Decanter

The profound Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, made from 100 per cent Sangiovese from the small Campo ai Peri vineyard, exudes a pleasantly warm aroma of red berries, flowers, spices and liquorice. Intense fruitiness on the palate with a charming, fine texture, fresh acidity and a great balance of extract sweetness, acidity and tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright cherry flavours, floral notes, very lively on the nose. Deep wine with striking minerality, compact and structured, fresh acidity, taut tannins, underpinned by juicy fruit sweetness, has tension and a stony character, still a little restrained." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby colour with a slightly brightening rim. Opens with notes of blackberries and ripe plums, some liquorice and pepper. Clear on the palate with full-bodied tannins, builds for a long time, somewhat metallic on the final, dries out, still needs longer ageing." Falstaff

"Intriguing blackberry and dried flower flavours, also leather notes; the attack is full-bodied with a perfectly balanced tannin-acid structure, the finish finely chiselled with stone fruit aromas, also tobacco notes. To wild duck with polenta." Vinum

"Aromas of cherry chocolate, red plums, mild spices and hazelnuts. Medium to full-bodied, structured and velvety with crisp and delicate fruit and polished tannins. Floral and mineral on the finish." James Suckling

"The nose reveals intensely spicy aromas of old leather, balsamic and damp earth, enlivened by a hint of cherry syrup. This fruit element explodes on the palate with a cornucopia of berries, but the earthiness lingers as an undertone before a synthesising final finish. The acidity floods a valley of fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi Campo ai Peri 2019 from Le Cinciole is an exquisite wine that is immediately seductive. More than anything, I admire its purity and delineation. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, rose petals and dried herbs are finely chiselled in this chiselled, vibrant Gran Selezione. Le Cinciole sets the standard. What a great wine this is." Vinous

"The aromas of tarragon, jasmine and camomile slowly unfold against a background of pulverised stone. The palate is youthful and shows a sinewy substance. It blends in evenly and lands with mineral vigour. Distinct accents of bitter orange underpin the firm, chiselled tannins, and there is no lack of lively acidity." Decanter

Benanti's new red comes 100% from the Monte Serra vineyard (Contrada) and from 13-100 year old Nerello Mascalese vines. The maximum production per year is just 6,000 bottles. It delights with its lively flavour and silky texture with beautiful cassis notes, enormous energy and terrificminerality and ends with a wonderfully long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine comes from the historic vineyard around the very attractive winery. It is very complex with graphite nuances, ripe red berries, raspberry pulp, redcurrants and delicate floral notes. It is strikingly reminiscent of a Barolo with its earthy and dense character." Weinwisser

"Clear, more red than black berry nose with nutty aromas, some dried flowers, a hint of tobacco, hints of tar and tomato essence. Ripe, tart, juicy, firm, yet transparent fruit, restrained nutty flavours, some cocoa and pepper, herbal nuances, a certain acid bite and ripe, fine, quite present tannins, persistent on the palate, lots of salt, tobacco and smoky nuances, very good, firm finish." Wein-Plus

"A slightly chewy, medium-bodied red wine with notes of sun-dried cherries, rich loamy earth, grilled herbs and mocha finely interwoven with silky tannins. There are hints of tar and spice accents on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra 2021 is dusty, floral and yet delicate. It smells of red fruits and spices with hints of rose. It flows easily over the palate, soft and round, gaining traction through a core of mineral, tart cherry and strawberry flavours. A crisp cranberry lingers along with edgy tannins and a hint of residual acidity that provides a lovely freshness. This is a beautiful interpretation of Monte Serra." Vinous

"The Benanti 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra (with fruit from the Viagrande side of the volcano) shows a floral and slightly more fragrant side of Nerello Mascalese. It is packed with red berries and small background details reminiscent of volcanic rock, mountain herbs and dried lavender. On the palate, the wine is straightforward and linear with very fine and dusty tannins." Wine Advocate

"Fine garnet red colour. Animating, elegant aroma of cherry and redcurrant, fresh herbs, spicy aftertaste. Strong structure on the palate, noticeable acidity and present tannins, powerful, fruity final." Falstaff

