0.75 liter

LUX VITIS comes from Cabernet Sauvignon vines over 12 years old and contains a small amount of Sangiovese. Intense, full bouquet of sweet blackberries. A core of dark cherries and dark berries on the palate, framed by sweet spices, bitter chocolate and campfire embers. As with the other wines in the Tenuta Luce portfolio, oak spice and tannins play an important role in the basic style expressed here. LUX VITIS will reveal its true treasure only with years of maturity. SUPERIORE.DE

Vietti's Ravera is one of the great stars of Piedmont in its precision and structure. It uses fruit from Novello, from a site that looks out over the castle of the same name on the hill in the distance. This wine offers an impeccable balance between nose and mouth, showing immense purity and power in one package. Rose petals, chalk, pepper and a hint of pomegranate make this Barolo one of the most sought-after in the appellation every year. With some ageing, the powerful tannins give way to an elegant impression that does not deviate one millimetre from the coveted style of this great vineyard. A monument of Barolo, which only a few other winemakers in Piedmont besides Vietti and also Giacosa bottle with such consistency! SUPERIORE.DE

"Lighter structure this year, but it’s intense, with focused red-cherry and raspberry character and spicy and mineral nuances. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a very tight finish. This is super-compact and needs time to expand. Try from 2024." James Suckling

"This red leads off with a distinctive minty note allied with cherry, iron, tobacco and underbrush flavors. Turns firm and linear on the finish, with a sinewy feel, yet remains fresh and long. Very pure." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Barolo Ravera is a wine of real depth and vertical structure. As always, the Ravera is a taut, nervy Barolo built on energy more than volume. Readers will have to be patient, as the Ravera is likely to require a number of years to be at its most expressive. Even in the early going, it is vibrant and full of life. Rose petal, chalk, blood orange and white pepper lend striking exotic top notes that are quite suggestive of what the future is going to bring. What a gorgeous Barolo this is." Vinous

"Vietti is one of a handful of estates to bring the Ravera MGA of Novello to the current popularity it enjoys now. Their 2018 Barolo Ravera has a smoky personality with crushed stone and pencil shavings. There is plenty of dark fruit at the back, ripe cherry and blackberry mostly, and the wine is tonic and firm in terms of its structure and tannins. The Ravera is a wine of enormous length and a finely tuned texture. Exactly 7,560 bottles were made." Wine Advocate

At the end of the 19th century, Ludwig Barth, a university professor with a love of wine, built the estate of the same name in Mazon and planted the Pinot Noir grape there for the first time, with success, as it turned out. The year 2016 was very good for Pinot Noir and for the Roccolo vineyard at Ansitz Barthenau on the Mazon plateau. Particularly rich grapes from vines that are more than 70 years old and tend on the traditional pergola were to be reserved for a new top wine. They were harvested separately, pressed separately and matured in small oak barrels and are only made into the single-vineyard wine "Roccolo" in the best vintages.

It convinces with its smooth, filigree acid structure, the backbone of every Burgundy. Martin Foradori's "Burgundy instinct" had pointed him in the right direction; working late into the evening had paid off. A top-class Pinot Noir now enriches the estate's Pinot Noir range - from the outstanding site of the Mazon plateau. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Pinot Nero Vigna Roccolo is understated and coy in the glass, as dusty rose and dried cherries are complemented by nuances of clove. This is elegant and polished in feel, with a wonderful balance of acids and minerals that frame its dark red fruits and inner spices quite nicely. There's a power that lurks beneath the surface, as notes of licorice and fine tannins linger incredibly long. This is a Pinot for the cellar and has the balance to go a decade or more." Vinous

The supremely potent Rocche di Castiglione is often referred to as the first "official" cru in the history of Langa (along with Bussia di Prunotto, both of which were released with the 1961 vintage). It confirms itself once again as the great classic of the house with the 2018 edition. Dark fruits, pressed lilac, blood orange, powdered liquorice, balsamic herbs, spices, iron ore and aniseed fit together perfectly like pieces of a puzzle. Then lush and racy on the palate, with silky tannins and a great depth and resonance that will continue to develop with time. SUPERIORE.DE

"A Barolo that starts broad and becomes more focused and linear on the finish. It offers aromas and flavours of cherry, plum, minerals, sandalwood and tar that permeate the supple texture, with all components present in the right proportions. Firm, refined tannins give it grip and it lingers beautifully in the mouth." Wine Spectator

"Lots of sweet wild strawberries come into your nose first, but wait for the beautiful, spicy orange peel note that will blow you away. Then mineral and spicy notes come into play. Full-bodied with intense wild fruit and citrus flavours that are already holding on to the slightly chewy tannins. This wine is still very young, but it is packed with bright, spicy-fruity flavours. Patience is called for. Try it from 2025." James Suckling

"The 2018 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is smooth, silky and flattering from the start. Lush and racy, with silky tannins, the Rocche has great depth and plenty of resonance that will develop over time. The 2018 is a particularly potent Rocche that will need a few more years to develop." Vinous

