Falstaff

The date on the label (1212 AD) indicates when the winery was given its current name. Deep, powerful dark violet colour. The seamless bouquet is infused with purple and black fruit nuances with a good amount of spice and toast. The palate is pure elegance, silky and streamlined, with an increasing minerality that provides traction, while a delicate web of tannins, floral black fruits and exotic spices resonate. Our verdict: A juicy, deep and captivating red that already has a wide range and will continue to grow with further years of bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with slightly brightening edges. Intense and multi-layered nose, with notes of ripe sour cherries and rich blackberries, slightly peppery and floral in the background. Lots of ripe fruit and spice on the palate, juicy and with fine-grained tannins, long final." Falstaff

"Reserved and darkly alluring, the 2020 Umbria Rosso A.D.1212 blends 65% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Montepulciano from Orvieto. It entices with a nuanced blend of blackberries, sage, green olive and crushed rocks. This washes across the palate with elegance, polished and silky-smooth, contrasting mineral-tinged red and black fruits with vibrant acidity as gently grippy tannins mount toward the close. It tapers off long and lightly structured, leaving savory herbs and a slightly bitter twang of balsamic spice pinching at the cheeks. While already enjoyable today, the best is yet to come." Vinous

"Deep nose with hints of sandalwood and incense to the fresh array of black fruit. Some dark chocolates and roasted spices as well. Quite juicy and firm on the palate with medium to full body and a long, textured finish. Lovely spicy bitterness here." James Suckling

"Only the best grapes." adorns the label. Expressive, intense white wine made from the indigenous Grillo grape, which began its quiet and steep career as the exclusive house wine of the Moretti family and is still only available in small quantities today. Strong, bright straw yellow colour. An expansive bouquet of exotic fruits, flowers and flint, fruity and soft with a fresh, mineral note in the long and energetic final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium shiny straw yellow with silver-coloured reflections. Intense aroma of ripe peach, mango and candied citrus fruit on the nose, spicy with a hint of vanilla pod. Juicy and tense on the palate, very balanced and with a slightly noticeable use of wood, final with a citrus flavour." Falstaff

"Fresh aromas of honeysuckle, lemon rind, sea salt and green melon. Medium-bodied, crisp and focused, with notes of apples, honey and minerals. Focused and creamy texture." James Suckling

Strong, bright straw yellow colour. Characterful, youthful and rich bouquet of dried nectarines, peach, yellow apple, mint and a fresh hint of almonds. The depth of its texture is in perfect contrast to the savoury acids, minerals and notes of sour apples, but a feeling of balanced ripeness always remains. The finish is long and structured and seems to melt slowly on the palate, leaving savoury spices and a fine tannin behind. It already has a lot to offer today, but should mature a little more in the bottle for more structure and elegance. A wonderfully exciting interpretation of Garganega from a small single vineyard in the Carbonare region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, pale golden yellow in colour. Elegant, multi-layered bouquet with notes of ripe pear, lime and yellow pepper, with a hint of flint on the finish. Beautifully harmonious on the palate with a compact fruit centre, invigorating acidity and fine juiciness on the lingering finish." Falstaff

"Notes of spiced quince, lemon peel, camphor and salted almonds. Salty wines are all the rage, and this wine has plenty of phenolic saltiness and a distinct acidity. The long and convincing finish is carried by a hint of energy. A brilliant Soave. A true mountain wine." James Suckling

"Baked pear, almond, and white flower aromas lead to a palate of ripe apple and citrus. A quintessential expression, this wine hits all the right notes with unwavering precision. It's a solid performer, delivering exactly what you'd expect from a classic of its kind. This is a wine that you can count on today or tomorrow." Wine Enthusiast

An accessible, fruit-accentuated classic at a high level. A clear aroma of wild berries and flowers, with a mix of dark berry notes, fine spices and light tannins on the palate. Flavour and depth give this noble Valpolicella its wonderful drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a fine, brightening rim. Intense on the nose, cranberry compote, juniper and leather on the finish. Silky texture on the palate, with lots of ripe fruit, slightly spicy and with well-integrated tannins, long presence." Falstaff

