James Suckling

Brilliant ruby red colour. Lively nose of small, primary fruity red berries, subtle use of wood and impressive race and complexity for the price. Precise and taut on the palate, showing its origins boldly and decisively. Then a harmoniously balanced mix of tobacco, leather, cedar and, of course, cherry and plum. The finely balanced tannins carry this powerful and impressive Riserva into a long final. Impressive! SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine is absolutely delicious. An arpeggio of sweet, unashamedly ripe, red berry and violet-coloured fruit that floats through the glass. Unbridled freshness. The fruit is the flutist of the vineyard. Unabashed in terms of fruit, but at the same time not obtrusively "fruity". It is complex. The tannins are silky, but have a finely powdered chalky grip. There's spice, a little liquorice bark and a hint of foliage - that kind of green-purple, velvety bloom of wild violets. And the purity of the fruit fills every molecule of the long finish. Bravo!" Jancis Robinson

"This is bright and focused, with aromas of cherries, dried oranges and hints of hibiscus and mild spices. Medium-bodied, crunchy and fresh on the palate, with very fine tannins. Polished, with mineral notes of crushed stones and citrusy nuances at the end. Shows freshness and balance." James Suckling

"Offers cherry and plum fruit, framed by flavours of earth, minerals and wild herbs. This red wine oscillates between elegance and power and is wonderfully balanced. Dusty tannins support the fruit on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Riserva Il Grigio da San Felice 2021 is a dark, dense and rather sombre wine. Black cherry, leather, tobacco, incense and dried herbs reinforce this first impression. The 2021 is a Riserva with substance and power and has a lot to offer. It is a particularly beautiful edition of Il Grigio." Vinous

The eruption of 1614 is legendary in the history of Etna, as it lasted ten years, making it the longest recorded eruption of the active volcano to date. A very impressive and fitting name for Planeta's Etna series of equally impressive wines.

It could hardly be more autochthonous: this excellent wine from the Nerello Mascalese grape comes from the hotspot on the east coast of Sicily, from the slopes of Mount Etna. Bright cherry red in colour, a fine aroma of raspberry and blood orange, gripping, taut acidity, silky tannins and a lively elegance with beautiful minerality. Great, long and unique! SUPERIORE.DE

"Impressive aromas of mulberries and flowers; juicy on the palate, beautifully polished, balanced and elegant through to the final, red berry flavours, soft, honey notes and yet the acidity is in balance. A lovely accompaniment to food." Vinum

"Burgundy-inspired bouquet with red berries, light strawberries, red cherries and balsamic notes, sage. Well-structured on the palate with gripping red berry fruit, sandy tannins and a savoury, peppery acidity structure that lingers into the final." Weinwisser

"It shows aromas of ripe cherries and grilled plums, with fragrant flavours of cigar box spices, broom and wild rosemary that linger on the fine, taut finish." Wine Spectator

"Cherries and cranberries with some candied watermelon both on the nose and on the palate. Medium body, creamy tannins and a tangy finish. Juicy." James Suckling

"The 2020 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese Eruzione 1614 opens in a medium dark ruby red colour with lively primary fruit. Wild berries and cassis are underpinned by gently rendered oak tones of cinnamon and campfire ash. Although technically outside the DOC area (just a few metres), this is one of the finest sites on Etna. The tannins are firm but silky, which means you can drink this bottle straight away without ageing." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 is decidedly savoury, exuding hints of grilled rosemary and sage, ashen stones and crushed blackberries. On the palate, it is characterised by juicy forest fruits, underscored by a hint of blood orange and zesty acidity. It tapers off long and gently tannic, closing on a pleasantly bitter note as the minty herbal tones fade. Wow." Vinous

"The nose begins spicy and herbaceous with notes of stone, salt, pepper, oregano and fennel before lighter flavours of cherry blossom, hibiscus and strawberry emerge. On the palate, the cherry and strawberry flavours sparkle, while a lingering, salty stoniness balances a silky smooth texture with an intense, salty freshness." Wine Enthusiast

