Bibenda

Deep dark Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva with a beguiling aroma of dark red cherries and berries, earthy notes, grilled hazelnuts, spices and liquorice. "A mouthful of wine" in an incredibly appealing style. Spelt has remarkable concentration and outstanding length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Nose of graphite, ripe cherries, wild berries, a hint of dried rose petal and rubber. Clear on the palate, with clear fruit and beautiful juiciness, shows compact tannins, drinks even better slightly chilled." Falstaff

"The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Spelt is dark and earthy in the glass, with undergrowth and crushed stones giving way to black cherries and spice. This is round and silky in feel, with ripe wild berry fruits and spices that cascade throughout. Plum and medicinal blackberry linger as the 2020 tapers off long, lightly structured, yet relatively fresh. Well done." Vinous

"Very cedary on the nose at first, so give it a swirl to allow the rich red fruit and floral notes to give you a proper introduction to this full-bodied and solid red. The cedary element is present throughout, but there’s plenty of fruit to counter it. Firm tannins kick in midway and give some astringency to finish, which will smoothen with some more time in bottle." James Suckling

Floramundi surprises with a radiant cherry red colour. Fine nose of red fruits, white pepper, violets and other flowers. Very aromatic on the palate, tantalising and with soft tannins. A fresh, cheerful red with a savoury spiciness and an animating, salty final. SUPERIORE.DE

A powerful bouquet of floral notes, sage and green pepper with subtle citrus tones. On the palate, pepdisplays a convincing balance of fine minerality, wonderful fruit and animating acidity, which final in a beautiful final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with light greenish reflections. Intense on the nose, green aromas, elderberry, freshly cut grass, peach, light tomato leaf and gooseberry. Immediately present on the palate, fresh, animating acidity, medium body, slightly melting, pleasant length, warming finish." Falstaff

Classic Chianti Classico from stainless steel tanks with a rich and intense bouquet of black cherries, fresh plums, menthol and liquorice. Full-bodied but not voluminous on the palate, very typical of Sangiovese. Clearly structured, pure in texture and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Noble, shiny ruby colour with a delicate garnet-red hue. Fine, dark nose of cherries clothed in chocolate, with a hint of clove and the scent of roses. Silky on entry, opens up nicely, fine tannins, precise fruit, fresh, persistent." Falstaff

"A hint of vanilla and nutmeg on the attack, plus a reductive flinty note. Strawberries and fleshy red cherries emerge on the palate; clean and good-natured with a cheerful juiciness and discreet tannins." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is a beautiful, open wine that can be drunk now and over the next few years. Crushed flowers, bright red fruit, chalk, mint and rose petals are some of the notes that adorn this breezy, medium-bodied Chianti Classico from Brancaia." Vinous

"This wine is bright and full of flavours of cherries, strawberries, flowers and earth, with a hint of wild herbs. Straightforward profile that firms up on the finish with dusty tannins." Wine Spectator

"A serious, structured and delicious Chianti Classico. The nose reveals notes of spiced cherries, warm herbs and baking spices. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy, with an attractive core of wild berries that brings energy and freshness to the mid-palate and spicy finish." James Suckling

Villa Gemma Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore has a light ruby red colour and exudes a pretty bouquet of wild strawberries, roses and sweet smoke. The flavour is soft and round, with a stimulating acidity and a sweet-tart tension. The finish is long and structured and ends with a delicious final with hints of spiced citrus fruits. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, radiant cherry red colour. Inviting nose of juicy cherry, cassis and juniper berries. Very present on the palate, linear and direct in the drinking flow, invigoratingly fresh through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

"The 2023 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore Villa Gemma is a fine, delicately fruity, delicate wine. Raspberry, mint, sweet lavender, crushed rock and round, ripe red berry fruit run throughout the core. Refined and polished, this is a gorgeous Cerasuolo that reflects the beauty of the style. The 2023 has what it takes to improve with bottle age, as evidenced by an extremely fine structure and fine tannins that are still hidden behind the pure fruit concentration at the moment. Marvellous." Vinous

"A focused, tactile and delicious Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo with notes of redcurrants, forest berries and fresh raspberries. Medium-bodied with a well-driven, lively center-palate and a flavorful finish with excellent length." James Suckling

