cult wines

On the full bouquet we find ripe dark fruits complemented by spiced oranges, sage and mint with a hint of green olive. On the palate, velvety textures are contrasted by cooling acids, while polished black fruits wash over the senses, leaving a mix of salty minerals and fine tannins with a hint of violet flowers. The finish is long, packed with masses of ripe blackberries, plums and sweet herbal tones, but also perfectly structured and, for all its youthfulness, very balanced and harmonious. Luigi Moio and his team have interpreted this vintage brilliantly and have once again set new standards with this year's edition of the single-vineyard Aglianico. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, sparkling ruby colour with a slight violet tinge. Intense and at the same time finely characterised nose, aromas of ripe blackberries, cranberries and blood orange, slightly resinous components in the background. On the palate as if from a single mould, present, crisp berry fruit, opens up with present, pithy tannins in many layers, with an emphatically spicy finish." Falstaff

"The Quintodecimo 2018 Taurasi Riserva Vigna Grande Cerzito (with fruit from volcanic soils, ash and pumice) is richly concentrated but also impeccably balanced with a very dense textural base to support an intense bouquet that is interwoven with black fruit, spice, tar and oak toast. The tannins are slightly drier in this wine and the mouthfeel is just a tad more streamlined, giving this wine the tools it needs to become more elegant and fine with extra time in the bottle. It's a classic Taurasi with long aging potential." Wine Advocate

"Aromas and flavours of Amarena cherries and plums with some vanilla from the oak. With a medium to full body, this Taurasi Riserva is almost light on its feet, although it lacks neither tannic structure nor fruit weight. A fine example of a Taurasi that is beautifully balanced from start to finish, without being overly fat in any area. It is already accessible now, but will clearly gain in complexity with some ageing." James Suckling

"Incense and cloves combine with musky blackcurrants and violette pastille to create a darkly seductive bouquet as the Taurasi Vigna Grande Cerzito 2018 slowly blossoms in the glass. It is pure seduction on the palate. It is silky smooth and refined with polished dark red fruits and sweet herbal notes accompanied by a lively acidity. It leaves the palate with hints of liquorice, tarry blackberries and fine-grained tannins, but the mouth demands more. This is pure class. This is a truly harmonious Grande Cerzito that no lover of Quintodecimo should be without." Vinous

NA for Nals, MA for Margreid. A tribute to two outstanding vineyards where something special can be felt, seen and felt and which have inspired cellar master Harald Schraffl to create something equally special from their grapes. A wine and the essence that expresses the essence of the small plots in its purest form, whose typicity tells the story of the South Tyrol of tomorrow, a timeless wine with recognition value in an international context.

The Chardonnay vines for NAMA are between 30 and 40 years old. The grapes are harvested and selected by hand. After gentle whole-cluster pressing, the must is pre-clarified by natural, static sedimentation, fermented and matured in small oak barrels on the lees for 18 months. The wine is then matured for a further year on the lees in stainless steel tanks and a further year in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, rich straw yellow with light golden reflections. The nose has a subtle hint of cold smoke and precious wood, with fine hints of stone fruit, sealing wax and some chestnut cream in the background. Very rich and full-bodied on the palate with rich, warm fruit and well-integrated acidity, unfortunately a little too warming on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chardonnay Nama is rich yet understated, with almond custard and white flowers emphasising the young peach. With a deep texture and an almost oily feel, it swirls across the palate in a silky wave, presenting ripe orchard fruit and mineral tones. The 2020 rejuvenates with medium length and youthful tension, leaving notes of chamomile and spice that linger." Vinous

"The 2020 Nama is a viscous and dense white wine with sweet peach, honey and baked apple flavours. This wine is a true mouthfeel thanks to its creamy texture and sweet fruit flavours. It offers a particularly long and silky finish. I love this wine. I love the way it touches the palate and I love its soft, silky finish. With a run of only 2,000 bottles, it won't be easy to find." Wine Advocate

Appius is the winery's flagship wine. The elegant, very aromatic cuvée from the white varieties Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris matures for one year in wood and three years on the fine lees in stainless steel. The nose has a complex aroma of tropical fruit and floral notes, flint, white chocolate and mint. Powerful, expansive and long on the palate. A marvellous white wine. SUPERIORE.DE

Luciano has been keeping back a small amount of his Barolo Aleste for a few years now, allowing it to continue maturing in the bottle in his cellar. The result is called "Sibi et Paucis", an impressive and rare opportunity to experience the marvellous ageing potential of his great Baroli. SUPERIORE.DE

