Falstaff

The Barbera d'Alba Bricco dei Merli is characterised by the balance and harmony that we also find in Elvio Cogno's other wines. Barbera can sometimes take on exaggerated flavours, but Cogno's Barbera offers a beautiful intensity of dark fruit without ever being heavy or too rich. Full of vibrant freshness and good energy as it progresses. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of sour cherries and redcurrants with citrus peel and floral undertones. Juicy and flavoursome with a medium body and crisp red berry character. Lively finish." James Suckling

"This Barbera lifts from the glass with fresh aromas of mixed berries, sweet spices, wild herbs and underbrush. The juicy palate gives notes of black cherries, raspberries and tea finishing with bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Sparkling, medium ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Subtle notes of ripe blackberries and plums on the nose, with a slightly leathery aftertaste of dried rose petals. Fresh and juicy on the palate, well-balanced, with a medium-long finish." Falstaff

"The Barbera d'Alba Bricco dei Merli 2021 shows a wonderfully fruity, almost juicy personality that paints an authentic portrait of this grape variety. The winemaking team at Congo has worked out its approach to elegant wines. This Barbera shows none of the exaggerations, such as acidity or too much acidity, that sometimes characterise Barbera when it is made in less capable hands." Wine Advocate

Donnafugata's impressive declaration of love to Etna, currently the hottest wine hotspot, began with the Sul Vulcano line. Light ruby red in colour, with a bouquet of wild strawberry and delicate hints of black cherry, cinnamon and nutmeg. The corresponding, fresh flavour and subtle elegance lead to a harmonious and energetic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Open-hearted bouquet with delicate oxidation, lilac, juniper and tobacco. Earthy and mineral on the palate with fine tannins and spicy notes." Weinwisser

"Medium, bright garnet red with a brightening rim. Fine aromas of strawberries and raspberries and a hint of cherry syrup on the nose. Crisp, fresh and juicy on the palate with a fruity finish and fine-grained tannins." Falstaff

"It impresses with its ripe core of black cherry and plum and offers pretty accents of violets, aniseed and dried herbs. This red wine is light-footed, with taut tannins that round off the mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"A soft and open red with plum and spice character as well as floral undertones. Some fresh herbs too. Medium body. Lightly chewy." James Suckling

"Hints of sweet spice and dusty rose give way to crushed cherries and cloves as the 2021 Etna Rosso Sul Vulcano blossoms in the glass. On the palate, it displays a texture of pure silk with ripe red fruits accompanied by lively acidity, while floral notes unfold on the inside. Fine tannins and a primary concentration saturate towards the end, while the 2021 finishes long. Traces of liquorice fade towards the end. This is a fantastic offering, especially at this price point." Vinous

Here comes one of the probably least known charmers from the noble region around Montalcino. An exciting nose of barbecue smoke, onion and paprika. Very juicy and well-structured on the palate, the dark fruit flanked by rosemary and forest floor. Very accessible and yet independent in character and personality. Long and exciting. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour with a rich core. Hints of blackberry and dark cherry on the nose, reminiscent of plaster and candle wax on the finish. Juicy on the palate, flavours of wild berries and iron, firm tannins, balanced final." Falstaff

"Very pure dark- and blue-fruited nose with hints of violets, dried orange peel and graphite. Polished, almost silky on the medium-bodied palate, with very attractive juicy acidity. Savory and spiced at the end." James Suckling

Well-balanced, well-proportioned Pinot Noir from the best lime-rich, sandy southern sites with multi-layered fruit aromas of wild berries and sour cherries. Ripe fruit on the palate and a harmoniously structured balance between acidity and tannin with well-integrated toasty aromas. A thoroughly honest Pinot Noir. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red with delicate rim brightenings. In the nose delicate fruity notes, strawberries and raspberries, behind some vanilla and forest floor. Filigree on the palate, starts with lots of juice, nice saltiness, refreshing acidity, delicate tannin, spicy final." Falstaff

The Cuvée dei Frati is composed of classic Lugana grapes and ten per cent Chardonnay to round it off. After 24 months of ageing on the lees in the bottle, this fine sparkling wine is created with aromas of biscuit, hay and dried tobacco leaves. The moderate carbonic acidity makes it glide over the palate like silk. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw yellow with hints of greenish gold and a fine perlage. Delicately fragrant on the nose, with hints of fresh white bread and tropical fruit on the finish. A very juicy mousse on the palate, with crisp acidity and good length." Falstaff

The grapes come exclusively from the single vineyard San Pietro; since the 2018 vintage, part of the wine has been matured in amphorae. Berries, liquorice and deep red fruit on the nose. Finely woven and very precise structure, personality and class on the palate. Sheer elegance and Clerico enjoyment without waiting for further ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour, sparkling. Beautiful expression on the nose, of geraniums, cold smoke and raspberries, with a finish of crisp, red-cheeked apple. Juicy and savoury on the palate, with a radiant fruit core, shows muscular tannins throughout, firm pressure on the finish, can still mature for a long time." Falstaff

