cult wines

This dry Gewürztraminer from the Pirchschrait single vineyard at Kolbenhof is a tribute to Konrad Oberhofer, who was the first to vinify the grapes from individual vineyards separately in the 1930s. Martin Foradori Hofstätter's grandfather was a pioneer of vineyard thinking. His goal was to make the special character of each site tangible in the wine.

After ten years of maturation on the fine yeast in Liters barrels, the Gewürztraminer develops a dense texture without losing freshness. The fine yeast also gives it a charming aroma of toasted bread, medlars, blossom honey and dried fruits. In contrast, the already low fruit sweetness recedes discreetly during the years of ageing, while the minerality gains in expression. In the glass, the top-quality Pirchschrait impresses with a subtle interplay of flavours. SUPERIORE.DE

Pònkler is the house's top wine and at the same time the essence of Franz Haas' decades of experience with the undemanding Pinot Nero grape. The vines, planted in 2007, grow on soils of weathered porphyry in a single vineyard at an altitude of 750 metres. The selection of French clones, which have proven to be particularly suitable for high altitudes, the high density of vines and the low yields guarantee a very high quality of grapes.

The stronger sunshine in the high altitudes of South Tyrol gives the wine its typical ripe fruit flavours. On the nose, it is concentrated with great depth and reveals ripe red and black berries, as well as star anise and leather. In the mouth, it builds up the precise primary fruit in layers and is reminiscent of medicinal herbs and cinchona bark. With every sip, it shows its class, great substance and precise tannin structure. And in the infinitely long finish it is there again, this boundless depth and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby colour with a fine garnet rim. Concentrated and appealing nose, opens with notes of ripe plums, wild raspberries and spicy chestnut honey. Full-bodied and firm in the attack and on the palate, lots of red berry fruit, grippy tannins, firm pressure on the final, still somewhat characterised by the wood in the aftertaste, which slows down the drinking flow." Falstaff

"Very pure Pinot aromas of sliced strawberries and lemon shrub as well as flowers such as lilac. Subtle sandalwood. Medium to full body with very fine tannins and a bright and fresh finish. Straightforward and fine. A seductive Alpine Pinot from a single vineyard." James Suckling

When the world-famous Oenologist Carlo Ferrini makes his own wine, you can't help but be excited. Here, he has succeeded in creating an interpretation of Sangiovese that brings all his experience from decades of working with this grape variety to the fore as if through a burning glass. The moderate use of wood through ageing in 700-litre tonneaux expresses the clarity and personality of the grape and the unique terroir (there are just 1.5 hectares of the best Brunello sites) in an archetypal way.

Expressive and full of character, the 2019 vintage shows concentration and structure with notes of red plums, wild strawberries, cedar pieces, mandarin juice, lemon peel, chopped ginger and celery. Wild thyme and marjoram form the background, but it is the character of fresh cherries, rose petals and grapefruit that gives the range grace and authenticity. Medium-bodied, perfectly ripe tannins of commendable beauty and an honest, subtle, enveloping finish. Exciting in the sip, you want to drink it, drink it and drink it again. Elegance and perfection - a divine wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Carlo Ferrini's Brunello has long been one of the top wines of the appellation. Carlo Ferrini, who normally advises numerous wineries in Tuscany and beyond, has created his own masterpiece here. Complex bouquet, elegant, full of finesse with a subtle souplesse. A marvellous liaison of floral notes and rather red berry fruits is revealed: red plum, red currant and pomegranate, a touch of orange. You can already sense the freshness and that it was harvested à point. Everything is very complex and interwoven with fine Sangiovese fruit. Very precise and yet intense, with a creamy, melting body and silky tannins, it continues on the palate, very distinguished and noble." Weinwisser

"Bright, elegant ruby violet colour. The nose is expressive, inviting, with rich fruit, deep cherry, blood orange, a hint of ripe raspberry, rosehip, very complex and inviting, high elegance, Burgundian. Juicy on the palate, polished, with clear fruit, harmonious, comes in many layers, enormous elegance and finesse, juicy and with excellent drinking flow." Falstaff