"This broad version shows ripe aromas and flavours of plum, cherry, leather and woody undergrowth. Firm and dense, with a balance that shifts towards the tannins, but long and satisfying." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Aleste Sibi et Paucis 2014 is just reaching its early stage of maturity. Bright acids and savoury nuances give the 2014 a remarkable freshness. Medium-bodied and beautifully moulded, the 2014 offers good dynamism in the concentrated style of the vintage. The 2014 is well matured." Vinous

"The 2014 Barolo Aleste Sibi et Paucis from Luciano Sandrone is a controversial vintage that exceeded initial expectations. The tertiary notes are developed in this one, but they work well over candied cherry, earthy liquorice root and orange peel. There's a hint of undergrowth, some savoury spice and cured leather. There are only 1,500 bottles." Wine Advocate

"Garnet red colour with very lively ruby red. Aromas of plums, pitted cherries, leather, tar, earthy minerality and liquorice. Some hints of rhubarb. Full-bodied with grainy tannins of good ripeness and extraction, great fruit concentration, melting acidity and a savoury and long finish. Amazing example of the 2014 vintage." James Suckling

Guado al Tasso presents itself with a warm-toned bouquet and an abundance of fruit that is just as convincing as its harmonious structure. Deep, dark, rich ruby-purple colour. Very clear and intense nose, with aromas of blackberries, cassis and dark cherries, underpinned by fine, spicy notes with hints of white pepper and leather. Very juicy on the attack and on the palate, with plenty of sweet flavour, elegant tannins and a very long finish. A finesse-rich red that offers maximum drinking pleasure and great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, dense bouquet with the intensity and flavour of a coastal Cabernet: dark berries, clearly blueberries, ripe plums, dark cherries, cedar and tobacco. Extremely juicy in the mouth with dark berry fruit, very precise with good definition, remains elegant throughout, without rough edges, with elegant, polished tannins, balanced and harmonious. Already fun to drink." Weinwisser

"After a little aeration, beguiling aromas of black cherries, undergrowth and hot stone; the attack with vigour, then a lot of polish, the tannins still youthful, but with a lot of potential, the final balanced and long. Should mature." Vinum

"Deep dark, rich ruby colour with a black core. Concentrated and profound nose, aromas of blackberries, plums and blackcurrants, with a hint of tar and tobacco. Polished and extremely elegant on the palate, finely woven tannins in many layers, firm bite on the final." Falstaff

"This wine is a real forward mover, with a determined mouthfeel that coats the palate thanks to plummy fruits, baked blackberries and sweet spices. The wine gracefully adds a much-needed minerality that enhances the sense of freshness. Even some mint enlivens the mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"There's a lovely coolness here, with black and blue fruits mingling with strong balsam and menthol, undergrowth and damp earth. Smooth and shiny, vertical and firm, it's still very tightly wound and demands time in the bottle. The bright acidity is penetrating, and ripe wild berries show on the finish. So good." Decanter

"This wine is really well made, with ultra-fine tannins that spread across the palate. It is medium-bodied with a balanced character of redcurrants, dark chocolate and hazelnuts. It is very long and persistent, with marvellous refinement and unctuousness on the finish. Very well made." James Suckling

"The pedigree and purity of this red wine are immediately evident in its aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, pomegranate, violet and wild herbs. Saturated with red and black fruits and with liquorice and mineral elements, it is all about finesse and harmony. The long finish is characterised by notes of fruit, minerals, cedar wood, liquorice and spices." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso is a very beautiful wine, but also quite a departure from the style that made it famous years ago. harvestwill find a particularly polished Guado al Tasso, a wine that emphasises finesse rather than power. Silky tannins envelop a core of black cherry fruit, liquorice, spices, mocha and new leather. Bright, savoury undertones extend the exquisite finish. There's more Cabernet Franc in the blend these days, which is reflected in the wine's crazy aromatic presence and feel. Beautiful." Vinous

Luigi Moio is one of the most famous professors of viticulture and oenology in Italy and the Cru Vigna Quintodecimo is his showpiece in the stable. This wine has a unique and seductive class, richness and elegance that outshines the entire volcanic appellation. The initially restrained bouquet only gradually opens up in layers, releasing new impressions every minute. Violets, ripe blackberries, blueberry skins, plums and white smoke unfold like a magic bag and are found in the energetic mouthfeel together with finely knit tannin and a fresh fruit-acid interplay. The texture is impressively silky and underlines the tremendous elegance and harmony of this exceptional Aglianico, which will reach its most exciting phase in 10-15 years at the earliest. SUPERIORE.DE

