James Suckling

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

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 fleshy red that has aromas of cherries, licorice, mushrooms and dark plums. It’s medium- to full-bodied with medium-chewy, slightly grainy tannins." James Suckling

Pure Montepulciano from the San Lorenzo vineyard: garnet red in colour with almost black reflections. Sweet autumnal spices, mint and cedar wood on the nose before revealing its core of medicinal cherry. Silky and smooth on the palate, it delights with its ripe red and blue fruits, while the tannins slowly build up towards the end. In the long and lightly structured final, notes of tangerine mingle with blueberry peel and chalky minerals. San Lorenzo is incredibly pretty and has a beautiful harmony and balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Raspberries, red cherries, orange peel and fresh herbs on the nose. Fresh and firm on the palate, with a medium body and a rustic feel." James Suckling

Golden yellow with greenish reflections and the sweet aroma of fresh yellow fruit. These wonderfully fruity flavours also come through on the palate. The charming, sweet Moscato d'Asti has a fine mousse and the typical nutmeg flavour on the finish. A pleasure not only as an aperitif. SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine is floral with notes of sweet orchid fruit, lemon drops and rosehips. Sweet and creamy on the palate with lots of fruit. Dense and fruity." James Suckling

The Lucchine is rich and firm with beautiful cherry fruit and sweet spices on the palate. A juicy and inexpensive wine from a good vineyard that gives us great pleasure every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The only Valpolicella without oak. This wine resembles a more mature Bardolino or, to put it this way, a Venetian Beaujolais, as it is so lively and vibrant. Light and juicy, with a thread of crisp acidity that carries sour red fruits, plums and dried herbs long and easy. Delicious! One of the best young Valpolicella I've tasted in a while." James Suckling

"On the nose, this wine shines with aromas of fresh rose and violet, with hints of strawberries and cranberries in the background. On the palate, the tart red berries shine with a hint of pepper and fresh earth." Wine Enthusiast

Intense, violet ruby red, explosive bouquet with notes of dark red fruit, roasted flavours and a slight hint of graphite. Densely packed on the palate with a wonderful balance between ripe fruit and mineral solidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"This shows spicy and earthy character with dark berries, walnuts and hints of cured meat. Medium-bodied, polished and refined, with beautiful fruit and creamy walnut character in the middle. Flavorful finish." James Suckling

The charming Barbera Rosso Fuoco shines ruby red with clear violet reflections. Intense aroma of wild berries, cherries, spices and ripe sour cherries. The palate is characterised by fruit and harmony, a clear structure and a balanced finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This offers notes of ripe dark berries, walnuts and spices, followed by a medium to full body with compact but supple tannins and a rich core of delicious fruit. Velvety finish." James Suckling

This Montepulciano d'Abruzzo fascinates with its flattering bouquet of wild berries and balsamic notes. On the palate, notes of dark berries, dense and soft, juicy tannins and a fine cocoa flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe blackberries with a hint of earth and lavender. Medium-bodied with a fluid, fruity palate. Some firm tannins to tighten the finish. Good balance and good value." James Suckling

In Valpolicella, single-varietal wines from the native Corvina variety are becoming more and more common. And Scaia shows a beautiful portrait: light ruby red, mineral notes in the bouquet, plus small red berries and cherries, round on the palate with good freshness. Wonderful to drink. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rather jammy strawberry and raspberry on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with intensity of fruit and some fine tannin that does little to impede the flow. Glass stopper. Good and fruity. Drink now." James Suckling

The classic white wine Critone, made predominantly from Chardonnay, offers clear aromas of yellow fruit and fresh apple flavours. The elegant flavour has a beautiful structure and remains fruity and fresh until the remarkable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light golden yellow with brightening edges. Open, mineral nose of wet stone, lime and yellow melon. Present acidity on the palate with a sweetish final. The fruit is persistent on the finish." Falstaff

"Aromas of pear, lemon and fennel, followed by a fresh, medium-bodied and clean palate. A hint of wet stone to finish." James Suckling

Racy, elegant and very authentic Rosso di Montepulciano, slender and feminine, with the flavours of ripe red cherries and good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour with a violet hue. Intense and multi-layered nose, showing notes of ripe sour cherries, blackberries and blackcurrants, with hints of violets and cloves on the finish. Fresh and juicy on the palate, with soft tannins and a long finish." Falstaff

