James Suckling

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

"A flavorful and fragrant gewurztraminer showing spices, dried peaches, lychees and white blossoms. Fresh, fleshy and medium- to full-bodied with low acidity and a light touch of bitterness in the round finish." James Suckling

One of the most exciting Etna Rosso with a balsamic, spicy bouquet and a balanced, yet very characterful, juicy, long flavour. Fine fruit, good acidity, firm tannin, beautiful length. Perfectly reflects the terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multi-faceted bouquet with aromas of stone fruit, flowers and subtle tobacco notes; precise on the palate, the tannins are fine-grained and perfectly integrated, develops full of verve towards a long final." Vinum

"It has a tantalising aroma of red and black cherries, almonds, spices and balsamic. In the mouth it is bright and intense, with a good body and balanced savoury red fruits. The finish is fleshy and juicy, stony and slightly bitter (in a positive way)." Decanter

"The 2021 Etna Rosso ‘A Rina opens slowly in the glass with a savory herbal tinge that gives way to rose petals, ash and wild strawberries. This is juicy and round, with abundant energy and ripe red and blue fruits swirling throughout. Brilliant acidity adds further lift as zesty wild berries linger over a subtle bed of fine tannins, framing the experience without getting in the way. It’s a total pleasure to taste and would even stand up to a slight chill on a warm day." Vinous

"This is the entry-level red wine from Girolamo Russo. The Etna Rosso 'a Rina 2021 is made from Nerello Mascalese and about 10% Nerello Cappuccio from different vineyards and offers excellent value with wild berries, blue flowers and crushed stone with an elegant mouthfeel. The emphasis is on freshness and balance." Wine Advocate

"Plenty of citrus, orange peel, honey and beeswax with some pumice and volcanic soil. Medium-bodied, with firm and integrated tannins that are energetic and integrated. Very nice now, but even better in three or four years." James Suckling

Stylistically balanced, very finesse-rich Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from a small single vineyard (vineyard no. 7) in the Castelnuovo-Berardenga area, where the temperatures are always somewhat higher than in the rest of Chianti Classico. Dark, bright ruby colour. Elegant bouquet of pure Sangiovese of red berries with a very delicate hint of tobacco. Salty on the palate, shows a lot of pressure, very clear, compact fruit, builds up with tightly woven tannins, very intense and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sensual notes of blackberries, subtly floral and spicy; juicy in the mouth, the tannins are fine-grained and well integrated, final is still somewhat characterised by wood." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Clear and inviting nose, with aromas of blackberries, blueberries and some cloves. Pithy, well-placed tannins on the palate, embedded in lots of cherry fruit, describes a wide arc, savoury and with vigour." Falstaff

"The nose is sweet and earthy, with aromas of vanilla, cherry and orange peel, as well as topsoil and crushed stones. The palate is a fruit basket of strawberries, raspberries and cherries, with a hint of orange peel. The acidity plays around soft but dense tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"This red wine is bursting with energy, offering flavours of cherry, raspberry, iron, tobacco and black pepper. It finishes long and balanced, with a range of dusty tannins girding the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Montebello Sette is magnificent. Sweet pipe tobacco, incense, leather, spices and dried flowers give this deceptively medium-bodied Gran Selezione a great aromatic presence. The time it spends in the glass helps to develop the wine's texture. There's a lot of wine here." Vinous

"A juicy and exciting red with a fresh character of red and dark berries and a hint of dried orange peel and liquorice. Medium-bodied, firm and concentrated, with chalky tannins and bright acidity. Balanced and beautifully moulded." James Suckling

"The Tolaini 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Montebello Sette shows great intensity and focus in the warm season and represents a deep immersion in Sangiovese. This elegant expression of the grape variety shows a powerful fruit profile with perfect ripeness and strong cherry flavours. This is complemented by a slightly creamy texture. Delicate mineral tones and lightly toasted spices add depth. The result is balanced and elegant." Wine Advocate

A fascinating Pinot Nero with the structure of a Nebbiolo. Fine cherry aroma with well-dosed extract sweetness, plus rose petals, mint and some Asian herbal spice. The wine is prancing on the palate with distinguished restraint, revealing its finesse and structure at the latest with the third sip and with the medium-bodied finish. This is as much a wine for Pinot fans as it is for lovers of enigmatic, subrilegious style - and clearly love at second sight. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is fruity and vibrant with ripe raspberries and cherries as well as roselle flowers and orange peel. Medium-bodied, round and mellow with creamy tannins. Delicious. Drink now." James Suckling