"From Rocche di Castiglione Falletto, another mythological site, with plants over 80 years old and a soil with bluish-yellow pouches. The nose has fresh notes, clementine peel, then red cherries and chamomile. Salty acidic tannins, nice persistence and juiciness, with citrus back." Luca Gardini

"This is one of my favourite wines from Castiglione Falletto. The Vietti 2018 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is beautifully etched and sharp with a particularly delineated quality that is unusual in this vintage. The fruit comes from a small parcel of 8,000 square metres and, like the other wines in this Cru series from Vietti, it is aged for two years in oak barrels. The texture of the wine is beautifully soft and polished thanks to the carefully integrated tannins. Only 3,693 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

Percristina is only produced in the best years and only comes onto the market 10 years after the harvest. Sparkling, rich ruby-garnet colour. Fine bouquet of flowers, raspberries, roses, grilled rosemary and hints of liquorice. It is compact and polished on the palate, building up in many layers, then presents a dense, fine-meshed tannin and spans a terrificarc between fruit, spice and simultaneous juiciness. The final is rich, profound and endlessly long. A classic masterpiece with great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Very complex nose. Very toasty and a style that somehow splits the difference between this century and the last. Another successful wine from a controversial vintage!" Jancis Robinson

"The Domenico Clerico 2014 Barolo Percristina has a leading mineral note of wet granite, river stone or crushed alpine rock. It lifts to make room for dark fruit and sweet clove. This wine shows elegant tertiary notes of dried tobacco and wilted rose. With time in the glass, it shows licorice and garrigue." Wine Advocate

Millecento Riserva from the dream vintage 2016 unfolds in the glass with hints of mocha, sweet cherry and plum, tobacco and a touch of fresh mint. There is a sense of opulence, but also of sophistication, as the texture of ripe red fruits with salty mineral notes glides across the palate, taking on a sweet herbal note towards the end. It finishes with a layer of fine tannins and acidic citrus, while tart wild berries and a hint of exotic spices linger. This wine still has several years of development ahead of it, but its refined blend of richness and elegance can already be experienced today. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. In the nose of ripe cherries, a hint of marzipan, dried roses, then strawberries in the aftertaste, noble resinous tones round off the bouquet. On the palate with great fruit sweetness and hearty course, shows dancing play, builds up in many layers, independent and long." Falstaff

"Cecilia Leoneschi has been the winemaker at Castiglion del Bosco since Massimo Ferragamo purchased the estate in 2003. She has been instrumental in converting the estate to organic practices, with official certification achieved in 2016. Grilled nut, cedar and vanilla permeate the wild strawberry-soaked nose. The palate is concentrated and confidently extracted. Dry, grippy tannins clutch the mouth, followed closely by a wash of lip-smacking acidity. Savoury with compelling underbrush accents, there is plenty brewing here." Decanter

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Millecento is dark and animalistic with musky black currants, mocha, rosemary and underbrush lifted by a hint of camphor. This is decidedly salty and mineral in character, offsetting its silky textures with tart wild berries tinged with sour citrus, as grippy tannins mount toward the close. Balsam herbs, cocoa and hints of licorice linger incredibly long over a coating of fine-grained tannins through the heroically structured finale. There’s already so much going on here, but with cellaring, I expect even more." Vinous

"The Castiglion del Bosco 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Millecento 1100 is the aspirational wine in this portfolio. It aims high and showcases the carefully manicured approach of the winemaking team in both the vineyard and the winery. This is a grand vintage with firm structure, lots of fruit brightness, depth and freshness. You should expect balanced intensity at this price point, and you get it." Wine Advocate

"Blueberries and cherries with hints of cedar and spice, as well as plenty of mixed dried flowers, including violets. Some graphite and stone, too. Medium-to full-bodied with racy tannins and a long, long finish. It’s linear and complete, with lovely elegance and structure. Try after 2024." James Suckling

"This red reveals both power and finesse, with intense aromas of truffle, black currant, violet and iron leading off, backed by saturated dark berry fruit, floral, leather and tobacco flavors. Big, muscular tannins grab hold of the finish, with ample fruit in reserve. Best from 2026 through 2046." Wine Spectator

The Barolo Cannubi, probably Altare 's purest interpretation of the Nebbiolo grape, has been daughter Silvia's ambitious project since 2011 and is an exciting addition to what is already an almost unique collection. Sparkling, bright ruby-garnet colour. Very clear and inviting nose, with aromas of ripe raspberries and plums, some rose petals and a subtle hint of cloves in the background. Round and balanced on the palate, full-bodied ripe fruit, then takes off with bundled, dense tannins, fills the palate, a firework of spices on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium-dense ruby-garnet colour. Presents itself with notes of blood orange, raspberry and some plum. Plucky, full-bodied tannins with a firm core, coated in sweet enamel, full-bodied pressure on the final, still very young overall." Falstaff

"Plum, cherry, sandalwood, vanilla and toasty oak flavors meld into the rich texture of this mellow red. Broad on the palate, with terrific balance and a lingering aftertaste of fruit and sweet spices. Leaves you with a burst of black pepper." Wine Spectator