"A pretty bouquet of bright cherries and pink flowers makes the 2022 Rosso di Montepulciano a real pleasure on the nose. It is juicy and savoury rather than sweet, with hints of wild berries and minerality. A hint of liquorice resonates on the medium-long finish, while the 2022 finishes fresh." Vinous

"Raspberries, chocolate, hazelnuts and bark on the nose. Creamy, fresh and balanced, with a medium body and bright acidity." James Suckling

Straw-coloured with greenish reflections, smells intensely fruity with nuances of yeast and fresh bread. The full flavour is finely balanced by the subtle acidity. A masterful and tightly woven Friulano-based white (called Tai in Veneto) that harmonises wonderfully with white meat, fish and shellfish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Spicy, grapey fruit aromas follow through to a medium-bodied palate with compact, spicy ripe-fruit flavors and a touch of phenolic grip at the end." James Suckling

A well-proportioned bouquet with a spicy flavour and aromas of light flowers. The palate is medium-bodied, with lively acidity and good length with a slightly salty finish. Pecorino is a wonderful and always fresh accompaniment to savoury vegetable dishes and white meat and seafood. SUPERIORE.DE

"A refreshing, savoury white wine with notes of lemon zest, sliced pears and chamomile. It is medium-bodied, lively and delicious. A bright expression of pecorino." James Suckling

"More savory than sweet, the 2023 Pecorino lifts from the glass with a thrust of wild herbs, crushed rocks and lime zest. Round and supple, this builds lovely tension through a core of saline minerality and citrus-infused green apple fruits. It finishes amazingly fresh and full of zesty tension, leaving a salty sensation and hints of young kiwi that linger on and on." Vinous

A smoky blend of raspberry jam, sage and freshly ground pepper flows from the glass. The palate is silky in texture and extremely flavoursome with the pepper notes from the bouquet mingling with salty minerals and lively acidity. The finish is long and fruity with a hint of liquorice. A delicious accompaniment to food. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with a delicately brightening rim. Very fragrant and very clear on the nose, of fresh strawberries, violets and wild berries, inviting. On the palate with radiant play, very fresh and balanced, shows clear fruit, everything is in its place, fine drinking pleasure." Falstaff

"Bright cherry, fresh and lively with a hint of sweet paprika spice. Juicy and delicious. A wine that is a pleasure to drink." Jancis Robinson

"A beautiful, casual young Valpo with fresh cherries and berries. Light, clean and straightforward. No tannins to speak of." James Suckling

Brilliant straw yellow colour. Fine bouquet of citrus fruits with strong, floral notes of jasmine, star fruit and orange blossom. Fresh and balanced on the palate, tangy hints of lime and grapefruit, good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"A delicious single-vineyard Grillo from the Salina area of Marsala in western Sicily. Pithy, saline and zesty, it's really bright and fresh, with touches of peach, passion fruit and orange peel making this very enjoyable." Decanter

"Fresh and mineral Grillo with lively citrus fruit and hints of white flowers and crushed stones. Medium-bodied, clean and crisp on the palate. Lively and vertical with a flavourful finish." James Suckling

Brigaldara's Soave is a fresh, clear and very successful white wine. Aromas of ripe apples, lime zest, flowers and a delicate hint of spice. Soft and supple on the palate, very focussed on the fruit and the pleasing acidity, with notes of almonds that give it a respectable depth. Subtle notes of kiwi and citrus fruit on the pleasant finish - very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sensibly under screw cap, a fair closure for this type of sharp, mineral, medium-bodied white wine. And it's very good too, albeit in a more traditional form. Orchard fruits, jasmine and a hint of tangerine peel, marking a noble bitter finish of excellent persistence. Very easy to drink. Lasting." James Suckling

Kalterersee Auslese is a light ruby-red, smooth and low-tannin classic with a pleasantly mild, smooth and fruity flavour. Perfect to enjoy with typical Tyrolean dishes such as bacon and sausage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Tense and tight nose, reductive at first, then with floral, pink grapefruit and pomegranate notes. The attack is velvety, with ripe tannins, refreshing acidity and a medium body. Polished, beguiling finish." James Suckling

Deep ruby red colour with a violet hue. Clean, intense and persistent on the nose, with notes of red fruits, blackberries and sour cherries. Full and fruity on the palate, with notes of tobacco and liquorice on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is remarkably pretty. It opens with a cascade of violets and lavender before giving way to crushed blackberries and a twist of sour citrus. It's soft and round with saturating wild berry fruits and inner herbal tones, taking on a peppery edge toward the close. Vibrant acidity maintains a fantastic balance as the 2022 tapers off long, potent and gently tannic. This makes for a beautiful introduction to the La Valentina house style." Vinous

