Formats

"Palistorti" means "crooked stakes" in Italian - and the name is no coincidence. At the beginning of their winemaking career, Laura and Moreno found many limestone boulders in the vineyards, which caused the freshly driven stakes to become crooked and crooked when planted. And that's how this exciting second wine got its name, the estate owners reveal in conversation.

Bright ruby red in colour. Red and black berry flavours dominate the nose. With a little air, increasingly clear cherries and sour cherries and something spicy that cannot be immediately categorised. Somehow fresh and yet Mediterranean, but not like Chianti or Brunello. Is it the little bit of Syrah? Or is it this unique terroir? Wherever this spiciness comes from, in combination with this pronounced fruit, it smells simply marvellous. The palate is full-bodied, very juicy and again this unique combination of fruit and spice makes the wine simply exciting and special. Juicy, finely structured, perfectly balanced, with character and an animating acid bite. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pronounced, bright purple colour with ruby red reflections. Slightly smoky on the nose, with notes of fresh cherry and plum, plus undergrowth. Clear on the palate, with crisp fruit, velvety, gripping tannins and lively acidity." Falstaff

The grapes for this graceful Valpolicella Classico come from the Miniere vineyard on the Bertani Villa Novare estate, a south-west-facing site covering just 4 hectares and consisting of two terraces. Bright ruby red in colour, with a very clear nose of fresh fruit, cherry and wild berries, with elegant notes of white pepper. Spicy, juicy and flavoursome on the palate, with remarkable persistence, straightforwardness and great length! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright red; fresh, fruity, inviting; juicy, balanced, reductive, off-dry." Merum

"Sparkling ruby red colour. Delicate fruity notes on the nose, raspberries and cherries, some orange zest and a hint of herbs. Pomegranate on the palate, fresh and straightforward, refreshing acidity, delicate tannins, salty final." Falstaff

Maurizia di Napoli Rampolla and her brother Luca describe their strategy of natural viticulture in Panzano as "gentle farming". The very successful Chianti Classico with its clean fruit bouquet, precise flavour, firm tannins and beautiful texture and depth is a delightful wine that is unfortunately very limited in quantity each year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Chianti Classico 2021 is an elegant, graceful wine. Crushed flowers, bright red fruits, tobacco, cinnamon and dried flowers take shape in a decidedly delicate, restrained wine from Rampolla. The 2021 is a model of elegance and finesse and is at its best today." Vinous

"Maraschino cherry, pomegranate, smoked meat, earth and rosemary flavors highlight this sleek red, which is defined by vivid acidity and solid tannins, with a dry, sinewy finish." Wine Spectator

"A dense, velvety and delicious Chianti Classico with aromas of sour cherries, wild berries and dried flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Lots of texture, with a core of berries coming through. Aromatic finish." James Suckling

This successful blend of Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc opens with dark concentration and great density. Fornace offers impressive juiciness and rich flavours of red cherries, blackberries, spices and grilled herbs. Its full body, restrained acidity and silky tannins are perfectly balanced, with balsamic hints accompanying this attractive Supertuscan into a supple and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Interesting blend with lots of Cabernet Franc: Intense yet elegant nose of dark forest fruits, tobacco, also subtle eucalyptus notes; dense and full-bodied in the mouth, the tannins are fine-grained, dark fruity and spicy on the finish. Perfect with game and wild fowl." Vinum

"Though there are still tannins present on the finish, this red is ready to enjoy. Sweet spice notes frame the plum and cherry fruit at the heart of this version, which is fluid and supple, with touches of wild rosemary, thyme and earth on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Notes of ripe cherries, wild berries, dried orange peel, cedar and crushed stones. Dry and tense on the palate, with lightly chewy but very fine tannins. Medium-bodied. It’s concentrated and characterful, with a zesty, minerally aftertaste and some savory, peppery nuances. Really tense and energetic." James Suckling

Exciting, balsamic, white cuvée from Vermentino, Trebbiano and Malvasia - with a handful of Traminer and Riesling. Initially reductive on the nose, then dark yellow fruit, some smoke. Very direct, straightforward and grippingly mineral on the palate, with crisp acidity, citrus zest and fine juicy yellow fruit. Lingers on the palate for a long time and, with its race and alpine freshness, makes you briefly forget that this linear and very concise white wine comes from Tuscany. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow colour. Smells of peach, melon and cucumber, with a hint of fennel seed in the background. Racy acidity characterises the palate, some saffron and peach again, with a salty final." Falstaff

