cult wines

Camarcanda is a rich Bolgheri Rosso Superiore with a dark bouquet of black fruits, espresso, chocolate, liquorice and tar. On the palate, it is decidedly full-bodied, with excellent depth, dense structure and firm body. Opulent and long, this wine already shows a wide range of its personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby, rich to the rim. Intense and appealing nose, very clearly marked, lots of blueberries and dark currants, some blood orange, some liquorice in the background. Grippy, savoury tannin, a bit grippy at the core, lots of dark berry fruit, spreads out steadily, juicy and long." Falstaff

"Gentle and lifted. Hardly noticeable tannins, except for some very fine leather tannins at the very end. Very 21st century and polished. A real statement!" Jancis Robinson

"It may be due to Angelo's aura that the Ca' Marcanda often has something slightly "Barolo-like", but here the whole thing is framed by cassis and cabernet aromas, which then quickly transports you back to Gaja's outpost in Bolgheri. As well as being a little too toasty for me in the past, it's also regularly a little more floral. The 2019 in particular is immensely fragrant, drawing gorgeous blueberry and ripe raspberry notes, with liquorice and orange peel resonating behind. It's often grippy in the mouth too, with trenchant tannins, but is much more precise and juicy in the 2019 version than many a year before. Never liked it so much before." Weinwisser

"The 2019 Camarcanda is a very good example of how much the wines have changed here. Medium-bodied and with good depth, the 2019 Camarcanda is a tightly wound wine that needs a few more years to be at its best. Dark cherry, mocha, new leather, liquorice and spice build nicely, with lovely floral and mineral accents enlivening the finish. The 2019 is stylish, elegant and polished. Give it a couple of years as the tannins are quite intense today, but with air it will mellow nicely." Vinous

"This wine is almost viscous, but remains balanced and lively thanks to the lively acidity. It offers aromas of blackberries, dark plums and blueberries, framed by tar and toasted oak. The finish is both dense and clean, with hints of liquorice. Excellent length and potential." Wine Spectator

"A very nice young red wine with blackcurrant, fresh herbs and hints of cedar and smoke. It is full-bodied yet very polished and refined with a beautiful texture. Extremely long and graceful. Taste after 2025." James Suckling

"Ca' Marcanda is officially a Bolgheri DOC, not a Superiore, but it is handled as if it were a Superiore. The blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc (there has been no Merlot since 2015) - a small percentage as whole grape - is aged for 18 months in oak (10% new). Volume and liveliness are the hallmarks of this 2019. The nose is super floral, with a graceful aroma of violets, subtle cassis, a smorgasbord of Mediterranean herbs, Bolgheri's signature eucalyptus leaf, and spicy chocolate and tobacco. The palate is full-bodied, with fine, crisp tannins and brilliant acidity. An enticing wine to wait for." Decanter

"This is a great vintage that continues to develop beautifully. Since my last tasting of the 2019 Bolgheri Rosso Camarcanda, I have increased my rating by one point to underline the great potential of this vintage. This wine could legally be a Bolgheri Superiore, but Angelo Gaja prefers not to use qualifying wine terms such as Superiore, Classico or Riserva in his various wine projects that span from Piedmont to Tuscany to Etna. Semantics aside, this is a great wine - certainly one of the best made at Ca' Marcanda - with impressive intensity and balance. Dark fruits and blackberries contrast with spices, tobacco, grilled rosemary and Mediterranean blackberries. The 2019 vintage was characterised by favourable weather conditions and "just the right amount of rain," Gaja said." Wine Advocate

Deep dark velvety ruby red. Opulent bouquet of sour cherry, mulberry, some damp leaves and laurel. In addition, the typical Neri spice of wood, tobacco and broom. On the palate, an open-hearted fruit paired with the precision of a monumental Brunello frame, which, along with fine sweetness, keeps the balance with the taut acidic nerve and leads into an almost endless finish. A classy wine, the likes of which we rarely see in the glass. SUPERIORE.DE

"Seductive nose with a potpourri of fruity, floral and spicy notes, cinnamon and plums above all; accurately balanced acidity and tightly knit tannins on the palate, well-dosed mineral nuances, ends promisingly on notes of wild berries, leather and liquorice. Excellent Brunello that can even improve with maturity." Vinum

"Very noble nose, exotic perfumed woods, sandalwood, cigar box, lots of iodine and iron, cool pepper and juniper notes, blue berries; super fine grip on the palate, pressure without heaviness." Meiningers Sommelier

"Sparkling, intense ruby with a slight garnet shimmer. Complex and appealing nose, intense dark, ripe cherry, some plum, then also notes of slate and liquorice. Powerful and mighty on the palate, reveals itself with lots of dense tannin, interwoven, lots of present fruit, rich pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Deep luminous ruby-red. Spicy red cherry and mineral nuances on the nose and in the mouth. Enters fresh and juicy with noteworthy flesh and size to the red and blue fruit flavors, then suave and refined all the way onto the long refined finish. Closes with youthfully chewy tannins and a tactile mouthfeel offering hints of flinty minerals and raspberry. A brooding giant that is extremely elegant and refined. Very well done." VINOUS

"There’s a lot in this wine, in terms of complexity, that is all underpinned by concentrated, ripe and assertive red cherries. The oak is nicely placed and there’s a sense of purpose and build on the palate that really sets it apart. High-class tannins." James Suckling

