James Suckling

Bright ruby red colour. Warm, balsamic bouquet of black cherry, some plum and blackcurrant syrup, then firm, complex and spicy on the palate, the fruit beautifully present and with a wonderfully long finish with notes of leather and sweet tobacco. The well-structured tannins perfectly round off the overall picture of a serious red with personality and character. The 20/24-month ageing in French oak barrels (25-35 hl), followed by a further year in the bottle, enriches the aromatic complexity of the wine with a clear focus on balance and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Plum and Amarena cherries on the nose, with elderberries and mint, reminiscent of roasted apple. Juicy, radiant on the palate, spreads over the tongue with great play and lots of tension, slightly salty, finesse-rich and long finish." Falstaff

"A 100% expression of Sangiovese, the Rocca delle Macìe 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva SerGioveto shows hints of baked plum, candied fruit and spice with dusty mineral and good overall definition." Wine Advocate

"The nose layers soil and pencil shavings on top of strawberries and cherries and then chocolate and coffee, before the palate luxuriates in chocolate-cherry notes with a texture that's dense and velvety but maintains its integrity with angular tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Subtle and complex aromas of red berries, mushrooms, blood orange and nutmeg. A medium-bodied Chianti Classico, showing dusty tannins and juicy, savory berry fruit on the palate. Silky and effortless." James Suckling

"Rich, laced with cherry, raspberry, earth and underbrush flavors. Revealing weighty, well-integrated tannins, this is balanced overall and tightens up on the finish." Wine Spectator

The rich garnet-red Pelago in Riserva quality made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano and small amounts of Merlot has a captivating aroma of raspberries, strawberry jam, cloves, tobacco and mocha. On the palate, it reveals a noble spiciness and a hearty, juicy and very long flavour. This vintage should also turn out to be a real charmer after some ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Noble, shiny ruby red with hints of garnet red. Dark bouquet with notes of plum and black elderberry, including cedar wood. Indescribably soft on the palate, rolls gently over the tongue with velvety tannins, dense fruit through to the long finish." Falstaff

"On the nose, it shows an array of sour cherries, bark, walnuts and plums. It is medium to full-bodied with well-integrated tannins and a savoury finish. Concentrated and composed." James Suckling

Here comes Varvàra, the convincing "second wine" from the Bolgheri shooting star, named in honour of BaroneVarvàra Wrangel. A wine in the style of the house: a rich, bright ruby colour with a garnet rim, a sophisticated bouquet with a finely pronounced ripe berry nose and beautiful herbal aromas. Warm on the palate, polished, tightly woven and of great elegance and refinement. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Pronounced nose of juicy blackberries, cigar box, slightly animal and vegetal notes on the finish. Rich fruit sweetness on the palate with great presence, firm tannins, very juicy and recurring on the finish." Falstaff

"The flavours of raspberries and cherries with thyme and mint are beguiling and merge into a medium body with a beautiful depth and purity of fruit and long, refined tannins. Very polished." James Suckling

Aroma of dried black berries with nutty tones, tar, tobacco, candy, dark caramel and a light woody note. Powerful in the mouth, ripe, again partly dried fruit with a little cocoa-spicy wood flavours, slightly compote-like on the palate, dense and persistent, warming alcohol, present, predominantly crumbly tannin, some tar, behind it tobacco and herbs. Wonderful, partly salty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Gently shimmering ruby colour with a dark core. Soft, inviting bouquet of stewed cherries and cocoa, some mocha in the aftertaste. Opens on the palate with dark fruit, covered in chocolate, then with velvety tannins, spicy and long." Falstaff

"A dark blend of wild blackberries, meat and graphite minerality. The austerity of the nose returns on the palate with firm, austere tannins, a full body and powerful acidity. The result is a very powerful style with a polished finish that reveals salt, chocolate and fruit." James Suckling