Giuseppe Russo produces just 5,000 bottles of this extremely elegant rosato every year. Fine, complex aromas of red fruit and mineral stone on the youthfully fresh nose. The energetic and very precise impressions on the palate correspond beautifully with the flavour. Delicate melting, fine minerality, harmonious and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet roses, stone dust and orange sherbet make the 2022 Etna Rosato a real delight on the nose. Soothingly round and with a pleasant inner sweetness, it flows across the palate with crisp, mineral-tinged orchard fruits punctuated by a hint of sour citrus. The 2022 finishes intensely mineral and leaves a pleasant mouthfeel as the notes of sour melon gradually fade away." Vinous

"Hints of white peach and green and red fruit aromas accompany some spice and minerals in the mouth, with a touch of creaminess in the background. Fresh, succulent strawberry and raspberry flavours linger on a saline finish." Decanter

"The Etna Rosato 2022 has a floral bouquet with wild flowers, peach blossom and a hint of zagara, the Sicilian lemon blossom. It offers subtle support in the background thanks to a particularly fine and crisp mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"This wine shows subtle notes of pink cherry, peach skin, dried orange peel and dried flowers. Medium-bodied, delicate and supple, with freshness and crisp acidity. Delicious with a structured, polished finish." James Suckling

Ghiaia, a pure Nerello Mascalese from the slopes of Mount Etna, exudes sweet aromas of cherries and flowers. A refined, very detailed and seductive wine with great charm, character and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-light red colour; reductive red-fruity, appealing; powerful, fruit-deep, subtly tart tannin, long." Merum

"Medium, bright cherry red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Fine bouquet of raspberries, redcurrants, some pomegranate, underlaid with eucalyptus and fine spice. Vibrant freshness and pleasant juiciness on the palate, the tannins still somewhat youthful and ending on herbs in the medium final." Falstaff

"Attractive bouquet of chestnuts, violets and crisp strawberries, fresh and crisp with attractive acidity and a savoury finish." Decanter

"Sweet berries and orange peel with undertones of peach and lemon blossom. Medium-bodied, with crisp fruit and a fresh and slightly chewy finish. Delicious wine, now showing volcanic character with ashy and smoky undertones." James Suckling

"The Etna Rosso Ghiaia Nera 2021 is intense, smoky and ashy. It opens with a burst of crushed strawberries accompanied by notes of blood orange and clove. This wine is a model of purity, with savoury red berry fruit and a core of salty minerality that emerges towards the end. The lively acidity provides a fantastic balance. A web of fine tannins lingers, creating a classic dry feel and youthful tension as the sour cherry tones fade." Vinous

Sensual bouquet of ripe raspberry and sour cherry flavours, with earthy and spicy nuances, coffee, chocolate and tobacco. Plump and full-bodied flavour, perfectly structured with silky tannins and a long final. Excellent price/quality ratio in small quantities. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby colour. Opens with notes of cedar wood and roasted hazelnuts, then lots of juicy cherry, some dark chocolate. Blossoms beautifully on the palate, juicy and savoury, well-integrated, dense tannins, spans a wide range." Falstaff

"This is spicy with notes of walnut, cedar, black raspberries and cherries with some nutmeg undertones. Medium- to full-bodied with compact tannins and velvety texture. Broad and rich but fresh and attractive." James Suckling

Bright, straw-yellow colour with a slight greenish tinge. Delicately fruity, fragrant aroma typical of the variety with notes of ripe tropical fruit. Balanced, medium-bodied and clean flavour. Fresh, lively acidity and a marvellous finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A super-light yet elegant wine. Fairly neutral profile on the nose at first, then it has floral, lime tree, winter melon and grapefruit aromas. Light-bodied with a silky, elegant texture, tingling acidity and a lean yet balanced finish showing savory notes." James Suckling