"Really dense, crushed, ripe red berries and red plums on the nose, together with a pestle and mortar melange of fresh herbs. The fruit concentration is quite something. But then the full-bodied palate disperses the heavily concentrated fruit into a superb balance of fluid fruit and tannin that offers great drinkability even now. This will only improve with some bottle age. Try from 2023." James Suckling

"The 2016 Taurasi Vigna Quintodecimo is incredibly primary and intense. A massive wave of black currants, plums, exotic spice, roses, leather, wet stone and underbrush blasts up from the glass. It enters the palate with fleshy ripe dark fruits offset by hints of tangerine under pretty violet florals; yet throughout the entire experience, grippy tannins slowly saturate. Bright acids create a surprisingly juicy impression through the finale, even as the 2016 flexes its structural muscle, tapering off persistent and impeccably balanced with hints of licorice that linger long. It’s amazing how approachable the 2016 comes across today, yet it also possesses all of the necessary components to excel over the next two decades in a cold cellar." Vinous

"The 2016 Taurasi Riserva Vigna Quintodecimo reveals a rich and silky texture. Any rough edges have been adequately softened and ironed out with barrique age. The management of the tannins is superb with this vintage of Aglianico. The wine's steady presence offers a taut sounding board for dark fruit aromas, oak spice, campfire ash and sweet, earthy afternoons. The aromas are presented with spicy and vertical intensity. This lovely wine would cozy up nicely to a classic steak with green pepper sauce." Wine Advocate

Alteni di Brassica - its name "alteni", stone walls that border the vineyards, and "brassica", a yellow spring flower of the region, by no means suggest a wallflower existence. Rather, they are synonymous with the region's first Sauvignon Blanc, which Angelo Gaja has been growing since 1983. A highly elegant wine that convinces with an aromatic bouquet, fine fruit, much depth and beautiful length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Alteni di Brassica is a gorgeous, steely white endowed with tons of varietal character. This is the first vintage that includes fruit from the Gaja family's new vineyards in Alta Langa. Lemon peel, sage, mint, dried herbs, chamomile and a touch of tropical fruit linger on the bright, saline finish." Vinous

"Sliced pears and limes with aromas of pear blossom. A hint of fennel. Medium body. Nice phenols. Spicy and tangy finish. Some lemon zest." James Suckling

Intense, seductive aroma of sweet spices, tobacco, dark cherries and wild berries. The flavour is perfectly matched by enormous elegance, richness of fruit, complexity, structure and length. A wonderful, taut and highly polished Merlot. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red at the core with garnet-red edges. Ripe blackberry and blackcurrant on the nose, then slightly vanilla-like and leathery from the wood ageing. Full-bodied on the palate with supple tannins, very elegant and with a long, spicy final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Merlot Montiano is youthfully dark and brooding, shimmering from the glass with an exotic blend of crushed black raspberries, blueberries, blood oranges and incense. This wine is elegant and refined. Brilliant acidity enlivens a core of vibrant ripe red and blue fruits. A chalky hint of violet pastille envelops the palate. It is incredibly long and colours the final, with sweet tannins perfectly framing the experience without slowing its momentum. This sun-drenched vintage of Montiano Merlot aims to please without ever losing its balance." Vinous

"The chocolate, red fruit and subtle cedar character is vivid and impressive but all in check. It’s medium- to full-bodied with a creamy and polished texture and a flavorful finish. Dark chocolate and black olive undertones. Balanced and refined." James Suckling

"The marvellously inimitable volcanic temperament of Montefiascone for an exceptional red wine, a Merlot of density, fruit and tension. Currant and raspberry on the nose, a hint of nutmeg, salty tannins in the mouth, juicy and dense, with a return of small red fruits and a long finish." Luca Gardini

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the label creation by artist Tono Zancanaro for the famous Capo di Stato, a special, strictly limited wooden box has been created. It contains one bottle each of Capo di Stato 2018 with the labels "Des Roses Pour Madame" and "... Et Pour Monsieur La Bombe". Each box also contains a numbered and signed guarantee certificate and a small booklet revealing the history of the two famous "Lui e Lei" labels.

