Bibenda

After almost twenty years of experience in the vinification of the famous Etna Rosso "Serra della Contessa", the Benanti family decided in 2015 to extend the vinification, ageing and refinement of the wine to 60 months. The result is an exclusive Riserva made from 85% Mascalese and 15% Cappuccio, produced in small quantities from vines over 100 years old (pre-phylloxera) from plot no. 587, which is rightly considered one of the best red wines in the region.

Bright ruby red with light garnet-coloured reflections. Ethereal and intense on the nose, with hints of wild berries, spices, precious wood and traces of white smoke. Full, elegant, harmonious and mineral on the palate, with terrificelegance and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose effortlessly blends savory aromas of soil, clean wood and salt with the semisweet astringency of hibiscus, rose petals and wild strawberries. On the palate, raspberries briefly bolster the strawberry, before a powerful earthiness takes over. Acid brings a glint of spice as it sparks off polished, smooth tannins." Decanter

"Crushed stones, rose petals and dried strawberries form a dusty and dark, seductive bouquet when the 2017 Etna Rosso Riserva Serra della Contessa rises from the glass. It is silky-soft and elegant in style. Polished red fruits and mineral tones provide traction under a hint of violet flowers on the inside. A hint of sour citrus fruit combined with a touch of residual acidity provides balance, even if the grippy tannins persist on the long and structured final. Today, the 2017 is primary, but its potential is very great." Vinous

"What fantastic aromas of dried flowers, cloves, smoke and cherries. The wine is medium-bodied with creamy and round tannins that are polished and beautiful. Intensely flavoured. Drinkable now, but it will age beautifully." James Suckling

After almost thirty years of experience in the vinification of the famous Etna Rosso "Rovittello", the Benanti family decided in 2015 to extend the vinification, ageing and refinement of the wine to 60 months. The result is an exclusive Riserva, produced in small quantities from vines over 100 years old from plot no. 341, which is rightly considered one of the best red wines in the region. The Nerello grapes (85% Mascalese/15% Cappuccio) come from a terraced vineyard (pre-phylloxera) in the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the upper area of Rovittello, part of the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia.

Pale ruby colour with light garnet tones. Fine, ethereal, floral, intense, spicy, delicate bouquet with hints of ripe fruit, young, tanned leather and cedar wood. Firm and powerful on the palate, it only opens up gradually and then gradually reveals its depth and secrets, which are characterised by impressive weightlessness and elegance. An extremely harmonious red with meditation potential - mineral and remarkably persistent! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Etna Rosso Riserva Rovittello blossoms in the glass with a remarkably pretty mix of roses, lilacs and violets before giving way to dried strawberries and sweet smoke. This wine is surprisingly round and juicy, driven by lively acidity, with crisp red fruits and blueberries spilling over the austere mineral core. Hints of sour citrus combine with lavender and tart blackberries as the 2017 finishes lightly textured and refined. Even though this version of the Rovittello Riserva is slightly younger than previous vintages, it is a truly beautiful wine with the balance for a long and steady evolution." Vinous

"The nose balances tart cherries and cranberries with savory undertones of pencil lead, herbs and medicinal licorice, before the palate leans into sweeter fruit, without losing that medicinal quality. Contoured tannins and lively acid accentuate a latent, earthy smokiness." Wine Enthusiast

"Wonderfully perfumed with fresh flowers such as hibiscus as well as cherry and watermelon character. Also gravel. Medium body, firm and silky tannins with brightness and tension. Some smoke and tar on the finish. Still a little reserved. Drink it after 2025." James Suckling

"It shines with its marvellous aroma of wild strawberries, woody and delicate. In the mouth, it shows its taut, vertical structure and intense, lively and concentrated red fruits, with dusty, woody and balsamic nuances. Despite its obvious power and weight, it is light on its feet and deserves to spend some time in the bottle before opening." Decanter

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. Within the Sciaranuova parcel is a small cru site whose vines were planted in 1961. The bottles, produced in very small quantities, are labelled "Vigna Vecchia". Compared to its "younger brother", this rare wine shows increased complexity, depth and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby. Great concentration of red fruit on the nose. Real depth. Red cherry with dark-earth notes and hints of white pepper. Very pure and focused red-fruit palate but not open by far. Gentle tannic structure framing the fruit. Nervy yet full cherry finish with coating tannins." Jancis Robinson

"A graceful red, with finely meshed flavors of raspberry puree and black cherry gliding across the palate. Delicate accents of ground white pepper, anise, sweet smoke and dried sage add depth, lingering prettily alongside the light, taut tannins on the creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"Made with fruit from old vines, the Tenuta Tascante 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova V.V. is powerful and delicate at the same time, and it strikes a careful balance between these two opposing forces. This is one of the biggest compliments you can give to a wine from Etna, one of the most dramatic and violent winemaking panoramas on Earth. This lovely Nerello Mascalese shows aromas of cherry and wild rose with toasted nut, scorched earth and lavender essence. The concentration and staying power from those old vines add considerably to the depth, tannic power and complexity of this age-worthy bottle." Wine Advocate

