Doctor Wine

Rive Alte Sauvignon Blanc Piere is the lighter coloured of the estate's two Sauvignons, but both wines are beautiful in their own right. Piere shows earthy notes of green olive, garden tomato leaf and sage on the palate, rounded off with lively and zesty flavours of citrus orange peel and some crushed mineral and white pepper. All the elements are in the right place and, like all Vie di Romans whites, Piere needs time in the glass to find its centre and minerality. And if you have the patience to give it this, then it's great. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, open and fresh, with juicy flavours of white peach and grapefruit sorbet, enriched with notes of lime peel, ground white pepper, smoke and herbs. Creamy and aromatic on the lively finish." Wine Spectator

"A minerally wine with struck match, flint, white pepper and lemon peel on the nose. It shows a kind of Loire style with no obvious herbal touch. Light-bodied on the palate, it is silky and zesty but with perfectly woven acidity. Chewy in the finish." James Suckling

"The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Piere is very fresh, with a vibrant blend of crushed nectarine and lime zest, complemented by hints of rosemary and crushed stone. It is silky smooth yet full of savoury tension, with an abundance of mineral green apples and a hint of spice carried by lively acidity. The 2022 leaves the palate with primary concentration, youthful intensity and gentle tannins that leave a savoury sensation that lingers. The balance of this wine is exceptional, as is its drinkability." 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

As early as 1865, the first 1,850 Pinot Noir vines were brought to Italy from Burgundy by Count Vistarino. Since then, the vinification of this demanding grape variety has been refined over the generations. Today, the Pinot Noirs of the winegrowing dynasty can even outshine much more expensive Pinot Noirs from Burgundy at international tastings.

Pernice comes from the single vineyard of the same name and fascinates with its fine fragrance and elegance. Intense ruby red with garnet reflections. Complex and rich bouquet of violet notes and small red fruits, some roasted coffee and cocoa. On the palate elegant, full-bodied, with present fruit, yet very balanced with a pleasant minerality and a long, spicy finish. The harmonious tannins make this wine elegant and give it a good backbone from the beginning to the end. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; inviting Pinot fruit; also in the mouth fruit, length, fine tannin" (JLF)." Merum

"An elegant red, with delicate notes of woodsy spices, dried flowers and wild herbs serving as an enticing thread that winds through macerated black cherry and dried fig flavors. Long and fresh, with creamy tannins providing fine definition through the minerally finish." Wine Spectator

The name says it all: Marne means marl soil, on which the vines for this marvellous Amarone grow. They are over 20 years old and lie in an ideal 180° direction, from south-west to south-east. Rich, shiny ruby red colour, compact bouquet with intense aromas of plum, black cherry, green tea and tobacco, with a fine chocolate note in the background. The body, coated in fine berry fruit, develops a dynamic flavour experience on the palate with a sweet fruit melt, firm tannins and a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, bright ruby red with garnet reflections. A complex nose of dried red fruits, liquorice and forest floor, with a balsamic finish. Powerful on the palate with intense fruit and length as well as a fine tannin structure." Falstaff

"Dried flowers, plums, red berries, beautifully combined with leather, oak, figs and dates, lively freshness with a beautiful tannin structure." Decanter

"The wines from this reliable producer are consistently delicious, in a modern style without ever slipping too far into excess. Cherry, alpine spruce, candied orange zest, violets and camphor. The oak combines with the refined tannins of the grapes, condensing the fruit with a welcome restraint. The vintage has a hint of sweetness. The age and accompanying complexity will serve this wine well. Lasting." James Suckling

"The 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Marne 180 is wonderfully floral, with dusty, dried roses and violets accompanied by notes of crushed chalk and spiced blackberries. It has a silky texture and a pleasant inner sweetness with crisp forest fruits contrasted by candied orange notes. The Marne 180 finishes structured and remarkably fresh with a hint of dark chocolate that lingers. It is fantastic." Vinous