"Youthful-looking mid ruby. Dark fruit with impressive depth and with a hint of gingerbread. Lovely, tangy dark-cherry fruit and loads of powdery tannins that are a little demanding right now. Needs much more age." Jancis Robinson

"This intense version is concentrated, with black cherry, blackberry, graphite, tobacco and spice flavors, yet remains light-footed due to the racy profile. Structured, yet beautifully balanced and youthful. Shows purity and length on the aftertaste, which introduces a floral component." Wine Spectator

"There are a handful of wines in Italy that make me nervous before I taste them because my expectations are so high. This is one of those wines. Indeed, previous editions of Cerretalto have earned the coveted 100 point score, and I am astutely aware of the pedigree and potential that comes forth with each new vintage. As enthusiastic as my assessment of the 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is, I'm stopping short of that perfect score. This vintage is something of a moving target with wines that are beautiful, without a doubt, yet the growing conditions were not even across the appellation, and achieving optimal tannic management posed a challenge to many producers. If I were to make any criticism of this wine, it would fall along those lines. That aside, this is a beautiful Brunello that boasts deep intensity and bold black fruit flavors that are plummy and rich. Spice, toasted oak and tobacco frame that primary fruit. Cerretalto ages in oak for 30 months and that strong imprint has added to the structure, depth and contemporary character of this A-list Brunello. That oak imprint is also reinforced in the wine's tannins. There's no doubt that this wine needs more cellar aging. I would absolutely not suggest drinking it within the next five years. Any awkwardness it shows now should iron itself out with more bottle time." Wine Advocate

With the fruit-driven, round and almost perfect in all components 2015 vintage, the Riserva of Poggio di Sotto climbs new spheres. It is not only an enormously classic representative of the appellation, but it also presents that certain little bit more of all components, which makes it a very great wine and makes it stand out from the sea of very good 2015s. On the nose and palate, an inspiring potpourri of primary and secondary fruit. From cherry, crème de cassis, tar, liquorice and balsamic herbal spice to perfectly integrated tannin and a refined cedar component, we find everything here that makes a highly complex red. A classic that could not be more perfect. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, brightening ruby-garnet. Finely marked nose with distinct notes of ripe raspberries, juicy, fresh cherries and a hint of leather. Very impressive on the palate, fine, slightly grippy tannin in many layers characterises the wine, embedded in fine melting, ripe red berry fruit, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Extremely perfumed with black-cherry, plum and red-cherry aromas that follow through to a full body with very fine, pretty tannins that follow through to a flavorful finish. Pretty balance and refinement. All about finesse." James Suckling

"Poggio Di Sotto's 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is undeniably elegant and feminine, impressing with an alluring bouquet which mixes spiced black cherry with hints of sage, mint, dried roses and white smoke. It enters the palate soft, lifted and youthfully understated, cascading bright red fruits laced with minerals across a core of stimulating acids as nuanced tannins slowly build. An air of red currant, licorice and inner florals linger, as the 2015 Riserva flexes its structural muscle throughout the cheek-puckering finale. This will require quite a bit of cellaring to fill out and settle down, yet is sure to be worth the wait. I followed the 2015 Riserva over the course of four days and it never declined." Vinous

"There’s a leafy underbrush element to this red, punctuating the cherry, strawberry and earth flavors. Compact for now, yet balanced, with a taut, reserved finish. Offers tension and suppleness, with plenty in reserve." Wine Spectator

"The Poggio di Sotto 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva shows extra muscle definition, power and heady layers of rich fruit. This is all in line with the personality of the vintage, which was sunny and warm with golden sunlight throughout the summer season. This wine stands out for its fine-gained texture, which is smooth and polished. This Riserva offers aromas of cherry and blackberry and shows the depth that you should expect of a classic Riserva bottling." Wine Advocate

Its rich bouquet exudes the sweet scent of red cherries and an elegant blend of flowers, mint, spices and liquorice. The taste is velvety and inviting, with a perfect balance of powerful fruit, integrated tannins and beautifully balanced acidity. Radiance and complexity are overwhelming. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Clearly marked nose with notes of raspberry and fresh plums, some cloves and coriander seeds. Gripping, savoury tannin, shows good fullness, lots of pressure." Falstaff

"The grapes for Gaja's Conteisa all come from Cerequio. The nose reveals cherries, dried cherries and earthy tones with subtle mint and peony. The palate is dominated by cherry and strawberry with a hint of coffee. The wine is full, with ripe tannins of great quality and moderate acidity." Decanter

"The 2018 Barolo Conteisa from Gaja is elegant, graceful and noble through and through. Silky tannins and floral aromas give this medium-bodied Barolo plenty of charm. This is classic Cerequio. The notes of sweet red berries, pomegranate, cherry, blood orange and mint that are so typical of the La Morra site are beautifully brought out. All the elements are so beautifully balanced. I'm looking forward to seeing how the 2018 ages. The Gajas were particularly picky in 2018. Bottle production for Conteisa is down 50%." Vinous

"The fresh and ripe strawberry flavours come through very well here, along with some liquorice and floral notes. Medium to full body with fine, concentrated tannins that are vertical and bring the palate down through the wine. A solid and beautiful wine. Try it after 2025." James Suckling

"The Gaja 2018 Barolo Conteisa shows very nicely, with ripe aromas of plum, strawberry, grilled herb and chamomile flower. Give the wine time and it shows more herbal sensations and even a blast of mint that is characteristic of Cerequio, where the grapes are harvested." Wine Advocate