"Aromas of strawberries and cherries emerge first on the nose, but savoury notes of herbs, spices, earth and stone soon follow. The savoury elements unfold on the palate, which is built on a foundation of salty, fleshy flavours, but a citrus tone underlines the fruit of the nose, while the acidity escalates on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"It has a nice acidity, with chocolaty red fruits in the mouth, accompanied by lots of spice, leading to a long woody, balsamic finish." Decanter

"Aromas of fresh plums, peaches and nectarines with some lemon blossom. Some caramel. Full-bodied yet unobtrusive with wonderfully finely structured tannins that spread openly across the palate. Oranges at the end with some candied lemons." James Suckling

This elegant and very harmonious red comes 100% from the small vineyard (Contrada) Cavaliere on the south-west slope of Mount Etna. The vineyards in the municipality of Santa Maria di Licodìa develop at a considerable altitude (approx. 900 metres above sea level) with favourable conditions for all indigenous varieties, both red and white grapes, which are cultivated here with Guyot pruning. Here, both the Nerello and the Carricante grape varieties produce wines with a well-defined structure and typical varietal flavours.

Brilliant ruby red colour. Ethereal bouquet full of spice and hints of red fruit. Medium-bodied on the palate, multi-layered and with a fine acid wire tannins and acid wire that complete its elegance and harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Firm, somewhat Mediterranean-herbal aroma of black and red berries with cherry nuances, hints of leather, dried mushrooms and peppery, ethereal spice. Ripe, taut, very juicy, rather dark fruit with cocoa and coffee notes, crumbly-sandy, ripe tannin, some bite, persistent and dense on the palate, again dark ethereal spice, has power and some warmth, but also a certain elegance, good depth, salty mineral tones, very good, firm, juicy and spicy finish." Wein-Plus

"Initially sober and earthy, with dark fruits and fine tannins, it opens up with a little air to reveal intense, powerful black cherries, herbs, balsam and spices, balanced by good acidity. This wine definitely needs time to reveal its secrets." Decanter

"A well-spiced red, with minerally hints of iron and tar underscoring macerated cherry and strawberry fruit. Bright and tightly meshed, with a dense core of tannins emerging to firm the fragrant, herb-laced finish." Wine Spectator

"Fresh flowers with oranges, black cherries and blackberries. Very clear flavours. Subtle and complex. Full-bodied but not heavy with firm and structured tannins. Powerful and muscular, but still very agile. It still needs three or four years to develop, but is already impressive." James Suckling

"The nose is a beach flora, wild fruits and herbs grow between the cracks of the salt-encrusted rocks. The palate leans into the metallic, savoury notes, but cherries, fizzy acidity and a latent warmth provide balance." Wine Enthusiast

"The Benanti 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Cavaliere is powerful and bright with lots of primary fruit reminiscent of raspberry and redcurrant with a hint of white pepper. This vintage delivers a very clean and immediate quality of fruit that is crisp, snappy and even crunchy in texture. The winemaking style is focused and very precise. It will be interesting to see where this wine develops in three to four years' time. The way it tastes today, it definitely needs more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

Brut Nature is Guido Berlucchi's vintage Franciacorta, which does not require any dosage (zero) and thus perfectly rounds off the top end of the 61 collection. The "61" line stands for the year of birth of the first Franciacorta, which was created in 1961 in the centuries-old Berlucchi vineyards. The grapes come from four vineyards between Corte Franca and Provaglio d'Iseo. In its purity, the cuvée perfectly embodies the expression of the terroir and shows the fascination of Chardonnay. Despite its 0 grams of residual sugar, it is rich and full-bodied on the palate. Very big! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, brilliant straw yellow with a fine perlage. Light yeasty notes on the nose, brioche and baked apple, with candied lemon and roasted almonds in the background. Powerful perlage on the palate, beautiful acidity and a long, bone-dry final." Falstaff

"This brut nature opens with green herbs and white peach on the nose, flinty and clean. Exceptional fruit concentration is refreshed by fine perlage and smoky acidity. The finish shows integrated developing tertiary notes, demonstrating complexity and promise for further ageing." Decanter

"Sliced pears, lemons, green apples and biscuits on the nose. It’s crisp, clean and medium-bodied, with fine bubbles and restrained fruit. Dry and focused, with a sharp and mouthwatering finish." James Suckling

