James Suckling

Opulent, savoury fruit, plus sage, ginger and thyme. Very soft and rich on the palate, fresh and agile as it progresses until it finally reaches its persistent and mineral final. A terroir wine full of character and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lemon peel, kumquats, sage and fresh pineapple on the nose, followed by a very fresh, medium-bodied and subtly spicy palate." James Suckling

Dark and rich in the glass, with spicy herbs and a hint of cinnamon that fades into black raspberries. La Caduta is luxurious, silky and round with a dense wave of mineral red and black fruits that slowly saturate the palate. The finish is structured and incredibly long, with hints of salted liquorice and spice that linger. La Caduta is a real Rosso insider tip alongside Fuligni's Ginestreto and is full of potential every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour with brightening edges. Shows a certain depth on the nose, reminiscent of violets, cherries, blackberries and blood oranges, fine spice and some leather. Juicy and with fine pressure on the palate, showing clear fruit and a velvety texture, with a lingering final and good persistence." Falstaff

"Attractive nose of dried cherries, candied oranges, chocolate and walnuts. Medium- to full-bodied, tense and fleshy on the palate, with firm but very fine tannins. Juicy and spicy." James Suckling

Demesse Vecchie is named after the village where Olivini has its family seat. The historic part of the vineyard was home to a nunnery in the late 17th century. The addition "vecchie" promises that the grapes for this very complex Lugana come from the estate's oldest vines, some of which are over 50 years old. They are also harvested late and carefully selected, after which they are matured on the fine lees for several months.

Straw yellow with golden reflections. Orange peel, juicy peaches and hints of almond butter on the ripe nose. Full and delicately fruity on the palate, with delicate notes of vanilla and honey, some apricot and banana. A well-balanced, dry wine with a wonderful balance between fruit and acidity and by no means heavy or broad, but infinitely long. SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine from the estate's single vineyard opens with aromas of ripe pears, lemon peel and oil, citrus blossom and a hint of river stone. The round palate offers a blend of fruit, grapefruit and tangerine, followed by mouth-watering acidity and a savoury finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Chalky phenols meet an oaky touch that leads the way to a palate of spiced fruit, lanolin and melon accents. The acidity, fresh as sea spray, ensures a very good length. Very drinkable." James Suckling

The world-famous Valpolicella Superiore from Zenato, produced using the Ripasso method, is a rich wine with the best value. It is peppery, with earthy tones and gravel giving way to black cherries and savoury herbs. It reveals deep, silky textures balanced by vibrant acids, while ripe red and black fruits resonate under a hint of lavender. Zenato's Ripassa is concentrated and intense, but at the same time conveys elegance and leaves a fresh note of violet candy on the palate that lingers for a long time. SUPERIORE.DE

"An aromatic, savory streak of tarry smoke and leather offers a subtle underpinning for the rich mesh of Amarena cherry, cured tobacco, licorice and warm spices on display in this harmonious red, with supple, well-knit tannins." Wine Spectator

"An excellent Ripasso. A full-bodied wine polished by a smooth veneer of winemaking. Liquorice root, violet, clove, sassafras and dark cherry accent the oak. The sweetness is in the cherry range, but the tannic clip ensures that it is not excessive. This is a wine for those who like power and polish." James Suckling

The Monferrato Rosso Il Bacialè is a blend of Barbera, Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Merlot. Black cherry, gravel, chocolate, liquorice and dried herbs give this powerful, lush Monferrato red wine a lot of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Monferrato Rosso Il Bacialè 2019 is a blend of Barbera, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It offers a beguiling blend of Barbera fruit and the spicy notes typical of Cabernet Sauvignon. Leather, menthol, cedar wood and earthy undertones open up beautifully. This powerful, heady red wine from Monferrato is full of character." Vinous

"Dark ruby red with brightening edges. Ripe blackberries and plums as well as spicy notes and cinnamon on the nose. Medium intensity and structure on the palate, with a warm and elegant final." Falstaff

"Roasted black fruits, peppers and oak spice dominate the inviting and pleasurable aromatic profile. The lush palate exhibits a pronounced herbal character that complements notes of roasted plums, figs and an abundance of oak spice. Fine tannins and lingering licorice notes add depth." Wine Enthusiast

