Gambero-Rosso

Deep ruby red colour. Bright, fresh and savoury aromas and flavours of blueberries, flint, coffee and fresh herbs. Long and clean with soft tannins and very good clarity on the bright finish. A beautiful, very refined wine, characterised by its early attractiveness, but also by its velvet-pawed concentration and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Rivarossa, a blend of Cabernet and Merlot, takes its time to evolve in the glass. It's coy at first, with hints of dried black cherry. Swirling slowly unlocks depths of sage and exotic spice. This displays silky textures as a polished wave of red and black fruits swirls across a stream of zesty acidity. The 2019 slowly saturates the palate in youthful concentration, along with fine-grained tannins, while finishing long, structured and leaving a pleasant bitter tinge. There is potential here, yet it will require serious patience to unlock." Vinous

"Raspberry, blackcurrant bush and bark on the nose. Also some pencil. Full-bodied, but not overwhelming, with linear and polished tannins that run the length of the wine. Very solid and structured, but with a certain openness on the finish." James Suckling

The vineyards of the five grape varieties are located between 350 and 800 metres above sea level and face south-west. The vines grow on dolomite, porphyry, sand and marl soils. As a young wine, Manna has golden yellow colour nuances, which turn into strong golden tones after a few years of maturation. Manna is very special: complex, multi-layered with a bouquet of elderberry, pistachio, apricot, nutmeg and delicate rose petals. Concentrated, full-bodied and at the same time elegant and complex in flavour. A racy wine that can be discovered from different perspectives as it develops, revealing its character more and more. Even the young wine changes in the glass and surprises again and again. SUPERIORE.DE

"Inviting aromas of jasmine, green apple and lime, then juicy, fresh green fruit on the palate." Decanter

"This is perfumed and so characterful with plenty of tropical and floral notes as well as a solid, mineral backbone. Pineapple, candied citrus fruit, honeysuckle, rose hips and crushed stones on the nose, following through to a medium to full body with steady acidity. Crunchy, fresh and firm. Very well made." James Suckling

Laura Brunelli's Brunello is an outstanding reflection of the appellation every year. A floral bouquet, the purest expression of cherry and strawberry imaginable, hints of mint, sage and cedar dust - all are found in its stunning bouquet. The youthful density of the ripe primary fruit contrasts with salty minerality and lively acidity, leaving a cascading and crisp impression on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Scents of wild strawberries and violets; well balanced texture, the tannins tight, elegant course, pithy fresh finish." Vinum

"Shiny medium ruby red. Spicy, mineral nose with fragrant fruit but not really opening up yet. Elegant, long flavours of raspberry and fruit with plenty of fresh acidity and grippy, gravelly tannins. Still youthful and will take some time to come together." Jancis Robinson

"Enticing nose of rosemary, wild cherries, lemon peel, chocolate strawberries and pralines. It is medium-bodied with a bright, fruit-driven palate framed by fine-grained tannins. All in balance. Drinkable from 2023." James Suckling

"The dark, seductive Brunello di Montalcino 2018 rumbles from the glass with a blend of crushed plums and black cherries, complemented by nuances of grated sage. It is soft and deep, engulfing the palate with ripe wild berries and spices, underlined by a spicy herbaceous steak. A web of fine tannins creates a truly classic impression, while mentholated herbs and hints of wild strawberries keep popping up. This youthfully masked beauty will need minimal ageing to be at its best." Vinous

"As with the 2017 vintage, Laura Brunelli will not be releasing a Riserva. Instead, the Olmo vineyard, which typically forms the backbone of the Riserva, is an important component in this Annata Brunello, making a beautiful and complete wine. Mint, lavender and fennel lead on the nose, while sweet, juicy persimmon and crisp pomegranate provide the backdrop on the palate, and the chalky tannins are quite insidious in their grip. On the surface it's approachable, but its substance, intrigue and backbone suggest more to come." Decanter