"Aromas of dried fruit and nuts follow through to a medium-bodied palate with a dense bead of bright fruit and fine, slightly drying tannins. Very direct and concentrated with good forward acidity. Give this wine a little more time for the tannins to resolve further." James Suckling

"The 2020 Valpolicella Superiore Maternigo is wickedly fresh and floral, wafting up with suggestions of violet and lavender before giving way to crushed blackberries. This is a soft-textured mix of savory and sweet, with saline minerals complicating its tart wild berry fruits. It tapers off with tension, leaving a pleasantly tense sensation and hints of sour orange that pucker the cheeks. Don’t be afraid to lose the 2020 Maternigo in the cellar for a number of years." Vinous

Livio Felluga's Friulano is very fresh and tropical, with nuances of sour melon, young mango and white smoke forming its attractive bouquet. It impresses with a lively acidity that balances the silky texture and ripe fruit, and with a spicy herbal note that gives it unexpected depth. Perfumed and fresh to the final, leaving a pleasant mouthfeel, with hints of bitter almond but also a gentle streak of residual tension. Very nice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw yellow with green-golden nuances. Fragrant, inviting bouquet of ripe citrus fruit, with a hint of banana and meadow herbs. Delicately creamy on entry, then quickly spreads across the palate with pleasant freshness and cheeky fruit." Falstaff

"A light, elegant wine with flavours of mandarins, sage, peaches and mirabelle plums. Also very floral. Medium-bodied with a silky, almost oily texture, moderate but refreshing acidity and a good, polished aftertaste." James Suckling

Medium pale straw yellow in colour. Livio Felluga's Sauvignon Bianco impresses with its elegance, the typical varietal bouquet of pear and gooseberry, elderflower and garden herbs and a fascinating minerality. The flavour is soft and fruity, with a beautiful melting texture and a fresh, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, pale golden yellow with greenish reflections. Opens slowly on the nose to nettle, gooseberry, then hints of tropical fruit. Flows silky over the palate, yet very fresh with a medium body and good length." Falstaff

"A tight and restrained wine. The nose is focused on tuberose, melon and a bit of sage. Light- to medium-bodied, full of tension, with almost zesty acidity in the finish." James Suckling

Silvia Milocco Nonino, Antonio's wife and from the third generation of the distillery family, lost her husband in the war. The only wealth she had for the economic survival of her family was the pomace. She set to work with determination and learnt distilling in the early 1940s. Before she became Italy's very first female master distiller, she worked as a cook in the family pub. Her botanical knowledge was a great advantage when creating her first liqueur. She wanted to express her Friulian homeland with her products: pure, authentic and unadulterated. She therefore created an aperitif from botanicals, which she called "Aperitivo Bianco".

After their grandchildren Cristina, Antonella, Elisabetta and Francesca spent three years researching the botanicals of the traditional recipe, they created a new version of the "Aperitivo Bianco" in 2018, this time enhanced with the grape spirit ÙE Fragolino. The sisters drew inspiration from the recipes in the family archive and transformed an old botanical recipe into a contemporary gourmet drink.

Flowers, roots and fruits are carefully selected according to their origin and organoleptic properties, then dried at a low temperature to preserve the natural intensity of fragrance, flavour and colour. Gentle filtering preserves the citrus freshness and sweet mildness of the plants. A 100% plant-based harmony that is enhanced by the ÙE Monovitigno Fragolino grape brandy, which emphasises the natural balsamic nuances with Mediterranean fruity notes. Hints of blackberry and wild berries round off the flavour.

The special thing about it: the new aperitivo is 100% natural and vegan and is made without any additives.

