Highly praised wines

Deep dark Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva with a beguiling aroma of dark red cherries and berries, earthy notes, grilled hazelnuts, spices and liquorice. "A mouthful of wine" in an incredibly appealing style. Spelt has remarkable concentration and outstanding length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Nose of graphite, ripe cherries, wild berries, a hint of dried rose petal and rubber. Clear on the palate, with clear fruit and beautiful juiciness, shows compact tannins, drinks even better slightly chilled." Falstaff

"The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Spelt is dark and earthy in the glass, with undergrowth and crushed stones giving way to black cherries and spice. This is round and silky in feel, with ripe wild berry fruits and spices that cascade throughout. Plum and medicinal blackberry linger as the 2020 tapers off long, lightly structured, yet relatively fresh. Well done." Vinous

"Very cedary on the nose at first, so give it a swirl to allow the rich red fruit and floral notes to give you a proper introduction to this full-bodied and solid red. The cedary element is present throughout, but there’s plenty of fruit to counter it. Firm tannins kick in midway and give some astringency to finish, which will smoothen with some more time in bottle." James Suckling

Etna Bianco is smoky in the glass and excites the senses with a burst of crushed rock and raw almonds before fading into a citrus-influenced peach. It is pleasantly soft and enveloping, with weighty textures supported by lively acidity. Mineral fruits and sweet spices meet on the palate. Finishes remarkably fresh yet grippy and long, leaving the mouth wanting more. The complexity of this wine is unrivalled for an entry-level Etna Bianco. SUPERIORE.DE

"Honey blossom, candied ginger, hints of fennel and crushed green apples form a savoury and inviting bouquet when the 2023 Etna Bianco opens in the glass. Ripe fruit meets a core of salty minerals and savoury spices, while a stimulating wave of acidity completely redefines the palate. The 2023 finishes perfumed and long, leaving a pleasantly tart hint of citrus that tickles the cheeks." Vinous

"This has a restrained white-pepper and mineral character, lemon bush and pulp. On the palate, the acidity is firmly integrated with citrus, flint, concentrated fruit and a medium to full body. The finish is supersavory and tense. Drinkable now but will improve with age." James Suckling

Stylistically balanced, very finesse-rich Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from a small single vineyard (vineyard no. 7) in the Castelnuovo-Berardenga area, where the temperatures are always somewhat higher than in the rest of Chianti Classico. Dark, bright ruby colour. Elegant bouquet of pure Sangiovese of red berries with a very delicate hint of tobacco. Salty on the palate, shows a lot of pressure, very clear, compact fruit, builds up with tightly woven tannins, very intense and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sensual notes of blackberries, subtly floral and spicy; juicy in the mouth, the tannins are fine-grained and well integrated, final is still somewhat characterised by wood." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Clear and inviting nose, with aromas of blackberries, blueberries and some cloves. Pithy, well-placed tannins on the palate, embedded in lots of cherry fruit, describes a wide arc, savoury and with vigour." Falstaff

"The nose is sweet and earthy, with aromas of vanilla, cherry and orange peel, as well as topsoil and crushed stones. The palate is a fruit basket of strawberries, raspberries and cherries, with a hint of orange peel. The acidity plays around soft but dense tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"This red wine is bursting with energy, offering flavours of cherry, raspberry, iron, tobacco and black pepper. It finishes long and balanced, with a range of dusty tannins girding the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Montebello Sette is magnificent. Sweet pipe tobacco, incense, leather, spices and dried flowers give this deceptively medium-bodied Gran Selezione a great aromatic presence. The time it spends in the glass helps to develop the wine's texture. There's a lot of wine here." Vinous

"A juicy and exciting red with a fresh character of red and dark berries and a hint of dried orange peel and liquorice. Medium-bodied, firm and concentrated, with chalky tannins and bright acidity. Balanced and beautifully moulded." James Suckling

"The Tolaini 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Montebello Sette shows great intensity and focus in the warm season and represents a deep immersion in Sangiovese. This elegant expression of the grape variety shows a powerful fruit profile with perfect ripeness and strong cherry flavours. This is complemented by a slightly creamy texture. Delicate mineral tones and lightly toasted spices add depth. The result is balanced and elegant." Wine Advocate

The De Ferrari brothers select their Riserva from the oldest vines on the estate's best plots. Ruby red in colour with a garnet hue. The wine opens discreetly with subtle but captivating hints of sage, leather and allspice. On the palate, it is supple and agile and feels confidently extracted, with firm, straightforward tannins, but not overdone. The wood supports rather than imposes on the wine, and the vibrant acidity of the vintage comes through nicely. Long, seductive and delicately spicy on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, sparkling ruby red colour. Hints of leather and ripe fruit on the nose, followed by notes of wood and marzipan. Elegant tannins on the palate with a slightly ethereal finish." Falstaff