Querciabella's Riserva, with an annual production of 10,000 bottles, is a selection of the best lots. It blends fruit from Greve, where the vineyards lie between 350 and 550 metres above sea level, with grapes from the stony high altitudes of Radda and the chalky soils of Gaiole. Tantalising aromas of spring flowers, cranberries and potting soil are accompanied by vanilla and smoke. On the palate, it is polished and pure, with a delicious, tangy acidity and sinewy tannins. As every year, one of the most refined wines of the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a dark core. Elegant on the nose with notes of hibiscus, juniper berries, plus some saddle leather and undergrowth. Precise on the palate, fine tannins and fresh acidity, with pleasant pressure towards the lingering finish." Falstaff

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2020, which has just been bottled, is still a little restrained. Crushed red flowers, mint, white pepper, aniseed and orange peel give the 2020 a beautiful aromatic brilliance that matches its medium-bodied personality. We find a Riserva of linear intensity and power, more than volume. The vineyard sites are Greve, Lamole and Radda." Vinous

"The Querciabella Riserva is a selection of the estate's best parcels. The bottling of the 2020 vintage shows the generosity and grace of the vintage. Attractive pressed flowers, plums and red berries intertwine with subtle wood smoke. Garden herbs and tangerines emerge on the palate. The tannins are assertive yet supple and sweet, culminating in a chalky grip. This invigorating and bright wine is already very enticing - but there is much more to discover." Decanter

"Aromas and flavours of cherries, raspberries, rosehips and black pepper characterise this bright red wine. It is light on its feet, but a hint of nubby tannins coats the finish. A hint of bitter almond lingers on the finish, along with fruit and spice flavours. It shows good balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Crisp and vibrant red berries with dried flowers, savoury herbs, cedar and spice box. Medium-bodied with fine, powdery tannins and lively acidity. Fresh and concentrated with a linear finish. Crisp with a mineral backbone." James Suckling

"La Firma" - "The signature". The names of Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti's wines are reminiscent of his father's world as a notary.

La Firma, a single-varietal Aglianico that matures in natural caves of volcanic tuff, carat and French oak barrels. Beautiful ruby red colour with bright violet reflections. Complex bouquet with aromas of small black berries, liquorice and hay. Powerful and very harmonious on the palate, characterised by velvety tannins and a long, balsamic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This savory and full-bodied red has notes of walnuts, dried mint, bitter chocolate and black fruit on the nose. The tannins are still firm and somewhat grainy, but there is excellent freshness." James Suckling

"The dark and atmospheric Aglianico del Vulture La Firma 2017 exudes a seductive bouquet of plum sauce, medicinal black cherries, cocoa and incense. It glides over the palate like liquid velvet and produces a cool blend of crunchy red and black fruits. The finish is dramatically long and intensely mineral, leaving a tart hint of blackberry and an aftertaste of sour citrus. The 2017 is complex and full of personality, but it's currently in a youthfully backward state. Bury it in the cellar to get the best results." Vinous

Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Volpaia is a dark, powerful wine. Black cherry, smoke, liquorice, incense, mocha, menthol, lavender and leather give this virile, brooding Riserva plenty of character. The palate is very aromatic with sweet red cherries, cedar wood and nuances of blood orange, yet very powerful and multi-layered with terrific depth and structure. A dream for Sangiovese lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour with delicate rim brightening. Magnificent, complex nose, lots of small red berries, raspberry and wild strawberry, violets, subtly leathery. Elegant and very juicy on the palate, beautiful tension to peppery-spicy notes, ripe cherry fruit, vibrant acidity on the finish, powerful tannins in the background." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is terrific. Macerated dark cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, dried flowers and underbrush are some of the many notes that grace this super-expressive Riserva. The 2020 is a touch somber, but that only adds to its considerable allure." Vinous

"In the bottle with the black label, the organic 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva offers ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone. Achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season such as this. This wine is characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes it over the palate with good momentum." Wine Advocate

"Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones, following through to a medium to full body with compact tannins that are firm and finely grained. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish." James Suckling

