Decanter World Wine Awards 2024

Medium ruby colour, beautifully balanced and clear on the nose with black fruits and spicy hints. Berry, dry, delicately bitter, lively and dry-fresh in flavour and finish. Very drinky. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark purple; fresh, dark berry-fruity, inviting; juicy, berry, clear tannin, delicate sweetness, beautiful Lambrusco." (JLF) Merum

"Aromas of blackberries, black cherries, and currants, both fresh and preserved, meld with dried orange peel and purple flowers on the nose. The palate is characterized by wild herbs, spiced black plums, and a savory, meaty note. A slight tannic edge provides a solid foundation, making this Lambrusco very versatile." Wine Enthusiast

"Cranberry, crunchy strawberry, redcurrant, blueberry and cranberry. Great freshness on the palate, fine mousse and beautiful acidity." Decanter

Peaches and golden apples on the nose, with some thyme and camomile. Also some salty olives. Full-bodied and full of flavour, with a salty freshness to counterbalance the rich yellow fruit. A wonderfully drinkable white wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Beautifully lively on the palate, bright fruit and floral notes of lemon peel, white flowers and yeast notes, with a pleasant mineral note." Decanter

"Sliced pear, lemon and peach aromas, with salty olive undertones. It’s fresh and creamy with a medium body and a tasty, saline finish." James Suckling

Straw yellow with green reflections and a broad and colourful palette of fruit aromas reminiscent of banana and melon. The juicy flavour is fresh, lively, with a pleasant fullness and an inviting and pronounced persistence. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pretty nose of green fruit and Mirabelle plum, while the crisp palate is laced with juicy, ripe fruit." Decanter

Bright straw yellow in colour with a distinct, delicately fruity aroma of pear, this wine is dry, soft and slightly nutty in flavour. A wonderfully integrated acidity and citrus vein give it freshness, balance and structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sliced pears, apples and blanched almonds on the nose, followed by a fresh, mineral and medium-bodied palate. Very clean and pretty." James Suckling

"Elegant and restrained aromas of delicate flowers; lemon peel, lime, acacia and grassy, flinty notes on the palate." Decanter

Straw-yellow Gavi di Gavi with a lively floral fragrance and a hint of exotic fruits, jasmine, lemon and golden apples. Delicate, self-contained, very harmonious flavour with a long, mineral finish and a fine peppery note. SUPERIORE.DE

"Subtle blossom and lemon aromas, the palate has some concentration through stone fruit, green apple, and grapefruit, with a creamy texture and hints of pastry." Decanter

Más de Fer is made from selected grapes from the Col de Fer and San Gallo hills. An exquisite cru that smells of meadow flowers and, with its pronounced fruitiness and delicate citrus acidity, is the ideal accompaniment from amuse-gueule to dessert. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with an olive-green hue and small, persistent bubbles. Mango and orange zest on the nose, with notes of yellow flowers. Smooth on the palate, with good freshness and velvety fruit melt, good tension and fine pressure." Falstaff

"Typical nose of Glera , fresh and salty with floral, lemon, apple and pear notes, solid finish and spicy aftertaste." Decanter

Andreolas Col del Forno brut is an elegant and well-balanced Prosecco from an outstanding Rive vineyard. A subtle, fresh aroma of green apple and young pear, delicate yet demanding on the palate with a drinky, citrus-fruity note. SUPERIORE.DE

"Inviting freshness, light fruit; creamy foam, fresh fruity, also apple, balanced, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"Brilliant, bright silver-green colour with persistent perlage. Fragrant nose of juicy lemon and lime, with delicate green spice and a hint of lychee. Great freshness on the palate, crisp, balanced, with great pressure, spans a wide arc in the airiest perlage." Falstaff

"Blood orange, pear and acacia blossom creamy and mouth-filling mousse, bright acidity and citrus, pear and pineapple finish." Decanter

This masterful Vernaccia matures for 4 years in small Caratello barrels, whose natural shrinkage is never topped up so that the yeast flora, which is very characteristic of this Vernaccia, forms on the surface and not only produces the characteristic flavours, but also gives it its name.

