James Suckling

The anniversary edition of the Novecento opens on the nose with layers of dark fruits, spices, tar and smoke. Then on the palate, there is terrific depth and hints of earth or crushed black rock. Novecento offers a great texture that is velvety and rich without ever seeming heavy or sluggish. Long and crisp on the spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe nose with aromas of maraschino, herbs and leather; the tannins robust, showing character and length, solid finish. Pair with a T-bone steak." Vinum

"The organic Dievole 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Novecento is slow to open and is neutral on first nose. It does eventually show some dark fruit and wild cherry that is nicely intermingled with spice, leather and tar. There is a warm or savory quality to this wine with autumn leaf and forest floor. The blend is 95% Sangiovese, 3% Canaiolo and 2% Colorino. This release celebrates the 30th vintage of this wine." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 vintage was one of the most balanced in recent years in Chianti Classico. Here, as Antonini confessed, there is no intention to make an approachable wine. The colour shines in its ruby red tinge; the nose is intensely fresh, flowery and slightly reductive at first, before an orange vert emerges from the depths to overlay black cherry and creamy strawberry. The attack is firm, crunchy and extracted. Fierce acidity supports a youthful cherry fruit expression with enough concentration and a thick finish. Quite austere for 2019, but amazing considering its ability to age." Decanter

"A tight, tannic version, this red has a strong grip on its currant, cherry and strawberry fruit. Revealing mineral and tar details, this remains succulent and breezy through the lingering aftertaste; just needs to absorb the tannins." Wine Spectator

"This is extremely aromatic, with strawberry and cherry character and hints of orange peel and flowers. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are integrated and polished. Bright acidity at the finish, Made from a mix of parcels from the highest vineyards of Dievole. Beautiful to drink now, but will age will, too." James Suckling

Sparkling yellow-green colour. The elegant, floral-scented Sauvignon Bianco Mantele is irresistible, with beautiful varietal typicity and a pleasingly slender waistline. Fine mineral notes on the palate add playfulness and vibrancy, overall very juicy and fresh. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny golden yellow colour. Pronounced nose of nettle, followed by tropical fruit of pineapple and passion fruit. Velvety on the palate on entry, then with a lot of tension, fresh and fruity until the lingering final." Falstaff

"After aeration with a fine Sauvignon nose, passion fruit, green chilli pepper, cassis leaves, grass clippings, Granny Smith. Finely woven, profound, generous. Minerality on the palate, tweaks the edge of the tongue, vital, taut acidity." Vinum

"Aromas of gooseberries, lemon leaves and subtle tomato leaves. Light- to medium-bodied with weight and texture, yet it has sharp acidity, savory citrus notes and a gently leafy aftertaste." James Suckling

Quercegobbe with sparkling, rich ruby violet. Clear and memorable nose with notes of blackberries, raspberries and ripe cherries. Substantial on the nose, opens with supple tannins. Sweet melting on the finish, fresh and clear, powerful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure varietal Merlot that tones beguilingly of blackberries, undergrowth and herbs; powerful construction, balanced, nice progression on notes of plums, pepper, also bitter almond notes." Vinum

"Dark ruby core with garnet rims. Restrained on the nose with hints of blueberry and forest floor. A little clearer on the palate of cherry and floral notes, striking acidity and fine-grained, somewhat astringent tannins with noticeable wood." Falstaff

"A creamy and delicious red with redcurrant and fresh-herb aromas and flavors. Medium body, fine tannins and a creamy finish. Balanced and delicious now, but better in a year or two, to allow the wood to resolve into the wine." James Suckling

The Serpara is elegant, intense and long-lasting every year. Its grapes come from a single vineyard and the wine matures in a combination of new and used French Allier oak barrels. In the glass, it exudes aromas of blackberries, tobacco, sage, thyme and a hint of smoked meat. It has a soft, almost creamy texture and juicy acids that keep the balance, while ripe black fruits and minerals move effortlessly across the palate. The bold tannins make their presence felt on the final, but are more of an accent that frames the experience well, while hints of dark chocolate and balsamic spices slowly fade away. SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine from the cru of the same name is the interpretation of the tension and juiciness of Aglianico. The mouthfeel shows notes of alcoholic cherries, laurel and white pepper. Dense and exciting on the palate, with iodised, chalky tannins and a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