"A spicy and fleshy red with aromas and flavors of blueberries, plums, mint, chocolate and paprika. It’s medium- to full-bodied with grainy tannins. Good freshness." James Suckling

As the name Sasyr suggests, this wine is a blend of Sangiovese and Syrah. Only 15 per cent of the Sangiovese matures for six months in large oak barrels, the rest comes from stainless steel. Pretty red colour with notes of blood orange, blueberries, crushed violets, dried herbs and some cedar wood. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh, dense finish. Sasyr is a fresh and harmonious red wine for many occasions. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fruity, juicy and velvety blend of sangiovese and syrah. Notes of dark cherries, cassis, chocolate and wildflowers on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a refined texture. Silky and delicious, with more blue fruit and flowers in the finish." James Suckling

Rich ruby-violet colour, very clear and intense bouquet with strong notes of dark fruit and a hint of violets. Juicy, fresh with lots of ripe berry fruit on the palate. Round, supple and dense with a fruity, savoury final, preferably served slightly chilled. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy and tangy nero d’avola with red berry and orange peel aromas and flavors, light tannins and a fruity finish. Just the right amount of tannins to keep it lively. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

Distinctive white wine from Monferrato. The aromatic Sauvignon Blanc grape variety gives the wine its unique floral bouquet, along with some pear and apple slices, passion fruit, gooseberry and citrus fruit. Its powerful texture and racy acidity are the basis for the medium-bodied and fresh flavour. Tra Donne Sole (The Lonely Women) is named after a work by Cesare Pavese. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale straw yellow with silvery reflections. Above-average intensity on the nose, of gooseberries, followed by fresh grass and elderberry. Smooth on the palate, delicately bitter, juicy and also fresh until the medium-long finish." Falstaff

"Attractive aromas of quince and melon with a hint of fine herbs and stones, followed by a medium body with a fresh, mineral character of ripe orchard fruit. Creamy finish." James Suckling

The dense, well-articulated Tuscan Montecucco Rosso Rigoleto made predominantly from organically grown Sangiovese grapes is extremely drinkable. The bouquet beguiles with beautiful aromas of dried plums and dark cherries. The focused and lively flavour is very attractive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sounds of small forest fruits and Mediterranean macchia; compact structure, fine-grained tannins, lots of dark cherry fruit and herbs on the final. A Mediterranean Rosso." Vinum

"Bright, intense ruby red with brightening edges. Pleasant aroma of cherries, redcurrants and some spice on the nose. Precise fruit flavours on the palate with a fine acidity curve, pleasant drinking flow." Falstaff

"A fresh, simple red wine from Montecucco, showing light cherry and some pomegranate, geranium and potpourri. Crisp and medium-bodied on the palate, with fresh red fruit flavours and a chewy finish." James Suckling

"This red is supple yet well-structured, featuring cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral flavors. The dense tannins provide support, but they aren't overbearing and should fall into place over the next six months to a year." Wine Spectator

Ruby red in colour with a violet hue. A clear aroma of red berries on the nose, including raspberry, sour cherry and blackcurrant. Hints of liquorice, rhubarb and young leather. On the palate, it is soft, opulent and has a good tannin structure. Like all Li Veli reds, it convinces on the finish with a well-integrated acidity and surprising freshness for the entire region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and peppery nose with bushy blackberries, mulberries, lavender extract, briar, asphalt and dark chocolate. Pretty concentrated and ripe on the palate with sweet, tight tannins. Vertical but still fluid in the middle. Plush, ripe and well-made." James Suckling

Grottolo Rosato has a rich pink colour, a delicate red winey bouquet and a juicy taste of wild berries and peach with a pleasantly balanced acidity. Spicy and fresh, compact, with a remarkably fresh flavour on the palate and a beautiful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of Sangiovese with plenty of Ciliegiolo and Montepulciano, tinged with roses and fresh raspberries; creamy in the mouth, the acidity accompanies the evolution into a lingering berry-floral final." Vinum

"Bright, luminous old rose colour. Pleasant aroma of raspberry, wild strawberry and cherry. Fresh on the palate with pleasantly noticeable tannins and a medium, fruity finish." Falstaff

"It is bright and red-fruited with notes of sour cherries, pomegranate peel and flowers. Medium-bodied, supple and structured, with a refreshing, citrusy finish." James Suckling