Doctor Wine

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

Sangioveto, which consists of 100% organic Sangiovese, is grown in cool locations at an altitude of 260 to 370 metres with a south-westerly exposure. In the past, Sangiovese was called "Sangioveto" or "San Zoveto". It represents a refined expression from this particular part of the appellation and a very faithful interpretation of the Tuscan grape.

Bright ruby red in colour, the broad aroma spectrum of Sangiovese ranges from sweet vanilla notes to hints of raspberries and blackberries. The relaxed flavour is dense and creamy-soft, offering a harmonious blend of tannins and alcohol with a precisely adjusted acidity level. The finish is long-lasting and impressive. SUPERIORE.DE

"On the nose, it has notes of plums, olives, cloves and tomato leaves. It is spicy and slightly chewy with a medium body and piquant acidity. A strong finish." James Suckling

Beautifully weighted, the 2019 edition is full yet agile with enough structure to carry it over the next decade. Above all, it emphasises the freshness and balance of the vintage: the aromas unfold slowly, but are very floral, with cherry and thyme blossoms underscored by peppery notes. Crisp red plums and juicy cherries dominate the palate, with the youthful, grippy tannins needing a little time to integrate perfectly. SUPERIORE.DE

"It opens with a fruity flavour of red and blue fruits, with spicy notes reminiscent of cinnamon and cardamom. Dense and creamy in the mouth, very juicy, still a little grippy in the tannins, a modern Brunello that should be ready to drink in 1 to 2 years." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red colour. Ripe blackberries, some undergrowth, dried oregano and loam on the nose. Great tension on the palate, juicy, dark fruit, tightly woven tannins and a precise final with pressure." Falstaff

"Deep to dark ruby red in colour. Deep, brooding and backward on the nose, but with real precision. Lots of juicy red fruit and impressive, fine-grained tannins. Still a little embryonic, but already hard to resist. Pure class." Jancis Robinson

"Pure and refined wine with lively raspberries, red cherries, rosehips and a hint of citrus blossom. Medium to full-bodied with firm but silky tannins. Excellent acid backbone. Enjoyable now, but give it another two to three years to develop." James Suckling

"Deep notes of dried black cherries meet cedar shavings and worn leather as the seductive Brunello di Montalcino 2019 slowly unfolds in the glass. It is surprisingly juicy and energising, with a pure blend of red fruits and inner flowers accompanied by fresh acidity. Fine tannins assert themselves on the finish as the 2019 takes on a youthful tension and pinches the cheeks, while tart cranberry notes fade into a youthful, crisp final." Vinous

"The certified organic Col d'Orcia 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows ripe fruit, blackberry, earthy notes, liquorice and, generally speaking, a much bigger and riper fruit profile compared to its peers. It offers a full-bodied Brunello opulence that can be enjoyed in the short or medium term, and the wine delivers flavours of dried fruit such as plum and fig to finish. The tannins are velvety and contribute to the richness of the rather forward and immediate mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 is immediately inviting and expressive. It seduces with lovely tones of red rose, cherry and sweet thyme. Expansive and spacious, the palate unfolds fluidly with layers of delicious red plum and pomegranate. Hibiscus, rosewater and orange hide in every crevice. A brilliant demonstration of the flavourful juiciness of Sangiovese. Deceptively gentle at the start, fine sandy tannins build in a worthy crescendo." Decanter

"This densely packed version is resonant and persistent, with fine integration of all its components, though today it is compact and austere, revealing flavours of cherry, raspberry, rose, earth and minerals. Give it the benefit of the doubt." Wine Spectator

"Notes of marasca, geranium and eucalyptus on the nose. Juicy tannins on the palate, balsamic and floral notes, compact flavour and crispness." Luca Gardini