"The Elio Altare 2020 Barolo Cannubi takes a modernist approach to the MGA with some oak spice, tar and liquorice surrounding firm, crunchy cherries and red fruits. The combination of fruit and oak spice gives this wine power, texture and lift and then folds over the palate with richness and beautiful volume." Wine Advocate

"The Barolo Cannubi 2020 is of great class. Floral, soaring aromas merge with a core of dark, red fruit. Medium-bodied and nuanced, with plenty of youthful tannin, the 2020 is bursting with energy and all the classicism that is so typical of this site, enhanced by Altare's approach today, which combines textural richness with vibrancy. Today, the Cannubi is the most restrained of the 2020 Altare Barolos - probably a good sign for its future." Vinous

If one were to assign a quality to this wine, it would be sincerity. In the sum of its parts, this disarming Super Riserva is not only a wine full of contrasts, but also full of soul. It reflects its terroir, the exceptional 2015 vintage and the clear stylistics of the house in a self-confident and highly credible way. Fruit, alcohol, tannin and also spice are perfectly coordinated and present in very generous quantities. With each glass, the exuberant impressions become more unravelled and a Brunello emerges that, in addition to all its complexity, amiability and persistence, has a personality that secures it a place among the best of this vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Romitorio's Riserva is a selection of the Chia family's four oldest plots, planted in 1987 with local Sangiovese clones sourced from Biondi-Santi and Soldera cuttings. This gives a sense of the estate's relatively cool, northwest-facing vineyards and surrounding woodlands. It is rather discreet and needs coaxing to elicit its appealing hints of red berries, grilled herb, porcini mushroom and forest floor. It's full but bright, with upfront tangy acidity and red currant and sour cherry notes, with fresh mint emerging on the backend. The tannins are fine and silky, making for a sophisticated sip." Decanter

"The 2015 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is youthfully restrained yet also surprisingly feminine, leading off with a dusting of cedar and white smoke, as nuances of strawberry, rose and violet perfumes come forward. It's silky and undeniably elegant, seeming to coat the palate in a polished display of red and black berries, liquid florals and minerals which slowly saturate adding a tactile feel. A complex web of tannins wrap the senses up tightly, leaving sweet inner herbal tones and savory spices to linger. This is like a whisper rather than a shout, yet it has so much to say. In forty years, only nine vintages of Riserva have ever been made at Romitorio, and the 2015 is sure to rank amongst the best of them." Vinous

"A tight, focused red with blackberry, black-cherry and walnut aromas and flavors. Full-bodied with juicy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Creamy and focused. This is still very structured and powerful." James Suckling

"Showing richness, dark fruit, bold cherry and blackberry, the Castello Romitorio 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (with exactly 7,456 bottles made) embraces the exuberant character of the vintage, its warmth and its sunshine. If you seek a time capsule of 2015, I suggest that you put this bottle somewhere safe. The tannins are polished and chiseled, and at its core the wine is overflowing with blackberry preserves, cherry confit and plum." Wine Advocate

"This stunning red exudes bright cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors, all knit together almost seamlessly, with vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Shows a combination of power and grace, with a long fruit and savory aftertaste." Wine Spectator

Andrea Franchetti began positioning Palazzi as an equal red alongside his flagship Tenuta di Trinoro in the 1990s, with the aim of producing two exceptional wines that evoke the left and right banks of Bordeaux.

Just three words: power, intensity and concentration. With a very manageable production of 1,660 bottles, here comes a full-throttle Tuscan wine that exudes generous black fruit, spice and sweet tobacco all the time. There is also black cherry and plum, which give the wine soft contours and sweetness. On the palate, it is firm, well-structured and delights with a mouth-filling richness that is second to none. Take a good piece of red meat, marinate it in rosemary and olive oil before heading to the charcoal grill and then embark on this monumental adventure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby with a black core. Intense and inviting nose with notes of cocoa, blackberry, plum and fine spices. Dense and concentrated on the palate, very lush, grippy, savoury tannins, rich tobacco on the long final." Falstaff

"This vibrant red is pure and well-defined, with cherry, raspberry and floral aromas and flavors detailed by iron and wild thyme, supported from dense yet refined tannins. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"The Tenuta di Trinoro 2019 Palazzi is a pure expression of Merlot with incoming fruit from the Palazzi vineyard that is characterized by dense clay soils. The wine's intensity is what stands out most, and that power is fueled by lovely nuances of black fruit, spice, sweet tobacco and baker's chocolate. Palazzi excels in terms of mouthfeel. The smooth richness and deep softness achieved here is only possible with this grape. Furthermore, it seems only possible in this spectacular, sun-drenched corner of undiscovered Tuscany known as Sarteano." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Palazzi is a classic Trinoro wine, with maybe a bit less bombastic intensity than some of the earlier wines, but all of the seamless elegance that has long made these reds so compelling. All the elements are wonderfully put together in the 2019, a wine that impresses with its mix of elegance, flamboyant intensity and sheer allure. I loved it." Vinous

In the vast universe of Italian wine, we can name few red wines that inspire as much fascination, even awe, as those of Josko Gravner. And so Rosso Breg cannot be missing from our list of Italy's greatest red wines. Today's 2007 fermented for more than a year on the skins in wooden barrels, then in underground amphorae, after which it matured for five years in barrel and five more in bottle before being released. And yet it is the youngest red wine ever released from Josko's cellar!