"A pretty red, reminiscent of strawberry, cherry, floral and aniseed flavours. It is light and taut on the finish, but above all it is elegant and supple." Wine Spectator

"This is a fun and easy-going wine with beautiful primary fruit reminiscent of wild berries and cassis. The Domenico Clerico 2022 Langhe Nebbiolo Capisme-e is characterised by its brightness and freshness, which are easy to drink. It's all about transparency and energy." Wine Advocate

Delicate light pink. Fine berry scent with hints of gravel and tuff. Delicate floral aroma, light plum and pink grapefruit. In the fresh finish some flint and mineral notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Radiant salmon pink. Slightly reductive on the nose at first, then nuances of sweet cherry and white peach. On the palate full-bodied, with a slight tannic rip, fresh and juicy, fun." Falstaff

"Attractive rosé with pink nectarines, dried flowers and crushed stones on the nose. Medium-bodied, dry and crisp with chalky texture and tangy zestiness at the end. Fresh and crunchy." James Suckling

Argiano's Rosso di Montalcino is a very beautiful and expressive wine. Dried herbs, flowers, mint, liquorice and sweet red cherries adorn this attractive, medium-bodied Rosso. Medium textured on the palate, with lovely balance and clean notes of raspberry and candied violets. It is accessible early on and offers plenty of fun with its juicy overall impression through to a surprisingly long finish and is also an excellent accompaniment to food. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red with a cherry-red centre. Fragrant nose of cherries, nutmeg and marjoram, with a leathery final. Firm body on the palate, very grippy tannins, wrapped in a juicy fruit melt, delicately bitter on the final." Falstaff

"Aromatically intense, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino holds nothing back. It's vividly fruit forward yet with a burst of wild herbs and exotic spice to balance. This is harmonious and pure on the palate, with ample energy and verve as a cascade of crisp wild berry fruits swirl throughout. Only gently tannic yet full of youthful tension, the 2022 finishes fresh yet potent." Vinous

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.

Carricante from Planeta's Etna vineyard is an exceptional wine full of freshness, energy and minerality. This noble grape variety thrives in exclusive conditions, on volcanic soils and at altitudes of 870 metres. A wonderfully complex pleasure that is only ever released for sale two years after the harvest. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light golden yellow colour. Flint, graphite, fresh green apple, sage, lavender on the nose, emphasised mineral components in the background. Full-bodied on the palate, white honey, orange, white flowers, mineral and salty on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2021 Carricante Eruzione 1614 rises from the glass with a burst of crushed stones, sage and dried apricots. It exudes a savoury tension as crunchy fruit piles up in cascades, enhanced by a hint of sour citrus. The finish is long and colourful, yet incredibly fresh, leaving a salty sensation that leaves the mouth wanting more." Vinous

"A well-rounded, balanced and seductive Carricante. Fresh lemons, mild spices and some dried apples on the nose. Medium-bodied on the palate with a fresh lemon character. Juicy and refreshing with a delicious, flavourful finish." James Suckling

Intense red colour with a violet hue. The bouquet is very intense and broadly flavoured with berries, fresh grass and flowers. On the palate, this Lagrein with its dense primary fruit (summer cherry and blackberry) presents a strong personality with a harmonious structure and fine tannin framework. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep purple colour with a dark core. Spicy nose with cardamom, fresh cloves, smoked sweet paprika, elderberries. Fine-meshed on the palate, oily and dense on the tongue, some green tannin that disappears with further ageing, gentle, persistent finish." Falstaff

"Ripe dark cherries, plums, violets and rose petals on the nose. It’s creamy and supple with a medium body, velvety tannins and delicious purple fruit." James Suckling

Pale straw yellow with green nuances. Warm notes of cloves and fennel, fine lychee flavours. Finely characterised on the palate, good interplay between fullness and finesse, shows plenty of spice here too, lovely final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Strong, shiny golden yellow with a beautiful lustre. Clearly orange blossom and candied fruit on the elegant nose, followed by rose water and floral elements. Very pleasant on the palate with a melting texture, medium palate pressure, retronasal light herbal note, slightly salty final." Falstaff

"A fragrant white that has aromas of rose petals, melon, citrus blossoms and lychees. It’s full-bodied, tropical and floral, oily in texture, yet not overdone and with excellent balance. Long and flavorful." James Suckling