If you ever have the chance to taste a Sagrantino Passito from Montefalco, time stands still! Sensual bouquet of blueberries, liquorice and undergrowth. Firm and racy on the palate, with beautiful acidity, juice and power. Very melting and not a bit sticky, it delights with an irresistible taste of wild berry confit, dark berries and a subtle hint of nougat. World class! SUPERIORE.DE

Intense ruby red, persistent, fruity bouquet with notes of wild berries, violets, cloves and cinnamon as well as sweet tobacco flavours. Concentrated, fleshy, tannic, dark fruit flavours on the palate. On the finish, the spicy flavours merge with a pleasant fruity note. An unbeatable wine every year at a very attractive price! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a violet tinge. Lots of blackberry on the nose, subtle earthy notes as well as vanilla and pepper. Animating and lively on the palate, ripe tannins, lively acidity, spicy, medium-long final." Falstaff

"Crunchy red cherries and raspberries, followed by lifted floral notes and spices with a hint of chopped bell pepper. Medium body, with chewy tannins and refreshing acidity. Simple but delightful. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"The 2020 Montecucco Rosso Riserva lifts from the glass with a whiff of reduction that slowly blows off to reveal an herbal-tinged mix of wild strawberries, cedar and spice. This is rich and velvety, with masses of ripe red fruits and tactile mineral tones complicated by a note of sage. Brisk acidity maintains balance. It tapers off with a woody sensation, like a pine spice box, as hints of chalk dust and inner rose fade. The warmth of the vintage imparted a fleshy, nearly opulent character to the Rosso Riserva." Vinous

Tavignano's complex top product Misco Riserva represents the synthesis of the winery's Verdicchio expertise and is its most refined interpretation of the terroir. Starting with the grapes from the Cru Misco vineyard, those grapes are selected that can best develop first in steel and then in the bottle. This ageing process emphasises the richness of the grape variety, its spicy and mineral notes and provides the ideal conditions for long ageing, while retaining its aromatic vibrancy at all times. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant straw yellow colour. Sea salt, raspberries, pineapple, juicy pear and candied lemon zest on the nose with a hint of spice. Opens up on the palate with great playfulness, savoury and clear, appears very noble, lingers long and polished on the final." Falstaff

"The Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva Misco 2019 is wonderfully perfumed and rich in the glass, with nuances of brown spices and hints of baked apples that give way to sweet floral tones. It also impresses with a silky, almost glycerine-like texture and a depth of ripe apples and pears that practically envelop the salty minerals that only emerge towards the end. The 2019 finishes elegant and long, leaving a subtle hint of lemony tension that lingers. The 2019 Misco Riserva is a real pleasure." Vinous

"The certified organic Tenuta di Tavignano 2019 Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva Classico Misco is a wine with texture and medium fruit weight. The wine presents many yellow and golden fruits with a hint of saffron and dried ginger. It undergoes partial malolactic fermentation to achieve the extra creaminess that is particularly noticeable in this beautiful vintage. Production is limited to 3,500 bottles." Wine Advocate

"A complex and deep wine with a leesy character and notes of ripe fruit, assertive candied lemons and peaches. Full-bodied, it shows savoriness and crisp acidity that are well integrated with supple fruit." James Suckling

"Deeper and earthier in flavour, it combines floral notes with baked apple, citrus peel and a hint of almond. In the mouth, it is broad, creamy and intense, with apricot, baked apple and hints of black pepper and sweet spices. There is good acidity in the background, supporting a lively and fresh expression; savoury and salty, bright and long." Decanter

Valdicavas Rosso impresses with its expansive bouquet of sour cherries, dark forest fruits and spicy notes. Well-structured and plenty of juicy tannins in the flavour, with a very impressive finish. A little Brunello! SUPERIORE.DE

The eruption of 1614 is legendary in the history of Etna, as it lasted ten years, making it the longest recorded eruption of the active volcano to date. A very impressive and fitting name for Planeta's Etna series of equally impressive wines.