Bright ochre yellow with golden reflections. Rich, multi-layered bouquet of apricot and orange zest, rounded off with a delicate almond flavour and warm honey notes. A wonderful texture and freshness on the palate, the primary yellow-fruity flavours are present, complemented by a fine salty vein with a mineral note on the finish. An absolute delight chilled as an aperitif or at approx. 16°C with dessert! SUPERIORE.DE

"Expressive, flor, nutty, almonds, nuts, candied apples, elegant and refined with layers of figs, raisins; long finish and pleasant grip." Decanter

Old vines in excellent locations, late harvest, strict selection, exemplary work in the vineyard and cellar and a few months in barriques result in this powerful, long-lasting Lugana. Bright, rich straw yellow colour. Elegant bouquet of ripe fruit, peaches, apples and tea roses, full-bodied on the palate, densely woven and characterised by a pleasant mineral acidity, crisp and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale yellow with a sparkling centre. Delicate reduction on the nose, citrus, elderberry, cold smoke, stone. Fine and supple on the palate, with polished fruit and a clear finish, slightly smoky tones in the aftertaste, good length." Falstaff

"Inviting, with lemon and lime on the citrus nose; a bright acidity, mango and pineapple on the flinty palate." Decanter

Sparkling light yellow colour with green reflections. Clear, very broad aroma of apple, citrus, meadow herbs and pear fruit, rich on the palate and with the powerful, taut freshness and invigorating fruit acidity typical of the high altitudes of the Venosta Valley. SUPERIORE.DE

"A smoky and complex wine with aromas of citrus, Mirabelle plums and a touch of peat. Soft palate with refreshing acidity and a medium body. Precise and smoky in the finish." James Suckling

"Delicate, aromatic bouquet of white flowers and stone fruit; pronounced acidity on the palate, apple, pear and lemon peel." Decanter

Riesling is the Pratzner family's speciality: bright straw yellow with green reflections. Complex nose of flint, lime, white flowers with salty hints. Precise acidity on the palate, which vibrates delicately on the tongue and then draws the wine taut and fresh into the long, juicy final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pretty flavours of nectarine, peach and mango, with a bright, lively acidity and a pleasant citrus note on the palate." Decanter,

"A very restrained and minerally wine. Slate and gunpowder on the nose are enhanced by white peaches, orange blossoms and slightly peaty notes. Light-bodied on the palate, with zesty acidity and a tense yet balanced finish." James Suckling

Donnafugata's impressive declaration of love to Etna, currently the hottest wine hotspot, began with the Sul Vulcano line. Carricante is one of the most exciting grape varieties in southern Italy, capable of complexity and terroir-driven expression in the right soils. The vines for Donnafugata's only white wine from Etna grow on volcanic soils rich in minerals at an altitude of 700-750 metres. The wine is fermented in steel tanks before maturing partly in concrete tanks and partly in second and third choice barriques for 10 months and then a further nine months in the bottle.

Straw yellow with golden reflections. Bouquet of white flowers and notes of wild herbs and citrus. On the palate, it is full, fresh and flavoursome and finishes with impressive freshness, elegance and an exciting mineral vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose reveals chiselled notes of pink grapefruit, herbs and citrus blossom. In the mouth, it is tightly woven, with a very fine woody touch, melting contours, mineral and salty." Weinwisser

"Straw yellow in colour. Attractive nose of fresh lemon peel, but still somewhat restrained. Mineral lemon fruit with salty hints on the finish. Can mature." Jancis Robinson

"A well-dried white wine with lush vanilla, baking spice and lime blossom accents to the flavours of glazed apple and tangerine fruit. The mouthwatering acidity is well integrated, providing definition and carrying the rich flavours through the lingering, slightly salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Bianco Sul Vulcano 2021 is intense, with a blend of flint, sweet mint, apricot and a hint of sage. It is soft and round, with a lively acidity and mineral fruit that pours over the palate and takes on a hint of sour citrus towards the end. The Sul Vulcano is a fantastic option for an entry-level Etna Bianco, and having tasted the 2016 in parallel, I can confirm that it will age beautifully." Vinous

"Juicy fruit character, delicate white flowers, ripe melon and pineapple, elegant and mineral with generous fruit." Decanter

"A gourmet wine with structure. Intense and smoky, this shows jasmine, green apples and yellow peaches. The palate is vibrant, electric and fresh with an almost tannic texture. Zesty and mineral, it’s just a bit leaner on the finish." James Suckling

Ghiaia, a pure Nerello Mascalese from the slopes of Mount Etna, exudes sweet aromas of cherries and flowers. A refined, very detailed and seductive wine with great charm, character and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-light red colour; reductive red-fruity, appealing; powerful, fruit-deep, subtly tart tannin, long." Merum