Rich ruby colour. Elegant cuvée with spicy aromas of black cherry, plum and white pepper as well as an earthy undertone. Clear flavour with hints of blackberry, the fruit always very fine, beautiful spice, including star anise, very rounded. Finishes with plenty of freshness, elegance and a hint of lemon zest. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, fruity and easygoing red with berries, sweet spices and wet bark on the nose. Medium-bodied with velvety tannins. Refreshing and crunchy with a soft finish." James Suckling

"An elegant red that effortlessly integrates its range of flavors - including baked raspberry and plumped cherry, a fragrant hint of cured tobacco, notes of red licorice and minerally accents of iron and stone - with the tang of orange peel acidity and fine-grained tannins that trim the finish." Wine Spectator

"Dark and brooding in the glass, the 2019 Mamertino blends plum sauce with grilled herbs, sweet violets and lavender. It's silky-smooth, with a core of wild berries and plums energized by a wave of cooling acidity. It finishes with a tug of fine tannins and salty mineral tones that penetrate deeply as hints of tart cherry and bitter clove fade." Vinous

Rosso Falerno del Massico presents itself with an intense aroma of black raspberries, cloves, rosemary and a hint of camphor. It fills the palate with soft, fleshy textures and ripe red berries, contrasted by salty-mineral tones and nuanced tannins. The finish is long and lightly textured, with a hint of violet-coloured floral notes. This is yet another fine vintage of Villa Matilde's Falerno del Massico Rosso, made mainly from Aglianico with a small proportion of Piedirosso. SUPERIORE.DE

Some of the grapes for Palazzo della Torre undergo a drying process called appassimento and are then blended with the undried grapes. This process gives the wine richness and intensity while maintaining the freshness necessary for the wine's balance.

This powerful red impresses with a seductive bouquet of exotic spices, cedar shavings, lavender and dried black cherries. Extremely rich, concentrated and fresh in character, this Venetian has international appeal. Dried black cherry, plum and star anise on the palate, flanked by finely woven tannins and fresh acidity. Impeccable and a paragon of concentration and flavour enhancement. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable ruby red colour with brightening edges. A flattering nose of ripe red berry fruit, with leather, cedar and tobacco behind it. Present on the palate with slightly drying tannins." Falstaff

"Creamed black cherry and black raspberry fruit is structured by chewy tannins and fresh acidity in this balanced red. Shows a subtle underpinning of sanguine iron and earth accents, with appealing details of dark chocolate shavings, dried mint and anise that linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A whiff of this wine is like stumbling upon a hidden tobacco field, where the earthy, smoky scent of cured leaves intertwines with the aroma of ripe, roasted berries basking in the sun. The palate is a bold, balanced dance between rich, juicy fruit and savory undertones. Blackberries and cherries, define the core of the flavors found on the palate, as an earthy backbone keeps everything in check. Roasted or grilled dishes will shine with this partner." Wine Enthusiast

"A fruity wine with bright raspberries, pressed flowers, bay leaves, sweet spice and forest floor. The attack is firm, with velvety tannins, a medium to full body and crisp acidity. Chewy with a chocolaty aftertaste. A bit chalky in the finish." James Suckling

Pure white wine from the old Calabrian variety Mantonico. The grape is of Greek origin and its name goes back to Mantonikos (prophet). Deep straw yellow in colour. Fruity aromas of honey, apricot, baked apples and poached pear. Big, broad and rich, but by no means overloaded, with aromas corresponding to the flavours, good freshness and promising potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Sparkling garnet red colour. Pronounced aroma of berries and spices. Dense and full flavour with a fascinating balance between fruit and tannin. A complex red with a gentle but persistent finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, dark ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Redcurrant and orange peel on the nose, with a hint of cinnamon stick. Juicy on the palate with pleasant acidity and taut tannins, built on fruit in the medium finish." Falstaff

In contrast to the past, this full and fragrant Barbera is now matured to a greater extent in large oak barrels - and less in barriques. This favours the softness, fruitiness and suppleness of this wonderful wine. Tre Vigne means that the grapes come in equal parts from the top vineyards Mosconi, Ginestra and San Pietro. Deep, dark ruby red in colour. The bouquet has a fine aroma of sour cherries and violets, the full and soft flavour has a pleasantly fresh acidity that enhances the long drinking pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep crimson. Intense nose. And really nicely balanced. Very well-managed tannins. Bitter cherries but fine texture and the 15% alcohol is not evident at all."

