Falstaff

Brilliant dark ruby colour, intense and inviting nose with a pronounced aroma of dark fruit, especially blackberry, followed by some liquorice. Firm and gripping on the palate with taut tannins, the Cavaliere shows its animating (Sangiovese) character over the course of the wine and maintains good pressure until the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, luminous ruby-garnet colour. On the nose, preserved cherries and plums, sealing wax, a hint of iodine and undergrowth as well as fine spice. Silky on the palate entry, flows harmoniously and balanced with precise fruit and gentle pressure to the lingering, fruity-sweet final." Falstaff

"This is a very cool Tuscan red wine with flavours of candied orange, watermelon and strawberry as well as fresh flowers and rose stems. Medium-bodied, firm and lively. Crisp and crunchy. So bright and delicious." James Suckling

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione for the first time in order to recognise the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiola.

Castello di Fonterutoli comes from 11 different plots at an altitude of 420-510 metres around the hamlet of Fonterutoli in Castellina in Chianti. It is both the "Château" and the oldest cru of the estate and was first produced in 1995 as the predecessor to today's Gran Selezione. Rich colour and a clear aroma of blackberries, cherries, violets and flowers, with a hint of nougat. This full-bodied Castello Fonterutoli impresses with its beguiling extract sweetness and polished tannins. The intense and concentrated flavour enchants the senses. The long final is full of elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Velvety and seductive in its style, finely woven and with polished tannins, accompanied by sweet fruit and a warm and full-bodied mouthfeel." Weinwisser

"Inviting red and black cherries, wild strawberries and woody notes; intense, balsamic and juicy freshness with grainy tannins." Decanter

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is a powerful, earthy wine. Black cherry, grilled herbs, menthol, liquorice, tobacco and dried herbs form the backbone of this powerful, earthy wine. With time in the glass, this wine opens up beautifully. Pretty floral accents and white pepper lift the finish." Vinous

"Lush and velvety, with aromas and flavours of cherry, plum, earth and iron as well as a hint of oak spice. A lively, firmly structured red wine with fine tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Wonderful bouquet of black cherries, herbs and violets, also pepper; extremely elegant in the mouth with a fine finish and tightly woven tannins, ends long on raspberry and violet notes, undergrowth and liquorice." Vinum

"The Mazzei 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli offers a rich texture, lots of dark fruit and an oak-accentuated overall approach. It finishes gently with cinnamon, baking spice and a sweet note of white chocolate." Wine Advocate

"Attractive aromas of red plums, dried cranberries, flavoured citrus peel, red spices and bark. Medium to full-bodied, broad and structured with ripe and well-integrated tannins and juicy fruit. Exciting. Shows notes of rose petals with crushed rock minerality. Long-lasting and lively finish." James Suckling

"Another great Gran Selezione project for Castello di Fonterutoli. Visciola, a hint of nettle and undergrowth, a nice iodine note on the finish, dense and compact mouthfeel, salty tannins, finish with a fruity and oily aftertaste. Persistent." Luca Gardini

Clerico's Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba shows all the appeal that this high altitude vineyard is capable of and Domenico Clerico's team interprets each vintage with elegance and intensity. Sweet macerated cherry, mint, spices, orange peel and raspberries linger on the lingering, vibrant and agile finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Firm, rather tart, youthful, slightly smoky aroma of more red than black berries with nutty tones, dried rose petals, tobacco ash, pomegranate seeds and traces of iodine and tar. Ripe, tart, juicy, clear, youthful fruit, present, yet crumbly tannin, smoky and slightly tobacco notes, a little dried herbs and rose petals again, persistent on the palate, moderate acidity, a certain depth, ethereal spice in the background, again pomegranate seeds, some salt in the background, again a hint of tar, peppery traces, elegant, almost dancing style with freshness, very good, firm, juicy and spicy finish." Wein-Plus

"Bright, light ruby colour with garnet-red nuances. Spicy and with compact fruit on the nose, notes of wild berries, clove and lemongrass, a hint of graphite. Velvety and soft on the palate, then with beautiful tension, precise fruit and fine freshness, very long." Falstaff

"Ripe fruit and floral aromas, complex palate with mixed berries, dried plums, pressed potpourri, dried flowers and leather, with prominent tannins." Decanter