"The Pianvecchio 2023 is a rare, co-fermented Vermentino/Riesling blend from young vines. Pretty floral nuances and a hint of orchard fruits adorn this light-coloured, very expressive white wine. It opens up beautifully with a little time in the glass." Vinous

"A racy and crisp white wine with a medium body, crisp acidity and a chalky texture. Aromas and flavours of fresh lemon, aromatic herbs and citrus blossom. Refreshing and full of flavour. Made from organically grown grapes." James Suckling

The Barolo from Batasiolo is a wonderful and very serious, solid creature. Clear, shimmering garnet red colour with light red accents. Sophisticated aromas of leather and liquorice, plums, dried flowers and undergrowth. Straightforward and taut, the round, aromatic flavour follows its path into the persistent final with good length. This is a lot of Barolo for comparatively little money. SUPERIORE.DE

Rossofonte impressively bridges the gap between Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello. Only 6,000 bottles of this selection are produced from the estate's best Rosso vineyards at an altitude of around 300 metres above sea level. Fruity aromas of ripe berries with balsamic notes on the nose, plus some brown spices, tobacco and wet stone. Overall, a multi-layered potpourri full of harmony flows from the glass. On the palate, it is very balanced, velvety-soft and the cooling acidity caresses the dark berries, which are rounded off with dried citrus fruits and a hint of mocha. The spicy and very elegant finish is reminiscent of star anise and pink pepper. SUPERIORE.DE

Magnificent, single-varietal Fiano from vines planted on calcareous clay soils and the white star from Planeta - and almost a legend. Complex aromas of flowers, lime sorbet, almond pudding and freshly sliced pears. On the palate, this white wine is as refined as it is powerful. It expands with plenty of fruit, soft and very long. A fantastic wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"A well-composed, textural and delicious fiano. It has notes of citrons, leaves, almond powder and some white peaches. Medium-bodied with a focused, driven and poised composition. Flavorful finish with excellent length." James Suckling

Le Rive is a single-varietal Garganega made from grapes harvested late from volcanic soils. On the nose, the aromas of citrus fruit, almonds and exotic fruit are impressive. Its flavour is soft and powerful, with a wonderful freshness right through to the long finish, combined with an ebb and flow of minerals. A wonderful and highly distinctive wine with which the three sisters have once again put themselves at the forefront of their region. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Garganega Le Rive 2021 is a real treat for the nose. A bouquet of honeyed flowers gives way to dried apricots and peaches, embellished by an enriching note of lemon custard. It opens with a balanced inner sweetness that reveals lush, ripe stone fruit and a hint of candied lemon layered over a silky texture. On the long and dramatic final, the 2021 remains coloured in its primary concentration on the palate, lingering with its citrus notes while the mouth demands more. Le Rive is certainly not shy, but the balance is fantastic. Make sure you keep a few bottles in the cellar." Vinous

"This silky white's ripe and juicy flavors of pineapple, melon and guava fruit are well-defined by sleek acidity, with a zesty thread of pink grapefruit peel and ground ginger. Hints of creamed almond and spun honey enrich the fruit profile, while the finish is long and minerally." Wine Spectator

"An 85-year-old parcel opposite Carbonare, harvested late and fermented in tonneaux. The resemblance to a fine white Burgundy is striking. Notes of tangerine, apricot kernel and camomile are underpinned by a racy, stony freshness. A brilliant wine that hints at sweetness but finishes dry, mineral and powerful. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

This Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is one of the best we have ever tasted. Concentrated ruby red in colour, its nose and taste are characterised by a wonderful balance between fruit components and oak spice. A compact, elegant and very balanced red with a rich finish. Perfect! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Terre di Casauria Riserva San Clemente 2018 opens with a mentholated blend of plum sauce, sage and dusty earth. On the palate, it is elegant and polished, with juicy red and blue fruits that fade into savoury herbs and exotic spices. The 2018 tapers off long and structured. A hint of violets and lavender calls the taster back to the glass." Vinous

Exciting cuvée of Sangiovese (own clone) with a small part of Merlot from the "Bandita" vineyards. Rich ruby red in the glass, black cherry, tobacco, cedar wood, young leather and liquorice in the typically Tuscan bouquet. Spreads widely on the palate, its juiciness and expressiveness make it a generous, fruity-elegant experience with high enjoyment and recognition value. SUPERIORE.DE