Breg is a storm of deep ruby red with a garnet rim. Against a backdrop of tremendously powerful black fruits, it unfolds a strong mineral note accompanied by leather, ploughed earth, dark Cuban tobacco, black pepper and crushed rock. After some aeration, the earthy components recede and stunning aromas of black and red plums, liquorice and blackcurrants merge with a bouquet of freshly picked wild flowers. The palate is impressive, showing its captivating backbone and a skilfully balanced sense of energy and freshness. It is rare to have such a powerful red wine in the glass that drinks so elegantly, while also displaying such a high level of mineral complexity, firm structure and spicy dark fruits. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very deep ruby red. Salty, peppery dark fruit of immense depth, but which only unfolds with time in the glass. Old leather and a hint of soy sauce and liquorice. Deep red fruits on the palate with youthful acidity and lots of gravelly tannins that add a lot of depth. Long and opening finish with layers of spicy fruit and tannins. More of a sensory experience than a wine. Sensationally balanced." Jancis Robinson

"Plums, spices and mahogany. Bark and mushroom, too. Then some cinnamon and nutmeg. Dark chocolate. Full-bodied and chewy yet round and juicy. Rhubarb, black berries, and black olives. A rich and dry red. Chocolate powder and coffee beans." James Suckling

"The aromas of the 2008 Vino Rosso Breg can be glimpsed before the glass even leaves the table, with nuances of soaked plums and cloves rising effortlessly. As it swirls, it becomes darker and spicier as it gains volume and depth, releasing a complex array of ginger and curries before giving way to dusty roses, menthol, redcurrants and balsamic herbs. It glides across the palate like fine silk, caressing everything it touches with tart cherries and raspberries embellished by lavender and sage. All the while, the senses are saturated with fine tannins, yet sweet and chalky, creating a well-controlled tension that lingers on and on. The Gravner family is a true master of Pignolo, from the complexity of the fruit to the energy and its perfectly refined structure. Enjoy the 2008 now with decanting or cellar it for many years. It is a beauty." Vinous

Barolo Brunate is a powerful and vertical wine, endowed with enormous explosive energy and intensity. Crushed flowers, mint, spices and dried flowers open up in the glass, but it is the energy of the wine that really lifts it into the stratosphere. In the glass, the 2019 is dark, almost sombre, and full of the sepia-coloured nuances that are so typical of this great Barolo vineyard. 2019 is an outstanding vintage for Brunate and the first with organic certification. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multi-layered nose with seductive aromas of forest fruits, liquorice and dried flowers; robust and full-bodied, the tannin structure and acidity are perfectly balanced. Combines fullness and race with finesse, should still mature!" Vinum

"There is a yin and yang here between ripe wild cherry, cherry and raspberry fruit and notes of eucalyptus, juniper and hay. They are gripped by dense, assertive tannins on the finish, but this seductive red wine still has a lot to offer. Excellent finesse and length." Wine Spectator

"This wine opens with a wave of aromas that makes you take a seat. Wild cherries, plum, orange peel, clove, violets and rosewood are just a few of the scents that define this beautiful wine. Taut and firm, the palate whelps for a bit more time as the primary fruits are pleasing, the combination of fruit, savory and earth need just a bit more time to shine to their highest. This is a great wine; take your time." Wine Enthusiast

"A fresh wine with a nose of red plum, then notes of laurel, incense and lavender. The mouthfeel has iodine-spicy tannins, with liquorice sensations behind." Luca Gardini

"The Vietti 2019 Barolo Brunate displays an earthy, almost autumnal quality not found in other wines from this leading winery. The bouquet opens with dark fruits, peat moss and rusty nails. The wine is long and finely structured with silky sensations that add softness to the mouthfeel. The finish reveals hints of baking chocolate and espresso beans." Wine Advocate

"The Barolo Brunate 2019 is a powerhouse. Black cherry, plum, spice, lavender, mocha, gravel and scorched earth - this virile, potent Barolo is a real powerhouse. The Brunate is another very impressive wine in this range. To be completely honest, the Brunate has never been one of my favourite wines here, but the 2019 is undeniably great. Perhaps the combination of parcels that Vietti now owns explains the multi-dimensional vibrancy that emerges here. It is simply great." Vinous

"The density of ripe fruit is fantastic in this young Brunate with black berries, blueberries, stone and earth. Very pure. It is full-bodied yet restrained and concentrated with a long and intense finish. Very fine tannins. Complex." James Suckling

A modernist by the book. Balanced and impressive at the same time. 2018 Rennina with powerful aromas and flavours of violets, black cherries, tobacco and menthol. The tannins are firm yet beautifully integrated. Rennina is a complex, medium-bodied wine, which has a great positive influence on its ageing potential and makes it a success story. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny ruby-garnet. Finely marked nose with notes of raspberry and goji berries, liquorice in the background. Full-bodied and dense on the palate, lots of tightly woven tannin embedded in beautiful melting, unfolds smoothly, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