"A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Nero, the Guido Berlucchi 2016 Franciacorta '61 Nature Dosaggio Zero sees the finest lots of fruit in oak barrel for six months followed by a minimum five years in bottle. The bouquet emits a mix of dried lemon and baked apple with softly toasted notes to flesh out the mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"This exciting wine is full of energy and vibrancy. The blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir has compelling aromas of tart apples, candied citrus zest, fresh pastry dough and wild herbs. The palate is dry and leads off with lemon zest, green pear, thyme and marjoram, finishing with roasted almonds and minerality." Wine Enthusiast

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto di Campolungo offers an interesting potpourri of ripe fruit, including blackberry, cassis and small wild strawberries, rounded off by a warm woody spice. Modern and polished on the palate, with a beautiful fruity centre, it is multi-layered, with plenty of pressure and length and balanced tannins as it progresses. The vines grow at an altitude of around 500 metres, which gives this cru a wonderful freshness and plenty of drinkability. Should gain in elegance with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright cherry aroma with liquorice and star anise. Smooth texture, firm tannins, shows good typicity with good length." Decanter

"On the nose, the fresh sweetness of cherries and strawberries is balanced by the lightly bitter astringency of orange jam and fennel. The fruit sweetens and deepens on the palate thanks to a rich, full mocha flavor, but strict, imposing tannins and acid preserve order." Wine Enthusiast

"With flavours of black cherry, plum, chocolate and iron, this rich red wine impresses across the board. Fresh and refined, with velvety tannins that support the long-lasting aftertaste, while notes of eucalyptus and tobacco enhance the complex finish." Wine Spectator

"The organically grown Lamole di Lamole 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto di Campolungo draws its fruit from a long row of vineyards stretching from the hill of Lamole towards Greve and orientated towards the sunset. This wine is creamy and medium-bodied with blackberry jam, tarry spice and earthy orris roots." Wine Advocate

The Nerello grapes (100% Mascalese) come from the northern slope of Etna from plots in the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the Rovittello district. Opens in a delicate ruby red colour, then fine, heady, spicy on the nose, revealing a pretty basket of red fruits after a few minutes of aeration. Initially closed on the palate, only gradually revealing its flavour facets, then medium pressure in the middle, with a very fine structure and almost Burgundian finesse and elegance. The finish is harmonious and of excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, shiny garnet red with an orange rim. Redcurrant, orange zest and pomegranate on the nose, with hints of herbs. On the palate, great fruit melting and appealing juiciness, balanced and with grippy, fine tannins." Falstaff

"A tight-knit version that offers a core of chalky tannins interwoven with chopped cherries and wild strawberries, aromatic lavender, thyme and woody spices. It's focused and gives a broad-shouldered feel without being heavy." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo has a dark and deep red colour, with an inviting bouquet of dried roses, ash, redcurrants and orange zest. It is silky smooth, elegant and refined, with a soothing wave of ripe red and blue fruits energised by a core of zesty acidity. It leaves a crisp, tart cranberry concentration that finishes with a layer of fine-grained tannins. The Dafara Galluzzo has an underlying power and complexity that will only unfold with time." Vinous

"A well-made Etna, very fresh and lively with orange peel and strawberry flavours. Medium-bodied, with fine, vertical tannins and a slightly chewy finish. Beautifully structured." James Suckling

"The wine opens with delicate strawberry and floral aromas, evolving into more spicy notes with hints of clove. The strawberries are carried through on the palate and play wonderfully with the more resinous, earthy notes that appear over time. A touch of iron adds intrigue. With good acidity and slightly chewy tannins, this wine has the structure to age beautifully." Decanter

Here is a fairly new single-vineyard wine, similar in style to Santo Spirito, but with an "autumnal" component. Light ruby red in colour, with a nose of gravel, vanilla and a subtle hint of mint, plus some cranberry, cherry, nutmeg and mocha. Fresh and exciting on the palate with a sweet and sour component and a delicately bitter vein. Compact tannin that certainly deserves a few more years in the bottle. The final is herbaceous, spicy and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Etna Rosso Moganazzi is floral and airy, with hints of candy spices and chalk dust that fade into dried black cherries. The wine is round and supple, with a lavender-coloured mix of red and blue fruits, all lapped up by lively acidity. The grippy tannins emerge on the final as the 2022 tapers long and perfumed. A hint of violet candy emphasises the experience wonderfully." Vinous