"A mix of ripe cherry, strawberry, sweet spice and tobacco flavors mark this supple, accessible red, whose refined tannins leave a light powdery feel on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The Domenico Clerico 2020 Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba is characterised by spiced cranberry and blood orange. This vintage is open and front-heavy overall, but touches on all the main elements of the Nebbiolo play list. The wine is lean with young tannins. All in all, the oak is pleasantly restrained, and the wine only needs another year or two in the bottle for the fruit to fully develop." Wine Advocate

"This Barolo shows plums, cranberries, fresh roses, violets, pomegranate and blood oranges. This interpretation shows juicy acidity and ripe tannins with a slightly toasty finish and the dustiness of Nebbiolo, but with a spicy finish centred on liquorice. The tannins will soften and develop more complexity in two to three years." James Suckling

"An impressive example of the characteristics and potential of Barolo di Monforte. Blackberry on the nose, with. Notes of black pepper in grains and Roman mint. Drink intense and taut, whipped dark-skinned fruit, sweet spices and important mentholation finish." Luca Gardini

Bright ruby-garnet colour. Smooth and expressive on the palate, with sweet red cherries, blood orange, mint, wild flowers, cedar wood, sweet tobacco and aniseed. Very fine tannins on the palate, spicy, delicate and at the same time very rich and clear, with a long, balsamic final. Every year, Cascina Nuova is a prime example of how excellent Barolos can be produced at moderate prices. SUPERIORE.DE

"Inviting bouquet of forest fruits and flowers, fine spice; compact in the mouth and yet powerful, the tannins and acidity in balance, dark berry-spicy finish. Excellent food companion." Vinum

"Bright garnet with ruby red reflections. Opens slowly, but then smoky on wild berries, black plum, a hint of undergrowth. Great tension on the palate, with precise fruit, invigorating acidity, tightly woven tannins, elegant, very long finish." Falstaff

"Shiny and just medium ruby red in colour. Dusty, mineral and slowly opening up to subtle cherry. With plenty of air, vigour and vitality. Long, elegant cherry flavours, which are surrounded by supple acidity and long tannins that cling to the palate. Characteristic elegance. A high-flyer." Jancis Robinson

"The Elvio Cogno 2020 Barolo Cascina Nuova has a hint of smoke and barrel with lots of red fruits, redcurrants and cherries. There's an earthy element that combines well with the oak, and there's a tart or crisp side to the fruit that finishes with grippy tannins." Wine Advocate

"This wine is supple and complex, offering aromas and flavours of cherries, strawberries, summer meadows, earth, leather and iron. It is firmly structured and picks up hints of liquorice on the lingering finish, with solid but civilised tannins. Shows good potential." Wine Spectator

"Extremely perfumed with strawberries and forest floor with some sandalwood, roses and candied watermelon. It is medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are powerful and solid. Very persistent finish. Powerful on the finish. Classic Barolo character." James Suckling

"Freshness and juiciness for a wine of great drinkability. Red mulberry on the nose, with hints of geranium and blood orange, rounded off with a hint of eucalyptus. Spicy on the palate, with citrus and balsamic nuances. It ends with floral memories." Luca Gardini

Anadûron is the Celtic name for Naturns, which means "settlement by the swamp". The selection is a tribute to the Pratzner family's home village of Naturns. 12 months of fermentation and ageing in tonneau, 5 months in stainless steel and a further 31 months of ageing in the bottle.

Pretty and slightly exotic aroma of crushed stones, green plants and nectarines. Silky and youthfully dense on the palate with a net of minerality that skilfully envelops the tart fruit. The bright acidity provides a beautiful balance, Anadûron finishes long and full of spicy tension. Great ageing potential, Falkenstein's new masterpiece is at the beginning of a long journey on which it will continue to develop. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, bright yellow-green colour. Impressive nose with lots of rich, ripe peach fruit, plus plenty of apricot, underpinned by notes of flint, some sage. Juicy and with great tension on the palate, fully ripe vineyard peach, good tension, long finish." Falstaff

"Intense smoky notes with candied lemon, pineapple and white peach aromas. Very juicy and crisp, with a light to medium body, chewy acidity and substance on the finish." James Suckling

Traditionally vinified, its intense ruby red colour, the fruity aroma with spicy and balsamic notes and its gentle start on the palate, which builds furiously, are impressive. The high-class tannin structure rests between the soft components, so that this Brunello from the dream year 2019 simultaneously demonstrates elegance and strength without appearing too modern. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fragrant, very precisely framed bouquet with red berries, mineral notes and violets, hibiscus, with fine mineral hints behind it. Quite lean and powerful in the mouth, very fine style, coherent in itself." Weinwisser

