Falstaff

Planeta's fabulous Grillo is an extremely classic Sicilian, aromatic-fresh and intense on the nose with notes of pink grapefruit, balanced, firm and with a lot of tension on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

The country dance (controdanza) is a typical dance in which man and woman face each other and unite in graceful movements - depending on their gender, the dancers interpret the music in their own way. This wine is exactly the same: Nero d'Aola and Merlot - opposites attract and, with the right sensitivity, can harmonise and contrast wonderfully.

Strong purple colour. Mulberry and plum contrast with incense and balsamic notes. The grapes all come from chalky soils, which in turn creates a bridge and makes this young wine balanced and harmonious. Soft tannins and a beautifully integrated, delicate acidity carry Controdanza into a supple, medium-length finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby colour with garnet-red reflections. Inviting on the nose, fruity flavours of cherry and wild berries, underpinned by spicy notes. Full fruit on the palate, dense tannins, mouth-filling, juicy with a lingering final." Falstaff

"Fragrant, with floral, spicy and mineral accents, this wine displays a creamy palette of plump cherry and warm fig fruit flavours, enveloping slightly chewy tannins. Fresh, long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of baked cherries, mushrooms, basil and grated nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied with fine tannins. Beautifully ripe red fruits on the palate, with a subtle savoury character. Finishes with vanilla." James Suckling

"The nose starts with a balanced blend of vanilla and herbs, then becomes a little sharper, but remains balanced with flavours of pepper, pencil shavings and black cherries. On the palate, the tension between fruit and earth continues, with the cherries hovering over herbal, umami undertones. The acidity dances past the chewy tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Controdanza opens with a burst of wild berries and spices, complicated by chalk dust and hints of crushed violet candies. This is juicy and lively on the palate with vivid wild blueberry fruit and purple/blue inner florals that amass toward the close. It finishes classically dry with a pleasantly bitter tinge, leaving notes of licorice and sage to slowly fade." Vinous

Cerasuolo di Vittoria - an established local red with a great tradition and just as much character. Typical aroma of the wines from Vittoria: Aromas of red berries, cherries, prickly pear, ginger and fruit sweets. Flavoursome, extremely complex, fresh, lively and yet balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a violet shimmer. The bouquet has an intense aroma of ripe raspberries, followed by a spicy flavour with a hint of dark chocolate. Clear and precise on the palate with finesse and elegance, espresso retronasal, well-integrated and fine-grained tannins, medium-long finish." Falstaff

"Notes of juicy cherries and boysenberries are underscored by tar, smoke and grilled herbs in this lively, light to medium-bodied red wine that finishes silky and savoury." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, there are aromas of cherry blossom, raspberry and blood orange, as well as spicy notes of pencil shavings and black tea. On the palate, cherries and raspberries macerate, but the sanguine, almost chalky bitterness of the tea leaves lingers before a salted chocolate finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The peppery and floral Cerasuolo di Vittoria 2022 smells of a spicy blend of crushed wild berries and savoury herbs. It opens with a lovely inner sweetness and crisp red and blue fruits. A tantalising acidity refreshes the palate towards the end. It finishes classically dry, but fresh and floral, leaving a violet finish." Vinous

Sabazio, a ruby red Rosso di Montepulciano, smells of sweet aromas of black cherries mixed with notes of undergrowth. Medium-bodied on the palate with lively acidity, good freshness and a beautiful structure and harmony. Clear, clean enjoyment. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red with a cherry-red rim. Fresh plum and coffee on the nose, some vegetal notes, black olive and fine spice on the finish. Raw, juicy on the palate, with fine pressure and broad tannins." Falstaff

"The 2022 Rosso di Montepulciano Sabazio opens with an inviting bouquet of roses, crushed raspberries and spices. It is a soft and enveloping effort. Vibrant wild berry fruit and lively acidity provide a lovely energy. Liquorice and cloves mingle with a hint of sour cherry as the 2022 finishes wonderfully fresh and with admirable length." Vinous

San Vincenzo with its nuances of fine herbs, which combine with the aromas of peach and almonds, conquers the palate with a firm, optimally structured, fresh flavour. It finishes long and full of character. And last but not least, the San Vincenzo impresses with its favourable price! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, light golden yellow colour. Fruity, spicy bouquet of juicy grapefruit, mirabelle plums, a hint of honeycomb and white pepper. Velvety on the palate with a fruity centre, dancing acidity, harmonious and with a delicate salty finish." Falstaff

"Lots of fresh fern character with citrus on the nose. Medium-bodied with dense lemon curd and zest, but the herbal element is always present, as is a hint of spice. Long finish with a hint of fresh mint. Lots to savour here. Quite complex." James Suckling