Capo di Stato has long been a legend thanks to its top quality and history. The cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbech was created by Conte Loredan Gasparini. A wine rich in finesse in the classic Bordeaux style, dense and of outstanding structure with flavours of spices and red fruits. Fascinatingly ripe tannins, skilfully integrated into the new French barrique in which the wine was matured for two years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright, rich ruby red colour. Great interplay of spicy aromas on the nose, pepper, cassis, leather, tobacco, then again red pepper, liquorice, forest berries on the finish. Extremely juicy and balanced on the palate, fruit and acidity are well balanced, with pressure, currently still showing young tannins at the back, already pointing to a long life." Falstaff

"This is a historic wine worth the search if you like drinking history. Made from old clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, the wine exudes the dark plummy notes you would expect, with a deep earthy and savory element. Fine, yet firm tannins give the full-bodied wine gravitas as the deep dark fruits yield to cedar, tobacco, clove and worn leather." Wine Enthusiast

"A juicy, medium-bodied red wine with lovely earthy funk, dark olive and pepper notes in the spiced black cherry fruit. Supple palate with firm but silky tannins complementing its fleshy dark cherry core. Good-natured. Better from 2024." James Suckling

Rich straw yellow colour, rich, complex aroma with a delicate, pleasantly creamy nose and the scent of citrus and pineapple, on the other hand lots of structured spice and a hint of vanilla. The winery's white flagship brings its primary fruit to the fore with impressive intensity, but it also offers plenty of exciting complexity in a second wave of subtle flavours that testify to extreme care and precision in winemaking. The lingering finish is refined with a subtle hint of bitter almond. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smoky nose with golden fruits, then pink grapefruit on the palate, buttery notes, spiced vanilla and harmonious oak." Decanter

"Graphite and smoke underscore the persimmon, plum skin, white cherry and almond flavours in this clean, savoury white." Wine Spectator

"A classy wine with a profound and complex profile. The nose is fully focused on tension, with vibrant aromas of pink grapefruit, linden tree flowers, apricots, Mirabelle plums, green apples and toast. Oily texture with zesty, integrated acidity. It’s long, smooth, full-bodied and weighted in the finish. Candied fruit aftertaste." James Suckling

Unique Supertuscan made from Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. A ripe bouquet of dark fruit and excellently integrated, spicy oak notes, with a delicious hint of freshly ground coffee and cocoa. Powerful elegance, great finesse, polished tannins and admirable independence on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smells wild - herbal and beautifully floral on the nose with ripe blackberry flavours. Round and supple, full-bodied and structured with fleshy tannins that also have a cool, chalky mineral edge that adds some minerality and freshness to the palate that balances the ripe, sweet black and blue fruits. I like the lingering powdery element and this wine has a certain spiciness and sophistication - cool blue fruits, cola, vanilla, cedar and toast. I find it hard to categorise it as Tuscan, as it smells and tastes more like an old-school Bordeaux or a Californian wine. Massive, heavy, with lots of oak and extraction." Decanter

"The nose captures the wistfulness of one last warm autumn day, with aromas of vanilla and berries floating above an herbal, woody earthiness. On the palate, the berries and herbs swirl together into a mocha finish, but contoured tannins and notable acid balance the fruit." Wine Enthusiast

"Intriguing berry-chocolate bouquet, nuances of spices and macchia; the attack is very supple, the acidity perfectly integrated, in harmony with the powdery tannins, powerful and yet with a lot of finesse right up to the spicy-herbal berry finish. Excellent style." Vinum

"This is a rich and profound wine with round tones of black fruit, spice, smoked tobacco and tarry smoke. The Biserno is shapely and generous with a full-bodied attack accentuated by crushed stone and pencil shavings. This opulent, cellar-worthy wine offers plenty of intensity and texture." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Biserno is one of the best wines I've ever tasted here. Rich yet vibrant, the 2020 presents a much more restrained style than used to be the norm. There's still plenty of intensity, but energy and vibrancy have replaced volume as signatures. Espresso, menthol, liquorice, cloves and leather are some of the many notes that unfold in this powerful, elegant Maremma red wine. The wonderful flavours of the franc open up the finish effortlessly." Vinous

"A majestic blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, a bouquet that opens with a slight buzz to then reveal itself in its fullness, blackcurrants, with undergrowth, capers from Pantelleria, orange peel, a drink with salty tannins and persistence, with a mentholated finish." Luca Gardini

"Very attractive nose with ripe blackcurrants, spiced chocolate, grilled thyme, hazelnuts and bacon. Also notes of tobacco and cedar. Full bodied, so refined and polished with layers of finely chiselled tannins evenly distributed across the wine and beautifully integrated. Flourishing fruit with savoury herbs, peppermint and violets. Very long and persistent with a steady, mineral impression on the finish." James Suckling

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Very fragrant and expressive nose of cassis, blackberries, fine mint, a hint of precious wood and milk chocolate, with a rich blackcurrant finish. Full-bodied on the palate, with an enormous amount of sweet melting, polished, embedded in tightly woven tannins, a noble liquorice note, comes back juicy in the back, very long, elegant, powerful." Falstaff