Rennina" combines three neighbouring plots with different soils, all of which contribute to the final expression. The sandy soil, rich in marine fossils, produces elegant fragrances, while the Galestro delivers structured tannins. A captivating bouquet captures the dusty landscape and sweet, oily herbs of Tuscany. Flavours of cherry and violet saturate the palate, and beautifully integrated oak joins the long, chalky tannins. Spicy and sweet on the finish." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina is delicate and unobtrusive in the glass with a pleasant earthy blend of dried strawberry, rose and clove nuances. It embraces a silky fruit texture with a core of vibrant acidity and salty minerals in an unbound Brunello of pure elegance. It finishes with ample tannins but also remarkable freshness that lingers on notes of red plum, mocha and tobacco. This harmonious vintage of Rennina will develop beautifully in collectors' cellars." Vinous

"Harmonious and with an almost creamy texture, this red wine shows aromas and flavours of cherry, raspberry, plum, clay, almond and black pepper. On the finish, it shows a pleasant bitterness that lasts until the end." Wine Spectator

"Rennina, made from fruit from three vineyards with very different soil profiles, maintains its distinct personality with elegant aromas of red fruits, wild berries, cassis, balsamic herbs and toasted almonds. This vintage shows hints of baked clay or black olive, highlighting the warm conditions of the vintage. The wine is generous in mouthfeel, with a lovely richness that remains graceful at the same time." Wine Advocate

"Complex, wild and energetic with an intellectual array of fresh truffles, blackberries, bark, cardamom, dried porcini mushrooms, miso and rosemary. Full-bodied yet agile, with firm, taut tannins and sharp acidity. Powerful and dense. Needs a few years to open up. Taste after 2025." James Suckling

Barolo Lazzarito 2019, which obtains its fruit from Serralunga d'Alba, is built like a pyramid. It stands on a thick base of robust fruit and power and rises in intensity thanks to its wonderfully elevated bouquet. It shows direct and solid lines with blackberries, plums, spices, tar, liquorice, candied orange peel and truffle-infused earth. A second wave of flavours offers dark minerals, iron ore and rust. Baroli from Serralunga d'Alba are often in a category of their own thanks to their richness and sheer abundance of fruit. With additional aeration, the Lazzarito, certified organic for the first time in this vintage, delivers mint and fine balsamic herbs and will fully inspire with further maturation in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"The aromas of orange peel, raspberries, apples and violets merge into a medium-bodied wine with flavours of sage, lavender and raspberries. Firm and racy tannins." James Suckling

"A tantalising expression of cherry, plum, liquorice, earth and spice flavours. This red wine shows power and vigour as well as breadth and harmony. The finish is long-lasting with notes of plum, spices and minerals." Wine Spectator

"This is the Barolo we've been looking for! Black cherry, warm spices, crushed stone and dried herbs flow from the glass. It is firm on the palate and makes it clear that it should spend some time in the cellar. The fruit core is present but restrained, while black tea, aniseed, pepper and mineral notes are present but need more time." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Barolo Lazzarito continues a trend of recent years where the focus is more on finesse than raw power. Intense red fruit, iron, dried herbs, chalk, dried rose petals and white pepper permeate this deep, virile Barolo. The power and intensity of the Serralunga come to the fore in the heady, explosive finish. Bright salty notes linger on the deep, resonant finish. The Lazzarito is a Barolo of raw, unbridled power and demands patience." Vinous

"The Vietti 2019 Barolo Lazzarito with fruit from Serralunga d'Alba is a historic cornerstone of this powerful portfolio. It is also one of Vietti's Barolos that continues to offer extreme quality and pleasure with each new release. The Serralunga d'Alba is always powerful and rich. You can recognise aromas of dried tobacco leaves, fragrant tea, crushed roses and iron ore. The bouquet is very expressive." Wine Advocate

"An intense, savory Barolo, with a bouquet of balsamic notes, eucalyptus, red currant, touches of pepper leaf and nutmeg. Savory tannins on the palate, beautiful verticality enhanced by fruity-balsamic return." Luca Gardini

Refosco from the smallest vineyard "La Mont di Zuc" impresses on the palate with a complex potpourri of plums, sour cherries, graphite, flowers and minerals. This towering, massive wine remains extraordinarily pristine: in fact, it tastes like biting into a perfectly ripened grape from this very special site! As it progresses, a deep, complex register develops, composed precisely to retain the famous Miani elegance and freshness that can only be achieved with the utmost care in the vineyard and cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

Barolo Cerequio comes from vines over 35 years old and is characterised by exuberant aromas and bright, red-coloured fruit. The bouquet is enormously opulent with ripe fruit flavours ranging from wild cherry to redcurrant. There are also original notes of jam, plum and a hint of ragout. The palate is nuanced and very deep, with enormous complexity, volume and plenty of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red with garnet shimmer. Beguiling aromas of redcurrant and pomegranate, followed by white truffles and a hint of mint. Blood orange and pomegranate on the palate, extremely fresh, lively and complex, elegant melting, dancing acidity, grippy, deep tannins, persistent, powerful final." Falstaff