"Clear, slightly warm, somewhat nutty and hinted at tobacco-like aroma of ripe red and black berries with bloody and cedary traces. Ripe, firm, juicy, still undeveloped fruit, relatively present, crumbly-sandy, ripe tannins, slightly smoky and nutty oak notes, persistent on the palate, some bite, certain depth, cooling mineral elements, dark spice, very good, firm, tart-juicy and spicy finish." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby red with brightening edges. Opens with notes of fresh cherries, some rosehip and light tobacco. Fine-meshed, polished tannins in the attack and on the palate, still young overall, fine salinity on the final." Falstaff

"The 2019 is forward and rich in flavours. Sun-soaked oily herbs and grilled Mediterranean shrubs are reminiscent of late summer in Tuscany. Mint and rosemary are repeated on the full-bodied, powerful palate. The tannins are mostly ripe, but a slight astringency provides a pleasant aftertaste. More rustic than elegant, but it will certainly have its fans." Decanter

"Aromas of balsamic herbs and dark chocolate give way to dried black cherries and pine shavings as the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino draws the taster to the glass. This is a supple and racy wine with a cool acidity and dark red fruits that flow over a silky textural wave. The finish is savoury and long, but also remarkably fresh, with edgy tannins that linger as the notes of salted liquorice slowly fade. The wine's balance is stunning, but don't be fooled by the 2019's openness; this is a wine for the cellar." Vinous

"A firm and silky Brunello with berry, cherry, cedar and meat flavours. It's medium-bodied and fairly dense, but shows some polish. Better after 2026." James Suckling

"The Fanti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino offers dark fruit and an articulate bouquet with elements of ripeness and balsamic herbs, unfolding its aromas in hints of liquorice, dark plums, smoked tobacco and sweet floral earth. On the palate, Brunello di Montalcino reveals much of its intensity with an abundance of ripe fruit that gently fades in the mid-palate. The tannins are gently integrated." Wine Advocate

"This silky red wine, which evokes flavours of cherries, strawberries and hibiscus, is harmonious and elegant. Mineral and wild herbal elements add details that carry through to the long, energising aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Red mulberries on the nose, hints of star anise, wild rosemary and chinotto. Salty tannins on the palate, hints of small fruits and spicy notes." Luca Gardini

Fine Franciacorta brut in light yellow gold with a delicate mousse. Very complex and intense on the nose, characterised by fine ripe yeast notes, brioche, delicately spiced, juicy yellow fruit, some peach and citrus. Complex and powerful on the palate, juicy fruit, with a fresh structure, a seductive, minimal extract sweetness on the finish and fine red berry nuances on the taut final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with light golden reflections and persistent perlage. Toast on the nose, yellow peach, ripe yellow apple, iodine, cold candle wax in the aftertaste. Juicy on the palate, with clear, radiant fruit, well balanced, citrus notes of sugared grapefruit on the final, grippy finish." Falstaff

"Intoxicating nose with lush fruit, toast and floral notes; dried herbs, camomile and lemon brioche on the finish." Decanter

"Rich opening notes of apricot tart, marzipan and vanilla-infused pastry cream expand on the finely detailed mousse, animated by a well-honed frame of Meyer lemon peel acidity. Lavish yet focused and nicely trimmed, with ripe fruit, smoke and toast elements echoing on the clean-cut finish." Wine Spectator

"Elegant nose with subtle lemon curd, lime, acacia honey and pastries. Full-bodied on the palate with piquant acidity, fine mousseux, medium body and great length." James Suckling

Terre Brune is a Carignano, with a small proportion of Bovaleddu, of seductive balance and fruitiness and one of the best reds in Sardinia every year. Matured in barriques, it has a fresh but ripe fruit on the nose with a slight hint of cocoa. On the palate, it has a beautiful depth with present tannins. An exemplary wine vinified with love and full of regional typicity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, dense ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Ripe aromas of blackberry and blueberry, herbal flavours and hints of liquorice on the nose. Dense and fruity on the palate, very fine tannins and a long, balanced final." Falstaff

"Fine and creamy, this elegant red wine offers fireworks of raspberry and strawberry fruit, as well as accents of lavender, incense, tea rose and thyme. Juicy and fresh, with supple, fine-grained tannins that are evident on the mineral, tarry and salty finish." Wine Spectator

"A savory nose features aromas of old leather, top soil, coffee and herbs, for an overall spicy, earthy feel. The palate is tangy and fresh, with black-cherry notes and a potent floral component, before a bitter-chocolate undertone sets up a finish of resurgent earth and spices. Tannins and acid are lithe, but anchored in that earthy depth." Wine Enthusiast