The first year of production of the single-varietal Merlot Clos Roareti dates back to 2004. The grapes are harvested from the 2 hectare historic Rovereti vineyard in Negrar. In this 100-year-old vineyard, which is surrounded by equally old walls, Merlot has been cultivated since the 1990s and is perfectly adapted to the climate and the red clay soil. The palate is rich and full-bodied with complex and very aromatic notes. Maturation in oak barrels gives this wine its special flavour and certain opulence. SUPERIORE.DE

"Some dried berries, plums, baking spices, dark earth and peppercorn funk. Fluid and dense with some graininess on the palate, followed by a slightly gamey finish." James Suckling

"Sage and rosemary combine with wild blueberries and a hint of undergrowth when the 2020 Rosso Clos Roareti blossoms in the glass. On the palate, it is silky and supple, with mineral-tinged red and blue fruits accentuated by a hint of mocha towards the end. The finish is structured, long and lingers on balsamic herbs and tobacco." Vinous

Strong, bright straw yellow colour. Characterful, youthful and rich bouquet of dried nectarines, peach, yellow apple, mint and a fresh hint of almonds. The depth of its texture is in perfect contrast to the savoury acids, minerals and notes of sour apples, but a feeling of balanced ripeness always remains. The finish is long and structured and seems to melt slowly on the palate, leaving savoury spices and a fine tannin behind. It already has a lot to offer today, but should mature a little more in the bottle for more structure and elegance. A wonderfully exciting interpretation of Garganega from a small single vineyard in the Carbonare region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, light golden yellow colour. Elegant, multi-layered bouquet with notes of ripe pear, lime and yellow pepper, with a hint of flint on the finish. Beautifully harmonious on the palate with a compact fruit centre, invigorating acidity and fine juiciness on the lingering finish." Falstaff

"Notes of spiced quince, lemon peel, camphor and salted almonds. Salty wines are all the rage, and this wine has plenty of phenolic saltiness and a distinct acidity. The long and convincing finish is carried by a hint of energy. A brilliant Soave. A true mountain wine." James Suckling

"Fallwind" is the new name for the Pinot Nero Riserva with a feminine aroma of sweet fruit, flowers, minerals and spices. Slender and delicate on the palate, with great balance. Pinot Noir is a diva with high demands on soil and climate and requires a lot of attention in the cellar. For Riserva quality, the vine must also be at least ten years old and thrive in an excellent location. The Riserva from St. Michael-Eppan does not have to shy away from international price-quality comparisons. SUPERIORE.DE

"A bit layered, with leesy complexity and notes of red fruit, violets and a touch of spices. Firm tannins on the palate, with a light frame, a chalky texture and crisp acidity. Medium-bodied with a savory finish." James Suckling

Etna Rosato from Pietradolce not only attracts attention with its delicate, shiny colour. The delicate bouquet of roses is beguiling and the precise flavour convinces with lively aromas of peach, cranberry and grapefruit. Elegant mineral tones accompany the fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling copper red colour. Distinct bouquet of candied apricots, orange peel with light herbal spice. Smooth on entry, unbelievably soft and elegant on the palate, with a long finish." Falstaff

"The 2023 Etna Rosato is delicate, with a nuanced blend of white strawberry, wet stone and a hint of peach sorbet. It balances a zesty core of juicy acidity and sour lime with ripe orchard fruit. The finish is remarkably fresh and clean, with a hint of minerality that leaves you wanting more." Vinous

"A smoky, peatlike style here with red plums and whiffs of flowers. Light-bodied, this has moderate acidity and a refreshing finish, silky and polished to the end. Simple but nice." James Suckling

The date on the label (1212 AD) indicates when the winery was given its current name. Deep, powerful dark violet colour. The seamless bouquet is infused with purple and black fruit nuances with a good amount of spice and toast. The palate is pure elegance, silky and streamlined, with an increasing minerality that provides traction, while a delicate web of tannins, floral black fruits and exotic spices resonate. Our verdict: A juicy, deep and captivating red that already has a wide range and will continue to grow with further years of bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with slightly brightening edges. Intense and multi-layered nose, with notes of ripe sour cherries and rich blackberries, slightly peppery and floral in the background. Lots of ripe fruit and spice on the palate, juicy and with fine-grained tannins, long final." Falstaff