"Medium, bright cherry red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Fine bouquet of raspberries, redcurrants, some pomegranate, underlaid with eucalyptus and fine spice. Vibrant freshness and pleasant juiciness on the palate, the tannins still somewhat youthful and ending on herbs in the medium final." Falstaff

"Attractive bouquet of chestnuts, violets and crisp strawberries, fresh and crisp with attractive acidity and a savoury finish." Decanter

"Sweet berries and orange peel with undertones of peach and lemon blossom. Medium-bodied, with crisp fruit and a fresh and slightly chewy finish. Delicious wine, now showing volcanic character with ashy and smoky undertones." James Suckling

"The Etna Rosso Ghiaia Nera 2021 is intense, smoky and ashy. It opens with a burst of crushed strawberries accompanied by notes of blood orange and clove. This wine is a model of purity, with savoury red berry fruit and a core of salty minerality that emerges towards the end. The lively acidity provides a fantastic balance. A web of fine tannins lingers, creating a classic dry feel and youthful tension as the sour cherry tones fade." Vinous

Brilliant, rich yellow with silver-green reflections. The bouquet has pronounced smoky, mineral notes, full flavours of mango, citrus fruit, sage and asparagus. It shows its true class on the palate: wonderfully complex structure, lots of naturally sweet flavour, refreshing acidity and a juiciness, strength and length that can only be achieved through long contact with the lees and simultaneous agitation. Very convincing, downright captivating! SUPERIORE.DE

"Firm and quite deep, yeasty, very delicately nutty and smoky aroma with citrus flavours, some white berries, spring onions, broccoli, white pepper and crab meat. Ripe, juicy, dense fruit, very fine acidity and some grip, vegetal spice, blackcurrant leaves, some smoke and nutty-yeasty traces, blackcurrants and gooseberries in the background, mineral foundation, good depth, very good, firm, juicy, mineral and somewhat herbal-spicy finish with blackberry and floral nuances." Wein-Plus

"Intense straw yellow with a green tinge. Aromatic nose, lots of gooseberry and nettle, some passion fruit in the background. Straightforward and precise on the palate, animating, mouthwatering, delicately melting, lingering, salty final." Falstaff

"On the nose, cooked lemons, savoury herbs, pepper and a hint of flinty minerality. Medium-bodied, juicy and citrusy with lively acidity and a flavourful finish." James Suckling

"The Sauvignon Blanc Picol 2021 is flavoursome and incredibly fresh. In the glass, it unfolds aromas of nectarine, rosemary and sage, accompanied by candied lime. It is full of zesty tension with sharp yellow citrus fruits and salty mineral notes that tantalise the senses. Its brilliant acidity is the real highlight of the show, as the Picol finishes long and powerful with a mix of sour melon and young kiwi that makes the taster return to the glass." Vinous

"Inviting, smoky nose of gooseberry aromatics; palate of tropical notes and a neat, bright acidity." Decanter

The Pecorari family's passion for single-varietal wines is best represented by the Pinot Grigio Gris, which is matured for 11 months on the fine lees with bâtonnage. This Pinot Grigio fermented in oak offers an exciting and complex bouquet of white peach, citrus, flint, crushed oyster shells, white rose petals and notes of acacia honey. The well-proportioned acidity, the fresh flavour and the wonderful depth and tension make it easy to see that the Pinot Grigio at Lis Neris occupies an absolutely special position every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Firm, somewhat nutty, planty to herbaceous and hints of mushroomy aromas of yellow fruit with slightly smoky and vanilla wood notes and nuances reminiscent of mussel shells. Polished, firm fruit with melting and some light wood notes, fine acidity, has a grip of ripe tannin, good substance and persistence, certain depth, salty minerality, tobacco, butter and hints of crab meat in the background, very good, animating finish with bite." Wein-Plus

"Bright straw yellow colour. Fine reduction on the nose, subtle flint, precious wood and stone fruit. Full-bodied and radiant on the palate, with great juiciness and salinity, powerful, savoury, lingers for a long time, great Pinot Grigio!" Falstaff

"It is fresh and mineral with notes of white peaches, flowers and stones. Crisp and juicy with a medium body and a polished, mineral backbone. Tasty finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Pinot Grigio Gris tantalises the senses with an opulent blend of vanilla pods, sweet spices and whole butter complementing ripe apples and pears. It is pleasantly round and silky in flavour, with a core of juicy acidity that balances it out and ripe fruit that plays around it. The balance on the inside is fantastic. The 2021 rejuvenates with a saline mineral note and sour citrus, leaving a youthful inner tension. The oak will need to be integrated a little over the coming years, but I expect that with a little patience an absolutely stunning interpretation will develop." Vinous

