Falstaff

Deep purple-red colour, distinctive bouquet that does not deny the Apulian home of the Susumaniello and enchants us with a stimulating freshness. Hints of ripe black cherries and fine spicy notes on the palate, dense, harmonious, long-lasting and with beautifully integrated tannins. An original, rustic flavour experience! SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, impenetrable ruby red colour. Aromas of black fruit unfold on the nose, accompanied by hints of cocoa, tobacco and leather. Fresh on the palate, with dense, sweet tannins and a long, fruity finish." Falstaff

40 years after acquiring the Montalcino branch Campogiovanni, the Tuscan flagship winery San Felice, which belongs to the Allianz insurance group, has decided on a further expansion called Bell'Aja. In the Bolgheri locality of Le Sondraie, 6 hectares of vineyards with clayey-sandy soils were selected, where mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were planted over 12 years ago. There are only two wines from this new Bell'Aja appellation, Bolgheri Rosso and Bolgheri Rosso Superiore.

Bright purple in colour, the bouquet is full of dark forest berries. The palate is then full of harmony with a delicate acidity and soft, very enveloping tannins. A warm, flattering red with a profile that fully lives up to its noble origins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby colour with purple hues. Intense on the nose, with notes of blackberries and blueberries, dark chocolate, leather and cedar. Powerful and gripping on the palate, with compact fruit, tightly woven tannins and a lingering finish." Falstaff

"A fruity red wine with aromas and flavours of plums, redcurrants and tobacco. A hint of walnuts. It is medium-bodied, creamy and balanced. Excellent drinkability." James Suckling

Sparkling yellow-green colour. The elegant, floral-scented Sauvignon Bianco Mantele is irresistible, with beautiful varietal typicity and a pleasingly slender waistline. Fine mineral notes on the palate add playfulness and vibrancy, overall very juicy and fresh. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny golden yellow colour. Pronounced nose of nettle, followed by tropical fruit of pineapple and passion fruit. Velvety on the palate on entry, then with a lot of tension, fresh and fruity until the lingering final." Falstaff

"After aeration with a fine Sauvignon nose, passion fruit, green chilli pepper, cassis leaves, grass clippings, Granny Smith. Finely woven, profound, generous. Minerality on the palate, tweaks the edge of the tongue, vital, taut acidity." Vinum

"Aromas of gooseberries, lemon leaves and subtle tomato leaves. Light- to medium-bodied with weight and texture, yet it has sharp acidity, savory citrus notes and a gently leafy aftertaste." James Suckling

Quercegobbe with sparkling, rich ruby violet. Clear and memorable nose with notes of blackberries, raspberries and ripe cherries. Substantial on the nose, opens with supple tannins. Sweet melting on the finish, fresh and clear, powerful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure varietal Merlot that tones beguilingly of blackberries, undergrowth and herbs; powerful construction, balanced, nice progression on notes of plums, pepper, also bitter almond notes." Vinum

"Dark ruby core with garnet rims. Restrained on the nose with hints of blueberry and forest floor. A little clearer on the palate of cherry and floral notes, striking acidity and fine-grained, somewhat astringent tannins with noticeable wood." Falstaff

"A creamy and delicious red with redcurrant and fresh-herb aromas and flavors. Medium body, fine tannins and a creamy finish. Balanced and delicious now, but better in a year or two, to allow the wood to resolve into the wine." James Suckling

Lots of fullness and personality in the elegant aroma of lush fruit with spicy, toasty accents, notes of cherry, plum, herbs and undergrowth. The flavour is rich in contrast and full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins, well-balanced acidity and a fruity, berry finish. This powerful Morellino Riserva still needs some time to show its best side. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright cherry red with a ruby red centre. Intense aroma of violets, raspberries and strawberries, reminiscent of mandarin mint on the finish. Spans the palate with gentle pressure, showing juicy berry fruit and fine herbal notes, with a beautiful acidity and fine tannins on the final." Falstaff

"Promising raspberry bouquet, fine spice and violet notes; flawlessly built with tightly woven tannins, invigorating acidity, finishes on flavours of forest fruits and spices. With game birds." Vinum

Villa di Capezzana is considered one of the longest-lived wines in Tuscany, with a vertical tasting of 20 vintages dating back to 1937 - none of the vintages showed any signs of fatigue. The wine is fermented spontaneously and matured in large and small wooden barrels, a third of the small wood is renewed every year. Dark ruby red in colour. Black cherries, blackberries, cassis and fine woods dominate the nose. On the palate, the wine is firm, well-structured and has a long finish. Decanting recommended. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Inviting nose of wax and grated forest fruits, with subtle hints of honey and dried rose petals on the finish. Initially juicy on the palate, with good tension and a slightly salty undertone." Falstaff