"Reserved and darkly alluring, the 2020 Umbria Rosso A.D.1212 blends 65% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Montepulciano from Orvieto. It entices with a nuanced blend of blackberries, sage, green olive and crushed rocks. This washes across the palate with elegance, polished and silky-smooth, contrasting mineral-tinged red and black fruits with vibrant acidity as gently grippy tannins mount toward the close. It tapers off long and lightly structured, leaving savory herbs and a slightly bitter twang of balsamic spice pinching at the cheeks. While already enjoyable today, the best is yet to come." Vinous

"Deep nose with hints of sandalwood and incense to the fresh array of black fruit. Some dark chocolates and roasted spices as well. Quite juicy and firm on the palate with medium to full body and a long, textured finish. Lovely spicy bitterness here." James Suckling

Delicate old pink with shimmering reflections, elegant bouquet with notes of wild strawberries and light currants, plus restrained, spicy tones. On the palate with creamy freshness and lively acidity, fine and distinguished. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of grapefruit peel and raspberries. Medium body. Balanced acidity. Vivid citrus aftertaste with a slightly smoky edge to it." James Suckling

"A blend of young peach and nectarine is complemented by hints of crushed rock and dried flowers as the 2022 Rosato Etna blossoms in the glass. It has a soft texture and a mineral style. It quickly gains traction with a stimulating blend of lively acidity and a lemon astringency. The 2022 lasts a long time, with a saline concentration and mandarin notes that keep the taster coming back to the glass. The 2022 is another fantastic Rosato Etna from Graci." Vinous

Strong golden yellow, the bouquet intensely of fresh apricots, underlaid with a fine honey tone. Juicy on the palate, elegant texture with well-integrated flavours of yellow peach fruit and a delicate acidity. Lemony and slightly bitter nuances in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Perfumed nose with lots of honeyed peaches, stones and chamomile. Textured, broad and full-bodied on the palate with a bone-dry and floral finish." James Suckling

Livio Felluga's Friulano is very fresh and tropical, with nuances of sour melon, young mango and white smoke forming its attractive bouquet. It impresses with a lively acidity that balances the silky texture and ripe fruit, and with a spicy herbal note that gives it unexpected depth. Perfumed and fresh to the final, leaving a pleasant mouthfeel, with hints of bitter almond but also a gentle streak of residual tension. Very nice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw yellow with green-golden nuances. Fragrant, inviting bouquet of ripe citrus fruit, with a hint of banana and meadow herbs. Delicately creamy on entry, then quickly spreads across the palate with pleasant freshness and cheeky fruit." Falstaff

"A light, elegant wine with flavours of mandarins, sage, peaches and mirabelle plums. Also very floral. Medium-bodied with a silky, almost oily texture, moderate but refreshing acidity and a good, polished aftertaste." James Suckling

An accessible, fruit-accentuated classic at a high level. A clear aroma of wild berries and flowers, with a mix of dark berry notes, fine spices and light tannins on the palate. Flavour and depth give this noble Valpolicella its wonderful drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a fine, brightening rim. Intense on the nose, cranberry compote, juniper and leather on the finish. Silky texture on the palate, with lots of ripe fruit, slightly spicy and with well-integrated tannins, long presence." Falstaff

"Aromas of dried fruit and nuts follow through to a medium-bodied palate with a dense bead of bright fruit and fine, slightly drying tannins. Very direct and concentrated with good forward acidity. Give this wine a little more time for the tannins to resolve further." James Suckling