"There is a ripe element of boysenberry or pomegranate that gives this Barolo a slightly exotic character. Hibiscus, eucalyptus and tobacco notes are also prevalent as it firms up on the fresh, chalky finish." Wine Spectator

"Extremely fresh and perfumed with lavender, violets and fresh plums. Wonderful to smell. Full-bodied with firm and concentrated tannins that add structure and intensity. Excellent length. Fantastic for this vintage." James Suckling

"Vietti was able to buy a 9,000 square metre plot of Cerequio from Michele Chiarlo, who is arguably the king of this famous cru. And as it is a new addition to the portfolio, the Vietti team is still familiarising itself with the material. The bouquet of the Barolo Cerequio 2019, for example, reveals a fresh minty note. "This minty note was a mystery to us," says Luca Currado. "But then we realised that it was part of the Cerequio." On the palate, the wine has a firm grip, which expands and has a soft texture, but ultimately remains quite structured. Luca Currado tells me that "Cerequio is the brother and Brunate is the sister" of the La Morra Grand Cru vineyards. His wife Elena Penna adds: "We have never had two sites that are so close to each other and have such big differences." Wine Advocate

"The nose is intense, with notes of pomegranate, then wild mint, chinotto and a nice iodised finish. The flavour is spicy, with an iodine-fruity return, citrusy and enriched with mentholated notes." Luca Gardini

"The Barolo Cerequio 2019 is a worthy successor to the outstanding 2018. Aromatic and profound, the 2019 runs across the palate with remarkable depth and intensity. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petals, mint and cinnamon open up in the glass, but it is the silkiness and suppleness of the wine that impresses most. A kick of acidity and tannins puts an exclamation mark on the finish. This is a great Cerequio that soaks up all the finesse of this site and then turns up the volume. What a wine." Vinous

Angelo Gaja makes his wines with broad brushstrokes that form shapes of perfect harmony and grandeur, he makes them modern but never too fashionable. Rennina 2019 is a dark, lush and juicy red wine with a seamless overall integration. On the palate, bold fruit, oak spice, acidity and a well-knit tannin hold the overall composition together in an overwhelming and warm embrace. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Great nose of cherry with a hint of raspberry, becomes increasingly perfumed with aeration. The pinch of oak adds complexity. Juicy and polished with fresh, soft red fruit and a layer of fine-grained tannins. Energetic and direct." Jancis Robinson

"The Brunello di Montalcino Rennina 2019 captivates the taster with a beguiling blend of crushed ash stones and grilled herbs, which fade into red plums and purple pastilles. On the palate, it presents a silky texture and a wiry framework that gives it a sultry character. Salty mineral tones complicate the tart red berry fruits. Edgy tannins gather towards the end, accompanied by orange notes and a pleasant bitterness that lingers. At the moment, the Rennina is only on its feet, but I am very excited to see where this extremely flavoursome Brunello will develop." Vinous

"A powerful red, boasting macerated cherry, orange peel, plum, lavender, iron and eucalyptus flavors. Dense, dusty tannins emerge as this plays out on the long finish. Needs time." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of sweet cherries, roses, sweet tobacco and a hint of marmalade. Full and multi-layered. Lots of fruit. Juicy finish. Cheesy at the end and with air it becomes complex and very structured. Store it for a while. Best after 2027." James Suckling

"The Rennina bottling comes from three vineyards directly adjacent to the Pieve Santa Restituta winery in Tavernelle and, according to Angelo Gaja, is comparable to Barbaresco. The 2019 vintage was harvested between 12 September and 1 October and brings out the elegant side of Sangiovese. The sweet Mediterranean herbal nuances of tarragon, mint and sage are joined by cedar-like oak tones. Shiny, polished and balanced, but with an underlying tension, it shows red berries with a hint of bitter orange peel and tobacco on the palate. Finely powdered, loamy tannins cling confidently to the edges, while an appetising acidity permeates the core. Full-bodied but not heavy and with a satisfying crunch, this wine will be approachable before the sugarilla, but should last at least as long." Decanter

"The Brunello di Montalcino Rennina from Pieve Santa Restituta is characterised by its balance and the proverbial Gaja Madias touch, which always brings with it a particular creaminess or fruit concentration that harmonises perfectly with the wine's acidity and velvety tannin structure. The Pieve Santa Restituta 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina is a blend of fruit from vineyards with different soil conditions and exposures. In this classic vintage, you can expect a wine that is firmly structured and important in mouthfeel, but also has delicate and soft nuances of wild rose, roasted cumin, campfire ash and grilled rosemary. The wine lingers on the palate and offers long-lasting flavours of black fruits." Wine Advocate

