James Suckling

Illuminati's Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riparosso has a sweet scent of violets and lavender, followed by crushed blackberries and chalk dust. It washes over the palate with soft textures and ripe wild berries, contrasted towards the end by sour citrus fruits. It finishes perfumed and with admirable length, leaving a layer of dusty tannins that tug at the cheeks. Very Italian - very well made. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riparosso opens with a dark floral blend of wilted violets and lavender that fades into crushed blackberries and sage. It is soft and round with a silky texture and an abundance of ripe red and black fruits. A salty minerality adds tension to the 2022's finish with medium length and soft tannins." Vinous

"Plum, cherry jam, aniseed and sweet spices on the nose. Full-bodied, with powdery tannins and cinnamon-like spice notes on the finish. Also spicy." James Suckling

"The nose is tangy and earthy, with aromas of cherry, blackberry, blood orange, fennel and topsoil. The oranges and blackberries take center stage on the palate, although lean tannins and vibrant acid accentuate the earthiness." Wine Enthusiast

Vernaiolo is one of the oldest members of the Rocca delle Macìe family and has always been the estate's most traditional example of Chianti. Its name is derived from the Latin vernāle, which means "of spring" and indicates the season in which the Chianti was bottled after it had survived the winter. Even today, this lively, ruby-red wine is ready to drink in the spring after the harvest and retains its fresh and fruity characteristics for a long time.

Fruity red with lots of dried berries and a hint of dried flowers and a touch of milk chocolate. Medium body, round tannins and a fresh finish. Delicious and very entertaining. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, fruity and delicious Chianti with cherries, raspberries and warm spices on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Round and juicy, with a velvety core of cherries and a satisfying finish." James Suckling

Typical Vitiano: its colour is deep ruby red and aromas of cherries and berries fill the nose. The generous flavour is beautifully clear, just as we know it, with wonderfully fresh cherry tones with an aromatic vanilla note in the foreground. The youngest Vitiano also has an excellent structure and fine tannins. Already round, full-bodied, juicy and with long-lasting fruit. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of blackberries, graphite and white pepper, leading to a medium body with light, fine tannins and a spicy finish. Delicate and delicious." James Suckling

"The 2022 Rosso Vitiano is a total pleasure on the nose, wafting up with a burst of wild blueberries, lavender and confectionary spice. It is silky-smooth and nearly creamy in texture, with masses of ripe red and blue fruits, gaining balance through a core of brisk acidity. It tapers off with outstanding length and concentration, leaving a pleasantly bitter blackberry tinge to linger on." Vinous

Ripe fruit-scented Primitivo di Manduria, whose fruit is perfectly matched to the amount of wood and whose dense flavour ends with pleasant cocoa notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh and simple primitivo with red-plum and raspberry aromas and flavors. Medium body with light but tight tannins adding a touch of firmness to the finish." James Suckling

This organic Rosato by Umani Ronchi was born at the Centovie winery in Roseto degli Abruzzi. A project defined after several years of experimentation, with the aim of producing a wine that combines the expressive power of the Montepulciano grape with a soft and delicate vinification to emphasise its fresh and fruity nuances. Delicate pink colour with shiny reflections. Floral, fresh and with delicate citrus notes on the nose, crisp on the palate with beautiful acidity and notes of red cherry, strawberry, blood orange and pink grapefruit. Complex and long on the palate - a serious wine with great drinkability! SUPERIORE.DE

"A soft and juicy rosé with aromas of dried flowers, pomegranates and strawberries. It’s medium-bodied and richly fruity." James Suckling

Some of the Alanera grapes are air-dried before fermentation using the appassimento method to promote the concentration of flavours. Dark ruby red in colour. On the nose, the aroma of dried and fresh cherries, with a hint of coffee and sweet tobacco. The palate is berry-fresh with a lovely acid wire and fine tannins. A full, round wine for many occasions. SUPERIORE.DE

"A well-balanced, medium-bodied version, with light, creamy tannins. A touch of plum skin acidity enlivens this red's flavors of black and red cherry, woodsy spices, dried thyme and smoke." Wine Spectator

"Crushed blackberries, sage, and hints of white smoke form a dusty bouquet as the 2021 Rosso Veronese Alanera opens in the glass. It is soothingly round and supple, with ripe red and blue fruits complicated by white pepper and saline minerals toward the close. Suggestions of tart cranberry and citrus mingle as the 2021 finishes with medium length and a gentle tug of fine tannin." Vinous

"Aromas of raspberries, game, licorice and smoke. Full-bodied with dense, silky tannins and crisp acidity. Savory, ripe fruit with a slightly cooked finish, otherwise enjoyable and easy to drink. Drink now." James Suckling

The Sallier de la Tour winery has been owned by the Counts Tasca since 2009, making it the fifth winery that complements and characterises the diversity and professionalism of what is probably Sicily's most famous winery. Sallier de la Tour specialises in the Grillo, Inzolia, Syrah and Nero d'Avola grape varieties.