"Bright, radiant ruby red with a gently lightening rim. Great, fragrant nose, of geranium blossoms, rose hips, oranges, some pomegranate, very red-fruity-fresh, with fine spices in the aftertaste. On the palate polished and with clear fruit, spreads gently and steadily growing over the tongue, pithy and clear, in the finish extremely finesse-rich and long." Falstaff

"Intense, ripe and textured, it displays a good concentration of fleshy red fruits with notes of liquorice, balsam, cocoa, leather and soft spices. Broad-shouldered and ageable, it finishes elegantly with a long, mineral tang." Decanter

"Wow. Such a beautiful, old-vine red with strawberry and cherry aromas, as well hints of hazelnuts and roses. It’s full, very creamy and polished. Extremely long and flavorful. Gorgeous wine all around." James Suckling

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

"On the nose, smoky, sanguine notes of graphite and cured meat are balanced by the fruitiness of cherries and red plums. The fruit notes headline the palate, but an undertone of chili jam leads into a resurgentally meaty finish, while acid bounces around contoured tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Aglianico del Vulture Titolo 2019 is stunning. It opens with an exotic flair that blends smoky plum and lavender with animal musk, ash stone and a hint of sour citrus that enlivens the senses. The palate is silky and supple, quickly gaining youthful tannic tension, but not before offering a taste of mentholated herbal tones and a depth of mineral dark fruit that will take centre stage after a few years of cellaring. The wine finishes incredibly long and structured, leaving a hint of primary concentration lingering under a hint of pretty inner flowers and savoury spice. I believe that the 2019 could one day be one of the best vintages ever produced by Elena Fucci's Titolo." Vinous

San Leonardo is the flagship of the winery of the same name and one of the best red wines in Trentino every year. Opulent bouquet with nuances of dark fruit such as blackberry and sour cherry. Delicate spice, leather and tobacco notes give it a terrific complexity, which is then extended on the palate by a harmonious interplay of dark berries and plums, all flanked by clearly contoured tannins. A masterful red with a strong personality that will reach its true greatness after a few more years of bottle ageing and live up to its reputation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, impenetrable ruby red colour. Cool nose of blackcurrant with a hint of red pepper. On the palate, juicy blackcurrant with the softest tannins, as if everything had been handled with kid gloves." Jancis Robinson

"A graceful red wine that begins quietly with a pure note of ripe blackcurrant and slowly expands on the palate to interweave flavours of bay leaf and smoked tobacco, bitter cherry, minerals, graphite and cigar box spice. The fine-meshed spectrum of flavours reveals supple tannins that define the elegant finish." Wine Spectator

"A mentholated freshness introduces the 2018 San Leonardo as it slowly blossoms in the glass. Swirling the glass, a depth of dusty sage and violet unfolds, fading into white pepper and blackcurrant. This wine is elegant, full-bodied and powerful. Sour citrus fruits highlight ripe wild berries and savoury spices. The 2018 leaves nothing out and finishes long and lightly structured, with a framework of fine tannins that gently tug at the senses as blackberry and rose notes slowly fade away. The 2018 is an understated and youthful beauty that should be left in the cellar for a few more years. That means hands off, because the best is yet to come." Vinous

"The latest edition of this outstanding northern Italian red wine offers complex aromas of tobacco, spice, earth and rich, wood-soaked black berries. In the mouth, it combines intense concentration with freshness in a vertical sense of balance and savouriness. Dark, plummy, spicy hedgerow berries are perfectly balanced by bright, savoury acidity and ripe, grainy tannins, with spicy cedar, dried currants and a hint of balsamic depth. It still has so much to offer." Decanter

"The 2018 San Leonardo from a cool vintage is incredibly fine and beautiful, with a filigree of flavours reminiscent of wild blackberries, tobacco, pressed rosemary, cherry tart and orange marmalade. The elegance of the wine is exceptional, the mouthfeel very fine and precise. This classic vintage will certainly appeal to San Leonardo purists. I recommend giving it a long maturation period." Wine Advocate

"Perhaps the only Bordeaux from Trentino capable of evolving to emerge with personality even today, in a vintage of grace. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Merlot. Jammy cherries, undergrowth, juniper and rhubarb, dense and savoury, crisp and compact mouthfeel, wonderfully persistent finish." Luca Gardini

Sweet roses, red berries, flowers, mint and orange peel - all this can be found in this very well-balanced Brunello. It has a well-proportioned fruit centre, lovely tannins and a fabulous overall balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intriguing nose of black cherries and leather; consistent in the mouth, the tannins fine-grained, the final compact with fine fruit nuances." Vinum

"Bright, radiant ruby red colour. Precise nose of ripe raspberries, underpinned by subtle sweet spices, elderberry, mint. On the palate with great juiciness and tightly woven tannins, polished, radiant in the fruit, also savoury in the pressure, fiery finish." Falstaff