"Inviting bouquet with seductive cherry aromas, herbal and sandalwood notes; polished texture, the tannins are fine-grained and in balance with the acidity, combining suppleness and length. To a roast beef." Vinum

"A solid, concentrated and compact red wine. Red berries, warm herbs, earth, mushrooms and baking spices dominate the nose, followed by a full body with fine, slightly chewy tannins. Concentrated and dense, with a solid tannic framework for the fruit and spices on the long, funnel-shaped finish." James Suckling

"This red wine is expressive, with flavours of ripe cherries, raspberries, flowers and wild herbs and a smooth texture. It is well-structured and balanced and leaves a long, fruity, ferruginous and spicy aftertaste with a fine grip on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Carmignano Villa di Capezzana opens like a veritable spice box, seducing with an autumnal blend of allspice, clove and star anise before moving on to soaked plums and sage. It is silky and refined, with a supple texture and ripe red and blue fruit flavours that are lapped up by a lively acidity. It leaves a pleasant chewing sensation and finishes with fine-grained tannins and a hint of primary concentration. After a minute, a hint of white pepper lingers. Wow. While the 2020 is richer than usual and easier to savour from the start, it is balanced and will develop long and steadily." Vinous

New world meets old world. Exciting Sauvignon Bianco with lots of exotic fruits such as mango and lemon, plus a noble spiciness and notes of green tomato leaves, white stone and quince. Full-bodied and creamy on the palate with a tangy, electrifying acidity on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Transparent straw yellow with silver reflections. Aromatic nose, gooseberry, grapefruit, elderflower, somewhat reminiscent of drops. Juicy, tangy and salty on the palate, medium-bodied, clear acidity, lively flavour and balanced final." Falstaff

"Subtle flavours of sliced lemons, green melon and hints of stones and dry earth. Medium body with fresh acidity and a crisp and tangy finish. Classic sauvignon blanc. Subtle, bright and clear." James Suckling

High-quality Rosato Spumante made from 100% Pinot Nero. Old pink, almost onion-coloured and with interesting copper reflections. Fine perlage and a fine, creamy foam. The bouquet has a delicate aroma of roses, grapefruit, small red fruits and a hint of yeast. Dry, full, fresh and elegant on the palate. Hints of blackcurrants and wild strawberries, then a consistent tang and a beguiling silkiness. A great alternative to the famous neighbouring region of Franciacorta and a real insider tip for Pinot Noir sparkling lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pale sparkling rosé that has aromas of pomegranate, strawberry and apple pastry. It’s medium-bodied, silky and balanced with fine bubbles and a dry finish." James Suckling

Fresh, wonderfully floral bouquet, fine perlage on the palate and a strong yet creamy texture. The harmoniously integrated acidity forms the fresh basis for the complex flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate old rose colour with a fine perlage. Delicate on the nose, with fine cherry, some stone fruit, white flowers and a touch of graphite. Spreads wide on the palate, present and precise, with beautiful tension and a long finish." Falstaff

The porphyry-rich steep slopes on the Ritten above Bolzano offer first-class conditions for producing a Sauvignon Bianco with unique fruit, minerality, elegance and depth. Straw yellow in colour with greenish reflections. Precise fruity flavours of gooseberry, elderflower, herbs, yeast and a fine woody note. Harmonious flavour with very well-integrated acidity, an accentuated body and an elegant mineral note. Long and deep on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow colour. Lots of redcurrant on the nose, some herbs and a hint of lemon zest. Powerful, powerful, pleasantly astringent on the palate, again lots of redcurrant, some nettle, long finish." Falstaff

The Campo della Pieve vineyard (approx. 380 metres above sea level) faces south-west and has thicker soils and more tufa. The most recent parcel, which was recently acquired, is the highest to date at 400 metres above sea level. The site is more susceptible to wind and has good water retention thanks to the heavier clay soils.

