James Suckling

Lezér means "light" and so it is - in the most delicate sense. Light ruby red in colour, red berries and an interesting hint of violets on the nose. Smoke, freshly cut wood and a fine creaminess on the palate. A thoroughly fresh red wine right through to the finish, which goes well with warm weather and uncomplicated Mediterranean cuisine, especially when slightly chilled. The ageing in different containers such as amphora, cement tank and wooden barrel gives it an additional appeal and an unmistakable profile. SUPERIORE.DE

"A supple balance of redcurrants, raspberries, a hint of lavender and fresh leaves on the nose. Juicy light red cherry on the palate, very fine, rather subtle tannins and an elegant, impressively integrated acidity structure. A summer red wine for the terrace. Best enjoyed slightly chilled." Vinum

"Fresh and crunchy, with red berries, pomegranate, dried orange peel and hibiscus. Medium-bodied and dry, with crushed stone minerality. Slightly chalky in the finish." James Suckling

The grapes for Rivus come from the best Lagrein vineyards in Neumarkt and Auer, some of which are 100 years old. Rich purple red colour. Aromas of wild blackberries, tobacco, herbs and lavender. Energetic body, not too heavy, soft, silky tannins and bright acidity. Spicy and flavoursome with a juicy and lively finish. Nice ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Tart, cool and slightly ethereal herbs, also bitter almond oil and green cherry and blackberry scents. Clearly on the vegetal side with coolness, earthy spice and juniper berries. The citric acid freshness characterises the palate, extremely clear and straightforward and the opposite of a flatterer." Vinum

"Dark cherries, mulberries, rose petals and violets on the nose. Some dried herbs and cocoa, too. Juicy and blue-fruited palate with a medium body and crunchy, racy tannins. Rich but fresh and flavorful." James Suckling

Capitel Croce is Anselmi's top white wine, made from 100% Garganega grapes and matured in old oak barrels. It opens slowly in the glass, with notes of green citrus and dusty dried flowers merging with freshly cut apricots and hints of ginger. It has a silky texture with ripe fruit and mineral notes that increase with every second. Finishes with medium length, blending young, crisp peach and inner flowers. Give this wine another year in the bottle to develop. A wine full of grace and elegance, full of finesse and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pronounced, sparkling golden yellow colour. Pleasant aromas of ripe apricots and yellow peach on the nose, followed by a touch of marzipan and hints of tropical fruit. Round and supple on entry, stretches beautifully across the palate, with precise fruit and a lingering finish." Falstaff

"A fresh, supple white with a mineral undertone of smoke and stone that brings out the flavours of pineapple, yellow plums, pickled ginger and chive blossom. A crisp finish." Wine Spectator

"This wine puts its soul into the glass with flavours that come and go but never leave you. Notes of dried mandarin, apricot, jasmine, tarragon and savoury spice. Not to be outdone, the palate is lifted and vibrant with fresh acidity and notes of lemon oil, balanced almond and flint." Wine Enthusiast

"Citrus fruit and a hint of sweet lychee character, along with a touch of oak. Medium-bodied with a rich core of ripe, sweetish fruit. The notes of dry almonds and fresh oak in the aftertaste have a slightly deadening, phenolic effect." James Suckling

"Garganega vinified in purrezza and matured in barriques, very multi-faceted aroma, notes of yellow plums, with hints of wild mint, lemon peel and gerbera. On the palate, it is spicy and crisp, with fruity-menthol and floral-citrus notes." Luca Gardini

An exceptionally characterful and powerful Cerasuolo di Vittoria made from equal parts Frappato and Nero d'Avola. On the nose, it displays a pure bouquet of sweet violets, black cherries and hints of wet stone. It impresses with its silky texture, enveloping the palate with bright red and blue fruits, along with a refreshing wave of juicy acidity. Hints of spiced orange and inner flowers linger long into the well-structured, long final. Perfect at the table. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh, brambly nose with hibiscus and geraniums. Crunchy and elegant on the palate with a medium body and some firm tannins that carry the red cherries and raspberries. Fresh and expressive." James Suckling

