Formats

One may wonder whether Luigi Moio is a professor wearing a winemaker's hat or a winemaker wearing a professor's hat. His vintage presentations are academic in tone, his tasting room is run with the rigour of a lecture theatre, and his vineyards are planted according to criteria that only a mathematician or scholar could fully understand. Quintodecimo's winemaking philosophy, on the other hand, is relatively simple. The best vineyard sites are selected for each individual wine. Soils, sites and microclimates are researched with great care. Nothing is taken for granted.

The Grande Cuvée Luigi Moio is the house's new top white cuvée and a carefully thought-out blend of Fiano, Greco and Falanghina, with the blending ratio varying depending on the vintage. It only comes onto the market after 14 months of bottle ageing. The idea was to create a "super-bianco" that represents the best of southern Italy, and the result is magnificent. About 60% of the wine is fermented in oak barrels and the blend is regularly stirred on the lees. The wine has a velvety, rich texture with silky fruit weight and lingering flavours of summer peach, quince, acacia honey and fragrant tuberose. All this beauty is framed by etched notes of saltiness or crushed shells. This is an outstanding achievement and raises the bar for Italian white wines! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with golden reflections. Elegant bouquet of white peach, melon and Mediterranean scrub, with a fine yeasty note and a touch of vanilla pod. Spreads wide and silky across the palate, with precise, juicy fruit on an invigorating acidity, very long and of great harmony." Falstaff

"The 2022 Grande Cuvée Luigi Moio is impossible to ignore, with a seductive bouquet that mingles crushed stones and custard with a savoury hint of ginger and freshly sliced nectarines. It opens with a lovely inner sweetness complicated by a deep, saline minerality, while crunchy orchard fruits saturate the senses under a hint of pretty inner flowers. The 2022 tapers off lightly textured, savoury and long, with a lingering finish of youthful tension and tantalising acidity that retains a fantastic freshness. What a beauty. The Grande Cuvée ferments in a combination of stainless steel and 60% new French oak, which is masterfully integrated." Vinous

After almost twenty years of experience in the vinification of the famous Etna Rosso "Serra della Contessa", the Benanti family decided in 2015 to extend the vinification, ageing and refinement of the wine to 60 months. The result is an exclusive Riserva made from 85% Mascalese and 15% Cappuccio, produced in small quantities from vines over 100 years old (pre-phylloxera) from plot no. 587, which is rightly considered one of the best red wines in the region.

Bright ruby red with light garnet-coloured reflections. Ethereal and intense on the nose, with hints of wild berries, spices, precious wood and traces of white smoke. Full, elegant, harmonious and mineral on the palate, with terrificelegance and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, sparkling ruby-garnet colour. Inviting nose with notes of ripe cherries, some strawberry and coffee powder. Full-bodied and gripping on the palate, shows plenty of grippy tannins, unfortunately a little rough on the final." Falstaff

"The warm, baked cherry and plum fruit in this graceful red exhibits a hint of menthol. Smooth, creamy tannins are seamlessly integrated, while fragrant details of tar, iron, singed orange peel and rooibos tea linger on the firm, lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Evolved style with milk-chocolate, meaty and balsamic tones combined with red cherries and red berries. The palate is soft with elegant tannins, crisp acidity and a restrained smokiness in the aftertaste. Very savory yet lacks a bit of energy." James Suckling

The small annual production (approx. 50,000 bottles) of Tommaso Cavalli's boutique winery comprises three refined red wines that, among other things, showcase the coveted terroir of the sun-drenched Conca d'Oro vineyard. We are delighted to be able to offer you a strictly limited special edition of mature vintages in an elegantly crafted wooden box!

1 bottle of 0.75l | "Forcole" Chianti Classico DOCG 2019

"Attractive plum and cherry aromas with hints of cream and stone. Medium body with pleasant roundness and subtlety. Sort of juicy and silky." James Suckling

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Forcole is absolutely gorgeous. Aromatic, silky and light on its feet, the 2019 captures all of the character of the year so well. Freshly cut flowers, crushed berries, mint and cinnamon all grace this translucent, wonderfully nuanced Chianti Classico from Tommaso Cavalli." Vinous

James Suckling: 91 points
Vinous: 90 points
Alcohol content: 13.00 %vol
Storage potential: 2029

1 bottle à 0,75l | "Le Redini" Rosso Toscana IGT 2019

"This is very complex on the nose with incense, Indian spices, blackberries and blueberries. Medium-to full-bodied with fine, velvety tannins that lead you down the palate. Solid at the end. Shows poise and tension." James Suckling

"The 2019 Le Redini is another fabulous wine in this lineup. A blend of Merlot and Alicante, Le Redini impresses with its energy and vibrancy. Plum, mocha, gravel, spice and licorice are all beautifully delineated. In 2019, Le Redini has an extra kick of energy that is just compelling. It's a wine of extreme pleasure." Vinous

James Suckling: 94 points
Vinous: 93 points
Alcohol content: 13.50 %vol
Storage potential: 2030