Bright, light golden yellow colour. Delicate nose of fresh yellow apple, some peach, lemon balm, flint in the background. Round and smooth on the palate with a lovely balance between acidity, freshness, citrus and tropical fruit, plus a subtle minerality. In keeping with the characteristics of the Vernaccia grape, the wine is not overly fruity, but displays an exciting spiciness that lends it personality and an additional arc of tension. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pleasant bouquet of apricots and dried roses; the attack is juicy, the acidity well integrated, salty-mineral nuances, pleasing with its timeless style." Vinum

"Bright, radiant straw yellow with light olive green reflections. Fresh and fragrant on the nose, juicy lemons, sage, minimal hints of white peach, elegant spicy notes on the finish. Very fresh on the palate with clear fruit, balanced, with subtle creamy fruit and a long, juicy finish. A great Vernaccia!" Falstaff

"A delicious, balanced and refreshing white wine with notes of stone fruit, yellow plums and a hint of lemon nougat. It has a medium body with fresh acidity and brightness in the centre. Lively and juicy." James Suckling

"Very distinctive, with aromas of herbs, citrus fruits and elderflower. The wine is salty, dynamic and has a great depth of flavour. It comes from a 15-year-old vineyard owned by the Logi family and planted on 1.5 hectares of yellow sand and limestone soils below the Pieve (parish) of San Donato. Spontaneous fermentation and long ageing on fine lees in concrete." Decanter

Top-class Pinot Bianco from the South Tyrolean Wine Road, more precisely from the exposed Sirmian hillside, where the Pinot Bianco finds its ideal location and an optimal microclimate. As a result, it is of remarkable quality every year. Clear and sparkling straw yellow in the glass, with an intense bouquet of light flowers, green apple, redcurrants and a hint of sage and nutmeg. Harmonious, powerful and persistent on the palate, with a full flavour typical of the grape variety and a beautiful melting, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, light golden yellow colour. Intense on the nose with notes of meadow herbs, juicy vineyard peach, very subtle hints of white bread. Slightly creamy on the palate, lively, supportive acidity, very pleasantly persistent." Falstaff

"Matured for eight months in large oak barrels, the 2022 Pinot Bianco Sirmian has a bright colour and allows plenty of light to shine through. The wine is multi-layered and rich in stone fruit, quince and pear. You get a very nice ensemble with ripe fruit tones, herbal notes on the finish and a pinch of cinnamon spice. This is the 50th vintage." Wine Advocate

"A minerally pinot blanc with a fairly smoky character. The nose shows restrained Williams pears, apple juice and assertive salt-and-pepper minerality. Smooth and soft attack with weight and concentration, a medium body and toasted flavors with classy depth and length. Juicy finish." James Suckling

"Exciting flavours of grapefruit, freshly cut grass and flowers with a hint of pepper that hugs the lively acidity. Full-bodied and viscous with a luscious lemon liquid that percolates towards the end. Superb!" Decanter

The steep porphyry slopes at an altitude of up to 650 metres on the Ritten above Bolzano offer ideal conditions for vinifying this powerful yet elegant Chardonnay with outstanding balance, well-integrated acidity and excellent ageing potential. Straw yellow in colour with greenish inclusions. Pure exotic flavours of pineapple, mango and white peach on the nose, underpinned by a delicate vanilla note. Powerful on the palate, the well-integrated acidity keeps it fresh and mineral despite its power and complexity, right through to an almost infinitely long finish. A great Chardonnay from South Tyrol! SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense straw yellow with greenish reflections. Ripe banana, vanilla yoghurt and white flowers on the nose. Additional citrus notes on the palate, full-bodied and creamy, long finish with hints of herbs." Falstaff

"The 2021 Alto Adige Chardonnay Riserva Stegher opens to a generous bouquet with peach cream, apricot, almond biscuit and softly delivered baking spice. It shows volume and brightness over a medium-plus mouthfeel. That almond theme returns on the close, adding a hint of pretty tartness." Wine Advocate

With his flagship Poggio al Lupo from the Magliano winery of the same name, Antonio Moretti has created an extremely varietal Cabernet Sauvignon. Its full bouquet of red fruits and spices is already delicious. On the palate, there is a lot of pressure and an equally generous variety of aromas of blackberries, dried cherries and young leather. Enveloped by a finely woven tannin, this typical Maremma wine goes gently and long into a very attractive finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red. In the nose of ripe blackberries, cassis and rum pot, slightly vegetal note in the reverberation. On the palate fruity, juicy, with soft tannin, harmonious, has train, long final." Falstaff

"A fruity cab with an attractive structure of firm, polished tannins and a juicy finish. Medium-bodied, linear and bright." James Suckling

"A little and a lot. Some call it Pinot Blanc. And yet. Our Pinot Bianco Eichhorn has an Alpine-Mediterranean flavour: bright and flowery like alpine meadows, long-lasting and spicy like the sea." Michael Graf Goëss-Enzenberg, Weingut Manincor

Eichhorn Pinot Blanc has a light golden colour with beautiful aromas of lemon peel, orange marmalade, some smoke and ripe pears. The flavour is clear, fruity and long. Modern classicism and casual elegance from Manincor. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with greenish reflections. Williams pear and orange blossom on the nose. Smooth entry on the palate, shows very fine mellowness and clear fruit, opens up with gentle pressure, subtly spicy at the back, harmonious and elegant, persistent." Falstaff