"Concentrated medium ruby red colour. Slumbering nose that gains depth with aeration. Supple, juicy fruit with loads of gravelly tannins. Lots of juice and perfumed fruit on the finish, but still embryonic and a little tannic, but really well balanced and complex, textural and tactile on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Roasted herbs, wild cherries, thyme and dried mushrooms on the nose. Medium to full body with silky but firm tannins supporting supple and fresh layers. Excellent length with a deliciously savoury character." James Suckling

"Masses of crushed cherries and cloves give way to nuances of spiced citrus peel and cedar as the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino comes to life in the glass. On the palate, it is round and supple, with a balanced inner sweetness that contrasts with the mineral acids and tart forest fruits. The grippy tannins rise towards the finish but fail to slow the 2018's momentum, while notes of salted liquorice linger under a hint of dried roses. This is a deep and characterful rendition of Brunello from Col d'Orcia, but you need patience to discover all its charms." Vinous

"Beautifully weighted, it is full yet agile with enough stuffing to carry it over the next decade. Above all, it emphasises the freshness of the vintage: the aromas unfold slowly but are very floral, with cherry and thyme blossom lifted by traces of pepper. The palate is dominated by crunchy red plums and juicy cherries, with the youthful, grippy tannins needing a little time to give way." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a certified organic wine with dark fruit, bold cherry, earthy notes and hints of black olive or scorched earth. The wine is generous and round in terms of mouthfeel with a streamlined mid-palate and plenty of Sangiovese acidity to keep things lively and fresh. The tannins are well integrated and silky." Wine Advocate

"This promising Brunello is characterised by beautiful aromas and flavours of cherries, strawberries, currants and flowers. Elegant and supple at the beginning, the dense tannic structure emerges, giving the long finish a different character. It reveals notes of wild herbs and minerals that give it depth." Wine Spectator

"This Brunello of impeccable balance is another essential characteristic of the Montalcino region. Aromas of red cherries, nutmeg and eucalyptus on the nose. Spicy tannins on the palate, taut and crisp, juicy and long-lasting." Luca Gardini

"The nose is warm, dry and fruity, with aromas of cranberry, cherry, strawberry and orange peel wafting above pennies jingling in the background. On the palate, rose petals accentuate the fruitiness, while the tannins are polished but not slippery, like expensive leather. A classic luxury experience." Wine Enthusiast

Barolo Cannubi is a great wine that highlights the classic beauty of Nebbiolo. This wine is like a statue of a Greek goddess with perfect proportions and feminine aesthetics. The bouquet is complex, with bright fruits, white pepper, mint, orange peel and spicy liquorice. The tannins are polished and fine, with a hint of the characteristic limestone chalk that you sometimes taste in Cannubi. Lively acidity rounds out this extremely elegant, fresh and graceful wine. Very full-bodied and focused with great length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium dense ruby with a pronounced garnet rim. Very appealing and intense nose of ripe, dark wild raspberries, dried plums, also some rhubarb and cranberry. Grippy, hearty tannin, opens up in many layers, lots of ripe, present fruit, firm pressure and fine melting on the final." Falstaff

"Cool, sweet red fruit and a touch of minty oak. Fresh, gentle and juicy red fruit with elegant tannins that gently stick to the palate. Everything is elegant about this wine." Jancis Robinson

"The 2018 Barolo Cannubi is soft, open-knit and gracious, as wines from this vintage tend to be. Silky contours and pliant fruit add to its appeal and overall immediacy. The 2018 is a real charmer. It's understated personality will be easy to appreciate upon release. Sweet red cherry, cinnamon, mint, cedar and dried rose petal linger nicely, with pretty sweet floral notes that continue to open over time." Vinous

"Deep and seductive on the nose and palate with crushed red berries and a soft mineral base. Full-bodied with very silky tannins that are already melded into the wine. More linear, drinkable quality to this in 2018. Compact and delicious even now, but better with another year in bottle." James Suckling

"Elegant and seamless for such a young red, exhibiting rose, cherry, mint, menthol and mineral flavors. Firm yet balanced and long, with echoes of cherry and menthol on the saline finish." Wine Spectator

"The E. Pira e Figli - Chiara Boschis 2018 Barolo Cannubi is a lovely wine with a classic playlist of true Nebbiolo aromas. This certified organic wine exhibits wild berry, rose, dried lilac and an earthy touch of white truffle. However, the floral aromas and the lifted fruit are the protagonists in this balanced expression. Chiara farms less than one hectare (just over 6,000 square meters) in the celebrated Cannubi MGA with ancient calcareous clay soils from the Miocene era. Production is limited to 3,594 bottles. This is one of the best wines of the vintage." Wine Advocate

Maternigo means "mother's land" and is also the name of one of the Tedeschi family's vineyards. The vineyards cover around 33 hectares in two municipalities, Tregnago and Mezzane di Sotto. The new Cru-Amarone Riserva Maternigo is only produced in the best years and its grapes come exclusively from the Barila vineyard. This single vineyard was selected after careful zoning and characterisation of the soil, which is characterised by very low vigour and consequently produces grapes rich in structure.