This fresh and lively aperitif tastes perfect with ice and a twist of lime, but also as a light drink with 4 cl L'Aperitivo Nonino, 4 cl dry sparkling wine, ice and lemon zest. Also wonderful as an ingredient in a cocktail. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich nose with fresh basic tendencies that are tinged with citrus peel. Impressions of green tea and grapefruit are also present. Complex on the palate with floral hints, with a stronger bitter flavour in the middle. Soft, finely bitter finish." Falstaff

Tunella has packed a lot of character into this savoury white: ColMatiss is a Sauvignon Bianco from a cru vineyard planted in the 1980s, which is matured on the fine lees in Slavonian oak barrels. On the nose, it has diverse and detailed aromas of exotic fruits such as lychee and grapefruit, elegant herbal notes of sage and mint, as well as mineral hints that provide depth. A fascinatingly delicate spiciness on the palate, flavours full of character and a lively acidity that enlivens the compact structure and makes you want to drink the next glass. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow with light green notes. Inviting nose with fine notes of grapefruit, sage and gooseberries, some pickled peach. Good weight on the palate, spreads out with fine fruit, beautiful sage flavour, grapefruit on the final." Falstaff

"The Tunella 2022 Friuli Colli Orientali Sauvignon Colmatìss offers a soft and creamy expression of the grape. Its broad textural base is accented by aromatic highlights of exotic fruit, papaya and tomato leaf. Indeed, the plump texture of the mouthfeel is what sets this Sauvignon Blanc apart." Wine Advocate

"A fragrant, creamy Sauvignon with flavours of guava, grapefruit, green mango and vanilla. It is medium to full-bodied, creamy and delicious, with rich lemon curd and guava notes on the finish." James Suckling

Deep, dark ruby red colour. Black and small red berries on the nose, plus some leather, tobacco and herbal spice. Fine, black-fruity extract sweetness on the palate, rounded off with herbs and spices, the well-built tannins provide a certain pressure and strength, in the finish its multi-layered components combine with fresh acidity to create a very drinkyred that never denies its origin and grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Red cherry and strawberry candy on the nose, with pepper and a delicate vegetal touch. Medium-bodied on the palate, shows beautiful juiciness, still young tannins, with a pithy final." Falstaff

"First tart and bright with dried cranberries, cherries and orange peel on the nose, then aromas of damp earth, mushrooms, old leather and cigar wrapper take over with just a whisper of vanilla bean. The palate offers blackberries, dark chocolate and notes of forest floor ignited by heat and acid." Wine Enthusiast

"From the characteristic clay-limestone soils of Pian delle Vigne comes a red wine that is characterised by juiciness and freshness. On the nose, redcurrants with a hint of thyme and juniper. The palate is taut and savoury, with a fruity finish and a pleasant aftertaste." Luca Gardini

The small, museum-like island of Mozia in the Marsala lagoon is a production site of unrivalled uniqueness. It is a marine ecosystem that has always been linked to the vineyard. The English, who came to Marsala at the beginning of the 19th century and recognised its great potential, initiated the first planting. The vines are cultivated naturally using the Gobelet system with natural irrigation. The grapes are harvested in crates, brought to the mainland in flat-bottomed boats and then transported to the Regaleali winery in air-conditioned lorries to guarantee their aromatic integrity.

Since 2007, when the Tasca family was entrusted by the Whitaker Foundation with the implementation of a project to promote and revitalise historic Grillo vineyards, they have been looking after 12 hectares of vineyards in Mozia. This is where the best Grillo in Sicily comes from, which is unrivalled in terms of concentration and razor-sharp precision.

Pale straw yellow in colour. Tantalising, very refined aromas of nectarine, yellow flowers, lime and mint herbs. On the palate, it is fresh, juicy and dense, with a wonderful clarity and flavours of pome fruit and white stone fruit, accompanied by a lively and harmonious acidity. Its impressive finish is long and mineral. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shimmering straw yellow with a silver-green touch. Restrained, initially slightly dry on the nose, slowly opening up to yellow stone fruit and hints of garden herbs. More precise on the palate, with a soft fruit centre and beautiful freshness." Falstaff

"The 2023 Grillo Mozia is youthful and shy, yet full-bodied, revealing a delicate blend of chamomile, green melon and a hint of candied lime. A blend of savoury and sweet flavours, ripe fruits and silky textures balanced by a zesty acidity. Sweet herbal notes emerge towards the end. The wine finishes with enormous length and a salty note, while the green citrus fruit aftertaste gradually dissipates. Mozia comes from Albarello vines that grow on sandy soils at sea level or slightly below. This is one of the most characterful Grillos produced in Italy today." Vinous