"I love the flavours of liquorice and herbs alongside chocolate cherries and plums. There's also a hint of vanilla and praline. It's creamy, slightly chewy and full-bodied, with berry-like tannins and a long and wonderfully smooth finish. Makes you want more." James Suckling

"Dark cherry, blueberry, followed by a hint of ink and graphite, classic aromatic garrigue herbs with fine and juicy tannins." Decanter

Since summer 2023, Chianti Classico producers have been allowed to include the eleven additional geographical indications (UGA = unità geografiche aggiuntive) introduced in 2021 on the labels of the top Gran Selezione category. For Chianti Classico winegrowers, it is a logical step to produce wines that reflect the area in which they were produced as authentically as possible. And customers can thus deepen their knowledge of the relationship between the wines and their region of origin - a real added value.

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione for the first time in order to recognise the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiola.

Castello di Fonterutoli comes from 11 different plots at an altitude of 420-510 metres around the hamlet of Fonterutoli in Castellina in Chianti. It is both the "Château" and the oldest cru of the estate and was first produced in 1995 as the predecessor to today's Gran Selezione. Rich colour and a clear aroma of blackberries, cherries, violets and flowers, with a hint of nougat. This full-bodied Castello Fonterutoli impresses with its beguiling extract sweetness and polished tannins. The intense and concentrated flavour enchants the senses. The long final is full of elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Still somewhat restrained berry aromas, notes of tobacco and spices; full-bodied on the palate with a perfectly balanced acid-tannin structure and plenty of character, which manifests itself in the finish in notes of blackcurrants and undergrowth." Vinum

"Intense, sparkling ruby colour with purple reflections. Multi-layered bouquet with notes of juicy cherry, pepper, coffee and ebony, exciting. Very juicy and with lush fruit on the palate, with well-integrated tannins and invigorating acidity through to the long finish." Falstaff

"Youthful, concentrated ruby red colour. Balsamic nose with a minty edge and a hint of leather. Juicy, almost racy cherry fruit on the palate, followed by a lot of grainy tannins. This wine definitely needs and deserves more time." Jancis Robinson

"Really beautiful aromas of violets, berries, sandalwood and cherries. It's medium-bodied with round and polished tannins that run the length of the wine, showing lovely finesse and concentration. Juicy on the finish. It needs two or three years to open up and show what it is made of." James Suckling

"The Mazzei 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castellina Castello Fonterutoli is made from vines closest to the winery's headquarters in Castellina. It stands somewhere between the broad, warm appeal of Castelnuovo Berardenga and the more acidic wines from Radda. This happy medium is characterised by a medium-weight texture and very bright cherry flavours that are particularly easy to detect. A hint of crushed stone frames the generous fruit in this version." Wine Advocate

With the 2018 Brunello, Campogiovanni succeeds in making an extremely successful and classic appearance: dense garnet red with a well-perfumed bouquet of black fruits, espresso, grilled meat and Asian-like spicy aromas. Viscous and concentrated on the palate, and despite its power and expressiveness, it reveals a dedication to elegance and finesse even at a young age. Exceptionally good! SUPERIORE.DE

"Engaging aromas of raspberries and violets, also pepper; pithy on the palate, the tannins robust, the texture fresh, lovely berry-wood finish." Vinum

"Bright, radiant ruby red. In the nose lots of sweet wood, vanilla, roasted hazelnuts, delicate fumé, frisich, cherries and blood oranges. On the palate with sweetish fruit, dominated by the use of wood, wide-meshed tannin in the finish." Falstaff

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is remarkably beautiful with a fruit-driven bouquet of wild strawberries, sweet rose and cinnamon spice. It has a soft texture and lively acidity that gives it a juicy character, while peppery red berries and sweet herbal tones resonate. The palate remains watery as a train of sloppy tannins and a note of sour cherry with citrus flavours slowly fade away. After a short stay in the cellar, this zesty wine will give much pleasure." Vinous

"Expressive nose of olives, sour cherries, plum seeds, tomato leaves, cardamom and spice box. It is full-bodied with firm, slightly chewy tannins. Structured and well-framed, with sophisticated spice notes on the finish. Try it in 2025." James Suckling

"The Campogiovanni 2018 Brunello di Montalcino definitely shows a lot of richness and concentration, translating into more fruit weight and texture. The effect is a little heavy and overdone in my opinion, and this vintage prioritises brawn over nuanced detail. There's a lot coming at once, with ripe plums, blackberries and spice." Wine Advocate