This gives it its own complex and aromatic character, which is characterised by a high concentration of natural aromatic components in the grapes. This complexity creates an intense bouquet of red fruits and Mediterranean flowers. These notes are echoed on the palate, along with subtle hints of eucalyptus, which give the wine freshness and at the same time hints of sweet spices. The impressive result is an elegant wine with great structure and exciting development potential - and an unmistakable sensory experience. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright, rich ruby red colour. Noble and clear on the nose, of ripe, rich cherries, red peach, rosehips and wild berry mousse, with fine spicy components on the finish. Full-bodied and dense on the palate, opens rich and with dark berry fruit components, juicy tannin envelops the fine melting, ends long in the final with fine pressure on elderberry syrup." Falstaff

"The 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva Maternigo is ashy and intense, with tobacco giving way to peppery herbs, dried cherries and dark chocolate. It feels velvety-smooth and glycerin-like, with a dense wave of ripe red fruit and sweet spice carried by salty minerals and vibrant acids. It leaves a hint of rich sweet fruit along with violet and lavender tones as it finishes lightly textured. The 2016 took some time to develop in the glass, but it really shows the magic of the vintage. Bravo." Vinous

"Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella from the Barila vineyard, grape harvest, followed by long fermentation and maceration, then 48 months in Slavonian oak, a wine with a beautiful olfactory impact, notes of blackcurrant, nuances of wild mint and nutmeg, spicy attack, spicy finish." Luca Gardini

"This wine exemplifies the unique world that Amarone lives in as a wine. It is both very powerful and elegant at the same time. The nose is reserved at first, showing a mixture of black currant, plum and raspberry. The wine then shifts gears highlighting the bitter-chocolate notes and chalky minerality that come from this unique single vineyard, Barila. The bottling has firm tannins and vibrant acidity, giving the wine seriousness and demanding it be lost in the cellar for some time." Wine Enthusiast

"It's very restrained on the nose, with a dense package of baked red cherry flavours and a bright mineral, almost wet stone character. Mediterranean herbs too. Full-bodied palate that is back under control, but there is a dense package of firm, fine tannins, dried fruit and spice waiting to burst out. It's hard to believe this wine is only 17% alcohol, it's so well constructed. It will be superb in a year or two and beyond if you can resist the temptation now. Best from 2023 onwards." James Suckling

"Spicy, woody black cherry, blueberry jam and coffee scents are joined by deep, rich, earthy and almost-jammy flavours, with cocoa and damson. Round and extremely fresh with a persistent finish, this is by no means a shrinking violet yet has the balance to match its considerable concentration and heft." Decanter

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento from the dream 2015 vintage is dark, rich and seductive. It smells of ginger and hints of leather and tobacco before opening up further to reveal black cherry fruit and wild berries. Although cool and supple, it has a velvety texture that strikes a wonderful balance between the tart blackberries and exotic spices within. Its complexity is remarkable: sometimes sweet, sometimes sour, framed by youthful grippy tannins and hints of cranberries, spices and subtle saltiness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, powerful garnet red. Finely marked, fragrant nose with notes of cranberries, ripe dark cherries, some prunes and plenty of tobacco. Polished tannin on the palate, showing ripe fruit notes, with grippy tannin in many layers on the final." Falstaff

"Lustrous ruby with orange tinges. At first a tiny bit sweaty, then opening up to rich, focused cherry fruit. A palate of lush cherry fruit and sensationally balanced. The juicy fruit, lined with gravelly tannins, goes on and on." Jancis Robinson

"Lots of plum, toffee, floral and cherry aromas that follow through to a full body with ripe, round tannins that follow through to a long, gorgeous finish." James Suckling

"A powerful version, this red delivers concentrated plum, black cherry, iron and earth flavors allied to a base of muscular tannins. The balance tips to the astringent side, but it's not overbearing, with ripe fruit returning on the finish. Needs time and food." Wine Spectator

"Made with certified organic fruit, the Col d'Orcia 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is open-knit and big both in intensity and mouthfeel. This full-bodied Riserva graces us with budding tertiary notes of tobacco and cured leather, but the ripe and fundamentally very rich fruit of this vintage remains firm at its core. You also get cola, licorice and grilled rosemary. This vineyard site sees ancient soils with an important component of well-draining sand, and this helps to concentrate flavors." Wine Advocate

"The darkly alluring 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento requires coaxing to unlock its aromatics from their youthful state. However, patience is rewarded, as crushed stones and ashen earth give way to red and black wild berries offset by hints of camphor and, finally, a note of sweet tobacco. Its textures are like pure silk draped across the palate, as a saturation of salty minerals settle in. Vivid notes of tart black cherry and an air of inner rose resonate throughout as fine tannins slowly clench the senses. The result is one of hulking structure yet also a potent staining of primary concentration; yet through it all, bright acids maintain supreme balance. Wow, the 2015 Poggio al Vento is a masterpiece in the making." Vinous