Brilliant ruby red colour. Diciasettesalme offers a wonderful bouquet of dark fruit flavours, some flint and Cuban cigar tobacco. Balanced, elegant, full-bodied and salty fresh on the palate. Stylistically and qualitatively very successful. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-light red; reductive-barrelled, plum cake, quite deep, arouses curiosity; dense, sweetness, depth of fruit, lots of beautiful tannin, length." Merum

"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

"A flavoursome and lively red wine with notes of tapenade, sun-dried tomatoes, raspberries and cherry stones. Taut and firm, with a medium body and firm tannins. Excellent focus." James Suckling

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Diciassettesalme shows dusty minerals and dried fruit flavours. This wine generally has more muscle and dark fruit compared to the Zottorinoto, which tends to be floral and more delicate in character. The Diciassettesalme is fresh and straightforward and delivers all the fundamentals of Nerello Mascalese from this mighty Sicilian volcano. The vineyard is located directly below the Cottanera winery at 780 metres above sea level and is planted on light or grey lava rock. The soils are unique for this location." Wine Advocate

"Vivid ruby with garnet hues, this volcanic red boasts fresh black cherry and dried blackberry aromas. Toasty notes, liquorice, and minerality add complexity. Concentrated palate, supple tannins, refreshing acidity. Elegant yet robust, with a hint of heat on the finish." Decanter

Brilliant ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Sublime, almost aromatic cherry fruit on the nose with hints of gingerbread and caraway. Lush cherry fruit on the palate, interspersed with plenty of tangy acidity and crisp tannins. Long, juicy cherry flavour with plenty of fullness on the finish. A well-made wine from an excellent vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a garnet-red rim. Dense nose of cold smoke, cherry, juniper berries, cloves and pickled violets. Silky on the palate, juicy and with invigorating acidity, firm tannins, persistent into the fruity-fresh final, with a racy acidity at the end." Falstaff

"A medium- to full-bodied, savory and chewy red that has aromas and flavors of mint, sour cherries, walnuts, cloves and tomato leaves. Plenty of tannin, but nicely integrated." James Suckling

Crognolo is a wonderfully balanced wine that offers the tangy freshness and acidity of Sangiovese, which is balanced and softened by the small proportion of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine smells of cherry, blackberry and plum. Its primary intensity is bright and cheerful. The finish shows a nice density, extraction and well-integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Crognolo 2021 is a great entry-level wine from Sette Ponti. An explosion of red/purple fruits, blood orange, spices and rose petals race across the palate, lifted by bright acids that add energy. All elements are very well balanced. This is a very inviting wine." Vinous

"Dusty, perfumed aromas of spiced plums with sour cherries and dried cherries are followed in the mouth by a vertical palate full of fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity and juicy fruit. It feels balanced and upright, ready to spring into action as soon as the cork is pulled. Vibrant red and black fruits intermingle, punctuated by a certain saltiness and supported by those tannins. The finish is long, juicy and flavoursome and leaves you wanting another sip." Decanter

"This young red wine shows all its components in the right place, but needs time to integrate. It offers flavours of cherry, violet, earth, iron and mint, which fade into powerful tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Bright ruby violet colour. Expressive flavours of blackberries and rich cherries, with fine spicy components in the background. Compact, concentrated on the palate, with grippy tannins that also become juicy, salty on the finish." Falstaff

"The wine shows dark concentration, certainly more than you'd expect from Sangiovese, with lots of cherry, spice and blue flower that ties directly into the Merlot. It offers a medium to full-bodied texture with fine, chalky tannins." Wine Advocate

"Ultra-fresh, juicy cherries with more delicate aromas of violets and rose petals on the nose roll onto a palate rich with more cherries and berries balanced by earthy, tart notes of earth, branches and roots and a finish of bitter cocoa and aniseed." Wine Enthusiast

