Gambero-Rosso

Castello della Sala, located not far from Orvieto at an altitude of 500 metres, produces excellent wines without exception, as the inexpensive "entry-level wine" San Giovanni della Sala proves. The wine is produced in the vineyards of the ancient castle of Castello della Sala from the combination of the indigenous grape varieties Grechetto and Procanico with Pinot Bianco and Viognier and interprets the Orvieto Classico in a new style. Its freshness, richness and balance are remarkable, with notes of yellow flowers, green apple, sage and ginger. On the palate, an incredibly silky texture and juicy acidity guide this juicy white wine into a beautiful, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Well-integrated acidity defines the aromas and flavours of white peach, pomelo, spring herbs and white flowers in this light, supple white wine with a salty finish." Wine Spectator

"Lemon zest and crushed green apples come together with a whiff of spring flowers as the 2023 Orvieto Classico Superiore San Giovanni della Sala blossoms in the glass. It opens with a pleasant inner sweetness matched by masses of citrus-tinged orchard fruits, all balanced by a core of saline minerals and juicy acidity. The 2023 cleans up beautifully, both long and potent yet remarkably fresh. Sour melon hints slowly fade." Vinous

Prosecco del Fondatore Graziano Merotto is the winery's flagship wine - certainly one of the best in its denomination - and a very dry and complex brut from the special hillside vineyards of the Rive di Col San Martino. Bright silver-grey with a persistent perlage. Light fruit and flowers on the nose, a fine citrus note on the palate introduces the finesse-rich, exciting mineral flavour with an impressive finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant green-yellow with silver reflections, persistent, fine perlage. Fine, appealing nose, Williams pear, shortbread, redcurrant. Medium-bodied on the palate, clear fruit with a very fine perlage. Remains precise until the final." Falstaff

Dievoles Chianti Classico Petrignano is the result of the endeavour to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. Petrignano is the name of a characteristic area with a soil rich in minerals and stones. At an altitude of around 330 metres, rocks protrude from the ground that are typical of the geological formation of Monte Morello. The abundance of stones, the depth of the roots and the low growth of the vines result in an expressive and lush wine from this characteristic and authentic cru site.

Intense ruby red colour. Very appealing bouquet dominated by ripe fruit, cherry and blackberry flavours. Juicy, full and rich on the palate, with flavours of blackberries and ripe fruit. Warm and velvety finish with fine and soft tannins that are very accentuated and interwoven with the fine acidity structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange reflections. Lively cherry nose with some signs of development and hints of tobacco leaf and sweet spice. Flavoursome, juicy cherry fruit and crisp tannins. More energetic on the palate than on the nose, and that's where it hits the spot." Jancis Robinson

"Dark forest fruit with an earthy character offers great appeal. High acidity and tannins with very good length." Decanter

"This is a new addition to the Dievole portfolio with a cool retro-style label. The Chianti Classico Petrignano 2020 from organic farming is made from 100% Sangiovese, fermented in cement tulips and aged for 12 months in large oak barrels. The winemaking process is simple and to the point. The results show a vibrant freshness and a beautiful purity of fruit with a concentrated finish." Wine Advocate

"A supple red, imbued with a ray of cherry and strawberry fruit, with a texture that is silky at first, only to be overtaken by firm, dusty tannins. The finish reveals almond, earth and herbal notes that linger for a long time. Give it time for the two halves to come together." Wine Spectator

"A delicious, crisp red with very fine tannins and a lovely, delicate finish. Very tasty and with a creamy texture. Fresh finish." James Suckling

"From soils with a great limestone component, in particular Alberese, a pure Sangiovese with a blackberry aroma, hints of citron thyme and orange zest, then a finish with floral notes. Compact and dense palate, citrus-officinal return." Luca Gardini

Dievole's new Chianti Classico Catignano, just released with the debut 2020 vintage, is the result of the effort to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. Catignano is a plateau at 370 metres above sea level, with vineyards of different ages and a large proportion of Alberese. The exposure is west and southeast, which means plenty of sun during the day, but also cold temperatures at night, with a good temperature range that favours the aromatic development of the grapes.