"This red wine with its cherry and raspberry aromas also offers flavours of eucalyptus, minerals, earth and almonds. Lively and balanced, with an intense, delicious finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino captures the essence and spirit of the Sangiovese grape very well, a grape that in the right hands delivers endlessly nuanced and complex results. This wine reveals wild cherry, blue violet, blood orange, rusty nail and sweet earth. Hints of scorched earth or baked clay highlight the warmest months in this growing cycle. The result is balanced and fresh. I have mentioned alcohol levels throughout this review, and although the 14% registered here is still quite high, it is below the average of its peers. This is a very well done job." Wine Advocate

Brilliant ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Impressive aroma of red berries, smoke, roasted almonds and dark spices. Taut, straightforward, expressive and beautifully long on the palate. With its classic understatement, Boscarelli's Nobile di Montepulciano is a wonderfully precise example of its growing region every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smells of small stone fruit, tobacco and blossoms; fresh attack, vivid acidity, compact structure with melting, juice and length. Convinces with its fresh and elegant style." Vinum

"Bright, sparkling ruby red with a brightening rim. Fine spice and cherry on the nose, with a woody aftertaste. Beautiful juiciness and clear, fresh fruit on the palate, compact, noble, classic in the best sense of the word, with a fine salty finish." Falstaff

"The aromas are shy and discreet, taking their time to reveal beautiful scents of cherry blossom and plum. This medium-bodied candidate offers plenty of freshness, its bright acidity and elegant sandy tannins supporting a core of ripe red cherries and blood oranges. Gracefully composed, it shows lovely balance and is one of the more immediately approachable offerings of the vintage." Decanter

"This red wine offers purity with aromas and flavours of cherry, pomegranate, earth and iron while remaining lively, supported by a dense tannic matrix. Balanced, with a finish of bitter almond, it needs a few years to integrate." Wine Spectator

"This wine has depth and seriousness with cedar, sandalwood, lavender, cherries and citrus. Medium body with fine tannins that pull on the finish. Racy and polished. Give this wine two or three years to develop." James Suckling

Silvia Imparato's noble Montevetrano is one of Riccardo Cotarella's first creations and certainly one of his most important to this day. Deep ruby red in colour with violet reflections. Rich aromas of dark plums, blackcurrants, cedar wood, graphite and minerals on the captivating nose. Clean, fresh, juicy and with an engaging, refined texture on the palate. The long, graceful and multi-layered finish has liquorice and violet aromas. A very promising, still young Montevetrano with a great future! SUPERIORE.DE

"A classy red with blackcurrant and black cherry flavours that are ripe and vibrant, while a dark, rich undertone of fig cake, mocha, graphite and smoke also resonate. Shows good focus and length in a lean, balanced style, with fine-grained, supple tannins firming up the well-spiced, persistent finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Montevetrano is youthful yet irresistible, with a bouquet of dried black cherries, cedar spice and a hint of mint pouring from the glass. It's cool to the touch, with a silky texture and a wave of ripe red and blue fruits swirling under a hint of violets and lavender. The finish is fresh and classically structured, with spicy oak notes and a tart cranberry note lingering. Although the 2021 vintage was warm, it benefited from rainfall in mid-August, which brought much cooler conditions for the rest of the season." Vinous

"This 30th anniversary bottling is a creamy, polished and fragrant red showing ripe plum, cherry, lavender, vanilla and sweet cocoa aromas. It’s full-bodied with broad and encompassing tannins, yet remains elegant and beautifully balanced. Lightly chalky in texture." James Suckling

Pure Burgundian elegance and Tuscan flavour. A Sangiovese in Riserva quality that impresses with its long, continuous course of flavoursome fruit and carefully extracted tannins. Light ruby colour with garnet-red reflections. Clear nose with notes of pomegranate, raspberry and a hint of saffron. Fresh, juicy and superbly unadulterated on the finish and with great ageing Storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby colour with garnet-red nuances. Fragrant, almost perfumed on the nose, of lavender, rosehip, fresh raspberries and fine woody spice. Tightly woven, elegant tannins on the palate, carried by invigorating acidity, with a long, pleasantly salty finish." Falstaff

"The Riecine di Riecine 2020 is an idiosyncratic, fascinating wine. Dried herbs, tobacco, incense, wild flowers and mint give this pure Sangiovese a decidedly savoury flair. The Riecine di Riecine is medium-bodied and also quite spicy, it is decidedly exotic." Vinous