"Inviting, with a nose of orange blossom, smoky fruit and yellow spring flowers; lemon, apricot cake and spiced pear on the palate." Decanter

In 1773, a rich and resourceful merchant named John happened to land on the Marsala Coast. He was the first to produce the classic Marsala known to this day by adding brandy, refining it so that he could take it back to England without the risk of early spoilage. Intense amber colour. On the nose notes of apricot and carob, some thyme and black pepper. Full and warm on the palate with a fine apricot touch and candied fruit notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light amber; sea, fruit ripeness, candied, caramelised orange peel, deep, beautiful nose; not too sweet, round, bittersweet, dates, depth and extended length." Merum

"If you aren't familiar with Marsala, this medium-dry wine would be a good place to start, with intense caramelized-nut, candied-orange and bitter-chocolate character, plus a restrained touch of sweetness. The tannins in Marsala can make the aftertaste bitter, but here they really help to balance the sweetness." James Suckling

"Cantine Pellegrino is a historical producer active since 1880 that has over 150 hectares in different parts of Sicily and on the Island of Pantelleria. This Marsala is bright amber. The nose is pleasant and fresh, with straightforward notes of apricot, hints of carob and thyme. The wine is full, sweet with integrated alcohol, round and generous on the palate. It is made with Grillo, Inzolia and Catarratto, ages 48 months in oak barrels and at least six months in barrique." Decanter

The Biancosesto is a true Friulian made from equal parts of the local Ribolla Gialla and Friulano grape varieties. Fresh, citrus-fruity aroma with hints of apple and pear, accompanied by a full-bodied, harmonious and pleasantly dry flavour. A refined interpretation of down-to-earthness with a beautiful arc of tension. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright olive green with straw yellow colour. Juicy citrus fruit on the nose, elderberry, juicy pink peach, rose petal, grapefruit, pomegranate, inviting. Fresh, juicy, clear on the palate, with well-defined fruit, full of tension and accessible, pure drinking pleasure." Falstaff

"Perfumed, elegant nose with citrus blossom and menthol, rich on the palate with candied fruit." Decanter

"This bright white features juicy pineapple, passion fruit and lychee notes accented by hints of grated ginger, ground cardamom, vanilla and white blossoms. Well-knit and lightly chalky in texture, with a focused, mineral-driven finish." Wine Spectator

"I like the undertones of crushed stone in the grapefruit and gooseberry flavours. It's bright, creamy and citrusy, with a medium body and a lively, zesty finish." James Suckling

"The Tunella 2022 Friuli Colli Orientali Biancosesto emphasises its modernist style with a very rich and creamy texture that comes from ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels. The blend consists of equal parts Friulano and Ribolla Gialla, and the fruit benefits from marl and sandstone soils that develop freshness and sweet concentration. This wine is complex and rich with ripe fruit, apricots and pears. It is a 360-degree expression with an extra dose of opulence to finish." Wine Advocate

The grapes for this elegant Metodo Classico come from loose limestone soils with a clay content from the Überetsch and Unterland regions. The three grape varieties are vinified separately, gently pressed and fermented at a controlled temperature of 14°-16°C. The wine is matured in stainless steel on the lees of the first fermentation until spring. The wine is matured in stainless steel on the lees from the first fermentation until spring. Bright straw yellow in colour, fine and persistent perlage, fruity aroma with a subtle yeast note. Fresh, dry and very persistent on the palate, with a pleasant aftertaste of dried fruit and a saline touch. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw yellow with an olive green centre, persistent perlage. Fresh nose of green apple and white peach, also reminiscent of pepper and flint. Gentle entry on the palate, with fine-grained perlage, subtly full-bodied in the mid-palate, with a grapefruit final." Falstaff

"Flinty and floral, with orange blossom aromatics, then to a palate of bright acidity, peach, citrus fruit and strawberry." Decanter