Here comes one of Italy's favourite rosati: bright salmon pink, with a nose of peach, berries and hints of cherry. The flavourful finish is crisp and fruity. The "Anniversario" comes from vines that are around 50 years old and is the house's top Rosato. It was vinified for the first time in 1993 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Five Roses. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light baby pink with silver-coloured reflections. Elegant on the nose with notes of currant and blueberry, plus spicy notes. Fresh, precise and with compact fruit on the palate, juicy and powerful through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

Ruby red colour interspersed with slivers of garnet, with an intense and concentrated bouquet of red berries, liquorice and some flint. The flavour reveals a pleasingly juicy extract with beautifully balanced wood tones and floral notes. An excellently vinified Cirò Classico Riserva with very fine tannins and harmonious acidity - just the way friends of southern Italian wines love it. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate, bright garnet red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Open on the nose, with red-fruity aromas of blackberry and sour cherry, followed by some cooked rhubarb and black pepper. Animating, juicy, clear and precise on the palate with well-integrated tannins, medium palate pressure and a round final." Falstaff

"On the nose, red blackberries, a hint of cinnamon, pepper leaf and a touch of wild mint. Salty palate, with a fruity, mentholated return." Luca Gardini

Caprais Montefalco Rosso is an attractive red made predominantly from Sangiovese with small amounts of Sagrantino and Merlot. The aroma is unmistakably of black cherries and violets. Juicy and playful on the palate, with balanced acidity that enlivens the crisp red berry fruit, which leaves a slight mineral touch towards the end. Plenty of power and freshness, good structure, elegant on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with a light, purple rim. Fragrant, fresh and fruity nose of crisp blackberries and blueberries, with savoury notes behind. On the palate with a sweet, fruity flavour and firm, spicy tannins, above-average length." Falstaff

"The wildly fresh 2022 Montefalco Rosso rises from the glass with a fragrant blend of wet stones, incense and lavender-flavoured blackberries. It is silky-smooth yet airy, with a texture of pure silk and ripe wild berries accompanied by cooling acidity. Chalky mineral tones and savoury spice linger as the 2022 finishes with powerful length, yet clean and precise. This is a wonderful introduction to the style of Arnaldo Caprai." Vinous

"Intense wine with aromas of blackberries, herbs and camphor. On the palate, it shows good fruit concentration, a medium body and fleshy, chewy tannins with a fairly dry finish, but good acidity." James Suckling

Golden yellow Falanghina with shimmering greenish reflections and a pleasantly fresh scent of broom. Well-structured on the palate, very full-bodied and complex with balanced acidity and flavours of pomegranate and a very delicate floral note on the finish. Svelato - open and unveiled, as its name suggests. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium straw yellow with green reflections. Very floral on the nose, chamomile, sage and meadow flowers, with some banana and white peach in the background. Vibrant on the palate, straightforward, with a fine melting texture and a citrus flavour on the finish." Falstaff

"A bright and fleshy white wine with aromas and flavours of peach, pear and salted almonds. It is medium to full-bodied with a savoury undertone in the stone fruit." James Suckling

Ramitello impresses with an immense aroma of intense red fruit flavours and delicate balsamic notes. The taste is warm and full, with rich fruit tones spiced with a hint of tobacco, coffee and liquorice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very dark ruby red with garnet reflections and a violet-coloured core. Very ripe blackberry and blueberry fruit on the nose, followed by earthy notes, eucalyptus and coffee powder. The palate shows great balance and equilibrium, the long final is very fruit-driven, the grippy tannins full of tension." Falstaff

"A concentrated, tasty red wine with aromas and flavours of mulberry, laurel, sage and black bean. It is full-bodied, dark fruity and balanced with medium-bodied tannins." James Suckling

Our price-performance favourite at a high level: pure and juicy Primitivo with a shimmering purple, dark ruby red colour and the scent of cherries soaked in alcohol, chocolate and hazelnut. The full, warm and well-structured flavour has good length and pleasing, slightly sweet tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red with brightening edges. Forest berries and pomegranate on the nose, some dried thyme and rooibos. Initially light-footed on the palate, with fresh fruit and good juiciness, showing grippy tannins and fine spice on the finish." Falstaff

Mazzei's uncompromising rosato made from Sangiovese and Syrah is a beautifully balanced, generous wine. Fine, floral bouquet of red fruits, medium-bodied on the palate. This marvellous rosé offers plenty of harmony and freshness and finishes polished with a delicate pressure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, light salmon pink colour. Restrained, almost shy nose with hints of creamy raspberries and a touch of camomile. Silky on the palate entry, with beautiful fruit melting in the centre and medium length." Falstaff

