James Suckling

Fleur is the family winery's second top white wine and a single-varietal Petite Arvine from the Vigna Devin Ros vineyard: bright light yellow in colour with an elegant, floral-mineral bouquet and notes of ripe apples and apricots. Clear, balanced flavour, refined body and harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Chamomile, sliced apples, wild herbs and oyster shells on the nose. Fresh, dense and beautifully structured, with a full body and excellent density. Minerality of gravel on the finish." James Suckling

Great Prosecco Cartizze from the top vineyard of the same name with creamy aromas of pineapple and citrus fruit. Round, supple and expressive with wonderful fruit flavours on the palate. It also offers a delicate complexity with beautiful floral flavours, offset by grated lemon peel and white minerals. The finish is compact and fine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light lemon yellow with silver reflections and a persistent, fine perlage. Ripe Williams pear, white peach, acacia blossom, light herbal notes and orange zest on the nose. Beautiful juiciness and minerality on the palate, well-balanced, elegant and with a lovely flow, citrus zest and well-integrated perlage in the long final." Falstaff

"A fresh and elegant sparkling wine with lemon, peach, green apple and a hint of honey on the nose, followed by a light to medium body on the palate and soft bubbles." James Suckling

Deep ruby red colour. Intense aroma of raspberry, red cherry, violets and spices. Sweet, spicy and yet light-footed, it convinces with a great inner energy that gives the red fruits, herbs and mineral flavours an impressive expression. In the never-ending finish, Nerobaronj is vibrant and with striking tannins, which lend additional emphasis. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smoke, balsamic blackberries and baked black cherries on the nose. Rich and medium- to full-bodied on the palate with supportive, fine tannins and a lengthy, coated finish. Really fine-grained." James Suckling

"Depths of black cherry, plum sauce, sage and clove are grounded by animal musk as the 2019 NeroBaronj smolders up from the glass. It flows across the palate like pure silk, refined and seamless in feel, with ripe wild berry fruits and exotic citrus tones that add contrast toward the close. The 2019 finishes long yet closes in upon itself with youthful poise, allowing fine tannins to resonate. Sour cherry notes stick around for a bit. This is elegance personified." Vinous

Soft, silky wine with aromas of ripe apricots and honey that harmonise well with the fleshy richness of the mouthfeel. The expressive and very varietal palate is crowned with plenty of stone fruit, melon and pear. This is a strong performance from one of the winery's flagships. SUPERIORE.DE

"This well-meshed white wine is compact up front and opens up on the palate to reveal layers of melon, grapefruit zest, lentils and chive blossom notes framed by lively acidity. A smoky, mineral underpinning lingers on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Perfumed and delicate, the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Vieris unfolds slowly with dusty white flowers and cracked slate, then morphs into ginger-infused pear and green melon. This wine is cool, with a soothing, round texture, but also energetic, with ripe stone fruit and crisp mineral tones that provide tactile satisfaction towards the end. The 2022 rejuvenates with a floral finish and a long, classically dry and slightly austere finish that requires patience but leaves the palate completely refreshed. Despite the warm vintage, this is a Vieris that will thrive in the cellar." Vinous

"Stony minerality with aromas of tuberose, white peaches and lemon leaves. Medium-bodied, it shows weight, a silky texture, sharp acidity and a poised, balanced finish." James Suckling

Le Cupole offers excellent value every year. You get a glass full of sunny Tuscany and rich intensity at an affordable price. The wine is packed with black fruits, spices and leather, resulting in a classic bouquet, especially for a warm corner of Tuscany, off the beaten track, in Sarteano. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, dark ruby colour with a fine rim. Intense and elegant on the nose, ripe cherries, cedar wood, leather and cloves on the finish. The palate reveals savoury, sweet fruit, velvety tannins, fresh and juicy with a lingering finish." Falstaff

"This blend of 57% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot has gorgeous dark berry aromas with pretty floral overtones. In the mouth it's focussed and vertical, with crunchy red and black berries and a balsamic overtone, finishing with plenty of spice and a long, bright line of acidity." Decanter

"A fresh and vivid young Tuscan red with currant and mineral aromas that follow through to a medium to full body with crunchy tannins and a vivid finish. Creamy texture. A little tight at the end. Second wine of Trinoro. Give it time to open. Best after 2026." James Suckling

Rive Alte Sauvignon Blanc Piere is the lighter coloured of the estate's two Sauvignons, but both wines are beautiful in their own right. Piere shows earthy notes of green olive, garden tomato leaf and sage on the palate, rounded off with lively and zesty flavours of citrus orange peel and some crushed mineral and white pepper. All the elements are in the right place and, like all Vie di Romans whites, Piere needs time in the glass to find its centre and minerality. And if you have the patience to give it this, then it's great. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, open and fresh, with juicy flavours of white peach and grapefruit sorbet, enriched with notes of lime peel, ground white pepper, smoke and herbs. Creamy and aromatic on the lively finish." Wine Spectator

"A minerally wine with struck match, flint, white pepper and lemon peel on the nose. It shows a kind of Loire style with no obvious herbal touch. Light-bodied on the palate, it is silky and zesty but with perfectly woven acidity. Chewy in the finish." James Suckling

"The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Piere is very fresh, with a vibrant blend of crushed nectarine and lime zest, complemented by hints of rosemary and crushed stone. It is silky smooth yet full of savoury tension, with an abundance of mineral green apples and a hint of spice carried by lively acidity. The 2022 leaves the palate with primary concentration, youthful intensity and gentle tannins that leave a savoury sensation that lingers. The balance of this wine is exceptional, as is its drinkability." Vinous

Arianna Occhipinti's Il Frappato, which is rare every year, is spicy and elegant on the nose but, as always, needs a little air to show its best side. Captivating aromas of sweet raspberries, rose petals, white pepper and thyme emerge in the glass, hinting at a mouthful of sweet red fruit, complemented by zesty acidity and salty salinity. Seamless tannins caress the long and perfumed finish. Il Frappato embodies a contemporary style that goes well with the healthy dishes we want to eat today, with lots of vegetables and white meat. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Il Frappato is an understated beauty. Blackberries and redcurrants swirl from the glass, accentuated by a hint of incense and grated sage. The palate is soft and supple, with crisp red and black fruits flowing over a core of tangible minerals and savoury spice. A hint of zesty acidity provides an amazing freshness, even as a tart wild berry note pinches the cheeks on the long and tense final. I would enjoy the 2022 with a meal rather than on its own, but I have a feeling that was Arianna Occhipinti's intention." Vinous

"A succulent, precise, bright and lively frappato. The nose shows notes of forest berries, sour cherries, forest floor, pebbles and mild spices. It’s light- to medium-bodied with silky tannins. Polished and vivid with bright acidity. It’s agile, with so much succulence at the center. Mouthwatering and long." James Suckling

Angialis is a fine Nasco late harvest, which begins its seductive art with a bouquet of apricots, honey and candied fruit, followed by a refined, unobtrusively sweet flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"The intensity of this sweet wine is impressive, with sliced apples, apricots, caramel, honey and bananas. Full-bodied with honey, light syrup and a sweet finish. A fantastic dessert wine." James Suckling

The vines for this complex Sauvignon Bianco grow under Guyot training on hills between 400 and 800 metres above sea level on weathered dolomite rock. Pale straw yellow in colour with green hues. The slightly oriental bouquet convinces with hints of elderflower, white peach and dried fruit. A lively acidity unfolds from the very first sip, surrounded by juicy, fruity notes and mineral nuances. Overall, this beautiful white wine has a fullness and elegance that is only surpassed by the long and animating final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Strong, shiny golden yellow with a beautiful lustre. The first nose after opening is unpleasant, with a little air vegetal green notes, later green mango, some lychee. Slightly sagging on the palate, medium palate pressure, retronasal pear, medium length on the finish, significantly improved overall impression with more air." Falstaff

"Assertive notes of tomato leaves and lemon fruit on the nose and palate. A crisp attack that is balanced by good concentration, a light body and a precise finish." James Suckling

Medium-deep ruby red with orange reflections. Wonderful bouquet of fine sour cherry and strawberry compote with restrained oak spice. Multi-layered and juicy on the palate with a potpourri of dark fruits, framed by fine-grained tannins. Well structured, it leads into an interesting, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This red wine is fleshy and shows notes of cherries, strawberries, mint and earth, accompanied by a firm, lively structure. Although this wine sounds rather austere now, it is fresh and has a lingering fruity and spicy aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"This wine is lively and racy with ripe raspberries, blackcurrant leaves, rose petals and bergamot. Also dry earth. Medium to full body with crisp tannins and chalky texture. Structured and a little chewy, yet fresh and red-fruited with a mineral finish." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco Bordini 2020 (with fruit from the village of Neive) shows a medium-bodied density with more texture and structure in this vintage. The Bordini is a little more austere in character and savoury overall. This added richness is accompanied by an open approach that makes this wine approachable in the medium term. Or you can wait if you prefer." Wine Advocate

"Black raspberries, medicinal herbs and spiced tea dominate the aromatic profile. The firm palate reveals that the fruit is at the core, surrounded by sweet and savory spices, including notes of cigar box and worn leather. Mouthwatering acidity adds to its appeal." Wine Enthusiast

Beautiful and very well-balanced red wine from the three main historical areas of Montalcino, which have different geoclimatic characteristics due to their different slopes and altitudes - and thus ensure a unique balance between freshness and structure, body and elegance.

Ruby red in colour with garnet reflections, opens immediately with a rich, complex nose. Initially dark cherry, chinotto orange and violet. It then opens up to broader, more complex notes of blueberry, vanilla, tobacco, cinnamon and chocolate with a subtle menthol finish. This juicy 2016 Brunello di Montalcino offers plenty of energy and brightness, conveyed by the cherry fruit and wild berry flavours at its core. The primary fruit is surrounded by spice, grilled herbs and floral earth. The natural complexity, purity and depth of the Sangiovese grape comes into its own in this dream vintage and especially in this Brunello. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, noble ruby red colour with a radiant core. Open-hearted and inviting nose, slightly fleshy, with nuances of ripe sour cherries, pepper and raspberries, with an aftertaste of rose hips. Very polished and balanced on the palate, with tightly woven tannins, opens up beautifully on the palate, slightly salty finish." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red colour. Senescent fruit sweetness, beautiful ripe cherry and undergrowth. There is also an obvious oak sweetness on the palate, but there is still a delicacy here, perhaps because the tannins are so fine and relatively light. Elegant, dry, delicate, long, even juicy." Jancis Robinson

"Bringing together grapes from diverse vineyards throughout Montalcino, this midweight, almost-approachable Brunello is focused and vibrant. It takes a bit of coaxing on the nose then divulges sage, orange rind and fennel. Brisk acidity and chalky tannins meet crisp red currant and cranberry, cleansing the palate nicely." Decanter

"The Brunello di Montalcino 2016 has something spicy and slightly rustic about it, which I find very attractive. Baked black cherries, balsamic spice and a hint of animal musk create a beguiling spectacle. The textures are silky smooth, with cooling acids and salty minerals lifting the expression as they give way to tart red fruits. The tannins increase and slowly dry out the senses, but even today the 2016 is a pleasure to drink, coming across as both youthfully structured and savoury and fresh. It is a blend from the vineyards of Val di Suga in Montalcino." Vinous

"Aromas of iron, blood and cherry introduce this soft and lively red wine, while an abundance of dark fruit - black cherry and blackberry - lingers on the palate. The finish is characterised by dark, chocolaty tannins." Wine Spectator

"Dusty notes of crushed gravel and dried tea leaves are the prelude to aromas of fresh mushrooms and hints of fennel. Spicy mushrooms and olives, followed by firm, fine-grained tannins. Structured and full-bodied." James Suckling

A beguilingly fruity Noà made from Nero d'Avola, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a delicious bouquet of ripe red fruit, spices and cocoa and a fresh flavour with silky smooth tannins and a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich and quite heady red with plenty of pine cones, heavily toasted spices, tar and an abundance of black fruits. Full-bodied. With rich, juicy black fruits. The quality of the tannins is good. Very intense in flavour." James Suckling

"The 2020 Noà is dark and floral with a burst of black raspberries, grilled herbs and ashen stone. It splashes across the palate with silken textures motivated by juicy acidity, displaying ripe wild berry fruits and contrasting hints of spice orange. The 2020 leaves stony mineral tones and edgy tannins to linger, tapering off with admirable length and balance." Vinous

Ramitello impresses with an immense aroma of intense red fruit flavours and delicate balsamic notes. The taste is warm and full, with rich fruit tones spiced with a hint of tobacco, coffee and liquorice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very dark ruby red with garnet reflections and a violet-coloured core. Very ripe blackberry and blueberry fruit on the nose, followed by earthy notes, eucalyptus and coffee powder. The palate shows great balance and equilibrium, the long final is very fruit-driven, the grippy tannins full of tension." Falstaff

"A concentrated, tasty red wine with aromas and flavours of mulberry, laurel, sage and black bean. It is full-bodied, dark fruity and balanced with medium-bodied tannins." James Suckling

The name says it all: Marne means marl soil, on which the vines for this marvellous Amarone grow. They are over 20 years old and lie in an ideal 180° direction, from south-west to south-east. Rich, shiny ruby red colour, compact bouquet with intense aromas of plum, black cherry, green tea and tobacco, with a fine chocolate note in the background. The body, coated in fine berry fruit, develops a dynamic flavour experience on the palate with a sweet fruit melt, firm tannins and a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, bright ruby red with garnet reflections. A complex nose of dried red fruits, liquorice and forest floor, with a balsamic finish. Powerful on the palate with intense fruit and length as well as a fine tannin structure." Falstaff

"Dried flowers, plums, red berries, beautifully combined with leather, oak, figs and dates, lively freshness with a beautiful tannin structure." Decanter

"The wines from this reliable producer are consistently delicious, in a modern style without ever slipping too far into excess. Cherry, alpine spruce, candied orange zest, violets and camphor. The oak combines with the refined tannins of the grapes, condensing the fruit with a welcome restraint. The vintage has a hint of sweetness. The age and accompanying complexity will serve this wine well. Lasting." James Suckling

"The 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Marne 180 is wonderfully floral, with dusty, dried roses and violets accompanied by notes of crushed chalk and spiced blackberries. It has a silky texture and a pleasant inner sweetness with crisp forest fruits contrasted by candied orange notes. The Marne 180 finishes structured and remarkably fresh with a hint of dark chocolate that lingers. It is fantastic." Vinous

Animardente is a pure Nerello Mascalese produced from vines planted in bushes at an altitude of 700 metres on partly sandy and ashy, partly gravelly and pebbly soils that are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night. The name of the wine is derived from the bowels of the volcano, from its incessant activity, the heat and the colour of the magma. The vines grow in a kind of amphitheatre created by volcanic eruptions, which over the centuries have produced a valuable substrate for viticulture: On dark volcanic soils formed from lava flows, mainly free-living, rootless vines develop here, which are exposed to the most extreme climatic influences. Animardente was born a few years ago in this almost moon-like landscape. A name that tells of the soul of the silent volcano, unexpected and incandescent, breathing life into perpetual motion. An irrepressible and seductive force of nature, the expression of a unique terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Animardenta Santo Spirito is wickedly fresh, opening with a whiff of savory herbs and crushed rocks that gives way to wild strawberries and rose petals. This possesses a lovely inner sweetness that’s further enhanced by ripe red berries as autumnal spices swirl atop a core of grippy tannin. The 2021 finishes long, gently tannic and beautifully balanced. A note of licorice remains on the close." Vinous

"Cherry red colour with garnet reflections. Medium body with very fine tannins and fresh cherry, dried lemon and stone flavours. Crisp and tasty. A hint of minerals and pumice on the finish." James Suckling

"Colour and aroma that tell of blue berries from deep forests, velvety and length that make you forget time. Made from the autochthonous Lagrein grape." Michael Graf Goëss-Enzenberg, Weingut Manincor

Translucent purple-violet colour. Complex bouquet with aromas of dark berries, ripe notes of plum and subtle sweetness of elderberry syrup. Well-coordinated impressions on the palate and dense, creamy tannins create a velvety harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark purple red with violet edges. Intense aromas of dark berries, ripe plums and liquorice. A finesse-rich acidity on the palate with dense tannins, fine spice and a lingering final." Falstaff

"A very spicy yet elegant wine. The precise nose is a mix of blueberry fruit, black pepper and exotic spices. Fresh style overall, with a medium body, velvety tannins and a woven, polished finish sustained by lifted acidity and savory length." James Suckling

Dark ruby red. The bouquet gives a furious hint of what this opulent long-distance runner is capable of: full heart of cherry fruit, blue flowers, damp forest floor, noble spice and a well-dosed use of wood impressively alternate. Just as complex and multi-layered on the nose, the wine goes on to show beguiling wild berries, precisely polished tannins and an extraordinarily elegant long final. Wow! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with very light garnet reflections. Notes of ripe cherries, wild berries, sweet spices and some hints of cocoa and dried flowers. Velvety, soft, persistent, spicy flavour with excellent extract richness." Falstaff

"Crushed berries and a layer of mahogany on the nose. Full-to medium-bodied with a very refined, polished feel and intense flavor. Firm tannins push the length. Very solid, but exuding finesse." James Suckling

