Falstaff

This finesse-rich Grüner Veltliner is a rarity in South Tyrol and is only found in isolated cases in the Eisack Valley. Sparkling straw yellow with olive green edges. Slightly peppery on the nose, gracefully fresh on the palate, juicy, with a beautiful structure and a lovely mineral note on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, sparkling straw yellow. Intriguing, fragrant nose, green apple as well as exotic fruit notes, discreetly reminiscent of pineapple and kiwi, with some white pepper behind. On the palate coherent and full of tension, discreetly creamy, lots of spice, well-integrated acidity, salty final." Falstaff

Intense ruby red colour. Ripe fruit such as black cherry and plum on the nose. Subtle sweet floral notes. Finely structured on the palate with wonderfully fine tannins, beautiful acidity and great juiciness with a long finish. Rosso dei Notri is a solid, concentrated wine with bite and power, which, with its fleshy, long-lasting flavour, overall harmony and reasonable value, is a lot of fun as an introduction to the great world of Tua Rita wines. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby with hints of purple. Delicately fragrant nose of violets and crisp blackberries, with a hint of vanilla bean behind it. Silky on the palate, with concentrated fruit, harmonious with powerful, well-integrated tannins and supporting acidity through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

"Lovely crushed berry and cherry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with bright acidity and a crunchy and delicious finish." James Suckling

The Chianti Classico from Tenuta Sant' Alfonso is a sophisticated wine of authentic style: aromas of plums, dark cherries, clay, mushrooms and oregano. Medium-bodied with fine, creamy tannins and fresh acidity. Round and balanced with a velvety texture. Intense and multi-layered, followed by a long, smooth finish - everything in the right place! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red with slightly brightening edges. On the nose, hearty cherries, plums and violets, with a light white pepper aftertaste. Fruity on the palate, with fine tannins, savoury." Falstaff

"The intensely savory nose is full of cured meat, new leather and pencil lead, with zippy undertones of cranberry and hibiscus. The meatiness escalates on the palate, while pepper, fresh cherry and orange provide balance. Tannins are approachable, while the acidity is substantive enough to make itself known." Wine Enthusiast

"A firm and linear red with crushed stone to the cherry and chocolate character. Medium body. Lightly chewy finish. A little tight now at the end." James Suckling

Top Apulian wine from 60 to 70-year-old vines! Zinfandel Sinfarosa Terra Nera offers a bouquet of overripe fruit and tobacco with a captivatingly fresh yet dense flavour with lovely tannins and good persistence. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby-red centre with a brightening rim. A medicinal nose of iodine and varnish, with preserved cherries. Lush fruit on the palate, with a very juicy finish, well-integrated tannins, harmonious and of beautiful length." Falstaff

"Lots of chile and chocolate character to this medium-bodied primitivo, blending in with clean red fruit to give a tasty palate with velvety tannins and long-lasting interest. From organically grown grapes. Old-style feel to this, but fun to drink now." James Suckling

Deep dark Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva with a beguiling aroma of dark red cherries and berries, earthy notes, grilled hazelnuts, spices and liquorice. "A mouthful of wine" in an incredibly appealing style. Spelt has remarkable concentration and outstanding length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Nose of graphite, ripe cherries, wild berries, a hint of dried rose petal and rubber. Clear on the palate, with clear fruit and beautiful juiciness, shows compact tannins, drinks even better slightly chilled." Falstaff

"The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Spelt is dark and earthy in the glass, with undergrowth and crushed stones giving way to black cherries and spice. This is round and silky in feel, with ripe wild berry fruits and spices that cascade throughout. Plum and medicinal blackberry linger as the 2020 tapers off long, lightly structured, yet relatively fresh. Well done." Vinous

"Very cedary on the nose at first, so give it a swirl to allow the rich red fruit and floral notes to give you a proper introduction to this full-bodied and solid red. The cedary element is present throughout, but there’s plenty of fruit to counter it. Firm tannins kick in midway and give some astringency to finish, which will smoothen with some more time in bottle." James Suckling

Primo Franco is an elegant, very exquisite vintage Prosecco Superiore from the heart of the DOCG wine-growing region. Fine perlage in a clear straw yellow colour, with a very pleasant aroma of pear and sand biscuits, it literally melts on the tongue with its fine, subtle fruit sweetness and freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw yellow with a fine perlage. Subtle nose, fine Williams pear fragrance, acacia blossom, candied banana pieces, inviting. Shows itself on the palate with great, fresh perlage, lively, pleasantly dosed in its sweetness, crisp, clean, precise, great dry." Falstaff