"This 2022, has a wonderful perfume of lavender and Parma violets, with ripe, fresh hedgerow berries, a pinch of white pepper and zingy acidity. Structural tannins cradle the fruit, which lingers on the finish with an emergent orange peel note." Decanter

"So perfumed and dreamy with flowers, citrus and a hint of stone. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and beautiful fruit in the flattering centre of the palate. The fresh, lively finish ends with some power." James Suckling

Animanaturale from vines over 60 years old is the lightest and freshest wine from the new Animaetna line of the small garage winery Contrada Santa Spirito, which belongs to Feudo Maccari. Matured almost entirely in amphorae, the Nerello Mascalese grape presents itself here in all its fruitiness and freshness, completely unadulterated and pure. The grapes are foot-pressed, spontaneous fermentation is carried out using the grapes' own yeasts, racking and bottling take place according to the phases of the moon. On the palate, the flavours of red fruits and berries are tangy and vibrant with a precise and very mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex and tightly coiled, it has some deep, earthy scents with hints of dark cherry and orange peel, while in the mouth it's all pomegranate and bright cherry, with some balsamic herbs and spices. Fine, sturdy tannins grip the cheeks. Yum!" Decanter

"A straightforward Etna red wine with minerals, terracotta, red dust, iron and dry character. Medium-bodied, with juicy acidity and fine tannins. Needs a year or two to mellow." James Suckling

Deep and impenetrable. Tor di Lupo shows opulent fruit with dried plums and prunes. It is a full-bodied and dense red wine that goes best with succulent meats such as lamb or steak. There is a hint of bitter almond on the long, generous finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, fruity bouquet with blue and black berries, including very ripe red fruit. On the palate, it has a velvety strength and texture, quite melting without appearing fat, more like an athlete dressed in velvet." Weinwisser

"Deep dark, almost black purple colour. Somewhat closed on the nose with earthy notes and hints of tar and blackberries. More accessible in the mouth with savoury fruit, dark chocolate, juicy, long and persistent on the finish." Falstaff

"Elegant and aromatic, with notes of ripe red berries and spices that lead to black plums and sultanas on the palate." Decanter

"On the nose, it shows decadence and a deep forest character with aromas of dark berries, black mushrooms, old wood and black berries that develop into a medium body with fine layers of tannins and a concentrated finish." James Suckling

Medium, bright ruby red colour. The bouquet and flavour are dominated by interesting notes of fresh cut flowers, sweet red berries, liquorice, mint, pine and cedar wood. As the wine progresses, the Chianti Classico reveals a marvellous precision and spiciness, which is enveloped by a well-measured extract sweetness. The overall impression is one of grace and an open-hearted style, which impresses with all its components and not least with its typical Radda Sangiovese freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; reductive, appealing; round, balanced, fruit, dense, round tannin, very pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"10% Merlot gives this animating Chianti Classico a rich mouthfeel, it glides velvety over the palate and offers plenty of fruit." Weinwisser

"Intense, radiant ruby red colour. Inviting on the nose, with elegant spice and red cherry fruit, light peach flavour. On the palate with tightly woven tannins, fresh, with clear fruit and subtle spice, beautiful length, drinks very well." Falstaff

"On the nose, dark chocolate links sweet cherry and vanilla to savory tomato leaf and earth. The streaks of cherry, chocolate and vanilla continue on the palate, with strawberries highlighting their sweetness, but well-timed tannins and acid boost the enduring, vegetal tomato note to maintain balance." Wine Enthusiast

"This Annata opens to reveal generous plums and strawberries flecked with black pepper. Sweet red berries fill the mouth while showing the brightness and freshness associated with the heights of Radda. The balanced tannins have a slightly chalky texture that adds a special touch to this delicious red wine." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is an absolute delight. Fragrant, silky and super-expressive, the 2021 captures all the finesse of Radda. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petals, orange peel and mint are beautifully brought out in this vibrant, medium-bodied Chianti Classico that has so much to offer. It's a beautiful performance." Vinous

"A racy version with flavours of black cherries, blueberries, violets and iron. It has firm tannins that harmonise with the acidity, while a hint of Mediterranean scrub shines through. Mouthwatering finish." Wine Spectator

"Balanced blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, notes of redcurrants, undergrowth and liquorice on the nose, wild mint on the finish. Juicy attack, dense and crisp, salty-sour tannins, very long finish. Closes with a return of small red fruits." Luca Gardini

Since summer 2023, Chianti Classico producers have been allowed to include the eleven additional geographical indications (UGA = unità geografiche aggiuntive) introduced in 2021 on the labels of the top Gran Selezione category. For Chianti Classico winegrowers, it is a logical step to produce wines that reflect the area in which they were produced as authentically as possible. And customers can thus deepen their knowledge of the relationship between the wines and their region of origin - a real added value.