"The nose is metallic and stony, with a puff of petrol, like a road trip in winter, but also brighter notes of bergamot, black currant and black cherry. The palate embraces the bitter fruitiness of bergamot before savory notes return for a bitter finish. A balanced, polished and integrated wine." Wine Enthusiast

"Very reminiscent of Sangiovese, this red wine combines both fruity and spicy elements - cherry, strawberry, hibiscus, wet hay, iron and tobacco - with a firm structure. Expressive, balanced, lively and long, with stiff tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

This complex and radiant Bianco comes from the stony, chalky soils around Margreid. Bright golden yellow in colour with silver highlights. Intense bouquet of candied fruit, exotic spices and a hint of vanilla. Full-bodied on the palate, with good acidity and a savoury final, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, bright light golden yellow colour. Appealing nose with notes of bergamot, lime, fresh peach and some saffron. Playful notes on the nose, some fresh tree resin, plus lime and apricot, firm pressure, salty final." Falstaff

"A finely meshed white, silky in texture and framed by well-cut acidity and a lightly chalky texture, with a skein of cardamom, clove and white pepper spices winding through a delicate mesh of poached apricot, mandarin orange peel, dried mint and sweet smoke notes that linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

The profound Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, made from 100 per cent Sangiovese from the small Campo ai Peri vineyard, exudes a pleasantly warm aroma of red berries, flowers, spices and liquorice. Intense fruitiness on the palate with a charming, fine texture, fresh acidity and a great balance of extract sweetness, acidity and tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright cherry flavours, floral notes, very lively on the nose. Deep wine with striking minerality, compact and structured, fresh acidity, taut tannins, underpinned by juicy fruit sweetness, has tension and a stony character, still a little restrained." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby colour with a slightly brightening rim. Opens with notes of blackberries and ripe plums, some liquorice and pepper. Clear on the palate with full-bodied tannins, builds for a long time, somewhat metallic on the final, dries out, still needs longer ageing." Falstaff

"Intriguing blackberry and dried flower flavours, also leather notes; the attack is full-bodied with a perfectly balanced tannin-acid structure, the finish finely chiselled with stone fruit aromas, also tobacco notes. To wild duck with polenta." Vinum

"Aromas of cherry chocolate, red plums, mild spices and hazelnuts. Medium to full-bodied, structured and velvety with crisp and delicate fruit and polished tannins. Floral and mineral on the finish." James Suckling

"The nose reveals intensely spicy aromas of old leather, balsamic and damp earth, enlivened by a hint of cherry syrup. This fruit element explodes on the palate with a cornucopia of berries, but the earthiness lingers as an undertone before a synthesising final finish. The acidity floods a valley of fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi Campo ai Peri 2019 from Le Cinciole is an exquisite wine that is immediately seductive. More than anything, I admire its purity and delineation. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, rose petals and dried herbs are finely chiselled in this chiselled, vibrant Gran Selezione. Le Cinciole sets the standard. What a great wine this is." Vinous

"The aromas of tarragon, jasmine and camomile slowly unfold against a background of pulverised stone. The palate is youthful and shows a sinewy substance. It blends in evenly and lands with mineral vigour. Distinct accents of bitter orange underpin the firm, chiselled tannins, and there is no lack of lively acidity." Decanter

Benanti's new red comes 100% from the Monte Serra vineyard (Contrada) and from 13-100 year old Nerello Mascalese vines. The maximum production per year is just 6,000 bottles. It delights with its lively flavour and silky texture with beautiful cassis notes, enormous energy and terrificminerality and ends with a wonderfully long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine comes from the historic vineyard around the very attractive winery. It is very complex with graphite nuances, ripe red berries, raspberry pulp, redcurrants and delicate floral notes. It is strikingly reminiscent of a Barolo with its earthy and dense character." Weinwisser

"Clear, more red than black berry nose with nutty aromas, some dried flowers, a hint of tobacco, hints of tar and tomato essence. Ripe, tart, juicy, firm, yet transparent fruit, restrained nutty flavours, some cocoa and pepper, herbal nuances, a certain acid bite and ripe, fine, quite present tannins, persistent on the palate, lots of salt, tobacco and smoky nuances, very good, firm finish." Wein-Plus