This Riserva, which is partly aged in barriques, shines in the glass with an intense ruby red colour. Deep red cherries, wild berries and a lovely spicy bouquet of cinnamon, pepper and cloves on the nose, rounded off with fine vanilla and tobacco notes. Medium-bodied on the palate, velvety and supple, the tannins flank a respectable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smells fruity at first, juicy red cherries, wild berries, plums, then spicy notes, cinnamon, cloves, tobacco, vanilla. Rich, dense, a fine acid wire provides freshness. Has really nice play and good balance." Vinum

"Delicate ruby red colour with light reflections. Dried flowers, cherry and cloves on the nose. Good pressure on the palate, savoury, followed by soft tannins, nice length." Falstaff

Amarone Selezione Antonio Castagnedi delivers high quality for its price every year: bright ruby red with sparkling reflections. A variety of aromas of violets, graphite, black cherries and minerals and a lively, structured, down-to-earth, very present style. Its richness and depth make it the perfect accompaniment to winter cuisine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright, rich ruby red colour. Very fragrant bouquet on the nose, spicy, cinnamon, blood orange, fresh peach, raspberries. Spicy flavours and clear fruit on the palate, balanced, with a juicy tannin finish and beautiful length." Falstaff

"If you've ever had the opportunity to stand in old hand-fired brick drying sheds, three storeys high, filled with hot steam, leaves tied in bundles, stacked up and up and up, you'll know what this wine smells like. It is an extraordinary odour. It smells of steam-soaked red clay bricks, of tobacco leaves, green, yellow, gold, copper-coloured, brown and of earth, spices, dust and oven smoke. It is the smell of a good Amarone. And this one carries its layers of tobacco between layers of dried plums, dried cherries, crushed rosehips, bitter oranges and nutmeg. It is dry, elegant, refined. It is an extraordinary beauty." Jancis Robinson

"Very dense on the nose, so it should be swirled well to emphasise the bright red fruits such as raspberries and red cherries, which are immediately apparent on the palate. Full-bodied and structured, with a youthful feel created by the backbone of fresh tannins. It can be drunk at the dinner table now, but it is made to last and will lie in the cellar for a few more years." James Suckling

"The 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Antonio Castagnedi is a dark, seductive wine with a blend of black cherries and crushed purple candies that fade into a hint of cocoa. The wine is silky smooth, almost creamy, yet full-bodied, with ripe red fruit contrasted by a hint of bitter balsamic spice. It finishes with youthful tension, leaving a layer of grippy tannins that are nicely balanced by a hint of residual acidity. The 2019 has a wonderful balance that makes it an excellent choice for the dinner table, but will also aid its ageing. It also has only 15% alcohol. Beautiful." Vinous

Deep dark, sparkling ruby red colour. An opulent dark red fruit basket on the nose, intense and full. From the very first sip, a depth that is unrivalled in this price range. The heights to which this wine is capable of carrying the connoisseur are nothing short of spectacular. At the same time, it always convinces with an indescribable balance. Maharis is never fat or jammy, but its potpourri of dark fruits, spices, matured leather and a subtle smoky note is balanced at all times with an almost surprising freshness and liveliness. The final is long, velvety and richly textured. Magnificent! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Nose with elegant wood, fine spice, black pepper and grated blackcurrants, sour cherries, dried flowers on the finish. On the palate, grippy and present, with a cool fruit centre and tight tannins, final on fine salty notes." Falstaff

"This balanced Syrah from Alberello vines grown on chalky soils in Noto has an incredible perfume of Parma violets, cedar wood, dark chocolate, balsam, dried cherries and wild strawberries. In the mouth, it is concentrated and vertical, with plenty of freshness, floral scents and airy delicacy combined with dark, juicy fruit. Juicy and stony with hints of violets and lavender, then liquorice, black pepper and coffee notes on the long finish, this is such a beautiful wine." Decanter

"The aromas of dark fruit, dried meat, bacon and orange peel are impressive. It’s medium-bodied with juicy fruit, round tannins and notes of dried meat and cedar. Lightly bitter at the end in a good way. An attractive blend of syrah and nero d’avola that gives an international take on the Sicilian area of Noto." James Suckling