Polissena shows the typical signature of Il Borro: the wines are made as typical of the grape variety as possible and therefore come into the glass as authentically and transparently as possible - particularly recognisable here with Sangiovese. The nose has a fine cherry flavour with hints of wild berries, forest floor, herbs and a little plum. On the palate, the typical acidity is paired with delicate fruit, a firm centre and a taut final. The 12-month maturation in used and almost neutral barriques is very conducive to the freshness and straightforwardness of the Polissena. Great drinking pleasure and stylistically comparable to a Brunello! SUPERIORE.DE

"Lifted nose with herbs, spice and red fruit. Vanilla and dill notes mingle with cherry and orange zest nuances." Decanter

"The 2019 Valdarno di Sopra Sangiovese Vigna Polissena from Il Borro has undergone a 30-day fermentation and is aged for 18 months in neutral barriques. It offers a silky and gentle character with very direct fruit, which is softened by the oak spice. A nice mineral note rounds things off." Wine Advocate

"The nose is sunny and wild, with aromas of warm tar and brick dust, then Bing cherries and blood orange, then packed earth, crushed sage and wild fennel that roll onto a round and lush palate of strawberries, cherries, bitter orange and wild herbs. A hint of acidity and a growing peppery spiciness on the back palate linger into a lingering finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Flavours of cedar, salted caramel, fresh flowers and cherries follow through to a medium body with ultra-fine tannins that integrate beautifully with the wine. A hint of wood at the end, but a lovely finish." James Suckling

Franciacorta Millesimato brut perfectly combines the elegance of Chardonnay and the aristocracy of Pinot Nero. A rich bouquet with hints of apple, jasmine blossom, camomile and sea salt. Round and aromatic on the palate, with a very fine, persistent perlage and creamy foam. This Brut accompanies starters or the entire menu. Perfect! SUPERIORE.DE

"Greenish-yellow with silver reflections. Fresh butter, citrus fruits and herbs on the nose. Creamy note, very clear flavour, floral nuances, very pleasant and linear. Long, balsamic finish." Falstaff

"The 2018 Brut Franciacorta Essence opens with an airy blend of crushed apples, raw almonds and white flowers. It’s chiseled within, striking deeply with mineral-tinged bubbles that slowly round out and sweeten as this travels across the palate. Custard and baked pear hints linger as the 2018 finishes with medium-length and crisply refreshing." Vinous

"Fresh ripe peaches reveal a sorbet-like, soft and round texture on the palate. Gently nutty and toasty with a lot of fruit." James Suckling

"Lareale" - the "true, genuine" Chianti Classico Riserva from Lamole di Lamole offers attractive aromas of black cherries and spices. The palate has plenty of depth; a slender body, velvety tannins and a beautiful texture right into the long, clean finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a slightly light rim. Compact nose with notes of juicy, dark cherries, blood oranges and rose petals in the background. Fine, sweet fruit on the palate, well-integrated, round tannins, with a plum final." Falstaff

"A serious, firm and focused riserva showing notes of dark cherries, dried herbs and sweet spices, following though to a medium to full body with fine, firm tannins. Well built and solid, with a textural core of berries funneling through to the compact, focused yet juicy finish." James Suckling

"This broad red's cherry, strawberry, mineral and eucalyptus flavors ride a wave of juicy acidity, keeping this fresh and focused. Earth, iron and tobacco accents grace the moderately gripping, salty finish." Wine Spectator

"Lareale is a blend of two vineyards: on Lamole’s classic Macigno (sandstone) soil, Il Prato includes a portion of bush vines planted in 1945, whereas Le Masse is a steep, stony, terraced site soaring upwards from 600 metres. The merger makes for a mineral-inflected mouthful. It's a suitable step up in depth and structure for its category, while still demonstrating Lamole’s slender frame. Flint and juniper notes lead, and the vintage’s warmth gives a generosity to the red berry palate. Nuanced by alpine herbs and stones, its sandy-textured tannins give traction." Falstaff