"A slightly chewy, medium-bodied red wine with notes of sun-dried cherries, rich loamy earth, grilled herbs and mocha finely interwoven with silky tannins. There are hints of tar and spice accents on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra 2021 is dusty, floral and yet delicate. It smells of red fruits and spices with hints of rose. It flows easily over the palate, soft and round, gaining traction through a core of mineral, tart cherry and strawberry flavours. A crisp cranberry lingers along with edgy tannins and a hint of residual acidity that provides a lovely freshness. This is a beautiful interpretation of Monte Serra." Vinous

"The Benanti 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra (with fruit from the Viagrande side of the volcano) shows a floral and slightly more fragrant side of Nerello Mascalese. It is packed with red berries and small background details reminiscent of volcanic rock, mountain herbs and dried lavender. On the palate, the wine is straightforward and linear with very fine and dusty tannins." Wine Advocate

"Fine garnet red colour. Animating, elegant aroma of cherry and redcurrant, fresh herbs, spicy aftertaste. Strong structure on the palate, noticeable acidity and present tannins, powerful, fruity final." Falstaff

"Aromas of strawberries and cherries emerge first on the nose, but savoury notes of herbs, spices, earth and stone soon follow. The savoury elements unfold on the palate, which is built on a foundation of salty, fleshy flavours, but a citrus tone underlines the fruit of the nose, while the acidity escalates on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"It has a nice acidity, with chocolaty red fruits in the mouth, accompanied by lots of spice, leading to a long woody, balsamic finish." Decanter

"Aromas of fresh plums, peaches and nectarines with some lemon blossom. Some caramel. Full-bodied yet unobtrusive with wonderfully finely structured tannins that spread openly across the palate. Oranges at the end with some candied lemons." James Suckling

The South Tyrolean Pinot Noir Riserva Anrar is fresh and light on the palate with wild berries and cassis, followed by dried mint and lavender flavours. This red wine fermented in steel and matured in barriques is silky and smooth, almost without rough edges. Cantina Andriano Kellerei Andrian works with a skilful hand when it comes to Pinot Noir, preserving the nuanced elegance of the grape variety's aromas. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very clear in colour and aroma with a contoured fruity body and typical Pinot aromas. Finely woven and full of finesse on the palate with marvellous cherry notes, red flowers, fine-meshed tannins, good length. A very fragrant Pinot. Bravo!" Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red with a garnet-red rim. Nose of cherries and raspberries, then slightly smoky from the wood maturation. Mouth-filling on the palate, with a fine tannin structure and a long, fruity final." Falstaff

"This Pinot Noir is expressive from the start, opening with aromas of fresh red berries, sweet baking spices and forest floor. On the palate, the wine takes shape with an elegance that belies its youthfulness, while the flavours of cherry, clove, vanilla and fresh earth work together harmoniously on the lively finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The South Tyrolean Pinot Noir Riserva Anrar 2020 comes straight from the land of sweets and immediately reveals aromas of cherry lollipops and watermelon. On the second nose, the flavours become spicy, with sandalwood. The wine is fluid with an interesting evolution, and there is a hint of grilled herbs or pressed rose on the finish." Wine Advocate

Open-hearted, very appealing bouquet of tart berry fruit, forest floor, bitter almond, blue flowers and grilled herbs. The palate has the typical Sangiovese profile of bright red berries, with wonderfully integrated acidity and freshness. A classic every year and unbeatable with white meat dishes and sugos. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red in colour. The nose has notes of red fruits, berries, floral notes of violets and sweet vanilla spice. Soft on the palate, with good structure and a pleasant return of fruit. Long finish, pleasant freshness." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is deep, fat and lush, making it a good choice to drink now and over the next few years. Dark cherry, plum, incense, tobacco and chocolate give this fleshy Chianti Classico great appeal." Vinous

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is made from 90% Sangiovese and a small proportion of Malvasia Nera and Colorino, all aged for 12 months in oak. This wine offers a classic interpretation of Castellina in Chianti with bright fruit, lots of cherry, background tones of earth and crushed flowers. You will appreciate the underlying energy and finesse of this wine." Wine Advocate

"Perfumed, with flowers, dark berries and some raspberries. Medium body with a solid core of fruit and firm tannins. Hints of chocolate and berries. Tasty finish. Still needs a little time to open up, but is already precise and concentrated." James Suckling

"Point of reference of the type, from an accurate selection of the farm parcels. Notes of red raspberry on the nose, Valdostan mint and floral touches of rosehip. Iodized taste, with fruity-mentholated comeback and a pleasant juicy-taut drinkability." Luca Gardini