1 bottle of 0.75l | "Cavalli" Rosso Toscana IGT 2017

"Here is a red wine with a solid palate of red berries, crushed stone and fresh flowers. Full-bodied with nicely worked tannins that are soft and relaxed. The fruit character is complex with some fresh mushrooms and rose petals to the dark fruits." James Suckling

"The Tenuta degli Dei 2017 Cavalli is made from Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and is an excellent table wine. It is polished and deep with some of the fruit flavours you would expect from this vintage. However, the overall effect is balanced and supple with plenty of fruity power, weight and length." Wine Advocate

"Rich, bright ruby colour. Opens with pronounced spicy notes, lots of cardamom, some liquorice, then black cherry and blackberry. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, crisp cherry, grippy tannins." Falstaff

James Suckling: 94 points
Wine Advocate: 93 points
Falstaff: 93 points
Alcohol content: 14.00 %vol
Storage potential: 2032+

Ceretto's entry-level Barbaresco comes from different sites, mostly younger vines from Asili (35%) and the lower part of Bernadot (65%). Bright, elegant ruby red. It has full energy and vivacity and offers excellent persistence and remarkable balance. On the nose, sweet red cherry, mint, pine, liquorice and candied orange peel. Taut and ferruginous on the palate, very juicy, salty, stretches precisely across the tongue, with some pressure, considerable juicy-long finish. After good aeration already impressively accessible when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. In the nose noble, perceptible use of wood, discreet spice, red fruit core, blood orange, light leather. Taut and ferruginous on the palate, very juicy, salty, stretches precisely across the tongue, with some pressure, considerable juicy-long finish." Falstaff

"Pure flavors of cherry, strawberry and rose highlight this elegant red, accented by cut hay, white pepper and tobacco. It's solid and long, with a chalky feel on the finish. Best from 2023." Wine Spectator

"Ceretto's classic 2017 Barbaresco opens quickly and nicely in the glass. That playful accessibility is a trait that I found in many of the Barbarescos from this vintage. Compared to the two vineyard-specific expressions (Asili from Barbaresco and Bernadot from Treiso), this wine offers broad brush strokes of wild berry, spice, licorice and iron ore. That's exactly the mission of this wine: It provides an authentic portrait of a grape. Fruit represents a blend from various sites, including young vines from Asili and the lower parts of Bernadot. This wine is poised for near and medium-term drinking." Wine Advocate

"Really open, rich and complex on the nose, showing dried roses, strawberries and cherries. Full-bodied, layered, rich and flavorful with dried-strawberry, white-truffle and mushroom undertones. Juicy and fruity at the end. A little more opulence than normal." James Suckling

Luce Brunello is dark and impenetrable, as always in its more international style. On the palate, it delivers ripe and round fruit flavours of blackberries and plums with plenty of opulence, power and race. The comparatively warm year of 2017 has been superbly parried and we have here once again a wonderful Sangiovese interpretation very much in the style of the Frescobaldi family with wonderful melting, impressive length and suppleness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multi-layered bouquet with forest fruit aromas spiced up with nuances of bitter chocolate, spices and roses; the attack is promising, the tannins tightly woven and well integrated, mineral facets, the finish full-bodied, fruit and elegance in perfect symbiosis." Vinum

"Elegant bouquet, very polished of the skilfully modern kind. Juicy but precisely worked out dark cherry, juicy plums, behind them sweet spicy notes of tobacco, mocha and cedar. Precise on the palate with polished enormously juicy fruit with lots of detail, sweet carpet-like but quite polished tannins, spicy fruity final." Weinwisser

"Nougat, coffee, dark fruit, elderberry, some plum, prune too; blueberry on the palate, clay grip, polished international style, clear and precise." Meiningers Sommelier

"Rich ruby with brightening garnet rim. Fine, rich, dark cherry, plus plum fresh from the tree, some tobacco in the background. On the palate beautifully elaborated fruit of cherry and raspberry, then opens up with grippy tannin, embedded in sweet melting." Falstaff

"A classic style, floral, and very expressive. Intense in the mouth, with strong tannins wrapping the rich fruits, straw, and roasted coffee." Decanter

"The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Luce is an exuberant and flashy expression of Sangiovese. Just like the etched label design that features sunbeams, the wine radiates fresh fruit, cherry, spice, tar, licorice and grilled herb. The house style favors a contemporary and rich style of Sangiovese, and the wine's velvety approach is measured against the ample texture and fruit weight presented here. This warm 2017 vintage is well interpreted by the folks at Tenuta Luce." Wine Advocate

"The freshness and the floral aromas with citrus fruit and berries are startling for a 2017. The palate is full and extremely refined with elegant tannins and vivid fruit and orange-peel undertones. Racy and bright at the finish." James Suckling