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is hauntingly dark, with a cascade of dried violets, black cherries and cedar shavings complicated by hints of ash. It's velvety in feel yet cool-toned and spry, with radiant red berry fruits that ride a stream of vibrant acidity. While structured, its tannins are beautifully contoured, soft and round. The 2019 leaves a pleasantly bitter tinge of tart cranberry that tugs at the cheeks. This is a gorgeous performance and a new benchmark for Giodo." Vinous

"An exuberant red with vibrant cherry and raspberry fruit that is pure and tangy thanks to the lively acidity, while mineral and herbaceous accents add depth on the finish. This wine is also structured, with well-integrated tannins that sneak into the firm, lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 vintage, which was harvested in mid-September, is Giodo's 11th release - and the best yet. It seduces with breathtaking aromas of gardenia, pimento flowers and strawberries, accompanied by fennel and subtle wood smoke. This immediate appeal is amplified on the palate, where the flavours linger in the mouth - it's like biting into the freshest persimmon. Crisp yet lush with deep substance, the finely powdered, gracefully assertive tannins give the wine shape, while blood orange permeates the long finish." Decanter

"This wine comes from a three-hectare plot with 19-year-old vines that are obsessively tended and cared for. This amphitheatre-shaped parcel called La Poderina is located deep in the forest on a steep slope with a view of Monte Amiata in the distance. The soils are white in colour and contain a lot of rock. This wine is of great depth and dimension, with vibrant energy, elegant balsamic notes and sweet ripe fruit. The medium-bodied fruit is well balanced with the wine's acidity and fine tannins. It finishes with floral notes of violets and iris." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of cedar wood, earth, tree bark, fruit tea, black tea and cherries. Then fresh and dried flowers come in. Medium to full body that grows on the palate, with excellent fine tannins that run the length of the wine. It is structured and powerful with great length. The balance between acidity and tannin is incredible. Very clear and transparent. What a wine. Drinkable, but better in three or four years." James Suckling

"Taut and clean on the nose, with fine aromas of red plum, a hint of peony, salty nuances and a hint of black olive, with balsamic and medicinal herbs on the finish. The flavour is rich and elegant, with tannins that blend well with the fresh, spicy component. The finish is slightly citrusy, a great personality." Luca Gardini

Only produced in exceptional years, the single-vineyard Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is a fine and delicate wine with great depth, perfectly balanced power and plenty of drive. Mocha, black cherry, smoke, liquorice and dark, fleshy fruit are some of the typical signatures of this extreme wine. Juicy and full-bodied on the palate, it gradually opens up with fine-meshed tannins and plenty of cherry flavours, yet is extremely elegant and describes a broad arc in its overall appearance. The 2019 edition is a particularly dark, broodingBrunello that will gain even more tension and finesse during its well-deserved further maturation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Noble, bright ruby red colour with a subtly brightening rim. Smells of ripe cherries, ripe strawberries, dried rose petals, a hint of sealing wax and fine tobacco notes on the finish. Very full-bodied and engaging on the palate, rich and full-bodied, with great savouriness and juiciness, vibrant, long, powerful, big." Falstaff

"Dark, brooding and powerful, the Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro Riserva 2019 is a force to be reckoned with. It pours from the glass with a burst of crushed blackberries, plums and exotic spices, further complicated by dried orange peel and cedar shavings. Velvety and weighty, it floods the palate with rich and enveloping textures. At the core of this wine is an enticing and stabilising acidity with ripe red and black fruits flooding the senses. The 2019 rejuvenates with dramatic length and structure, leaving a frame of sweet tannins and a finish of salted liquorice and mocha that lingers." Vinous

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro offers a dark, concentrated approach with a bouquet of black fruits, spices, earth and smoked tobacco. I find the approach quite robust and ponderous. This vintage is particularly concentrated and recommended for those looking for this powerful style. The tannins come with a hint of dryness." Wine Advocate

"The ripe yet fresh flavours are so seductive and irresistible, showing plums, cedar, rose petals and a hint of leather. Full-bodied yet framed and taut with fantastic length and intensity. The polished tannins are powerful but restrained and show great presence and character. This is a monumental wine in many ways. A wine for the cellar." James Suckling