Light yellow with green reflections. Orange zest, meadow flowers and notes of melon and herbs on the nose. Fresh and light on the palate, again fruity, with a fine almond flavour. A classic for light Mediterranean cuisine and warm summer evenings. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, fruity and mellow white with notes of fresh lemons, warm herbs and mild spices. It’s medium-bodied with a fresh and fruity development throughout. Supple and delicious, with a fresh finish." James Suckling

Bright, rich ruby red colour. White pepper and ripe cherries on the nose, a hint of strawberry jam, inviting. Opens on the palate, initially powerful, with well-balanced acidity, sweetness and tannins, very juicy and of good, medium length. SUPERIORE.DE

"I like the fruit focus here, with youthful aromas of red plums, cherries, lavender and strawberries. Medium-bodied, juicy and bright with fine tannins." James Suckling

Planetas Rosé exudes a fragrant bouquet of freshly cut roses, wild strawberries, pomegranate and wet stone. Silky and smooth on the palate with a savoury, salty mix of mineral apples and pears giving way to pretty inner flowers. Lingers long on the finish, echoing all the fruity and floral notes on the nose and palate. Well done! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Rosé smells of a cascade of wild flowers, lime zest and crushed stone. It opens with a marvellous inner sweetness accompanied by mineral fruit and a hint of acidic citrus. The 2023 rejuvenates with mouthwatering tension. It is crisply refreshing and leaves a lingering savoury aftertaste." Vinous

"A delicious and juicy rosé made of nero d’avola and syrah. Notes of grapefruit, dried oranges and mild spices. It’s medium-bodied, supple and deliciously fruity, with a tangy finish." James Suckling

Dark red colour with a typical varietal bouquet, slightly peppery and grassy notes. A strong, fleshy red wine with beautiful flavour and balanced finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark cherries, peppercorns and some baked plums and leaves on the nose. Lots of fruit with a saline quality to the damsons on the palate. Medium body with lightly chewy tannins." James Suckling

Clear, straw-yellow colour, fresh bouquet with notes of citrus fruits, fresh mint and flowers. The palate is just as lively and delicate. Acidity, structure and length in perfect balance, the perfect companion for a carefree afternoon with good friends. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh, medium-bodied white that has aromas and flavors of lemon pith, bitter almonds, chamomile and a touch of salted butter. Creamy and textural." James Suckling

Outstanding, pure Sangiovese at a top price: ruby red, strong, very typical bouquet of dark berries, tobacco and leather, well-structured on the palate with cherry and plum notes, excellent length and an elegant, fine fruity finish. It has so much purity and energy. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich sangiovese with ripe plums, cherries, blueberries and vanilla on the nose. Chalky and powdery on the palate with a full body and sweetly-spiced finish." James Suckling

La Segreta Bianco is a 100% Grillo from the charming Ulmo region and the oldest winery in the Planeta family. Pale straw yellow in colour with green reflections. The bouquet is full of sea breeze with primary fruity notes of citrus, pear and oregano. Dry, fresh and taut on the palate with a fine salty note and a great desire for the next sip. SUPERIORE.DE

"This Grillo is rich and peachy, with notes of apricot skin and salinity then a bright and pithy finish." Decanter

"A well-rounded, juicy and attractive Grillo with aromas of green apples, pears and warm herbs on the nose. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, soft and crisp, with more apple and fresh pear flavours." James Suckling

Gorgeous ruby red with violet reflections, the nose has hints of redcurrants, mulberries and raspberries, held together by the scent of cyclamen and musk. Dense fruit on the palate, the tannins are sweet and lively. A racy and authentic Sicilian. SUPERIORE.DE

The Chianti Colli Senesi from Fattoria del Cerro is a dark, lively wine with beautiful fruit, minerality and leather flavours on the nose. Pleasantly round and balanced on the palate. A drinkywine with a certain sophistication. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried flowers, sour cherries and oranges on the nose. It’s juicy with medium body, easy tannins and zesty acidity." James Suckling

Deep, dense colour, lots of fruit and a hint of slightly sweet liquorice on the nose. Very elegant with a fine, smoky plum bouquet and well-integrated acidity in the lingering flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very ripe black cherries, dried figs, black walnuts, charcoal and some meaty spices on the nose. Juicy, medium- to full-bodied on the palate with a flavorful middle and firm, well-structured tannins." James Suckling

Pure Nero d'Avola, named after the Lago di Disueri, a lake in the province of Caltanissetta in the centre of Sicily. Deep, dark red in colour, with an intense aroma of dark fruit and a hint of eucalyptus. Powerful and round on the palate, smooth and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant dark ruby red with a brightening rim. Slightly meaty and bloody on the nose, with savoury cherry fruit, fine resinous tones, ripe strawberry on the finish. Young on the palate, with fresh tannins and beautiful juiciness, clear fruit, simple, savoury wide-meshed tannins on the finish." Falstaff