"The 2020 Valpolicella Superiore Maternigo is wickedly fresh and floral, wafting up with suggestions of violet and lavender before giving way to crushed blackberries. This is a soft-textured mix of savory and sweet, with saline minerals complicating its tart wild berry fruits. It tapers off with tension, leaving a pleasantly tense sensation and hints of sour orange that pucker the cheeks. Don’t be afraid to lose the 2020 Maternigo in the cellar for a number of years." Vinous

Ampeleias Cabernet Franc is a rare and Demeter-certified wine that opens with a bright, dark ruby-red colour. The wine is made with 20% whole bunches and the fruit comes from the high altitude Vigna dell'Asina, characterised by local soils known as Galestro and Palombino with elements of schist and limestone. This wine is very varietal with dark fruits and blackberries, spices and a green note of grilled rosemary or wild sage. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, bright and pure cabernet franc with aromas of forest berries, sour cherries, wild herbs and crushed white pepper. It’s medium-bodied with silky tannins. Velvety and subtle, with poise and a refined, pristine texture. Bright and seductive, with a lively, succulent finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification." 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

Brilliant ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Impressive aroma of red berries, smoke, roasted almonds and dark spices. Taut, straightforward, expressive and beautifully long on the palate. With its classic understatement, Boscarelli's Nobile di Montepulciano is a wonderfully precise example of its growing region every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smells of small stone fruit, tobacco and blossoms; fresh attack, vivid acidity, compact structure with melting, juice and length. Convinces with its fresh and elegant style." Vinum

"Bright, sparkling ruby red with a brightening rim. Fine spice and cherry on the nose, with a woody aftertaste. Beautiful juiciness and clear, fresh fruit on the palate, compact, noble, classic in the best sense of the word, with a fine salty finish." Falstaff

"The aromas are shy and discreet, taking their time to reveal beautiful scents of cherry blossom and plum. This medium-bodied candidate offers plenty of freshness, its bright acidity and elegant sandy tannins supporting a core of ripe red cherries and blood oranges. Gracefully composed, it shows lovely balance and is one of the more immediately approachable offerings of the vintage." Decanter

"This red wine offers purity with aromas and flavours of cherry, pomegranate, earth and iron while remaining lively, supported by a dense tannic matrix. Balanced, with a finish of bitter almond, it needs a few years to integrate." Wine Spectator

"This wine has depth and seriousness with cedar, sandalwood, lavender, cherries and citrus. Medium body with fine tannins that pull on the finish. Racy and polished. Give this wine two or three years to develop." James Suckling

Pinot Gris with an intense straw-yellow colour with golden-copper reflections, which can be traced back to the historic Ramato process: Here, the mash remains in contact with the skins for approx. 10 hours. Broad, fruity bouquet with sweet notes of blackberry, pear and ripe apricot, delicate hints of almond blossom. Harmonious, dry and full-bodied on the palate. Medium-long, slightly mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This has a pale copper color and hints of honey and white strawberries to the apple and peach aromas. It’s medium-bodied, creamy and fruity with plump, soft, ripe stone fruit." James Suckling

Strong red colour, reaching into violet. The bouquet is very intense and wide-ranging with berries, fresh grass and flowers. On the palate, this Lagrein with its dense primary fruit (summer cherry and blackberry) presents a strong personality with a harmonious structure and fine tannin framework. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark purple red with violet reflections. Rich nose with distinct notes of red fruits, violets, vanilla and cocoa. Velvety and silky on the palate, pleasant acid structure, grippy tannin, medium-long finish." Falstaff

"A youthful red wine with blue fruits, blueberries, lavender and black plums on the nose, with hints of sage. Medium-bodied and structured, with broad, creamy tannins. It's all about the fleshy berry fruit." James Suckling