The grapes for Ricasoli's classic come from a south-facing plot at an ideal altitude of 250 to 450 metres above sea level. Castello di Brolio Gran Selezione is a wonderful wine with great richness and depth. It has an intense bouquet of small red berries, violets and spices. The flavour reveals precision, structure and freshness. The tannin and acidity are well-balanced and promise a long life and an interesting ageing period. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red colour. Opens elegantly on the nose with aromas of redcurrants, orange peel and juicy cherries. Cool fruit on the palate, very elegant, well-integrated tannins, exciting and persistent final." Falstaff

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio 2021 smells of red Sangiovese fruit, white pepper, cedar wood, tobacco, incense and dried herbs. In the glass, the Riserva is bright and complex, with great energy, another good offering from the Ricasoli family. In fact, the 2021 is one of the best editions I have ever tasted." Vinous

"The Barone Ricasoli 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole Castello di Brolio, now labelled with the Gaiole sub-region on the back label, displays a beautiful bouquet densely packed with carefully ripened fruit. The aromas are characterised by hints of candied cherries intermingled with orris root, dried mint and spice. This generous Sangiovese finishes with lingering freshness." Wine Advocate

"A core of ripe cherries, plums and pomegranates permeates this lively, complex red wine. A balanced version with a firm grip on the finish that complements its fresh acidity. The long aftertaste recalls the fruit and mineral and Mediterranean shrub notes." Wine Spectator

"Ricasoli's flagship wine is a blend of grapes from vineyards in Gaiole on the most important soil types of the Chianti Classico: Macigno (sandstone), Galestro and Alberese. The wine shows delicate notes of dark cherries and spiced plums, which are followed in the mouth by a wonderfully vertical structure in which the juicy fruit floats and the savoury edges vibrate with energy. The fruit has a wonderful juiciness, and the tannins are supportive but play a subordinate role. Absolute class." Decanter

"Intense and balanced, perfect standard bearer of the winery. Intense and complex nose, red mulberry, hints of cloves, a touch of laurel and rhubarb. The sip has spicy tannins, a hint of floral nuances and a finish with an officinal return." Luca Gardini

"This wine is so elegant, with a finesse and sensitivity that are so fascinating. It is delicate and almost weightless, with a beautiful and energetic balance of fruit and acidity. It is medium-bodied and extremely long. Medium chewiness. It goes on and on. Dark cherries, bark and lots of flowers on the finish." James Suckling

La Grola is the historic vineyard that gave its name to Corvina, the autochthonous grape of Valpolicella, which is probably its origin. The replanting of the vineyard by Giovanni Allegrini sparked an agronomic revolution and laid the foundations for the success of this wine-growing area, which today is home to great red wines from north-eastern Italy.

So it is not surprising that La Grola receives a special honour from its magnificent location. Since 2010, Allegrini has been collaborating with internationally renowned artists, publishing year after year a unique, limited artist edition. The edition opened with a work by Milo Manara, continued in 2011 with a label designed by Arthur Duff and continued in 2012 with a painting by Athos Faccincani. The composition VI by Wassily Kandinsky was selected for La Grola in 2013, and in 2014 the artistic journey went to Brazil and to Nazareno Rodrigues Alves, before returning to Italy with the 2015 edition to Leonardo Ulian.

The 2016 vintage was interpreted by a great Japanese artist: Hiroyuki Masuyama. In a highly innovative process, La Grola's Limited Edition ennobles the fascinating synthesis of overlapping shots. A total of 288 photographs are incorporated into this work, showing one of the legendary vineyards of Valpolicella from an exciting and completely new perspective. Time and space are the fundamental elements of Hiroyuki Masuyama's overall creativity: everything revolves around these two concepts, which have been formalised differently over the years and have become the hallmark of his work. Masuyama combines and overlaps the result of hundreds of photographs taken of his subject from a fixed angle. The result of this superimposition is another image of the same place.