On the nose, notes of red fruits, then a tertiary complexity of tobacco leather, graphite and liquorice. Warm and juicy on the palate, with notes of ripe red fruits. A juicy, sun-drenched cru. SUPERIORE.DE

"Made with 100% organic Sangiovese, the 2020 Chianti Classico Catignano sees fruit from a plateau of vines that are fully exposed to the bright luminosity of the Tuscan sun. This wine offers more fruit weight as a result, with dark cherry aromas, wet stone and dusty mineral." Wine Advocate

"A balanced red with a perfumed nose of cherries, red currants, wafers and dried flowers. Also lemon peel. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins and fresh acidity. Balanced and lively with a flattering texture. A fresh and flavourful long finish." James Suckling

"A round red with aromas of cherry, raspberry, iron and tobacco. Firm and dense, also compact on the finish, but still needs time to fully develop. All the elements are there, so be patient." Wine Spectator

Maximo is a Sauvignon Bianco made from grapes grafted with Botrytis cinerea and smells and tastes incredibly complex. Golden with amber highlights, distinct aromas of honey, apricot and peach, followed by notes of ripe figs and candied citrus. Rich and balanced with crisp fresh persistence and wonderful length. SUPERIORE.DE

Torcolato is made from botrytised Vespaiola grapes and matures in French oak barrels, a third of which are new. It has been one of the best sweet wines in Italy for decades. Aromas of dried apricots, white truffle, honey and sage on the nose, virtuoso and exotic on the palate. Class and elegance with a great value and outstanding ageing potential. A monument in the Italian wine world every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Silky and sweet, but also delicious and clear, with notes of lemon wax and toasted almonds accenting flavours of baked persimmons, singed orange peel, dried mint and toffee. A tight-knit dessert wine, with well-integrated acidity and light, taut tannins." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Torcolato has a deep golden colour and impresses with a bouquet that combines richness with sophistication. Dried apricots and mangoes meet notes of almond paste, cinnamon and fresh mint, which complement each other. This wine is surprisingly lively and energetic, with a racy acidity and tart fruit balanced by a core of sour citrus and spice. The 2021 leaves you wanting more and finishes dramatically long but incredibly fresh, with notes of green melon and lime slowly fading away. This is dangerously delicious." Vinous

Riesling is the Pratzner family's speciality: bright straw yellow with green reflections. Complex nose of flint, lime, white flowers with salty hints. Precise acidity on the palate, which vibrates delicately on the tongue and then draws the wine taut and fresh into the long, juicy final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pretty flavours of nectarine, peach and mango, with a bright, lively acidity and a pleasant citrus note on the palate." Decanter,

"A very restrained and minerally wine. Slate and gunpowder on the nose are enhanced by white peaches, orange blossoms and slightly peaty notes. Light-bodied on the palate, with zesty acidity and a tense yet balanced finish." James Suckling

This Vermentino cru is the result of a study project in the vineyard and in the winery and comes from two clones each from Corsica and Sardinia. "Belguardo V" (formerly "Codice V") displays the most distinctive characteristics of Tyrrhenian Vermentino and thus epitomises the typical Vermentino as the Mazzei family understands it. Fresh and bright citrus flavours with white flowers, honeysuckle and cut grass. Sunny, savoury and very mineral on the palate with the typical Vermentino structure. Taut on the final and with promising ageing potential. 30% of the wine is matured on the fine lees in amphorae. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, light golden yellow colour. Smoky on the nose with notes of melted butter, ripe citrus fruit and a hint of cinchona bark. Very juicy on the palate with a velvety texture, rich fruit on fresh acidity and good length." Falstaff

"Fresh and mineral Vermentino with flavours of white fruits, lemons and flowers. Very polished and supple, with a medium body and clean acidity. Silky and structured, but crisp and nervy at the same time. Focussed and balanced." James Suckling

Ghiaia, a pure Nerello Mascalese from the slopes of Mount Etna, exudes sweet aromas of cherries and flowers. A refined, very detailed and seductive wine with great charm, character and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-light red colour; reductive red-fruity, appealing; powerful, fruit-deep, subtly tart tannin, long." Merum

"Medium, bright cherry red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Fine bouquet of raspberries, redcurrants, some pomegranate, underlaid with eucalyptus and fine spice. Vibrant freshness and pleasant juiciness on the palate, the tannins still somewhat youthful and ending on herbs in the medium final." Falstaff

"Attractive bouquet of chestnuts, violets and crisp strawberries, fresh and crisp with attractive acidity and a savoury finish." Decanter

"Sweet berries and orange peel with undertones of peach and lemon blossom. Medium-bodied, with crisp fruit and a fresh and slightly chewy finish. Delicious wine, now showing volcanic character with ashy and smoky undertones." James Suckling