"A fresh and flavourful rosé with notes of cranberry, redcurrant, peach skin and cherry blossom. Medium-bodied, silky and structured, with delicious fruit reminiscent of crisp nectarines and cherries. Dry and polished." James Suckling

Intense and pure fruit bouquet. Lively on the palate with beautiful blackberry components and hints of the origin of clay and limestone soils. Well-knit tannins guide this refined and full-bodied cuvée into a thoroughly respectable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, sparkling purple red colour. Ripe blackberry fruit dominates the nose. Initially agile and juicy on the palate, builds pressure in the centre, present tannins, spicy final." Falstaff

"This is a savory and juicy red with notes of plums, orange peel and wet earth on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with fine, powdery tannins. Youthful and very approachable." James Suckling

A Vermentino di Gallura with a strong personality from the DOCG of the same name, which is located in Sardinia between the provinces of Sassari and Nuoro. A complex, soft white wine with an aroma of tropical fruits that is unrivalled in its price range. Fresh on the palate, with a fine minerality and good persistence. A hint of tension lingers on the finish, reminiscent of sour citrus fruits and rosemary. Branu is full of energy and crisp Vermentino fruit. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright lemon yellow colour. Floral bouquet in the first nose, later some pear and white pepper. Juicy on the palate with clear fruit sweetness, green acidity, medium-long final." Falstaff

"On the nose, there are nutty and herbal aromas, but also lively notes of narcissus and citrus fruits. All these elements reappear on the palate, while a pinch of salt and white pepper and a lively acidity provide a fresh, crackling sensation." Wine Enthusiast

Gavi di Gavi from Olim Bauda impresses with its wonderful balance and fruitiness. Yellow fruit, mint and mineral flavours conquer the senses. Great energy and fullness on the palate, but always with fabulous lightness and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with greenish gold reflections. Medium intensity nose of ripe citrus fruits, nectarines and a hint of jasmine. Smooth on the palate, delicate fruit flavour, medium freshness, pleasantly juicy finish." Falstaff

Dreamlike Barbera, dedicated to the last work (La Luna e i Falo = Young Moon) by the writer Cesare Pavese. This wine symbolises the connection to the earth and to one's own origins. Dark purple in colour. Complex aromas of dark red, plump, juicy cherries, fine spices, plums and black forest berries on the nose. Polished, dense and very fruity on the palate. Present but silky tannins, finely enveloped by the fruit, rich in finesse and persistent with a first-class acidity structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Intense aromas of light malt and violets on the nose, followed by wild berries and a hint of dark chocolate. Sweet and fruity on the palate with supple tannins, drinky and with a long final." Falstaff

"Bright cherry fruit on the nose with plums, mulberries and dark chocolate. Juicy and fruity, with a medium to full body, soft tannins and bright acidity." James Suckling

Pellegrino's Grillo Superiore matures longer on the fine lees than Il Salinario. Brilliant straw yellow in the glass. The bouquet is intense and complex, floral and fragrant, the scent of yellow flowers is flanked by buttery notes and hints of peach and hazelnut. Intense and persistent on the palate, very soft, fresh and with moderate acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright straw yellow with silver-coloured nuances. Restrained on the nose, with hints of white peach and citrus fruit. Clear on the palate, with a beautiful fruity flavour and invigorating acidity through to the lingering, juicy final." Falstaff

"Straw yellow in colour. Powerful, lifted and youthful citrus fruit. The same youthfulness on the palate, with multi-layered citrus fruit and lovely, structuring acidity and fine texture. You'll finish the bottle in no time, but it will be exciting to see it mature." Jancis Robinson

"A fresh, concentrated and crisp white with lemons, tangerine peel, nectarines, dried flowers and a hint of flinty minerality on the nose. Medium-bodied, firm and crisp with juicy acidity. Bright and clean." James Suckling

"This Grillo opens with some delicate apple and lemon peel scents, before some bold spiciness and energising salinity emerge in the mouth. Vibrant lemon, apple and white peach mingle on the nervy palate." Decanter

Classic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, very straightforward and not too heavy. Small red berries and spices on the nose, harmonious, round and juicy flavour. Great value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark purple-red colour with lightening edges. Light, reductive nose of dark fruit and cold smoke. More present on the palate, spicy and powerful, broad fruit composition and firm tannins, above-average length." Falstaff

"On the nose, spicy aromas of earth and pencil shavings are balanced with fruity notes of cherries and plums. On the palate, a stream of chocolate brings out the sweetness of the cherries before a warm finish follows. The tannins and acidity are both lean and graceful." Wine Enthusiast