We are pleased to be able to offer you some copies of the special edition, which is strictly limited every year!

Dense, dark ruby red, in the nose very full-bodied and strong with tones of forest and overripe berries. The rich fullness from coffee to black cherries is accompanied by present, pleasant tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lovely balance, as always, to this super Veronese red with juicy dark fruit and hints of black chocolate. Medium to full body, succulent tannins and a fresh finish." James Suckling

"Very inky and toasty nose. On the palate the wine is elegant, fresh and poised with classy, well-integrated oak, flavours of plums and cherries and tight tannins, which will soften in time." Decanter

The strictly selected grapes come from the vineyard "Il Corno" of approx. 400 m altitude with ideal southern exposure. Bright, sparkling ruby red. Well structured nose of blackberries, cassis, some cedar and shoe polish. Medium ripe, quite fresh fruit on the palate, yet supple and well balanced with all the volume. In the rest of the drink with great finesse, coolness and liveliness, the finish is long with well integrated wood, red fruitiness, with a slightly salty vein and lots of spice. A harmonious and well-proportioned top wine of the house, which can rightly bear the highest quality level Gran Selezione. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure varietal Sangiovese full of elegance and polish; complex nose with lots of fruit and nuances of sandalwood and spices; polished attack with well-structured tannins and minerality, finishes long and balanced." Vinum

"Radiant, dark ruby red with brightening rim. Elegant on the nose with precise, crisp fruit on cherry, plus violets, elder and subtle oak notes. Polished on the palate, with crisp acidity, very well integrated fine tannin, pulls through steely to the final with fine fruit notes." Falstaff

"On the nose the fruit is still a little subdued. Hints of malt. Really takes its time to open up. Bags of sour-cherry fruit on the palate. Lots of juice and fruit, but maintains elegance throughout. Tangy finish with finely ground tannins and jewel-like acidity." Jancis Robinson

"A big, concentrated red marked by black cherry, blackberry, plum and tar aromas and flavors. As this plays out on the gripping finish, the intense flavors are matched by stiff tannins. Long and fresh." Wine Spectator

"This wine absolutely stands out and is poised to evolve carefully over time. The Castello di Radda 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna il Corno is focused and bright with vibrant fruit, cassis, grilled herb and blue flower. Made with Sangiovese only, the wine is true to the grape and to the classic vintage. It remains streamlined and polished on the palate." Wine Advocate

"Vigna Il Corno (‘the horn’) is made with grapes from a plot at 400m on a calcareous clay soil. Fermentation is in 50hl stainless steel tanks, malolactic in new 5hl oak tonneaux, then 24 months in the same casks and an additional 12 months of bottle ageing. Dark, brooding, flinty style on nose, cherries and woodland notes. Refined, slick and smooth, lively with good concentration. Federico Moccia: Red fruit and violet aromas, rose floral notes. Racy, juicy palate with herbal notes, tannins well integrated, cherry and redcurrant juice. Refreshing, with great purity. Michaela Morris: Classic spiced cherry with forest cedar. Still quite sweet-wood driven, but admirable fruit purity on the palate, the oak quite integrated. Concentrated with good tannin backbone, finishes bright." Decanter

Ruby red, with a fine cherry scent, in which there are also hints of nuts and wild berries, vanilla, cinnamon, sage and tobacco. Concentrated, rich flavour with harmonious tannins and a long, velvety final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. Restrained but balanced nose, appears multilayered although 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 ruby. A lifted, perfumed raspberry nose with beautiful concentration, a peppery tingle and perfectly integrated oak. Vibrant, crushed red-berry fruit on the palate with long, finely chiselled tannins. Closes up a little on the finish, so expect much more to come, but right now it is already irresistible. Great balance and very elegant." Jancis Robinson

"This historic wine was Sicily's first single-vineyard bottling, from a five-hectare vineyard planted in 1959 then extended by 1.5 hectares in 1965. During its long history, Rosso del Conte has adopted various maturation mediums, including chestnut, Slavonian oak and, today, French oak. The 2016 - the current release - was fermented in stainless steel tanks before spending 18 months in small new French oak barriques. Perricone's spiciness immediately comes through in both aroma and flavour, bolstered by Nero d'Avola's rich, sticky and plummy fruits, accompanied by streaks of tangy red berries, black cherry and tobacco." Decanter

"This is a really pretty Sicilian red with dried-cherry, smoke, walnut and mushroom aromas and flavors. The sour-cherry character kicks in at the finish." James Suckling

"The 2016 Rosso del Conte lifts up with an intense and heady bouquet of sweet herbs and tobacco, which deepens as notes of exotic spice, medicinal cherry and hints of menthol form in the glass. It’s silky in texture, delivering a stunning mix of tart wild berries, salty minerals and sage that creates a pleasantly savory expression, as tannins slowly saturate toward the close. This tapers off structured and dry, nearly masking notes of blackberry and cacao that echo on through the finale. A towering and powerful vintage for Rosso del Conte that will require cellaring to show its best." Vinous

"The Tasca Conti d'Almerita 2016 Sicilia Contea di Sclafani Rosso del Conte Tenuta Regaleali is an historic estate blend of Nero d'Avola and Perricone, and it is the latest release of a wine that forever changed the enological future of Sicily by pegging it to a quality-driven production philosophy. The wine is darkly saturated and boasts pretty dark garnet concentration. Both grapes impart a lasting Sicilian imprint on the bouquet with those aromas of toasted fennel, pistachio and black olive that are always associated with this school of winemaking. The wine sits tight and long on the palate, thanks to its generous (but not overdone) full-bodied style." Wine Advocate

Benanti's latest white wine comes 100% from the small vineyard (Contrada) Cavaliere. The vineyards in the municipality of Santa Maria di Licodìa develop at a considerable altitude (approx. 900 metres above sea level) with favourable conditions for all indigenous varieties, both red and white berries, which are cultivated here with Guyot pruning. Here, both the Nerello and the Carricante produce wines with a well-defined structure and typical varietal flavours. The vines are around 50 years old and grow on sandy, volcanic soil that is rich in minerals. The climate is alpine, with little rainfall and provides the vines with a high degree of ventilation and very large temperature differences between day and night.

Straw yellow in colour with bright green reflections. The bouquet is intense, rich, generous and delicately fruity with hints of orange blossom and ripe apple. The palate is dry, mineral, harmonious with a pleasant acidity, aromatic pressure and an interesting aftertaste of aniseed and almonds. SUPERIORE.DE

"A little more mellow and riper than the Etna Bianco with its yellow-fruity character. In the mouth with a melting character that is beautifully balanced and wonderfully cushioned by the saline acidity, which also gives the wine freshness and piquancy." Weinwisser

"Intense and vertical, it's full of fresh citrus and herbs, with some leesy creaminess and a finish of lemon posset and pear. Delicious." Decanter

"This bright, open-knit white crackles with acidity and shows savoury notes of white pepper and grapefruit peel, as well as hints of peach skin, smoke, preserved lemon and lentils. Salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Contrada Cavaliere is youthfully shy with a delicately perfumed blend of wild flowers, white smoke and green apples with gingery notes. The wine is pure, elegant and refined, with a salty minerality on the attack and crunchy fruit that gives an equally crisp feel towards the finish. The 2022 finishes colourful and long with youthful tension, a hint of salinity and a feeling of liquid stone." Vinous

"This wine has the richness of the 2021 vintage, but is not heavy or ponderous. It shows intensity of flavour with cake crust, light caramel and dried fruit. Full-bodied, with a phenolic tension and acidity that give it its shape. Drink it now." James Suckling

Selection of 100% Sangiovese grapes from the estate's vineyards, which are located on the south-eastern and south-western slopes of the municipality of Montalcino at an altitude of 250 to 400 metres above sea level. The soils have an open sandy texture with clay and abundant Galestro skeleton. The wines are aged for at least 24 months in Liters French oak barrels and in Slavonian oak barrels with a capacity of 15-25 hl. This is followed by ageing in the bottle. Talentis Brunello has an intense ruby red colour with garnet reflections, a broad bouquet on the nose, slightly spicy. In the mouth it is full, intense, soft and velvety with elegant and sweet tannins. Wonderful value. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose is on the cherry side, with a hint of mocha and flowers; the attack is delicate, the clean tannins and acidity in harmony, with a long finish. Also very successful in this vintage." Vinum