For us, the pure Cabernet Franc from Duemani is one of the best representatives of the grape variety and the western Tuscan coastal region. The bouquet has an extraordinary clarity of dark plum, coffee and wild roses. Rich and with a perfectly integrated woody note on the palate, its strength, structure and elegance are particularly fascinating. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby colour with a subtly brightening rim. On the nose, gentle notes of blood orange zest, cassis, a hint of eucalyptus, liquorice, with an aftertaste of incense, very fruity. A juicy entry and progression on the palate, showing fleshy, precise fruit, savoury, noble, with great length and a rosemary final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Duemani is classy, refined and supple. Mocha, dried herbs, menthol, rose petals and succulent red/purplish fruit all meld together effortlessly. A bit of aeration brings out the wine's energy and vibrancy, both of which are admirable. I would give it a year or two in bottle to see if a more aromatic Franc character emerges. Today, the 2020 is still very much on the fruity side." Vinous

"A pure and juicy red with black berries, juicy fruit, spice and fresh herbs, like thyme. Some terra-cotta. Medium-bodied with juicy fruit and a creamy texture. Plenty of flavor at the end." James Suckling

The single-varietal Duemani is for us one of the best representatives of the West Tuscan coastal region. The bouquet of exceptional clarity of dark plum, coffee and wild roses. Rich and with perfectly integrated wood notes on the palate, its structure and elegance are particularly fascinating. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby with fine violet shimmer. Very clear and memorable nose of resinous cedar, lots of dark berry fruit, wild raspberry, blackberry and elderberry, tobacco in the background. Shows a lot of fine-meshed tannin on the palate, juicy dark berry fruit, opens up in many layers, energetic and present, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Cabernet Franc Duemani was tasted in a preview capacity as an unfinished wine. What stands out most at this time is the enormous richness and concentration of the fruit. This is a characteristic of the vintage, although we can expect this wine to flesh out and loosen up as it gets closer to its commercial release next year. The grapes are fermented in cone-shaped vessels that enhance the extract during maceration. Fruit comes from 20-year-old vines. Dark black and purple fruits are followed by garden herb, dried mint and tarry spice. With that natural richness comes extra structure and power." Wine Advocate

"Fragrant nose of violets, dried flowers, plums, morello cherries, milk chocolate and toffee. It’s supple and juicy, with a medium body and creamy tannins. Lovely, plush plum fruit and a caressing, lengthy finish. Very structured at the end. Needs a couple of years at least. This is in form like a top long distance runner." James Suckling

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

"Sparkling, rich straw yellow colour, delicate green notes. Intense and inviting nose, initially of cold smoke and beeswax, followed by pineapple and ripe pineapple, some basil in the background. Shows great radiance in the attack, lots of juicy fruit, unfolds with full pressure, beautiful interplay between yellow fruit and a slight bitter component in the final." Falstaff

"Aromas of peach tea, soap, yellow grapefruit and some tomato leaf follow through to a medium body and weighty palate. Very fruity and crisp, a bit tight and dry, with a bitter finish that balances a bold style. Give it time." James Suckling

"A panorama of flavours: melon, fruit and ripe citrus fruits with a hint of mint and dried herbs to round it off. Deliciously creamy, smooth and complex." Decanter

Tasca d'Almerita recalls the first vintage of their legendary Rosso del Conte from the San Lucio vineyard with this lush Riserva del Conte. Ruby red, the aromas of berries, cherries and spices have wonderfully taken the wood into their midst. A lively taste, dense tannins and an endless finish complete the perfect picture. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. Restrained, yet balanced nose, appears multilayered, albeit filigree. On the palate very juicy, dense, with clear fruit and tightly meshed enveloping tannin, shows elegant pressure, builds up in many layers, great length and finesse." Falstaff

"Deep crimson. A little less immediate and floral than the normal 2016 with brooding fruit and touches of dark spice. Tightly wound and still very embryonic fruit palate with vibrant, almost linear acidity. The fruit slowly unfurls on the palate over a rich layer of polished, fine tannins. Finely balanced but in need of much more time." Jancis Robinson

"The 2016 vintage was characterised by a mild and dry winter, a cool spring and a summer with well-distributed rainfall. Summer temperatures were not very high and ensured a slow and complete ripening of the grapes. Grapes were harvested on 29 September. 'The vintage was deemed worthy of being sealed in numbered bottles,' said Corrado Maurigi, estate manager. The wine is extremely youthful with a vinous, violet character. Vibrant red cherry fruit dominates over a balsamic whiff, with a floral bouquet in the background. Silky first, then velvety, it's a precise and crisp wine - although lacking layers at the moment due to the youthfulness." Decanter