"A traditional Prosecco that exudes a hint of Alpine herbs, mint, nettles and aniseed. The finish is exuberant and noticeably dry. Brilliant." James Suckling

"The 2023 Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Primo Franco tempts the senses with a burst of white smoke, bouquet garni, ground ginger and crushed yellow apples. Inside, it's elegant, soothingly round and creamy, with ripe orchard fruits and a twang of candied citrus elevated by a tinge of confectionary spice. The wine resonates on the palate while remaining perfectly fresh, as perfumed inner florals combine with sweet melon and a hint of chlorophyll. Totally unique and worth hunting down." Vinous

A powerful bouquet of floral notes, sage and green pepper with subtle citrus tones. On the palate, pepdisplays a convincing balance of fine minerality, wonderful fruit and animating acidity, which final in a beautiful final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with light greenish reflections. Intense on the nose, green aromas, elderberry, freshly cut grass, peach, light tomato leaf and gooseberry. Immediately present on the palate, fresh, animating acidity, medium body, slightly melting, pleasant length, warming finish." Falstaff

Bright, radiant straw yellow colour. Great, expressive nose of crisp citrus fruit, green apple and vineyard peach. Delicately gingery on the finish, floral and fragrant. Juicy and very clear on the palate, with racy acidity and pronounced fruit, a sparkling clean and remarkably long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw yellow colour. Clear nose of yellow stone fruit with slight hints of herbs. Citrus and candied fruit on the palate, light salinity, medium-bodied, round, harmonious and delicately spicy finish." Falstaff

Classic Chianti Classico from stainless steel tanks with a rich and intense bouquet of black cherries, fresh plums, menthol and liquorice. Full-bodied but not voluminous on the palate, very typical of Sangiovese. Clearly structured, pure in texture and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Noble, shiny ruby colour with a delicate garnet-red hue. Fine, dark nose of cherries clothed in chocolate, with a hint of clove and the scent of roses. Silky on entry, opens up nicely, fine tannins, precise fruit, fresh, persistent." Falstaff

"A hint of vanilla and nutmeg on the attack, plus a reductive flinty note. Strawberries and fleshy red cherries emerge on the palate; clean and good-natured with a cheerful juiciness and discreet tannins." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is a beautiful, open wine that can be drunk now and over the next few years. Crushed flowers, bright red fruit, chalk, mint and rose petals are some of the notes that adorn this breezy, medium-bodied Chianti Classico from Brancaia." Vinous

"This wine is bright and full of flavours of cherries, strawberries, flowers and earth, with a hint of wild herbs. Straightforward profile that firms up on the finish with dusty tannins." Wine Spectator

"A serious, structured and delicious Chianti Classico. The nose reveals notes of spiced cherries, warm herbs and baking spices. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy, with an attractive core of wild berries that brings energy and freshness to the mid-palate and spicy finish." James Suckling

The Lagrein Kretzer - a typical South Tyrolean rosé - is a brilliant light red colour. The fresh, fruity flavour with hints of blueberries harmonises with the light bouquet of roses. A full-bodied, stimulating wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling salmon colour with a light core. Pronounced aromas of sour cherry and violets on the nose, underpinned by fine herbal spice. Pleasantly fruity sweetness on the palate, supported by taut acidity, juicy and persistent." Falstaff

Villa Gemma Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore has a light ruby red colour and exudes a pretty bouquet of wild strawberries, roses and sweet smoke. The flavour is soft and round, with a stimulating acidity and a sweet-tart tension. The finish is long and structured and ends with a delicious final with hints of spiced citrus fruits. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, radiant cherry red colour. Inviting nose of juicy cherry, cassis and juniper berries. Very present on the palate, linear and direct in the drinking flow, invigoratingly fresh through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

"The 2023 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore Villa Gemma is a fine, delicately fruity, delicate wine. Raspberry, mint, sweet lavender, crushed rock and round, ripe red berry fruit run throughout the core. Refined and polished, this is a gorgeous Cerasuolo that reflects the beauty of the style. The 2023 has what it takes to improve with bottle age, as evidenced by an extremely fine structure and fine tannins that are still hidden behind the pure fruit concentration at the moment. Marvellous." Vinous

"A focused, tactile and delicious Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo with notes of redcurrants, forest berries and fresh raspberries. Medium-bodied with a well-driven, lively center-palate and a flavorful finish with excellent length." James Suckling

Sparkling garnet red colour. Pronounced aroma of berries and spices. Dense and full flavour with a fascinating balance between fruit and tannin. A complex red with a gentle but persistent finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, dark ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Redcurrant and orange peel on the nose, with a hint of cinnamon stick. Juicy on the palate with pleasant acidity and taut tannins, built on fruit in the medium finish." Falstaff

