Doctor Wine

Illuminati's Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riparosso has a sweet scent of violets and lavender, followed by crushed blackberries and chalk dust. It washes over the palate with soft textures and ripe wild berries, contrasted towards the end by sour citrus fruits. It finishes perfumed and with admirable length, leaving a layer of dusty tannins that tug at the cheeks. Very Italian - very well made. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riparosso opens with a dark floral blend of wilted violets and lavender that fades into crushed blackberries and sage. It is soft and round with a silky texture and an abundance of ripe red and black fruits. A salty minerality adds tension to the 2022's finish with medium length and soft tannins." Vinous

"Plum, cherry jam, aniseed and sweet spices on the nose. Full-bodied, with powdery tannins and cinnamon-like spice notes on the finish. Also spicy." James Suckling

"The nose is tangy and earthy, with aromas of cherry, blackberry, blood orange, fennel and topsoil. The oranges and blackberries take center stage on the palate, although lean tannins and vibrant acid accentuate the earthiness." Wine Enthusiast

Straw yellow in colour, with a fine, rich aroma of ripe fruit and white flowers, reminiscent of meadow herbs and citrus fruits. Slightly spicy flavour, full-bodied and beautifully persistent. Good balance between structure and softness. SUPERIORE.DE

"A gorgeous nose of citrus blossom and green candied apple provides the perfect frame for a palate that starts with the same notes and then becomes grassy and salty, while the acidity tingles in the mouth." Wine Enthusiast

"A salty and delicious pecorino with notes of dried lemons, spiced apples and warm herbs. It’s medium-bodied with a seductive and tactile feel on the palate. Well driven and succulent with a savory and salty finish." James Suckling

The grapes for this Bardolino Classico come from the Tacchetto vineyard, located at the foot of the Adige Valley near the village of Cavaion. The success pattern of this extremely popular red is easy to describe: a unique terroir of sand, scree and limestone and an always well-ventilated site. Intensely fragrant and engaging. On the palate, the clear and unambiguous structure and, as the drink continues, a silkiness that catapults it from a standing start into the hearts of Bardolino lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

Rich straw yellow colour, fresh, floral aroma and clear fruit of white peaches and a hint of honey. The intense flavour is taut and fresh with hints of minerality, round, juicy and long on the finish. We are very surprised by the complexity of this wine for this price range; this is a new generation of Puglia. Good length and Storage potential - ideal with grilled fish dishes, Mediterranean vegetable dishes or light-coloured terrines. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep red colour, fascinating complex aroma spectrum on the nose. Dominated by the ripe berry scent, with hints of plums and tobacco. Powerful and intense on the palate, rich in extract, with juicy soft tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Ilico opens with a burst of crushed blackberries, underbrush and ashen stone. It's silky-smooth with polished red fruits that form beneath an air of inner violet florals. This finishes long and staining yet only lightly structured with a bump of residual acidity that maintains a lovely balance." Vinous

The dense, well-articulated Tuscan Montecucco Rosso Rigoleto made predominantly from organically grown Sangiovese grapes is extremely drinkable. The bouquet beguiles with beautiful aromas of dried plums and dark cherries. The focused and lively flavour is very attractive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sounds of small forest fruits and Mediterranean macchia; compact structure, fine-grained tannins, lots of dark cherry fruit and herbs on the final. A Mediterranean Rosso." Vinum

"Bright, intense ruby red with brightening edges. Pleasant aroma of cherries, redcurrants and some spice on the nose. Precise fruit flavours on the palate with a fine acidity curve, pleasant drinking flow." Falstaff

"A fresh, simple red wine from Montecucco, showing light cherry and some pomegranate, geranium and potpourri. Crisp and medium-bodied on the palate, with fresh red fruit flavours and a chewy finish." James Suckling

"This red is supple yet well-structured, featuring cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral flavors. The dense tannins provide support, but they aren't overbearing and should fall into place over the next six months to a year." Wine Spectator

Rosso Piancarda is intensely flavoured and perfumed, with medicinal cherries and raspberries complemented by dusty roses and sweet cedar wood notes. On the palate, Piancarda turns to the savoury spectrum. Salty and full of savoury minerality, it shows spicy red fruits, a hint of plum and a lively acidity that keeps the expression fresh. The grippy tannins remain until the final, while the notes of sour citrus fruits and tart berries slowly fade away. SUPERIORE.DE

"A peppery burst of wild herbs, chalk dust and crushed blackberries defines the 2021 Rosso Conero Piancarda. This is silky-smooth and round, with ripe red and blue fruits swirling across a vibrant acidity stream. Crunchy mineral tones add form to the finish, and fine tannins and a black licorice tang gradually fade. The Piancarda is a varietal Montepulciano." Vinous