"The 2016 Riserva del Conte Vigneto San Lucio keeps you at the edge of the glass, with a dark yet gorgeous display of licorice-tinged currants and plums complemented by notes of stone dust, mint and hints of spiced orange. This is elegance personified, casting a polished display of black cherries across a core of vibrant acidity, complementary notes of sour citrus and wild herbs mounting toward the close. You hardly notice its tannic heft until the very end, as this tapers off with harmony, showing classically dry, persistent yet still so enjoyable, even at this young stage. That said, the best is truly yet to come, and collectors will benefit from cellaring this for at least another three to five years." Vinous

"Only made in the best vintages, the Tasca Conti d'Almerita 2016 Sicilia Contea di Sclafani Riserva del Conte Tenuta Regaleali sees its fruit sourced from the Vigneto San Lucio in a classic winemaking subzone on the western side of the island. Made with a blend of the indigenous grapes Perricone and Nero d'Avola, the wine is streamlined and elegant with enormous persistence that can be counted in many long minutes. The bouquet shows dried cherry, plum, leather and a touch of scorched earth or grilled rosemary. This is a spectacular wine that sits at the top of the Sicilian wine pyramid. I love the mineral interlude with granite and crushed slate that appears on the close." Wine Advocate

NA for Nals, MA for Margreid. A tribute to two outstanding sites where something special can be felt, seen and felt, and which have inspired cellarmaster Harald Schraffl to create something equally special from their grapes. A wine and essence that expresses the essence of the small parcels in its purest form, whose typicity tells 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 the gentle whole bunch pressing, the must is pre-clarified by natural, static sedimentation, fermentation and ageing in small oak barrels for 18 months on the lees. This is followed by ageing on the lees for a further year in stainless steel tanks. This is followed by a further year of bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet white flowers, opal apples and notes of candied lime make up the bouquet of the 2019 Chardonnay Nama, flooding the palate with opulent textures and rich white stone fruit balanced by a vibrant acidic core and gentle acidic citrus notes. The Chardonnay is beautifully balanced, leaving a hint of concentration that gives it a tactile feel, while finishing with great length and finesse." Vinous

"Bright straw yellow with strong green nuances. Opens with notes of mint, ripe pineapple, fine smoky components, some brown butter. Firm and sturdy on the palate, well-integrated acidity, firm pressure on the final, roasted hazelnuts in the aftertaste." Falstaff

"The Nals Margreid 2019 Alto Adige Bianco Nama is a Chardonnay, although previous vintages have included small amounts of Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon Blanc. From this vintage onwards, the wine is only identified as Chardonnay on the front label. Characterised by a cool mountain climate, this lovely wine shows many of the elegant fruit and mineral accents we have seen in past editions of Nama. It also offers light toasty and oaky notes that give the wine a lovely texture, a soft creaminess and excellent length. It is a beauty." Wine Advocate

"The intensity and subtlety of this young white wine is impressive. It offers aromas of spicy pears, granite and flint, as well as alpine flowers and hints of cream and vanilla. Also mango. Full-bodied yet very linear, with wonderful length and intensity. It lingers on the palate for minutes. It has the class of a top Burgundy and yet is a true South Tyrolean. 100% Chardonnay this year. 2,000 bottles." James Suckling

Suisassi is rich and expressive. The bouquet convinces with aromas of sage, rosemary, wild flowers, liquorice, violets and plums. Very full and round on the palate with memories of berries, chocolate and nuts. Elegant and intellectual, still needs time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Wonderfully fragrant floral nose of fresh violets, juicy cherries, rose hips, blood oranges, with an aftertaste of elderberries and dried macchia. Very polished, with cool fruit on the tongue, very juicy on the palate, with youthful, grippy tannins, a floral finish, powerful, with currently still somewhat youthful tannins." Falstaff

"The 2020 Suisassi is bursting with fresh blueberry, lavender, mint, spice, black pepper, cloves and incense. This brisk, vibrant Syrah is quite charming. The mid-weight, intensely savory style offers tons of freshness, a rarity on the Tuscan coast." Vinous

"Very attractive aromas of meat, spice and blue fruits with cloves and black pepper. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are silky and polished. Lovely aftertaste with plenty going on." James Suckling

Zero140 is Enrico Serafino's most extreme Alta Langa and also the most impressive Italian Metodo Classico we have ever tasted. It represents the pinnacle of Enrico Serafino's Alta Langa project and sets an undisputed benchmark in Italy's world of sparkling wines produced according to the méthode champenoise in terms of finesse and emotionality (and length of bottle ageing).