Riesling from Etna? Initially an experiment, admittedly. But it can truly be described as successful and great: the latest addition to Planeta's Etna family with a delicate pale colour with green reflections; on the nose with a wide variety of aromas such as white apple, plum, lemon and yellow flowers. Completely dry on the palate, with mild acidity, fine minerality and (especially with increasing maturity) pronounced fruitiness and beguiling depth and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh and zesty riesling with notes of spiced apples, candied lemons and fresh herbs. It’s medium-bodied with moderate acidity. Round texture with a lively stream of delicious lemons funneling through and onto the flavorful finish." James Suckling

Intense garnet red colour with black-violet hues. Open, very complex aroma of blackcurrant, raspberry, blackberry, cherry and plum, accompanied by a hint of pepper and cinnamon. On the palate, it is an elegant, dry wine that leads into the remarkable Riserva-level finish with its extract sweetness, tannins and a fine liquorice note. SUPERIORE.DE

"Firm and quite deep aroma of ripe, predominantly black berries with floral nuances, a little Mediterranean herbs, restrained barrel notes and a hint of pepper and juniper. Taut, tart, juicy dark fruit, slightly smoky notes, relatively present, yet very fine and rather crumbly tannins, persistent on the palate, some nutty and a hint of tobacco wood spice, hints of liquorice in the background, elegant style despite its power, fine peppery and juniper tones, mineral notes, very good, firm, tart, juicy and finely spicy finish." Wein-plus

"A beguiling blend of black raspberries, peppery herbs, cedar and exotic spices makes the 2018 Rosso Faye impossible to ignore. It's soft and supple, with bracing acidity that gives an energised feel, even as masses of ripe red and blue fruit flood the palate with youthful concentration. Sweet tannins frame the finish, which tapers off surprisingly juicy and fresh with a saline note and a lingering hint of lavender. This expressive vintage of Rosso Faye may not be as long-lived as the great vintages, but it will offer a broad and open drinking window." Vinous

"A vivid red, bright on the palate and with good concentration to the flavors of ripe black and red currant fruit, with fragrant notes of oolong tea, bay leaf and sassafras. Shows taut tannins enmeshed in the detailed flavor profile, while a zesty streak of milled pepper drives the finish." Wine Spectator

"A classic from the promising Faedo winery. Cru Paradisot, 50 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Lagrein. Small black fruits on the nose, blueberry and blackberry, a hint of thyme and nutmeg, balsamic finish. Dense mouthfeel, iodised tannins, lingering finish." Luca Gardini

The "Sassorosso" vineyard is located on a rocky promontory that is separated from the rest of the mountain and has been almost completely eroded by the glacier over the centuries. It is visually characterised by the unmistakable red colour of the ferrous inclusions in the rock. The overlying shallow soil layer consists of clay and sand and lies on friable, metamorphic rock into which the roots can penetrate. The unmistakably elegant and mineral character of the terroir is therefore particularly evident in this Nebbiolo.

Bright, transparent ruby red colour with a fine garnet hue. Small red fruits such as blackberry, redcurrant, cherry and raspberry on the nose, complemented by fresh, floral notes of violets and roses. Dense on the palate with a very flavourful attack, silky tannins and an almost endless finish. A wine of great rigour and purity with considerable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby with garnet-red tendencies. Medium intensity on the nose with hints of wild raspberry and redcurrant, followed by floral and earthy notes. Clearer on the palate with fresh fruit, tightly woven tannins, fresh and juicy through to the finish." Falstaff

"This is minerally and enticing on the nose, but then a burst of ripe black raspberry, cherry and strawberry fruit flavors on the palate offers its own appeal. The creamy tannins provide fine, supple structure, while hints of fig cake, smoke and bay leaf are fragrant and lingering on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Valtellina Superiore Grumello Sassorosso reveals hints of iron ore, rusty nail, redcurrant and pressed rose. This wine reflects the earthy quality of Grumello. There is a brief moment of apricot-like sweetness on the mid-palate that transitions over to a tart flavor of wild plum or blood orange. The vintage warmth is felt in the silky nature of the mouthfeel and the wine's soft tannins. There are no rough spots here, and this has the most determined character among these new releases from Nino Negri." Wine Advocate

