James Suckling

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

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

The Sallier de la Tour winery has been owned by the Counts Tasca since 2009, making it the fifth winery that complements and characterises the diversity and professionalism of what is probably Sicily's most famous winery. Sallier de la Tour specialises in the Grillo, Inzolia, Syrah and Nero d'Avola grape varieties.

Straw yellow with greenish reflections. Fresh nose of yellow fruits and meadow herbs. On the palate, notes of citrus enveloped by a fine acid wire and spice. The trendy white grape variety Grillo is simply fun in a glass! SUPERIORE.DE

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

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

Falanghina from the Molise DOC - even the Samnites not only appreciated this wine, they considered it to be one of the best. Golden yellow in colour, with a pleasantly fresh bouquet in which a hint of broom mingles with the exotic fruit aroma. Rich, full flavour reminiscent of pomegranate, yet always fresh and well-structured. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with greenish nuances. A fragrant nose of jasmine, overripe white peach and a hint of pepper. Youthful texture on the palate with animating freshness. Fruity-sweet, salty finish." Falstaff

"The 2023 Falanghina is understated, showing glimpses of yellow apples and honeyed flowers. It’s more savory than sweet, with oily textures and mineral-infused orchard fruits swirling throughout. This tapers off clean and with medium length, leaving a vivid note of ginger-spiked yellow apples." Vinous

"A fresh and lively Falanghina with flavours of lemon peel, grapefruit and chamomile. It is medium-bodied, bright and juicy. Made from organically grown grapes." James Suckling

A pretty bouquet of bright cherries, raspberries and pink flowers makes Gracciano della Setas Rosso di Montepulciano a real pleasure on the nose. It is juicy and savoury rather than sweet, with hints of wild berries and minerals. A hint of liquorice resonates on the medium-length finish as it fades away freshly. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour with a violet hue. Intense and multi-layered aromatic nose, very appealing with notes of ripe sour cherries, later light clove and pepper. Fresh and lively on the palate." Falstaff

"A fresh, fruit-driven red showing notes of strawberry, watermelon and orange. It’s crunchy and medium-bodied with lightly rustic tannins." James Suckling

"The 2023 Rosso di Montepulciano entices with a wild whiff of spiced citrus, giving way to crushed blackberries and a cascade of sweet spice. This is juicy and lifted with a subtle blend of ripe wild blueberries and blackberries that swirl across a core of brisk acidity. It tapers off spicy and long, leaving a pleasantly bitter tinge and hints of chalk dust and violet pastille." Vinous

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

The classic among Sicilian red wines - lively and fresh like the sunny island it comes from. It has a bright ruby red colour in the glass and pampers the nose with a beautifully fruity, deep bouquet of blackberries and cherries. A distinct blackcurrant flavour and almost sweetish fruit on the tongue, followed by a powerful fruity body with silky tannins on the palate. A well-balanced Nero d'Avola that is a pleasure to drink. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, fruity and supple nero d’avola. It has notes of cherries, currants and wild herbs with a touch of spices. It’s medium-bodied with soft tannins. Mellow, with crunchy berry character and a fresh 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

Villa Torre is the family winery's bestseller and comes from vines that are around 25 years old. Light straw-yellow in colour. Fresh floral aromas of nectarines, pears, lime and yellow apples. Soft on the palate, interwoven with sweet spices and framed by fresh, lively acidity, then citrus fruit and traces of minerals in the second half. A thoroughly energetic, exciting white wine with a high drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling golden yellow colour. Fruity and exotic on the nose of juicy mirabelle plums, plus subtle pineapple and passion fruit. Nice tension on the palate, fresh, with crisp fruit and a slightly salty note, above-average length on the finish." Falstaff

"A restrained wine with white pepper, minerals and lanolin. It’s youthful, with a graceful and enticing touch of mint. The attack is smooth, with a silky texture, a medium body, crisp acidity and a lean, savory aftertaste. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