"This wine has aromas of rosemary, dried strawberries, grilled plums, smoked paprika and mocha. It is spicy and flavourful, with a full body and firm, chewy tannins. Long, spicy and smoky finish." James Suckling

This archetypal Etna Rosso presents itself with great grace and beautiful varietal typicity. The bouquet has aromas of strawberry and cherry, the palate has medium-bodied fruit, slightly salty notes and spicy nuances in the beautiful final. It shows the specific volcanic character and is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, which is harvested at 600 to 700 metres above sea level on ashy volcanic soils. SUPERIORE.DE

"Berry bouquet with ripe red fruits such as red cherries, pomegranate, orange peel, plus bloody iodised notes. Dense and elegantly woven on the palate, concentrated mid-palate with small red berries, framed by a peppery, savoury acidity structure, fine tannins and a racy final. Wow, and this is the entry-level red!" Weinwisser

"Tightly wound at the core, with bright, creamy, fleshy black cherry and damson, overlaid with herbs and supported by gently mouthcoating tannins. The quality is evident and it's one of the most appealing Etna Rossos for an immediately pleasurable sip thanks to its contrast between freshness and depth of dark fruits." Decanter

"This energetic red Etna has a well-filled nose of blood orange, violets, geranium, black pepper and assertive pomegranate. Full-bodied with a soft, supple attack, crisp acidity and velvety tannins. It has very good fruit concentration, a crisp finish and good balance. It is drinkable now, but will continue to develop and gain in integration and complexity." James Suckling

New world meets old world. Exciting Sauvignon Bianco with lots of exotic fruits such as mango and lemon, plus a noble spiciness and notes of green tomato leaves, white stone and quince. Full-bodied and creamy on the palate with a tangy, electrifying acidity on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Transparent straw yellow with silver reflections. Aromatic nose, gooseberry, grapefruit, elderflower, somewhat reminiscent of drops. Juicy, tangy and salty on the palate, medium-bodied, clear acidity, lively flavour and balanced final." Falstaff

"Subtle flavours of sliced lemons, green melon and hints of stones and dry earth. Medium body with fresh acidity and a crisp and tangy finish. Classic sauvignon blanc. Subtle, bright and clear." James Suckling

Castellares dessert wine matures for five long years in chestnut wood caratelli, with just 3,500 bottles going on sale each year. Deep honey yellow in colour. The bouquet is reminiscent of wild porcini mushrooms, candied fruit with honey and caramel. Seductive and soft on the palate, the well-developed acidity not only ensures a wonderfully fresh drinking flow, but also gives this fine wine a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"An intense wine with a lively character. Aromas of varnish, glue, apricots, raisins, geraniums and roses. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity on the palate and a tight, lengthy finish." James Suckling

"Herbal, nutty and iodine aromas give way to flavours of caramel, brown butter, dried figs and orange peel. Lean and lively, with a long finish interspersed with caramel and toasted walnuts." Wine Spectator

"The Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2018 is a prime example of finesse and restraint. Notes of almonds, orange peel, spices, tangerine peel and rose water are beautifully emphasised. The residual sugar is a very modest 90 grams per Liters, making this moderately sweet Vin Santo one of the drier versions that harvestare likely to encounter." Vinous

Good, full red colour. Captivating aromas and flavours of ripe red cherry, spicy herbs and blackcurrant jelly are interwoven with bright liquorice and blood orange nuances. An exceptional Rosso that combines richness and vibrancy in a remarkably harmonious way. Closes creamy yet refined. Wow, this is more than the little brother of Brunello di Montalcino! SUPERIORE.DE

"A burst of crushed raspberry and sweet smoke comes together with cloves, cinnamon sticks and hints of worn leather as the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino opens in the glass. This is softly textured yet lifted in feel with ripe red fruits propelled by juicy acidity, as rosy inner florals add further depth. The 2021 tapers off structured and long, leaving the mouth watering even as grippy tannins resonate. The 2021 found excellent balance in this warm vintage." Vinous

