Falstaff

Scalabrone presents itself generously every year, but also incredibly fresh. It shows ripe strawberries with a hint of sweet cream, tropical kiwi and lime. It washes over the palate with lightness, carrying ripe red fruit, a hint of melon and a savoury minerality. The finish is long and flanked by lively acidity and salty minerals. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah is perfectly balanced and makes this flavoursome rosato one of the most vibrant in the appellation every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark sparkling pink. Opens invitingly to raspberries and juicy sour cherries, underpinned by the scent of violets. Very fresh on the palate, dense fruit core, compact and juicy through to the medium-long finish." Falstaff

"Before the advent of the famed reds of the area, the first officially established DOCs in Bolgheri were based on white and rosé wines, and Antinori's 'Scalabrone' was one of the first wines to be bottled under the DOC Bolgheri Rosato. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a tiny portion of Syrah produce a delightful rosé with a Mediterranean touch. Bright pink at the core with a pale reflection, lovely bouquet of cherries and wild berries with a rose petal hint, then a fruity palate with lively acidity and a pleasant finish." Decanter

"The 2023 Rosato Scalabrone from Bolgheri shines almost neon pink in the glass. The seriousness of the aromas and flavours belies the cheerful colour - it is multi-layered and complex. Blood orange, paprika, bergamot, stemmed herbs, forest floor and a hint of earthiness lend it many nuances. The tangy, electric acidity immediately flows over the palate and gives it brightness and vigour. The finish is long and clean, culminating in a hint of sweet red cherry and a welcome touch of ripeness. This wine is suitable both as an aperitif and for dinner." Vinous

Bright, sparkling silver-grey with a persistent perlage. The nose is fragrant with white roses, juicy pears and white peach. Juicy on the palate, radiant and with a great fruity sweetness, it opens up with presence and balance, pleasantly dosed in all its facets. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with little perlage. Intense nose of pear and flowers. Juicy on the palate, with a good fruity flavour and somewhat sharp acidity, with a slightly predominant sweetness at the back." Falstaff

Dark and rich in the glass, with spicy herbs and a hint of cinnamon that fades into black raspberries. La Caduta is luxurious, silky and round with a dense wave of mineral red and black fruits that slowly saturate the palate. The finish is structured and incredibly long, with hints of salted liquorice and spice that linger. La Caduta is a real Rosso insider tip alongside Fuligni's Ginestreto and is full of potential every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour with brightening edges. Shows a certain depth on the nose, reminiscent of violets, cherries, blackberries and blood oranges, fine spice and some leather. Juicy and with fine pressure on the palate, showing clear fruit and a velvety texture, with a lingering final and good persistence." Falstaff

"Attractive nose of dried cherries, candied oranges, chocolate and walnuts. Medium- to full-bodied, tense and fleshy on the palate, with firm but very fine tannins. Juicy and spicy." James Suckling

Brilliant, light straw yellow colour and powerful, persistent perlage. Aromas of young pear and green apple on the nose, with citrus notes. Very fine on the palate, smooth with fine fruit, the acidity harmonises well with the delicate melt. An elegant, quiet Prosecco with plenty of length, character and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh apple notes, inviting; smooth foam, fresh, lemony-apricot fruit, fine, long, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"Bright silver-green colour with persistent perlage. Fragrant, very fresh nose, with multi-layered floral nuances, plus fresh stone fruit and fine sage. Very fruity on the palate, with a wonderful perlage, light and airy, balanced, precise, clear - marvellous!" Falstaff

Medium, bright ruby red colour. The bouquet and flavour are dominated by interesting notes of fresh cut flowers, sweet red berries, liquorice, mint, pine and cedar wood. As the wine progresses, the Chianti Classico reveals a marvellous precision and spiciness, which is enveloped by a well-measured extract sweetness. The overall impression is one of grace and an open-hearted style, which impresses with all its components and not least with its typical Radda Sangiovese freshness from the high altitudes of the Chianti Classico. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Multi-faceted nose, pleasant cherry and blueberry fruit, followed by pepper and tobacco. The fruit also predominates on the palate, paired with stimulating acidity and a mineral finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Chianti Classico is a lovely wine from Volpaia. Aromatic, light on its feet and gracious, the Chianti Classico here is a consistently fine example of Radda. Clean mineral notes shape this bright, taut offering. A burst of red fruit, chalk, white pepper and mint lingers on the finish." Vinous

"A delicious, well-rounded and velvety Chianti Classico with aromas of strawberries, raspberries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins and texture. Juicy and velvety with elegance and a pure character. Fresh and delicious finish." James Suckling

Ruby red with garnet-coloured reflections. Bright, fresh nose of wild cherries, potting soil and blue flowers. Compact, medium-bodied with a fresh acid wire and well-integrated tannins. A paragon of Sangiovese, which is not only arousing enthusiasm due to its very attractive price. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Fine hints of graphite and dried red berries on the nose, with subtle candied notes. Powerful on the palate, with plenty of structure, earthy tannins with a wide-meshed tannin, delicately bitter 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

Just 6,000 bottles of this extremely delicious and complex rosato made from Pinot Nero and the indigenous Petit Rouge grape variety from vineyards in the municipalities of Aymavilles and Gressan are produced every year. The grapes from these predominantly south-facing vineyards have always been used exclusively for the production of the famous Torrette.

Brilliant, pale old rose colour. Delicate, floral and fruity on the nose with clear notes of strawberry and redcurrant. Fresh and taut on the palate with notes of white peach, a fine structure, mineral acidity and a fresh, spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright peach-pink colour with a sparkling core. Very fruity nose of rich plums, cherries, then some marzipan in the aftertaste. On the palate with a top note, supple, with fine flavours of dried rosemary, fine saltiness in the final, stands out somewhat from the sea of rosé, a welcome change." Falstaff

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 from Castellina in Chianti, rich in finesse every year and unbeatable with white meat dishes and sugos. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby colour with a brightening rim. Pronounced, savoury bouquet of fully ripe cherry, black pepper, a hint of coffee and rose petal. Velvety tannins on the palate, fresh fruit, lively acidity and a persistent finish." Falstaff

"The Mazzei 2022 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is always a solid choice on the wine list, offering fresh cherries and blueberries along with varietal tones of sweet earth and orris root. The wine is 90% Sangiovese with smaller proportions of Malvasia Nera and Colorino. It matures for 12 months in oak. This medium-bodied red wine shows good intensity and silky tannins." Wine Advocate

"The 2022 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is a great, elegant wine - one of the best 2022s I've tasted. Silky, layered and super-expressive, it's class from start to finish. The ripeness of the year is evident, but the 2022 retains a good amount of freshness to play off its overt dark red/purple-coloured fruit. It is impeccably made." Vinous

"A lively, juicy and composed Chianti Classico with aromas of wild berries, dried flowers, thyme and warm spices with a slightly dry tone. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins and fresh acidity. Bright and agile, with a lively centre on the palate and a tactile, driving finish." James Suckling

The pure Nero d'Avola is bursting with dark aromas of berries, black cherry, liquorice and tobacco. Lush and distinctive on the palate with wonderful spicy notes of mint, aniseed and espresso. Juicy tannins, good length, fine pressure. A really great wine of impressive intensity at a still very reasonable price, incidentally certified organic since the 2020 vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet edges. Fine spicy notes on the nose, ripe plum and forest floor. Balanced on the palate with a fine tannin structure, fresh and fruity core, medium length." Falstaff

"The Saia 2021 exudes a captivating blend of crushed violets, lavender, blackberries and wet stones. A powerful core of ripe red and blue fruits forms the framework, while a juicy acidity provides freshness. A pleasantly bitter hint of tangerine develops towards the end. The 2021 is spotty and long, finishing with a layer of fine tannins and a saturation of primary concentration that creates a slight chewy sensation towards the end. This is a fantastic and energetic interpretation of Saia, a Nero d'Avola grape variety that I suspect will age very well." Vinous