"Charismatic aromas of red berries, tobacco and leather; elegant, balanced, the tannins perfectly integrated and supported by a lively acidity, convincing with its classic style." Vinum

"A slightly viscous Vino Nobile with the character of berries, bark and dried mushrooms. Full-bodied with some fresh acidity under the tannin backbone." James Suckling

"Mint and eucalyptus shade the cherry and strawberry fruit in this lean but solid red wine, which has an underlying minerality. Balanced, this wine needs time to fully integrate all the elements, but there is still a very positive energy that drives the long finish." Wine Spectator

Straw yellow with greenish reflections. A lovely floral nose with hints of peach and banana. The flavour is clear, fresh and pure with spicy aromas of lemon, mandarin and crushed gravel. Roero Arneis is also known as Barolo Bianco, which is entirely appropriate for this excellent white wine from Neive's noble forge. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh and crisp white with light lemon, mango and bitter lime flavours. It is medium to full-bodied with lots of fruit. The hot vintage is noticeable, but it remains fresh on the finish." James Suckling

This Nebbiolo comes from one of the best vineyards in the Roero and is vinified by Luciano Sandrone with the same care as a Barolo. Brilliant ruby-garnet colour. Wonderful aroma of light red fruit, mainly raspberry and cherry. Earthy on the palate with a lovely strawberry touch and an incredible amount of elegance. The fine-grained tannins are wonderfully integrated and, together with a subtle minerality, give this Nebbiolo a race, depth and finesse that is unrivalled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Subtle nose, a potpourri of watermelon, oranges and rose hips, light spice on the finish. On the palate with a polished fruit core and great juiciness, comes in several waves, savoury, radiant, drinks very well." Falstaff

"Very restrained on the nose, with liquorice, smoky forest notes and dried and ripe cherries. Firm tannins, somewhat dusty on the mid-palate, with refreshing acidity, a medium body and good fruit concentration." James Suckling

This unfiltered rosato, matured in Liters amphorae, is the result of the strictest selection of Syrah grapes from the winery. The spontaneously fermented and Demeter-certified result is just 4,000 bottles, which are sold in selected specialist shops and restaurants. A beguiling, intense bouquet of pink grapefruit, raspberry and cranberry. Taut, juicy and lively on the palate - a perfect harmony of expression, freshness and body. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light cherry red with orange-coloured reflections. A fruity nose of fresh stone fruit, cherries and grapefruit and a flavour of Mediterranean scrub. Well-balanced on the palate, fresh and very juicy, full-bodied and with a long final." Falstaff

"Attractive aromas of pink cherries and peach skins with dried rose petals and pink peppercorns. So sleek and textured with medium to full body and a silky mouthfeel. Very attractive and delicious. Very well-made with tension and a mineral backbone." James Suckling

Piastraia fully lives up to the classic image of a great and delicate Bolgheri Rosso Superiore. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller portions of Merlot and Sangiovese, it fills the glass with its intense aroma of fruit and a hint of leather flavours. The flavour is powerful, concentrated and pure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Promising bouquet of blueberries and cherries, also sandalwood, liquorice and flowers; the tannins are powdery, the acidity skilfully integrated, combines race, juiciness and a lot of melting and at the same time not at all pretentious, but very drinkable." Vinum

"Dark and full ruby colour. Open, elegant bouquet of blackberry, underlaid with spicy notes of liquorice, leather and undergrowth. Powerful on the palate, round, juicy and easy to drink. The tannins are well integrated, retronasal black cherry and chocolate, long final." Falstaff

"A firm and compact red wine that shows walnuts, dried herbs, loam, black fruit and cedar on the nose. It is full-bodied, polished and compact, with firm but fine-grained tannins. Roasted walnut notes on the long finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Piastraia is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. It's a great example of where the house style is heading under the direction of Giacomo Satta. Syrah is gone from the blend, and yet the wine offers plenty of textural depth and energy. Dark red cherry, spice, new leather, rose petal and dried flowers open gradually in the glass. This is beautifully done." Vinous

"The core flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry and pomegranate are overlaid with notes of mint, violet, iron and toasted oak. This red wine is dense and rich, with a matrix of polished tannins in support. The balance and finish are outstanding." Wine Spectator