The grapes for this single-varietal Pinot Bianco come from altitudes of up to 700 metres around the municipality of Montan. Delicate greenish-yellow in colour, with a fine bouquet of green apple, lemon, chalk and some crushed rock. Fine texture on the palate, with good structure and excellent depth. The spicy, fruity finish is characterised by precise, linear acidity and notes of pear and apple. Great and very balanced! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sliced-peach, lemon and acacia aromas here, followed by a medium-bodied, fresh palate. Fruity, with a touch of wet stone in the finish." James Suckling

San Leonardo's single-varietal Lagrein Rosé has a seductive pink melon colour and a captivating blend of crushed stones, wild herbs, wild berries and freshly sliced pear. It has a soft texture, energising acidity and zesty mineral notes that make the palate vibrate with excitement. The finish is dry, yet remarkably fresh with a fine minerality that leaves you wanting more. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling salmon pink colour. Pronounced nose of blood orange and grapefruit, underpinned by fine herbal spice. Direct and very present on the palate, with a fine melt and lively acidity, powerful through to the juicy finish." Falstaff

"A floral, perfumed rosé with raspberry, pepper and graceful peach tea aromas and flavors. Dense and almost oily, very textured in a Provencal style. Light- to medium-bodied with a slightly raw yet fresh finish." James Suckling

The sparkling classic from Italy's leading Prosecco winery is now certified organic. Radiant in the glass, with the scent of white flowers and fruit, extremely fine and elegant in flavour. Clean, delicate finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, youthful green-yellow colour. Baby banana, pear and some lime on the nose, with fine grapey notes. Elegant tension and creamy fruit on the palate, savoury, the perlage is very well integrated, makes the tongue click, harmonious in approach and finish." Falstaff

"This is slightly sharper and more taut ,with hints of wild fennel, alpine mint and geraniums. Frothy, alpine of feel, long and immensely refined." James Suckling

Seductive cuvée of Carignano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Sweet violets, lavender and cloves with black raspberries in the glass. Silky and supple on the palate, with masses of ripe red and black fruit flowing over a core of vibrant acidity. Montessu maintains a fabulous balance and finishes long and powerful, yet fresh with a hint of macerated plums that won't quit. Very nice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of dark cherries, blackberries and baking spices. Medium body with fine tannins and bright acidity. Fresh and crunchy at the center with red fruits on the palate and a lively, powdery finish." James Suckling

"A sleek, elegant red, finely knit and harmonious, with a bright thread of citrus peel acidity and a fragrant skein of ground spices and incense winding through flavors of raspberry ganache and plumped cherry fruit. Reveals hints of loamy earth and wild sage, which add a savory edge that lingers on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Dusty dried violets and lavender give way to citrus-tinged blackberries as the remarkably pretty 2021 Montessu blossoms in the glass. This is a soft and savory effort with a core of dark red fruits and salty mineral tones that slowly saturate. The 2021 finishes impressively long and staining, leaving grippy tannins that tug at the cheeks as hints of licorice fade. The Montessu is typically intended for early consumption, yet I’d recommend further cellaring to let all the pieces come together." Vinous

There are no fixed rules at Zýmē, only the pursuit of experimentation to offer a unique and honest experience that also conveys the character of each individual vintage. Il Bianco From Black to White (sealed with a glass cork) opens with a golden colour and a whitish sheen typical of grapes that have no skin contact. The predominant grape variety is Rondinella Bianca, a mutation that was only discovered by chance in the vineyards of Zýmē and is unique in Italy.

The fresh bouquet has aromas of citrus fruits, honeydew melon, star jasmine and sour grapefruit. The palate is uniquely different, but silky and very flavoursome with a medium body, while ripe apples and nectarines are stimulated by juicy acidity and a hint of green citrus fruit. The tension builds with each successive glass, a slightly tropical note is added in the final, together with salty minerals and lingering spice, From Black to White also clearly expresses its deserved place in Celestino Gaspari's exceptional portfolio, because it is a white gem full of character and purity! SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich straw yellow with green reflections. Seductive, intense aroma of mandarins and jasmine on the nose, with some rose and elderflower in the background. Clear and precise on the palate, harmonious, animating, well-integrated acidity, some fleur de sal on the lingering final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Il Bianco From Black to White wafts up, sweetly floral with candied citrus, raw almond and vanilla bean. It soothes with a soft textural wave of ripe orchard fruits as lime zest adds a reverberation of tension. The 2020 tapers off spicy and crisp, leaving cooling mineral tones and an almost crunchy sensation. Always unique and consistently one of the best values from the Zymé portfolio." Vinous