Illivio undoubtedly belongs to the luxury class of white wines. Made from Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Picolit, with a complex flavour of sweet fruit and fresh spices, it reflects the enormous potential of its origin. Its flavour structure, balanced acidity and lingering finish are ideal. SUPERIORE.DE

"A complex and vibrant Collio. Glue, apricots, Mirabelle plums, citrus and beeswax. Medium-bodied with tension and crisp acidity that are well integrated with vibrant peaches in the finish." James Suckling

Lis is a mixed blend of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and is one of the house's top wines. It has a wonderfully complex aroma of citrus and passion fruit, yellow apple and an initially barely perceptible flavour lead from the Sauvignon Bianco. All elements of this cuvée are equally and masterfully married on the palate, the mouthfeel is soft and round. This complex and at the same time elegant white wine, with its subtle pressure, whets the appetite for more and inevitably casts a spell over every Friuli fan. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light golden yellow with straw-yellow reflections. Slightly reductive nose at first, then ripe stone fruit, flint, citrus fruit and fresh herbs in the background. Pleasant and lively acidity on the palate, salty, with a long finish." Falstaff

"Honeysuckle, guava, papaya and lime curd on the nose. Some dried spice, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a creamy, oily texture. Ripe, tropical style. Finishes fresh." James Suckling

"The 2018 Lis is coy in the glass, with a nuanced bouquet that shows young peach, dusty florals and white smoke. This is pure elegance on the palate, pleasantly soothing and soft, with ripe white pit fruits and hints of sweet spice that smooth over the palate. It finishes with a tug of tannin and a concentration of residual fruits, as hazelnut traces embellish the style." Vinous

Since the 2012 vintage, a small and strictly selected part of the Sangiovese at Istine has been vinified separately according to the origin of the vineyard in order to emphasise and bring to life the specific characteristics of the site, the soil and the altitude. Since then, the best grapes from the estate's own vineyards Istine, Casanova dell'Aia and Cavarchione have been vinified separately, resulting in three now highly sought-after cru wines, of which just 3,000 bottles are sold in specialised shops and restaurants every year.

Vigna Istine is marvellous. Dark cherry, spices, leather and tobacco unfold in the glass. An incredibly creamy personality and breadth on the palate. With its flavour profile of lavender, spices, leather, menthol and liquorice, Vigna Istine has an indescribable richness of facets. The high-altitude vineyard, planted between 480 and 550 metres above sea level, provides freshness, aromatic intensity, mineral notes and exciting ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"This red is infused with fresh cherry, strawberry, rose hip and iron flavors aligned to a streamlined profile. Subtle, yet persists on the finish, delivering harmony and the potential to evolve another decade, maybe two." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Vigna Istine 2020 is a wine with understatement and class. The translucent finesse of the Radda comes through loud and clear. Crushed stones, mint, chalk and white pepper add a striking, brilliant note. The 2020 is simply magnificent." Vinous

An impenetrably dense ruby red colour, the nose is dominated by a variety of ripe fruit aromas of sour cherry and black berries. The herbal flavours typical of the Negroamaro variety, its lively acidity and sweet tannins are well interwoven. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with brightening edges. Intense aroma of ripe plums, blackberries and sweet tobacco, cloves. Medium structure on the palate, fine fruit flavour and well-integrated tannins, lingering, fruity final." Falstaff

"The nose balances aromas of rich, dark berries with a fresh, medicinal herbaceousness, while overtones of pepper and cola provide sparkle. The interplay between fruit and herbs continues on the palate, before a chocolatey finish that's framed by firm but round tannins and a strong ripple of acid." Wine Enthusiast

Since the 2012 vintage, a small and strictly selected part of the Sangiovese at Istine has been vinified separately according to the origin of the vineyard in order to emphasise and bring to life the specific characteristics of the site, the soil and the altitude. Since then, the best grapes from the estate's own vineyards Istine, Casanova dell'Aia and Cavarchione have been vinified separately, resulting in three now highly sought-after cru wines, of which just 3,000 bottles are sold in specialised shops and restaurants every year.

Vigna Cavarchione from the single vineyard of the same name in Gaiole is powerful, juicy and creamy, as befits a wine from this part of the appellation. Overripe red cherry fruit, mint, dried flowers and spices blend together in a sensual, inviting Chianti Classico that is characterised by its richness and suppleness. This highly distinctive and terrific masterpiece finishes with a lovely lace of sweet raspberry contrasting with the sour cherry. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lush, yet with an edge of dusty tannins framing cherry, strawberry, rose and earth flavors. Shows strong grip on the finish, along with a beam of vibrant acidity and a lingering aftertaste of red fruit. Leans to the elegant side." Wine Spectator

"It is not lacking in ripeness, it is downright lush, but also juicy and light-footed. It smells of dark plum, damp earth, rosehip and violets. On the palate, it is rather red-fruity: sour cherry meets tamarind and bitter liquorice root. The fine-grained tannins are just as persistent as the piquant acidity. Absolutely flavourful." Decanter

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Vigna Cavarchione is stellar in 2020. Lush and rich, but with plenty of classic Istinism, the Cavarchione has the potential to be one of the wines of this very young vintage. All the elements come together effortlessly. Black cherry, plum, sage, lavender, liquorice and incense develop over time and fill out the layers beautifully. The complexity of this wine is simply incredible." Vinous

The first 1,850 Pinot Noir vines were brought to Italy from Burgundy by Count Vistarino back in 1865. Since then, the vinification of this demanding grape variety has been continuously refined over the generations. Today, the Pinot Noirs from the winegrowing dynasty can even outshine much more expensive Pinot Noirs from Burgundy at international tastings.

Conte Vistarino's Pinot Nero Pernice, which is great every year, comes from the single vineyard of the same name and fascinates with its fine fragrance and elegance. Intense ruby red colour with garnet reflections. The bouquet is complex and rich with notes of violets and small red fruits, some roasted coffee and cocoa. Elegant, full-bodied on the palate, with present fruit, very balanced with a pleasant minerality and a long, spicy finish. The harmonious tannins make this wine elegant and give it a good backbone from start to finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; Pinot fruit, also spicy, inviting; sweet, intense fruit, distant roast, fine, pleasant tartness, very nice." Merum

"Floral and inviting, with spicy aromas leading to a palate of earthy strawberries, graphite, red fruits and supple tannins." Decanter

"Chocolate orange, cherry, raspberry and nutmeg on the nose of this juicy and pretty pinot. It’s medium-bodied with powdery tannins and attractive sweet-spice undertones." James Suckling

Neromaccarj comes from a low-lying vineyard facing the sea and shows the ripe and juicy side of Nero d'Avola. The wine opens with a deep dark appearance and flavours that are dense and broad, forming a high wall of black plum fruit. The wine is very immediate and impressive, and you don't have to look far to recognise all these wide-ranging aromas on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate with multi-layered fruit and fine tannins. 6,500 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried plums, mussels, dark cherries, figs and warm cinnamon spices on the nose. Quite flavorful and juicy on the palate with tight yet silky tannins that grow on the palate. Quite ripe but refined, with a long, intense finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 NeroMaccarj tempts the imagination as dark depths of black cherry and brown spice evolve into an array of minty herbs, clove and crushed raspberries. This is soft and supple on the palate, with tart red berries and exotic spice motivated by brisk acidity. It tapers off with a bitter tinge of wild berry concentration and only lightly structured, ending with blood orange and rosy dark chocolate. The 2019 is very pretty today, yet holding its power in reserve." Vinous

This wine is literally on fire. Flammante comes from the Inferno (hell), an area where the fruit of this fiery, warm and full-bodied wine comes from the hardness of the Rhaetian rock. With all the vigour in every sip, it is a wine of extreme grace and elegance that makes you think and marvel. Ruby red colour tending towards garnet. A beguiling bouquet of Mediterranean spices and herbs, then strawberry, wild rose, dried earth and minerals. Complex and full of character on the palate with a beautiful fruit centre and animating freshness that makes you long for the next glass. SUPERIORE.DE