Bright, powerful ruby colour, aromas of cherry, redcurrant, cocoa and tar. Juicy, spicy and bright, with firm acidity and taut tannins that give it definition and lift to the flavours. Very fresh and precise, persistent and smooth. It has outstanding potential. If you taste the decades-old wines from Mastroberardino (dating back to 1928), it becomes clear: these wines are monumental, immortal or at least for eternity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Ripe blackberries and rich plums on the nose, with a subtle hint of dark chocolate, coffee grounds, liquorice and a touch of leather in the background. Powerful but well-integrated tannins on the palate, with plenty of ripe fruit and a long final." Falstaff

"The nose is tart, spicy and assertive, with aromas of blackberry, pepper and hot iron. On the palate, black cherries reinforce the blackberry tartness before a new intrigue comes in the form of fresh herbs and a coffee bitterness. The acidity bumps up against the powerful but quiet tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Dark and intense, the 2017 Taurasi Radici Riserva glows with an intriguing blend of crushed ash stones, graphite, lavender and dried wild berries. Initially lean on the palate, it gains energy from a core of tart citrus and savoury spice, while tart red fruits saturate the senses. The 2017 leaves the mouth reeling with a mesh of fine tannins and a hint of sour orange that tickles the cheeks. It's still a baby today, but it has the balance to mature beautifully with time." Vinous

"Complex and deep character with ripe blackberries, sultanas, dried roses, dark chocolate, roasted walnuts, dark liquorice and wild mushrooms with some tar. Full-bodied, complex and compact with a broad and velvety tannin structure that lingers on the palate. Classic, restrained style with a hint of sweet tobacco on the finish. Needs three to four years to fully develop." James Suckling

"An indispensable part of the peninsula's winemaking history, a Taurasi that is impossible not to call iconic. Cherries and laurel on the nose, a hint of eucalyptus, dogwood peel and undergrowth, salty, dense and compact in the mouth, with a citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

Piodilei has been the winery's white flagship since 1985. The grapes come from the single vineyard Il Bricco, which is also the source of the award-winning Barbaresco Crus. From the outset, Pio's aim with this white wine was to create a wine with the same complexity and Storage potential as the great red wines of this region. Sparkling straw yellow colour. Complex bouquet of herbal spice, delicate buttery notes, flint, pear and sweet yellow fruit. Impressive freshness in the glass with a finely integrated oak spice and notes of pineapple and chestnut. A fresh, complex and serious white wine that is unrivalled in the region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of sliced apples, white pineapple, lemon rind and minerals. Medium-bodied and very intense and bright, with crushed seashells, iodine and light fresh green apples. Complex, crunchy and focused. Lots of limes and other citrus." James Suckling

The top red Riserva from the Bolzano winery has been the undisputed Lagrein Taber for years, with a fine bouquet of wild berry fruit, herbal flavours and spicy notes. Taber is a dense, full-bodied wine with a pleasant acidity and silky tannins, finishing with notes of candied fruit. A top wine from over 80-year-old vines on the Taberhof farm near Gries and a contender for the "Tre Bicchieri" of the Gambero Rosso almost every year. The best Lagrein Riserva in South Tyrol? Find out for yourself! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark purple colour. On the nose, rich heart cherry, blackberry juice, dried violets, with fragrant black bread notes and some precious wood. Very juicy on the palate, tightly woven, fruity, stretches over the tongue with great and fresh notes, savoury, complex and drinky at the same time, exciting and vibrant." Falstaff

"The 2021 Lagrein Riserva Taber opens with plummy and very ripe aromas of confit blackberries, pitted plums and a spicy note of suede or new leather. Lagrein usually has a pronounced creamy side, and this can be felt here, especially through the wine's dense texture and soft tannins. This 2021 vintage is very extracted and dense." Wine Advocate

"A dark and ripe red that impresses with aromas of liquorice, chocolate, cassis and mulberries. Full-bodied and fleshy, with chewy but soft tannins and generous, spicy oak that complements the ripe fruit. An intense Lagrein." James Suckling

"The classic, almost impenetrable, deep blackberry red colour that is so typical of this grape variety. Blackberry and sloe fruit dominate the nose and palate, with notes of dark chocolate and roasted spices. Full and round with ripe tannins, the wine is approaching an early peak but should keep well over the next five to seven years." Decanter

Deep crimson ruby red colour. On the nose, it smells of raspberries with beautiful concentration, a peppery tingle and perfectly integrated oak. Lively, crushed red berry fruit on the palate with long, finely chiselled tannins. It closes up a little on the finish, so you can expect much more, but for now it is already irresistible. Balanced and very elegant. SUPERIORE.DE

"Excellent blend of Nero d'Avola and Perricone: complex bouquet with aromas of stone fruit and wild berries; complex on the palate, with noticeable acidity, tightly woven tannins, persistent." Vinum