The vineyards of the five grape varieties are located between 350 and 800 metres above sea level and face south-west. The vines grow on dolomite, porphyry, sand and marl soils. As a young wine, Manna has golden-yellow colour nuances, which turn into strong golden tones after a few years of maturation. Manna is very special: complex, multi-layered with a bouquet of elderberry, pistachio, apricot, nutmeg and delicate rose petals. Concentrated, full-bodied and at the same time elegant and complex in flavour. A racy wine that can be discovered from different perspectives as it develops and reveals its character more and more. Even the young wine changes in the glass and surprises again and again. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, rich straw yellow colour. Rich yellow fruit on the nose, lemon, grapefruit, pear, followed by toasted ciabatta and light lime. A racy entry on the palate, savoury acidity, great mouthfeel, juicy and precise, balanced on the palate through to the final." Falstaff

"Inviting aromas of jasmine, green apple and lime, then juicy, fresh green fruit on the palate." Decanter

"This wine is perfumed and very characterful with lots of tropical and floral notes as well as a solid mineral backbone. Pineapple, candied citrus, honeysuckle, rosehips and crushed stones on the nose, followed by a medium to full body with even acidity. Crisp, fresh and firm. Very well made." James Suckling

Top-class Pinot Bianco from the South Tyrolean Wine Road, more precisely from the exposed Sirmian hillside, where the Pinot Bianco finds its ideal location and an optimal microclimate. As a result, it is of remarkable quality every year. Clear and sparkling straw yellow in the glass, with an intense bouquet of light flowers, green apple, redcurrants and a hint of sage and nutmeg. Harmonious, powerful and persistent on the palate, with a full flavour typical of the grape variety and a beautiful melting, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, light golden yellow colour. Intense on the nose with notes of meadow herbs, juicy vineyard peach, very subtle hints of white bread. Slightly creamy on the palate, lively, supportive acidity, very pleasantly persistent." Falstaff

"Matured for eight months in large oak barrels, the 2022 Pinot Bianco Sirmian has a bright colour and allows plenty of light to shine through. The wine is multi-layered and rich in stone fruit, quince and pear. You get a very nice ensemble with ripe fruit tones, herbal notes on the finish and a pinch of cinnamon spice. This is the 50th vintage." Wine Advocate

"A minerally pinot blanc with a fairly smoky character. The nose shows restrained Williams pears, apple juice and assertive salt-and-pepper minerality. Smooth and soft attack with weight and concentration, a medium body and toasted flavors with classy depth and length. Juicy finish." James Suckling

"Exciting flavours of grapefruit, freshly cut grass and flowers with a hint of pepper that hugs the lively acidity. Full-bodied and viscous with a luscious lemon liquid that percolates towards the end. Superb!" Decanter

Berlucchi's 61 Satèn is a soft, creamy Franciacorta. In the glass, it has an intense straw-yellow colour with a fine, even perlage and delicate foam. Smells of bread dough, apple pie and lemon zest, very aromatic and well-structured on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, bright straw yellow with persistent perlage. A fragrant nose of apricot and white peach, lemon balm and jasmine blossom. Good acidity structure and fruity core on the palate, with a slight almond flavour on the finish." Falstaff

"The softly effervescent and creamy mousse caresses the palate, carrying flavors of Asian pear, baked melon, marzipan, honeycomb and fleur de sel. Light notes of spices and smoke linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

Polissena shows the typical signature of Il Borro: the wines are made as typical of the grape variety as possible and therefore come into the glass as authentically and transparently as possible - particularly recognisable here with Sangiovese. The nose has a fine cherry flavour with hints of wild berries, forest floor, herbs and a little plum. On the palate, the typical acidity is paired with delicate fruit, a firm centre and a taut final. The 12-month maturation in used and almost neutral barriques is very conducive to the freshness and straightforwardness of the Polissena. Great drinking pleasure and stylistically comparable to a Brunello! SUPERIORE.DE

"Lifted nose with herbs, spice and red fruit. Vanilla and dill notes mingle with cherry and orange zest nuances." Decanter

"The 2019 Valdarno di Sopra Sangiovese Vigna Polissena from Il Borro has undergone a 30-day fermentation and is aged for 18 months in neutral barriques. It offers a silky and gentle character with very direct fruit, which is softened by the oak spice. A nice mineral note rounds things off." Wine Advocate

"The nose is sunny and wild, with aromas of warm tar and brick dust, then Bing cherries and blood orange, then packed earth, crushed sage and wild fennel that roll onto a round and lush palate of strawberries, cherries, bitter orange and wild herbs. A hint of acidity and a growing peppery spiciness on the back palate linger into a lingering finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Flavours of cedar, salted caramel, fresh flowers and cherries follow through to a medium body with ultra-fine tannins that integrate beautifully with the wine. A hint of wood at the end, but a lovely finish." James Suckling