James Suckling

The wine starts with a whisper of fragrant herbs, salted lemons and crushed mussels, inviting you to be patient and watch the wine develop. The palate is flattering with a medium body, plenty of texture gives the wine weight but is enhanced by the crisp acidity and citrus flavours that play around the palate. The finish is fragrant with orange blossom and salty minerality. Has what it takes to be a bestseller! SUPERIORE.DE

"A zesty white that has lemon rind, lime pith and white peaches on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, clean and crisp." James Suckling

Straw yellow, delicate copper-coloured reflections. Attractive bouquet of citrus fruits, melon, peach, pear and oranges with beautiful depth and a hint of minerality. Fresh and delicious on the palate. Good length and even better value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sliced apples, grapefruit and white lavender on the nose, plus a touch of herbs. It’s medium- to full-bodied and lightly floral, with a medium-length finish." 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 spice on the nose. It’s full-bodied with powdery tannins and cinnamon-like spice notes to close. Tangy, too." James Suckling

Dense purple-red colour, crisp, fruity bouquet with impressions of wild blackberries. Complex on the palate with deep fruit, yet remarkably supple, not saturating, of good length and with a beautiful drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

"Poached plums, mocha and baked strawberries on the nose. Fruity, ripe and light, with a medium to full body and slightly sweet tannins." James Suckling

Montipagano is a pleasant, single-varietal Montepulciano from organic cultivation. Strong ruby violet, great scent of blackberry and lilac with earthy tones. On the palate, nice fresh fruit and very passable structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fruity young montepulciano for everyday quaffing, offering black plum and berry aromas and flavors. A tinge of herb, too. Medium-bodied with some lightly firm tannin and a clean, fruity 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

Straw yellow in colour, with a fine, rich aroma of ripe fruit and white flowers, reminiscent of meadow herbs and citrus fruits. Slightly spicy flavour, full-bodied and beautifully persistent. Good balance between structure and softness. SUPERIORE.DE

"A gorgeous nose of citrus blossom and green candied apple provides the perfect frame for a palate that starts with the same notes and then becomes grassy and salty, while the acidity tingles in the mouth." Wine Enthusiast

"A salty and delicious pecorino with notes of dried lemons, spiced apples and warm herbs. It’s medium-bodied with a seductive and tactile feel on the palate. Well driven and succulent with a savory and salty 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

La Segreta, which takes its name from the surrounding woods near Ulmo, is a charming cuvée made from Grecanico, Chardonnay, Grillo and a small proportion of other grape varieties. The bouquet has fresh, youthful citrus fruit and floral nuances, while the flavour is always balanced, with style and Sicilian personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Bianco La Segreta rises from the glass with a honeyed sweetness that highlights a mix of wildflowers and candied lime. It is soft and round, with crisp minerality up front that fades into crunchy fruit and a hint of ginger. The finish is savoury and of medium length, ending with a pleasantly tart hint of sour lime." Vinous

"A fruity, juicy and mellow white showing notes of warm lemons, herbs and mild spices on the nose, following through to a medium body with fresh acidity. Vivid and agreeable." James Suckling

Bright garnet red colour. Spicy nose of cocoa powder and coffee grounds, ripe dark berries, fine spice and a delicate woody note. Lots of ripe berry fruit on the palate, dense and juicy, with a fine fruity sweetness, a little mint and a beautiful overall balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet reflections. Fragrant, clear nose, ripe fruit flavours, strawberries and plums, with a hint of vanilla behind it. More herbal spice and dark chocolate on the palate, balanced and round, polished tannins, well-integrated acidity, medium finish." Falstaff

"A full-bodied, ripe and fleshy red with aromas of dark cherries, chocolate, mushrooms and dried herbs. Some dried fruit and coffee hints. Chewy but approachable tannins. Excellent balance." James Suckling

Flavoursome, typical Nuragus with intense aromas, a prime example of freshness and harmony. Fine spice flavours and light acidity characterise this wonderfully drinkable wine. Well-structured on the palate with medium length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The texture is really attractive, with slice pears, lemons and some green apples. It’s medium- to full-bodied with a creamy, subtly fruity 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

Part of the grapes of the Alanera are air-dried before fermentation in the appassimento process to promote the concentration of the aromas. Dark ruby red. On the nose, the scent of dried and fresh cherries, plus a little coffee and sweet tobacco. On the palate then berry-fresh with a nice acid wire and fine tannins. A full, round wine for many occasions. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fusion of traditional regional grape varieties with proportions of Merlot (5%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%). A touch of appassimento adds girth and a hint of mahogany-tinged cherry sweetness to the mid palate. Herbal bitters, juice and amaro overlay the finish." James Suckling

"This wine has forward aromas of black plum and blueberry pie. Though not an Amarone, the winery partially dries 50% of the grapes for a few months creating a wine made from both fresh fruit and dried fruit. This creates a wine that is lush and rich on the palate, but vibrant and intense in equal proportions. It is silky smooth, with a long finish of spiced plums and dried herbs." Wine Enthusiast

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

The Soave DOC Monte di Colognola tells the story of the volcanic area in the hilly west of the appellation. The lively bouquet has fresh notes of white elderberry and peach blossom, sweet lemon peel and lemongrass. On the palate, the wine recalls the sweet and juicy sensation of grapes, finishing elegantly and refined with floral notes of camomile and citrus fruits. SUPERIORE.DE

"There's a whoosh of white pepper on the nose and then so fragrant: the scent of summer hay meadow and grass pollen. Bags of golden apples and sweet pomelo and a rather delicious uptick of lemongrass and tomato vine and coriander seeds. A frisson of chalk-and-stone dust. So clean and so fresh but rounded and a real undertow of interest and substance. Real length looping back to the white-pepper fragrance of the start." Jancis Robinson

"A really good Soave. Concentrated, savoury and well-structured, with notes of quince paste, apricot chutney, curry powder and pronounced pepper, compressed by a reductive minerality, bright acidity and a wave of phenols. A very impressive start. Even convincing. Lasting." 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

"A well-rounded, juicy and attractive grillo with green apples, pears and warm herbs on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, mellow and crunchy on the palate, with more apple and fresh pear character." 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

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

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