"Dark ruby red with violet reflections. Delicate, inviting nose, lots of fruit, cherries and plums, redcurrant, backed by fresh herbs and a hint of vanilla. Harmonious and elegant on the palate, noble, silky tannins, vibrant acidity, juicy and animating right into the long final." Falstaff

"Ripe strawberries with blackberries and a hint of tar. Full to medium body with strong tannins and a chewy and juicy finish. Very structured. A wine to age in the cellar. Still very young. Try after 2025." James Suckling

"Hints of exotic spice and cedar shavings waft over to reveal black raspberries, cocoa and dried roses as the 2018 Rosso del Conte slowly develops in the glass. It is incredibly fresh, cool and youthfully balanced, with a depth of tart wild berry fruit accompanied by a hint of blood orange and a zesty core of acidity. The 2018 tapers long, classically dry and structured, but retains its freshness. A minty note persists alongside a balsamic hint and a tart crispness from the cranberries." Vinous

The three Tedeschi siblings Antonietta, Sabrina and Riccardo, who also select the three barrels from which the blend is made each year, give their name to the "Ansari", which is only available in small quantities. Rich bouquet of dried fruit, sultanas, rum pot and chocolate. Firm on the palate with an excellent structure, the opulent fruit centre is joined by balsamic, herbal notes and a piquant bitter note on the long finish. The perfect addition to the famous family winery's top-class Amarone range since the 2016 debut vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby with a garnet-red rim. Elegant nose of dark plum, blueberry jam, cold smoke and fine wood spice. Lush and supple, flows over the tongue with great presence into the long final." Falstaff

"A medium- to full-bodied red, with a fragrant waft of eucalyptus and tobacco leaf elements accenting the core of soft cherry, steeped raspberry and singed orange peel notes. This wine's bright, focused flavors are integrated with fine, chalky tannins and tangy acidity." Wine Spectator

"The name is an acronym that reflects the names of the three siblings. Fine, pure fruit with the density and fullness you would expect from an Amarone. Nevertheless, the wine is impressively fresh, characterised by a wonderful acid structure that keeps it light on its feet and gives it a good, juicy length. A paradox of power and balletic detail, almost reminiscent of a Pinot from a warm vintage, so strong are the allusions to red fruit. Dangerously drinkable. An excellent, somewhat modern interpretation of Amarone." James Suckling

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Ansari 2019 needs its time in the glass, initially it is dark and floral with a hint of herbs. When coaxed, an attractive blend of wild berries, violets and gravel emerges. This silky and refined wine impresses with its perfect balance of ripe red and blue fruits, offset by salty minerals and savoury spices. The lively acidity provides a wonderful freshness, while the 2019 finishes structured and long. The grippy tannins linger, leaving the mouth wanting more." Vinous

Just 9,000 bottles make up the annual production of this boutique winery from Etna. At 950 metres above sea level, the one-and-a-half hectares of vines, divided into eight tiny plots, are gradually bought up by the renowned Oenologist. The area is planted with Nerello Mascalese bush vines, which have been spared the phylloxera vine louse and make their way through the lava-covered terraces.

The single vines, which are on average 80 to 100 years old, are cultivated in the traditional, low-bush Alberello style, to which the wine also owes its name. Alberelli di Giodo is of extreme elegance and spiciness and represents to a remarkable degree the minerality and finesse typical of its volcanic growing region. SUPERIORE.DE

"From 2 hectares, the well-known Tuscan Oenologist Carlo Ferrini produces his own Brunello di Montalcino from Podere Giodo as well as a Sicilian red wine from Etna called Albarelli di Giodo. It is made from the local, Burgundy-like grape variety Nerello Mascalese and has the typical delicate colour. Quite fruity and very accessible, the Albarello di Giodo presents itself as an inviting, harmonious interpretation with a sweet, Tuscan touch. Deep, fine and very balanced also in the mouth, the delicate tannins are enveloped by Tuscan-like sweetness." Weinwisser

"Bright, radiant ruby red. In the nose hearty, of rich cherries, wet stone, some black truffle, in addition noble nuances of tea. On the palate radiant and juicy, showing fine creamy nuances, currently also still with very young tannin, in the final with firm grip and pressure." Falstaff

"Dark cherries and dried flowers with pumice and spices on the nose. Medium to full body with tight, firm tannins. Racy, with wonderful depth. From old vines with an average age of 70 years." James Suckling

"The Alberelli di Giodo 2019 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese is a wine true to its volcanic roots. This elegant grape variety reveals a tight embroidery of aromas with wild rose, sour cherry, white pepper and campfire ash. The tannins are polished and long, and this deftly made Nerello Mascalese is endowed with plenty of natural freshness and tart berry flavors that drive a long, nuanced finish. This is another super star bottle from winemaker Carlo Ferrini." Wine Advocate