"Lime and lemon peel on the nose, with notes of white flowers and wet stones. Medium-bodied with plenty of fresh flavour extension and good length. A very flavoursome white this year." James Suckling

Valpolicella Superiore Case Vecie is made mainly from Corvina and Corvinone grapes. It takes its name from the vineyard of the same name in Grezzana, where the ripening of the grapes is subject to strong temperature fluctuations between day and night: a climatic peculiarity that gives the wine a special spiciness on the nose and a completely unique polyphenol profile. Bright ruby red in colour with notes of cherries, vanilla and spices. Beautiful fruit and acidity on the palate, wonderfully balanced body. Juicy and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium carmine red colour. A little Amarone-like with dried dark cherries, as if it had walked over the skins of Amarone. A hint of dried fruit. Peppery and with a hint of oak. No doubt, we are in Valpolicella. Smooth and generous without being heavy. Such a pleasant wine." Jancis Robinson

"The Valpolicella Superiore Case Vecie 2021 is particularly floral and airy, with a lively bouquet of dusty roses, dried strawberries and a hint of sour orange. It is a paragon of purity, with crisp red berry fruit and tactile mineral notes accompanied by juicy acidity. The 2021 finishes incredibly fresh, revealing a pleasant, crisp tannin as the tart cherry notes slowly fade away. The Valpolicella Superiore Case Vecie from a single vineyard is simply stunning and is produced without the appassimento process." Vinous

"This producer is one of the best of the region, opting for a more traditional approach. This ups the ante. Exotic notes of orange peel, cloves, tamarind, cardamom and sweet red currants, with some hints of partially dehydrated grapes. Good, sappy length." James Suckling

"This Valpolicella rises from the glass with fresh aromas of wild cherries and red plums that give way to violets, rosemary and fresh earth. The palate is bright with ripe red berries, allspice, vanilla, black tea and sweet and savoury spices, finishing with an electric acidity that refreshes the palate after every sip." Wine Enthusiast

Text will follow shortly. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, light lemon yellow colour. Delicate notes of nectarines and rooibos tea on the nose, also a hint of pineapple and vanilla. Creamy on the palate, rolls along gently, slightly spicy and juicy with a lingering finish." Falstaff

"Spicy and citrusy nose with Amalfi lemons, pear drops, crushed herbs and flowers. Medium-bodied, bright and juicy with energetic acidity and a mineral finish." James Suckling

Sharis is a very characterful cuvée of Ribolla Gialla and Chardonnay - the link between Friuli and the world. A fine aroma of wisteria blossoms, mild spices and fruity notes, with a balanced, fresh flavour and good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, pale straw yellow with golden nuances. Fruity and fragrant on the nose with juicy pomaceous fruit, a touch of jasmine and a hint of camomile. Soft and polished on the palate with rich fruit, very juicy and yet fresh until the long final." Falstaff

"A fragrant wine with delicate flavours of mandarin, lemon leaf, bitter orange and straw. Light-bodied with a silky texture, refreshing acidity and a finish of stone fruit." James Suckling

Straw yellow in colour, fruity and delicate aromas of mountain blossom, peach and apple. Precise and dry on the palate, taut and with a fine acidity structure that lends it freshness and lightness. SUPERIORE.DE

"A sleek, refreshing and mineral-driven white, with zesty hints of white pepper and pink grapefruit peel to the flavors of nectarine, green almond, talc and white blossoms." Wine Spectator

"A rich Pinot Grigio with green mangoes, pears, apples, spring flowers and a hint of vanilla and cream. It has a full body, a round texture and a tangy finish. Crisp and beautiful." James Suckling

Here is one of the most beautiful interpretations of the white Carricante grape variety, matured for six months on the fine lees. A fresh, dynamic wine from Etna with a multi-faceted aroma of citrus, white peach, yeast, flint and smoke. Cool grapefruit and passion fruit, taut acidity and impressive mineral notes on the dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A cool nose with Burgundian finesse and pressure, fine reduction, mineral notes, salted lemon, light flowers, pear. Extremely fresh and gripping on the palate, elegant and spicy, with yellow-coloured spice, saline minerality and powerful, elegant freshness." Weinwisser