Alessandro Mori's Wines has made Il Marroneto one of Montalcino's best wineries in just a few years. Today he runs the company together with his son Jacopo. The wines reflect their passionate, simple and outspoken character, which at first sight seems reserved and austere, but slowly opens up to reveal a harmonious synthesis of elegance and power. In 2019, he has decided to produce a selection from some of his best grapes - named after his son Jacopo - and in such a small edition that we are the only ones in the German market to be allocated a few cases. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, bright ruby red. In the nose juicy blackberries, blood orange, some bitter almond, in the aftertaste kitchen herbs. With great juiciness on the palate, dense, clear fruit, embedded in hearty tannin, radiant, beautiful length." Falstaff

"Attractive aromas of cherries, rosemary, sage, cocoa and light spices. Medium body with a silky texture. Refined and polished with a crisp red fruit character and a long finish with spicy notes." James Suckling

"The Il Marroneto 2020 Rosso di Montalcino Iacopo opens with a darker garnet colour and richer saturation compared to the Ignaccio. The added fruit weight carries over to aromas of plums and black cherries. The freshness of the fruit is intact, and this wine is very bright and energetic in terms of mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino Selezione Iacopo is a dusty and perfumed beauty in the glass. It exudes notes of dried strawberries, plums, stone dust and a hint of sweet spice. On the palate, it unfolds with grace, carried by brilliant acidity and a balanced inner sweetness that turns into a salty minerality towards the end. The 2020 finishes persistently, with a fine web of tannins that underlines things perfectly. With a few years of cellaring, this will be a gorgeous Rosso with a wide and open drinking window. Only 3,000 bottles were produced." Vinous

A proud, pure Pinot Nero vintage sparkling wine: strong golden yellow colour, fine, elegant, wonderfully long-lasting perlage. Inviting bouquet of fresh stone fruit, delicate hints of baked goods and blossom honey, plus a hint of citrus. Good complexity on the palate, charming fruit and a hint of roasted flavour. Dry and wonderfully long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense straw yellow with a golden shimmer, fine, persistent mousseux. Elegantly restrained on the nose, reminiscent of sea breeze, some peach and lemon, followed by crusty bread. Structured and racy on the palate, pleasantly creamy, vibrant acidity, animating, salty finish, good length." Falstaff

"This graceful sparkler is round and plushly creamy on the palate, offering a bright backbone of citrusy acidity and a streak of salinity meshed with flavors of baked white cherry and toasted almond, plus hints of glazed tangerine and lemon thyme." Wine Spectator

"100% Pinot Noir aged for six years on the lees lifts from the glass aromas from an almost opened bakery with fresh croissants and fruit tarts being pulled from the oven. Drizzled honey, cream and roasted almond aromas quickly follow to entice you further into the glass. The richness is immediate with baked orchard fruit and lemon peel striking a pose on the palate as creme fraiche and subtle berry hints pop on the the palate that struts to the finish where pure mountain minerality embraces the palate and sharpens the wine to a fine point." Wine Enthusiast

Chardonnay Vigna San Francesco is luxurious and rich as it moves along the lines of sophistication: ginger spice, crushed oyster shells, Italian buttercream and citrus fruits make up its seductive bouquet. On the palate, it conveys a sense of opulence but also harmony, combining a silky, medium-bodied texture with mineral fruits and pretty floral nuances. An interplay of sweet and sour that lasts until the final, while savoury green citrus fruits and a hint of Granny Smith apple slowly fade away. A wonderful Sicilian Chardonnay that perfectly combines the sophistication of the international grape variety with the charm of the Mediterranean climate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of grilled pineapple, hawthorn, dried lemon, flint, praline and a hint of burnt caramel. Long and delicious, with a full body and a creamy, subtly smoky palate, balanced by a fine minerality and bright acidity." James Suckling

"The 2020 Sicilia Chardonnay Vigna San Francesco shows a medium fruit weight with creamy notes of peach, poached pear and crushed limestone. This is a promising wine for the dinner table." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Chardonnay Vigna San Francesco is remarkably pretty. It warms in the glass, revealing sweet white flowers and honeysuckle that complement young peaches and vanilla pods. It's round and supple, almost oily in texture, contrasted by a mix of lemony citrus with tropical melon and pineapple, all energised by a core of saline acidity. The 2020 finishes long yet remarkably fresh with a tart concentration of citrus tickling the cheeks as the sweet spice notes fade. The Vigna San Francesco is a plea for Italian, or more precisely, Sicilian Chardonnay. It is simply stunning." Vinous

Every year one of the great single-vineyard wines of the Tenuta, representing in a highly complex way the special terroir of the high altitudes on Etna. Dark red fruits, orange peel and flowers on the nose. Then juicy fruit, wonderful depth and a finely chiselled tannin structure. A subtle spiciness on the finish and always present the outstanding structure, length and elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of wild herb, violet, red berry and a hint of hazelnut come to the forefront. Taut and focused, the ethereally elegant palate offers red cherry, blood orange, star anise and a hint of espresso before a saline close. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide graceful support." Wine Enthusiast