Cuvée Royale has a light yellow colour, a creamy foam and a fine, long perlage. The nose reveals pleasant notes of white peach, which are well balanced by hints of bread crust and yeast. Yeast. It is harmonious on the palate and fully expresses the vibrancy of a good Franciacorta brut. SUPERIORE.DE

"Telltale Franciacorta for its stone-fruit character enhanced by broom flowers and lemon zest. Medium-bodied with fine mousse, this has crisp, long acidity and a tight grapefruit-flavored finish." James Suckling

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

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

Deep, dark ruby red colour. Strong, warm Lagrein with a pronounced aroma of ripe blackberries, cherries, fine mountain herbs, pepper and smoky charcoal notes. The full, juicy, cherry flavour is beautifully balanced with a broad, long finish. Only selected grapes from the best vineyards with low yields are used for the Lagrein Riserva Prestige. An absolute top red wine from the Alto Adige region! SUPERIORE.DE

"Pretty black and blue berry fruit on the nose with violets and bitter chocolate. It’s creamy and beautifully textured with powdery tannins. Medium to full body. Juicy and bright finish." James Suckling

Sauvignon Sanct Valentin is probably the best-known white wine from the St. Michael-Eppan winery. It has been vinified from carefully selected single vineyards at the foot of the Mendelstock since 1989. Yellow-green in colour, dense bouquet of yellow fruit, gooseberry, elderflower and ripe redcurrant, smooth on the palate with elegant, floral fullness and crisp acidity. A great and very savoury top wine and probably the most award-winning white from the internationally highly respected winegrowers' cooperative. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate golden yellow with green reflections. The first nose has a clear green flavour of gooseberry and green mango, with a little air clearly elderberry and spicy herbs. Slightly spicy on the palate, dominated by citrus fruits, well-integrated acidity and a balanced, medium-long finish." Falstaff

"Spicy white fruit, elegant gooseberries and sea salt. Delicious and slightly salty, with a medium body and a tactile, mealy finish. A pure, outstanding South Tyrolean Sauvignon Blanc that you can enjoy right now." James Suckling

Tramonto d'Oca is a single-varietal red wine made from the French (and not entirely simple) Petit Verdot variety. In addition to the traditional wood note from the barrel, the bouquet has a variety of aromas of spices, violets, blackberries and blackcurrants. Notes of pickled fruit, coffee and chocolate on the palate. Firmly structured and long, needs time and air. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dense and concentrated red wine with black cherries, hints of chocolate and flowers that develop into a medium body. Firm finish." James Suckling

Chardonnay - at home all over the world - thrives for the Sanct Valentin in the best single vineyards in the municipality of Eppan and develops into splendid grape material here. Strong straw yellow colour with green reflections. Powerful, fruity bouquet of ripe fruit, yeast and vanilla notes, with a hazelnut aftertaste. Very memorable, powerful, racy and mineral flavour. One of the house's most important wines with outstanding balance, well-integrated acidity and excellent Storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Strong, shiny golden yellow colour. Yellow-fruity nose of ripe plums, pears and dried fruit, roasted hazelnuts and butter. Well-integrated wood, good balance between acidity and ripe fruit, long finish." Falstaff

"Wood spices, vanilla, creamy citrus and stone fruit on the nose. Flavourful and quite full-bodied on the palate, with a fine texture and a long, toasty finish." James Suckling

Marina Cvetic's Trebbiano Riserva - a dream and cult wine for lovers of full-bodied and complex white wines. Aromas of golden delicious, nougat, almond, honey, coconut and vanilla spread across the nose and palate. The balsamic-like texture gently conquers the palate and ends, flanked by fresh, lemony notes, in a long finish on crème caramel. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose is acidic and textured, yet not without sweetness, with aromas of yellow apple, pineapple, lemon and vanilla. These notes all continue on the rich palate." Wine Enthusiast

"It has flavours of pineapple, smoked almonds, lemon cake and pralines. A hint of white chocolate. Creamy, medium to full-bodied and complex, with plenty of texture and depth and a long, nutty finish." James Suckling

Essenza is a classic Valtellina Superiore that draws its fruit from the terraced high mountain vineyards in one of the northernmost corners of Italy. Ruby red with garnet-coloured inclusions. Wonderful aromas of dried strawberries, mushrooms and flowers that open up into pure fruit. It is medium-bodied on the palate with appealing depth and intensity. The fine and complex tannins are polished and flattering. Essenza magically balances power and elegance, gaining much of its straightforwardness and focus from the lingering mineral notes of crushed slate or granite that add salty notes to the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A poised Nebbiolo with plenty of raspberries, strawberries, sweet spices and mixed herbs. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins. Velvety and elegant with a harmonious, succulent finish." James Suckling