"Lots of blackberries, mushrooms, bark and a hint of pumice. A hint of smoke. Mussel shells. Blue fruits. Medium-bodied with fine and silky tannins that add tension and focus. Black fruits on the finish with a hint of orange peel. Crisp and fruity with structure." James Suckling

Montegrilli, a pure Nebbiolo, exudes wonderful, powerful fruit flavours in its aroma and on the palate, with a hint of rose petals and a hint of vanilla. A delicious wine between tradition and modernity with the typical elegance of Cogno wines. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, almost transparent ruby red colour. Elegant bouquet of mulberries and ripe cherries, with a hint of roses and roasted almonds. Soft on the palate with sweet, melting fruit, velvety tannins, round structure and beautiful length." Falstaff

"The Elvio Cogno 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo Montegrilli has a fun bouquet, showing cooked pears with cloves embedded in the skin, Christmas spice, cinnamon and dark fruit. The aromas are quite intense, but the wine is lean and fresh in terms of mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

Classic Barbera from the house of Vajra. Garnet red colour, very pleasant nose with light cherry notes and aromas of fine spices. The flavour is rich with the typical effervescence of a traditional and sophisticated wine from the Alba region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, rich purple colour. Initially slightly phenolic notes and green tannins on the nose, later inviting of ripe blackberries and dark chocolate, juicy, fragrant of flowering violets, great nose. Balanced and clear on the palate, confirms the dark berry notes, medium pressure and great drinkability." Falstaff

"The 2023 Barbera d'Alba is packed with succulent dark red fruit. Plush, silky contours add to its immediacy and overall appeal. Plum, mocha and cedar build into the soft, succulent finish." Vinous

Sangiovese in its purest form: bright ruby colour with a broad garnet rim. Rich in fruity and floral aromas, multi-layered, herbal, deep and well-polished with further development potential. A full-bodied and harmonious Chianti Classico with a highly authentic and very inviting style. SUPERIORE.DE

"Walking a fine line between cherry and berry flavours and notes of earth and iron, this red wine is bright and juicy in the middle of the palate and firms up on the long finish. Balanced overall, it needs a year to come together." Wine Spectator

"At the south-eastern end of the Chianti Classico, the Fèlsina vineyard extends into the Chianti Colli Senesi area, where on a clear day you can see as far as Siena, just 15 kilometres away. In its sun-drenched surroundings, the 2022 is immediate and exuberant in its charm. Reminiscent of maritime pine, Mediterranean scrub and wild yellow broom, it gains concentration as it glides smoothly across the palate, where stony minerals meet ripe strawberries. Lively, if a little lively on the finish." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Berardenga 2022 is magnificent. Rich and deep, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Black cherry, leather, spice, tobacco, menthol and dried herbs characterise this powerful, classic Chianti Classico. It is beautifully made, especially for this year." Vinous

"A balanced, seductive and lively red wine with flavours of wild berries, red currants, warm herbs and some crushed peppercorns. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. A juicy berry character with a hint of spice brings energy and vitality to the palate and tactile finish." James Suckling

Fantastic Barbera from a world-famous vineyard, complex aromas of dark red, plump, juicy cherries, the finest spices and black forest berries on the nose. In the mouth, polished, dense, enormous amounts of glycerine and sweetish fruit, present but silky tannins, finely enveloped by the fruit, rich in finesse, persistent, first-class acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear, firm, slightly tobacco-like, delicately smoky and ethereal aroma of ripe red and black berries with cherry nuances, dried floral tones and restrained woody spice. Polished, juicy, rather tart, ripe fruit, very fine, youthful tannin and delicate bite, persistent on the palate, herbal-ethereal spice and a hint of pepper, persistent on the palate, certain alcohol warmth, but still elegance, salt in the background, smoky nuances and a hint of dark chocolate and coffee, very good, again polished, juicy and finely spicy finish with clear ethereality." Wein-Plus

"Shimmering ruby red with violet reflections. Plum, blackberry and liquorice on the nose, with a hint of sealing wax on the finish. Dancing acidity on the palate, paired with youthful tannins and rich plum fruit, warming alcohol." Falstaff