Garnet red with a ruby red reflection and light-coloured rim. Distinct, typical varietal flavour with notes of red berries, cherries and fine spices, cinnamon and white pepper. Clearly perceptible but well-integrated wood flavour. Full flavour with a balanced, medium body and fresh finish with a delicate hint of bitter almond and a long, elegant aftertaste. SUPERIORE.DE

"A classy pinot noir full of complexity in a restrained, mineral-laden style. The nose shows earthy strawberries, boiled beets, smoky notes and orange vibrancy. Super-fresh character on the palate, with a full body and silky, elegant tannins soaked with violets and blood oranges. Peach tea and cinnamon in the finish." James Suckling

The wine icon, rare every year and very highly rated, presents itself in a shiny, rich ruby. On the nose, crisp berry fruit, ripe dark cherries, sweet plums and delicate notes of cinnamon. In the mouth it is full-bodied and firm, very juicy, unfolds a finely woven tannin and glides in a wide arc into a powerful, long final. A great wine full of tension and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, sweet and with great seductiveness, it smells out of the glass with lots of chocolate and nutty aromas. Fine-grained and clearly structured on the palate, it has excellent breed with playful acidity, which in turn gives it depth and length. Impressively typical I Sodi, which has never lost its traditional character. Even though it was one of the more modern top wines from Tuscany in the 90s because of its ageing in barriques, today it has to be classified rather with the classics." Weinwisser

"Rich, sparkling ruby with a slightly pale rim. Opens clear and deep on the nose, with plums and blackberries, discreet smoky notes, some cardamom. Firm and sturdy on the palate, shows lots of tightly woven tannin, builds up firm pressure, lots of plum, long final." Falstaff

"This is marked by new oak initially, then the plum and cherry flavors shine through. Vibrant, with leather and earth elements joining in before the oak spice and tannins frame the finish. Fresh and complex, with a lot going on—just needs time." Wine Spectator

"Bright and vibrant, the trademark lively and vibrant acidity at the fore straight away giving life and lift to the caramelised cherries, pomegranates and strawberry fruit. The wood is a little apparent, giving the frame a spiced edge that sticks out a little and pulls the fruit forwardness back a bit. Clearly powerful, there is a richness and ripeness to the fruit with massy tannins. Nuanced and generous with precision and focus from beginning to the end." Decanter

"This celebrated Tuscan red is a blend of mostly Sangiovese with a smaller part of Malvasia Nera. The Castellare di Castellina 2018 I Sodi di S. Niccolò shows the elegance and grace of these native grapes with aromas of red and purple fruit, cherry, wild rose and gardening soil. However, there is also a strong oak element that adds spice and toast to the bouquet and textural weight to the wine's generous build." Wine Advocate

"A vibrant, balanced and fresh red with raspberries, pomegranates, cherry stones and spice box on the nose. Sleek, tight tannins. Focused, with a very fine structure and wound-up energy." James Suckling

"The 2018 I Sodi di San Niccolò is the most elegant Sodi I have ever tasted, and I have tasted them all. Sodi can be quite the bruiser in its youth, as the tannins are often imposing, but the 2018 is impressive because there is more than enough fruit to balance things out. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and gravel build in a Sodi endowed with mind-blowing purity and exceptional finesse. Superb!" Vinous

In 1991, Turriga was one of the first bottled wines ever to be exported from the island. Turriga has a 100% Sardinian soul - the famous blend of four red autochthonous grape varieties was once created by the famous OenologistGiacomo Tachis and is continued today by his "heir" Mariano Murru, technical director and Oenologist at Argiolas. The DNA of this exceptional wine sounds as simple as it is perfect: its refined blend of grape varieties gives it its unique structure, roundness, fullness, fruit and a perfectly balanced portion of tannins.

Mariano goes into raptures and describes his top wine as follows: "It has a deep ruby red colour and an enveloping taste of almost spherical softness, with tannins of great finesse that support and accompany the drink. The lively fruit is supported by a balanced acidity and spiciness that refreshes the palate and prolongs an indescribable finish of rare elegance."