"Dried cherries, burnt orange peel, notes of chocolate, dried flowers and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied, compact and a little chewy with velvety tannins and juicy acidity. Intensely flavoured and long-lasting." James Suckling

The wine skilfully reflects the basic identifying characteristics of this distinctive variety in its primary stage. This Riesling renano (Rhine Riesling) smells wonderfully of honeycomb, pear, pineapple, flint and a fine hint of petroleum. Pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel with precise fruit and freshness and always the necessary complexity and seriousness. Very serious and independent with great drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is floral with notes of lemon peel, lychee, dried rosemary and honey. Medium- to full-bodied, creamy and oily with crunchy acidity and ripe fruit character. Weighty and fat finish. Drink now." James Suckling

"This wine was born as a challenge. In 2004, when we started making it, ageing it in steel was against the general trend of ageing complex Soave wines in barrique. Today we are glad that we took this risk." Graziano Prà

The grapes for the Staforte come from the core zone of the Soave Classico, which is a pure expression of the mineral soil on which the vines grow. Apricot, peach and crisp golden apple mingle with notes of dried camomile and white flowers. Deep and full-bodied on the palate, very taut, with mineral finesse, fine acidity and creaminess through to a long, impressive final. SUPERIORE.DE

"White peach and peach skin flavours transition into a medium-bodied palate with minerals from gravel in the mid-palate. Crisp, fruity and mineral finish with decent length." James Suckling

"A bright, zesty white, with lively hints of grapefruit zest and milled white pepper accenting peach, lentil and mineral notes. Lingering, creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"The Soave Classico Staforte 2021 seduces with a complex bouquet that combines exotic flowers and tropical citrus fruits with crushed green apples and a hint of mint. Silky smooth yet vibrantly fresh, it floods the palate with crunchy fruit and mineral notes carried by brilliant acidity. It finishes with enormous length, perfumed and energetic, leaving a lemony concentration that slowly fades away. The Staforte 2021 is already a pleasure to drink now, but it is also suitable for medium-term cellaring." Vinous

The name Da-Di is derived from the Chinese and means earth/soil. It not only emphasises the organic cultivation of the vines, but also the subsequent ageing in 13 Tuscan terracotta amphorae. The result is a fascinatingly fresh wine that is a joy to drink from the very first sip.

Intense bouquet of cinnamon and star anise, accompanied by small red fruits such as raspberry and redcurrant. Complex, lively, almost explosive on the palate with beautifully pronounced primary flavours such as sour cherry and black cherry, accompanied by floral accents. The long finish is characterised by a freshness and delicate sweetness that can only be achieved by ageing in amphorae. SUPERIORE.DE

"White pepper, red cherries, berries and some potpourri and seashells. Slim and linear on the palate with a light to medium body rounded by firm, fresh tannins. pep, berry-oriented finish. Cheerful and brambly." James Suckling

Beautiful, single-varietal white from Carricante from Planeta's Etna Dependence. A youthful, exuberant growth full of freshness, energy and minerality. Grown under exclusive conditions on volcanic soils and at an altitude of 870 metres, this wine is an exceptional pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm light yellow; openly fruity, pronounced, appealing; sweet, full-fruity, ripe pear, concentrated, dense, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Contrada Taccione is seductively fresh and displays an herbaceous bouquet of lime, peach and mint. It opens with a pleasant inner sweetness, while a burst of zesty acidity enlivens the tart orchard fruit. The 2022 rejuvenates crisply, with a hint of salinity and an inner smoky sensation." Vinous

"The nose is light, fresh and gentle, with coherent but compelling aromas of citrus, yellow apple and white flowers. The palate is lemon-driven, but a hint of salt brings out a honey-nut element and a lingering apple note." Wine Enthusiast

"A bright, fragrant, mineral white wine with delicate notes of broom and pine. With flavours of nectarine, persimmon, blanched almonds and ground ginger, it shows good linear power, yet is harmonious and approachable, unfolding on the palate through the creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"A multifaceted, polished white Etna showing restrained citrus notes, stony minerality, green apples, apricots and almonds. Medium-bodied and bone-dry with a silky texture, this has crisp, long, vibrant acidity and a citrusy floral aftertaste." James Suckling