Intense, compact, ruby red colour. An intense mixture of black raspberry, wild herbs, air-dried meat, thyme and smoke flows from the glass. Refined and lively on the palate with delicate, salty acidity and berry fruit flavours. As it progresses, a beautiful cherry centre with a hint of sweet blood orange that keeps you coming back to the glass. This is already a pure thrill for the palate, and with further bottle ageing it will reveal its full depth and sophistication. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, bright ruby red colour with a light garnet hue. On the nose, rich heart cherries and ripe plums, then cassis and slightly leathery. Sweet and fruity on the palate, with velvety tannins, juicy and drinky, long finish." Falstaff

"Rich redcurrants, baked cherries, some sweet spices and hazelnuts. Lots of juicy fruit on the medium to full-bodied palate with firm tannins and a fleshy centre. Spicy, ripe finish at the end." James Suckling

"This red is about purity and silkiness, with black currant, cherry, violet, graphite and rosemary aromas and flavors defined by vibrant acidity. Harmonious, with fine length, this is set to evolve over the next decade." Wine Spectator

"The Carmignano Il Sasso 2021 impresses with its rich bouquet of crushed plums, sage and balsamic spice. On the palate it is pure energy, silky yet supple with racy acidity and a depth of crunchy wild berries, underpinned by tactile minerals and a hint of mandarin orange. The 2021 refreshes the palate and finishes structured and long, while purple flowers and blackberry notes fade away. This super seductive Il Sasso will win many hearts." Vinous

The Passito I Capitelli is like a delicious sweet, with a lightly mouth-coating and finely knitted palette of flavours that includes fruity notes of papaya, candied watermelon, preserved Meyer lemon and dried fig, with aromatic accents of tea rose, star anise and pickled ginger just above the dryness level. Luscious and juicy, with fresh acidity on the slightly roasted finish, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"A sweet and nutty passito with aromas and flavors of dried peach and apricot. Some floral complexity, too. It’s full and sweet, but contained, without any cloying or syrupy character. All in all, it’s a nimble, balanced and inviting sweet wine." James Suckling

"Silky and lightly mouth-coating, this bright, smooth bonbon offers a core of mandarin sorbet, mango and passion fruit coulis. It offers aromatic accents of candied ginger, jasmine, graham cracker and chive blossom and has a long and creamy finish." Wine Spectator

Cellole Gran Selezione impresses with its usual elegance and sophistication. Its masterfully balanced flavour profile of wild berry and blackberry with cassis, blueberry and candied rose is fantastic. On closer inspection, the wine reveals orange peel, rosemary and iron ore. It is a silky and elegant wine with some firm tannin, lots of bright fruit and a hint of crisp acidity. Undoubtedly a great wine with great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Walnuts, cloves, sandalwood, plums and cherry stones on the nose. It is medium-bodied, creamy and beautifully polished, with firm yet silky tannins and elegant layers of spiced fruit. Long and supple." James Suckling

"A nose that sticks on notes of blueberry, then rhubarb and juniper. Intense sip, closed on notes of undergrowth." Luca Gardini

The clay content in the forest soils of this incredible, almost untouched area around Oratorio di San Lorenzo gives the wine a unique note. Rich red with blue-violet reflections. Intense on the nose with notes of medicinal herbs, ripe red berries, blood orange, pepper and spices. On the palate then very precise and clear with dark fruits, a delicious spiciness and tannins that are still firm when young. Already seductive today and then elegant and silky with increasing bottle maturity. SUPERIORE.DE

pepnose. Juicy fruit channeled through a dense network of dry, firm, super-spicy tannins. A beautiful lift of dried herbs (sage, rosemary, lavender and oregano) and, a bit like their Cabernet, this lovely savoury-sweet element that is like oven-roasted cherry tomatoes with roasted vine and white pepper. Very gouleyant." Jancis Robinson

"Dark ruby red with a violet core. Scents of thyme and tarragon, black pepper on the nose, paired with blackcurrant and orange zest. On the palate juicy, dense and compact, well-integrated tannins, goes with vigour into the long finish." Falstaff

"The 2019 Carménère Carminium is remarkably floral and fresh, exuding notes of redcurrant, rosemary and ground ginger reminiscent of pepper. It is a model of purity with bright acidity lifting the mineral red fruits while savoury spices swirl through the nose. The 2019 finishes classically dry and lightly textured, leaving tart raspberry notes on the finish. This is an incredibly beautiful vintage for Carminium." Vinous