High-quality and rare Vermentino with a straw-yellow colour and a bouquet of white fruit and hazelnut. Fresh and floral on the palate, round and ripe. The well-dosed use of wood gives the wine a fine, creamy texture. A persistent, highly elegant Bolgheri Bianco with fine mineral notes for special occasions. SUPERIORE.DE

"Always a reliable interpretation of Vermentino from Bolgheri: animating bouquet of citrus and apricot, also notes of herbs, flowers and undergrowth; harmonious structure, perfectly integrated acidity, elegant and long. Convinces with its freshness and yet also spiciness." Vinum

"Sparkling light gold colour. Elegant, fragrant bouquet of very juicy limes and grapefruit on sea salt, with delicate hints of rosemary and thyme. Mouth-filling and very juicy on electrifying acidity, with a gentle grip and plenty of tension, it lingers on the palate for a long, salty finish." Falstaff

"Compared to its peers, the organic Grattamacco 2022 Bolgheri Vermentino takes the complexity of this grape up a notch with mineral notes and candied citrus fruit from hot and dry growing conditions. The wine is silky and smooth in texture with a little extra richness in this vintage." Wine Advocate

"A serious Vermentino with powerful and complex flavours of peach, apple, almond, sage and shiso leaves. Firm, dry and salty on the long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"Restrained orange blossom with white peach, white pepper and broom flowers. The attack is crisp and citrus-accentuated, with a crisp acidity, medium body and a polished finish." James Suckling

The "Ca' Guicciardi" vineyard takes its name from the farmhouse that lies at its centre. The single vineyard is characterised by small, very steep valleys. Impressive rock faces alternate with terraces supported by some of the highest dry stone walls in Valtellina. The special colour of the rock, which tends towards a quartz-like white, considerably enhances the power of the sun and leads to higher temperatures and more light here than in other parts of the valley.

Vigna Ca' Guicciardi has an intense, bright ruby red colour, pronounced aromas of ripe red fruit with predominant notes of black cherry, blackcurrant and spices, with hints of liquorice, cloves and cinnamon in the background. Soft and full on the palate, without appearing broad or denying its Alpine origins. You can't help but compare it to a complex Burgundy, its round tannins and wonderful depth and length round off the experience in a well-proportioned and highly elegant way. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Valtellina Superiore Inferno Ca' Guicciardi shows a little more ripeness, just a little, which is expressed with strawberry jam, wilted blue flowers, crushed slate and spicy pepper. The Inferno sub-region is known for its warmth, hence the name "Inferno". The mouthfeel is polished, lean and soft." Wine Advocate

"A lovely, harmonious red, expanding with silky finesse on the palate to reveal flavors of cherry coulis, warm fig and red licorice, with a sanguine thread of iron, smoke and spices. Long and supple, with good focus, though only medium-bodied in weight. Lightly chewy on the fragrant, herb-laced finish." Wine Spectator

The intoxicating Lumen from Montepulciano and Cabernet Sauvignon combines a deep colour with a full bouquet and reminds of blackberries, raspberries and plums. A dense structure supports the soft, flattering taste with ripe fruit and well-integrated wood components. Solidly built, with sympathetic tannins and a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Wonderful single-vineyard Nerello from the north side of Etna at an altitude of 750 metres. Cherry and small wild strawberries on the nose. Very clearly accentuated and fresh flavour, acidity and tannin in perfect harmony and well integrated. Long finish with impressive elegance and freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. On the nose, hints of mustard seeds, dried rose petals, raspberries, ripe cherries and delicately resinous tones, reminiscent of plaster on the finish. Hearty on the palate with tightly woven tannins, powerful, stony, with a polished red fruit final, currently still somewhat unbalanced." Falstaff