The De Ferrari brothers select their Riserva from the oldest vines on the estate's best plots. Ruby red in colour with a garnet hue. The wine opens discreetly with subtle but captivating hints of sage, leather and allspice. On the palate, it is supple and agile and feels confidently extracted, with firm, straightforward tannins, but not overdone. The wood supports rather than imposes on the wine, and the vibrant acidity of the vintage comes through nicely. Long, seductive and delicately spicy on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, sparkling ruby red colour. Hints of leather and ripe fruit on the nose, followed by notes of wood and marzipan. Elegant tannins on the palate with a slightly ethereal finish." Falstaff

"Charismatic aromas of red berries, tobacco and leather; elegant, balanced, the tannins perfectly integrated and supported by a lively acidity, convincing with its classic style." Vinum

"A slightly viscous Vino Nobile with the character of berries, bark and dried mushrooms. Full-bodied with some fresh acidity under the tannin backbone." James Suckling

"Mint and eucalyptus shade the cherry and strawberry fruit in this lean but solid red wine, which has an underlying minerality. Balanced, this wine needs time to fully integrate all the elements, but there is still a very positive energy that drives the long finish." Wine Spectator

Antonio Bragato, born in Germany but with an absolute Friulian identity, joined forces 20 years ago with Gianni Maccari, who was cellar master at Livio Felluga for many years and founded his own winery Ronco della Rocca at the beginning of the millennium. Maccari, who has a degree in agronomy and Oenologist, is considered one of the best-trained viticultural experts in Friuli. The profound knowledge of his own 12 hectares of vineyards as well as the leased plots and the radical precision in the execution of every operation characterise the clear style and the reliable quality of the wines that Antonio Bragato creates there together with him.

From the 2019 vintage, Antonio Bragato's wine experiment enters a new era. Since then, the team has relied on an even more rigorous selection of the oldest vines from the coolest and best sites. The results of the "New Edition" can truly be seen and tasted. They are even more radical in complexity and finesse. We are pleased to be able to offer our customers the smallest editions of these wines, which confirm the many years of work and experience of the two quality fanatics!

The vines from which the Sauvignon Bianco grapes for this delicious wine come are over 30 years old. In the open-hearted bouquet, initially elderflower, white peach, cassis, menthol and gooseberry, then in the background a cool, mineral-smoky note. On the nose, it is taut, precise, dense and juicy to the point, with a cool, very elegant drinking flow as it progresses. The overall experience is flanked by a well-portioned acidity and carried on and on. In the long, full-bodied final, a wonderful aroma and a delicate melting. Beguiling and highly convincing! SUPERIORE.DE

"A floral, intense, slightly spicy aroma, a hint of paprika, but also yellow fruit and wax. In the mouth, a smoothly grounded wine with a slightly phenolic extract filling and a firm acid structure is revealed. The wine has freshness and tension with good density and medium length, it seems made for table use." Falstaff

"This ripe and concentrated Sauvignon blanc is so elegant and finely tuned that it draws you inexorably under its spell. With its aromas of cassis and grapefruit peel and a hint of flint, it is reminiscent of the Loire. Mouth-filling, but so graceful and precise until the long finish with wet stones." James Suckling

Sagana, an impressively varietal and at the same time very fresh Nero d'Avola of dark colour, intensely scented of sour cherries, undergrowth, iodine and graphite. Very powerful and full-bodied on the palate, velvety tannins and a long, slightly nutty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, almost impenetrable ruby red. In the nose rich chocolate notes, ripe cassis, Amarena cherries and slightly vegetal. Gripping and powerful on the palate, spreads out widely, opens up on pithy wide-meshed tannin, hearty on the final." Falstaff