"Here comes an intense and fruit-expressive Rosso di Montalcino that delivers excellent richness and freshness on the nose. Mineral, ripe strawberries, red plums and walnuts to the nose follow through to a tight, medium- to full-bodied palate. Quite vertical and structured with lots of tannins that give a comfortably grippy closure to the long, tight finish. A serious, outstanding Rosso di Montalcino." James Suckling

L'Arcione Rosso, an elegant Friulian cuvée of Pignolo and Schiopettino, reveals a variety of aromas ranging from earthy to exotic on the nose. It is a highly expressive wine full of lively fruit and extraordinary complexity, its purity and race are breathtaking. This selection should be savoured at leisure! SUPERIORE.DE

"A perfumed red displaying aromas of raspberries, bark, orange rind and violets. It’s medium-bodied and firm on the palate with chalky tannins. Crushed-walnut character coming through at the end." James Suckling

A Pinot Nero from Franz Haas is a textbook expression every year and a benchmark throughout South Tyrol, with bright aromas of blueberries, violets and lavender rising gracefully from the bouquet. This is pure cool climate in the glass. On the palate, it is taut and silky and always beautifully polished and streamlined in a positive sense. This is a beautiful, complex and exceptional Pinot Nero from a master hand. SUPERIORE.DE

"This elegant Pinot Nero is finely meshed, with a fine, raw silk–like grain to the tannins as they support a refreshing range of chopped cherry, roasted fig, blood orange peel and wild sage. Long and creamy on the spiced finish." Wine Spectator

"This is a light-coloured, fruit-driven Pinot with fresh plums, cherries and rosehips on the nose. The palate is crisp and medium-bodied. Excellent tension." James Suckling

The Campo della Pieve vineyard (approx. 380 metres above sea level) faces south-west and has thicker soils and more tufa. The most recent parcel, which was recently acquired, is the highest to date at 400 metres above sea level. The site is more susceptible to wind and has good water retention thanks to the heavier clay soils.

Bright, light golden yellow colour. Delicate nose of fresh yellow apple, some peach, lemon balm, flint in the background. Round and smooth on the palate with a lovely balance between acidity, freshness, citrus and tropical fruit, plus a subtle minerality. In keeping with the characteristics of the Vernaccia grape, the wine is not overly fruity, but displays an exciting spiciness that lends it personality and an additional arc of tension. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pleasant bouquet of apricots and dried roses; the attack is juicy, the acidity well integrated, salty-mineral nuances, pleasing with its timeless style." Vinum

"Bright, radiant straw yellow with light olive green reflections. Fresh and fragrant on the nose, juicy lemons, sage, minimal hints of white peach, elegant spicy notes on the finish. Very fresh on the palate with clear fruit, balanced, with subtle creamy fruit and a long, juicy finish. A great Vernaccia!" Falstaff

"A delicious, balanced and refreshing white wine with notes of stone fruit, yellow plums and a hint of lemon nougat. It has a medium body with fresh acidity and brightness in the centre. Lively and juicy." James Suckling

"Very distinctive, with aromas of herbs, citrus fruits and elderflower. The wine is salty, dynamic and has a great depth of flavour. It comes from a 15-year-old vineyard owned by the Logi family and planted on 1.5 hectares of yellow sand and limestone soils below the Pieve (parish) of San Donato. Spontaneous fermentation and long ageing on fine lees in concrete." Decanter

Castellares Chianti Classico Riserva opens with a bouquet of black cherry, plum, mocha, game, spices, leather and tobacco. A dark, mysterious wine with enormous depth and the potential to develop well for many years to come. This medium-bodied, super-classic Riserva captures the Castellare style beautifully, with plenty of character and a strong personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wood nuances eventually give way to leather and macerated cherry. The fruit is bright and concentrated but pure, and juicy acidity helps brighten the wine, while ripe, polished tannins give way generously. Give this wine another year to digest its oak." Decanter