"Herbal and summer meadow scents accompany balsamic red and black cherries, while in the mouth it's earthy and floral, with a juicy sapidity of ripe red fruits, a soft, silky mid-palate and fine, integrated tannins. Vertical and elegant, it finishes with some lavender and milk chocolate on the finish." Decanter

"It has flavours of strawberry, orange peel, raspberry and chocolate orange, with some oyster shells. It is medium-bodied and flavoursome with firm, fine-grained tannins. Subliminal mineral restraint. It is just opening up." James Suckling

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo is dense and concentrated with volcanic tones of scorched earth and dark fruit. The wine has a bright primary side of crushed cherries and blueberries, and it fills out nicely across the palate thanks to the mid-weight texture of this supple fruit. Floral notes of rose and iris are also evident. This vintage has something to offer now, and it will offer even more for those who choose to wait." Wine Advocate

The name "phileo" is based on the first name Filomena of the mother of the current owner Franz Pratzner. She had a decisive influence on Weinhof Falkenstein, which is why a selection from the best Pinot Blanc vineyards was created for the first time in 2016, which will bear her name from now on. This spontaneously fermented Pinot Bianco sets standards - in its creaminess, present acidity and minerality and with its great ageing potential. With its delicate apple flavours and subtle vanilla and citrus notes, it is a benchmark for the region's most famous white grape variety! SUPERIORE.DE

"A complex and minerally wine in a Burgundian style. Chalk, gunpowder, green apples, and a touch of wet wool. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity, weight, toasty flavors of grapefruit and a savory, salty finish." James Suckling

The "Fracia" vineyard has belonged to Nino Negri since it was founded in 1897. It lies at the confluence of several alpine valleys and the vegetation in this area is almost Mediterranean with lavender and rosemary. The result is a wine that is flavoursome and flowery with a characteristic, spicy aroma.

Intense ruby red colour with garnet reflections. Complex aromas of dog rose and violets on the nose, which develop into spicy notes such as rosemary and lavender. Dense, rich and with well-structured tannins on the palate. The well-balanced and fresh acidity leads to a long, very flavoursome finish. An alpine red that is already a pleasure to drink, but its complexity and power will really come to the fore with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour. Elegant hints of honey, rosehip and strawberries on the nose, some sage, peach, cold smoke. Beautifully polished and fresh on the palate, elegant, slightly creamy fruit, delicately flowing, fine pressure on the finish." Falstaff

"Raspberries, damp earth, herbs and orange peel on the nose. Medium-bodied with dusty tannins and an attractive minerality. Firm and persistent. Drink or store." James Suckling

"The Nino Negri 2019 Valtellina Superiore Valgella Vigna Fracia shows a bright ruby red colour, and although the bouquet is not as expressive as some of its peers, it opens slowly with notes of cassis, dried orange peel and sweet nectarine. The bouquet is characterised by red berries, fruit and a hint of wild roses and mountain flowers. It is delicate and light in texture. This wine is packaged in a bottle with a greenish-grey label that reflects the slate soils of Valgella. Give it a little more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

"Firm and chewy, this compact red opens in the glass, offering a tarry undertow, with flavors of baked cherry, medicinal herbs and white pepper, plus a touch of black licorice. Long and minerally on the finish." Wine Spectator

Black-red and almost impenetrable in the glass. Blackberry, black cherry, some rum pot and tobacco on the nose. Generous and ripe on the palate, flanked by taut tannins, which are pleasantly flanked by the fleshy core. Once again, Marco Caprai has succeeded in taming the Sagrantino grape and raising it to the highest heights - a grape variety that demands a great deal of sensitivity every year, even from the "bedrock" from Montefalco. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, shimmering ruby colour with a narrow rim. Dark, sweet plum jam fruit on the nose, with balsamic notes and milk chocolate. Plucky tannins on the palate, juicy fruit underneath, long finish and plenty of potential." Falstaff