"A deep coloured, purple Nero d'Avola with medium to full body and aromas of soaked blackberries, iron, eucalyptus and violets. Fresh and concentrated, with creamy tannins that show through on the slightly spicy finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of blackberries, stones and fresh mushrooms transition to a medium body with firm tannins and a fresh, juicy finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Sàgana is intense, dark and earthy in nature, with hints of smoke and camphor that bring out blackcurrant, tobacco and ash. It has a deep texture, feels almost creamy and is very tasty, with plum sauce, sage and a core of salty minerality that gives it gravitas. A layer of fine tannins finishes the wine with an echo of black fruit and a bitter aftertaste. Sàgana is a serious Nero d'Avola that needs a year or two in the cellar to show its best side." Vinous

"The 2019 Sicilia Sàgana is made from Nero d'Avola from the 12 hectare Vigneto del Torrone Bianco Tenuta San Giacomo and is very rich and concentrated with dark, dark fruit and a full-bodied presentation. The wine is lush, structured and very modern with a good blend of blackberry fruit and oak spice." Wine Advocate

"This Nero d'Avola from a single vineyard of Cusumano's Tenuta San Giacomo estate, located on the limestone cliff of Butera in southern Sicily, is a great wine. It is fresh and has great mid-palate tension combined with structured tannins. Aromatic black cherry aromas and flavours accompany intense dark chocolate, spices and herbs." Decanter

Barolo Essenze is made from a collection of grapes from six different vineyards: Bussia in Monforte, Annunziata in La Morra, Ravera in Novello, La Volta in Barolo, Scarrone in Castiglione Falletto and Gianetto in Serralunga. The wine has a flawless ruby red colour and a bouquet with a variety of aromas of liquorice and roasted notes. Lively on the palate, confident and luscious on the palate with a present, yet elegant tannin final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pleasant, approachable Barolo with raspberry-cola aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with some fine-grain tannin that broadens the wine a bit." James Suckling

Nero has been one of Puglia's most interesting and sophisticated wines for many years: this dark ruby red wine is full of cherry and blackberry flavours with a hint of vanilla and tobacco. On the palate, it is spicy with elegant tannins and good structure and impresses with its extraordinary depth and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich and warming red with aromas of orange rind, mulberries, hot chocolate and spiced cherries. Full-bodied, ripe and mellow, with velvety tannins and a caressing finish." James Suckling

Medium cherry red colour. Tobacco, leather and liquorice on the nose, with a beautiful cherry aroma on the palate, supported by a good acidity and tannin structure. An excellent interpretation of Sangiovese with a great value. SUPERIORE.DE

"A soft red whose core of dark cherry is accentuated by wood smoke and clay flavours. Balanced and fresh, this wine flows through to the long-lasting finish, in which the smoky note lingers." Wine Spectator

"Nose of fresh red berries, citrus peel and a hint of hibiscus. Medium-bodied, bright and refreshing, with dusty tannins and a crisp aftertaste." James Suckling

The Nebbiolo grapes for Matteo's entry-level Barolo come from his three vineyards Serralunga d'Alba, La Morra and Verduno. Bright garnet red colour. Precisely balanced bouquet of wild berries, rose petals and beautiful herbal spice. Bright acidity on the palate, perfectly integrated tannins and beautifully emphasised primary fruit. Already very accessible when young, it will nevertheless gain in complexity over the years. Excellent value! SUPERIORE.DE

"Subtle notes of red fruit, dried orange, spices and a hint of lavender. Medium-bodied, vivid and crunchy with firm tannins. Dry and juicy at the end." James Suckling

The single-varietal Merlot Focus beguiles with its elegant aroma of red fruits and warm, balsamic tones. The fresh taste is characterised by the typical spiciness and the lively tannins of a high-quality and rare Merlot from the Colli Orientali. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep ruby. Cool climate Merlot aromas and flavors with flinty red berries, wet stones, fresh herbs, with only minimal notes of coffee and cocoa. Vibrant and long on the juicy finish. A 22 years old, single vineyard Merlot from Prepotto." Vinous

"A soft and beautiful wine with hazelnut, coffee and chocolate aromas and flavors. Mint and eucalyptus notes, too. Full to medium body. Round and soft tannins. Complex and long." James Suckling