Brilliant, dark ruby colour. Deep bouquet of rich blackberry and cherry flavours with mentholated herbal notes that give it lift, while notes of cedar and clove develop in the glass. On the palate, the wine is a pure silk that slowly lays over the palate, with an admirable density and weight balanced by bright acidity and minerality. This still very young wine is full of potential with a core of dark primary fruit that already offers a good foretaste of the charm of later years. A finely woven tannin structure on the long final. Wonderful ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very beautiful, floral bouquet with delicate candied, ripe cherries, lilacs and rose petals. Powerful, juicy in the mouth, spicy-floral frame with rather red berry freshness, beautiful spice and herbal notes, good tension with quite supple, fine-grained tannins." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red with garnet reflections. Elegant bouquet of sweet cherries, undergrowth, fresh mushrooms, plus some tobacco and saddle leather. Incredibly soft on entry with young but fine tannins, precise fruit, long." Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Attractive, firm cherry fruit nose with balsamic, minty oak notes. Lots of supple, tangy cherry with grippy but polished tannins. A seductive whole that can be savoured now but also lasts a long time." Jancis Robinson

"Compact and exciting young red colour with lots of dark fruit and violets as well as subtle spicy and roasted undertones. Creamy and rich on the palate with balanced acidity. Persistent length with flavours of dried herbs on the finish. Needs more time to mellow." James Suckling

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is wild, opening with a savoury burst of spiced orange and clove before settling on black cherry and ashen rock. It feels creamy and seductive, with a wave of rich red fruit flowing easily across the palate, guided by juicy acidity. Tension builds on the finish as salty minerals mingle with edgy tannins, leaving a pleasantly bitter sensation and leaving the mouth wanting more. Although some patience will be required, I expect the 2019 to exceed expectations after only a few years of cellaring." Vinous

"The La Gerla 2019 Brunello di Montalcino has spicy, dried fruit with blackcurrant, pine cones, juniper berries and a hint of medicinal herbs or camphor ash. The oak is clearly evident in the form of fireflies or crushed cloves. On the palate, this Brunello is rather streamlined, and although the tannins are still slightly chalky, they are now almost accessible." Wine Advocate

"One of the company's gems, a Brunello of rare reliability. On the nose, notes of red mulberry, then eucalyptus and cinnamon, with hints of gardenia. The sip is savoury, with a return of balsamic sensations and red mulberry. Closes with floral notes." Luca Gardini

A few years ago, Pio Boffa, who has sadly since passed away, bought himself a "small" present for his 60th birthday. Not a new set of golf clubs, a picture to hang in the hall, a holiday for him and his family. No. Just a vineyard called Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba, a region of Piedmont where four generations of the Pio Cesare dynasty were never able to gain a foothold. Originally, the grapes from the 10-hectare vineyard were intended to enhance the quality of his classic Barolo, but after the first barrel samples, Pio Boffa realised unmistakably that this would be at least an equal - albeit stylistically different - counterpart to the hitherto undisputed flagship Ornato.

Mosconi is more light-footed than Ornato, the nose is dominated by red rather than black fruit, with an irresistible liquorice and a juiciness that will immediately put it at the top of the entire appellation. On the palate, it has a precision that is unrivalled; it is less powerful than Ornato, but more elegant and subtle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby-garnet colour. Mysterious nose, initially of cold black tea, then delicate earthy notes, then mint, cinchona bark, then delicate wild berry and raspberry fruit in the second area. Shows a lot of tannin and pressure on the palate, builds up like a pyramid, noble earthy tones on the finish, lingers for a very long time." Falstaff

"Mid-to-deep ruby with orange tinges. Less exalted that the Parusso version but with the same perfumed undertow and with savoury, minerally and oaky hints. Totally seductive palate of succulent, round fruit spiked with gripping tannins." Jancis Robinson

"This red wine with its cherry and raspberry fruit is ripe and lively, with a solid basic structure. It gains depth with notes of iron, liquorice and tar, while a salty note emerges on the long, intense finish. Ripe, with a sense of restraint - a fascinating combination." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barolo Mosconi is a great wine from this vineyard. Rich and explosive, the 2019 offers plenty of Mosconi intensity along with the more classic sense of structure that is now a signature of the house. Dark red fruits, sage, blood orange, tobacco and cedar all come through beautifully in this dramatic, full-bodied Barolo." Vinous

"The Pio Cesare 2019 Barolo Mosconi offers the structure and length of a Nebbiolo from Monforte d'Alba. You also get a salty mineral tone or rusty iron framing a core of wild berries and blackcurrants. The Mosconi always strikes me as very straightforward and direct, and this particular sharpness is what I like most about this vintage." Wine Advocate

"Macerated raspberries combine with wild roses and crushed chalk in this evocative wine that captivates from the first sniff. Mixed cherries emerge on the palate, dusted with aniseed, liquorice and savoury herbs, with superfine tannins leading to a long finish that I wish would never end." Wine Enthusiast

"Cru Mosconi, the house's latest acquisition, a perfect snapshot of the Monforte terroir. Dogwood on the nose, with notes of pink grapefruit and clove, in the mouth with iodised tannins, crisp and exciting, beautiful finish." Luca Gardini

"The flavours of blue fruits such as raspberries and blueberries are very pronounced. Liquorice. Crushed stone. Violets. Full-bodied. So noble with ultra-fine tannins that last forever. Wonderful depth with cool and concentrated fruit. A lively and sophisticated wine with power and finesse. A classic." James Suckling