Alta Mora Rosso is a blend of fruit from the Verzella, Solicchiata, Feudo di Mezzo and Guardiola vineyards, which lie between 650 and 900 metres above sea level. Light, bright garnet colour, very clear bouquet with pronounced fresh fruit notes of berries and rhubarb, elegant on the palate with well-balanced power and supple tannins; juicy, persistent and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, brightening ruby-garnet colour. Open, delicate bouquet of redcurrant jelly, raspberry, followed by some sweet mocha and cocoa. Round and supple on the palate, unfolds with fine-meshed tannins, juicy and stimulating to drink. Long, pleasantly acidic final." Falstaff

"The 2021 Etna Rosso is very beautiful, with a fresh blend of dried roses, black cherries and cloves. It's round and soothing in nature, with lifted textures and crisp wild berry fruit. The 2021 finishes with a nice tension and ends with lingering notes of dried strawberries and citrus." Vinous

"Intense, textured and mineral, this 2021 features dark, dusty hedgerow berries with a slightly creamy, woody background. There's good fruit sapidity and some nice balsamic herb aromatics along with good acidity." Decanter

"A bright, fresh red wine with attractive lemongrass and berry character on the nose that develops into a medium body that is well integrated with fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Firm and racy." James Suckling

Elegant and extremely popular, full-bodied Spumante from Zenato, which confidently demonstrates what can be achieved from the terroir with its fragrant, fresh, soft and silky style. Aged on the lees for three years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling yellow-green colour, delicate perlage. Opens with notes of yeast biscuits, grapefruit and lemon in the background. Juicy and savoury on the palate, crisp citrus fruit, stimulating, lingers for a long time." Falstaff

"An air of sweet smoke and spice mixes with crushed yellow apples and hints of cardamom as the 2020 Brut Metodo Classico Lugana evolves in the glass. This shows lovely balance as juicy acidity mixes with a fine bead of silken bubbles. Salty mineral tones contrast ripe pit fruits on the palate. It finishes on a savory note, leaving an air of custard and nuances of almond paste that linger." Vinous

In contrast to the past, this full and fragrant Barbera is now matured to a greater extent in large oak barrels - and less in barriques. This favours the softness, fruitiness and suppleness of this wonderful wine. Tre Vigne means that the grapes come in equal parts from the top vineyards Mosconi, Ginestra and San Pietro. Deep, dark ruby red in colour. The bouquet has a fine aroma of sour cherries and violets, the full and soft flavour has a pleasantly fresh acidity that enhances the long drinking pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep crimson. Intense nose. And really nicely balanced. Very well-managed tannins. Bitter cherries but fine texture and the 15% alcohol is not evident at all."

"Ripe, somewhat toasty nose, with brooding black fruits. Good fruit concentration, structure and intensity with candied, ripe and fresh plum flavours. The fresh acidity is balanced by moderate tannins. A long finish that is very bright and youthful." Decanter

"The Domenico Clerico 2021 Barbera d'Alba Trevigne is a particularly fruit-driven wine with blackberries, dark plums and spices. Winemaker Oscar Arrivabene says that this is a very good year for Barbera. The wine feels lush and soft on the palate and goes well with cheese-filled pasta." Wine Advocate

"Intense ruby red colour with a violet hue. Ripe plum and blackberry on the nose, followed by pepper and tobacco. Juicy start on the palate, great tension, refreshing acidity, polished tannins, animating, subtly salty final." Falstaff

Don't be surprised: This expressive, fresh red could also be a rosé. This serious fun-maker is a wonderfully refreshing yet extremely flavoursome Nebbiolo with an expressive bouquet of crushed raspberries and strawberries, making it an ideal food companion or "just" spring or summer wine that can easily be enjoyed on its own. Very electrifying and a real pleasure to drink! SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant cherry red colour, lively. Fresh raspberries, rosehips and beetroot on the nose, fine vegetal notes, bitter almond. Deliberate, light mousse on the palate, lively, lively with savoury fruit and an uncomplicated finish, best enjoyed slightly chilled, perfect for mild spring evenings." Falstaff

"The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo Claré JC is a very pretty, nuanced wine. Crushed flowers, cranberry, rose petal, mint and dried herbs all grace the 2023. Readers will find a very serious wine, one that vastly overachieves at its price. Early picking, vinification with a touch of stems and brief aging yield a fresh, aromatic Nebbiolo done in a style meant to recall notes found in Thomas Jefferson's impressions of Nebbiolo well before the birth of the formal appellation system. As good as the wine is, it could also be a far more serious wine, if that were the intent. Tasted blind, nobody would guess this is a Langhe Nebbiolo." Vinous