Brilliant golden yellow colour. The nose opens with yellow fruit, summer-ripened peach, pear and honeydew melon, as well as hints of mineral tones, ash and crushed flint. On the palate, Golden Delicious, pear and a certain creaminess, which in turn is flanked by salty notes. The acidity is very well integrated, all in all a wonderful white wine with impressive depth and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is fresh with notes of nectarine, pear drops, acacia and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, chalky and mineral with white flowers and mineral undertones. Piquant on the finish." James Suckling

Valletta is a blend of Sangiovese from the Gagliole vineyards in Castellina and Merlot from the Panzano vineyards. The wine is fermented in stainless steel (each variety is processed separately) and then aged in oak, some of which is new. Supple and racy, it offers enormous appeal from the very first sip. Ripe black cherry, mint, spices, espresso and blood orange open up with a little time in the glass. An open, sensual Tuscan red wine that has a lot to offer. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of plums, dried flowers and bark follow through to a medium body with round, juicy tannins and a soft, bright finish. Half Merlot from Panzano and half Sangiovese from Castellina in Chianti. Beautiful finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Valletta is a blend of equal parts Sangiovese and Merlot. It's a combination that works very well in this vintage. Juicy dark cherry and plum fruit opens first, followed by sweet tobacco, mocha, dried herbs, leather and cedar. The flavours of the Sangiovese and bright acidity complement the fruit of the Merlot very well." Vinous

Garnet red in colour with aromas of jammy fruit, black cherry, cherry, vanilla, with a hint of wilt and spice. It is a wine of great structure, enveloped in fine, chalky tannins, complex, elegant and velvety. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby colour with a subtly brightening rim. Fine sweet fruit on the nose, elegant potpourri of oranges, cherries and wild strawberries, inviting and clear. Subtle, elegant pressure on the palate, savoury, precise, opens with polished tannins and light juiciness, beautiful length." Falstaff

"Dark ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Cherry liqueur with a hint of dark chocolate. Lush, deep cherry on the palate with a hint of Mon Chéri and a bite of firm but polished tannins and overall dramatically more balanced than the pure Classico." Jancis Robinson

"Quite a vegetal nose with dried berries underneath. Fruitier on the palate, with a full body and fine, slightly firm tannins that accompany the fruit through the long finish. The vegetal note persists, but by the end it becomes an element of complexity rather than a distraction." James Suckling

"A harmonious red, with fresh earth and sanguine notes serving as a savory thread enmeshed with juicy sun-dried cherry, red licorice, singed orange peel and cocoa powder flavors. Offers good depth and complexity, with the silky texture nicely wrapped around robust tannins." Wine Spectator

"The Cavolo Amarone is a selection of the best grapes from all of the estate's vineyards. This wine opens with aromas of raspberry jam, dried cherries dusted with cinnamon and cocoa, and wafting notes of cedar and tobacco. The flavours of tart plums and fresh blackberries combine with bay leaf, chia spice, liquorice root and white pepper. The palate is elegant, with fine tannins and a lively acidity that gives the wine a good basis for ageing." Wine Enthusiast

Barbera d'Asti Riserva from the noble DOCG Nizza opens with dark red fruit, followed by smoke, spices and flowers. Dense, intense fruit with a pleasantly salty, mineral note on the palate. Impressive Barbera presentation with a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of macerated black cherries and ripe raspberries combine with star anise, cedar and violets that pour out of the glass. The palate is loaded with notes of ripe plum, blackberries, fresh thyme and fine oak spices. Structured tannins give the wine heft, finishing with enough acidity to balance each component." Wine Enthusiast

"This wine has a red fruity character with notes of tea leaves, dried herbs and ground cloves. Medium-bodied with bright and lively fruit, crisp acidity and firm, polished tannins. Fresh and spicy." James Suckling