"Bright green-yellow in colour. Delicately smoky, stony on the nose, with subtle hints of salted lemon and some white flowers. Vibrant, salty on the palate, with noble citrus fruit." Falstaff

"This lively white wine offers a nice counterbalance to the creamy texture with aromatic accents of dried mint and grapefruit peel to the flavours of apricot, chopped almonds and poached pear. Salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Bianco 2022 is remarkably fresh and exudes an herb-accentuated bouquet, in which wet stone and a hint of smoke mingle with crushed almonds and pears. The palate is washed by a mineral wave of ripe fruit, accompanied by a hint of sour lime. The finish is crisp, refreshing and long, with a hint of delicious acidity that calls the drinker back to the glass." Vinous

"The nose is characterised by light, floral aromas of yellow apples, pears, lemons and white flowers, while warm, stony undertones provide balance. The palate is characterised by citrus fruits, with tree fruits not neglected, before a slightly nutty, salty finish supported by a gentle acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Notes of ripe apples and pears with spices, camomile and a stony minerality. Medium-bodied, supple and polished with juicy acidity and delicious fruit. Complex and full of character." James Suckling

"From the districts of Verzella and Pietramarina, a pure Carricante grown between 600 and 750 metres above sea level and then aged for four months in steel tanks. Notes of lychee on the nose, with a hint of lemon thyme and white melon, with hints of lemon and wild mint. Salty-orange on the palate, with a fruity, citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

Amber golden yellow. Fresh, sweet nose of apricots, candied fruits and dried sultanas. Fine honey flavour on the palate, notes of dried fruit and braised pear. Long and with a fine acid wire that never makes this famous dessert wine from the island of Pantelleria seem sticky or broad. SUPERIORE.DE

"Candied oranges, lemon cordial, quince and stem ginger on the nose. Honeyed and sweet, full of candied fruit and gingerbread notes on a luscious finish." James Suckling

Medium ruby red colour. A violet note on the nose with delicate hints of vanilla and spices. Powerful, fresh and very precise on the palate with dominant fruit and plenty of energy. A fine spiciness and saltiness on the medium-long finish. Very balanced and delicious. SUPERIORE.DE

"A crunchy and delicious red with berries, white pepper and other spices. Medium body, creamy tannins. Juicy at the end." James Suckling

Serafino's beautifully balanced Gavi del Comune di Gavi "Grifo del Quartaro" is fragrant and floral with star jasmine and acacia, followed by orchard fruit, citrus and salty minerals. The wine is lean and crisp with enough vigour and acidity to pair with fried prawns or calamari. SUPERIORE.DE

"This has chopped apples and pears on the nose, with some wet stone and white flower undertones. Medium-bodied, pristine and clear cut, with plenty of flavor and freshness." James Suckling

Tirrenico comes from the west coast of Tuscany. Rich, dark ruby red colour. Rich bouquet of dark fruit, maquis, stone fruit and some fig, hints of flowers and lavender. Fleshy and juicy on the palate, with a fine acid wire and subtle flavours of berries, dried flowers and coffee. The tannins are polished and the final is finely spiced with a full, round finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby red colour. Juicy, ripe blackcurrant and blackberry fruit on the nose, along with cocoa powder and espresso. Polished on the palate with a rich fruit centre on velvety tannins, supporting acidity, balanced and persistent." Falstaff

"Very attractive nose of cherry, blackcurrant, walnuts, iodine and graphite. Medium-bodied, firm and structured, with compact but very fine tannins and juicy fruit. Exciting and concentrated. Already delicious." James Suckling

The vines for this exceptional selection cuvée grow on the slopes of the St. Magdalener area above Bolzano at an altitude of 200-300 metres. St. Magdalener Moar is characterised by the unique interplay of location, age and cultivation of the vineyards. It captivates with its fruity and floral notes and its full and velvety flavour. The nose is characterised by the cherry, marzipan and violet notes typical of St. Magdalener. For us, it is one of the archetypes of its appellation! SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-light red colour; barky notes, red berries, appealing; warm, red fruity, delicately bitter, round, length." Merum

"Raspberries, grilled strawberries and tea leaves on the nose. It’s crunchy, medium-bodied and fresh, with powdery tannins and an easygoing finish. Drink now." James Suckling

Col Fondo has been part of the Adami product family since the early 1900s. Initially, grandfather Abele and later father Adriano bottled the wine in spring. This then began to ferment again in the warmer months of May and June, producing what is known in Veneto as "vin col fondo". The origin of the name is quickly explained: it is due to the yeasts that settle on the bottom of the bottle after all the residual sugar has been consumed, causing the wine to develop in an exciting way over time.