Italy's most famous Müller-Thurgau from a single vineyard at over 1,000 metres above sea level: sublimely sparkling straw yellow, very precise, clean aroma, a potpourri of tropical fruits, a little chamomile and a hint of nutmeg. Amazingly full-bodied on the palate with lots of juicy fruit. An elegant, extra-dry Müller Thurgau from the highest Müller Thurgau vineyard in Europe with an impressive complexity and length for this grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow, shiny. Great aroma on the nose, fine spice, rich yellow fruit, nutmeg, orange blossom, some pine needles, blood oranges and hazelnuts on the finish. Juicy on the palate, initially taut and elegantly flavoured, with fine salty notes, then breaks down slightly at the back." Falstaff

"The 2021 Feldmarschall von Fenner opens with a minty freshness, while savoury herbs and flint give way to yellow apples and cardamom. Skilfully balanced, it soothes with its supple textures, ripe orchard fruits and salty mineral tones, mixed with hints of lime and sour melon to show contrast. The 2021 rejuvenates with a pleasing length and crispness. The notes of lime and nectarine linger for a long time. This wine is simply stunning today and has the balance to evolve beautifully." Vinous

"This is a wonderfully flavoursome expression of Müller-Thurgau. It is full-bodied with hints of fennel and aniseed in the aromas and flavours of pear, peach and melon. Lively, tangy, fleshy and long." James Suckling

"Inviting white peach, citrus fruits and honey apples with plenty of mineral freshness, a lacy texture and a fine pearl of racy acidity. Fabulously long and concentrated." Decanter

Superb - the Cerretalto 2012, a plant from a historical top location in the west of Montalcino. In the bouquet, spicy accents and aromas of soft sour cherries and blackberries give the scent. The impeccable taste impresses with its dynamic and weighty character, the dense tannin with good supporting effect, the respectable acidity and a first class finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich, deep ruby with a garnet shimmer. Intense and complex nose, with dark cherries, violets, fresh, juicy plums, olive paste and dried tomatoes, very inviting. Rich, firm base on the palate, lots of warmth, dark, ripe fruit, dense tannin interwoven with sweet enamel, salty and long, for lying clean!" Falstaff

"The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto offers a prolonged, flowing and carefully massaged drinking experience that drapes over the senses with some studied intensity and lots of intriguing complexity. This wine nails that perfect balance between power and elegance (that elusive exchange that so many winemakers hope to achieve) with effortless precision. Bold cherry fruit and spice are tightly woven together. In the mouth, the wine shows texture, depth and succulence. Generally speaking, this is not my favorite vintage in Montalcino, but this wine suddenly made me forget that thought." Wine Advocate

"Flavors of medicinal herbs, juniper, macerated cherry, plum, tobacco and spice are the hallmarks of this intense red. Ripe and concentrated, yet sleek and focused, with spice notes chiming in on the long, minerally and firmly tannic finish." Wine Spectator

"The density is so impressive in this great single-vineyard wine of Casanova. It's full yet agile at the same time. Shows such integrated tannins and fresh acidity at the finish. Energized and focused. Tangy and citrusy. Mineral undertone. One of the great Brunellos of 2012." James Suckling

Cherry-red Cabernet Sauvignon with a small proportion of Petit Verdot, the complex bouquet is reminiscent of blackcurrants; there are also mint flavours and floral notes, which are interwoven with the pleasantly balanced wood note. Powerful and dense on the palate; the fine-grained tannins are harmoniously integrated, with an impressive elegance and length on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A delightful nose of cigar box spices and smoked tobacco draws you into the glass, where the fragrant overtone continues. This finely meshed version offers notes of ripe red and blackcurrant with slightly chalky tannins and hints of olive, espresso and smoke. This seductive red wine is fresh, elegant and expressive." Wine Spectator

"The Alois Lageder 2019 Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon Cor Römigberg shows a very concentrated and rich fruit that gives the wine a heavy centre of gravity. This fruit density is accompanied by elevated flavours of sour cherry, Valentine's Day red rose and scented candle. All these elements are framed by a beautiful minerality. The tannins reveal a very dry quality that I liked less, but the flavours accurately reflect the cool alpine influences." Wine Advocate

"A complex wine full of darkness. On the nose are notes of leather, cocoa powder, bramble berries and a touch of bell peppers. There is stunning intensity. Full-bodied on the palate, with long, lifted and integrated acidity, velvety tannins and a chalky and slightly rustic finish." James Suckling

A monument of wine! Brilliant dark ruby colour. Fresh, silky, elegant - and majestic. Blackberry jam, violets, bittersweet chocolate, plus crushed rock and minerality. An opulent wine with fabulously polished tannins and considerable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red colour, rich. Initially a nose of cinnamon sticks, ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, wild berry jam, precious wood, dried violet blossom, very complex. Very polished on the palate, with an oily, great texture, comes in many layers, concentrated and yet not opulent, finishing on fine coconut, will mature excellently, infinitely long." Falstaff

"Dark and dense, this reveals itself slowly, teasing fragrant accents of tarry smoke, graphite, coffee liqueur and warm spices before flavors of blackberry paste, plum cake, stemmy herbs and cocoa powder begin to unfurl. This is tightly meshed, with a core of grippy tannins creating a compact feel today. Give this some time in the cellar or extensive decanting to allow it to shine brightest." Wine Spectator