"Ripe black cherries, blackberries and dried meat with some new leather and tar. Quite juicy, fruity and fluid on the palate with a medium body and soft tannins. Smooth, brambly finish." James Suckling

Cerros Rosso di Montepulciano impresses with a sweet, fragrant bouquet of violets, lavender, allspice and wild blueberries. It is soft and supple with ripe wild berries and juicy acidity. It leaves a layer of gentle tannins and blackberries that taper off slightly spicy and with medium length. SUPERIORE.DE

"A delicate blend of ripe black cherries meets sweet herbs and a hint of autumnal spices as soon as the 2023 Rosso di Montepulciano opens in the glass. This wine is juicy and full-bodied, with ripe wild berries and chalky mineral notes that give it a beautiful complexity. On the finish, it shows soft tannins and purple flowers and ends long and fresh." Vinous

"A fleshy red with aromas of cherries, liquorice, mushrooms and dark plums. It is medium to full-bodied with medium, slightly grainy tannins." James Suckling

Bright cherry red colour with strong reflections. Fresh cherry bouquet, characteristic and with floral notes. Dry, fruity flavour with aromas of sour cherries, raspberries and wild strawberries, with a typical, very light almond note on the finish. A very harmonious rosé with a fresh and powerful structure that lingers beautifully and very clearly, leaving the mouth watering. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo 2023 presents itself in the glass with a translucent cherry-red colour. Spicy and floral on the nose, it develops aromas of rose petals, leather, tea leaves, strawberries and cherries. In the mouth, it is lively and full of energy, a jagged, powerful phenolic structure gives the wine shape and form. The 2023 finishes clean and refreshing, if a little short - a particularly vinous rosé that would certainly do well on the dinner table." Vinous

"Bright cherry color with notes of red berry fruit, plums and violets. It’s medium-bodied, rich and fruity. Straightforward but delicious." James Suckling

The Tralcetto Montepulciano - the house's favourite classic - is concentrated and beautifully complex. Its powerful bouquet of sweet and sour cherries reveals its grape of origin. True to the open and authentic style, it reveals a very good flavour with strong fruit. A wonderful Montepulciano with a nuanced spectrum of flavours and a remarkable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby colour with a dark core and grant red rim. Medium intensity on the nose with notes of dark berries and black pepper. Flattering on the palate, velvety on the tongue." Falstaff

"Spiced black cherries, cloves and camphor introduce the 2021 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. It flatters the palate with juicy red fruits and sweet spices, carried by a lively acidity. Slightly tannic, but quite long and unexpectedly fresh, the 2021 finishes with a hint of liquorice and violets." Vinous

"Cardamom, black fruit and olive tapenade on the nose. It’s savory and medium- to full-bodied with medium-firm tannins. Wet earth undertones." James Suckling

The Sallier de la Tour winery has been owned by the Counts Tasca since 2009, making it the fifth company that complements and characterises the diversity and professionalism of what is probably Sicily's most famous winery.

Aromatic bouquet of sweet cherries and wild berries. Clear on the palate with a beautiful fruit centre and a radiant freshness, appealing finish. A beautiful Syrah that impressively demonstrates Sicily's potential for international grape varieties. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Syrah emerges from the glass with a fragrant blend of roses, violets, lavender, crushed blackberries and a hint of white smoke. It is juicy and fruit-driven, with an energetic mix of wild berries balanced by notes of sour citrus. The finish is of medium length, quite fresh and leaves just a hint of salty minerality on the finish." Vinous

"A juicy, fruity and pulpy syrah showing aromas of dark cherries, grilled herbs and warm spices. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Seductive character, with a voluptuous and velvety texture and a flavorful finish." James Suckling

Bestseller Casal di Serra is a wonderfully fruity, well-balanced Verdicchio with fine minerality and freshness. Bright straw yellow in colour. Very flavoursome, with a good structure and racy acidity. Thanks to its subtle flavour, it is a good companion for many occasions and one of the most popular whites in our range. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lemons, biscuits and mussels on the nose. A hint of acacia honey. It's crisp and tangy with a medium body and a flavoursome, waxy finish." James Suckling

"Light golden yellow with sparkling reflections. Medium intensity on the nose with hints of apricots and nectarines, followed by some thyme and jasmine. Clearer on the palate, with more pressure and more present fruit, slightly fruity until the medium-long final." Falstaff

Excellent, single-varietal red wine from the ancient southern Italian Nero di Troia grape. Violante impresses with its delicately aromatic, red berry and delicately smoky bouquet. Fresh in flavour, well-structured and beautifully balanced between fruit and acidity, it is a wonderful accompaniment to food and a very good value everyday wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, light purple red colour. Medium intensity on the nose, opens on fresh blueberries, violet flavours, subtle spicy notes in the finish. Polished on the palate, then gripping tannins, dense fruit through to the finish." Falstaff

"Mushrooms, bay leaves and black cherries on the nose with a hint of crushed pepper. Lean and flavoursome, medium-bodied, with juicy dark fruits framed by fine tannins." James Suckling