"The Riecine di Riecine 2020 is a real statement wine. The very distinctive packaging is dedicated to this pure expression of Sangiovese from 60-year-old vines. It offers plenty of ripe, dark cherry, but this wine also shows a clearer veil of sweet cinnamon spice coming from the grape skins." Wine Advocate

"A fresh, clean and light red wine with candied lemon slices and a hint of flowers such as violets. It is medium-bodied and delicious. It builds on the palate. Crisp and flattering texture. Toscana of the new generation." James Suckling

"The nose is a textured blend of astringent fruit, stone, herbs and metal, with a sprinkle of salt and pepper rounding everything out. The salt and pepper are strong on the palate, but notes of hibiscus and cranberry continue to mix and mingle as well, creating a savory, lively atmosphere." 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 cascade 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

Pure Burgundian elegance and Tuscan flavour. A Sangiovese in Riserva quality that impresses with its long, continuous course of flavoursome fruit and carefully extracted tannins. Light ruby colour with garnet-red reflections. Clear nose with notes of pomegranate, raspberry and a hint of saffron. Fresh, juicy and superbly unadulterated on the finish and with great Storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, bright ruby red colour with a brightening rim. Very fragrant nose of redcurrant, rosehip, fresh raspberries, pomegranate and fine spice and thyme. Very fresh and juicy on the palate with tightly woven, elegant tannins and a long, pleasantly fresh finish." Falstaff

"The 2021 Riecine di Riecine, 100% Sangiovese, is a bright, concentrated offering. Blood orange, cinnamon, cedar and vibrant red fruit flavours are beautifully brought out. The 2021 is another excellent wine this year." Vinous

"Lots of flavours of blackberries, black cherries and lilacs follow through to a medium body with crisp acidity and a tangy finish. Lots of crisp fruit and a whole heap of berry character. Flavoursome and tangy." James Suckling

"The organic Riecine 2021 Riecine is a pure Sangiovese from the vineyard in front of the winery. It is a distinctive expression with an attractive dusty or chalky note that first appears on the nose. These mineral notes frame dark fruits and ripe cherries. The emphasis here is on elegance, freshness and crisp fruit." Wine Advocate

The grapes for Terlan's Ikonen wine come from vineyards at an altitude of 300 to 550 metres with volcanic porphyry rock. Powerful, attractively exotic bouquet with bright gooseberries, mango and pink grapefruit, backed by a captivating mineral flavour. There is also lemongrass and herbal, ethereal notes. On the palate, it is juicy and full-bodied, but not overloaded, instead deeply spicy, smoky, with a mineral-salty structure, followed by green-herbal notes in the focussed, mineral final. Every year, Quarz is one of the best Italian Sauvignon Blancs in its full splendour. As always, Cantina Terlano shows a skilful winemaker's hand in guiding the natural flavours of the grape, but also in delivering a very elegant interpretation. SUPERIORE.DE

"The name Quarz is derived from the quartz inclusions in the porphyry. A powerful, smoky bouquet with fine Sauvignon Blanc fruit, blackcurrant, elderberry and hints of herbs and minerals. In the mouth, it is initially taut and tightly woven, but then also melting with a fine texture and marvellous accompanying mineral spice." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, light straw yellow with a greenish tinge. Finely characterised nose, opens with notes of gooseberries and fragrant elderflower, with spicy sage components in the background. Present, very well-developed fruit on the palate, extremely juicy with notes of white peach and lemon balm, very long, subtle salty notes on the final." Falstaff

"This lively, mineral white is long and graceful, with a hint of salinity that adds a delicious savoury note to the concentrated spectrum of nectarine, pink grapefruit granita, gooseberry, chive blossom and white pepper." Wine Spectator

"The Sauvignon Blanc Quarz 2022 is youthful and shy, opening with an airy bouquet of crushed stones mingling with dried flowers, a hint of petrol and nectarines. On the palate, it is a pure pleasure, soft and round, with juicy acidity and ripe citrus fruit mingling with salty, mineral notes. The 2022 finishes with excellent length and tension, leaving a hint of tart citrus notes. The 2022 is intense and made for the cellar." Vinous

"Aromas of fresh grass, lime and stone are followed by a medium body with bright acidity and a creamy texture. Intense, with plenty of length and flavour. Taut and polished." James Suckling

Argiano recently caused an international sensation with its Brunello 2018, when the renowned Wine Spectator ranked it as the 8th best wine in the world in 2023. It is fermented in cement tanks and matured slowly in oak wood; its fruit comes from a 22-hectare vineyard with limestone marl soils. Now comes the follow-up vintage, and it is not only very promising because it already perfectly reflects the extraordinary Montalcino year 2019 in its own unique way.