In the Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni, all the elements of a wine full of character multiply exponentially: room-filling aromas of sweet berries, perfectly integrated wood tones, a cornucopia of ripe fruit on the palate, powerful and sensual. Caprai's top wine, which gives incredible pleasure and must be aerated for 3-4 hours when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe dark berries, chocolate, sweet spices, charred bark, walnuts and a hint of tar on the nose. Full and intense with depth and persistence in the fruit and firm, slightly chewy tannins. Long lasting and earthy finish." James Suckling

"A rich, medium to full-bodied red with a fragrant thread of chopped marjoram, orange peel and spice box that winds through concentrated flavours of reduced cherries, damson jam, red liquorice and tarry minerals. Firm and chewy, but balanced overall, with a tightly wound, well-spiced finish." Wine Spectator

"This darkly hued wine opens with rich aromas of macerated blackberries, preserves, pepper and clove with a hint of violets. The powerful palate is layered with black plums, dried herbs, baking spices and forest floor, all framed by classic firm Sagrantino tannins and finishing with balanced acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"24 months in barriques for the 'definitive' Sagrantino, the culmination of years of research: sour cherry, balsamic notes and star anise, with a hint of wild iris, dense, juicy, savoury on the palate, with notes of undergrowth, black fruits and sweet spices." Luca Gardini

"Rich ruby red with a garnet-red rim. Intense and multi-layered on the nose, with notes of ripe blackberries and Amarena cherries, echoes of violets, dark chocolate and malt, slightly ethereal. Powerful but well-integrated tannins on the palate, builds up in a multi-layered way with a very long final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni is imposing, buzzing with a dark mix of dried black cherries, crushed plums, sage, allspice and sweet mint. The texture is exciting, velvety yet cool, weighty yet tangy, washing over the palate with polished red and black fruits and slowly building black tea tannins. An abundance of spice, tobacco and blood orange nuances linger on the finish with tremendous length and concentration. The balance is absolutely fantastic. This is a breathtaking achievement." Vinous

The "25 Anni" from Caprai has been THE ambassador for Umbria's top wines for many years. It captivates with a beguiling bouquet that combines black fruits with citrus fruits, exotic spices, a hint of oregano, menthol and a hint of cocoa. The texture is more like pure silk that lays delicately across the palate, leaving a satisfying mix of intense dark fruits, minerals and fine-grained tannin. There is so much depth and concentration to work with that even when it finishes youthfully structured and dry, it lingers for well over a minute with notes of redcurrant, sage and dark chocolate. This exceptional Sagrantino is undisputedly not only Caprai's top wine, but also one of Italy's most characterful wines, which, with a little more ageing, is an incredible pleasure and should therefore definitely be aerated for 3-4 hours when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, ruby-red centre with a brightening rim. Pronounced, complex bouquet with notes of juicy cherries and mulberries, followed by cocoa, pickled rose petals and leather. Silky on the palate, rich fruit, covered in chocolate, on powerful tannins, very long." Falstaff

"Balsamic spice mingles with cocoa and mentholated herbs as the dark and brooding 2020 Montefalco Sagrantino 25 Anni slowly awakens in the glass. It is youthfully dense and velvety and flows across the palate like melted chocolate, with ripe wild berries contrasted by tangible minerals and spices. Its acidity provides fantastic balance, while the 2020 leaves a layer of sweet tannins and primary fruit flavours that finish long and pleasantly chewy. This is a much more approachable vintage, but no less complex." Vinous

"The nose is dominated by graphite, with restrained notes of wild blackberry, meat, balsamic and aromatic herbs. The attack is supple, with a full body, youthful fruit character and muscular but very fine tannins that combine with a refreshing acidity and a polished tobacco aftertaste. It needs another year or two of ageing to integrate the oak, but it will last for decades." James Suckling

Almost every year, Barolo Campè takes top places among its high-calibre competitors. Fittingly, the majestic red wine bears the king of beasts, a lion, on its ornate yellow label. We think: There could hardly be a better graphic interpretation of this deep and stately wine. An all-round successful experience. Aromas of flowers and berries on the nose, with notes of vanilla and a hint of rosebud, full-bodied and very concentrated, with great, initially still chewy tannins and a long, powerful final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barolo Campè 2020 is an attractive, open-knit Barolo from La Spinetta. There is no mistaking that the aromas and flavours are rather forward for such a young wine, suggesting some winemaking challenges. Sweet dried cherries, mint, spice, leather and tobacco linger." Vinous