Core Rosso impresses with a blend of dark, rich fruit, exotic spices, boulders and peppery herbs. It is unexpectedly soft and airy, with a pure display of pure plums, complemented by nuances of sage and rosy flowers that develop towards the end. A layer of fine tannin leads into the lingering final, while hints of liquorice and blackcurrant linger. Great ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"A lighter expression of Aglianico, handled with aplomb. Juicy red cherry, lilac, a hint of tobacco, liquorice root and a touch of freshness. One of the better approaches to transforming this wiry variety into an earlier drinkable expression without losing integrity. Prosaic in the most delicious sense." James Suckling

Core" means "heart" in Italian dialect, and a heart-shaped drawing can be seen on the front label. The Montevetrano 2020 Core Rosso has a certain astringency of the hot vintage, but not much, with fine chalky tannins. The wine is made from 100% Aglianico and is very fruit-driven, with deep black cherries and ripe plums. It has a lovely spicy finish." Wine Advocate

"Dusty and floral, the 2020 Core Rosso wafts up with an alluring bouquet that blends cedar shavings with dried black cherries and lifting whiffs of sage. This is round and juicy in style yet still quite complex. A core of zesty acidity and hints of citrus offset depths of tart red and black fruits. The 2020 finishes long yet fresh, with rosy inner florals and notes of licorice that linger on and on." Vinous

Blackberries, raspberries, tomato leaves, lemon peel and bark on the nose. Also some tar and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with fine, slightly chunky tannins. Beautiful character of rose petals. Fresh and mineral on the finish, very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Youthful nose of raspberry, cassis and mint, with a tobacco and smoky aftertaste. Surprisingly dense on the palate with chocolaty nuances, juicy, pleasant tannins, persistent fruit." Falstaff

"Brilliant carmine red colour. Concentrated and deep cherry nose and luscious, tangy cherry palate, with a helping of firm tannins on the finish to give grip. Immediately, a little rich and delicious. Just a tiny bit of spiciness on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Here is an easy-drinking entry-level wine from a winery that maintains a classic approach to all of its fine wines. The Castello di Monsanto 2022 Chianti Classico offers very bright and vibrant fruit with forest-fresh raspberries and blueberries giving this wine a particularly charming profile. It shows a primary intensity with sweet fruit and without being affected by excessive ageing." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is forward, juicy and very easy to like. A burst of dark red fruit, spice, cedar and leather makes a strong statement at the start. Although the 2022 doesn't offer the nuance of most vintages, it makes up for it with its charming, inviting personality." Vinous

"Ripe and juicy, this red wine begins with flavours of cherries, raspberries and flowers, underlined by iron and wild undergrowth. It firms up on the finish and shows a pleasant astringency." Wine Spectator

"The youthful violet colour suggests a healthy dash of Colorino. Deep red cherries and wild strawberries are infused with fragrant Mediterranean herbs and a distinct note of orange blossom. The palate is richly filled with tangy, tart berries infused with light, grainy tannins that add nuance to the texture. A hint of pepper and a savoury saltiness whet the appetite." Decanter

"Fresh, racy strawberries, red cherries and a hint of pastry and pomegranates on the nose. On the palate, it is firm and expressive, with beautifully chewy tannins and a medium body. Plenty of berry fruit in its elegant, long finish. Drink now or keep." James Suckling

"A cornerstone of the Classico, a label with precise and impeccable workmanship. On the nose, red mulberry, hints of rhubarb and eucalyptus, with a touch of black pepper. The mouthfeel is intense, with ionised tannins. Closes with a hint of undergrowth and balsamic notes. Great length." Luca Gardini

Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico Dorilli is named after the Dorilla vineyard from which the grapes come, which in turn is named after the nearby Dirillo river. Fine and elegant with light wood tones from the ageing process, juicy and fresh until the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here is a delicious, balanced and focused cerasuolo with aromas of dark cherries, blueberries, dried herbs and mild spices following through to a medium body with fine tannins. Refined, with brightness at the center and a refreshing, pulpy finish." James Suckling