"Refining a bottle for 12 years means having 12 vintages in your own underground cellars at the same time. How can you recognise them? How do you emphasise the complexity of such a special wine? We have chosen to paint the bottom of the bottles with a different colour for each vintage produced, marking the beginning of the rotation of the remuage on the glass. In addition, the decision not to use the label emphasises the complexity of the wine. Therefore, on each bottle, in addition to the capsule required by law, you will only find the jewel that represents our logo or the section of a fossil from the Piedmontese Tertiary, an unmistakable sign of the footprint that nature has left in the natural world over the centuries.

And finally, the choice of colours. The quality of our wines comes from nature. That's why we decided to be inspired by the theory of planets and colours. This connects the sun, the nine planets, the moon and Ceres (dwarf planet) with the different colours that exist: 12 colours that identify and distinguish the 12 vintages of ZERO 140, which are simultaneously refined in our cellars. Starting with the yellow of the sun, we continued with the green of Venus and tried to represent life in colours. The current vintage is 2010, which has been given the black colour dedicated to the planet Pluto." Paolo Giacosa, Kellermeister

Pale gold in the glass. The inviting, deliberately delicately reductive bouquet of poached pear, peach with toasted almonds and baked bread. On the palate, it has a warm, rich texture and a never-ending, soft and perfectly integrated perlage, which only occurs when the wine is given time to mature. A lot of time. On the palate, an unrivalled complex, balanced, buttery and creamy texture, elegant and intense, with an invigoratingly fresh acidity, followed by a deeply emotional mineral finish. This absolutely exceptional sparkling wine opens the doors of Fort Knox (and others) in the blink of an eye. Blessed are those who can call a bottle their own. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale straw yellow with golden reflections and a subtle perlage. A nose of ripe stone fruit, a hint of nutmeg and bread crust. Hearty on the palate, with clear, ripe fruit and well-integrated perlage, finishing with buttery notes, very mature. A speciality." Falstaff

"A creamy and delicious sparkling wine with attractive notes of lemon cake, custard, brioche and apricot. Medium-bodied, with a very fine, silky foam. Delicious notes of pastry. The whole is held together by a sharp acid backbone." James Suckling

"Aromas of lemongrass, candied lemon peel, orange blossom honey, hazelnuts and fresh croissants pour from the glass of this vital and important wine. On the palate, it is lifted by an energetic acidity and has a richness and depth that comes from 140 months on the lees, but also citrus notes that finish with a lingering minerality." Wine Enthusiast

"The Enrico Serafino 2010 Alta Langa Metodo Classico Pas Dosé Riserva Zero 140 is a wine that assembles dozens of tiny nuances into a unified aromatic front. The result is subtle and elegant: unripe peach, quince, apple, mint, lemon jam, saffron, breakfast biscuits and dusty minerals. There's a lot going on, but one thing's for sure: the wine's freshness and bright primary intensity don't betray the fact that it was made 13 years ago. It is impressive." Wine Advocate

"The Alta Langa Riserva Zero 140 2010 blends fresh notes of camomile, mint and sweet smoke with enriching notes of whole butter and Werther's sweets. It is elegant with a luxurious, silky foam that coats the palate while ripe fruit and a hint of spice play around the palate. The word "seamless" comes to mind as the 2010 finishes long, yet lively and fresh. Notes of baked apples and pears mingle with a noticeable mineral note. With the Zero 140 Riserva, Enrico Serafino has taken his Alta Langa game to a whole new level." Vinous

"This wine, which bears the name of a dwarf planet, consists of 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay from 56 small plots in 16 municipalities. It is the result of Alta Langa's first experiment with extreme refinement: 140 months on the lees give this Riserva wine an exceptional character. The mousse is silky, almost vaporous, and aromas of bread dough, caramelised butter and figs conquer the nose. On the palate, it is acidic, soft and dry." Decanter