"Rich and inviting Barolo with notes of peach stone, sandalwood, red cherries, sweet basil and potpourri. It is full-bodied and comprehensive with fine-grained, powdery tannins. Powerful fruit. Try it from 2027 onwards." James Suckling

Monteverro - a classic French blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot - is a great cru from the Maremma and brims with opulence and diversity. Rich, dark ruby with a black core. Incredibly rich in aromas of dark fruits, chocolate and spices, soft, full body, polished tannins. It is impossible to exaggerate the joy of the magnificence of this wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"This vintage of Monteverro's premium red wine (made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot) has light green aromas reminiscent of blackberries, grilled herbs and potting soil. It was an uneven growing season with a cool and wet spring followed by a hot summer." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Monteverro is classy, elegant and polished. Lifted aromatics and silky tannins frame this decidedly understated Maremma red. Crushed flowers, spice, menthol, licorice, lavender and dried herbs are all finely laced together. This is such an engaging wine." Vinous

"Sparkling, powerful ruby violet. Compact nose with notes of juicy, dark blackberries, black cherries and currants, fine spice in the background. Full-bodied and gripping on the palate, shows firm, grippy tannins, builds up well, firm pressure on the final and tobacco in the aftertaste." Falstaff

"Blackcurrant and black liquorice with dried flowers and sandalwood. Full-bodied, really racy and powerful with great tannins. Flavourful and very long. Needs time to develop. Give it time until 2024 and beyond." James Suckling

The "it" according to Freud: It is instinct and unbridled passion (with which this wine was also made) without conditions, without rules, beyond space and time, logic and morality. It knows neither good nor evil. It is subject to only one principle: absolute pleasure.

Intense, deep ruby red colour. Aromas of black and red cherries are complemented by sweet spices, aromatic herbs, liquorice and undergrowth on the captivating nose. Lush and seamless on the palate, with an understated elegance in the flavours of red cherries, juniper, cinnamon, sweet pipe tobacco, minerals and candied rose petals. The long, soft finish is almost endless. Only produced in the best years, this rare Primitivo in Riserva quality is one of the best representatives of its kind! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich ruby red colour. Intense and very appealing nose, presents itself with notes of blackberry, cassis and many spices, in the background of olive paste. Fills the palate full, dark blackberry fruit, cassis, some coffee liqueur, lingers for a long time with a carpet of spices." Falstaff

"A waft of leafy herbs and tobacco is a fragrant opener for this silky red, with lovely balance. Shows seamless integration of lightly juicy acidity and a core of dense, fine-grained tannins, offering a range of dried cherry and fig fruit, strawberry preserves, spiced orange peel and mint tea flavors, plus minerally earth and smoke accents. The lasting finish echoes the ripe fruit alongside a zesty skein of ground spices." Wine Spectator

The Quintarelli family rigorously decides when the top wine may be an Amarone and when - depending on the climate and yield - the result is "declassified" and a small quantity is then named after the founder's nickname and released onto the market. Connoisseurs are almost waiting for it, because this extremely rare wine has it all and more than does justice to the founding father.

Strong, bright ruby red colour. Complex berry flavour with a potpourri of red fruits, notes of fig and a perfectly orchestrated orchestra of spices. Powerful and warm on the palate, with great harmony and depth, the well-defined muscles and a carefully woven tannin structure guide this balsamic red into a long, impressive final. With this outstanding quality, it really doesn't matter whether the wine is called Amarone or not ... Giuseppe "Bepi" would be proud of the result! SUPERIORE.DE

"There will be no Amarone in 2016, but there will be a new vintage of Rosso del Bepi. This is dark and brooding in the glass, youthfully restrained, with a bouquet of dried roses and violets. An intricate hint of incense gives way to cherry sauce and dark chocolate. It's rich and complex, but also remarkably energetic, with a tactile mineral core highlighting the tart red berry fruit, while a hint of sour orange provides a tart note towards the finish. The 2016 finishes with medium length and a chalky feel that tapers off with hints of liquorice and tangerine. This sexy and energetic Rosso del Bepi will win many hearts." Vinous

"Restrained black cherries, elegant spices, incense and eucalyptus leaves. The attack is soft and refined with a full body, velvety tannins and zesty yet integrated acidity. Long and intense flavors of cherries and spices. Toasty finish." James Suckling