"The Etna Rosso Ghiaia Nera 2021 is intense, smoky and ashy. It opens with a burst of crushed strawberries accompanied by notes of blood orange and clove. This wine is a model of purity, with savoury red berry fruit and a core of salty minerality that emerges towards the end. The lively acidity provides a fantastic balance. A web of fine tannins lingers, creating a classic dry feel and youthful tension as the sour cherry tones fade." Vinous

An accessible, fruit-accentuated classic at a high level. A clear aroma of wild berries and flowers, with a mix of dark berry notes, fine spices and light tannins on the palate. Flavour and depth give this noble Valpolicella its wonderful drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a fine, brightening rim. Intense on the nose, cranberry compote, juniper and leather on the finish. Silky texture on the palate, with lots of ripe fruit, slightly spicy and with well-integrated tannins, long presence." Falstaff

"Aromas of dried fruit and nuts follow through to a medium-bodied palate with a dense bead of bright fruit and fine, slightly drying tannins. Very direct and concentrated with good forward acidity. Give this wine a little more time for the tannins to resolve further." James Suckling

"The 2020 Valpolicella Superiore Maternigo is wickedly fresh and floral, wafting up with suggestions of violet and lavender before giving way to crushed blackberries. This is a soft-textured mix of savory and sweet, with saline minerals complicating its tart wild berry fruits. It tapers off with tension, leaving a pleasantly tense sensation and hints of sour orange that pucker the cheeks. Don’t be afraid to lose the 2020 Maternigo in the cellar for a number of years." Vinous

Pinot Gris with an intense straw-yellow colour with golden-copper reflections, which can be traced back to the historic Ramato process: Here, the mash remains in contact with the skins for approx. 10 hours. Broad, fruity bouquet with sweet notes of blackberry, pear and ripe apricot, delicate hints of almond blossom. Harmonious, dry and full-bodied on the palate. Medium-long, slightly mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This has a pale copper color and hints of honey and white strawberries to the apple and peach aromas. It’s medium-bodied, creamy and fruity with plump, soft, ripe stone fruit." James Suckling

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

The wonderfully typical, very lively Ribolla Gialla has a bouquet of fresh citrus fruits and apples, with peach notes and flint in the background. The fruity taste is round, clean and very harmonious with a long, salty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Ribolla Gialla Zuc di Volpe 2021 is delicate and unobtrusive. It smells of lime and green melon, underlined by sweet floral scents. The style is soft and mineral, with an echo of saline acidity that slowly dissipates to reveal crisp Granny Smith apple. The 2021 finishes clean but full of youthful tension and a crisp feel as nuances of sour citrus gradually fade. What a beauty. Two to three years of ageing should help it to develop fully." Vinous

"Lots of flint and smoke with aromas and flavours of green apple and lime. Tangy and bright. A linear and energetic Ribolla with a sorbet finish." James Suckling

"This wine comes from my family's historic vineyard. It is a wine that is the result of long reflection, study and experimentation, where nothing has been left to chance: Monte Grande is to be my great Soave wine." Graziano Prà

Monte Grande is the white cru of the house and a blend of 70% Garganega and 30% Trebbiano di Soave of great complexity with ideal ageing potential. Deep bouquet of exotic fruits and rocks with a fine citrus note. Multi-layered and spicy on the palate, intense and sharply focussed, with mineral notes and a pretty salty core. Beautifully crafted acidity, with notes of orange zest and almonds on the long finish. A terrificmasterpiece! SUPERIORE.DE

"A riper iteration, suggestive of dried or later harvested fruit. Tangerines, kumquats and salted quince. There is ample poise, avoiding excess by virtue of a streak of saline freshness and a ripple of volcanic energy. A fine, mid-weighted Soave, showing drinkability over weight and ripeness. A welcome choice." James Suckling

"Opening with aromas of jasmine and white tea that lead to fresh, crisp apples and roasted almonds, this Soave is a wine that is hard to move past the nose. Mouthwatering acidity and a honeyed texture define the wine's palate as roasted orchard fruits, flint and pressed yellow flowers all weave in and out of focus. It is a complex and compelling wine that shows the greatness of this region in full." Wine Enthusiast

Avignonesi's aromatic classic has a lean to medium body, seamless tannins and a delicious flavour profile. Intense ruby red with garnet-coloured reflections. On the nose, aromas of red berries, cherry, eucalyptus and pomegranate and the unmistakable scent of violets so typical of the Sangiovese grape, with a hint of vanilla and Mediterranean herbal spice in the background. Well-balanced on the palate, with beautiful primary notes of ripe cherry and plum. The warm, ethereal body is embedded in a dense tannin structure and leads into a long, persistent finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A bright and lively Vino Nobile with aromas of cherry, violet and hibiscus and hints of peach and lemon that continue through to a medium body. Fine and integrated tannins and a lively finish with plenty of energy. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Vegan. Needs another year or two to show its true excellence, but is already a beautiful and straightforward wine." James Suckling