Massifitti is a great white wine, without question! It is so fine and silky that you can sense beautiful ashy flint notes and crushed minerals on the finish. The Trebbiano di Soave Massifitti is soft and supple with a generous bouquet that exudes citrus, peach and honeydew melon. It shows its clear definition and dimension here, and the Tessari sisters from Suavia have created a wine in a class of its own. Vinification takes place in stainless steel with 15 months maturation on the lees. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive notes of ripe white peaches, sliced apples and white roses. Juicy and vivid on the palate, with bright acidity and a medium body. Clean and minerally with a crisp finish." James Suckling

Feudi's new premium Rosato San Greg flows from the glass with a beautiful blend of sweet melon and white flowers. It presents a beguiling balance of ripe stone fruit, candied citrus and a cooling acidity. The finish is of medium length and leaves a tart hint of lime and steely mineral notes. Made from 100% Aglianico, San Greg is a very sophisticated rosé and an absolute delight. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, pale pink with a sparkling centre. On the nose with notes of vanilla and some blood orange, then white pepper. Fresh on the palate, with light pressure and delicate tannins, somewhat narrow fruit, but good drinking flow." Falstaff

"A fresh and fruity rosé with strawberry and grapefruit aromas, medium body and a bright, clean and dry finish." James Suckling

Dense wine with ripe, red fruit on the nose, rich cherry flavour, fine wood and leather notes, spicy. Juicy on the palate with tightly woven tannins, opens up on ripe fruit, slightly salty undertone, long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby colour with a garnet-red rim. Spicy nose of cayenne pepper, sweet cherry and black plum, a touch of leather. Polished on the palate, with a pleasant fruity flavour, rich, balanced and with a good flow." Falstaff

"Pomegranate, tea leaf, chocolate and wet earth on the nose. Juicy, sleek and nicely mellowed, with medium body and a creamy, tasty finish." James Suckling

Delicate salmon pink colour. Fresh and subtle raspberry nose with a hint of pomegranate. Clean and precise flavour with fine acidity and subtle hints of red berries and some crisp Braeburn apple. The finish is long and supple - and again with a fine acid wire acidity that only Sean O'Callaghan can bring to the glass. An indispensable companion for happy and carefree days. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright salmon colour, sparkling. Very fragrant nose of fresh peach, white flowers, some cherry fruit, underpinned by light spice. Very juicy on the palate, clear, with a cool fruit centre, well-integrated acidity, delicately dancing, pure." Falstaff

"The 2023 Rosato is a 100% Sangiovese from vines that were harvested a few weeks before the harvest during a final thinning. The 2023 is layered and vibrant, with great depth and offers lovely complexity and character. This is another excellent entry-level wine from Tenuta di Carleone." Vinous

"Here is a crisp, saline and succulent rosé with forest berries, apricot skin and mild spices on the nose, following through to a medium body with bright acidity. Refreshing, balanced and textured, with an attractive, mouthwatering finish." James Suckling

Independent, full of character and radiant - an almost exotic white wine from the noble Bolgheri DOC appellation. Smells of flowers, peach, mint and melon and reveals the mineral richness of the ancient Vermentino grape variety and the wonderfully fresh gooseberry flavour of Sauvignon Blanc on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with golden yellow nuances. Fresh and inviting bouquet of cut grass, citrus fruit and green apple. On the palate with a beautiful fruit melt, invigorating acidity and above-average length." Falstaff

"You can taste the sea here, with salt and umami undertones to the grapefruit and dried-apple character. Medium body. Creamy finish with a touch of bitter citrus." James Suckling

Wonderful cuvée of Greco and Fiano. An opulent potpourri of passion fruit, peach and honeydew melon on the nose. Not too heavy on the palate, but rather prancing and elegant with a wonderfully fresh structure. Beautiful balance, complex and full-bodied finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here's a fun and versatile non-carbonated white wine to bring chilled to an al fresco lunch. A blend of equal parts Fiano and Greco, the Montevetrano 2022 Core Bianco has a lean approach with enough texture to support fragrant apples, honey and white currants. The wine's flavour palette is very nice, and the best part is the salty or mineral end note that adds a spark of energy." Wine Advocate