"Attractive, chocolaty character with ripe dark cherries, red plums and sweet spices. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and smooth, with a velvety texture. Long-lasting and beautifully fruity." James Suckling

"An ecstatic wine that leaps from the glass with the speed of an Olympic sprinter. Vibrant aromas of sliced Bing cherries, crushed raspberries, wild roses and a hint of bay leaf dominate the nose. A delicious freshness unfolds on the palate with a blend of red berries that shine as brightly as if they had just been picked. Subtle earthy notes balance the wine on the crisp and lively finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Strong ruby red with light violet reflections. Rich nose with notes of sour cherry, blackberry jam, liquorice and Mediterranean maquis. Soft, supple and balanced on the palate between freshness, juiciness and well-integrated tannins." Falstaff

"The 2018 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Centovie rises from the glass with a wild and exotic blend of crushed rose petals, sweet herbs, wet stone and strawberries. It fills the palate with a soft, almost fleshy texture held together by a lively acidity that enlivens the tart wild berries within. The 2018 is long-lasting, just lightly textured with a hint of sour citrus that contrasts nicely." Vinous

"This is an organic wine whose fruit comes exclusively from the Umani Ronchi vineyards. The 2018 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Centovie represents some of the fruit from two hills facing each other. The wine shows beautiful dark fruit and rich concentration with soft layers of black cherry, plum, spice and leather. The 2018 vintage offers plenty of freshness to cleanse the palate." Wine Advocate

The vines for Pinot Grigio Punggl thrive on soils with a high clay content south of Margreid. Bright straw yellow in colour with a brilliant core. Spicy, fruity aromas with notes of nuts, honey and fresh flowers lend it elegance and charm. Full-bodied and mineral flavour with a juicy structure and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense golden yellow colour. Inviting bouquet of juicy Kaiser pear, forest honey and a hint of jasmine. Silky on the palate with a beautiful fruit melt, carried by animating acidity, very subtle phenolics, very harmonious." Falstaff

"The Pinot Grigio Punggl 2022 is savoury with a mineral bouquet of flint and citrus fruit. On the palate, the Pinot Grigio Punggl is exciting and savoury to the core. Crisp fruit trees complement the savoury character. The 2022 finishes with medium length and a salty sensation that keeps the taster coming back to the glass for more." Vinous

"A complex wine with apples, dried flowers, salty minerality and restrained cedar notes. It shows a tingling, medium-bodied palate with weight and savory, slightly toasted length, balance and concentration." James Suckling

The history of the sophisticated Gewürztraminer goes back to the early Middle Ages. The autochthonous grape variety thrives best on airy slopes between 250 and 450 m on clay and sandy soils with plenty of sunlight. And then the wine can be as convincing as this one: straw yellow with pale green reflections, with a distinctive bouquet of roses, some clove and vanilla and an independent character on the palate. A Gewürztraminer with support in the body, with a lot of elegance and harmony and a very well-crafted finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling golden yellow. Intense, aromatic nose, lots of ripe fruit exoticism, lychee and pineapple, rose petals and vanilla. Punchy and full-bodied on the palate, creamy texture, pleasantly warming, moderate acidity, mouthwatering, medium-long final." Falstaff

Il Randagio (the stray) is wonderfully complex and nuanced. Initially quite closed, the delicately spicy nose creeps up with increasing aeration and opens further into a wonderfully complex bouquet of dark red to black berries. Rising floral, savoury and spicy accents point to a wine that says more about the style of the house than anything else. The palate is wide-ranging with delicate wild berry flavours, perfectly polished tannins and a fresh, very invigorating acid wire that uninhibitedly enhances the drinkability of this once again typically different red. The best days of this wine still lie in the future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with violet shimmer. Opens with notes of dark smoke, then lots of blackberry and elderberry. Firm tannins, spicy and savoury, crisp fruit, still a little rough on the final." Falstaff

"A very juicy and drinkable Toscana, with fresh red berries, cherries, chopped herbs and subtle dark earth funk to encourage drinking. Fluid and bright, with lively strawberry fruit and chunky tannins. Firm, juicy and quite relaxed." James Suckling