Brut Nature is Guido Berlucchi's vintage Franciacorta, which does not require any dosage (zero) and thus perfectly rounds off the top end of the 61 collection. The "61" line stands for the year of birth of the first Franciacorta, which was created in 1961 in the centuries-old Berlucchi vineyards. The grapes come from four vineyards between Corte Franca and Provaglio d'Iseo. In its purity, the cuvée perfectly embodies the expression of the terroir and shows the fascination of Chardonnay. Despite its 0 grams of residual sugar, it is rich and full-bodied on the palate. Very big! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, brilliant straw yellow with a fine perlage. Light yeasty notes on the nose, brioche and baked apple, with candied lemon and roasted almonds in the background. Powerful perlage on the palate, beautiful acidity and a long, bone-dry final." Falstaff

"This brut nature opens with green herbs and white peach on the nose, flinty and clean. Exceptional fruit concentration is refreshed by fine perlage and smoky acidity. The finish shows integrated developing tertiary notes, demonstrating complexity and promise for further ageing." Decanter

"Sliced pears, lemons, green apples and biscuits on the nose. It’s crisp, clean and medium-bodied, with fine bubbles and restrained fruit. Dry and focused, with a sharp and mouthwatering finish." James Suckling

"A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Nero, the Guido Berlucchi 2016 Franciacorta '61 Nature Dosaggio Zero sees the finest lots of fruit in oak barrel for six months followed by a minimum five years in bottle. The bouquet emits a mix of dried lemon and baked apple with softly toasted notes to flesh out the mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"This exciting wine is full of energy and vibrancy. The blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir has compelling aromas of tart apples, candied citrus zest, fresh pastry dough and wild herbs. The palate is dry and leads off with lemon zest, green pear, thyme and marjoram, finishing with roasted almonds and minerality." Wine Enthusiast

Satta's almost black-violet Syrah with an extraordinary bouquet of blueberry and blackberry liqueur, tar and graphite shines with richness and intensity. Not a flatterer, but not an edgy representative either - a sensational wine for today and the years to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, brightening ruby red colour. Fragrant, appealing and clear nose of fresh cherries, ripe raspberries, some wild strawberries, rose hips and blood oranges, very fragrant, with elegant floral notes. On the palate with a savoury melt and great freshness, very lively and with a great nerve, accessible, best enjoyed a few degrees cooler, very elegant." Falstaff

"The Michele Satta 2021 Syrah shows some of the almost rusty qualities that the grape can produce, but also has hints of peppercorns and spice. It is lean for a Syrah from Tuscany, and this is a welcome characteristic. It offers delicate flavours of dusty rose, spice and powdery tannins. This expression is elegant and restrained. Only 3,300 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"A subtle and friendly syrah with green tobacco, graphite, dried earth, spices and dark fruit. Medium-bodied, refined and flavorful with a firm and bright finish. Chewy at the end." James Suckling

Since the 2018 vintage, a small amount of Merlot has been vinified separately at Rampolla, named after the mother Donna Liù. The unfiltered wine was matured for 12 months in terracotta amphorae and fermented to almost 0 g/l residual sugar. Very elegant, fresh nose of sour cherry, laurel and cassis. Fresh on the palate and without the sometimes exuberant opulence of some other Tuscan Merlots, with a precise cherry fruit and salty-minty component. A finely chiselled Merlot that is hard to beat in terms of freshness, clarity and personality. It bridges the gap wonderfully between the Chianti Classico and the two flagships of the house, Sammarco and d'Alceo. Needs a few more years in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, sparkling ruby colour with a pronounced violet hue. Open and accessible nose of blackberries and fresh plums, delicate spicy notes in the background, some cigar box. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, fine, delicate tannins, savoury." Falstaff

"Lots of crushed blackberries and blueberries with flowers follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a bright, tangy finish. Needs a couple of years to open." James Suckling

"The 2020 Merlot Liu' bristles with extreme purity. Aging in 3/4 cement and 1/4 amphora helps preserve tremendous purity of fruit. Blueberry, spice, lavender, chocolate and licorice are all dialed up. Sweet floral and spice notes add brightness throughout." Vinous

"Vinified in cement and in amphorae made of cocciopesto, a mixture that includes ground up tiles, stone fragments and sand, this savory Merlot is simply delicious. Smooth and polished, it boasts juicy black cherry, blackberry, orange zest and star anise before a minty finish. Lithe tannins give a silky mouthfeel while fresh acidity keeps it bright." Wine Enthusiast