"The purity of the fruit in this wine is impressive, with redcurrants, orange peel, peaches and lemon on the nose and palate. Full-bodied yet compressed and agile. Tasty finish. Restrained now, but given a year or two it will come into its own." James Suckling

The delicious Salealto consists of equal parts Insolia, Zibibbo and Grillo and was matured for approx. 10 months on the fine lees in stainless steel. Deep golden yellow in colour with green reflections. Open nose with hints of beeswax, yellow flowers, acacia, red apple and green pepper. Very refreshing on the palate, low acidity, a fine saline note and wonderful fruit flavours. Herbal spice and expansive fruit with beautiful freshness on the deep finish - be sure to aerate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, bright straw yellow with a green shimmer. Ripe fruit notes on the nose, reminiscent of pineapple and lemon, followed by jasmine blossom. Lots of citrus fruit on the palate, fresh and straightforward, vibrant acidity, animating mouth-watering final." Falstaff

""The Cusumano 2020 Salealto represents a first attempt to make wine with in-house yeasts developed over years with the help of a research center in northern Italy. The wine is luminous and bright with summer peach, white flower and apple blossom. It shows a silky, mid-weight texture with some distant flint or mineral." Wine Advocate

La Grola is the eponymous, historic vineyard where Corvina, the indigenous grape of Valpolicella, is believed to have originated. The replanting of the vineyard by Giovanni Allegrini triggered an agronomic revolution and laid the foundations for the success of this wine-growing region, which today stands for convincing, great red wines from the north-east of Italy.

Dense, dark ruby red in colour, very rich and powerful on the nose with notes of wild and overripe berries. The rich fullness of coffee to black cherries is underlined by present, pleasant tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense ruby red colour with brightening edges. A fragrant nose of dried flowers, sultanas and coffee, with pickled plums on the finish. Full-bodied on the palate with surprising acidity and a repeated coffee flavour on the finish." Falstaff

"Intense plums, raspberries, roses, bay leaves and a peppery touch. Soft attack with velvety tannins that are a bit tight in the finish. Crisp and tense, with very well integrated and chewy acidity, a medium body and good length. There’s a lot of drinkability in its complexity." James Suckling

Olivini's Metodo Classico made from 100% Trebbiano is in a class of its own. A multi-layered and rich bouquet, exotic and complex on the palate, with fine flavours of dried apple and peach. The velvety perlage and delicate acid wire elegance and finesse. Complex and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, radiant light gold colour with persistent perlage. Smells delicately of yellow peach, fresh honey, yellow flowers and a little cold smoke on the nose. Very fresh and crisp on the palate, with a delicate and light-footed perlage, juicy, delicately bitter, animating final." Falstaff

The grapes for the Villa Antinori Riserva come from four different municipalities in Chianti Classico: San Casciano, Gaiole, Castellina and Greve. The current edition is multi-layered with a wonderful bouquet of dark fruit, gravel and beautiful spices. On the palate, the wine has a velvety attack that is savoury, complex and persistent, with spicy notes of sweet tobacco and dark chocolate. This Riserva has a balance and length that will delight any Tuscany fan. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby colour with shine. Restrained, subtle nose of fig, redcurrants, followed by black bread bark and some leather. Precise on the palate with a clear fruit centre and grippy tannins, harmonious mouthfeel with an elegant final and good drinkability." Falstaff

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Villa Antinori is not married to a particular subzone of the appellation, as it is intended to reflect a house style rather than a vineyard identity. Aged in tonneaux and partly in barriques, the wine is rich and persistent. It remains elegant on the palate, with fine tannins and a good fruit tension with cherry and blue flowers." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Villa Antinori is infused with black cherry, plum, new leather, liquorice and spice. Generous and expansive in flavour, the 2021 is wonderfully generous, not to mention incredibly delicious. The fruit comes from some of the most sought-after sites in the appellation." Vinous

"The spicy, lush nose presents aromas of cloves, cardamom, bergamot, dried cherries and vanilla, while the palate is based on citrus fruits, cherries and vanilla. The acidity plays around imposing, solid tannins." Wine Enthusiast