Ramitello impresses with an immense aroma of intense red fruit flavours and delicate balsamic notes. The taste is warm and full, with rich fruit tones spiced with a hint of tobacco, coffee and liquorice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very dark ruby red with garnet reflections and a violet-coloured core. Very ripe blackberry and blueberry fruit on the nose, followed by earthy notes, eucalyptus and coffee powder. The palate shows great balance and equilibrium, the long final is very fruit-driven, the grippy tannins full of tension." Falstaff

"A concentrated, tasty red wine with aromas and flavours of mulberry, laurel, sage and black bean. It is full-bodied, dark fruity and balanced with medium-bodied tannins." James Suckling

Carmelo Morgante's spicy and dark Nero d'Avola opens with a burst of blood orange, crushed blackberries, balsamic herbs and violet blossom. It is silky smooth yet cool in flavour. Crisp wild berries and tangy citrus fruits form the contrast. A youthful tension unfolds on the palate, while tart cherries and cranberries mingle with sweet tannins. It reveals much more depth, concentration and balance than you would expect for this price.

"Medium ruby colour with violet accents. Fresh acidity structure. Lots of Amarena cherry. Juicy and uncomplicated. Subtle notes of blood orange and violet blossom. Everything appears cool and modern. Silky tannins. Cranberries lend a youthful character. Forest plants and fir, tangerine and fresh redcurrant. Fresh acidity. Inviting." Vinum

"The 2021 Nero d'Avola is savoury in the glass with a forest-inspired blend of mentholated herbs, shaved pine, tangerine and crushed wild berries. The palate is pleasantly sweet, with cocoa flavoured red berry fruit and a hint of sage and lavender. Pickling and powerful, the 2021 tapers off with dramatic length, leaving taut tannins and notes of liquorice that linger." Vinous

A beautiful, terroir-influenced rosato made from the autochthonous Aglianico grape variety. Its label is emblazoned with the coat of arms of the ruling house of Emperor Frederick the Hohenstaufen, who was at home here. Concise, fresh and fruity, certainly one of the most beautiful rosati from the volcanic terroir of Basilicata. SUPERIORE.DE

Bright garnet colour with a transparent core. Opens with a rich aroma of freshly roasted malt coffee, black elderberry and cherry liqueur, with a hint of tobacco. Spreads comfortably over the tongue, supple and balanced, interwoven tannins, medium weight, lingers for a long time, has potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Brilliant raspberry pink colour. Subtle aroma of small red berries and some citrus with mineral and floral tones. The elegant, red-fruity, salty and fresh flavour is clear and polished on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very light strawberry pink; fresh fruity, red berry, inviting; berry-fruity, delicate sweetness, fresh, drinky, pleasing." (JLF) Merum

The grapes for the Vigna Pedale come from vines that are over 30 years old. The vines are planted in a sapling system, which allows only a few grapes per vine. The harvest does not begin until mid-October, which is very unusual for this location so far south. Purple dark red colour. Spicy aroma of cherries, thyme, wild mushrooms and earth, the typical, unadulterated flavour is strong and concentrated with a subtle sweetness. This wine is already a great pleasure today, but still has potential for the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Opens with a bouquet of spices, lots of cloves, cardamom and bay leaf, then dark blackberry fruit, some dark olive paste. Characterised by grippy tannins on the palate, fine cherry fruit." Falstaff

"Rippling dark cherry, pomegranate and redcurrant aromas offset by a lifted fennel and mint energy which spills out over the lively acidity and dark chocolate tannins. Textbook." Decanter

This white wine, made from Müller-Thurgau and Gewürztraminer, is exceptional and outstanding. Iridescent straw yellow in colour with beguiling apricot, lychee, peach and rose aromas. The well-structured, fresh flavour is full of fruit, aromatic and spicy - pure exoticism! SUPERIORE.DE

Light, bright ruby colour. Youthful nose of early ripe cherries and wild strawberries, slightly vegetal, delicately peppery and spicy on the finish. Very precise on the palate, juicy and with young tannins, crisp fruit, great drinkability, even more complete in a few months. A great accompaniment to food. SUPERIORE.DE

"Always reliable Morellino from Elisabetta Geppetti: fruity and balsamic, but then above all very drinkable and long. Great fun." Vinum

"Light, bright ruby red colour. Fine, slightly smoky nose with aromas of crisp cherry, a little marzipan and a touch of rose water. Invigorating freshness on the palate, cheeky fruit, fine tannins, great fun." Falstaff