Complex scent of blackberries and spice notes, with hints of vegetabile. Dense taste with highly elegant tannins and a never-ending reverberation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright color for Valdicava. Sweet, delicate and fine in fragrance, very restrained fruit, harmonious and delicate, not as opulent as expected. Soft, ripe fruit in the mouth with a nutty note of fine wood aging, good, firm type. Completely rounded and full-bodied with a fine body and a well-fanned tannin presence."Weinwisser

"The gamy 2010 Brunello di Montalcino does a great job of presenting intensity and elegance all in the same delicious package. That's not easy to do and the excellent 2010 fruit plays a big role in achieving this goal. The wine offers a long succession of aromas that span from ripe fruit, to smoked meat, to grilled herb and soft spice. Delicate tones of licorice, cola and anise seed add life and energy. The list goes on. The wine's mouthfeel is best characterized by softness and structure, a two-fold approach that gives high hopes for the long aging potential of this wine. Valdicava's Brunello will appeal to those who love earthy and leathery notes in their Brunello."Wine Advocate

"The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is one of the very best wines I have tasted here in recent years. Dark red cherries, mint, game, smoke, tobacco and licorice are all deeply expressive in a mid-weight, very classic feeling Brunello long on class and personality. Big yet silky tannins frame the dramatic, intense finish."Antonio Galloni

"Effusive aromas of incense, green olive, sweet strawberry and cherry, licorice and leather mark this structured version. The tannins are on the beefy side, but this finishes long, with enough fruit and spice for balance."Wine Spectator

"Absolutely stunning aromas of nectarine, orange peel, sweet black cherry, plums and flowers. Licorice and mushroom It's full body, with layers of ultra-fine tannins and hints of tangy acidity. Such beautiful length and beauty to this wine. It's powerful and structured yet shows a gorgeous finesse and length. Truly wondrous. So long and refined. The texture is phenomenal."James Suckling

It is reported that the hermit Alemanno chose the hill of Rosazzo as his spiritual retreat in the year 800. Around 200 years later, the Augustinians taught the local population the principles of agriculture here. The Pignolo grape variety can also be traced back to this place until the end of the 18th century. Sensitive and low-yielding, it had almost disappeared by the end of the 19th century and was rediscovered and re-cultivated in Rosazzo.

In 1983, a massal selection of a biotype with characteristically small grapes in the shape of pine cones was planted beneath the wall of the Antico Belvedere. The material, which is available in very small quantities, matures in second-use barrique barrels, which tames the natural, strong tannins and makes the wine supple.

Medium, deep garnet red colour with dark reflections. Expansive, intense and extremely complex bouquet of dried plum, red blackberry, sour cherry jam and tamarind, carried by cigar box aromas, followed by hints of blueberry, rhododendron blossom, bracken, violet and elderberry. With further aeration, black pepper, clove, incense, cherry, coffee and cinnamon. On the palate, the exuberant, almost overwhelming impressions continue with complex and spicy nuances. There is also an impressive freshness and the typical, present tannin, which is never too intrusive but forms a perfect unity with the great concert of flavours. With further aeration in the glass, you get an approximate impression of the impressive fullness and complexity of an exceptional Pignolo, which is not without reason one of the terrificred wines in Italy and leads you on an unforgettable journey of pleasure right up to the last sip. Around 1,000 bottles are only produced in the best vintages. SUPERIORE.DE

"Crazy aromas of balsamico and mussels with moss, forest flower, lead pencil, and iron. Cigar box. Medium body. Very savory and unique with tobacco leaf, cigar, cedar, wet earth, and dried mushroom. Very unique and thought-provoking." James Suckling

Its multi-layered bouquet of spices, black olive, rosemary, plum and cherry opens slowly. On the palate, firm, compact and initially introverted, then mint, spices, dark red fruit, plus cassis and graphite. The taste experiences come to light in small slices; with this outstanding red wine, it is worth waiting as hardly anywhere else to be able to fully discover the depth and complexity of this Tuscan jewel. SUPERIORE.DE

"This juicy, almost silky red is marked by aromas and flavors of cherry, black currant, violet, Tuscan scrub and earth. Vibrant yet dense, with lightly chewy tannins lining the finish. Features fine balance and length overall." Wine Spectator

"Dark luminous, rich ruby violet. Inky, sealing wax nose, then a mix of undergrowth and black berries, iron, spice, opens on cherry juice and dried violets. Gripping on the palate with rich, layered tannin, stretches out on earthy tones, powerful, shows lots of power, very independent, has a long life ahead of it." Falstaff

"Lots of blackcurrant and blackberry aromas follow a full body with firm tannins and a chewy finish. Lots of black liquorice, anise and light asphalt. Pencil too. Taste after 2025." James Suckling

"The wine reveals a dark appearance with dried blackberries, rum cake, juicy blackberries and syrupy kirsch. There is a good amount of fruit weight to carry the wine across the palate, but the quality of the fruit is superb; and the finish is finely textured and silky despite the robust flavours. It is powerful, but at the same time weightless. That in itself is a small miracle. The fruit comes from a six-hectare vineyard with south and south-east exposure." Wine Advocate

"The D'Alceo 2018 is a wild, exotic wine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot combine in a wine that is lush, complex and exceptionally beautiful. Deep blue/purple fruit, sage, mint, lavender and chocolate are just some of the many notes that unfold. The 2018 was fermented in cement and then aged for 12 months in a combination of 500L tonneaux and barriques. With time, it really blossoms." Vinous

The grapes for Roberto's "entry-level Barolo" come from four of his best vineyards, which are harvested a few weeks earlier than those reserved for his Grand Crus. It is also the most balanced of his Barolo wines, even if the fruit and acidity are anything but restrained, but the proportions are just right here. The structure is great, its length and elegance inspiring - the refined layered components such as raspberry, cherry and its subtle salty vein make it without doubt one of the most serious wines of the entire appellation - a real Voerzio for comparatively little money. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of plum, strawberry, orange peel, and loam with hints of cedar and hazelnut. Flowers, too. Full body, juicy fruit and a tangy finish. A combination of ripeness and pure fruit. Flavorful at the end." James Suckling

Chiara Boschi's Cannubi 2020 beguiles on the nose with layers of fragrant fruit. A sensual Barolo and yet quite typical in its vineyard character. Soft, silky tannins frame the long finish. A wonderful wine, characterised by its balance and above all by the sweetness of its tannins. Very full-bodied, focussed and with great length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exciting attack of stone fruit, dried flowers and herbs; powerful texture, combines character and polish, has length and ends on complex notes of forest fruits and spices." Vinum

"Sparkling, rich ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Initially of tea and rose petals, then blackberry and wild raspberry, some graphite in the background. Lots of red berry fruit, especially black cherry, then gripping tannin, gives the wine depth, savoury and long." Falstaff

"The Barolo Cannubi 2020 is elegant, silky and nuanced. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, cinnamon and orange peel give this medium-bodied, restrained Barolo a remarkable aromatic presence. All elements are beautifully balanced throughout. The 2020 is a lovely wine, but a lighter style even for Cannubi. The lighter body makes the tannins seem a little austere. It will be interesting to see how it develops." Vinous

"The talented Chiara Boschis has created a jewel from this cru in 2020. Pure mint and liquorice scents with deep notes of dried cherries, leather and blood orange. Very elegant with great persistence and a classic finish." Decanter

"A well of pure cherry bubbles up in this red, complemented by rose, strawberry, mineral, wet pine and underbrush aromas and flavors. Though exuding finesse, this is layered with chalky tannins, yet still extends with a kaleidoscope of red fruit, mineral and savory notes on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Nervous and complex nose with excellent depth. Oranges, nutmeg, steel, minerals and a hint of white pepper and oyster shells. Broad and expansive on the palate with very structured, chalky tannins that expand into a long, mineral finish. Long and youthful." James Suckling

"Chiara Boschi's 2020 Barolo Cannubi is a fine and delicate wine, even if it is a little more pithy and rich in this warm vintage. The quality of the fruit is exceptional, especially the crisp ripeness. Dark cherry, blackcurrant, rose petal, pink pepper and white limestone add considerable notes. The freshness is great and the fruit remains juicy, leading to a long, elegant finish. Only 4,000 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"A wine of density, tension and crispness. On the nose, notes of cranberry, hints of blood orange and liquorice root, with a powerful finish of wild mint. Salty, juicy tannins on the palate, with a return of small red fruits and mentholated notes." Luca Gardini

Paleo Rosso - unmistakable Cabernet Franc and one of Bolgheri's most important wines, full of elegance and class. The name is unspectacularly derived from a weed that has long since been removed from the vineyards of Le Macchiole. Rich ruby red colour with violet reflections. Mint, white pepper, blackberry fruit and a hint of pomegranate on the nose. Finely melting on the palate with hints of tobacco and poppy seeds. Wonderfully structured and with a long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich bouquet, characterised by hints of iron, which combine with ethereal medicinal notes to create a recognisable signature. Tobacco, fir wood and dark herbs characterise the distinctive expression of this top wine. On the palate, it is gripping with an elegant structure, emphasising an expressive yet subtle spiciness, a real spicy orgy of exotic spices, cardamom, cloves and slightly smoky peppers. Cabernet Franc at its finest, eternally salty and savoury aftertaste. Great cinema." Weinwisser

"Intensely reflective ruby-purple colour. Opens on the nose with pronounced spicy notes of graphite and cedar, then black cherry, dark currants and white pepper. Grippy, gripping tannins characterise the palate, dark fruit components, with an emphatically spicy final." Falstaff

"Precise, with accents of herbs and peppers in the blackcurrant, black olive, iron and tobacco flavours. Shows subliminal vanilla and spice elements from the discreet use of new oak, which unfold with harmony and finesse on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Lots of black berries and black olives with blackcurrants and rosemary. Full-bodied, chewy and rich with intense tannins and a long, powerful finish. Muscular and taut." James Suckling

"Its aroma is a heady combination of leafy and cedar scents, saturated with vibrant graphite minerality, citrus fruit and liquorice depth. On the palate, this is supported by tremendous extraction and power, with firm, oaky tannins and a graphite aftertaste of astonishing elegance." Decanter

"The Le Macchiole 2020 Paleo is one of the best Cabernet Francs in Italy. It is very dense and richly concentrated, with an amount of dark fruit that can only be broken down by slow maturation in the cellar. Paleo is always a wine for the long haul. The oak needs time to integrate and focus. Even at this young stage, the quality of the tannins and the precise ripeness of the fruit are convincing. A hint of sweet cherry, exotic spice and dark chocolate ensure a long finish." Wine Advocate

"The Paleo Rosso 2020 is noble, elegant and wonderfully polished. Crushed flowers, spices and blood orange lend it brightness. The Paleo Rosso impresses with its medium-bodied structure and offers great depth. It has performed very well in the past. I assume that this will also be the case here, as the 2020 radiates balance from start to finish. The 2020 matured for 18 months in 100% French oak and 5% of the wine was aged in amphorae." Vinous

"A firework of pepper lights up the nose, from black pepper to green peppercorns and hot chilli. Undertones of flint and leather intensify the spiciness, while flavours of raspberry jam and vanilla provide balance. On the palate, the spiciness remains, with biting, assertive acidity, but a sweetness lingers, and a finish of chilli and chocolate ties it all together. Transcendent." Wine Enthusiast

After a year's break, the new edition of the long-awaited Brunello Annata comes onto the market with the outstanding 2019 vintage. Initially restrained on the nose, with a little coaxing in the glass it reveals a beautiful blend of fragrant black cherries, mentholated spices, wild herbs, white smoke and a hint of leather. On the palate, silky, enveloping textures, contrasted by cool red and black fruits, plus lively acids that emphasise the spicier and sweeter side of the wine and glide endlessly on the final with fine tannins and minerals. We can already recognise a harmony here that makes us eagerly anticipate the further development of this wonderful wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Valdicava was rewarded in 2019 with both quality and quantity. Rather than racing out of the gate, this expresses methodically. Fresh berries are offset by dried florals, tea, tobacco and cedar. Perfumes of orange oil and rose build on the palate, bestowing brightness and a more youthful mien. Tannins are fine-grained yet firm, accentuated by steely acidity. Overall elegant in flow." Decanter

"This displays a mix of fruity and savory flavors, with notes of cherry, raspberry, rose hip, leather and earth. Pliable tannins emerge on the finish, yet this is balanced and long overall, with freshness and elegance." Wine Spectator

"Aromatic with black cherries, oranges and cedar. Very perfumed. Medium to full body. Firm tannins. The wood is showing a bit now but will come through nicely. This is a structured and toned red. Give this three or four years more in bottle." James Suckling

If you stumble across a vineyard qua fate, then you might as well move on. Luca Roagna, however, did what he had to do. He inherited this old vineyard, which was completely planted with Timorasso, and since it immediately became clear to him to do something useful with it, and he did not know anything about this historic grape variety, he asked Walter Massa, who has been dedicated to this rare variety for decades, without further ado. And so, after a few years, he succeeded in making a wine from it that can more than compete with those of his teacher!

Radiant, clear stagnant yellow. In the nose quince, citrus and a potpourri of yellow fruits. On the palate, this saltiness is paired with a well-dosed wood spice. The long maceration time gives this great white wine power and endurance. Fine astringency is paired with a pressure that gives this wine - paired with well-dosed acidity and always very present fruit - the uniqueness that makes it at least equal to the great whites of the Loire or Burgundy, even in direct comparison. And yet it bears the individual Roagna signature: a style that cannot be found in France or in other Piedmont vineyards. And that really means something, since the white wines of this noble Italian region are getting better from year to year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino is ethereal and light on its feet. More importantly, Luca Roagna coaxes a level of textural finesse that is not common with Timorasso, all while retaining the grape's phenolic feel. Mint, dried lemon peel, almond, sage, lime and yellow flavors all develop in this savory, vibrant dry white." Vinous

Bricco della Bigotta smells of cherries, cinnamon, black pepper and a hint of tobacco. On the palate, great finesse and harmonious balance between acidity and alcohol. Lingers long with character and class. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby with a slight violet shimmer. Very intense and deep nose of dark wild raspberries and black cherries, in the background cinnamon and some red beet. Round and mouth-filling on the palate, showing lots of ripe cherry fruit, embedded in fine melting, unfolds elegantly and with persistence." Falstaff

"Aromas of baked plum, baking spice and mocha emerge from the glass. The bold, full-bodied palate offers cherry marinated in spirits, white pepper and cocoa alongside smooth tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Like all the Barberas from Braida in this flight, the alcohol content is recorded at a hefty 15.5% here, but the 2018 Barbera d'Asti Bricco della Bigotta shows a lot more ripeness, sweetness and rich concentration across the board. This expression is just heavier and denser. You sink your teeth into this red wine. There is oak spice and toasted cinnamon, and the wine carries extra fruit weight." Wine Advocate

As always, the stunning Vigneti del Versante offers a spicy and seductive fruit of black cherries and plums, along with flowers, tobacco, minerals and undergrowth. The wine shows great fibre and density, with much of this power coming from the heavier soils of the selected vineyard sites. The overall impression is captivating with its intensity, yet luxurious and mysteriously dark. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a fascinating interpretation of the Vigneti di Versante, taking the floral, exotic nature of the vintage and combining it with the finesse and sophistication of Pian dell'Orino. Mint leaves, crushed stones, hints of camphor and dried strawberries are complemented in the glass by hints of ground ginger. This wine is elegant and refined, silky to the core, with tantalising acidity and mineral tones enlivened by hints of orange, while red plums linger on the senses. The tannins are soft and dusty, with an admirable concentration rarely found in 2018, finishing fresh and lightly textured. It is simply delicious. There will be no Bassolino di Sopra in 2018. All the juice went to the Vigneti del Versante." Vinous

Granato has been an exceptional Teroldego for years: It convinces in the bouquet with its rich balsamic scent of sour cherries and red currants. Extract-rich and intense, powerful and extremely precise on the palate. A great wine that reflects the long-standing consistency and competence of this winemaker. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Teroldego Granato is so youthful yet so beautiful, rising from the glass with an infectiously spicy bouquet that is at times autumnal, at times savoury, mingling with dark red fruits. The palate is flooded with a wave of intense raspberries and wild berries that quickly saturate, but with a hint of sour citrus for a nice balance. A pretty inner sweetness lingers as it finishes structured and remarkably long with a refreshing hint of inner rose and wild strawberry that lingers on. It's powerful but also elegant and perfectly balanced for a long evolution." Vinous

"This wine shows deep red and dark berries with peppery notes, dark chocolate, hibiscus and grapefruit peel. Just a hint of cedar and smoked herbs. Full and concentrated, so stable and dense with lively, finely honed tannins and vibrant acidity giving the wine power and highlighting the savoury fruit and minerality. Very long and tense." James Suckling

"Iconic wine, one of the expressive peaks of Teroldego. Fermentation in open oak vats, ageing in acacia and cement casks, great freshness on the nose, redcurrants, touches of wild mint and rhubarb, on the palate it is dense-sweet, with a fruity-balsamic return and a finish on underbrush notes." Luca Gardini

Luce Brunello is dark and impenetrable, as always in its more international style. On the palate, it delivers ripe and round fruit flavours of blackberries and plums with plenty of opulence, power and breed. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and full-bodied, this juicy red shows aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and Mediterranean scrub, with hints of graphite, underpinned by muscular tannins that come through on the finish. Very balanced overall." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is generous and open in personality. It shows sweet cherries, dried raspberries, spices and fragrant roses." Wine Advocate

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Quite restrained on the nose, then opens up with notes of rose petals and tea, rich spicy components in the background. Firm and grippy on the palate, shows plenty of grippy tannin, substantial and structured, but still needs longer ageing." Falstaff

"A finely structured and concentrated Brunello with a complex palette of cherries, blackberries, dried roses, bark, liquorice and a hint of praline. Also iodine and oyster shells. Medium to full body with firm, very fine tannins. Nice texture and balance. Remains fresh and fine until the end. To be tasted from 2025." James Suckling

Franchetti Rosso is Passopisciaro's flagship and a breathtakingly perfect wine. The grapes come from vineyards 1000 metres above sea level in the north of Etna, where the soils consist of ash and pumice. Franchetti is a ripe, exotic wine that envelops the palate with dark fruit flavours. Refined tannins support the fruit, while an intense inner sweetness lends elegance and finesse. A thoroughly outstanding wine with wonderful development potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, impenetrable ruby colour, deep dark. Shows rich notes of blueberry and mulberry on the nose, also some cassis, cloves and smoke in the background. Lots of dark fruit on the palate too, then opens up with fine tannins, builds for a long time, pithy and with firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Purplish in the glass, this wine displays restrained black fruit with blueberries and soft pepperiness. The palate is very savory, with generous but fresh fruitiness, chewy tannins and refreshing acidity. Very crunchy overall, with a medium body and a warming finish." James Suckling

"The 2022 Franchetti is dark and brooding in the glass as mentholated herbs and white smoke give way to dried blackberries, earth tones and a hint of white pepper. This is velvety and supple, enveloping the palate with a cloak of ripe red and black fruits as a growing tension develops beneath the surface, mixing salty minerals with fine tannins. Brilliant acidity maintains fantastic balance as the 2022 finishes spicy and long. There’s a classic feel to its structural components, closing with an air of violet inner florals. In 2022, the Franchetti is a blend of 70% Petit Verdot and 30% Cesanese d’Affile." Vinous

"From Petit Verdot and Cesanese d'Affile grown in contrada Guardiola, Franchetti 2022 has such a complex aroma, consisting of damp earth, wild mint, rose, lavender, dark chocolate, dark cherry and strawberry jam. In the mouth it's tightly coiled and full of energy, with fine tannins and succulent fleshy red and blue berries contained within its vertical profile, just waiting to burst free. There's a lovely rolling wave of acidity which persists on the blackcurrant and spice finish." Decanter