"It has a complex nose of dried thyme, tobacco, sage, tar and blackberries. Also peppercorns and cloves. It is medium-bodied, with firm tannins. Finely integrated and concentrated, with a firm finish. Better after 2024." James Suckling

Trebbiano Castello di Semivicoli, matured without the use of barrels, exudes an aromatic fragrance of ripe peach, mint and flowers, with mineral notes. Firm, rich, graceful and elegant on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lemons, chopped herbs and beeswax on the nose. Crushed stones, too. So fresh, with a medium body and lots of texture leading to a long, waxy and tangy finish." James Suckling

Pagus Cerbaia is the name of a first-class small plot of land with sedimentary soils. This is where the small quantities of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon come from, 50% of which is fermented in amphorae and 50% in oak barrels after the harvest. The "Selection Rosato", which is only bottled in a few hundred bottles, has an intense floral aroma and captivates the palate in a lively and cheerful way with a lingering spicy note and a wonderfully complex finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright copper colour with a sparkling core. Aromas of orange peel, ginger, honey and dried figs on the nose. Soft on the palate, expansive, carried by striking acidity, right through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

"This is complex and layered with dried strawberry bush, pastry crust, dried flowers and caramel. Medium-bodied, textural and polished with a gentle phenolic edge to it and chalky minerality." James Suckling

"Youthful, creamy aromas of red fruits open up to wonderfully ripe notes of peach, dried apricots, honey and cream, as well as hints of oak with nutmeg and cloves. Perhaps the proximity to the sea contributes to the salty, mineral notes that combine with the oak structure. The oak adds a subtle spice, the ripe fruit adds weight, the fresh acidity is perfectly balanced and gives the wine outstanding length without shouting." Decanter

Excellent Pinot Grigio, matured in small wooden barrels. Strong straw yellow colour, fruity aroma of apple, pear and fine vanilla, strong character in taste with pleasantly gentle acidity, strength and fullness. Pinot Grigio Sanct Valentin has been convincing for decades and is always one of the highest-rated Pinot Grigio wines in Italy. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear straw yellow with a slight lustre. Clear nose of nut butter and banana with hints of sweet apricots. Very fine, juicy and drinkable on the palate, harmonious acidity and round, pleasant, long finish." Falstaff

"Beautiful woody spices, white fruit, sour cream, brine and brioche. Creamy yet fresh on the palate, with a medium to full body and a long finish. A nice phenolic grip at the end." James Suckling

Pinot Blanc Sanct Valentin - a lively and powerful top wine made from grapes from single vineyards with minimal yields. Golden yellow with green reflections, velvety soft aromas of apple, melon and vanilla on the nose; complex flavour, fresh and elegant with mineral finesse and a delicately bitter finish. Good ageing and Storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with light white gold reflections. Clear, fruity, inviting nose of local fruit, clearly yellow plum and mirabelle mixed with floral accents. Juicy mouthfeel with a nutty touch and well-integrated acidity, fresh, pleasant, long finish." Falstaff

"A creamy, flavorful pinot bianco showing white fruit and a touch of sour cream. Medium- to full-bodied with a flavorful center palate and a pretty lengthy finish." James Suckling

Castello di Ama, one of the highest vineyards in the Classico region, produces one of the most delicious wines in its appellation every year with Ama. The grapes come from the single vineyards Bellavista, Casuccia, San Lorenzo, Bertinga and Montebuoni. A fresh wine with youthful charm and flavours of cherry, plum and spices. Complex, full-bodied and with fine-grained tannins on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, bright ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Spicy, fruity and slightly fleshy on the nose with aromas of cranberries, wild berries and some undergrowth. Delicate fruit flavours on the palate, good balance and still a little youthful tannin." Falstaff

"The 2022 is full of youthful vim. Scents of cinnamon, red plum and dark cherry percolate on the nose, and red rose lurks in the background. Medium in weight, it offers a mouthful of cherry pits and gravelly stones inflected with white pepper. Very juicy, peppy acidity joins a light, chalky tannin frame." Decanter

"The 2022 Chianti Classico Ama opens with a burst of dark red cherry/plum fruit. Vibrant and generous, with bright acids, the Ama is an absolute delight. Its forward personality and impeccable balance make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so." Vinous

"The fresh and floral nature of this wine is more than evident, with black cherry and orange undertones. The palate is medium-bodied and refined, with silky tannins and mineral highlights. Tangy and crisp at the end." James Suckling