Dark yet floral in the glass, with a hint of crushed stone and violet pastilles embellishing the black cherries. Energetic yet silky-smooth on the palate, with cooling minerality and juicy acidity that layers masses of tart wild berries over a core of savoury minerals. The primary fruit is young and agile and the grippy tannins, which envelop the entire palate, guide it into a long, savoury final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, concentrated aroma, dark red fruit, touch of orange peel, earthy, pithy and powerful. Lots of substance in the mouth, juicy structure with pressure and freshness, very complex and wide-ranging, ripe with penetrating freshness and flavour, lingers forever with good structure. Already fun now, but will certainly benefit from further bottle ageing." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red with cherry-red reflections. Dried berries on the nose, slight hints of coffee grounds and black tea, with a hint of liquorice on the finish. Energetic on the palate, precise acidity and good juiciness, plus creamy fruit, flows along fruit-emphasised, still a little young on the final, good foresight." Falstaff

"Brilliant, deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Powerful, concentrated fruit nose with spicy hints. Lots of tangy fruit and ripe, grainy tannins that form a very good balance. Long, chewy, deep fruit. This wine will develop well over the next few years." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 is strongly reminiscent of the village and exudes savoury, sweet herbs, rose and bergamot. Generously weighted with juicy strawberries and cherries, it fills the mouth without feeling heavy. Spicy mandarin provides freshness. Long, chalky tannins caress the palate with increasing firmness as it flows confidently across the palate. Rosemary and sage linger on the finish." Decanter

"Crushed ash stones, cloves, dried black cherries, rosemary and balsamic herbs form a spice box as the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino blossoms in the glass. The Brunello di Montalcino is surprisingly fresh and energising, almost juicy, yet refined and focused, with a silky texture that brings out crisp wild berry and orange tones that slowly saturate the palate. The finish is spicy and long, its energy never flagging, with grippy tannins that tug at the cheeks as the liquorice and cranberry notes fade." Vinous

"The Argiano 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is stronger than the previous 2018 and 2017 vintages, thanks to the precision and focus of its fruit flavours in this balanced vintage. It shows ample depth and volume, with sweet cherry and blackberry flavours leading into gently toasted spice and earth. Floral hints of lilac and iris make a brief but incisive appearance. Velvety tannins and a beautifully concentrated, medium-bodied palate ensure good persistence." Wine Advocate

"Delicious flavours of juicy red cherries, strawberries, rose petals and wild bush, along with hints of juniper and ground herbs. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and crisp acidity. Spicy and savoury with a nice balance and finish. Lots of fruit on the finish. Give it more time to develop." James Suckling

"This wine is packed with ripe cherry, plum and raspberry fruit, with floral, mineral, juniper and wild herb accents adding depth and complexity. There's also plenty of energy and structure, providing excellent balance, with a long finish." Wine Spectator

"Red cherry, then notes of wild mint, with a finish on hints of blood-orange peel. Dense-citrusy drinkability, iodized tannins." Luca Gardini

Chardonnay Cuvée Bois - a white celebrated year after year with an elegant bouquet of citrus fruit, butter and vanilla. The flavour is captivating with good acidity and minerality. SUPERIORE.DE

Elegant, delicate Chianti Classico and one of the best of its appellation every year: light red colour, aromas of strawberry and elderberry, fresh fruit on the palate, beautifully juicy and balanced, enormously supple in the finish. Possesses polish, elegance and, despite its visually high price, a very good value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, warm red; reductive, somewhat shrubby, subtly fruity; sweetness, juicy, fruity, fluid, also length, drinky, very pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Intense, bright ruby red colour. Complex nose of mocha, dark chocolate, ripe cherry, forest floor and a touch of leather. Soft and supple on entry, silky tannins with invigorating acidity, very harmonious and long on the finish." Falstaff