Coltassala Gran Selezione is an impeccable representative of the royal class in Chianti Classico. The immensely fragrant bouquet shows black fruits, spices and ploughed earth. All the aromas are on the dark and spicy side, but the wine always remains fresh, dense, buoyant and very linear. Shows rich volume and a strong personality and precision. SUPERIORE.DE

"As always at this young stage, the wood notes accompany the fine and bright fruit; the strengths lie in the inner tension, the elegance, the solid style of the fine tannin and the eternal length. Confirms the upward trend of this great classic, which has been organically farmed since 2000." Weinwisser

"Charismatic attack of cherries and black pepper, delicately tinged with liquorice notes; the tannins youthful, the acidity perfectly integrated, plenty of richness and power through to the long complex final." Vinum

"The organic Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala 2019 is 95% Sangiovese with a tiny 5% Mammolo. The production is 9,000 bottles in this vintage. The wine shows medium fruit weight with a nice blend of creamy black fruits, Christmas spices and crushed stone or granite. The wine is both fruity and contemporary." Wine Advocate

"Bright ruby red. In the nose initially fine mint, some fruit tea, also fine liquorice, in the aftertaste of ripe blackberries and cardamom. On the palate with clear, radiant fruit, tense powerful tannin, also on the palate with ripe berry fruit, in the final with delicate earthy-spicy nuances, grippy." Falstaff

"Aromas of black cherries and citrus fruits with some graphite and smoke. Medium-bodied with firm, juicy tannins that are still chewy now but will soften with age. Racy and long on the finish. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"Lovely cherry, raspberry and floral aromas and flavours take centre stage in this graceful red wine. Lively and elegant, with well-integrated tannins and a long, supple, mineral finish. In about 5 to 6 years, this wine will be truly charming." Wine Spectator

"An exceptional Gran Selezione from Volpaia, sourced from the winery's historic vines and clones. On the nose, red raspberry, hints of rhubarb and juniper, then balsamic eucalyptus. Salty-sweet on the palate, with a fruity finish and balsamic notes, very long lasting." Luca Gardini

Villa dei Misteri - a wine with historical roots and forward-looking flavours: this Pompeiano Rosso is vinified from the limited Piedirosso grapes that now grow in the ruins of the Pompeii archaeological site. Generous, bright and fruity aromas of raspberries, spices and a hint of pepper. Concentrated and persistent flavour with fine tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

50 & 50 - Tuscan cult wine made from 50 per cent Merlot from Avignonesi and 50 per cent Sangiovese from Capannelle. Bright ruby colour with a fine garnet rim. Elegant, very elegant nose with clear notes of ripe cherries, some blackberry, wonderfully balanced. Full-bodied on the palate, shows plenty of fruit, then develops a densely structured tannin, long final with subtle tobacco and pomegranate notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 50 & 50, an equal parts blend of Merlot and Sangiovese, opens in the glass with an enticing blend of crushed blackberries and dried black cherries accentuated by sweet herbs and a dusting of confectioners' spice. It's soft-textured with a slender blend of ripe red berries, spiced citrus and brisk acidity swirling together as cheek-puckering tension builds toward the close. It leaves a wild blueberry concentration through the finish, showing off its Merlot component as fine-grained tannins linger on and on." Vinous

"Flavours of red fruits, cedar wood, mushrooms and bark are followed by a full body with multi-layered tannins and a fruity and crisp finish. Medium to full-bodied. Dense and multi-layered with plenty of variety. A blend of 50% Merlot (Avignonese) and 50% Sangiovese (Capannelle). It needs three to four years to develop." James Suckling

Scarrone Vigna Vecchia" has been certified organic since the 2019 vintage. Multi-layered aroma with notes of wild berries, chocolate and mint, lots of power, fruit and fullness on the palate, spicy-opulent final. A Barbera that can and should mature. The small edition of this exquisite extract from just under 1.4 hectares of vineyard is usually sold out in no time at all. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wow, this wine is all about concentration and power. This is due to several factors, including firstly the hot vintage and secondly the great age of these precious vines. Just remember that they were planted in 1918, during the final offensive of the First World War. The Vietti 2020 Barbera d'Alba Scarrone Vigna Vecchia has a deep black appearance and is certainly not shy about its thickness and density. The wine coats the palate with baked fruit and blackberry jam. This is an extreme expression of Barbera, but considering the nuances, the wine also shows very careful balance." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Barbera d'Alba Scarrone Vigna Vecchia captures all the magic of the old vines in this cru from Castiglione Falletto. Black cherry, plum, liquorice, incense, melted road tar and spices combine in a Barbera of unusual complexity, power and elegance. Again, the purity of the flavours is downright compelling." Vinous

"Concentrated aromas of black cherry, cinnamon, black tea and rosebud are found in the glass. The palate is a study in both richness of fruit and lifted elegance as the lush cherry and blackberry flavors set the stage but are then bolstered by the vibrant acidity and sweet and savory spices. It's well-balanced and supremely structured." Wine Enthusiast