Giuseppe Russo cultivates part of the 12-hectare San Lorenzo vineyard at an altitude of around 750 metres on the slopes of Mount Etna near Randazzo. The lava flows of recent decades have created a porous soil here, rich in volcanic rock and therefore providing excellent drainage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Piano delle Colombe is a 100% Nerello Mascalese from vines over 80 years old that grow on a small plot in San Lorenzo. Fermented in small open vats and matured for 18 months in a Liters oak barrel and a used barrique, it is balsamic and earthy with some ripe red and black berry aromas. Juicy, intense and savoury, its subtle, grippy tannins envelop tangy blackberries, pomegranate and a fresh herbal finish." Decanter

"The 2020 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo Piano delle Colombe is a showstopper, spicy and exotic with a kaleidoscopic bouquet of cloves, allspice, dried blood orange, cinnamon and crushed wild blueberries. It's succulently ripe in style with juicy acidity to balance. A wave of violet-tinged wild berry fruits washes across the palate with ease, leaving a tactile mineral tinge in their wake. Hints of sour cherry combine with candied citrus and spice as the 2020 finishes long and staining yet remarkably fresh. A subtle coating of fine tannins provides support but doesn’t impose. This is a showboat vintage for the Piano delle Colombe, a parcel of San Lorenzo with soils that originate from a volcanic explosion rather than lava flow. It's an exquisite and harmonious wine that is sure to win a lot of hearts." Vinous

"This wine shows lots of crisp and fresh red fruit mixed with dried Mediterranean herbs, orange peel and hibiscus. Also some smoky, dusty earth tones. Medium body. Very consistent and persistent on the palate with crisp acidity and a chalky, mineral backbone. Consistent and long finish." James Suckling

"The Girolamo Russo 2020 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo Piano delle Colombe is more approachable compared to the 2019 vintage. It is a beautiful wine with fine fibre and delicate fruity notes of wild berries, gravel and white pepper. The 2020 vintage shows the supreme elegance of Etna." Wine Advocate

Fleshy and overripe on the still youthful nose, only gradually revealing spicy aromas, dried rose petals, bright red stone fruit and menthol. The palate is concentrated and supple with dense tannins and sweet fruit, full of energy, spicy and supple, with red and blue fruits in cool tones that ride on a wave of saline minerals. The zesty acidity makes your mouth water and finishes with dramatic length and a salty liquorice note that lingers indefinitely with fine-grained tannins. A benchmark Merlot with a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

Madonna del Piano - the top vineyard of Valdicava, which takes its name from the small church there. A great Riserva with lovely tobacco notes and hints of sour cherries, the taste reveals a lovely texture and wonderfully resolved tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here is a big wine with lofty ambitions and an impactful presentation. The Valdicava 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano hits all the right buttons. The wine shows a profound sense of elegance and poise with subtle berry notes that blend into spice, licorice and tar. Those bright and lively aromatic components fold gracefully within the wine's tight texture, its sheer power and the silky nature of the tannins. This wine promises a long and steady aging future ahead." Wine Advocate

"Sumptuous, offering ripe aromas of plum, cherry, spice, earth, iron and tobacco. Velvety in texture and elegant, this nonetheless has an ironclad structure underneath. Firm and long, fresh, echoing tobacco and mineral. Seductive, yet reserved too." Wine Spectator

"A wine with superb finesse and depth. So subtle and understated yet powerful and long. The tannin intensity is amazing. It just builds like a massive wave. Superb. Give this time in the bottle. The length is endless." James Suckling

"The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is shaping up to be a real beauty. Powerful and dramatic, but also remarkably polished for such a big wine, the 2010 has a lot going on. Raspberry jam, wild flowers, spices, new leather, smoke and tobacco are laced into the powerful intense finish. The 2010 is an especially finessed Madonna del Piano with a bright future." Vinous

With the exceptional 2016 vintage, Falletto once again proves what this wine is capable of. Multi-layered bouquet with subtle sweetness, an inner fragrance and nuances that are generally only found in Giacosa's Red Label Riservas. The Falletto impresses with the intensity of its dark fruits and the excellent overall balance. The extroverted personality of the vintage is evident, especially when the wine meanders in the glass for some time left to its own devices. Menthol, flowers and liquorice give the wine refined complex notes on the finish. This is a particularly racy Barolo from Bruno Giacosa, which also has an impressive characteristic elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"A massive wine from Serralunga, this displays dense cherry and red-fruit aromas that are solid and brooding. Full-bodied with firm tannins that are chunky now, this has immense concentration and force, if not the ethereal quality that marks Giacosa's supreme wines. But it's balanced, with the high alcohol not discernible, and given the slight furriness on the very long finish, this needs time." Decanter

"This pretty red offers distinctive mint, black tea, cherry, tar, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Firm and dry, with the tobacco and tea notes echoing on the finish. Shows plenty of finesse." Wine Spectator

"This is a really dense red with intensity and beauty, showing dried fruit, such as strawberries, as well as chocolate, tar, hazelnuts and meat. Really complex and rich. Opulent, yet tense with dusty tannins. Extremely long. Great finish. Hard not to drink now, but will age incredibly well. Try after 2025." James Suckling