"Just medium carmine red. Finely scented, sweet raspberry nose. Beautiful precision on the palate with crushed raspberry fruit and polished, fine tannins." Jancis Robinson

"The Isole e Olena 2020 Chianti Classico opens with a dark ruby red colour and medium concentration. The bouquet offers beautiful fruit flavours with dried cherries and raspberries. These bright base tones fade into gravel and potting soil. This playful entry-level wine finishes with a bright spot of sweet cherry." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Chianti Classico is a wine of great class. Deep and layered, yet wonderfully translucent, the 2020 is one of the best editions of this wine that I can remember tasting. Macerated dark cherry, kirsch, cedar and pipe tobacco unfold on the nose, but what attracts me most is the textural resonance and sheer power of the wine. The 2020 possesses remarkable depth yet retains the transparency that is so characteristic of it. This is a fabulous performance." Vinous

"This 2020 needs some time to unfold its seductive aroma. A hint of flint, cardamom and pepper gives way to spring flowers and red berries. It has a graceful flow with a lushness and juiciness of raspberries and red plums. Fine, powdery tannins frame it." Decanter

"A complex red, with a core of cherry and strawberry fruit framed by almond, loamy earth and iron notes. Silky yet solidly built, with excellent balance and a long, fruit- and mineral-tinged aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"A Chianti that simply resembles itself. Very multi-faceted nose, notes of blackcurrants and strawberries, then undergrowth, notes of eucalyptus and euphorbia, very balsamic finish. Persistent and exciting on the palate, closing with a fruity return and undergrowth." Luca Gardini

Il Poggio 2019 slowly unfolds its breathtaking aromas of cherry blossom, blood orange, eucalyptus and raspberry. Initially taut and straightforward, it then unfolds on the palate with ripe wild berries underpinned by slate. The chalky tannins keep it firmly under control. This wine will continue to unfold its complex nuances for at least a few decades. Fantastic depth and energy. Incidentally, Il Poggio Gran Selezione was the first Chianti Classico in the appellation to be vinified and bottled as a single-vineyard wine (Cru) in 1962 - a revolution at the time! SUPERIORE.DE

"Starts with a lot of esprit on fresh fruit notes, then also spicy nuances and fresh flowers; elegant course, polished and of great length, convinces with its elegant style." Vinum

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna il Poggio is a powerful, tight-knit wine that will need a few more years to show its best side. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle any time soon. Crushed flowers, herbs, mint, orange peel and spices hint at a flavoursome, vibrant Il Poggio made for the cellar. Today, the 2019 is deceptive, but there is a lot of potential in it. It's a super-classic expression." Vinous

"A very juicy wine with aromas and flavours of raspberries, cherries, cranberries, orange peel and flowers. It is medium-bodied with firm, velvety tannins that extend over the entire length of the wine and a clean finish." James Suckling

"The Castello di Monsanto 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Il Poggio offers a dual approach with plenty of fresh cherry fruit and blueberry on the one hand, countered by light age and spice from balanced winemaking on the other. There are subtle notes of cloves and roasted spices on the medium-bodied finish." Wine Advocate

"This beautiful 2019 emerges from the glass, first showing mineral flint notes and white pepper, then arbutus and cherry, followed by orange and hyacinth. It is elegant with an abundance of tangy cranberry and ripe strawberry flavours flowing in a steady stream across the palate. Stony tannins and steely acidity add tension. Tarragon lingers." Decanter

"The aromas of earth and wild herbs give way to flavours of cherries, strawberries and pomegranates in this muscular version. Tar, earth, iron and sanguine elements intermingle, giving the wine depth and a tenacity that needs a few more years to refine. The core of ripe fruit reveals the future promise of this red wine." Wine Spectator

"The aroma has notes of blackcurrant, then hints of wild mint and nutmeg. The mouthfeel is salty-juicy, with a return of small fruits, menthol and sweet spices. Excellent finish." Luca Gardini