"The 2022 Il Randagio, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is fabulous. Bright acids and floral nuances adorn this exquisite, nuanced red wine. The 2022 spent four months on the skins in cement tanks and open vats. Above all, the freshness and purity of this wine stand out. What a great wine this is." Vinous

"The Tenuta di Carleone 2022 Il Randagio is a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc and comes in a screw-top bottle with a drawing of a one-eyed bulldog on the label, which is surely the alter ego of Sean O'Callaghan. He experiments with long maceration times and alternative cement containers. There's a lot of creative spirit in a wine like this, which reveals fresh, bright berry tones. The style is full of energy. This is a good value red wine that I'm happy to recommend, especially if you're looking for a casual but spirited expression." Wine Advocate

Syrah and Petit Verdot form the basis for an exciting cuvée with which the Chia family once again demonstrates its great talent for Tuscan wines. Deep dark garnet red colour. An unexpected cornucopia of dark, smoky fruit on the nose, with spicy herbs, complex and deep. Impressive texture and elegance on the palate, with spicy notes of raspberry, a salty vein and invigorating acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red colour. Fine fruity notes of plum, blackberry, violet and light spices on the nose. Great mellowness on the palate, fresh and juicy, drinky, full-bodied final." Falstaff

"A fresh and crunchy red with dark cherries, currants, crushed flowers and a little bit of chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied. So lively and bright with textured, chalky tannins. Attractive juiciness with cherries and red spice undertones. Mineral and savory with some salinity at the end." James Suckling

Grosso Agontano Riserva rises dark, floral and earthy from the glass, with notes of undergrowth and tobacco that fade into blackberry and crushed stone. Its velvety texture leads to a sophisticated presentation of red and black fruits, underpinned by cool herbal notes, while the fine tannins slowly saturate towards the end. The finish is long, youthfully structured and with a pleasant inner sweetness, while nuances of tangerine and sour cherry linger under a hint of violet blossom.

Agontano is a 100% Montepulciano that is refined in barriques in the second passage. It is a very attractive interpretation of the grape variety and still needs some time in the cellar to show its best side. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark shiny purple red colour, fine rim. Spicy bouquet of juniper and sweet cherries, followed by leather and a hint of espresso in the finish. Silky texture on the palate, savoury fruit clothed in chocolate, with firm tannins and gentle pressure." Falstaff

"The Conero Riserva Agontano 2020 is dark and intense. A cascade of violet flowers and lavender gives way to crushed blackberries accompanied by hints of cocoa and camphor. The wine is soft and enveloping, with polished red and black fruits accompanied by lively acidity. Fine tannins build slowly towards the end. The Agontano leaves behind chalky mineral tones and a bitter espresso note that lingers until the long and structured final. The 2020 is complex and beautifully balanced, but also very young. We will have to be patient." Vinous

Bright light greenish yellow, fragrant bouquet of meadow flowers, a hint of apple, acacia honey and biscuits. Fine on the palate and very complex with its fine, fresh fruit flavours and a delicate, salty note on the full finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny silver-grey with olive-green reflections and numerous fine pearls. Initially somewhat shy on the nose, then opens up to yellow apple, light almond notes and subtle floral nuances. On the palate with a fine-grained perlage and a certain juiciness, underpinned by a slight bitter note, appears very yellow-fruity." Falstaff

"An intriguing fruity-floral odeur characterises this excellent single-vineyard wine; a creamy texture, carried by the rich acidity, juicy and harmonious until the long final." Vinum

"The 2023 Valdobbiadene Vigneto Giardino Rive di Colbertaldo Asciutto is delicate yet remarkably pretty, wafting up with a cascade of floral perfumes and hints of sweet spice, peach sorbet and nectarine. It floods the palate with a creamy bead of fine bubbles and ripe orchard fruits, all guided by brilliant acidity as a nuance of candied citrus informs the close. Notes of green apple, melon and a sensation of liquid stone appear as the 2023 finishes with amazing length and complexity. This is fantastic." Vinous