Maurizia di Napoli Rampolla and her brother Luca describe their strategy of natural viticulture in Panzano as "gentle farming". The very successful Chianti Classico with its clean fruit bouquet, precise flavour, firm tannins and beautiful texture and depth is a delightful wine that is unfortunately very limited in quantity each year. SUPERIORE.DE

Rich bouquet of sweet red berries, balsamic notes, fine flavours of tobacco and chocolate. Very harmonious on the palate of dark cherries, flatteringly full flavour, perfectly balanced tannins, fresh acidity and good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable ruby red with violet reflections. Pickled plum and amarena on the nose, followed by mocha, clove and tobacco. Balanced on the palate with velvety tannins and lively flavour, long finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia is a flavoursome blend based on Sangiovese. Crushed flowers, plum, cinnamon, leather and spice take centre stage. Full-bodied and inviting, with beautiful fruit, Le Volte is an excellent choice to drink now and over the next few years." Vinous

"A fresh, expressive red that also shows tension and adds energy to its blackcurrant, cherry, liquorice and cedar flavours. Graphite and savoury accents add detail on the long, tightly wound finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia remains a soft and accessible Tuscan red wine. Harvest yields were lower on average, with smaller berries and greater fruit concentration. This wine is matured in used oak, taken from the top wines. It contains blackberries and dark cherries with sweet spice." Wine Advocate

"The nose is fresh and balanced, with aromas of sour cherries, wild strawberries, fresh coffee and lead pencil. The palate remains balanced, with more cherries, strawberries and coffee as well as denser notes of earth and dark chocolate, plus a compelling interplay of chalky tannins and electric acidity. Always a good bargain." Wine Enthusiast

"Very aromatic, with flavours of raspberries, orange peel and flowers. Beautiful transparency. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Drinkable now, but better from 2026." James Suckling

Le Difese is the freshest and most accessible of the three wines from Tenuta San Guido. For us, it is one of the most beautiful price-quality wonders of Tuscany. Magnificent, sweetly perfumed fruit aromas in the opulent bouquet, equally generous and broad in the long-lasting flavour of dark cherries, wild strawberries and tangy rosehips. Le Difese shows the great class of the winery in a more playful way. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, transparent garnet colour. Juicy, accessible nose. Quite a charmer with a little Sangiovese bite on the finish for the short term. Decent, medium finish." Jancis Robinson

"Bright and appealing flavours of raspberry and cranberry with some cedar follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Fresh and crisp." James Suckling

"Bright red and violet scents with a creamy background and herbal notes lead to a soft and structured palate full of fresh, tangy cherries and dark hedgerow berries. Ripe, precise and flavoursome with a long, airy, balsamic finish, Le Difese should be enjoyed over the next ten years." Decanter

"The 2022 Le Difese is full-bodied, juicy and expressive, making it a good choice to drink now and over the next few years. Crushed flowers, juicy red cherry fruit, mint, spice and blood oranges race across the palate. This exuberant yet medium-bodied Tuscan coastal red wine is a true delight. The 2022 is a particularly beautiful edition. It benefits from a warm year, an earlier bottling and an earlier selection." Vinous

Charismatic Negroamaro in an accessible and modern style without gimmickry. In the glass, dark lines of blackberries, plums and blackcurrants with generous background notes of chocolate, Indian spices, teriyaki and smoky barbecue sauce. Noble tannins and ripe fruit flavours form a wine that is both contoured and soft and yielding. Masseria Maime is ready to drink at a young age, but can safely mature for another five years or more. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose features an unusual duo of vanilla and dill, with undertones of meat, plums and wood. On the palate, the sweeter notes of plum and vanilla blossom continue, with the woodsy herbaceousness lingering in the background. Relaxed tannins create a round texture." Wine Enthusiast

Deep, bright ruby red in colour. This 100% Nero d'Avola is a captivating wine with its full-bodied, fruity and spicy aroma of blackcurrants, cherries, undergrowth, liquorice and dark chocolate. The soft but firm, multi-layered and warm flavour of ripe berries, the fine spice and the fine tannins are very appealing. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is a well-made Nero d'Avola with a purity and freshness in its ripe character of red and black berries and cherries. Intense and savoury, with tangy acidity, it shows juicy cherries and black fruits along with notes of chocolate and balsamic and mouth-coating tannins. Full and rich in fruit, but quite vertical in style, it is a lively and storable example of what can be achieved with this typical Sicilian grape." Decanter