"Bright ruby red colour. Very elegant and clear nose of sugared cherry fruit, rosehips, shortbread and Assam tea, freshly ground pepper on the finish. Elegant on the palate, with clear fruit, great acidity and a tense finish, very precise, stunning vintage Brunello!" Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red colour. Spicy, aromatic but not sweet oak notes and subdued fruit. Polished cherry and raspberry fruit with a nice bite of ripe tannins on the finish and fully integrated oak. Elegant weight on the palate." Jancis Robinson

"Perfumed, with red berries, cherries and a hint of rose stems on the nose. Medium-bodied, with plenty of wood and richness. Powerful and a little austere, but should soften and come together with age." James Suckling

"It is less exuberant than usual, with mineral and ferrous notes in the lead role. Dried mint and fennel emerge on opening. The palate is full-bodied and fruity, offering great depth of expressive red berry and stony earth flavours. The ripe yet grippy tannins are tightly knit." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens slowly with a mix of savoury herbs, worn leather, dried roses and cinnamon-dusted currants. It flows across the palate with textures of pure silk, racy yet refined, with a seamless wave of ripe red fruit that slowly saturates towards the finish. The finish is long, colourful yet harmonious. Crisp tannins frame the experience without slowing the momentum, while liquorice and orange notes gradually fade away. This fantastic, energised version of Talenti's Brunello will thrive in the cellar over the next ten to fifteen years." Vinous

"Ripe, sweet cherry, raspberry and iron flavours underline this powerful, juicy red wine, which has a great personality, with a wide range of tannins to go with lively acidity and lingering fruit. Overall, a well-balanced wine with a long, lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The Talenti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of above-average intensity that consistently impresses with its dark aromas of blackcurrant, pitted plum, floral earth and a pungent fragrance reminiscent of black baccara rose. It is a rich and open Brunello with velvety tannins and a full-bodied mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"The project is based on Pierluigi's vision, which Riccardo brings to the full expression of the south-west quadrant of the DOCG. On the nose, notes of red plums, star anise and hints of wild rosemary. Juicy mouthfeel, with perfectly integrated tannins and hints of sweet spices." Luca Gardini

Here comes the debut vintage of a great white wine from a classic red wine region. In a small edition of less than 6,000 bottles, an elegant and at the same time very independent Trebbiano was created, which rightly bears the label based on the famous "Castello di Brolio" Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. The white Trebbiano grape variety has a tradition of over a hundred years at Brolio, and the grapes for this white cru come from a small 1.18-hectare plot in the company's own Tarci vineyard. According to tradition, a monument was erected here to San Barnaba, the protector of the vineyards from hail.

Its production is as special as the wine itself: it was matured in Tuscan cocciopesto amphorae, with the skins macerating for around three months. The wine was then aged for a year, 40% in amphorae, 30% in stainless steel tanks and 30% in second and third passage tonneaux.

Sanbarnaba surprises with its elegance and intensity. It has a golden yellow colour with amber reflections. On the nose, it opens with floral and fruity notes, followed by honey flavours, spice and herbs. It is soft and very harmonious on the palate. Its acidity and freshness with a fine mineral note accompany the extremely flavoursome experience right through to the long finish. Very exceptional! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, light golden yellow colour. Notes of jasmine blossom, pear and some baked apple on the nose. Lots of taut acidity on the palate, gives tension and juiciness, salty, slightly phenolic notes on the final." Falstaff

"An attractive wine with notes of bruised apples, pear peel, savoury herbs, young walnuts and ripe cheese. Full and waxy, structured and rather fluid, but also interesting. Spicy and savoury with a delicate phenolic impression on the finish. 100% Trebbiano from 1.18 hectares of vineyard." James Suckling

"A slightly honeyed, appley aroma with floral lift leads to a textured lanolin palate. It has good underlying acidity along with a lovely line of salinity which balances its waxy weight, finishing with a refreshing twist of lime. 2020 is the first vintage of Sanbarnaba." Decanter

"This is a wine that promises modest potential for cellaring, and thanks to its natural structure it could be paired with mature cheeses or even a plate of cacio e pep. The Barone Ricasoli 2020 Castello di Brolio Sanbarnaba is aged in a combination of amphorae, stainless steel and neutral oak. Only 5,600 bottles were produced. It opens with a medium golden colour and offers nutty aromas with mango, apricot and candied orange. It finishes on a glycerine-rich note. It should be interesting to taste this bottle again in five years' time." Wine Advocate