We have loved the elegant bouquet of plums, the opulent dark fruit, the finely balanced vanilla note and the subtle hint of tobacco for decades. Excellently structured and long-lasting on the finish. A masterpiece every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich and layered red wine with lots of berry, cedar, chocolate and bark character. It is medium to full-bodied with a tight centre and a flavourful finish. It starts intense and then finishes very fine and concentrated. Better in three or four years, but already great now." James Suckling

Elisabetta Geppetti's Saffredi is one of Italy's great red wines every year, full of elegance! Dark, polished ruby red colour with purple-violet edges. The explosive aroma of blackcurrants, blackberries, plums, violets and oak spices is accompanied by fascinating spicy, ethereal and wonderfully floral accents with earthy tobacco notes. Dense and velvety on the palate, framed by firm tannins and a juicy freshness that leads the wine full of energy into an endless finish. The flavour profile, which is very typical of Saffredi, is wonderfully balanced, yet multi-layered and very focused with its spiciness. Saffredi 2021 is a genuine and multi-dimensional beauty that should mature for a few more years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex, elegant bouquet with fine concentration and precisely contoured fruit body, a basket of blue berries and ripe red cherries, plus a floral backdrop, violets, Mediterranean herbs and maquis as well as undergrowth. Polished, clear and radiant on the palate, juicy and tightly woven with velvety, super-fine tannins, a radiant and elegant Saffredi." Weinwisser

"Spicy-berry perfume, cassis, lots of dark fruit flavours, also nuances of black pepper; the attack is compact, the tannins fine-grained, carried by a soft acidity, finishes long and multi-faceted. Also very successful in this vintage." Vinum

"Dark ruby red core with purple nuances. Blackcurrant and mulberry on the nose, on damp earth, dark chocolate and alabaster. Dense on the palate, with tightly woven tannins, precise fear, comes in many layers, powerful, but with great finesse and incredibly long." Falstaff

"The Fattoria le Pupille 2021 Saffredi offers a seamless integration of dark fruit flavours that segue directly into spice, Tuscan cigar and earthy orris root. This vintage is compact and firm, especially in terms of mouthfeel, and there are graceful floral tones to close." Wine Advocate

"This pure, intense red wine displays aromas and flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries, blueberries and violets, underlined by graphite and wild herbs. Very tightly wound, even racy, with invigorating acidity and refined tannins, this noble red wine leans more towards the elegant side, with great harmony and length." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Saffredi is one of the most vivid, profoundly beautiful wines I have ever tasted from Elisabetta Geppetti. Dark, layered and resonant, the 2021 offers tons of depth and yet remains wonderfully light on its feet. There is a level of finesse here I have never seen before in Saffredi. Blackberry, espresso, lavender, new leather and incense build over time, but it is the wine’s total sense of harmony that leaves me speechless. The 2021 is not a powerhouse—not an obvious wine. For those who can give this time in the glass, it’s a total stunner." Vinous

"Fascinating aromas of sandalwood, lavender, sage and blackcurrant. Mint and spearmint. Pencil shavings. Also light coffee bean. Medium to full body with ultra-fine tannins. Lasts for minutes. Already so approachable now, but it will age beautifully. Best after 2026 and beyond." James Suckling

"The symbolic wine of the house, the first to put the winery and the region "on the map". Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, nose of small black fruits, notes of laurel, mint and Mediterranean herbs, taut and dense drink, with salty tannins, closes with a fruity and oily return." Luca Gardini

Rich, concentrated Bordeaux-style red with the unmistakable signature of top oenological consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt. Multi-layered black fruit on the nose, plus rock, liquorice, camphor and graphite. Impressively supple on the palate, the fruit is always juicy and centred, wonderful and almost perfect in structure, polish, elegance and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, noble ruby red colour. Compact nose of rich cherries, black truffle, some pepper, then again plenty of rich berry fruit in the aftertaste, blackberry and cassis. Densely woven on the palate, with a beautiful melting texture and powerful tannins, opens up in many layers, with sparse stony components, radiant and powerful, lingers for a long time, magnificent." Falstaff

"The fresh, inviting nose is like carpaccio with a caprese-inspired garnish of cherry tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. The palate continues blending sanguine and umami notes above a latent sweetness, creating a wine that deliciously coats the mouth and then lingers there." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Giorgio Primo is a worth follow up to the stellar 2018. Dense, rich and explosive, the 2019 races across the palate with dark fruit, chocolate, leather, incense and spice. This sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon-based Panzano red has a ton to offer. The oak is a bit prominent; otherwise, the 2019 is nicely done." Vinous

"Extremely complex aromas of crushed currants, spices and sandalwood with some bark. Violets, too! Full-bodied with creamy, polished tannins and great intensity. Layered and beautiful. Better in 2024, but already beautiful to try." James Suckling