"A beautiful blend of Fiano and Greco, offering rich flavours of ripe fruit salad as well as notes of pressed flowers and minerals. Medium-bodied with an intense palate, including a phenolic note that gives it a structured feel." James Suckling

"The 2022 Bianco Core wafts up from the glass with a rich blend of peach preserves and confectionary spice, complicated by a hint of candied lime. This is soothingly round with a core of saline minerality to balance, as a core of zesty acidity enlivens tart orchard fruits. The 2022 tapers off with a tart lemon-pith concentration yet is also remarkably fresh, leaving nuances of mint to fade slowly." Vinous

"The red estate wine. A wine that tastes of Manincor; a wine that you won't find anywhere else. The essence of the hills around the vineyard and the lake, full of strength and warmth." Michael Graf Goëss-Enzenberg, Weingut Manincor

Il Conte (formerly Réserve del Conte) is a fine South Tyrolean blend of Lagrein, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark cherry, raspberry, grilled herbs, rose petals, fresh leather and liquorice on the nose. Rich and juicy on the palate, with a long and elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium purple colour with dark reflections. Notes of cold smoke, dark fruit and some tobacco on the nose. Clearer on the palate with bold fruit, firm tannins, fresh acidity, pleasantly juicy on the finish." Falstaff

"A restrained wine with notes of straw, graceful flowers and cassis. A dense palate with medium body, crisp acidity and chalky tannins that linger on the finish. It is fruity and juicy." James Suckling

The grapes for the Cipressi come from the best vineyards of the in-house winery La Court in the noble DOCG Nice. On the nose, complex aromas of dark red, plump, juicy cherries, finest spices and black forest berries. In the mouth, polished, dense and very fruity. Present but silky tannins, finely enclosed by the fruit, finesse-rich and persistent with a first-class acid structure. A rich and very classic Barbera. SUPERIORE.DE

"Blackberries and dark cherries on the nose, with a coloring of coffee, dried herbs and baking spices. Medium-to full-bodied palate with tight tannins and juicy acidity." James Suckling

Pinot Blanc Lepus (Latin for field hare) in light, bright straw yellow with green reflections. Wonderful aromas of fresh bread, dried field flowers, apple, peach and a hint of almonds. On the palate, its distinctive personality is accompanied by exciting fruit, structure and harmonious acidity. The 5-month maturation on the fine lees gives Lepus additional complexity and fullness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, shiny straw yellow colour with a golden core. Restrained, elegant bouquet with clear aromas of hazelnuts, stewed peaches, followed by herbs and slightly ripe pineapple. Good acidity on the palate, slightly melting, balanced, medium length." Falstaff

"This fun and lively white wine weaves a tapestry of aromas and flavours that immediately capture the attention. Pineapple, roasted citrus, gardenia and crushed stone shine from nose to palate with a pleasant bitterness on the long finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of stone fruit, apricots and peaches with a pleasant, leafy note. Very lively on the palate, with a light body and crisp acidity. Slender but flavoursome finish." James Suckling

Tefra (Greek word for ash) is a 100% Nerello Mascalese and comes from a parcel in the Contrada Rampante on the northern slopes of Etna between the municipalities of Randazzo and Castiglione di Sicilia. Bright pink colour. Delicate and very clear nose of raspberries and wild strawberries, oranges and herbs. Fresh, juicy and vibrant in the mouth, very tasty racy acidity, finishes with good cool length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Rosato Etna Tefra is remarkably beautiful with its platinum pink colour. It offers a perfumed, floral bouquet. The palate is energetic, with tangy acidity and mineral tones, while crisp fruit flows through the nose. The finish is of medium length. A young strawberry and salty note slowly fade away." Vinous

"Notes of ripe nectarines and pink cherries with dried flowers and citrus peel leading to a medium body with juicy acidity. Crisp and easy to drink." James Suckling

"The pale pink of the glass belies the intense aromatics and rich mouthfeel of this rosé. Wild strawberries and peach candy on the nose give way to more berries and stone fruit on the palate, with a bit of blood orange and lime and a lick of quartz on the finish." Wine Enthusiast