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta 2016 takes the intensity of the wine to an almost unimaginable level. This is the magic of this winery, and without a doubt this wine occupies a category that makes it completely unique in the Italian wine scale. In this classic vintage, the wine is even richer, more powerful and more concentrated. This overall intensity also carries over to the tightly wound and firm tannins. Black fruits, baked plums, tobacco, soya sauce, grilled herbs and sweet spices are generously embedded in the wine's full-bodied texture." Wine Advocate

"The 2016, which was released after the 2017 vintage because it was decided that this dense and concentrated vintage would benefit from more time in the bottle, is fuller and broader in the shoulders than the 2017 Amarone. It has more of everything - body, concentration, tannin, richness, spice... And although it has a reduced note of petrol, its flavours are still very lively, carrying hints of wild black fruits and balsam from the glass. Already tantalising, its future looks very bright." Decanter

"Turquoise-coloured in the glass, almost rimless. Aromas of cloves, coconut, graphite, dark, lush blackberries, plums and cherries. Full-bodied with great fruit concentration and a super dense and velvety palate. Extremely rich but balanced by crisp acidity and thick but dynamic and chewy tannins. Amazing finish of salted chocolate. A super-strong Amarone with grace." James Suckling

"The 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella is a sleeping giant, beckoning with dried violets, dusty blackcurrants, shaved cedar and a hint of mint. This wine is supple and cool to the touch, yet intense and savoury at its core, with an abundance of mineral-tinged dark red fruits and balsamic tones supported by a core of zesty acidity. The 2016 finishes tannic and long, gripping the palate firmly and leaving a bitter primary concentration that lingers. This wine is still a baby today and needs good cellaring, but its potential is obvious." Vinous

Here, excellence of man and nature come together with perfect precision and harmony. Powerful cherry and blackberry notes are followed by crushed minerals, liquorice, smoke and lightly scented cedar. Spreads evenly across the palate and its flavour intensity, power and volume last for minutes. The exquisite 2015 Cerretalto is concentrated and rich, but never too heavy or dense. It is a highly compelling Italian icon with the truly exciting world of perceived unlimited possibilities still ahead of it. We can be more than excited ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, rich ruby garnet. Opens with light spicy notes, some cardamom seeds, then lots of crisp, dark cherry, mulberry, light truffle note in the background. Fans out broadly on the palate, lots of ripe, juicy fruit, opens up on the back end with tight, precise tannin, exceedingly long, savoury and gripping, a definite long runner!" Vinous

"The 2015 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is remarkably fresh and balanced despite its large-scale persona. Minty herbs give way to raspberry and cherry with exotic spices and a hint of pine resin. It boasts depths of silky textures; yet it remains juicy and full of energy, displaying ripe red and black fruits, laced with salty minerals, as hints of cinnamon and baker's chocolate form toward the close. Fine tannins come forward on the finish, tugging at the cheeks, yet all under an air of sweet spice and violet florals. As young as this is today, it's hard to put the glass down, and I can only imagine the depths that will be revealed with five or more years of cellaring." Vinous

"Wild rosemary, thyme and juniper aromas and flavors frame the core of black cherry in this supple red. Firmly built, shows refined tannins embraced by the bright fruit. Very expressive and approachable now, yet should continue to improve." Wine Spectator

"Of these new releases from this benchmark estate, the Casanova di Neri 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is my favorite wine. This Riserva is larger than life with ripe fruit, raspberry, cherry, spice, cola, root beer, mesquite and cedar. The wine offers a flashy and generous quality of fruit that unfolds over time with a multifaceted and multi-layered presentation. One thing that stands out here is the acidity that is bracing and tart at first but then succumbs to an important supporting role, rendering lasting freshness and persistence to the finish. With time, you get a flash of cherry and crème de cassis that seals the deal." Wine Advocate

"This is a momentous wine with incredible power and structure that has so much minerality and crushed-stone character to the black cherries and blueberries. Full-bodied and tannic, yet the tannins are layered and polished with a glorious, creamy and juicy texture that coats your mouth. It goes on for minutes. Incredible wine." James Suckling

A monument of wine! Brilliant dark ruby. Fresh, silky, elegant - and majestic. Blackberry jam, violets, bittersweet chocolate, plus crushed rock and minerality. An opulent wine with fabulously polished tannins and considerable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dark, brooding red that effortlessly combines a beautiful array of aromas of cherry, blackberry pulp, dried mint and eucalyptus with fine, chiselled tannins and a rich hint of minerality - lots of smoke, fresh earth and iron. It shows concentration and power, revealing even more detail and expression as it opens in the glass, but at the same time it's an exercise in balance and restraint." Wine Spectator

"No-one else matches the Dal Forno wines for their sheer power and intensity, and even Romano himself seems reluctant to estimate how long his Amarone might last. His 2017 Amarone is a typical time capsule, showing no age whatsoever but all the elements – a bottomless depth of rich and intense but still juicy fruit, coursing acidity and mouth-puckering tannins – are there in abundance and somehow maintain an astonishing harmony." Decanter

"This wine is dark, sultry and almost animalic. Crushed autumn leaves and earth tones open the experience, giving way to masses of macerated black cherries, cedar chips, spiced biscuits and a refreshing hint of camphor. It floods the palate with a velvety texture while maintaining a fantastic energy as the bracing acidity adds unexpected vibrancy and the tart wild berries slowly saturate. The tannins are structured yet sweet and the wine remains remarkably fresh, almost crisp, as hints of inner rose and balsamic herbs slowly fade. Honestly, I can't believe the 2017 was made at 16% alcohol because it's just so drinkable and charming." Vinous

"The current edition. A tour de force, despite the sheer morass of palate-staining fruit. The malty oak is evident, but acts as a welcome addition to tame and compress the tangle of coffee grounds, beef stock, mint, leather varnish and saturated dark cherry liqueur in a cloak of tension and power. The grapes are dried for 70-80 days. This may seem obvious at first glance, but when you work it out in the glass and on the inner gums, the many layers become apparent. A wine that changes shape and beguiles as it wrestles with the senses. Excellent." James Suckling

After many years of identifying the best Merlot, Cabernet and Petit Verdot parcels within the boundaries of their Bolgheri estate with the support of the famous OenologistMichel Rolland, the Antinori family discovered in the early 2000s that in the midst of this microclimate and terroir there was an even more special small vineyard whose results once again surpassed those of the larger area. It was immediately clear to all involved that this unique character had to be vinified and highlighted separately - this was the birth of today's cult wine Lodovico.

Ripe, dark fruits on the nose. Highly complex on the palate, with a depth and tannin structure that impressively reflect the age of the vines, plus a freshness and acidity framework that flanks the berry potpourri in a balanced way and, together with the ultra-fine tannin, leads into a long, firm finish. A multi-layered red with a strong character and the necessary storm and stress for the winner's podium. SUPERIORE.DE

"This vintage offers a distinctive note of crushed granite and pencil shavings not found in the others. Compared to those, this vintage is almost salty in taste. All in all, I think the 2013 vintage is going through a slower evolution and we just have to give it time. The tannins are dry, but they serve as sufficient glue to bind the many moving parts of the wine together. It needs time to settle down and develop." Wine Advocate

"The 2013 Lodovico seems to point to a different style from the one first favoured by Lodovico Antinori at Tenuta di Biserno. The wine's translucent colour, distinct aromatics and medium-weight structure are a clear departure from the past. The 2013 is wonderfully airy, fragrant and expressive and has so much to offer. Blood orange, mint, sweet spices and raspberry jam lead into the silky, medium weight finish of this extremely elegant wine." Vinous

"This rich and fruity red wine has a beautiful character of currants, berries and chocolate. Full and velvety." James Suckling

"Overripe, lush and complex, this wine focuses on aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, Tuscan scrub, iron, tobacco and spice. The tannins are muscular but not overbearing, and the lively acidity provides energy and concentration. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

Nibbio is a truly outstanding Chardonnay, hand-picked from a vineyard of just over one hectare on Monte Nibbio in Umbria, which is situated at a lofty height of 520 metres above sea level and belongs to the Castello della Sala estate. The site has cool north-eastern exposures and dense forests at lower altitudes that insulate the temperature. It is the second vintage of the latest passion project of Piero Antinori and his famous OenologistRenzo Cotarella. Nibbio combines Antinori's winemaking traditions with the unique characteristics of the terroir and follows on seamlessly from the path taken 35 years ago with Cervaro della Sala.

Nibbio della Sala is characterised by a finely defined, very Burgundian style and the characteristic mineral properties of the vineyard site. Lively and elegant bouquet with flint, white apricots, green pears, hazelnuts, lemons, green tea and a hint of toast. Full on the palate, yet elegant and refined, with bright acidity, polished phenolics and a silky, structured and lively DNA and great length. Nibbio is perhaps the most perfect and captivating Chardonnay in Italy and already promises wonderful further ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, sparkling straw yellow colour with a clear green hue. Complex and inviting on the nose, opening with notes of flint and iodine, then lots of grapefruit, some fresh pineapple and white peach. Extremely supple in the attack and on the palate, good interplay between cool and Mediterranean notes of orange peel, pineapple and white peach, present but well-integrated acidity that gives the wine juiciness and tension, flows for a long time, fine mineral notes on the final." Falstaff

Of all his wines, the flagship Tenuta di Trinoro offers the deepest insight into Andrea Franchetti's viticulture. Andrea changes the proprietary blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot from limestone and clay soils every year depending on the quality and quantity of the harvest. The grapes are always the best of the vintage. Franchetti's own style is recognisable in each of his wines and with each vintage. The 2020 vintage was the first to be given an additional year of bottle ageing before being released for sale.

This dark, full and concentrated red wine already shows a good deal of its potential on the nose and the ripe, fruit-driven appeal that has characterised it for years and helped it achieve world fame. On the palate, the flavours range from deep, dark fruit to spices, mahogany and grilled herbs. The texture is tapered, well-proportioned and ethereal. The fruity verve and the opulent concert of flavours are guided by highly elegant tannins into an almost endless finish. Monumental, but not a monster. Powerful, but not a muscleman - everything is in the right place here. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Tenuta di Trinoro 2020 is sensual and racy, but also not as opulent as it could be. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Sweet floral, spicy and savoury top notes meld with a core of dark fruit. Overall, the 2020 comes across as a smaller, slightly leaner Tenuta that will probably drink well early on as the flavours are still developing. Pretty floral and spicy notes lift the finish nicely. This is a classy Tenuta." Vinous

"Balsamic, ripe and fresh, with a beautiful abundance of black berries and black cherries, with notes of cream, cocoa, wood, spices and cola. It is very structured and already complex, showing a slightly fresher character than the 2019, with a delicious juiciness on the mid-palate and crisp acidity. It has the potential to become a great Trinoro in the future." Decanter

"On the nose, rich, sweet aromas of cherries and figs draw balance from sharper undertones of graphite, fennel, orange peel and clove. A smear of marmalade across the palate underscores the fruitiness, which stays bright and juicy through the finish, but a dark chocolate undertone provides gravitas." Wine Enthusiast

"So fragrant of violets and lavender with some blackcurrant. Medium to full-bodied with lustre and finesse. Racy and fine. Finesse with verve. Very elegant and straightforward with a racy texture. Very long and slightly angular." James Suckling

"The 2020 vintage is certainly more open, but offers a very special view of Cabernet Franc in particular. The lush softness of the black cherry of the Merlot is magically combined with the dark intensity and tannic power of the Cabernet Franc. The ripeness of the fruit is impeccable, there are neither green tones nor overripe nuances. Everything is balanced." Wine Advocate

"The initial shyness develops into youthful bravado after a little aeration; the nose is dominated by Cabernet Franc with its berry and plum aromas, undergrowth, notes of fresh flowers and spices; then the attack is powerful, the tannins are extremely velvety and fine-grained, the finish is long and full of elegance despite all the power. Needs to mature." Vinum

"Dark ruby red with violet. Initially fine stony notes on the nose, precious wood, incense, then dark berry fruit, cassis, fine mint on the finish. Densely woven on the palate, creamy, oily, with notes of ripe raspberries, comes in many layers, savoury, great juiciness, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"One of the mythological products of national viticulture, a Bordeaux with a predominance of Cabernet Franc, then Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and a small percentage of Petit Verdot. Redcurrant on the nose, a hint of laurel and liquorice powder, salty and acidic tannins, incredible persistence." Luca Gardini

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

Barolo Rocche di Castiglione comes from a parcel just above the Cascina Pira of Roagna. It offers a captivating blend of supple fruit, soaring flavours and structure. The 2018 is silky and sensual through and through, as wines from this vineyard tend to be. It is transparent, beguiling and mesmerising from the very first sip. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with light, orange-coloured reflections. Forest mushrooms, black and even a little white truffle on the nose, plus rosehip tea, redcurrant and blackberry. Freshly ground pepper and crushed juniper provide spice and plenty of ethereal flavours. Clear, bright and precise on the palate. The fruit is now much more prominent. Totally juicy and fortunately always flanked by the acidity structure. Invigorating, drinkable and lean. The fruit now appears small-berry and positively acidic on the palate. The initially earthy flavours are only of secondary importance in the finish. The show clearly belongs to sour cherry, lovage and blackberry. Iodised, almost salty and with a fleshy character, it leaves you wanting more. This is pure umami." Marian Henß (Sommelier)

"The 2018 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is very tightly wound at this stage. Sweet dried fruit, leather, tobacco, spices and leather are beautifully interwoven. Here, too, the flavour profile tends towards dried rather than fresh fruit. Annoying tannins add freshness and energy that prolong the finish. This is a particularly flavoursome, earthy vintage. It is also a wine that needs time to develop." Vinous

"Light on its feet and featuring cherry, strawberry and menthol flavors, this red is racy and laced with fine-grained tannins, while its harmonious, refined texture lends finesse and class. Ends with a vein of minerality." Wine Spectator

Named after the quartz speckles in the volcanic porphyry rock of Terlan, the most famous Sauvignon Bianco in Italy lives up to its name. Sparkling yellow-green in colour. Filigree, delicately scented with grapefruit, peach, honey and green papaya. Quartz is taut and precise, with a fleshy, creamy texture, great depth and a wonderful mineral-salty finish. Must have and must taste! SUPERIORE.DE

"Our Sauvignon selection, which has been given a truly characteristic name, is as filigree as the fine quartz crystals in Terlan's volcanic porphyry rock. The quartz is characterised by its fine texture and depth as well as a salty finish, which have now earned this fine white wine an international reputation." Rudi Kofler, Kellermeister Terlan

"Subtle grassy herbal notes lead to an expressive palate with lemon curd, guava and focussed mineral characters; refreshing and long." Decanter

"The flavours of melon, kiwi, Meyer lemon and notes of chive blossom and toast are very harmonious. A tantalising white that is skilfully knitted with razor-sharp acidity and salty minerality. It is long and creamy on the palate, with spice, mineral and herb accents on the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Quarz is very seductive, with a rich blend of savoury herbs and grapefruit zest underscored by a cooling hint of white smoke. It is bold and smooth with a medium body and a pretty inner sweetness that borders on decadent but is balanced by an energising core of zesty acidity. Candied lemon and lime resonate, while hints of salty minerality and chalk dust provide a perfect contrast. Like most Quartz vintages, this wine will age well over the medium term. Nevertheless, there is no harm in enjoying it now in this wonderful primary state." Vinous

"The Sauvignon Quartz is a very exact and precise expression, with tropical tones, crushed stone, tomato leaves and green papaya. There is a hint of sweetness, like candied pineapple or mango ice cream. I have always felt a special connection with this wine. There's a hint of pulverised quartz stone on the finish." Wine Advocate

"A sophisticated Sauvignon with a complex and aromatic nose that offers notes of glazed citrus and stone fruit with honeysuckle and melon rind. The palate is full and structured with a lively acidity. Creamy with the texture of ripe nectarine and an exciting mineral finish." James Suckling

"Cantina Terlano's usual fascinating journey into the potential of Sauvignon Blanc. On the nose, cedar wood, lychee, a hint of nectarine, then a menthol note and cedar thyme. Dense, crisp and exciting on the palate, with a fruity, citrusy finish and a long aftertaste." Luca Gardini

"Bright, sparkling straw yellow colour. Very intense nose, rich aromas of dark redcurrants and elderflower, with a hint of tomato green, exciting. Also shows great flavour on the palate, lots of sage, salty, beautiful melting on the final, lingers for a very long time." Falstaff

Just like its older brother, Massetino skilfully showcases the contrast between power and opulence combined with restraint and class. A solid, crisp wine with a bright colour, very distinctive, vertical and elevated, intense and expressively aromatic. On the nose, the essence of hyacinth, saffron, wild rosemary, mulberry and a hint of lavender. Juicy on the palate, but with a frame that emphasises the feeling of density and compactness. Vertically layered, but with great depth that tapers downwards to a distant vanishing point. After a silky attack, the present tannins take hold as the wine progresses. Long and pure, very persistent. Massetino is truly something special every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby colour with violet shimmer. Appealing nose with notes ranging from blackberry to orange peel and tobacco. Well-developed dark berry fruit on the palate, then unfolds with polished tannins, balanced and with good length." Falstaff

"This wine is opulent, with a lush texture that envelops flavours of black cherries, blackberries and plums. Hints of tar, iron and wild herbs add detail as this red evolves into a long finish. Balanced and fresh, with sweet, lingering oak spice notes." Wine Spectator

"It is refined and fresh with a hint of sandalwood to the beautiful blue fruits. It has a medium body with creamy and polished tannins framing the blue fruits and a hint of crushed stone. Juicy and succulent with a crisp personality. You want to take a sip immediately. A second wine of the highest quality from Masseto. So drinkable and wonderful." James Suckling

"Massetino is considered the second wine of Masseto, but I am slowly coming to the conclusion that it is much more than that. It accounts for about a third of Masseto's production, and judging by the quality of this 2022, next year's Grand Vin release could be absolutely phenomenal. Massetino has always contained a proportion of Cabernet Franc since its first vintage in 2017 - 10% in 2022. A cool and dry spring led to a slightly delayed budbreak, followed by 75 days of drought and high temperatures. Summer thunderstorms finally brought balance, and the cool September evenings were perfect for bringing the grapes to full ripeness. Each parcel was vinified separately and spontaneously in concrete tanks before malolactic fermentation took place in barriques. The wine is bright and stony, it has a lot of energy. It is lively and flavoursome, combining fresh Mediterranean herbs and balanced fruit, with more verticality than the Masseto 2021 and just as much concentration. Incredible precision and beautiful freshness, especially considering the vintage." Decanter

Roagna's Barbaresco Pajè already has a great need to communicate in its youth and shows itself to be open-minded and with multi-layered flavours, full-bodied and harmoniously balanced. An extraordinary pleasure for the next 20 years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red in colour. Pajè unleashes itself in unerring volleys of raspberries and sour cherries as well as laurels and walnut shells, its shimmering, ethereal top note reminiscent of tarmac roads on the midsummer horizon. Mild spices such as cloves, black pepper and dried cherries are a recurring theme, like the title melody of a monumental soundtrack. Mercilessly dry on the palate with a beguiling extract sweetness. Grown on vines over 80 years old, the fruit and spice notes on the nose are accurately reflected on the palate and are encased in ripe, tightly woven tannins like Kevlar. Complex and multi-layered, it flows over the palate with a silky feel, almost floating, and its fruity, ethereal finish is almost weightless with an extra-long finish. Large glasses and time are the weapons of choice." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"Sparkling, medium-dense ruby-garnet colour. Finely characterised nose with notes of dried rose petals, strawberry and wild raspberry, some plum. Fills the palate full, finely sweet fruit with great melting, opens with present, savoury tannin, full-bodied and with firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"The Barbaresco Pajè 2018 is a brooding, introverted wine. Mineral and spicy notes dominate, while the fruit remains in the background. The Pajè has developed wonderfully since my first tasting a few months ago. The flavours in particular are very expressive. Like all the 2018s here, the Pajè is a Barbaresco of unobtrusive complexity. It will be interesting to see whether the lively tannins give way a little." Vinous

"Fresh, lively and straightforward in profile, even racy, this red wine shows flavours of strawberries, cherries, hibiscus, iron and cut hay, with a lively structure, fine harmony and a long, fruity and mineral finish." Wine Spectator

Shiny, rich ruby with light garnet glints. Great and memorable nose, incredibly dense, smells of hazelnuts, leather and ripe wild raspberries. Great on the palate, lots of compact, tightly meshed tannin, coated with sweet melting, multilayered and dense, builds up for a long time, reverberates with plums and liquorice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Juicy and fleshy, with aromas of cherry, raspberry, flowers and liquorice. Harmonious and open, this wine is approachable now and should improve over the next five years. The firm, long finish picks up a mineral element." Wine Spectator

"Shiny, brightening ruby garnet. Dense and compact in the nose, ripe fruit notes, of plum, rose petals and truffle, discreet smoky notes. Impressive on the palate, shows lots of grippy, tightly meshed tannin, pithy, has the firm character of Serralunga wines, earthy notes on the final." Falstaff

"Many aromas of rose petals, stems and sandalwood, but also plums and berries. Medium-bodied with a firm palate and very fine tannins that extend throughout the length of the wine. Straightforward and concentrated. Hints of nutmeg and pie crust accentuate the palate. It's approachable now, but needs another three or four years to open up. Try it after 2026." James Suckling

"The Barolo Sperss 2018 is a great, great wine. The aromas alone are seductive. But then, that's one of the things that makes Barolo such a seductive wine. Sweet black cherry, lavender, spice and leather add an impressive array of dimensions to this unusually translucent Barolo. The powerful Serralunga tannins are there, but they are beautifully woven into the fabric of the wine." Vinous

"With fruit from Serralunga d'Alba, the Gaja 2018 Barolo Sperss is impossible to confuse with any other Barolo. The bouquet has a firm, etched quality with dark fruit, pencil shavings, iron and red brick. But there is also a fragrant interlude of wild cherry, forest fruit and orange peel. The Sperss is all about muscle, power and structure. It promises a longer aging potential and bottle evolution." Wine Advocate

Intense ruby red with garnet reflections. On the nose, red berries, spices and a cornucopia of other aromas that only reveal themselves with further oxygenation. Fleshy, juicy, powerful and extremely precise and structured on the palate. At today's still very young age, one can only guess what it will become in further years of bottle ageing. A monument of wine - already today - the tannins soft, multilayered and captivating. This is the archetype of a Nebbiolo, which impressively demonstrates to every friend of the grape variety that it is not necessarily always the location, but also the quality of the grape and the subsequent wise vinification that makes it a real red and unforgettable royal wine of Italy. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby with garnet rim. Very compact nose of blackberry, blueberry and some truffle. Gripping and dense on the palate, concentrated tannin, rich fruit, lots of plum and cherry, deep and earthy on the final." Falstaff

"The 2014 Barolo Vite Talin is robust, with broad shoulders and beautiful aromas of spice and herbs. There is a fullness and generosity to its meaty notes, while it shows a more rustic side when put side by side with the 2015: The tannins here make their presence well known, and the wine has a wild side overall. The Vite Talin is a wine that has a way of responding to difficult harvests like this one. The grapes survived for a reason, and what you get here is not your classic approach to Barolo at all. This expression explores new boundaries, and it will be a hard wine to forget. This Barolo was born following 25 years of experimentation, and only 2,200 precious bottles were made." Wine Advocate

"The 2014 Barolo Vite Talin is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. A powerful, unctuous wine, it possesses off-the-charts intensity married with striking nuance. Dark red cherry jam, plum, lavender, spice, rose petal and mint are some of the many nuances that flesh out. In 2014, the Vite Talin is a wine of extraordinary finesse, nuance and classicism. It will spend two years in 500-liter barrels and a third year in cask. Tasting the 2014, I can only wonder why the other Barolos don't get the same élevage. I won't be surprised if the 2014 one day surpasses the 2013 - it is every bit that thrilling. Wow!" Vinous

Every year, Fratta is a groundbreaking blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that you can't help but love. Fratta proved the Veneto's potential for winemaking when it was first produced in 1977, the year Angela Maculan (a second daughter) was born. Deep, complex fruit bouquet, rounded off with fine sweet spices, tobacco and coffee. On the palate, beautiful lines and a sharp focus with dry mineral tones framing dark fruits, dried cherries and exotic spices. Fratta is a bold and big wine and there is no doubting the profound elegance of this highly personalised expression. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, almost impenetrable violet colour with ruby. Very fragrant nose of juicy cherries, cassis, some red pepper, violets and earth. Lots of sweet fruit on the palate, embedded in grippy, hard tannins, spicy, almost savoury, on bitter chocolate, still a little overhanging wood on the finish, still quite harsh on the final." Falstaff

"A deep and dense nose of redcurrants and black cherries and a hint of slightly charred oak. Medium bodied with a cool and crystalline feel on the palate. The tannins are still firm, but the super-pure fruit pushes through beautifully. Best from 2025." James Suckling

"Dark and balsamic in the glass, the 2018 Fratta displays aromas of crushed blackberry and wild blueberry accompanied by lavender, clove and camphor. This wine is supremely elegant and refined, with a polished wave of ripe red and blue fruits supported by a core of vibrant acidity, while cooling mineral tones provide a breezy lift towards the finish. This heady experience is emphasised by sweet tannins and a slightly bitter spiciness, while the 2018 finishes long and classically structured. The inner harmony that Maculan has captured here is breathtaking." Vinous

"A traditional and complex Bordeaux from Veneto. Notes of blackberry jam, black peppercorns, a hint of marjoram and nutmeg. Salty and fruity on the palate, with a spicy finish." Luca Gardini

Elegant Pinot Nero with a complex bouquet of blackberry and raspberry, candied orange peel in the background. Clear and straightforward on the palate; polished, fine tannins and a beautiful melt in the very long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Healthy, youthful ruby. An enticing, complex, sweet oak and balsamic red-fruit nose. Juicy cherry and raspberry palate. Elegant and long with super-fine tannins and plenty of freshness." Jancis Robinson