The aromas of citrus fruit, almonds and exotic fruit are impressive in Le Rive. Its flavour is soft and powerful, with a wonderful freshness right into the long finish. A wonderful, elegant wine that once again puts the three sisters at the forefront of their region. SUPERIORE.DE

"The oldest vines of the estate at 85-years-old. The warmest site, south-facing. While palpably dry, the fruit becomes intuitively tropical of nature by virtue of the site's proclivity for later harvesting. Thus, the 'Vendemmia Tardiva' nomenclature. The only wine at this address that sees oak (large, neutral French), handled beautifully as a buttress for the teeming fruit, laced with gingery spice across a long, bolshy finish." James Suckling

Crognolo is a wonderfully balanced wine that offers the tangy freshness and acidity of Sangiovese, which is balanced and softened by the small proportion of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine smells of cherry, blackberry and plum. Its primary intensity is bright and cheerful. The finish shows a nice density, extraction and well-integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Crognolo 2021 is a great entry-level wine from Sette Ponti. An explosion of red/purple fruits, blood orange, spices and rose petals race across the palate, lifted by bright acids that add energy. All elements are very well balanced. This is a very inviting wine." Vinous

"Dusty, perfumed aromas of spiced plums with sour cherries and dried cherries are followed in the mouth by a vertical palate full of fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity and juicy fruit. It feels balanced and upright, ready to spring into action as soon as the cork is pulled. Vibrant red and black fruits intermingle, punctuated by a certain saltiness and supported by those tannins. The finish is long, juicy and flavoursome and leaves you wanting another sip." Decanter

"This young red wine shows all its components in the right place, but needs time to integrate. It offers flavours of cherry, violet, earth, iron and mint, which fade into powerful tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Bright ruby violet colour. Expressive flavours of blackberries and rich cherries, with fine spicy components in the background. Compact, concentrated on the palate, with grippy tannins that also become juicy, salty on the finish." Falstaff

"The wine shows dark concentration, certainly more than you'd expect from Sangiovese, with lots of cherry, spice and blue flower that ties directly into the Merlot. It offers a medium to full-bodied texture with fine, chalky tannins." Wine Advocate

"Ultra-fresh, juicy cherries with more delicate aromas of violets and rose petals on the nose roll onto a palate rich with more cherries and berries balanced by earthy, tart notes of earth, branches and roots and a finish of bitter cocoa and aniseed." Wine Enthusiast

"The purity of the fruit in this wine is impressive, with redcurrants, orange peel, peaches and lemon on the nose and palate. Full-bodied yet compressed and agile. Tasty finish. Restrained now, but given a year or two it will come into its own." James Suckling

Schiopetto's Pinot Grigio seduces with a nuanced and noble blend of yellow apples, spring flowers, wet stone and sweet smoke. On the entry, it is soft with an echo of green citrus and salty minerals that add tension, while lively notes of pear and inner flowers build towards the finish. It finishes with a pleasant inner sweetness, while a hint of spice and ginger lingers. This understated beauty is full of character and promises good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich, carpeted ginger-pear wine that starts pretty, perky, floral and green. It spreads out like liquid silk, filling every corner with a kind of golden, silvery sheen that hints at honey and baked puff pastry to come, then returns to sweet peas and sugar snap peas." Jancis Robinson

"Delicate aromas of green apple, citrus, and fresh white flowers mingle in this expressive wine. The palate pops with vibrant flavors of ripe pear and lemon, complemented by a crisp acidity and a refreshing, clean finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2022 Pinot Grigio is remarkably pretty, with hints of sweet spice and white flowers emphasising freshly cut nectarines. The Pinot Grigio is incredibly fresh, with zesty acidity and a hint of green citrus to the ripe fruit. The finish is clean and of medium length, leaving a hint of young peach and chamomile. The balance of this wine is excellent and makes it easy to return to the glass again and again." Vinous

"Aromas of quince fruit, glazed lemons, peaches and a hint of praline. Also some wet stones. Medium to full-bodied with depth and a delicate phenolic note in the texture. Long and taut with a lively, nervy acidity that goes on and on. Lots of crushed stones and spices. Attractive." James Suckling