"Dried raspberry and kirsch notes are rich and juicy on the palate of this expressive, medium- to full-bodied red, accented by candied violet and star anise aromatics. It's well-balanced and mouthwatering, with an underpinning of racy minerality driving the chewy finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana keeps you at the edge of the glass, taking in its earthy yet gorgeous bouquet. Waves of crushed ashen stone, peppery herbs, blackberries and roses lift up effortlessly. This is silky in texture, with an unbelievably pure and vivid display of red fruits laced with salty minerals, as brisk acids create a sweet-and-sour tug of tension toward the close. The cheeks pucker, saturated with youthful tannin, as the 2018 Calderara Sottana clamps down hard, leaving only a hint of licorice and tart red berries in its wake. Close your eyes, and you might think this was a young, top-shelf Serralunga Barolo." Vinous

"So floral and fresh with cherries, watermelon, apples, crushed stone and flowers on the nose. It's medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins and fresh, vivid acidity that takes you down the palate." James Suckling

The great Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra from the historic Clerico vineyard. Bright garnet red colour. Open-hearted bouquet of ripe fruit and spices, the elegant tannins are accompanied by a pleasant freshness in the complex flavour, deep and long on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with brightening edges. Inviting aroma of cherries, ripe raspberries and plums, leather and sweet tobacco. Powerful and juicy on the palate, precise fruit flavours." Falstaff

"Firm and quite deep, youthful aroma of ripe black and red berries with moderate, slightly bitter-chocolatey wood spice, tobacco notes and floral traces, tomato essence, roasted notes and a hint of pepper. Ripe, firm, tart-juicy fruit, youthful, quite present, yet polished tannins, smoky and very slightly roasted notes, a certain acid bite, a little coffee in the background, salty minerality, certain depth, still completely undeveloped, has freshness and tension, very good, tart-juicy and again somewhat smoky-spicy finish with bite." Wein-plus

"Perfumed and beautiful, with notes of sliced berries, melon, citrus and flowers on the nose. Full-bodied with juicy tannins, chewy and beautiful. Focussed and spicy on the finish. Very transparent and concentrated. Try after 2027." James Suckling

"An imminent but solidly structured red wine characterised by aromas of cherry, eucalyptus, tar, iron and tobacco. It tightens up on the finish, leaving behind compact, mouth-coating tannins. Should develop into a core of pure, ripe fruit in the future." Wine Spectator

"The Domenico Clerico 2019 Barolo Ginestra Ciabot Mentin is a little closed at first. This is a characteristic I found in a vintage that gives us good reason to focus on long bottle ageing. There are dark fruits and spices with liquorice and grilled herbs. Rusty mineral nuances also slowly emerge from the bouquet. This wine needs a double decant if drunk young, but it's better to wait. When I returned 24 hours later for my open tasting, the wine sang beautifully." Wine Advocate

"Nose with hints of black cherry under spirits, touches of wild mint, cinnamon and fresh thyme. In the taste savory tannins, fruity-balsamic and officinal notes. Long lasting persistence." Luca Gardini

"The Ciabot Mentin was planted in 1978 in Ginestra, between 390 and 420 metres above sea level - relatively high for Barolo - but mostly with an eastern exposure, which enhances the freshness and elegance of this wine. The 2019 is indeed cool, with a fresh violet scent, a certain meatiness and black cherry fruit and an almost rosemary-like aromatic character. Its extreme youth is emphasised by crisp acidity and supple, velvety tannins. A very precise wine, still complex and ripe, but also full of potential for the long haul." Decanter

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. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright garnet red with a broad, brightening rim. Baroque bouquet on the nose, of sultanas, preserved cherry and varnish. Powerful on the palate, slightly warming, with a fine-grained tannin structure, mouth-filling and extremely long on the tongue." Falstaff

"Very ripe nose with aromas of dried sultanas, toffee, angelica and dark plum fruit. Powerful, soft and warm on the palate." Decanter

"A harmonious version, round and medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins wrapped in a fragrant blend of macerated cherries and strawberries, tea roses and tea leaves, minerals and spices. Juicy finish." Wine Spectator

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2018 is exotic in the glass, with nuances of blood orange and mint that fade into preserved cherries and cloves. Supple and round on the entry, it impresses with its core of lively acidity and vividly ripe red fruits, which create an interplay of sweet and sour on the palate. The wine finishes with depth and concentration, but is also unexpectedly fresh and allows notes of plums and autumnal spices to linger for a long time. For this vintage, this is an extremely successful achievement. I take my hat off to Zenato." Vinous

"Very aromatic, with flavours of dried red and black fruits, including dried blueberries and dates, along with a lovely, spicy layer of nutmeg and pressed flowers. Full-bodied with an amazingly harmonious texture on the palate, thanks to the dense, very fine tannins, which also provide super length. A bright, salty, mineral note sets in and drives the finish even further. Exquisite Amarone." James Suckling

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family has for the first time vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione to reflect the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiola.

Castello di Fonterutoli comes from 11 different plots at an altitude of 420-510 m around the hamlet of Fonterutoli in Castellina in Chianti. It is quasi the "château" and at the same time the oldest cru of the winery and was first produced in 1995 as the predecessor of today's Gran Selezione. Rich colour and a clear scent of blackberries, cherries, violets and flowers, plus some nougat. This full-bodied Castello Fonterutoli impresses with its beguiling extract sweetness and polished tannin. The intense and concentrated taste enchants the senses. The long final is full of elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Engaging raspberry and floral bouquet; dynamic evolution on the palate, combining juice and polish, the acidity lively, the tannins tight, elegant finish." Vinum

"Bright, radiant ruby red. Somewhat restrained on the nose, gentle hints of orange zest and raspberries. On the palate juicy and with a red berry fruit core, shows itself elegant and drinky, currently still very young, in the finish delicate pressure with a lot of finesse, salty." Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red. Brooding sweet fruit with malt notes and the scent of oak. Fantastic concentration of tangy cherry fruit on the palate. Very long, deep and smooth." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is laced with sweet red cherry, tobacco, spices, incense, mint, dried herbs and orange peel. Medium-bodied, with plenty of aromatic drive and energy, the Castello is another fine offering in this Mazzei family range." Vinous

"Fonterutoli is located at the confluence of Castellina, Radda and Vagliagli. Since 2017, the Mazzei family has been producing three different Gran Selezione to highlight the individual communes. The Castello Fonterutoli, which comes from farms in Castellina, shows woody aromas of cedar, cinnamon and cloves. The palate is lush with cherry and plum still wrapped in oak. The tannins are polished and the graininess gives it structure. The finish shows racy acidity, bringing out notes of mint and violets." Decanter

"Packed with fresh cherry, raspberry, blackberry and violet flavors, this red starts out silky before yielding to firm, dusty tannins. Still, this offers nice tension and a lingering aftertaste of pure fruit." Wine Spectator

"The beautiful 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli comes from a special site with silly limestone soils punctuated by lots of stones. The wine is particularly balanced and bright in this vintage, with lots of cherry fruit, gravel, dusty minerals and blue flowers. The tannins are sweet and rich, contributing to an elegant, medium-bodied mouthfeel. The high altitude vineyard sites ensure the freshness of this wine." Wine Advocate

"A top Chianti Classico that smells of dark cherries, rose petals and cedar on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied and very structured with lots of tannins. Needs time to mellow. Taste after 2024." James Suckling

"A selection of about 50 plots, a blend of Sangiovese, Colorino, Malvasia Noir, for one of the great labels of Gran Selezione on the market. Notes of black mulberry, hints of clove and turmeric, nuances of ginger. On the palate, juicy-salty, persistent, with fruity-floral hints and great density-crispness." Luca Gardini

The extremely complex Barbera d'Asti La Crena comes from vines up to 90 years old in the heart of the Nizza Monferrato region and smells of ripe red fruits, hay and pastries. The full-bodied, warm taste lingers long with plenty of dark fruit, well-proportioned acidity and fine cocoa tones. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Vietti 2018 Barbera d'Asti La Crena sees its fruit sourced from very old vines with some of the plants approaching the 100-year-old mark. This is a rich and darkly concentrated wine with a lovely bouquet that is lifted and bright. The wine reveals dark cherry fruit, raw blackberry and plum. That opulent, old-vine fruit drowns out much of the acidic sharpness of the grape." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Barbera d'Asti La Crena is a powerful, tightly wound wine. Readers should be in no rush here. In 2019, La Crena is a bit reticent and less opulent than it can be, but then again, this is a wine that only blossoms with a few years in bottle. Inky dark fruit, gravel, smoke, crushed rocks, spice and lavender open with air, but only reluctantly. The 2018 will be a jewel for those who can wait." Vinous

Il Nocio, a Nobile di Montepulciano from a single vineyard, impressively demonstrates the true essence of the Sangiovese grape and has also been one of the region's quality leaders for years. Deep red, intense aromas of sour cherry, redcurrant, rose petals, violets and sweet spices. Dense, juicy and elegant on the palate, with fresh, pure fruit and smoothly polished tannins. Lively mineral and floral nuances in the very long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, baroque ruby red colour. Radiant nose of ripe forest fruit, cranberries, cherries, with some leather in the aftertaste and light spice. Opens up on the palate with elegant use of wood and polished red cranberry fruit, with beautiful juiciness, firm pressure on the finish, minimally broad on the finish, already accessible." Falstaff

"Packs ample flesh, wrapped around flavors of black cherry, blackberry, plum, cedar, earth and tobacco. Features flashes of juniper and wild rosemary that dapple its impressive length, while dusty tannins prevail on the lengthy finish." Wine Spectator