"A balanced, concentrated and delicious red wine with flavours of baked cherries, cassis and grilled herbs. It is medium-bodied with chewy tannins. Serious, with a juicy mid palate and a solid, compact finish with length." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is a silky, racy wine. With remarkable elegance and finesse, the 2021 is very expressive right from the start. Dark macerated cherry, spice, new leather, liquorice and a kiss of French oak adorn this polished Riserva." Vinous

"A rich, round version, offering plum, cherry, vanilla and iron flavors. There's a solid grip of tannins but also vibrant acidity that focuses this red and propels the finish. The balance tips toward the tannins for now, so give this some time in the bottle." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, notes of Durone de Vignola and peony, then a hint of rhubarb. Spicy tannins on the palate, with hints of dark fruit, flowers and undergrowth." Luca Gardini

Top-class Pinot Bianco from the South Tyrolean Wine Road, more precisely from the exposed Sirmian hillside, where the Pinot Bianco finds its ideal location and an optimal microclimate. As a result, it is of remarkable quality every year. Clear and sparkling straw yellow in the glass, with an intense bouquet of light flowers, green apple, redcurrants and a hint of sage and nutmeg. Harmonious, powerful and persistent on the palate, with a full flavour typical of the grape variety and a beautiful melting, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, light golden yellow colour. Intense on the nose with notes of meadow herbs, juicy vineyard peach, very subtle hints of white bread. Slightly creamy on the palate, lively, supportive acidity, very pleasantly persistent." Falstaff

"Matured for eight months in large oak barrels, the 2022 Pinot Bianco Sirmian has a bright colour and allows plenty of light to shine through. The wine is multi-layered and rich in stone fruit, quince and pear. You get a very nice ensemble with ripe fruit tones, herbal notes on the finish and a pinch of cinnamon spice. This is the 50th vintage." Wine Advocate

"A minerally pinot blanc with a fairly smoky character. The nose shows restrained Williams pears, apple juice and assertive salt-and-pepper minerality. Smooth and soft attack with weight and concentration, a medium body and toasted flavors with classy depth and length. Juicy finish." James Suckling

"Exciting flavours of grapefruit, freshly cut grass and flowers with a hint of pepper that hugs the lively acidity. Full-bodied and viscous with a luscious lemon liquid that percolates towards the end. Superb!" Decanter

With his flagship Poggio al Lupo from the Magliano winery of the same name, Antonio Moretti has created an extremely varietal Cabernet Sauvignon. Its full bouquet of red fruits and spices is already delicious. On the palate, there is a lot of pressure and an equally generous variety of aromas of blackberries, dried cherries and young leather. Enveloped by a finely woven tannin, this typical Maremma wine goes gently and long into a very attractive finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red. In the nose of ripe blackberries, cassis and rum pot, slightly vegetal note in the reverberation. On the palate fruity, juicy, with soft tannin, harmonious, has train, long final." Falstaff

"A fruity cab with an attractive structure of firm, polished tannins and a juicy finish. Medium-bodied, linear and bright." James Suckling

Nerello Cappuccio with dried flowers, cherries and spices on the nose offers elegant pleasure. Medium-bodied, delicate and ethereal on the finish. A fascinating interpretation of the indigenous Etna grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Nerello Cappuccio is dark and brooding in the glass. Hints of sage and balsamic spice complicate dried black cherries on the nose. It’s much more giving on the palate, pleasantly ripe in style with a wave of tart wild berry fruits and saline minerals that saturate, adding tension toward the close. The 2021 tapers off with a staining of primary concentration, gently grippy tannins and a bitter tinge of tart blackberry that lingers on and on." Vinous

"Flavours of watermelon, slightly tart cherries and crushed stones follow through to a medium body, with bright acidity and a creamy and round tannin structure. Delicious now, but even better in a few years." James Suckling

"Oudeis" has its origins in the Greek name "Odysseus" and means "nobody". And indeed, no one but the outstanding terroir of the Alta Langa is responsible for the complexity of Enrico Serafino's sparkling wines.