"The 2020 Santa Cecilia, a single varietal Nero d'Avola, rises from the glass with a dark and brooding blend of crushed plums, cloves, stone dust and a hint of camphor. It's round and supple with juicy acidity that retains a lovely energy, and bright red and blue fruits spill across the palate. The 2020 finishes with a bitter touch of savoury spice and a hint of sour citrus, while a layer of fine tannins lingers. The 2020 is a very beautiful and balanced wine for medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"Bright and fragrant, with a lush creaminess that carries flavours of strawberry jam, dried cherries, tar, tea roses and singed orange peel. Well-spiced and minerally, with slightly chalky tannins that provide fine definition." Wine Spectator

"The Santa Cecilia 2020 is one of Sicily's iconic wines, a Nero d'Avola clothed in elegance and precision. The wine is softly structured and multi-layered with dark fruits, black cherries, spices and sweet tobacco. The Santa Cecilia takes a classic approach with a balance between generous fruit and carefully managed oak." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of blackberries, flowers and dark earth with a hint of fresh black mushrooms. Medium to full body with round and creamy tannins and a delicious undertone. Just a hint of vanilla bean underneath the fruit." James Suckling

"The nose starts bubbly and sweet, with aromas of black plums, cherry and vanilla, then turns savory but still crackly, with notes of pencil shavings, pepper, graphite and leather. The palate doubles back toward juicy fruit with figs and more plums, then shifts again toward that sanguine earthiness, but textured tannins and almost silky acid unify the whole." Wine Enthusiast

The Durella grapes for this sparkling wine produced using the Champagne method come from the volcanic soils of the Agno Valley. Brilliant, light straw yellow in colour with a fine, persistent perlage. Salty, fruity notes of citrus fruit and quince on the nose. Powerful and mouth-filling on the palate, lively with striking acidity and a wonderful, bone-dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Energetic and vibrant from the moment the cork pops, this wine opens with citrus, stone fruit and fresh lily aromas. Bright, yet with a cream texture from the elegant perlage that helps the citrus oil, white peach and subtle mineral notes lift on the palate." Wine Enthusiast

"A grape variety with high acidity and optimum ripeness for such a creamy, sparkling and non-dosed sparkling wine. Also very good. Accents of vanilla apples and lemon blossom are brought to a good length by a persistent perlage and juicy acidity." James Suckling

"The Metodo Classico Durella Leon is airy and fresh with a spicy burst of ground ginger that fades into young peach and white smoke. It is savoury and mineral, with a silky bead of fine bubbles and salty fruit that slowly saturates. Notes of lime zest meet sour melon and the finish is long and powerful." Vinous

Felluga's Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso is very appealing, showing an interesting blend of wild berries, mint, sage and autumnal spices on the nose. Its textures are silky, giving way to polished black fruits and floral notes, underlined by a complex web of minerals and fine-grained tannins. A wine of strong character made from Friuli's most famous red autochthonous grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

Per Lui Rosso is a complex, spicy red with aromas of red and black cherries, flowers, sweet spices and tobacco. On the palate, this rare red displays a cosy breadth and beautiful fruit. 100% Ottavianello. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Opens with notes of cinnamon and milk chocolate, then rich plum, some wild raspberry. A little austere and austere on the palate, showing fresh acidity, but also clearly drying tannins, not long-lasting on the final." Falstaff

"Oudeis" has its origins in the Greek name "Odysseus" and means "nobody". And indeed, no one but the outstanding terroir of the Alta Langa is responsible for the complexity of Enrico Serafino's sparkling wines.

Delicate, copper-coloured pink with orange reflections. Elegant and mineral nose, with delicate hints of fruit, yeast and notes of grapefruit and redcurrants. The sensation on the palate is savoury, almost ecstatic, with well-integrated perlage and a perfect balance between spiciness and freshness and an infinite persistence and juiciness. SUPERIORE.DE

"This delicately scented sparkler offers aromas of red woodland berry and brioche. Linear and savory, the elegantly sparkling palate features juicy pomegranate, tart cherry and white pepper before closing on a hint of hazelnut. It's remarkably fresh for the vintage, with bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast