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

Top Barbera from the Montemareto hill in the Nice DOCG. Intense ruby red with violet reflections. On the nose cherry, black cherry, sweet spices and floral notes of violets. Deep and complex on the palate, with an intense fruit core and soft tannins, intense long finish, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, brilliant crimson. Brooding, deep, sweet-sour raspberry and cherry nose. The longer it lingers in the glass, the more depth it shows. Great purity of raspberry and cherry fruit on the palate, carried by supple acidity and laced with bitter-sweet, grainy tannins. Very long with savoury spice notes on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Sleek and focused, with blackberry, boysenberry and pomegranate flavors that are intense from beginning to end. Balanced and bracing." Wine Spectator

"The opulent nose of this juicy Barbera opens with aromas of plums, baking spices, violets and vanilla. The lush palate is filled with tart cherries, herbs, toasted oak spice and lively acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Deep dark cherries on the nose with some dried meat, dark spices and geranium leading into a silky palate of dark sour cherries. Lively, juicy and polished." James Suckling

"The 2020 Nizza Montemareto is packed with wild dark cherries, rose petals, cherry, game, smoke, tobacco and incense. Deep and structured, the 2020 has a lot to offer. A year in the barrel is good to tame some of its natural wildness." Vinous

Fine Nobile Riserva with spicy notes of clove and cinnamon on a clear fruit base of wild berries, black cherries and savoury spice notes. Soft on the palate, with a delicate fruit centre and polished tannins, well supported by the fine use of wood. Finishes long and dynamic. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark and brooding in the glass, the 2019 Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva slowly opens with an array of medicinal blackberries and cherries complicated by sage and sweet smoke suggestions. This soothes with its silky textures contrasted by a tart tinge of wild berry fruit. Sour citrus notes mingle with grippy tannins toward the close. The 2019 leaves a resonance of balsamic spice, finishing structured, long and youthfully tense. " Vinous

"Piquant spices with dried plums, cherries and hints of sweet spices, white chocolate and iron. Juicy and firm on the palate with dusty tannins and a lingering finish. Sangiovese. From organically grown grapes. Sustainable. Drink or store." James Suckling

"Black cherry and raspberry on the nose, with an herbal, medicinal component expressed in a final flavour of salted black liquorice. On the palate, it remains earthy and herbal, but brings dark chocolate and a peppery spiciness with grippy tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Passorosso is a single-varietal Nerello Mascalese with a bright ruby red colour and fine garnet reflections. Proud and fascinating, it has an intense aroma of red berries, coffee and olives. Its captivating flavour convinces with clear, well-defined fruit and pronounced minerality. Graceful and special. SUPERIORE.DE

"Earthy, mineral notes on the nose, ripe red berries, black pepper and delicate tertiary flavours. Very full of character on the palate, open-hearted, already on point." Weinwisser

"Bright, light ruby red colour. Finely characterised nose, with notes of redcurrants, juniper and cloves, plus light medicinal notes. Very juicy on the palate, with ripe fruit, slightly smoky, tight-knit, slightly drying tannins." Falstaff

"The Passorosso is a blend of fruit from the estate's various vineyards. Crisp, herbal and slightly smoky aromas of red berries are followed by a ripe, sweet, red-fruited palate full of balsamic intrigue and subtle stoniness. Bright strawberries, cherries and raspberries are supported by taut, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity, ending with a juicy finish. Delicious!" Decanter

"The 2021 Passorosso is shy in the glass, opening slowly with hints of dusty rose and dried strawberry accompanied by a touch of sweet Indian curry. It is silky yet racy, with a salty minerality that quickly emerges, perfectly balanced by a core of juicy red fruit and autumnal spice. The Passorosso leaves a youthful concentration on the palate, while a hint of residual acidity maintains a great freshness and the liquorice notes fade away. What a beauty. This is a first-class Etna Rosso. It is important to note that the Passorosso is not a second wine or a wine from younger vines, but a blend of old vines from all of Passopisciaro's crus. If there is one wine from this portfolio that should be considered every year, it is this one." Vinous

"Made from Nerello Mascalese, which comes from all the vineyards. The aromas show lots of strawberries and cherries with wrought iron and pumice. Medium bodied with creamy and polished tannins with hints of cedar and light nutmeg. Spicy and slightly tannic, giving it tension and beauty." James Suckling

The grapes for Carluccio "Carlo" Negri, named after the winery's authoritative pioneer, come from vineyards in the DOC and DOCG areas of Valtellina on the slopes of the Rhaetian Alps along the right bank of the Adda River. The sfursat, world-famous for the region, is produced by the natural drying of the grapes, favoured by the cool and dry winds from the mountains. In the "fruttaio", the fruit shed, they lose almost 30% of their weight during this process. The result is therefore a unique Nebbiolo: rich and intense, with the typical mineral and fresh character of Alpine wines.

Medium ruby red. Concentrated, complex bouquet with notes of ripe berry fruits, cyclamen and spices like black pepper and cinnamon. Dry on the palate, with beautiful dark primary fruit with firm tannins that are tart when young. Further on, full-bodied, persistent, with a long finish and subtle hints of cloves and liquorice. Harmonious, too, its fresh acidity, which will make it vibrant and exciting, especially after further years of ageing, one of the best wines of the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"A energetic Valtellina with cherry and floral aromas and flavors that are highlighted with hints of vanilla and bitter citrus. Full-bodied with round tannins that are soft and velvety and plenty of ripe fruit that remains fresh, focused and intense." James Suckling

In 2012, the Pecchenino family started to invest in the small but fine sparkling wine DOCG Alta Langa. The altitudes and soil conditions are ideal for fresh and fragrant sparkling wines that are not only very rare but also highly sought after internationally. Psea is named after the small village of Pezzea, where the winery's Chardonnay and Pinot Nero sites are located.

Straw yellow with copper reflections. Intense bouquet of bread crust, yeast, hazelnut and biscuits, accompanied by floral hints. Very firm and structured on the palate, creamy, fresh and of impressive persistence and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pecchenino's PSEA Pas Dosé is a bright and vibrant example of Alta Langa. A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, the wine shines with bright notes of lemon, tangerine and a touch of yeast. The wine is light on the palate with vibrant acidity - a great option for an apertivo." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of ripe apples and pears with leafy herbs, lemon rind and bread crust. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a round texture. Lively and energetic with a polished, chalky finish." James Suckling

S. Maddalena Classico "Huck am Bach" is a pretty, feminine wine with a lot of character and South Tyrolean personality. Small red berries, hints of sweet spices and flowers on the nose, soft, round and fruity flavour and very appealing length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pretty nose of dried flowers, wild strawberries, plum stones and orange rind. It’s fresh and medium-bodied with sleek tannins and a moreish, juicy finish." James Suckling

The "Griesfeld" site in Neumarkt is one of the best and warmest Lagrein sites in South Tyrol. Strong purple red. Spicy bouquet with hints of blackberry, plum and cherry juice. Firmly packed on the palate, full-bodied with good freshness and primary fruit, vinous and delicately spicy; the warm tannins flank through to the very harmonious and deep final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby red. Fine spicy nose, lots of sour cherry and blackberry, a hint of ripe elderflower. On the palate some cardamom, already very open, fresh, juicy, vibrating acidity, ripe tannin, medium finish." Falstaff

"This is spicy and racy with crushed dark berries, toasted cloves and nut shell with moist earth undertones. Medium- to full-bodied, textured and chalky with a racy dark fruited character and hints of dried orange peel at the end. Polished tannins and juicy acidity. Lingering finish." James Suckling

The Viognier and Chardonnay vines grow on Caiarossa's most calcareous terroir. The grapes are fermented separately in oak barrels, matured on the lees and blended at the end, with little or no racking in order to produce the wine with as little oxygen contact as possible. The result is a precise and clean white wine that, with its beautiful volume, depth and smoothness with fragrant flavours of flowers and almonds, goes well with a delicate and fragrant pesto. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale straw yellow with green-yellow reflections. Still shy and reserved on the nose with hints of citrus fruit and melon. More present on the palate, soft, yet with animating acidity, fine fruit melting into the finish." Falstaff

"Sliced pear, yogurt, lemon and flint aromas follow through to a medium body with a solid core of fruit such as Meyer lemons and a fresh finish. Rather spicy at the end." James Suckling

Dense, deep red, in the nose forest fruits, ripe red berries and sweet-spicy notes. On the palate elegant, soft, almost creamy, rich, with fine tannin, pronounced body and an optimal balance between alcoholic potency, freshness and fruit and with a furious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Bellovedere is dark yet elegant, with an inviting bouquet of blackberries, crushed violets, exotic spice and hints of camphor. This is silky in texture with a savory, almost-salty display of wild berries and minerals, all balanced by brisk acids. You can hardly feel its fine-grained tannins settling in until the very end, as the palate aches under the Bellovedere’s youthful structure, with echoes of licorice and black fruits lingering long. That said, the balance here is on point, and all the 2016 needs is a few more years of cellaring to really shine." Vinous

"Aromas of dark fruit, mushrooms, flowers and spices. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins. Chalky texture in the mouth. Juicy and spicy. Flavorful finish with some length." James Suckling

"This rich red offers a cohesive mix of cigar box spice, menthol, hoisin sauce and brandy-soaked blackberries. It's densely packed in fruit and spice flavors on the full-bodied palate, yet balanced well by a polished sheen of tannins and plenty of fresh acidity. Showing ample power and concentration, this would hold well in the cellar." Wine Enthusiast

"Lovely nose, fragrant with a great purity, showing notes of dark cherries, cinnamon and hints of tobacco with leathery undertones. Very elegant and complex palate." Decanter

Brilliant golden yellow colour. Complex notes of light peach, fresh pineapple and poached apricot on the nose. Rich and creamy on the palate with accents of smoke and toasted almonds. The finish is long-lasting, mineral and herb-accentuated. This very focussed and complex white paints a beautiful portrait of the refined side of the Trebbiano di Lugana grape, which is becoming increasingly popular. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, bright straw yellow with a golden centre. Complex nose with notes of pickled peach and camomile, delicate smoky notes in the background. Taut on the palate, ripe fruit and crisp acidity, unfortunately a noticeable use of wood on the final, still needs to age." Falstaff

"Aromas of toast and pineapple fruit. The attack is soft and smooth, with a silky texture, a glycerine layer, refreshing acidity and a light to medium body. Cedar that is lean on the finish. Drinkable now, but it has potential for aging." James Suckling

"Rich flavors of toasted hazelnut, patisserie apple and pear, lemon curd and vanilla are chiseled by well-honed acidity and a streak of salinity in this white, which shows focus and tension. Tightly meshed today, this will unfurl nicely with some bottle age or in the glass." Wine Spectator

Powerful, concentrated Montepulciano with an elegant woody note and multi-layered fruit flavours, true to the terroir and modern. Impressive richness that offers further palate pleasures with every sip. Equally impressive is the long and complex finish. One of the most emphatic Montepulciano wines in the region every year, it requires a little patience, but this is handsomely rewarded. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, dark purple red with a fine rim. Complex, spicy bouquet of juniper berries and black cherry, saddle leather, mocha and some iodine in the finish. Silky and persistent on the tongue, firm tannins, concentrated fruit and dark chocolate." Falstaff

"The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva San Martino Rosso is a dark, floral wine with a forest-inspired bouquet that blends floral undergrowth with crushed ash stones and dried black cherries. It is round and supple with ripe red and blue fruits accompanied by a hint of pepper. Purple flowers swirl around inside. The wine finishes pleasantly, long and colourful. Strong tannins give it a youthful tension without slowing down the momentum." Vinous

"Complex notes of cocoa, rose petals, mulberries and dried mint on the nose, followed by a layered, full-bodied and meaty palate. The tannins are resolving nicely." James Suckling

Korem is a wine that perfectly interprets the philosophy of the Argiolas family: Innovation with deep respect for Sardinian tradition. A wine born from the desire to enhance and perfect the Bovale grape. Bovale is a low-yielding grape variety, as it requires well-ventilated soils with excellent exposure.

Korem radiates a deep ruby red colour from the glass. Intense aromas of black cherry, sandalwood and lavender on the nose. Velvety, full-bodied, warm and round on the palate. A refined top wine that impressively reflects the great potential of the family winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of leather, graphite, Mediterranean herbs and blood oranges. Full-bodied with a dense palate, velvety tannins and refreshing acidity. Graphite and almost fleshy notes. Very juicy finish and pleasantly chewy tannins. Warming and yet balanced." James Suckling

A true champion is the Lodano, an unusual cuvée of Chardonnay with Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Powerful, dense and soft with flavours of stone fruit, apricot, honey and candied orange peel. Then it moves on to delicate mineral nuances with crushed granite and shells. Excellent length, depth and floral freshness. The cleansing acidity comes through at the end with attractive brightness. This exceptional and sophisticated white perfectly embodies Stefano Frascolla's excellent signature. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is always an interesting white blend of co-fermented riesling, gewurztraminer and chardonnay. So much blossom honey, stone and flint on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with lots of bitter lemon and lemon blossom character. Flinty at the end. Electric." James Suckling

Metodo Classico Chiaro di Bolle matures on the lees for 18 months. Bright, pale straw yellow in colour. A Blanc de Noir made from 100% Sangiovese with an elegant verticality of citrus fruit, with a hint of fresh flowers and bread crust that play around the delicate bouquet. Very fine and delicate perlage, crisp and fresh with a very appealing length. Refined and delicate. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh and crunchy sparkling wine with hints of brioche and sliced green apples. Medium-bodied, crisp and lively. First time made. Bottle fermented." James Suckling

Convincing selection of "La Luna e i Falò" from grapes harvested exclusively in the DOCG area of Nizza Monferrato. Its colour is deep red and as dense as its bouquet of wild berries, plums and tobacco with a fine toasty vanilla note from the barrique. The soft, spicy taste lingers long and with great elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exudes a promising aroma of black cherries, nougat and herbs; juicy in the mouth, the tannins close-meshed, well supported by the acidity, elegant lingering final. Can still mature." Vinum

"Aromas of bark, sap, blackberry and blueberry. Medium-to full-bodied with some salty-mineral notes. Juicy. A little savory, with vanilla and ground clove coming through at the end. Nicely structured." James Suckling