"A wine with a vibrant and complex nose of wild blackberries, flowers, earth and meat character. Austere palate with a full body, prominent tannins, refreshing acidity and a good, balanced finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Montefalco Sagrantino Valdimaggio is dark and rich in the glass. Cherry and plum sauce mix with cinnamon, clove and dried roses. From start to finish, pure elegance swirls across the palate with velvety textures and admirable length, displaying depths of ripe wild berry fruits offset by tactile mineral tones and spice. A bitter blackberry concentration adds grip and poise. Fine tannins flex upon the senses. The 2020 finishes hauntingly long and youthfully tense. The single-vineyard Valdimaggio displays a classic refinement that will reward cellaring." Vinous

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

Al Passo is named after the small forest on the highest hill of Tolaini - a magical place with a breathtaking view of the countryside and the sunsets over the towers of Siena. The wine is as unique as the forest, showcasing the natural affinity of Sangiovese and Merlot. Rich garnet with ruby colour. Intense and enticing bouquet of ripe fruit, orange zest and spicy oak notes, on the palate with ripe fruit and fresh acidity, balanced, medium body, long final with a fine salty vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cassis, meat, leather and earth notes. Firm acidity and tannins with a chalky texture, a full body and supple fruit balancing the structure. Austere on the finish." James Suckling

"An intense red, evoking cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, mineral, tobacco and wild herb flavors. Silky and sappy, with fine-grained tannins lingering on the finish. Overall, this shows finesse." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Al Passo is a very beautiful and expressive wine. Dried cherry, tobacco, cedar, licorice and incense lend notable aromatic nuance. This Sangiovese/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend has a ton to offer. Bright acids pull it all together in style." Vinous

Prima Pietra is the flagship wine of the small Maremma branch of Castiglion del Bosco. The grapes come from what is probably the highest vineyard site on the Costa Toscana, 450 metres above sea level. Bright ruby red in colour with violet hues. Inviting spicy notes on the nose, finely characterised, with lots of dark berries and some dark chocolate, very profound. Full of tension on the palate, shows good density, with lots of fine-meshed tannins, polished, but also juicy, present fruit. Very precise progression into the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark, ruby-red centre with a delicate rim. Deep and seductive nose of dark chocolate, blackberry compote and cherry jam, on ebony. Polished attack, with precise fruit, on a tightly woven tannin structure, harmonious and persistent." Falstaff

The grapes for Istine's cult Riserva come exclusively from the estate's own vineyards Istine (Radda), Casanova dell'Aia (Radda) and Cavarchione (Gaiole). Only 4,000 bottles of this breathtaking wine, which matures for 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels, are bottled each year.

Rich, bright ruby red with a sparkling centre. The bouquet is complex with aristocratic restraint. Compact and freshly fruity nose of rich cherries and ripe raspberries, with amarena cherries and notes of tobacco in the background. Medium-bodied on the palate, but with infinite, captivating depth that awaits discovery. Spreads out beautifully in the body, appears downright juicy and fruit-emphasised and continues to open up towards its terrific finalwith crunchy cherries and a refined saline vein. Purists will love its linear and unmistakable Sangiovese character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Puristic Chianti Classico. Radiant fruit with lots of cherry, some plum, juicy blood oranges and hibiscus blossom. Super-elegant texture, the finest silky tannins, lively acidity, maintains a wonderfully light-footed balance, has a savoury vein and is simply delicious." Weinwisser

"Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Powerful and concentrated cherry nose, fresh and juicy on the palate with delicious, viscous tannins. Immediately drinkable. This wine has real class." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Levigne is fabulous. In fact, the 2020 is one of the best Riservas I can remember tasting here. Black cherry, plum, graphite, clove, menthol and liquorice are some of the many notes that come together in this deep, strong Riserva. In the past, I've found the Riserva to be a little oak-led, but that's not the case here. The 2020 has spent two full years in barrels." Vinous