Tunella has packed a lot of character into this savoury white: ColMatiss is a Sauvignon Bianco from a cru vineyard planted in the 1980s, which is matured on the fine lees in Slavonian oak barrels. On the nose, it has diverse and detailed aromas of exotic fruits such as lychee and grapefruit, elegant herbal notes of sage and mint, as well as mineral hints that provide depth. A fascinatingly delicate spiciness on the palate, flavours full of character and a lively acidity that enlivens the compact structure and makes you want to drink the next glass. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow with light green notes. Inviting nose with fine notes of grapefruit, sage and gooseberries, some pickled peach. Good weight on the palate, spreads out with fine fruit, beautiful sage flavour, grapefruit on the final." Falstaff

"The Tunella 2022 Friuli Colli Orientali Sauvignon Colmatìss offers a soft and creamy expression of the grape. Its broad textural base is accented by aromatic highlights of exotic fruit, papaya and tomato leaf. Indeed, the plump texture of the mouthfeel is what sets this Sauvignon Blanc apart." Wine Advocate

"A fragrant, creamy Sauvignon with flavours of guava, grapefruit, green mango and vanilla. It is medium to full-bodied, creamy and delicious, with rich lemon curd and guava notes on the finish." James Suckling

La Grola is the eponymous, historic vineyard where Corvina, the indigenous grape of Valpolicella, is believed to have originated. The replanting of the vineyard by Giovanni Allegrini triggered an agronomic revolution and laid the foundations for the success of this wine-growing region, which today stands for convincing, great red wines from north-east Italy.

Dense, dark ruby red in colour, very rich and powerful on the nose with notes of wild and overripe berries. The rich fullness of coffee to black cherries is underlined by present, pleasant tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby colour with a dark core and fine garnet-red rim. Multi-layered bouquet of dark chocolate, cassis, underpinned by fine spice. Velvety texture on the palate, harmonious and round, concentrated fruit and pronounced length." Falstaff

"Bright cherry red. Quite a reticent nose but masses of flavour on the palate with attractive bitterness after dried cherry fruit and a hint of charcoal. Quite a bit of texture here and a chewy, long finish. I wouldn't recommend drinking it without food. It's quite a statement!" Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 La Grola shows ripe fruit, some herbal notes in the background, liquorice, tar and gentle spices. This simple red wine has a slightly wild side with fresh acidity and a whistling, clean finish. La Grola paints a more concentrated picture of Corvina, a grape usually used in traditional Amarone blends." Wine Advocate

"Dark, brooding and complex, the 2020 La Grola tantalises the imagination with notes of spiced blood orange, cloves, dark chocolate and dried black cherries. It has a soft texture and more verve than expected, with lively acidity and a wave of tart wild berries that slowly saturate. The wine finishes with tension, with a primary concentration of fine-grained tannins that linger. The 2020 is an intense La Grola that will require patience." Vinous

"An elegant red wine with fine tannins that blend seamlessly with the ripe flavours of black and red cherries. Accents of smoked tobacco, rosehip, cocoa powder and aniseed run through the fruit profile, and a subtle, mineral hint of fresh earth and iron lingers on the finish." Wine Spectator

"La Grola has been an integral part of the Allegrini family since 1989. This blend of 90% Corvina and 10% Oseleta opens with aromas of black plums, preserved black cherries, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper and violets. As the wine progresses, notes of cedar, cigar box and tobacco develop. On the palate, rich, black-coloured fruit dances with taut, well-structured tannins, while savoury and earthy notes add to the fascination." Wine Enthusiast

"A single vineyard whose fruit comes from a historically important site that is quite steep and calcareous and slopes down towards the Adige. No dried grapes. The tannins of the Oseleta are hard, firm and powerful on the attack. However, the mid-palate is round and energetic, softening any impression of stiffness as it expands aniseed, mint, leather varnish and dark, saturated berry fruit. This is a very good wine made for the cellar." James Suckling

"Podere La Grola, Sant'Ambrogio in Valpolicella, Corvina with a small proportion of Oseleta, which undergoes malolactic fermentation and matures in barriques. Liquorice, blackberry jam and lime on the nose, salty-sweet on the palate, with a fruity finish and slightly iodised final." Luca Gardini