Brilliant ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Sublime, almost aromatic cherry fruit on the nose with hints of gingerbread and caraway. Lush cherry fruit on the palate, interspersed with plenty of tangy acidity and crisp tannins. Long, juicy cherry flavour with plenty of fullness on the finish. A well-made wine from an excellent vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a garnet-red rim. Dense nose of cold smoke, cherry, juniper berries, cloves and pickled violets. Silky on the palate, juicy and with invigorating acidity, firm tannins, persistent into the fruity-fresh final, with a racy acidity at the end." Falstaff

"A medium- to full-bodied, savory and chewy red that has aromas and flavors of mint, sour cherries, walnuts, cloves and tomato leaves. Plenty of tannin, but nicely integrated." James Suckling

This mineral and concentrated wine emphasises the beauty of the Collio region. Ponca, the local name for the soil in the Collio, is a calcareous clay and sandstone conglomerate, which this wine shows in abundance. The first note of Ponca leads to ripe apples and white flowers. On the palate, it is complex and structured, creamy and with a strong acidity. It is a wine with stony and mineral undertones that emphasises the soil of this special place. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of baked apples, lemon oil and pressed yellow flowers. On the palate, it delivers a delightful fusion of citrus and stone fruit flavors, culminating in a refreshing, clean finish that mirrors the region's vibrant spirit." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2022 Pinot Bianco captivates with a bouquet that mixes enriching notes of almond paste and sweet spice with crushed yellow apples. Silky and enveloping, this washes across the palate with medium-bodied weight and mineral-tinged orchard fruits as brisk acidity adds a cheek-puckering twang toward the close. The 2022 leaves tropical citrus and hints of green melon to linger on, finishing with admirable length and wonderfully fresh. Already a pleasure today, the 2022 Pinot Bianco will also excel over three to four years of cellaring." Vinous

"Crushed seashells, flint, white fruit and crumbled minerality. Quite textured with a medium to full body and a long, mineral finish. Has lovely mid-palate substance and tension." James Suckling

The delicious Salealto consists of equal parts Insolia, Zibibbo and Grillo and was matured for approx. 10 months on the fine lees in stainless steel. Deep golden yellow in colour with green reflections. Open nose with hints of beeswax, yellow flowers, acacia, red apple and green pepper. Very refreshing on the palate, low acidity, a fine saline note and wonderful fruit flavours. Herbal spice and expansive fruit with beautiful freshness on the deep finish - be sure to aerate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, bright straw yellow with a green shimmer. Ripe fruit notes on the nose, reminiscent of pineapple and lemon, followed by jasmine blossom. Lots of citrus fruit on the palate, fresh and straightforward, vibrant acidity, animating mouth-watering final." Falstaff

""The Cusumano 2020 Salealto represents a first attempt to make wine with in-house yeasts developed over years with the help of a research center in northern Italy. The wine is luminous and bright with summer peach, white flower and apple blossom. It shows a silky, mid-weight texture with some distant flint or mineral." Wine Advocate

Schiopetto's Friulano is youthfully unobtrusive with a pretty bouquet that blends lemon peel with mint and hints of crushed rock. It washes over the palate with a tense mix of citrusy acids and salty minerals, while a core of tropical melon develops towards the end. Finishes on a more delicate note, but long and with pretty inner flowers that still linger. The beautiful balance and underlying power of this wine will guarantee good ageing in the bottle. The best is yet to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"Hawthorn blossom on the nose and then that indefinable, seamless, petal-wax smoothness-that-is-Friulano on the palate. It has Friulano's macadamia-nut-carved-into-flower smooth, sweet, floral oiliness. Kind of hard to define, kind of delicate, kind of ploppy (like fat rain drops). Poached-pear sweetness. A wine that would be delicious with anything soft and green and drenched in buttery beurre blanc. Wonderful with cold, minty lamb sausages." Jancis Robinson

"Lithe and well-balanced, this mouthwatering white has lively hints of grapefruit zest, milled white pepper and lemon thyme underscoring juicy tangerine, peach skin and lentil notes." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Friulano wafts up with a delicate bouquet, blending minty herbs and wet stone with green apples and lime zest. This flows across the palate with ease, crisp and cool-toned in feel, with saline mineral tones adding a tactile feel as candied citrus notes resonate throughout. It finishes clean and with medium length, leaving a salty sensation and the mouth watering for more." Vinous

"Oyster shell, light flint, match stick, dried pear, and apple puree aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Layered. Very minerally. Tight and focused. Serious." James Suckling