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

Here comes 1st place in James Suckling's TOP wines 2024: this great wine is only released for sale nine years after the harvest. The slow drying of the fully ripe grapes gives this cru its immense power and density as well as its extraordinary character with powerful ripeness, fruit fullness, beautiful concentration and great elegance. On the palate, Bertani's Amarone demonstrates freshness, noble lightness and great dynamism. An exciting wine and for decades probably the most classic Amarone - the archetype, so to speak - of the entire appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"A vivid ruby color with a garnet tinge and super-restrained nose of licorice, oak bark, smoke, wood, cigar box, leather, dark chocolate, crushed violets and prunes. Freshness and subtlety. Full-bodied and elegant on the palate due to ripe, filigree tannins with long acidity and a toasty, savory aftertaste. One of the great Amarones. Corvina and Rondinella. Ready to drink now, but intended for the long haul." James Suckling

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

This is the second vintage of the currently only Bolgheri Superiore that is produced apart from the classic French Bordeaux grape varieties. It consists of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Syrah. Two grape varieties that the Sattas have studied for several decades and whose quality has convinced us and the international critics for many years. Marianova combines great aromatic breadth with gigantic drinking pleasure and at the same time underlines the great individuality of the winery like no other wine.

Bright ruby red. A potpourri of spicy notes on the nose: spicy from the Syrah and crisp from the Sangiovese. Small red ripe berries and some blackberry essence mingle with damp earth, smoke, tree bark and tar. This exceptional wine is carried by a bouquet of dark fruits and a fresh acidity, its impressive finish is endlessly long and powerful. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, rich ruby. Eröffnet with fine notes of raspberry and blackberry, shows itself open and accessible. Firm, gripping tannin on the palate, grippy, salty and spicy, still a bit rough on the final." Falstaff

"Marianova is the blend which debuted when Michele Satta's son Giacomo joined the winery. It comprises 50% Syrah and 50% Sangiovese fermented in oak (including malolactic fermentation) with 30% of whole bunch grapes aged in oak and amphora. Mostly ruby, focused on raspberry and black pepper with depth of graphite minerality, shows a graceful palate, ripe and crunchy, tense due to a firm acidity with a slightly bitter finish which enhances the length." Decanter

"This compact red evokes blackberry, black currant, leather and black pepper flavors, with formidable tannins leaving an astringent finish. Needs time." Wine Spectator

"Lots of violet, spice and dark-fruit aromas follow through to a full body with firm, chewy tannins that are focused and fine-textured. Savory finish. Drinkable now, but better in 2023." James Suckling

"The 2018 Bolgheri Superiore Marianova is the finest wine I have tased from Satta. It offers superb depth and varietal intensity but with no excess weight at all. Sweet dark cherry, tobacco, menthol, licorice, incense and dried herbs soar out of the glass. There is an understated intensity here that is absolutely beguiling. A spine of supporting tannins lends energy. This heady Maremma red is a total knock-out. What a wine!" Vinous

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

"Sparkling, rich straw yellow colour, delicate green notes. Intense and inviting nose, initially of cold smoke and beeswax, followed by pineapple and ripe pineapple, some basil in the background. Shows great radiance in the attack, lots of juicy fruit, unfolds with full pressure, beautiful interplay between yellow fruit and a slight bitter component in the final." Falstaff

"Aromas of peach tea, soap, yellow grapefruit and some tomato leaf follow through to a medium body and weighty palate. Very fruity and crisp, a little tight and dry, with a bitter finish that balances a bold style. Give it time." James Suckling

"A panorama of flavours: melon, fruit and ripe citrus fruits with a hint of mint and dried herbs to round it off. Deliciously creamy, smooth and complex." Decanter

Sparkling, rich straw yellow colour, rich, complex aroma with a delicate, pleasantly creamy nose and the scent of vanilla, mango and fresh pineapple. Full, opulent and full of tension on the palate, juicy and salty, very elegant flavour, accompanied by a fresh, well-balanced acidity. The ideally integrated wood note and the fruity, complex body form a harmonious and impressive unit. The long-lasting finish is refined with a subtle hint of bitter almond. SUPERIORE.DE