"The 2018 Valpolicella Classico Superiore seduces with a dusting of confectionery spice and sweet smoke complementing its bright cherry profile. This is juicy and round with vivid ripe red berries and minty herbs, along with violet and lavender florals. The finish is long and staining with round tannins that linger. For all of its sweet spice, the Valpolicella Classico Superiore is matured entirely in large Slavonian oak - what you smell is fruit." Vinous

The grapes for Villa Donoratico, like those for Bolgheri Superiore, have recently been sourced from the estate's very best vineyards. Immediately after hand-picking, they are rigorously selected by 12 employees at 2 sorting tables and the ageing in 500-litre tonneaux ensures even more elegance and finesse. The qualitative gap to Argentiera, the winery's flagship, has thus been noticeably reduced and the wine sets new standards in the entire Bolgheri DOC.

Rich, sparkling ruby colour. Fine, subtle nose of redcurrant and herbal spice, some rosewood and fresh forest floor. Very complex and multi-layered on the palate, revealing more facets with every sip, the well-articulated fruit core is flanked by a fine-meshed tannin and leads into a very elegant, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very dark in the glass, almost black. The nose is very powerful. Juicy black cherry, plus preserved blackberry and a hint of blueberry. Very inviting. A little lighter in the mouth, again lots of fruit and spicy notes, with an elegant woody flavour. Crisp tannins and acidity, both well interwoven. Powerful without being heavy, animating and with good drinking flow. Goes well with game dishes." Vinum

"A dense red with flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries, vanilla, cedar and chocolate, supported by slightly grainy tannins. Rather chunky overall, but with a nice length." Wine Spectator

"The nose starts with black cherries and blackberries, but eventually notes of salt and pepper come to the fore. On the palate, the cherries linger, with chocolate complementing the rich sweetness, before a complex finish of heat, spice and dusty chalk. The tannins linger while the acidity sings." Wine Enthusiast

"Dense ruby colour with a brightening rim. Spicy on the nose, with aromas of white pepper, blackcurrant, cocoa and light tobacco notes. Velvety and soft on the palate, with firm tannins and rich fruit, with a long finish." Falstaff

"Attractive Cabernet-based red wine with aromas of redcurrants and berries and undertones of lead pencil and spices. Herbs. Full-bodied with walnut, chocolate and fruit flavours. Very fine tannins with a finesse and beauty." James Suckling

"The Argentiera 2021 Bolgheri Rosso Villa Donoratico has a forward mouthfeel with plenty of immediate intensity in the mid-palate. The wine is articulate and generous with thick layers of black fruits, stewed plums, sweet earth and pressed blackberries. You get everything you want from a Bolgheri Rosso. You even get a wine that tastes more like a Bolgheri Superiore." Wine Advocate

"The art of composition. Six great red varieties from our best vineyards play together subtly in this wine: Character and individuality paired with festivity and elegance." Michael Graf Goëss-Enzenberg, Weingut Manincor

Rich, dark garnet colour with a delicately brightening rim. Elegant cuvée that exudes a dense and promising bouquet of cassis, rose petals and black cherries. Medium-bodied and well-proportioned on the palate, elegant, complex and impressively long on the finish with flavours of dark red fruits and spices. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby red with purple edges. Fresh, inviting aroma of ripe cherries, raspberries, fresh herbs and tobacco. Balanced acidity, fine tannins and a fruity, long-lasting finish on the palate." Falstaff

"Notes of ripe mulberry and blackberry paste are threaded with a fragrant skein of thyme, violet, anise, paprika and milled pepper accents in this supple, medium-bodied red. Focused and creamy on the palate, integrating fine, sculpted tannins and dark, juicy acidity." Wine Spectator

"Dried berries and orange peel with mountain flavours and aromas of tree bark follow through to a full body, with layered tannins and a juicy finish. Beautiful presence and juiciness." James Suckling

With Cifra, star oenologist Luca D'Attoma has vinified a wonderfully agile and elegant Cabernet Franc. Dark ruby purple in colour, with a deep aroma and notes of blackberries and liquorice. Rich fruit on the palate with firm tannins and a mineral final. A delight from the Tuscan coast from biodynamic (Demeter) cultivation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Gently shimmering ruby red colour. Dark and deep on the nose, of blackcurrant, blackberry, also smoky, with a hint of cinnamon. Velvety texture on the palate with concentrated fruit on tightly woven tannins right into the long finish." Falstaff

"A fresh and delicious Cabernet Franc with blackcurrant and notes of lemon blossom and light stones. It is medium-bodied and crisp with a delicious and energetic finish." James Suckling