Bright, rich straw yellow colour. The fragrant nose seduces with a salty minerality, a potpourri of country flowers, lime, blood orange and ripe peach. The palate is exciting, fresh and extremely flavoursome, with well-integrated perlage and precisely measured intensity and a texture that is never too heavy or too flat. Oudeis Brut has a very energetic arc of tension and convinces in the remarkable final with a refined interplay of fruit and acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"This Alta Langa opens with a mix of lemon and orange peel, baked apples, yellow flowers and cake batter. On the palate, it is round with a vinous note that emphasises the character of the Pinot Noir, with cherry and flowers and a mineral finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Alta Langa's Brut Oudeis 2019 is remarkably pretty, with a delicate blend of peaches and young mango accompanied by hints of incense and spice. It shows a round, smooth texture and juicy acidity with a core of tart fruit that creates a nice tension towards the end. The finish is of medium length, leaving a hint of sour citrus and a steely minerality that gives it a tactile edge. The 2019 is beautifully made and shows incredible balance. Well done." Vinous

"Limpid and creamy nose with brioche, lemons, sliced pears and chalk. Restrained but generous, with crisp, fine beads on the medium-bodied palate. Tangy and lightly saline in the finish." James Suckling

"An elegant sparkling wine with a fine mousseux. It offers well-defined acidity and a savoury undertone interwoven with a beautiful palette of yellow peach, grapefruit granita, crushed lemon thyme and notes of white flowers." Wine Spectator

"Enrico's vision in this revealing Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend from 36 months on the fine lees, giving a clear idea of the terroir, nose with notes of white peach, broom and cedar thyme, taut mouthfeel of beautiful complexity and density, finish with a fruity orchestral return." Luca Gardini

This beguiling Gewürztraminer is one of the most exciting growths in the wine world and is the favourite of the Italians. Golden yellow with an aroma potpourri of roses, exotic fruits and oriental spices. Powerful and complex on the palate with discreet residual sweetness and a long finish. Gewürztraminer Sanct Valentin is an absolute top growth that promises wonderful drinking pleasure even after many years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Textbook gewurztraminer nose with lots of perfumes and spices. Lychee, cantaloupe, roses, freshly-cut vanilla and cinnamon spices. Mellow, dry and medium- to full-bodied on the palate with low, creamy acidity and a long, flavorful finish full of lychee and white roses." James Suckling

Noble, typically Tuscan notes of cherries, blackberries, violets and spices on the nose. Extraordinarily complex, multi-layered and excellently structured on the palate. Firm tannins, intense fruit and pleasant acidity are already in perfect harmony. The drinking pleasure builds beautifully and increases in the long final. For us, it has been an attractive alternative to Antinori's famous Tignanello for years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of dried cherries, bark, mahogany and porcini mushrooms. Also lemons and herbs. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and tangy acidity. Juicy, flavoursome and supple." James Suckling

"This red wine is made from Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon in a supporting role. The Poggio Bonelli 2018 Poggiassai is velvety, rich and full of dark fruits, cherry liqueur, barbecue spices and grilled herbs. The wine shows a beautiful dark colour and dense concentration to complete what is ultimately a very contemporary style of wine." Wine Advocate

Don Luigi Riserva opens with a dark, seductive blend of musky blackcurrants, sweet sage and crushed ash stones. It is full-bodied and almost creamy in flavour. The palate is lapped up by deep, ripe dark fruit and exotic spices. In between, a lively acidity with lingering notes of red plums and cedar wood. Beneath the surface is a hint of grippy tannin. The balance of this wine is breathtaking and further bottle ageing will improve it even further. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet reflections. Very ripe, sweet fruit notes on the nose, aromas of preserved cherries, plums and liquorice, underlaid with cocoa and a hint of liquorice. A fruity-sweet core on the palate, grippy and rustic tannins, with a hint of liquorice on the finish." Falstaff

"A powerful red wine with flavours of black cherries, plums, dried mint and hazelnuts. It is ripe and full-bodied with firm but creamy tannins. Opulent yet balanced." James Suckling