This Vermentino cru is the result of a study project in the vineyard and in the winery and comes from two clones each from Corsica and Sardinia. "Belguardo V" (formerly "Codice V") displays the most distinctive characteristics of Tyrrhenian Vermentino and thus epitomises the typical Vermentino as the Mazzei family understands it. Fresh and bright citrus flavours with white flowers, honeysuckle and cut grass. Sunny, savoury and very mineral on the palate with the typical Vermentino structure. Taut on the final and with promising ageing potential. 30% of the wine is matured on the fine lees in amphorae. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, light golden yellow colour. Smoky on the nose with notes of melted butter, ripe citrus fruit and a hint of cinchona bark. Very juicy on the palate with a velvety texture, rich fruit on fresh acidity and good length." Falstaff

"Fresh and mineral Vermentino with flavours of white fruits, lemons and flowers. Very polished and supple, with a medium body and clean acidity. Silky and structured, but crisp and nervy at the same time. Focussed and balanced." James Suckling

Intensely bright golden yellow in colour. An elegant Pinot Grigio with the scent of wild roses and fine, tropical pineapple, apricot, peach and orange flavours. Rich and with a fresh mineral flavour that finishes very harmoniously and elegantly. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pronounced, sparkling golden yellow colour. Inviting bouquet with notes of juicy peaches and nectarines, plus hints of pineapple and mango. On the palate with a silky fruit melt, very juicy and stimulating on vibrant acidity, persistent." Falstaff

"A simple but precise wine with a good finish. Salty and peppery minerality with notes of pear and citrus. Light bodied with a silky texture, crisp acidity and a fruity finish." James Suckling

Sensual bouquet of ripe raspberry and sour cherry flavours, with earthy and spicy nuances, coffee, chocolate and tobacco. Plump and full-bodied flavour, perfectly structured with silky tannins and a long final. Excellent price/quality ratio in small quantities. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby colour. Opens with notes of cedar wood and roasted hazelnuts, then lots of juicy cherry, some dark chocolate. Blossoms beautifully on the palate, juicy and savoury, well-integrated, dense tannins, spans a wide range." Falstaff

"This is spicy with notes of walnut, cedar, black raspberries and cherries with some nutmeg undertones. Medium- to full-bodied with compact tannins and velvety texture. Broad and rich but fresh and attractive." 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, light golden yellow 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

Ghiaia, a pure Nerello Mascalese from the slopes of Mount Etna, exudes sweet aromas of cherries and flowers. A refined, very detailed and seductive wine with great charm, character and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-light red colour; reductive red-fruity, appealing; powerful, fruit-deep, subtly tart tannin, long." Merum

"Medium, bright cherry red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Fine bouquet of raspberries, redcurrants, some pomegranate, underlaid with eucalyptus and fine spice. Vibrant freshness and pleasant juiciness on the palate, the tannins still somewhat youthful and ending on herbs in the medium final." Falstaff

"Attractive bouquet of chestnuts, violets and crisp strawberries, fresh and crisp with attractive acidity and a savoury finish." Decanter

"Sweet berries and orange peel with undertones of peach and lemon blossom. Medium-bodied, with crisp fruit and a fresh and slightly chewy finish. Delicious wine, now showing volcanic character with ashy and smoky undertones." James Suckling

"The Etna Rosso Ghiaia Nera 2021 is intense, smoky and ashy. It opens with a burst of crushed strawberries accompanied by notes of blood orange and clove. This wine is a model of purity, with savoury red berry fruit and a core of salty minerality that emerges towards the end. The lively acidity provides a fantastic balance. A web of fine tannins lingers, creating a classic dry feel and youthful tension as the sour cherry tones fade." Vinous

Lambda, in physics the wavelength, in mechanics the slenderness ratio ... And so this red comes into our glass, exactly on our wavelength and with a defined slender body. Rich, deep dark ruby violet. Impressive aromatic richness and variety, characterised by spicy nuances, redcurrant and blackberry; smooth but well-proportioned tannins and an attractive, delicately spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby red. Spicy and balsamic, with notes of raspberries, cherries, currants and nuances of white pepper. Soft and compact in the mouth, with good freshness, soft tannins and a spicy finish." Falstaff

Etna Rosato from Pietradolce not only attracts attention with its delicate, shiny colour. The delicate bouquet of roses is beguiling and the precise flavour convinces with lively aromas of peach, cranberry and grapefruit. Elegant mineral tones accompany the fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling copper red colour. Distinct bouquet of candied apricots, orange peel with light herbal spice. Smooth on entry, unbelievably soft and elegant on the palate, with a long finish." Falstaff

"The 2023 Etna Rosato is delicate, with a nuanced blend of white strawberry, wet stone and a hint of peach sorbet. It balances a zesty core of juicy acidity and sour lime with ripe orchard fruit. The finish is remarkably fresh and clean, with a hint of minerality that leaves you wanting more." Vinous

"A smoky, peatlike style here with red plums and whiffs of flowers. Light-bodied, this has moderate acidity and a refreshing finish, silky and polished to the end. Simple but nice." 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

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

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

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