"Ripe, somewhat toasty nose, with brooding black fruits. Good fruit concentration, structure and intensity with candied, ripe and fresh plum flavours. The fresh acidity is balanced by moderate tannins. A long finish that is very bright and youthful." Decanter

"The Domenico Clerico 2021 Barbera d'Alba Trevigne is a particularly fruit-driven wine with blackberries, dark plums and spices. Winemaker Oscar Arrivabene says that this is a very good year for Barbera. The wine feels lush and soft on the palate and goes well with cheese-filled pasta." Wine Advocate

"Intense ruby red colour with a violet hue. Ripe plum and blackberry on the nose, followed by pepper and tobacco. Juicy start on the palate, great tension, refreshing acidity, polished tannins, animating, subtly salty final." Falstaff

The world-famous Valpolicella Superiore from Zenato, produced using the Ripasso method, is a rich wine with the best value. It is peppery, with earthy tones and gravel giving way to black cherries and savoury herbs. It reveals deep, silky textures balanced by vibrant acids, while ripe red and black fruits resonate under a hint of lavender. Zenato's Ripassa is concentrated and intense, but at the same time conveys elegance and leaves a fresh note of violet candy on the palate that lingers for a long time. SUPERIORE.DE

"An aromatic, savory streak of tarry smoke and leather offers a subtle underpinning for the rich mesh of Amarena cherry, cured tobacco, licorice and warm spices on display in this harmonious red, with supple, well-knit tannins." Wine Spectator

"An excellent Ripasso. A full-bodied wine polished by a smooth veneer of winemaking. Liquorice root, violet, clove, sassafras and dark cherry accent the oak. The sweetness is in the cherry range, but the tannic clip ensures that it is not excessive. This is a wine for those who like power and polish." James Suckling

The famous Gewürztraminer "Kleinstein" from Cantina Bolzano is a nutty, fragrant wine with complex aromas of ripe fruit, dried flowers and a hint of rosewood. Its flavour is reminiscent of honeydew melon and mountain herbs with a slight hint of citrus. A firm texture, lively acidity, fine minerality and a slightly spicy sweetness combine to create a highly balanced pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

Magred (formerly Magré) is an extravagant white, reminiscent of a Grand Cru from Burgundy. Brilliant straw yellow in colour. The exotic bouquet of pineapple, lime and coconut is fascinating, with a hint of toasted oak, caramel and a salty note. Medium-bodied, with a certain creaminess, long and very multi-faceted. SUPERIORE.DE

The Nebbiolo Langhe from Pelissero is a very beautiful wine. Silky flavours, notes of cherries and red cherries develop in this floral, rich, structured and medium-bodied red. Like all Pelissero wines, the Nebbiolo has plenty of flavour intensity and depth. The darker side of the grape variety comes to the fore here - with notes of liquorice, smoke, tobacco and cedar wood that lend it complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo is a powerful, heady wine. This is far from an easygoing Nebbiolo. It offers fine persistence, but also tannins that are pretty imposing for a wine made for early drinking, The Pelissero Langhe Nebbiolo is made from young vines in Barbaresco." Vinous

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

As always, the Chianti Classico La Selvanella Riserva presents itself as an exemplary wine. Deep, dark ruby red in colour. Complex aromas of ripe plums, raspberries, candied orange zest and hints of spice harmonise perfectly. Well-articulated and rich flavour with polished tannins, full-bodied and progressive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear aroma of ripe black berries and rose hips with dried floral and slightly herbal aromas, a hint of leather, some dark ethereal spice, tobacco ash and hints of herbs. Ripe, clear and firm, tart-juicy fruit, present, yet quite fine tannins, some smoke and toast on the palate, a certain acid bite, dried-vegetable to herbaceous tones, good persistence. Has power, but still a certain coolness, very good, firm finish with oregano." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Smells of graphite, dark berry fruit and fine earthy tones on the nose. Polished on the palate, with a juicy core and a clear fruit flavour, the tannins remain subtly in the background." Falstaff

"Dried cherries, dates, oak, leather, wet leaves and French toast. Good fruit concentration, a smooth mouthfeel, vibrant acidity and a long finish. Robust tannins need some time to resolve." Decanter