Don Luigi Riserva opens with a dark, seductive blend of musky blackcurrants, sweet sage and crushed ash stones. It is full-bodied and almost creamy in flavour. The palate is lapped up by deep, ripe dark fruit and exotic spices. In between, a lively acidity with lingering notes of red plums and cedar wood. Beneath the surface is a hint of grippy tannin. The balance of this wine is breathtaking and further bottle ageing will improve it even further. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet reflections. Very ripe, sweet fruit notes on the nose, aromas of preserved cherries, plums and liquorice, underlaid with cocoa and a hint of liquorice. A fruity-sweet core on the palate, grippy and rustic tannins, with a hint of liquorice on the finish." Falstaff

"A powerful red wine with flavours of black cherries, plums, dried mint and hazelnuts. It is ripe and full-bodied with firm but creamy tannins. Opulent yet balanced." James Suckling

Deep, dark Riserva with a powerful berry bouquet and intense spicy notes and hints of damp forest floor. Taut on the palate, crisp fruit, solid tannins, good length. Lots of energy, nice spice and great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Very intense and inviting nose, flavours of raspberries, cherry jam and hazelnut biscuits. Firm tannins dominate the palate, lots of damson." Falstaff

"On the nose, the sweetness of cherry and vanilla is balanced by the gentle bitterness of orange zest and herbs. On the palate, a rush of chocolate invigorates the fruit element, but balance is maintained by an earthiness that's drawn out by chalky, clingy tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 is a blend of Sangiovese (90%) with smaller proportions of Merlot and Colorino. It shows a dark, saturated appearance and a heavy aromatic load of black fruits, ripe cherries, plums, spices and sweet floral earth. The wine finishes with medium concentration, herbal notes and the natural freshness of Sangiovese." Wine Advocate

"There's a good balance of fruit and oak here, with red berries and fine oak giving off a hint of vanilla. Medium to full-bodied with well-integrated fruit and oak tannins and a sort of plump feel on the palate. The finish is medium length at the moment but should lengthen with time in the bottle. Try it from mid-2024." James Suckling

Great Apulian aroma cinema of black cherries, dark berries, caramel, lovage, leather and toast notes. Just as typical on the palate: full, lush, very concentrated and with multilayered, sweet fruit in the long juicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark shining ruby red. Expressive on the nose, of cherry syrup and dried tomatoes, sage and mint, plus fine floral hints. On the palate with a creamy, melting entry, plus plenty of grippy tannin, punchy, savoury on clear fruit on the final." Falstaff

Filetta di Lamole comes from selected Lamole vineyards owned by the Manetti family at an altitude of 600 metres. A multi-layered, elegant Chianti Classico with nuanced flavours and a fascinating structure. Ruby red in colour with light reflections. A multi-layered bouquet of cherry, followed by slightly tarry notes, violets and wild flowers. You can recognise Fontodi's signature in this profound wine, and yet it is different because it is more subtle and restrained with its existing strengths. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby colour with purple reflections. Dense and inviting nose of ripe sour cherry, rosehip and fine spice. Fresh fruit on the palate, fine-grained tannins, juicy and carried by invigorating acidity through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

"Deep, youthful ruby red colour. Brooding, deep red fruit nose with salty, mineral notes. Loosened up and with a peppery tingle. Lush and energetic on the palate, with fantastic, gravelly tannins and plenty of juice. Real substance." Jancis Robinson

"The organically grown Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole offers bold, lifted fruit with almost carbonic tones of fresh cherry and raspberry. For those of you interested in Lamole fruit from cool climates and high altitudes, which tend to be more transparent and fresh overall, this wine emphasises that contemporary style." Wine Advocate

"An abundance of savoury herbs, juniper and heather pours from the glass. On the palate, it shows a beautiful clarity and energetic acidity, which is gently enveloped by long, flowing and confident tannins. And the dark red cherry stone radiates lightness and brightness." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole is fabulous. In fact, it is the best edition of this wine yet, combining all the aromatic intensity and energy of Lamole with an extra kick of fruit and suppleness on the mid-palate. Dark red cherry, plum, spice, rose petals, crushed rock and herbs create a multi-layered finish. What a wine." Vinous

Berlucchi's 61 Satèn is a soft, creamy Franciacorta. In the glass, it has an intense straw-yellow colour with a fine, even perlage and delicate foam. Smells of bread dough, apple pie and lemon zest, very aromatic and well-structured on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, bright straw yellow with persistent perlage. A fragrant nose of apricot and white peach, lemon balm and jasmine blossom. Good acidity structure and fruity core on the palate, with a slight almond flavour on the finish." Falstaff

"The softly effervescent and creamy mousse caresses the palate, carrying flavors of Asian pear, baked melon, marzipan, honeycomb and fleur de sel. Light notes of spices and smoke linger on the finish." Wine Spectator