"The Bruno Giacosa 2016 Barolo Falletto (white label) brings us another extraordinary expression from a classic vintage. Serralunga d'Alba fruit is full, generous and thickly layered in a manner that you always hope to encounter when lucky enough to drink pedigree Nebbiolo. There is enormous density here and power and grace; however, the Barolo Falletto is seemingly weightless and ever so delicate as it warms smoothly over the senses. Crisp cherry and blackberry are followed by delicate tones of crushed stone and iron ore. Bright tones of grilled herb and blue flower lift gently from the bouquet and add to the balanced intensity of this collectors' vintage." Wine Advocate

Sparkling, deep ruby red. In the bouquet a cornucopia of small red berries and red fruits. Complex and intense on the palate, with a refinement unparalleled in the 2012 vintage. We discover dark cherries, plums, camphor and a complexity that reveals more and more structure and personality with increasing air supply. In the finale, finely underlaid wood seasoning and a surprising freshness, which already today hints at a wonderful ripening cycle. Big and monumental! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is a dark and thickly extracted expression. It is one of the blackest Brunellos you will find in this report. This rich red wine takes a little longer to open because those primary aromas are buried deep under all that bulk and power. Indeed, this wine is almost too much of a good thing. It moves with slow-motion laziness, and the bouquet is in absolutely no rush to show what it has in store. At its leisure, it will deliver dried blackberry, cassis, bitter chocolate, spice, campfire ash and sticky tar. There is some tannic astringency that will (hopefully) integrate with time. This is a hearty and satisfying wine to drink in the heart of winter with gentle snowflakes fluttering outside your window. It is a romantic wine in heart and soul." Wine Advocate

"Deep ruby-red. Toasty oak and vanilla complicate red cherry and underbrush aromas and flavors. Then rich, dense and concentrated, but lovely violet lift provides clarity and cut to the suave flavors of red cherry, red currant, flint and vanilla. Much deeper and richer than the 2013 Brunello from Valdicava, this beautiful wine finishes very long and ultra-smooth. It is the best wine I have ever had from this estate." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

"A complex red with rose petals, violets, crushed stones and cherries follows through to a full body and chewy tannins that are poised and polished. Extremely long and intense. A top wine for the vintage. This needs three or four years, maybe more, to come together." James Suckling

Andrea Franchetti began in the 1990s to position Palazzi as an equal red alongside his flagship Tenuta di Trinoro, with the aim of producing two exceptional wines reminiscent of the left and right banks of Bordeaux.

Just three words: power, intensity and concentration. With a very manageable production of 1,660 bottles, here is a full-throttle Tuscan wine that constantly exudes generous black fruits, spices and sweet tobacco. There is also black cherry and plum, which lend the wine soft contours and sweetness. On the palate, it is firm, well-structured and delights with a mouthfulness that is unrivalled. Take a good piece of red meat, marinate it in rosemary and olive oil before putting it on the charcoal grill and then embark on this monumental adventure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Splendid Merlot from loamy soils, tinged with blackberries and cassis, flanked by fine spice, tobacco and dark chocolate flavours; slightly less dense than last year, but still with a lot of finesse and a perfectly balanced tannin-acid structure, subtle minerality and complexity in the lingering final. Very successful!" Vinum

"The Palazzi 2020 is packed with dark fruits, cloves, leather and dark chocolate. Rich, deep and quite potent, the 2020 is another extroverted wine in this range. The tannins are a little curmudgeonly, but otherwise the 2020 is beautifully made and shows promise, especially as the tannins soften." Vinous

"The aromas of raspberries, plums and violets are very enticing. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a creamy and refined texture that is long and beautiful. A blend of Merlot parcels. Juicy and delicious." James Suckling

"Shows pure black cherry and blackberry fruit, along with olives, wild herbs and mineral accents. It offers a rich structure, but the overall impression is one of velvety texture and great harmony. Lively finish that leaves a salty impression. It is already accessible now, but will improve with time." Wine Spectator

"A primarily sanguine and umami nose draws balance from sweet, slightly astringent notes of plum, blueberry and boysenberry. The berries flourish on the palate, but acid brings out a latent mix of pepper and spices to preserve balance, while silky, opaque tannins provide framing." Wine Enthusiast

"The Palazzi 2020 is a 100% Merlot made to the highest standards by a winemaker, the late Andrea Franchetti, who strived for perfection. From his beloved Tenuta di Trinoro in Sarteano, with its endless skies and rolling landscapes, this wine shows plump fruit, blackberries, plums, spice and campfire ash. Coming from a hot vintage, the fruit is beautifully ripe, but by no means exaggerated. The wine shows softness, tension and a supple texture. This bottle gives a lot of intensity and charm." Wine Advocate

"Rich, bright ruby colour with a fine violet sheen. Compact and very present nose, smells of ripe blackberries, blueberries, some truffle and graphite in the background, beautiful play. Fills out the palate without becoming overpowering, ripe blueberry and blackberry fruit, polished, fine-meshed tannins in many layers, coated with fine enamel, simply fun! " Falstaff