"A fragrant red with a shy nose of blue fruits, dried herbs and some crushed rocks and raspberries. Tightly wound and medium to full-bodied with delicate red fruit flavours. Very compact, with an elegant stiffness that is very appealing. Pure Sangiovese from a single vineyard in Radda in Chianti, one of the highest villages in Chianti Classico. It is already drinkable now, but I would like to taste it again in a few years." James Suckling

Wonderful cuvée of Greco and Fiano. An opulent potpourri of passion fruit, peach and honeydew melon on the nose. Not too heavy on the palate, but rather prancing and elegant with a wonderfully fresh structure. Beautiful balance, complex and full-bodied finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here's a fun and versatile non-carbonated white wine to bring chilled to an al fresco lunch. A blend of equal parts Fiano and Greco, the Montevetrano 2022 Core Bianco has a lean approach with enough texture to support fragrant apples, honey and white currants. The wine's flavour palette is very nice, and the best part is the salty or mineral end note that adds a spark of energy." Wine Advocate

"A beautiful blend of Fiano and Greco, offering rich flavours of ripe fruit salad as well as notes of pressed flowers and minerals. Medium-bodied with an intense palate, including a phenolic note that gives it a structured feel." James Suckling

"The 2022 Bianco Core wafts up from the glass with a rich blend of peach preserves and confectionary spice, complicated by a hint of candied lime. This is soothingly round with a core of saline minerality to balance, as a core of zesty acidity enlivens tart orchard fruits. The 2022 tapers off with a tart lemon-pith concentration yet is also remarkably fresh, leaving nuances of mint to fade slowly." Vinous

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

I Giganti Bianco, an exciting cuvée of Vermentino and Vernaccia, is a straw-coloured wine with beautiful golden notes. It is characterised by excellent intensity and finesse, followed by present notes of white spices, some chamomile and Mediterranean scrub. It has a great structure and is also highly appreciated for its freshness and longevity. SUPERIORE.DE

Blackberries, raspberries, tomato leaves, lemon peel and bark on the nose. Also some tar and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with fine, slightly chunky tannins. Beautiful character of rose petals. Fresh and mineral on the finish, very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Youthful nose of raspberry, cassis and mint, with a tobacco and smoky aftertaste. Surprisingly dense on the palate with chocolaty nuances, juicy, pleasant tannins, persistent fruit." Falstaff

"Brilliant carmine red colour. Concentrated and deep cherry nose and luscious, tangy cherry palate, with a helping of firm tannins on the finish to give grip. Immediately, a little rich and delicious. Just a tiny bit of spiciness on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Here is an easy-drinking entry-level wine from a winery that maintains a classic approach to all of its fine wines. The Castello di Monsanto 2022 Chianti Classico offers very bright and vibrant fruit with forest-fresh raspberries and blueberries giving this wine a particularly charming profile. It shows a primary intensity with sweet fruit and without being affected by excessive ageing." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is forward, juicy and very easy to like. A burst of dark red fruit, spice, cedar and leather makes a strong statement at the start. Although the 2022 doesn't offer the nuance of most vintages, it makes up for it with its charming, inviting personality." Vinous

"Ripe and juicy, this red wine begins with flavours of cherries, raspberries and flowers, underlined by iron and wild undergrowth. It firms up on the finish and shows a pleasant astringency." Wine Spectator

"The youthful violet colour suggests a healthy dash of Colorino. Deep red cherries and wild strawberries are infused with fragrant Mediterranean herbs and a distinct note of orange blossom. The palate is richly filled with tangy, tart berries infused with light, grainy tannins that add nuance to the texture. A hint of pepper and a savoury saltiness whet the appetite." Decanter

"Fresh, racy strawberries, red cherries and a hint of pastry and pomegranates on the nose. On the palate, it is firm and expressive, with beautifully chewy tannins and a medium body. Plenty of berry fruit in its elegant, long finish. Drink now or keep." James Suckling

"A cornerstone of the Classico, a label with precise and impeccable workmanship. On the nose, red mulberry, hints of rhubarb and eucalyptus, with a touch of black pepper. The mouthfeel is intense, with ionised tannins. Closes with a hint of undergrowth and balsamic notes. Great length." Luca Gardini