Powerful ruby colour. Beautiful interplay between earthy notes, tobacco and dark berry fruit on the nose, finely characterised. Juicy on the palate and on the palate, flows calmly, grippy, well-integrated tannins, fine drinking flow. Much fresher and airier than expected, but still powerful. A harmonious all-rounder with ambition. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, impenetrable ruby red colour. The nose has a strawberry jam aroma, followed by leather, tobacco, mocha, sage and caramel, with a rum pot aftertaste. Youthful tannins with seductive fruit on the palate. A pithy, juicy finish on the palate, with minimal dryness on the final." Falstaff

"Crushed wild berries, white pepper, rose petals and lavender form a convincing bouquet when the Rosso Battito 2021 blossoms in the glass. Round yet cool to the touch, it glides across the palate with ease, revealing ripe red and blue fruits and violet pastilles. The 2021 leaves a stain of primary concentration and a web of fine tannins while remaining juicy and fresh. It is both classically dry and lively. This wine offers fantastic value for money from vintage to vintage." Vinous

Pleasure and high drinking flow from Tuscany: Fresh ruby red colour. Small red berries, sour cherries and hints of herbs on the nose. The generous flavour is firm, with beautiful Sangiovese acidity and a fruity, medium-long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour with brightening edges. Somewhat volatile on the nose, blueberry and figs, reminiscent of oregano on the finish. Juicy on the palate, stretching across the palate with ripe fruit flavours." Falstaff

"A light and crunchy red with cherry and hints of vanilla. Medium body. Light tannins and a delicious finish." James Suckling

Bright straw yellow with greenish reflections. Lively bouquet of crisp pineapple and white peach, with components of camomile, elderberry and a fine spiciness. Crisp on the palate with cool, present fruit, light-footed and straightforward with an interesting arc, very full-bodied and multi-layered, ending with a juicy, mineral finish and a subtle almond note. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with greenish nuances. Fruity, fragrant bouquet of yellow apple and juicy peach, with hints of Mediterranean scrub. Velvety on the palate, glides gently over the palate with rich fruit and an above-average length on the finish." Falstaff

"A lovely attack with notes of baking spices, golden apples and alpine herbs. The palate is light, with a sharp mineral infusion. A little green and phenolic on the finish. It is balanced, drinkable and has an impressive length. Very good." James Suckling

Elisabetta Geppetti says she didn't want to jump on the popular Vermentino bandwagon and instead opted for this French-inspired blend to capture floral tones, drying mineral nuances and crunchy stone fruit from chalky soils. On the nose, a multi-layered bouquet with fine herbal notes. Powerful, fresh and elegant on the palate with a mineral acidity and citrus flavours on the finish. It is very refreshing to taste an original white wine from the Tuscan coast. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, sparkling golden yellow colour. Fresh nose of green peppers, gooseberries and a hint of pineapple. Shows an animating acidity structure on the palate, follows through well, fresh and very enjoyable to drink right through to the finish." Falstaff

"The 2023 Poggio Argentato is laced with green apple, ginger, jasmine, mint and yellow flowers. Exotic and light on its feet, this blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Manseng, Sémillon and Traminer will make a delightful apéritif white over the next year or two. Poggio Argentato remains one of the most distinctive whites on the Tuscan Coast." Vinous

"This white wine is expressive and juicy and offers aromas and flavours of grass, chives, gooseberries and peach. Crisp acidity and a smooth texture introduce the long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"Lots of green melon, apples, crushed stones and flint on the nose. Medium-bodied with lovely depth of fruit and notes of spices, gunpowder, sliced apples and lemongrass. Flavoursome finish. Deep, but framed." James Suckling

The Greco, with its straw yellow colour and brilliant reflections, has a distinct aroma spectrum, from the delicate scent of white fruit to notes of vanilla, bracken and mint. On the palate, it impresses with its warm yet fresh flavour and balanced mineral structure with a lingering finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright golden yellow in colour. Yellow apple and pear on the nose, light spice, some camomile and tangerine blossom. Refreshing, juicy and slightly salty on the palate, a little melting in the final, thus persistent, inviting drinking flow." Falstaff

"It has a lovely nose of pear, orange blossom and peach. Also some salted almond. It's medium-bodied, fresh and clean, with a smooth and creamy texture." James Suckling

Primitivo Felline smells of ripe berries, flowers, figs and sultanas. Its distinctly dense flavour is carried by present but sweet tannins and a fresh, tart plum finish. The classic of the winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a dark core. Initially mingled notes of sealing wax and beetroot on the nose, plus some malt, reverberating with milk chocolate. On the palate with lots of tannin and open-hearted fruit, reminiscent of pineapple, ferruginous, precise." Falstaff