"Vintner Giampaolo Motta's inspiration is the great wines of Bordeaux, and his vision has never changed despite many passing trends. But perhaps his most important choice as a winemaker (born outside of Tuscany) is his firm commitment to Panzano in Chianti as the ideal home for the French grapes he cultivates. This is an etched and polished wine with dark fruit, spice, graphite and pencil shavings. The tannins are beautifully managed, and the wine is long and complex." Wine Advocate

Galatrona is a pure Merlot in a class of its own. Black-red ruby in the glass. Black berries, fine woody spice and some leather on the nose. Very generous fruit flavours and extremely complex on the palate, it glides elegantly into the depths until it is picked up by a finely woven tannin and leads into a long and finesse-rich finish. A wine that has no need to hide behind Masseto & Co. On the contrary, for us it has been Italy's Merlot benchmark for years. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Galatrona from Petrolo is a highly acclaimed Merlot from Tuscany. It is aged for 18 months in large wooden barrels. Viscous, dark colour. The 2021 Galatrona has an aroma of herbs and spices, liquorice and some wood. Full, juicy and melting, it is much more aromatic in the mouth than on the nose. Intense tannins and a very racy acidity create a full structure of medium depth." Weinwisser

"Although seamless and lusciously saturated with aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, violet, iron, tobacco and spice, this red is also solidly built, with polished tannins. Yet it's more about finesse and elegance than power, with a lively profile and a super-long finish." Wine Spectator

"Bright purple in the glass, gorgeous aromas of black cherry and blackcurrant with floral notes - this 100% Merlot smells wonderfully fragrant and inviting. On the palate it is supple, full-bodied and really seductive, sensual with silky but grippy tannins, beautifully ripe blackcurrant and cherry fruit and crisp acidity that is not too sharp or obvious but enlivens the palate and adds a kick and wonderful freshness to the overall expression. Beautifully presented, harmonious, balanced and absolutely enjoyable from the first to the last sip. A great wine, intense yet energetic, full of nuances of flavour and texture. A wine not to be sneezed at, although it still has plenty of potential for further ageing." Decanter

"The nose shows a wide world of spicy aromas, from red chalk and metal to wood and earth, with cranberries, redcurrants and dark berries as a sweet contrast. The palate reveals a lively flavour with the warmth of earth and freshly ripened fruit, accompanied by tart tannins that promise a long finish. An absolutely acrobatic feat when it comes to Merlot." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Val d'Arno di Sopra Galatrona shows extremely focused aromas, but very generous ones all the while, with soft mint, cherry and stracciatella over a full-bodied texture with soft layers of spice and cedarwood. The wine boasts an elegantly chalky quality to the tannins, but the mouthfeel is so generous, everything irons out beautifully over the palate." Wine Advocate

"The Galatrona 2021 is a good successor to the 2020. In most vintages, the Galatrona is very noticeable right from the start. This is not at all the case with the 2021. This wine will need a few more years to show its best side. Black cherry, plum, mocha, leather, liquorice and incense give the 2021 enormous complexity. More than anything, I admire the sense of vertical, explosive energy that catapults the 2021 into the stratosphere. This is a great wine in every way." Vinous

"The flavours here are very pronounced with dried flowers such as lavender and violets. Also some sage. Black berries and black olive skin. Full-bodied yet straightforward and energetic with very fine tannins and a fantastic length. Fresh and lively on the finish. Best after 2026." James Suckling

"Brilliant dark ruby red colour. Noble, spicy nose of blackcurrants, fine earthy notes, a hint of dried rose petal, cigar box. Sweet and melting on the palate, interwoven with savoury, juicy tannins, elegant on the palate, comes back long and juicy on the final, with fine spicy notes, still a little young." Falstaff

Luce is the iconic wine of the estate of the same name and symbolises the harmonious balance between the elegant structure of Sangiovese and the richness of Merlot. The wine marries the tradition and terroir of the Montalcino region with a personal interpretation of this extraordinary land.

Almost impenetrable ruby red colour. The bouquet is initially reductive and relatively austere, opening up soft and warm with increasing aeration and a seductive aroma of ripe berries, tobacco and leather. The flavour is concentrated, distinctive and tannic, yet silky and promising on the palate. The finish is long and deep with hints of coffee and vanilla. A great blend of Merlot and Sangiovese with great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Fine fragrance on the nose, subtle, some lavender, mint, then cassis and ripe raspberry, cold smoke on the finish." Falstaff

"The wine is characterised by the vanilla of new oak and has aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, flowers and iron. Racy, with lively acidity and dusty tannins that linger on the finish. It needs air, so give it a few years to absorb the oak." Wine Spectator

"The nose is dense and powerful, with lush black fruits and chocolate, and it becomes even more perfumed with aeration. The attack is tangy and powerful, savoury and assertive, but without excessive extraction, and the tannins are polished. Despite a hint of tar and liquorice, the black fruits dominate. It is well balanced, grippy and structured, with a very long finish and will age well." Decanter