"Beautiful flint notes, meadow flowers and limes on the nose. Fine grip on the palate, herbal notes and fresh fruit perfectly balanced, white flowers, long, animating acidity, salty finish." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, pale straw yellow with light green nuances. Opens with a cool hint of mint, nectarine and gooseberry, some flint. Shows emphatically fresh notes on the palate, savoury, persistent, quite light-bodied overall." Falstaff

"The Alois Lageder 2020 Chardonnay Löwengang opens to a classy touch of reduction that recalls flint or struck match. It lifts quickly to reveal pear, quince, golden apple, honey glaze, vanilla wafer and saffron. There is a spicy side as well, with pink peppercorn and lots of glacier-like minimality." Wine Advocate

"The Löwengang Chardonnay is an icon of Italian Chardonnay and continues to demonstrate the Lageder winery's commitment to producing wines of the highest quality. Aromas of spiced baked apples, Comice pears, candied lemon peel, white flowers and baking spices are present. On the palate, the wine is rich and broad, with a creamy texture and hints of vanilla and sweet and savoury spices. The wine finishes with the energy and pulse of the mountains, showing both the minerality and important acidity that gives this wine the structure for the long haul." Wine Enthusiast

"A rich white wine in a graceful frame, with a pronounced salinity that works with vibrant acidity to define the medley of baked pineapple and persimmon, toasted almonds and pastry cream, Meyer lemon peel and elderflower. Expressive and well-knit, with a long finish that reflects the spectrum of flavours and contains additional mineral and spicy elements." Wine Spectator

"Deep nose with a sharp mineral undertone to the complex flavours of white sesame, praline, grilled spices and roasted pineapple. Broad and savoury on the palate with medium to full body and a very tangy, engaging finish. Long, savoury and concentrated." James Suckling

"The Chardonnay Löwengang, which was first produced in 1984, is a prime example of the variety in Alto Adige. It comes from the best plots of 30 to 80-year-old Chardonnay vines in Magrè, near the winery, and is fermented spontaneously in barriques, followed by 11 months on the lees. The result in 2020 is a wine reminiscent of a Puligny, with a nose of flint and matches that introduces a clean and fresh, intense, savoury and persistent palate. The juicy complexity of melon, stone fruit and tropical fruit gives it a wonderful vibrancy and potential for medium-term cellaring." Decanter

The exposed location of the estate on the Fennberg at around 1,000 m above sea level, with late autumn morning dew and high humidity, provides the ideal conditions for the development of noble rot (botrytis cinerea), which naturally leads to an additional concentration of grape sugar. The raisin-like dried grapes are harvested from mid to late December. After gentle pressing of the grapes, alcoholic fermentation takes place in small steel tanks, where the young wine rests on the fine yeast for around six months. The bottled wine matures in the cellar for another five years.

This Müller-Thurgau is a full-bodied late harvest (vendemmia tardiva) with considerable depth. It is dense and persistent and surprises with a buoyant freshness. The balanced interplay between minerality and strong body gives the wine its lightness and grants it good ageing potential. Notes of honey and lime in the finish make you want to take the next sip. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense straw yellow with golden reflections. Candied fruit, orange, peach and wildflower honey. Juicy and elegant, straightforward with an excellent, refreshing acidity, long, smooth and inviting finish." Falstaff

"The 2016 Alto Adige Müller Thurgau Feldmarschall Von Fenner Vendemmia Tardiva shows dried flower, daisy and wild grass on the bouquet. Fruit is harvested from an outstanding 1,000 meters above sea level, and the alcohol content is contained at 9.5%. With time, the aromas revert to honey, spicy saffron, crushed stone, dry tea leaf and a dusting of cinnamon. In fact, this unusual wine finishes on an almost dry note." Wine Advocate

Matteo describes it as a wine that has as much to do with the place as with its family roots: coincidentally, his surname Ascheri is also the official name of the vineyard located in the municipality of La Morra. For this top wine of the house, as for the Coste & Bricco, the following applies: Barolo Ascheri is only produced in the best years.