Etna Rosso Prephylloxera Vigna di Don pepis a breathtakingly elegant, small-production Etna Rosso. Iridescent, pure dark red colour and an infinitely broad fruity aroma. Impeccable balance and structure on the palate. The tannins are present and yet wonderfully elegant and balanced. An explosive wine made from 100 per cent Nerello Mascalese - and from ancient vines in Calderara and Santo Spirito. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Etna Rosso Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don pepCalderara Sottana 2022 is seductive and youthfully backward. It exudes a blend of sweet spices, dusty violets and ash that fades into dried black cherries, sage and cloves. This wine is velvety yet refined, with a polished wave of ripe red and blue fruit flowing over a juicy stream of acidity. A hint of sour citrus contrasts towards the end. The finish is remarkably fresh and energetic, still tannic but lively as crisp tannins linger and a hint of lavender slowly fades. This is an elegant and truly harmonious edition of this cuvée. Simply stunning." Vinous

"A fascinating wine showing flower stems, orange peel and bark with some dried mushrooms. The structure and length are exceptional with a medium to full body and tight, focused tannins. Ends with a persistent, polished and refined finish. Caresses in every sense. Better in five years but if you get the chance to drink now, go for it!" James Suckling

On the full bouquet we find ripe dark fruits complemented by spiced oranges, sage and mint with a hint of green olive. On the palate, velvety textures are contrasted by cooling acids, while polished black fruits wash over the senses, leaving a mix of salty minerals and fine tannins with a hint of violet flowers. The finish is long, packed with masses of ripe blackberries, plums and sweet herbal tones, but also perfectly structured and, for all its youthfulness, very balanced and harmonious. Luigi Moio and his team have interpreted this vintage brilliantly and once again set new standards with this single-vineyard Aglianico. SUPERIORE.DE

"Darkly floral and intense, the 2019 Taurasi Riserva Vigna Grande Cerzito slowly awakens in the glass with a display of crushed blackberries, incense and exotic spice, complicated by hints of flowery undergrowth. This is like pure silk on the palate, polished and cool-toned in feel, with a balsamic tinge to its ripe red and black fruits. Its tannins come forward through the finish, long and staining, leaving an echo of licorice and spice to linger on and on." Vinous

Unique Supertuscan made from Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Intense, deep and lively ruby red colour. On the nose, it surprises with its intensity and elegant complexity of flavours. Aromatic herbs and spices emerge from the ripe dark berries, with hints of roasted flavours and dry pastries, followed by delicate, subtle notes from the ageing in barriques. The fine, well-integrated flavour is full, enveloping, with velvety tannins and a freshness that invites you to drink it slowly. Balanced, harmonious, fine and expressive: this wine is capable of constantly evolving. SUPERIORE.DE

"The grapes for this Bordeaux blend come from the best plots on the 40-hectare estate. It is matured for 15 months in predominantly new barriques. Expressive bouquet with ripe red and dark berries, framed by ethereal and balsamic notes, eucalyptus and Mediterranean herbal spice. Juicy on the palate with a perfectly ripe character, deep spiciness and fine, ripe tannins, remains very finesse-rich and elegant until the spicy, intense final." Weinwisser

"Famous bouquet with notes of violets, forest fruits, black pepper; balanced texture, the tannins robust and well integrated, harmonious progression with a solid final on dark berries and Mediterranean scrub." Vinum

"Bright, elegant ruby red colour. On the nose, cassis, cold smoke, cranberries, undergrowth and subtle hints of white bread. Compact, polished, very precise on the palate, with cool cassis fruit and fine mint flavours as well as tightly woven tannins, plus enormous juiciness, high drinking flow, very well done." Falstaff

"This wine is fresh and well-defined with bracing acidity driving the blackcurrant, blackberry, herb and spice flavours. Smooth and harmonious, with a line of chalky tannins on the finish, while the herbal elements persist." Wine Spectator

"Dark nose, gently herbal and fragrant, with hints of ripe fruit such as sultanas, figs, plums and notes of jasmine and liquorice. Soft and supple, with life and energy. Round and intense, with sweet, ripe cherries and blackcurrants, this wine feels quite serious, structured and with definite muscle, but still with refinement in the tannic finesse and overall weight on the palate. Streamlined and focused, with a certain power that is still restrained at the moment, but noticeable nonetheless. Nice notes of graphite and cool blue fruit help offset the sweet ripeness that is evident, but this wine manages to straddle the line between the two." Decanter

"The fresh herbs such as basil and thyme are attractive, paired with blackcurrants and blackberries on the nose. Full-bodied with lots of fruit and velvety tannins, showing an opulent and super Tuscan intensity. It needs three to five years to develop." James Suckling