Brigaldara's Valpolicella is mainly made from Corvina and Corvinone grapes. The timing of the harvest is very important for this wine, so that its flavours are very delicate and its sensory balance is influenced by the precisely measured acidity. It expresses the characteristic flavours of the valley: from cherries to spicy notes, which are more or less pronounced depending on the vintage. Its beautiful and radiant balance is achieved by a short maturation in steel, which perfectly enhances its sensory characteristics. SUPERIORE.DE

"So light and fleeting that the wine feels like a tingle on the tongue. Less is more. But that's exactly the point of a wine like this. It is best drunk slightly chilled as a substitute for a rosé or a similarly light red wine. Aeration brings red cherries, mountain herbs and freshness. Delicious in the truest sense of the word. Judged solely on honesty, fidelity and thirst-quenching pleasure." James Suckling

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

Chardonnay Fosche with a fine bouquet of ripe fruit, flowers, butter and fresh pastries, delicious on the palate with a lot of varietal character, fresh, full-fruity flavour with great acidity and a creamy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling straw yellow colour. Pronounced intensity on the nose, notes of juicy apricots and hints of pineapple. Soft and creamy on the palate, delicately bitter fruit flavour, medium length on the finish." Falstaff

"Apple slices, fruit candy, lemon peel and a hint of honeysuckle on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, bright and full of character with ripe fruit and a creamy texture. A hint of beeswax and spice with a lingering finish." James Suckling

Grottolo Rosato has a rich pink colour, a delicate red wine 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

"Understated yet remarkably pretty, the 2023 Rosato Montecucco lifts from the glass with an enticing blend of wild strawberries, stone dust and a dusting of sweet spice. This is full of zesty tension, crisp and mineral in style with tart orchard fruits and a saline tinge that tugs at the cheeks. It finishes quite clean, fresh and with medium length, leaving a steely sensation. This goes down far too easy." Vinous

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

Deep coral pink with a slightly lighter rim. Magnificently bright colour, smells of fresh peaches, apricot and Mediterranean herbs. Gripping on the palate, full of purity, flavour and a hint of minerality. Good body with a juicy, fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate salmon pink colour. Strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and a hint of marjoram on the nose. Balanced on the palate with a herbaceous finish. Precise acidity paired with a stimulating drinking flow. Full-bodied finish." Falstaff

"A light-coloured rosé with aromas of grapefruit, cherry stones and apricots. It is soft and fruity with a medium body and a smooth finish. Drink it now." James Suckling

Straw-yellow colour with pale green reflections. The flavour is tangy and fresh, with elegant acidity paired with mineral notes. A harmonious and well-balanced Gavi with an attractive volume of flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"An aromatic white with notes of sliced pears, lemon drops and dried flowers. Medium-bodied and textural, almost oily on the palate with some saline and zesty undertones in the finish." James Suckling

The deep red cuveé of Montepulciano and Sangiovese exudes a beguiling aroma of sour cherries, coffee, marjoram and vanilla. Flattering, juicy and very dense on the palate. Chocolate and plum on the long finish. Matured in Slovenian oak barrels, the tannins are ripe and melting. A fantastic everyday wine with charm and character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-bodied red showing attractive aromas of chocolate maltesers, peaches, licorice and sour cherries. Juicy and well-integrated tannins." James Suckling

Fresh Falanghina from the heart of Sannio Benevento. Light yellow in colour with fruity and floral notes of pineapple, banana, peach, a hint of pink broom and sage. Balanced on the palate with an admirable length and concentration of citrus fruit. Very nice as an aperitif and with light dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pleasantly fresh fruit bouquet, citrus fruit and elderflower; compact on the palate, vivid acidity, elegant finish, mineral and tart. A successful interpretation of the grape variety." Vinum

"The 2023 Falanghina Rocca dei Leoni opens with a fragrant blend of dried herbs and spices that fade into lemon peel and mint notes. It has a soft texture, juicy acidity and notes of green melon, which are emphasised by a hint of minerality towards the end. The 2023 finishes spicy and medium-bodied, with a hint of ginger that pleasantly emphasises the experience." Vinous

"A bright and refreshing white that has notes of lemon peel and white flowers on the nose, as well as crushed stones and sliced pears. It’s medium-bodied, saline and mineral. Drink now." James Suckling