Its bouquet and also its complex taste make it the most complete wine of the house. Wonderful in precision and structure, this Barolo has the highest recognition value in this top vintage and at the same time represents the signature of the house in an impressive way. SUPERIORE.DE

"New leather, camphor, wild berry and fragrant blue-flower aromas mingle together on this structured red. It's full bodied and dense, delivering succulent morello cherry, crushed raspberry licorice and tobacco framed in firm, fine-grained tannins. You'll also detect the warmth of evident alcohol, but thanks to the concentrated fruit, it doesn't dominate." Wine Enthusiast

"The Ascheri 2016 Barolo Ascheri is a beautiful wine that reveals a broad range of classic Nebbiolo aromas. The wine's bouquet is stirring and deep with cleverly contained intensity. As I mentioned before, the Ascheri winemaking process sees a short 16-day fermentation, at 30 degrees Celsius in the case of this wine. As a result, the aromas are clear, strong and direct. You could apply any number of descriptors to describe the bouquet: dried cherry fruit, rose, pressed violets, crushed stone, red clay and autumnal leaf. The wine is well supported at the back by firm tannins that come thanks to this classic, cellar-worthy vintage." Wine Advocate

With the Pinot Nero Riserva Vigna Das Langefeld, the Pfitscher family has undoubtedly created an elegant top wine that perfectly reflects the identity of the terroir.

The small vineyard Das Langefeld is one of the highest and oldest Pinot Noir vineyards in South Tyrol. It is located in the Glen vineyard above Montan at around 550 metres above sea level. Alongside Mazzon, this site is certainly one of the best known and most recognised for this grape variety in Italy. Like all of the Pfitscher family's vineyards, this plot of only 4,000 square metres is cultivated exclusively organically. The vineyard faces west and is characterised by deep clay and limestone soils. The Guyot training system enables an enormous planting density of around 8,000 vines per hectare.

Today, Vigna Das Langefeld is a family project that Klaus Pfitscher started back in 1984 at the age of 24. Even then, he recognised the potential of the site and decided to plant Pinot Noir clones from Burgundy. Looking back, he states: "When I planted this vineyard in 1984, I was convinced that something great would come out of it. This wine is the fulfilment of a dream". His son Hannes, a trained Oenologist and cellar master at Pfitscher, is now passionate about the winery's wines together with his father. He adds: "We are all constantly striving for perfection. The age of the vines, the microclimate of Glen and the organic cultivation form the basis for a wine with great depth as well as excellent elegance and finesse, of which we are very proud".

Eros Teboni, WSA Best Sommelier of the World 2018, already had the masterpiece in his glass: "The Vigna Das Langefeld has an elegant, modern signature that is nevertheless strongly linked to the typicality of South Tyrolean wines. In other interpretations of this grape variety, you sometimes find more rustic traits: here, on the other hand, elegance and vibrancy predominate. A Pinot Noir with a strong identity and great personality, produced with the greatest commitment and attention to detail."

This wine is the result of a careful selection process in which healthy, fully ripe grapes from a small harvest are picked by hand. This is followed by a two-day cold maceration of the largely undestemmed grapes and a spontaneous fermentation of around 14 days. After a further 12 months of maturation in barriques, the wine rests and matures for six months in a 10 hl wooden barrel and then 30 months in the bottle. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered. The new top wine from Pfitscher is released in an edition of only 1,296 numbered bottles and we are delighted to be able to offer a few examples of this exclusive wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cool, clearly spicy, also somewhat vegetal fruit on the nose, cedar wood and branches, including nuances of raspberry and juniper with plenty of air. The nose is not yet really open and harmonised. Lots of power, but also sap and barrique notes, i.e. oak spice, which needs time and air. This still conceals the fruit, precision and balance. Straight from the bottle into the carafe. It's not a pure style, but if it's wood then it's like this. It has a very long life ahead of it and currently a lot of time in the air is only good for it." Vinum

"A rich, savoury Pinot with ripe red and dark berries, bark, cocoa, damp earth and a hint of tar. Full and layered, quite weighty and deep, yet balanced and focused, with a firm tannic structure and a lingering finish. Earthy and spicy." James Suckling

"Elegant ruby red colour with a brightening rim. Inviting nose of blood orange, rosehip and raspberry, with light spices and fine, fragrant floral notes on the finish. On the palate with great, cool fruit and savoury tannins, shows beautiful depth, comes in many layers, salty, precise and with a lot of tension." Falstaff