Monteverro - a classic French blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot - is a great cru from the Maremma and is bursting with opulence and diversity. Rich, dark ruby colour with a black core. Incredibly rich in dark fruit flavours, chocolate and spices, soft, full body, polished tannins. It is impossible to exaggerate the joy of the magnificence of this wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, dark ruby colour with a fine violet sheen. Finely characterised nose, fragrant, opens with notes of mint and eucalyptus, then lots of fresh plums and black currants, some blueberries. Lots of juicy dark berry fruit on the palate, savoury, gripping tannins, still needs time." Falstaff

"Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot in a harmonious blend: exquisite berry and floral aromas on the nose. Sandalwood, spices and more; complex, dense attack, the acidity and silky tannins in perfect balance, then very fresh with salty-mineral nuances, the final opulent and yet full of elegance. Great." Vinum

"The organically grown Monteverro 2019 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot from a vintage that shows natural concentration and richness from the start. The bouquet is multi-layered with ripe fruit, blackberry jam, oak spice and leather. It is a very oak-heavy wine with a soft finish and a hint of sweetness at the end." Wine Advocate

"This wine is so concentrated and powerful, with aromas of blackberries, black olives, chilli chocolate, bay leaves and peppercorns. Also some iodine. Full-bodied, yet agile and fresh, with a firm, taut tannin structure. Try from 2025 onwards." James Suckling

"Wow, what a knock-out. Leading with blue fruit aromatics, baking spices, and a full-bodied richness framed by sturdy, elongated, fine-grained tannins, with wild herb nuances, brown spices, sandalwood, and real restraint. This 2019 Montevewrro is built for long-term cellaring and is a masterpiece from consultant winemaker Jean Hoefliger." Decanter

Monteverro - a classic French blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot - is a great cru from the Maremma and is bursting with opulence and diversity. Rich, dark ruby colour with a black core. Incredibly rich in dark fruit flavours, chocolate and spices, soft, full body, polished tannins. It is impossible to exaggerate the joy of the magnificence of this wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable ruby colour with a black core. Appealing nose, initially smells of mint, then juicy dark currant and blackberry, some cedar wood in the background. Fills the mouth full, dark berry fruit paired with dark chocolate, grippy, gripping tannins, still a little rough on the final." Falstaff

"Animating wild cherry nose, also nuances of undergrowth and truffles; dense structure, the powdery tannins and acidity in perfect balance, flattering notes of blackberry confit, herbs and nougat on the final. Excellently made wine in the style of a great Bordeaux." Vinum

"This wine is very exciting and concentrated with a seductive character of ripe red and dark berries, hints of savoury herbs, black liquorice and graphite. Full-bodied, deep and dynamic on the palate with a broad and firm backbone of tannins that are very refined and extend over the entire length of the wine. Really big and still a bit chunky, but so well made. Very long." James Suckling

"The 2020's aromas lead to black liquorice, charcuterie, violets, conifers and wet river stone with leather and brown spices. Full-bodied with citrus-like acidity and powerful, strong tannins. Long and complex." Decanter

Luigi Moio is one of the most famous professors of viticulture and oenology in Italy and the Cru Vigna Quintodecimo is his red showpiece in the stable. This wine possesses a unique and seductive class, a richness and elegance that outshines the entire volcanic appellation. The initially restrained bouquet only gradually opens up in layers, releasing new impressions every minute. Violets, ripe blackberries, blueberry skins, plums and white smoke unfold like a surprise bag and are reflected in the energetic mouthfeel together with finely woven tannins and a fresh interplay of fruit and acidity. The texture is impressively silky and emphasises the tremendous elegance and harmony of this exceptional Aglianico, which will reach its most exciting phase in 10-15 years at the earliest. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Taurasi Vigna Quintodecimo 2018 is a deep purple colour in the glass. It smells of a sweet, tantalising blend of medicinal black cherries, cloves and dusty roses. The palate is more serene and refined than expected, and savoury too, with a savoury mix of blackberry and cocoa giving way to grippy tannins. The 2018 finishes structured and long, leaving a hint of primary concentration. It is surprisingly fresh and finishes with nuances of sage and lavender. Patience is needed for the 2018 to integrate its strong oak influence, but it will be worth the wait. The balance on the inside is exceptional." Vinous

"One of the region's headline wines, the Quintodecimo 2018 Taurasi Riserva Vigna Quintodecimo (with fruit from limestone soils) is gorgeous and makes a beautiful first impression. This was a cool and challenging growing season with rain at inopportune times followed by a hot summer; however, the talented team at this estate has navigated these obstacles brilliantly. Ripe blackberry and baked plum are framed by exotic spice, Spanish cedar and campfire ash. The tannins will soften with more bottle time, and this vintage remains quite tight and dense at this young stage. Give it time." Wine Advocate