"Now in its third vintage, the Castello dei Rampolla 2020 Liù is a fine and impeccably detailed wine. You taste bright fruit, cherry and dusty limestone with incredible focus, as if these things were under a microscope. That dusty mineral note of pencil shaving or chalkboard is especially beautiful. The finish is lean, or mid-weight, and there are hints of dried mint and black olive on the close. The bouquet is beautifully nuanced and the mouthfeel is more compact." Wine Advocate

Rich, deep dark ruby colour with a fine violet sheen. Compact and appealing nose, showing crisp fruit, especially blackcurrants and mulberries, underpinned by fine chocolate tones. Extremely precise on the palate too: ripe, fresh fruit, opens with firm, tightly woven tannins, develops rich pressure, then juicy and long-lasting on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Fragrant on the nose, of precious wood, graphite, a hint of stone fruit, delicate floral tones and some candle wax on the finish. Polished on the palate, with clear fruit and well-integrated tannins, savoury, has a certain light-footedness in the finish without being ponderous, a striking wine that invites you to drink it." Falstaff

"The nose starts with a soft-serve swirl of vanilla and milk chocolate, then deepens into the richer sweetness of dark cherry syrup, which is balanced by the crackling sharpness of pepper and graphite." Wine Enthusiast

Scenario is Argentiera's new top-quality Vermentino from the Bolgheri DOC. The grapes were matured in equal parts in ceramic eggs (clayvers) and long barrique barrels (cigars). Fine nutty notes and the aroma of pale green apples emerge in the glass, accompanied by floral notes with a hint of lime and melon peel. Beautiful texture, mouth-filling, taut freshness with citrus and orange flavours. A delicious wine both young and with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Vermentino, animates with its suppleness, but also the harmony of finesse and above all fruitiness, discreetly supported by a ripe acidity and pleasant balsamic notes." Vinum

"Sparkling, light golden yellow colour. Delicate, finely characterised bouquet of lemon zest, yellow peach, plus notes of wet stone and a hint of nutmeg. Velvety texture on the palate, with a delicate grip and invigorating acidity, juicy and persistent through to the mineral finish." Falstaff

"A multi-layered and very pretty Vermentino with sliced pears and green apples with a little lemongrass. Full-bodied, but not heavy. Hints of lime and minerals. Aromatic finish. Matured in clay ceramic vessels and small cigar-shaped barrels." James Suckling

It could easily be mistaken for a very high-quality St Emilion from a cooler vintage! A compact and finesse-rich Merlot-Cabernet from old vineyards and vinified according to traditional methods. Deep dark red in colour, with complex, berry aromas on the nose. On the palate, the Cuvée Anticus impresses with pleasantly ripe fruit, velvety tannins and a wonderful texture. Lush and almost endless finish! SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Ripe fruit on the nose, Amarena cherry and blackcurrant, as well as spice and forest floor. Precise fruit and balanced acidity structure on the palate, lingering finish with great spicy notes." Falstaff

"Currant, cigar tobacco and hints of blackberry aromas follow through to a medium to full body, with creamy tannins and a juicy finish. Light velvet. Some tar and black olives as well." James Suckling

The Nerello grapes (100% Mascalese) come from the northern slope of Etna from plots in the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the Rovittello district. Opens in a delicate ruby red colour, then fine, heady, spicy on the nose, revealing a pretty basket of red fruits after a few minutes of aeration. Initially closed on the palate, only gradually revealing its flavour facets, then medium pressure in the middle, with a very fine structure and almost Burgundian finesse and elegance. The finish is harmonious and of excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, shiny garnet red with an orange rim. Redcurrant, orange zest and pomegranate on the nose, with hints of herbs. On the palate, great fruit melting and appealing juiciness, balanced and with grippy, fine tannins." Falstaff

"A tight-knit version that offers a core of chalky tannins interwoven with chopped cherries and wild strawberries, aromatic lavender, thyme and woody spices. It's focused and gives a broad-shouldered feel without being heavy." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo has a dark and deep red colour, with an inviting bouquet of dried roses, ash, redcurrants and orange zest. It is silky smooth, elegant and refined, with a soothing wave of ripe red and blue fruits energised by a core of zesty acidity. It leaves a crisp, tart cranberry concentration that finishes with a layer of fine-grained tannins. The Dafara Galluzzo has an underlying power and complexity that will only unfold with time." Vinous

"A well-made Etna, very fresh and vivid with orange-peel and strawberry character. Medium-bodied, it has fine, vertical tannins and a lightly chewy finish. Nicely structured." James Suckling