Amarone Selezione Antonio Castagnedi delivers high quality for its price every year: bright ruby red with sparkling reflections. A variety of aromas of violets, graphite, black cherries and minerals and a lively, structured, down-to-earth, very present style. Its richness and depth make it the perfect accompaniment to winter cuisine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright, rich ruby red colour. Very fragrant bouquet on the nose, spicy, cinnamon, blood orange, fresh peach, raspberries. Spicy flavours and clear fruit on the palate, balanced, with a juicy tannin finish and beautiful length." Falstaff

"If you've ever had the opportunity to stand in old hand-fired brick drying sheds, three storeys high, filled with hot steam, leaves tied in bundles, stacked up and up and up, you'll know what this wine smells like. It is an extraordinary odour. It smells of steam-soaked red clay bricks, of tobacco leaves, green, yellow, gold, copper-coloured, brown and of earth, spices, dust and oven smoke. It is the smell of a good Amarone. And this one carries its layers of tobacco between layers of dried plums, dried cherries, crushed rosehips, bitter oranges and nutmeg. It is dry, elegant, refined. It is an extraordinary beauty." Jancis Robinson

"Very dense on the nose, so it should be swirled well to emphasise the bright red fruits such as raspberries and red cherries, which are immediately apparent on the palate. Full-bodied and structured, with a youthful feel created by the backbone of fresh tannins. It can be drunk at the dinner table now, but it is made to last and will lie in the cellar for a few more years." James Suckling

"The 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Antonio Castagnedi is a dark, seductive wine with a blend of black cherries and crushed purple candies that fade into a hint of cocoa. The wine is silky smooth, almost creamy, yet full-bodied, with ripe red fruit contrasted by a hint of bitter balsamic spice. It finishes with youthful tension, leaving a layer of grippy tannins that are nicely balanced by a hint of residual acidity. The 2019 has a wonderful balance that makes it an excellent choice for the dinner table, but will also aid its ageing. It also has only 15% alcohol. Beautiful." Vinous

Deep dark, sparkling ruby red colour. An opulent dark red fruit basket on the nose, intense and full. From the very first sip, a depth that is unrivalled in this price range. The heights to which this wine is capable of carrying the connoisseur are nothing short of spectacular. At the same time, it always convinces with an indescribable balance. Maharis is never fat or jammy, but its potpourri of dark fruits, spices, matured leather and a subtle smoky note is balanced at all times with an almost surprising freshness and liveliness. The final is long, velvety and richly textured. Magnificent! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Nose with elegant wood, fine spice, black pepper and grated blackcurrants, sour cherries, dried flowers on the finish. On the palate, grippy and present, with a cool fruit centre and tight tannins, final on fine salty notes." Falstaff

"This balanced Syrah from Alberello vines grown on chalky soils in Noto has an incredible perfume of Parma violets, cedar wood, dark chocolate, balsam, dried cherries and wild strawberries. In the mouth, it is concentrated and vertical, with plenty of freshness, floral scents and airy delicacy combined with dark, juicy fruit. Juicy and stony with hints of violets and lavender, then liquorice, black pepper and coffee notes on the long finish, this is such a beautiful wine." Decanter

"The aromas of dark fruit, dried meat, bacon and orange peel are impressive. It’s medium-bodied with juicy fruit, round tannins and notes of dried meat and cedar. Lightly bitter at the end in a good way. An attractive blend of syrah and nero d’avola that gives an international take on the Sicilian area of Noto." James Suckling

Deep dark ruby red. On the nose, complex aromas of dark fruits, espresso, liquorice and herbal notes. Very classically taut on the palate, with finely honed tannins and a fresh, bright acid wire. An Apulian classic as it is written in the textbook. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich hints of tarry smoke and toast on the nose underscore baked strawberry and plum fruit flavors in this robust, full-bodied red. Tightly-knit and fresh, a stemmy touch of dried herb lingers on the grippy finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of nicely baked berries, dark plums, dried leaves and a twist of red dates and fine, savory cocoa beans. Full-bodied and lightly spicy with very compact, powdery tannins. Slightly bittersweet and savory in finish. Very tight now, but shows impressive tannin quantity and quality." James Suckling