Exciting: Col Fondo can be drunk clear or cloudy with yeast to create new sensory experiences every time. Drinking it clear means discovering the classic notes of yeast, ripe fruit and also a light balsamic note such as mint, liquorice, thyme and eucalyptus. In this case, simply store the bottle upright and pour the wine carefully, separating it from the sediment that remains in the bottle. If, on the other hand, you prefer it cloudy with yeast, you are opting for a more original experience: the yeast aroma is emphasised, the aroma of ripe fruit lends a particularly intense balsamic note and the wine becomes stronger, richer and fuller on the palate. In this case, store the bottle horizontally and serve as normal. SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine is said to be a little cloudy due to the yeast still in the bottle, so don't worry. Impressive aromas of chamomile, honey, roasted apples and white tea pour from the glass. The structured palate shows notes of Asian pear and quince, with a leeky and tart finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Fermentation aromas of yeast, tamarind and biscotti, melded with salted lemon rind, tonic and rosemary. The finish is pithy and nicely phenolic, finishing with an emphatic bite. Long and clean. Best of all, thoroughly intriguing. Savory, refined and persistent. Loads of character." James Suckling

Intense ruby red colour. Ripe fruit such as black cherry and plum on the nose. Subtle sweet floral notes. Finely structured on the palate with wonderfully fine tannins, beautiful acidity and great juiciness with a long finish. Rosso dei Notri is a solid, concentrated wine with bite and power, which, with its fleshy, long-lasting flavour, overall harmony and reasonable value, is a lot of fun as an introduction to the great world of Tua Rita wines. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby with hints of purple. Delicately fragrant nose of violets and crisp blackberries, with a hint of vanilla bean behind it. Silky on the palate, with concentrated fruit, harmonious with powerful, well-integrated tannins and supporting acidity through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

"Lovely crushed berry and cherry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with bright acidity and a crunchy and delicious finish." James Suckling

The Chianti Classico from Tenuta Sant' Alfonso is a sophisticated wine of authentic style: aromas of plums, dark cherries, clay, mushrooms and oregano. Medium-bodied with fine, creamy tannins and fresh acidity. Round and balanced with a velvety texture. Intense and multi-layered, followed by a long, smooth finish - everything in the right place! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red with slightly brightening edges. On the nose, hearty cherries, plums and violets, with a light white pepper aftertaste. Fruity on the palate, with fine tannins, savoury." Falstaff

"The intensely savory nose is full of cured meat, new leather and pencil lead, with zippy undertones of cranberry and hibiscus. The meatiness escalates on the palate, while pepper, fresh cherry and orange provide balance. Tannins are approachable, while the acidity is substantive enough to make itself known." Wine Enthusiast

"A firm and linear red with crushed stone to the cherry and chocolate character. Medium body. Lightly chewy finish. A little tight now at the end." James Suckling

Top Apulian wine from 60 to 70-year-old vines! Zinfandel Sinfarosa Terra Nera offers a bouquet of overripe fruit and tobacco with a captivatingly fresh yet dense flavour with lovely tannins and good persistence. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby-red centre with a brightening rim. A medicinal nose of iodine and varnish, with preserved cherries. Lush fruit on the palate, with a very juicy finish, well-integrated tannins, harmonious and of beautiful length." Falstaff

"Lots of chile and chocolate character to this medium-bodied primitivo, blending in with clean red fruit to give a tasty palate with velvety tannins and long-lasting interest. From organically grown grapes. Old-style feel to this, but fun to drink now." James Suckling

Bright yellow-green colour. Ripe peaches, herbs, apricots, minerals, smoke, nougat and honey closely interwoven in the aroma. Beautifully proportioned, intense, creamy, with a beautifully light and elegant flavour in which the barrel wood is masterfully integrated. Great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Layered and complex nose here, with ripe stone fruit, mangoes and hints of wafers, pastry crust and cream. Medium- to full-bodied with a structured, well-formed palate, offering tense acidity and fine tannins. Lingering and focused." James Suckling