"Delicious perfume of dark forest fruits and plums, also tobacco and undergrowth; well-built with precise tannins, a subtle minerality can also be felt, the final a potpourri of fruity and balsamic notes, overall extremely polished and elegant." Vinum

"Very nice orange peel with redcurrants and blue berries. Also flowers. Medium to full body with firm and velvety tannins that are polished and impressive. Fresh fruit on the finish. Serious structure and brightness. Better after 2026." James Suckling

Cepparello is one of the great varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Brilliant ruby red colour. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed, enveloping flavour, which provides a perfectly measured acidity framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and full of finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby colour with a slight violet hue. Opens with fine spicy notes, some cinnamon, then plums and chocolate. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, crisp and fresh, fine tannins, very long-lasting, supple and juicy on the palate." Falstaff

"Attractive red and dark berries with dried flowers, nutmeg and cocoa powder. Also dried orange peel and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied, taut and consistent with fine-grained, slightly chalky tannins. Polished and even with a lingering finish. Try after 2026." James Suckling

"Expressive and lush from the start, this red wine displays aromas and flavours of cherries, strawberries, roses, orange peel, minerals and Tuscan herbs." Wine Spectator

"The Cepparello 2020 is soft and supple and elevates the Sangiovese in a way that only Paolo De Marchi can. This is his penultimate vintage before he retires and sells this historic winery. The wine opens with a medium to full concentration of dark plums and redcurrants. These segue into sweet spices, earth, crushed stone, rusty nails and candied orange peel. Give the wine more time to develop in the cellar. It has a strong alcohol content of 15%." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Cepparello is a total stunner, just as it was last year. Deeply colored, layered and explosive in the glass, the 2020 possesses striking textural richness and overall intensity. Black cherry, graphite, plum, spice and lavender flesh out effortlessly. There's tremendous pedigree and sheer stature here. Cepparello is surely one of the wines of the year." Vinous

Flaccianello della Pieve has dispelled all doubts in recent decades and is the result of extremely skilful winemaking and not only for us one of the best single-varietal Sangiovese in central Tuscany. It has always been the result of an ingenious blend of organic grapes from the estate's best plots. The personality of the wine reveals a certain distance and austerity when young, these impressions are reinforced by spicy tones of cigar smoke and earthy leather. Its inner core is dense and richly concentrated with generous blackberry and plum flavours. The velvety tannins are integrated but still youthful and grippy. Like the Vigna del Sorbo, the Flaccianello is not a monumental and particularly opulent wine, but a very special growth that radiates liveliness, energy and lonely class from start to finish. You should definitely give this elegant wine a little more time in the bottle, if you have the patience ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Promising nose of wild berry jam, with a subtle hint of undergrowth and vanilla; youthful, tight-knit tannins, the acidity provides the underpinning, precise evolution, finishing on flavours of black cherries and hot stone. Timelessly elegant Sangiovese, superbly made." Vinum

"Powerful ruby colour with a slight violet hue. Very appealing and intense nose, showing notes of blackberry and mulberry, some orange peel, some milk chocolate and light tobacco in the background. Polished and precise on the palate, with plenty of fine tannins, savoury and a long finish." Falstaff

"A young red with black cherry, flint, matchstick, blackberry and bark aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and chewy tannins that show a slightly angular mouthfeel in the finish. Needs three or four years to soften." James Suckling

"Featuring a deep well of blackberry, black cherry, violet, mineral and spices on the nose, this red is rich and dense, saturated with dark fruit flavors, yet with a sense of gracefulness. A light dusting of tannins frames the finish, needing a few years to integrate with the other components. Shows the harmony, freshness and depth of the vintage." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Flaccianello della Pieve opens to a medium-dark inky appearance and solid aromas of black fruit and pressed blackberry. The Flaccianello is a touch more accessible at this early stage compared to the Vigna del Sorbo, but both wines are undoubtedly built to withstand ample cellar aging. Flaccianello is the more powerful or the two, and the Vigna del Sorbo is more delicate in comparison. These dueling character traits are especially evident in this classic vintage. This wine also boasts a more generous mouthfeel supported by softly integrated tannins." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Flaccianello della Pieve is another exceptional wine from Fontodi this year. Ripe, silky tannins wrap around a core of dark fruit as the 2021 makes its presence felt from the first taste. Sumptuous, racy and dense, this is just magnificent. As has been the case for some time, Flaccianello is a blend of mostly three parcels throughout the estate but closer to town. " Vinous