"A pure nose of cherry and other ripe red fruits. With sour cherry, plums and dried cranberries. Freshness and balance, precision and intensity, the oak is well integrated." Decanter

"The 2019 Nizza Riserva is packed with dark fruits, graphite, cured meat, cloves, leather and lavender. Deep and layered, with enormous stature, the Riserva is a wonderfully complete wine that just needs a few years in the bottle to round itself out. It is another impressive wine in this range from Olim Bauda." Vinous

The grapes for the new L'Aja Bruciata Vermentino Maremma from Rocca delle Macìe come from a single vineyard of 5 hectares on the Casamaria estate on soils with a sandy loam structure and quartz sandstone at an average altitude of 135 to 150 metres above sea level. The name L'Aja Bruciata is taken from an old cadastral map and is the old place name of this location from which the grapes come. Only 1,800 bottles were produced in the first 2021 vintage.

The marvellous richness and complexity of this exceptional Vermentino is the result of 6 months of development in cement on the lees with regular battonage, with part of the fine lees (approx. 5%) maturing in barrique barrels and finally a few months in the bottle.

Golden in the glass with notes of citrus fruit and ripe pear, fresh on the palate with an enormous density. The intense fruit flavours are perfectly complemented by the soft texture, with sweet honey notes and hints of white flowers on the finish. An incredibly complex Vermentino, the like of which there are not many on the market - an extremely successful project with which Andrea Zingarelli has opened a new chapter at Rocca delle Macíe and brought what is probably the first single-vineyard Vermentino into the bottle! SUPERIORE.DE

"A new single-vineyard Vermentino from here, with sliced pear and lemon aromas and flavors. Medium body with fresh, crunchy and honeyed character. Honeysuckle, too. Drink now and enjoy." James Suckling

Tasty and multi-faceted super Tuscan made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. You can feel the weight and density of this blend with its immediate and opulent aromas of black fruits, plums and blackcurrants. Exotic spices, tobacco and campfire ash, together with a savoury oak note. Well-accentuated tannins, full and warm on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Rich blackberries and ripe sour cherries on the nose, forest floor in the background. Powerful but well-integrated tannins on the palate, juicy, with lots of red fruit and a long finish." Falstaff

"This is a very pleasant blend of cabernet, merlot and petit verdot, with lovely raspberry, redcurrant and floral character. Medium-bodied with nicely integrated tannins that firm up the finish a little." James Suckling

"This is a bold red wine that jumps right out at you in the context of the mostly Sangiovese-based wines made in this central part of Tuscany. The Tenuta di Lilliano 2019 Anagallis is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot that ages in new, second and third-passage barrique. The wine offers thick layers of dark fruit, blackberry and sweet oak spice over a full-bodied texture. Production is limited to 5,000 bottles." Wine Advocate

Pinot Grigio Unterebner is an exceptional wine: golden yellow in colour, elegant aromas of blossom honey, lavender and tropical fruit. Delicate buttery notes, very balanced and charismatic, long and powerful on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright straw yellow colour. Restrained on the nose, peach, pear, hints of apricot. Powerful and exciting on the palate, wood noticeable, but the fruit is in the foreground, warming but well-integrated alcohol, long final with wood underpinning." Falstaff

"The 2022 Pinot Grigio Unterebner is unobtrusive with a nuanced blend of dusty dried flowers and freshly sliced green apples. It's racy, with a pleasant inner sweetness and a cooling acidity that drives the crisp orchard fruit. A saline note lingers as the 2022 rejuvenates with seductive freshness and citrusy concentration." Vinous

"This elegant white wine is lively and well-structured, with fine flavours of poached pear, almond slivers and mandarin oranges, as well as accents of white flowers and vanilla. Creamy and long with a mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"An attractive Pinot Grigio, showing a creamy and mineral layer on its slightly neutral white fruit. Textural and gastronomic, with intense flavours in the mid-palate and a fairly long, taut finish. A subtle flint emerges at the end. This is always an excellent expression." James Suckling