were made." Wine Advocate

The grapes for Istine's cult Riserva come exclusively from the estate's own vineyards Istine (Radda), Casanova dell'Aia (Radda) and Cavarchione (Gaiole). Only 4,000 bottles of this breathtaking wine, which matures for 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels, are bottled each year.

Rich, bright ruby red with a sparkling centre. The bouquet is complex with aristocratic restraint. Compact and freshly fruity nose of rich cherries and ripe raspberries, with amarena cherries and notes of tobacco in the background. Medium-bodied on the palate, but with infinite, captivating depth that awaits discovery. Spreads out beautifully in the body, appears downright juicy and fruit-emphasised and continues to open up towards its terrific finalwith crunchy cherries and a refined saline vein. Purists will love its linear and unmistakable Sangiovese character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Puristic Chianti Classico. Radiant fruit with lots of cherry, some plum, juicy blood oranges and hibiscus blossom. Super-elegant texture, the finest silky tannins, lively acidity, maintains a wonderfully light-footed balance, has a savoury vein and is simply delicious." Weinwisser

"Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Powerful and concentrated cherry nose, fresh and juicy on the palate with delicious, viscous tannins. Immediately drinkable. This wine has real class." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Levigne is fabulous. In fact, the 2020 is one of the best Riservas I can remember tasting here. Black cherry, plum, graphite, clove, menthol and liquorice are some of the many notes that come together in this deep, strong Riserva. In the past, I've found the Riserva to be a little oak-led, but that's not the case here. The 2020 has spent two full years in barrels." Vinous

The grapes for Istine's cult Riserva come exclusively from the estate's own vineyards Istine (Radda), Casanova dell'Aia (Radda) and Cavarchione (Gaiole). Only 4,000 bottles of this breathtaking wine, which matures for 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels, are bottled each year.

Rich, bright ruby red with a sparkling centre. The bouquet is complex with aristocratic restraint. Compact and freshly fruity nose of rich cherries and ripe raspberries, with amarena cherries and notes of tobacco in the background. Medium-bodied on the palate, but with infinite, captivating depth that awaits discovery. Spreads out beautifully in the body, appears downright juicy and fruit-emphasised and continues to open up towards its terrific finalwith crunchy cherries and a refined saline vein. Purists will love its linear and unmistakable Sangiovese character. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Chianti Classico Riserva Levigne 2021 is fabulous. Bright, powerful and lively. Bright acids lift a core of red and purple fruit, while floral and spicy notes emerge later, adding freshness. This is the first vintage with a proportion of whole bunches (10%), an approach that works beautifully here. I also find that the oak is better integrated than in the past. I particularly admire the wine's energy shining through." Vinous

Tasca got involved in Etna early on and the latest result of these years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante estate: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are delicate and profound, and despite their power, acidity and taut tannin, very elegant, finesse-rich and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine - due to the altitude, soil composition and morphology of the historic lava flows. A high annual rainfall ensures that the soil has all the water it needs, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the aromatic diversity of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Sciaranuova parcel is situated at an average altitude of 730 metres above sea level between the villages of Montelaguardia and Passopisciaro. It covers an area of about 4.9 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby and the most youthful looking of the four single-contrade wines of this vintage. Quite deep red-fruit nose with hints of bacon and a note of oak. This is the one that is the most obviously oaked. Wonderful succulent fruit with a bit of oak that supports rather than distracts. Serious grainy tannins and a little demanding and still a little rough, but extremely fine-perfumed fruit finish." Jancis Robinson

"Good full red. Deep musky, ripe red cherry and strawberry aromas are characterized by a mineral undertone. Then also mineral on entry, but turns just slightly tough in the middle and on the long back end that features similar flavors to the aromas. There's good sweetness here, and the stony nuances add further lightness of being to what is essentially a medium-bodied, easygoing red wine." Vinous

"Lovely nose of wild berry, autumn leaves and tar noted aroma. Crunchy red berry texture, grippy with soft woody notes." Decanter

"The 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova is made with fruit from vines planted in 2008 at 730 meters above sea level. This is a classic expression from Etna with an even dose of wild berry, rose, mineral and spice. This wine shows an attractive level of balance and harmony, and I am especially attracted to those distinctive volcanic or mineral tones that frame this delicate, almost fragile wine. This Etna Rosso is mostly aged in large Slavonian oak casks, but a small part goes into 300-liter tonneaux. This adds a bit more volume and girth to the finish. Production is 5,000 bottles." Wine Advocate