"The 2023 Morellino di Scansano is redolent of crushed red berry fruit, spice, mint, anise and orange peel. Medium in body and quite aromatic in this vintage, the Morellino is a fine choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years." Vinous

"Crisp and delicious, with bits of lemon, light plums and some flowers and tar. Light and fresh with firm tannins and a crisp finish. So much fresh sage and mint." James Suckling

Deep dark red, complex, almost beguiling aroma reminiscent of full, ripe raspberries and strawberries; finest spice, creamy, chocolaty, very haunting. Soft on the palate, incredibly dense and opulent. SUPERIORE.DE

Just the thing for fans of mineral and drinkable white wines: bright straw yellow with a golden shimmer. On the nose, the Frammento (formerly Villa Barbi) opens with green melon, candied lime, fresh mint and wet stone. Streamlined and vertical on the palate, with salty tones flanked by yellow stone fruit. Finishes fresh, with good acidity, medium length and a cheeky salty-spicy note. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Frammento, previously known as the Villa Barbi Bianco, opens with a delicate blend of crushed stones, apricots and hints of fermented ginger. It’s soft and round with a pretty inner sweetness, mixing candied lime with green apples to form a display of contrasts. The 2022 tapers off potent and long yet still relatively fresh. A green melon note sticks around." Vinous

"Aromas of green apples, Meyer lemons and a hint of golden kiwi, followed by peppery green herbs. Hints of rocket and wet stones. Medium body with refreshing, crisp acidity. Tangy, savoury and chalky finish." James Suckling

Ruby red colour interspersed with slivers of garnet, with an intense and concentrated bouquet of red berries, liquorice and some flint. The flavour reveals a pleasingly juicy extract with beautifully balanced wood tones and floral notes. An excellently vinified Cirò Classico Riserva with very fine tannins and harmonious acidity - just the way friends of southern Italian wines love it. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate, bright garnet red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Open on the nose, with red-fruity aromas of blackberry and sour cherry, followed by some cooked rhubarb and black pepper. Animating, juicy, clear and precise on the palate with well-integrated tannins, medium palate pressure and a round final." Falstaff

"On the nose, red blackberries, a hint of cinnamon, pepper leaf and a touch of wild mint. Salty palate, with a fruity, mentholated return." Luca Gardini

Here comes one of Italy's favourite rosati: bright salmon pink, with a nose of peach, berries and hints of cherry. The flavourful finish is crisp and fruity. The "Anniversario" comes from vines that are around 50 years old and is the house's top Rosato. It was vinified for the first time in 1993 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Five Roses. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light baby pink with silver-coloured reflections. Elegant on the nose with notes of currant and blueberry, plus spicy notes. Fresh, precise and with compact fruit on the palate, juicy and powerful through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

Characteristic straw yellow colour with light reflections. Delicately fruity, clear bouquet of medium-ripe pears, some apricot and a nutty note. Fresh on the palate and of unmistakable finesse, with delicate herbal notes and animatingly juicy. A crisp, fresh Tuscan with beautiful harmony and a pleasurable drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

"Combined with a little Viognier, this produces an inviting bouquet of ripe peaches and acacia blossom; compact structure, racy acidity, delicately tart and yet very fruity on the finish." Vinum

Bright yellow organic Vermentino with a small proportion of Grechetto. The idea came from Maurizio Castelli, who also advises the Barberani winery in Umbria. Maurizio Castelli creates this marvellous white wine from the Tuscan coast from a traditional, local blend based on a historical model and always picks the grapes quite late. The nose has a bright aroma of apple, pear, flint and a certain exoticism. Complex and full on the palate, the rich flavour is accompanied by an invigorating, fresh acidity right through to the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense straw yellow colour. Pleasant aroma of ripe fruit, honey and wild herbs on the nose. Fine acidity on the palate, firm structure, great citrus notes and final lingering final." Falstaff

"This wine is waxy and citrusy with notes of dried lemons, savoury herbs and hints of tropical fruit and caramel. Juicy and racy with a medium body. Firm and a little phenolic, with crisp, energetic acidity." James Suckling

Intense ruby red colour. Harmonious interplay of fruit, barrel and spice flavours on the nose, hearty and engaging on the palate, reminiscent of dark fruit, violets and spices. Despite its seriousness, the final is full of warmth and elegance. As always with the completely organic-certified winery: top value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Olives, tomato leaves, mushrooms and cherry stones on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, nicely balanced and with tasty salty and savory undertones. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"This organic Classico made from a blend of Sangiovese and other red grape varieties shows all the typicality of the terroir. Beautiful freshness on the palate, which tastes of red mulberry, with a hint of pink pepper and marjoram. Salty on the palate, with a fruity finish." Luca Gardini