The world-famous Valpolicella Superiore from Zenato, produced using the Ripasso method, is a rich wine with the best value. It is peppery, with earthy tones and gravel giving way to black cherries and savoury herbs. It reveals deep, silky textures balanced by vibrant acids, while ripe red and black fruits resonate under a hint of lavender. Zenato's Ripassa is concentrated and intense, but at the same time conveys elegance and leaves a fresh note of violet candy on the palate that lingers for a long time. SUPERIORE.DE

"An aromatic, savory streak of tarry smoke and leather offers a subtle underpinning for the rich mesh of Amarena cherry, cured tobacco, licorice and warm spices on display in this harmonious red, with supple, well-knit tannins." Wine Spectator

"An excellent Ripasso. A full-bodied wine polished by a smooth veneer of winemaking. Liquorice root, violet, clove, sassafras and dark cherry accent the oak. The sweetness is in the cherry range, but the tannic clip ensures that it is not excessive. This is a wine for those who like power and polish." James Suckling

"Le Tense" is made from grapes that come exclusively from the Sassella DOCG subzone. During Swiss rule (1512 - 1797), the best vineyards were "secured" by armed guards, which is how it got its name. They became the most famous vineyards in the appellation. The selection of vines produces a wine that expresses the character of the soil: old stones and rocks that represent the terroir of Sassella. Nebbiolo from Sassella produces elegant aromas and delicate, harmonious flavours that are typical of the alpine reds of Valtellina.

Silky and polished with wild berries, blueberries, bitter almond, crushed rock, ash and mild spice. It has all the ethereal and finely balanced flavours of a Valtellina Nebbiolo, but they are presented in a slightly more direct and accessible way. The firm tannins are enveloped in beautiful fruit, and the medium-long finish ends harmoniously. A wonderful wine from the far north of Lombardy. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright ruby colour with garnet-red tendencies. Medium intensity on the nose of preserved wild berries, with notes of cloves and varnish. Medium-bodied on the palate with fresh fruit and somewhat broad tannins on the finish." Falstaff

The Monferrato Rosso Il Bacialè is a blend of Barbera, Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Merlot. Black cherry, gravel, chocolate, liquorice and dried herbs give this powerful, lush Monferrato red wine a lot of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Monferrato Rosso Il Bacialè 2019 is a blend of Barbera, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It offers a beguiling blend of Barbera fruit and the spicy notes typical of Cabernet Sauvignon. Leather, menthol, cedar wood and earthy undertones open up beautifully. This powerful, heady red wine from Monferrato is full of character." Vinous

"Dark ruby red with brightening edges. Ripe blackberries and plums as well as spicy notes and cinnamon on the nose. Medium intensity and structure on the palate, with a warm and elegant final." Falstaff

"Roasted black fruits, peppers and oak spice dominate the inviting and pleasurable aromatic profile. The lush palate exhibits a pronounced herbal character that complements notes of roasted plums, figs and an abundance of oak spice. Fine tannins and lingering licorice notes add depth." Wine Enthusiast

"Dried cherries, burnt orange peel, notes of chocolate, dried flowers and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied, compact and a little chewy with velvety tannins and juicy acidity. Intensely flavoured and long-lasting." James Suckling

As always, the Chianti Classico La Selvanella Riserva presents itself as an exemplary wine. Deep, dark ruby red in colour. Complex aromas of ripe plums, raspberries, candied orange zest and hints of spice harmonise perfectly. Well-articulated and rich flavour with polished tannins, full-bodied and progressive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear aroma of ripe black berries and rose hips with dried floral and slightly herbal aromas, a hint of leather, some dark ethereal spice, tobacco ash and hints of herbs. Ripe, clear and firm, tart-juicy fruit, present, yet quite fine tannins, some smoke and toast on the palate, a certain acid bite, dried-vegetable to herbaceous tones, good persistence. Has power, but still a certain coolness, very good, firm finish with oregano." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Smells of graphite, dark berry fruit and fine earthy tones on the nose. Polished on the palate, with a juicy core and a clear fruit flavour, the tannins remain subtly in the background." Falstaff

"A fragrant red with a timid nose of blue fruit, dried herbs and some crushed stones and raspberries. Tightly wound and medium- to full-bodied with tender red fruit. Very compact, with an elegant rigidity that is very appealing. Pure Sangiovese from a single vineyard in Radda in Chianti, which is one of the highest villages in Chianti Classico. This is already drinkable, but I would love to revisit it in a couple of years." James Suckling