"Dark and earthy in the glass, the 2019 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Il Nocio smolders up with a blend of crushed ashen stones and savory herbs, underbrush and camphor. This is a round effort, with a mineral tinge up front and depths of red and black fruits that slowly saturate the palate toward the close. A balsamic twang punctuates the finish, combined with a web of fine-grained tannins as the 2019 tapers off long and structured, simply begging for the cellar. This is a classic in the making." Vinous

"Tarry berries, black mineral, dried orange rind and mussels on the nose. I like the chalky tannin structure and the pithiness here that makes you think of the build of a fine Serralunga d'Alba Barolo. Tight, bold and very austere, for sure, but so attractive and gastronomic at the same time. The tannins make you feel hungry. Give it time to unwind." James Suckling

"Three hectares just over 45 years old, flagship wine for Nobile di Montepulciano in the world. Nose of marasca cherries under spirits, mulberry, great balsamic cue and hints of undergrowth. The sip is vigorous, iodine-rich, juicy and at the same time complex, crisp, with great persistence." Luca Gardini

Terre Brune is a Carignano, with a small proportion of Bovaleddu, of seductive balance and fruitiness and one of the best reds in Sardinia every year. Matured in barriques, it has a fresh but ripe fruit on the nose with a slight hint of cocoa. On the palate, it has a beautiful depth with present tannins. An exemplary wine vinified with love and full of regional typicity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, dense ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Ripe aromas of blackberry and blueberry, herbal flavours and hints of liquorice on the nose. Dense and fruity on the palate, very fine tannins and a long, balanced final." Falstaff

"Fine and creamy, this elegant red wine offers fireworks of raspberry and strawberry fruit as well as accents of lavender, incense, tea rose and thyme. Juicy and fresh, with supple, fine-grained tannins that are evident on the mineral, tarry and salty finish." Wine Spectator

"A savory nose features aromas of old leather, top soil, coffee and herbs, for an overall spicy, earthy feel. The palate is tangy and fresh, with black-cherry notes and a potent floral component, before a bitter-chocolate undertone sets up a finish of resurgent earth and spices. Tannins and acid are lithe, but anchored in that earthy depth." Wine Enthusiast

"I love the flavours of liquorice and herbs alongside chocolate cherries and plums. There's also a hint of vanilla and praline. It's creamy, slightly chewy and full-bodied, with berry-like tannins and a long and wonderfully smooth finish. Makes you want more." James Suckling

"Dark cherry, blueberry, followed by a hint of ink and graphite, classic aromatic garrigue herbs with fine and juicy tannins." Decanter

Barbaresco Bricco di Treiso presents itself with more power and depth than the normal Barbaresco. On the nose, dark red stone fruit, menthol, spices, leather and some cedar. On the palate, punchy even when young and with a great deal of muscularity, which, together with the harmoniously balanced tannin and acid structure, foreshadows a great, long life with a hopeful development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Combines the elegance promised by the provenance with sweet aromatics and abundant fruit, always underpinned by a certain sweetness with a hint of nougat, offering depth, salinity and fine acidity on the quite long finish. Shows what is in the 2018 vintage." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, intense ruby garnet, light rim. Shows notes of rose petals, raspberries, some tobacco and truffle on the nose. Pithy tannin, spreads out richly, lots of tobacco and leather, then slightly sandy tannin in the back." Falstaff

"Lustrous mid ruby. Like an amplified version of their straight Barbaresco. Firm nose which is perfumed at the same time. Cherry with hints of tobacco leaf, iron, orange skin and cumin. Increasingly minerally with aeration. Iron and orange and a hint again of cumin. Fine-grained, long tannins carrying the supple fruit. Can be approached now, but ideally should get more time in the bottle." Jancis Robinson

"A rich, well-defined style, this red evokes cherry, raspberry, iron, menthol and tobacco flavors. Broad tannins announce the finish, yet this remains balanced, intense and energetic, with a lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Barbaresco Il Bricco is a worthy follow-up to the stellar 2017. Menthol, licorice, gravel, incense and a range of deeply-pitched spice notes open first, but it is the wine's overall depth that I find especially alluring. Racy and complex, yet so refined, the 2018 has a ton to offer. Best of all, it can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. It's a gorgeous Barbaresco that captures the essence of Treiso." Vinous

"The 2018 Barbaresco Il Bricco shows ample depth and intensity with dark fruit, smoke, toasted spice and cured tobacco. This is a production of 6,393 numbered bottles. This vintage shows a mid-weight approach with rich fruit weight and polished tannins." Wine Advocate

"This is a very solid red for the vintage, with a medium to full body and extremely refined and focused tannins that run the length of the wine. Bitter-lemon, strawberry and spice flavors. Compact and long. Try after 2025." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco ‘selection’ of Pio Cesare, coming from 3 microzones located in the highest part of the vineyards of Cascina Il Bricco in Treiso. Great freshness on the nose, with notes of raspberry, blood orange, gardenia, then cloves. Palate of density and tension, savory tannins, finish of pleasant persistence." Luca Gardini