"Creme de cassis, berries, mushrooms and some herbs on the nose. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. Balanced and flavorful with bright acidity and a focused finish with excellent length." James Suckling

The grapes for this delightful red cuvée of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère come exclusively from the estate's own vineyards. Terre offers present notes of black cherry, spices and blackberry. It is a moody, lively and very fruit-accentuated red that will give a lot of pleasure over the next few years! SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby red colour with limited transparency. Very fragrant and elegant on the nose of forest fruits, cherries, thyme and sage, with a light undergrowth note. Fresh and juicy on the palate with a medium structure, fine-grained tannins and a fruity final." Falstaff

"On the nose, savoury spices, dried leaves, red plums, charcoal, redcurrants and iron. Juicy and fine-grained on the palate, with a medium body and a juicy, peppery finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenere." James Suckling

Vigna Il Poggiale, a full-bodied Riserva from the single vineyard of the same name, is an extroverted class wine. Dark fruit, flowers, smoke and liquorice in the complex, differentiated bouquet. The juicy flavour, interwoven with silky tannins, is admirably harmonious. SUPERIORE.DE

"Menthol, cherry, plum, iron and wild herb aromas and flavors are embedded in this supple, well-balanced red. Firm, refined tannins line the finish, where the fruit and macchia notes linger." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggiale 2021 is a dense, powerful offering from Castellare. Black cherry, liquorice, new leather, spices and dried flowers rise from the glass. These vines, which are more than 40 years old, produce a particularly muscular, virile Riserva." Vinous

"A concentrated, flavourful and structured red wine with notes of cherries, dark plums, dried oregano, roasted meat and baking spices. It is medium to full-bodied with plush tannins. Dense fruit core on the palate with serious character. Focused and flavourful, with a long, compact finish." James Suckling

"The nose begins with notes of wood, then laurel, tobacco and undergrowth. The mouthfeel is savoury, with a hint of fruity sensations and a return of notes of officinal and undergrowth." Luca Gardini

Guardiola, a cru from Nerello Mascalese, shows the typical elegant flavour of volcanic soils. Fine raspberry fruit, gentle acidity and silky tannins, full and ripe, but never too full-bodied. A modern wine from a traditional vine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Spectacular vineyard with steep terraces. Extraordinarily deep and multi-faceted, highly elegant and full of finesse with finely honed red berry fruit, extraordinarily precise and puristic, a true mountain wine with Burgundian finesse. Bravo Diego!" Weinwisser

"A mineral version that starts with hints of tar, smoke and iron, then segues into flavours of black plum, dried rosemary, resin and sandalwood. It shows fine-grained tannins that firm up the lively finish." Wine Spectator

"A dusty mixture of balsamic herbs, menthol, dark chocolate and dried black cherries characterise the 2019 Etna Rosso Guardiola. It is surprisingly soft and enveloping, but quickly gains tension. Salty minerals and exotic spices complicate the tart red berry fruits. The finish is still a little chewy and tannic, with a residual acidity that balances while a bitter balsamic hint fades. Patience is required." Vinous

"A pretty serious expression from Guardiola, showing a unique peppery flavour with lots of dark minerals, sweet spices and tar. Also savoury berries and dried orange peel. Full-bodied on the palate with flattering, integrated tannins that give it a full, dense body. Long and spicy finish." James Suckling

"The nose starts with sweet, bright aromas of strawberries and raspberries, then turns savoury and wild with notes of tar, earth and herbs. On the palate, a gentle floral note makes the fruit elements sweeter and more delicate, but the earthy tones linger while the acidity pushes against a curtain of refined tannins." Decanter

"It shows fragrant red fruits, black cherry and earth, with some peppery spice. Dense, flavoursome and grippy with fresh acidity, the palate shows some lovely dark fruits and a chewy finish lifted by its inherent freshness." Decanter

"A pure Nerello Mascalese, with notes of undergrowth alternating with a crisp freshness. Blackcurrant on the nose, with a hint of pepper leaf, taut on the palate, spicy, with great length on the palate, with a fruity-official return." Luca Gardini