James Suckling

Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Volpaia is a dark, powerful wine. Black cherry, smoke, liquorice, incense, mocha, menthol, lavender and leather give this virile, brooding Riserva plenty of character. The palate is very aromatic with sweet red cherries, cedar wood and nuances of blood orange, yet very powerful and multi-layered with terrific depth and structure. A dream for Sangiovese lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour with delicate rim brightening. Magnificent, complex nose, lots of small red berries, raspberry and wild strawberry, violets, subtly leathery. Elegant and very juicy on the palate, beautiful tension to peppery-spicy notes, ripe cherry fruit, vibrant acidity on the finish, powerful tannins in the background." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is terrific. Macerated dark cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, dried flowers and underbrush are some of the many notes that grace this super-expressive Riserva. The 2020 is a touch somber, but that only adds to its considerable allure." Vinous

"In the bottle with the black label, the organic 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva offers ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone. Achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season such as this. This wine is characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes it over the palate with good momentum." Wine Advocate

"Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones, following through to a medium to full body with compact tannins that are firm and finely grained. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish." James Suckling

Intense ruby red, persistent, fruity bouquet with notes of wild berries, violets, cloves and cinnamon as well as sweet tobacco flavours. Concentrated, fleshy, tannic, dark fruit flavours on the palate. On the finish, the spicy flavours merge with a pleasant fruity note. An unbeatable wine every year at a very attractive price! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shimmering ruby red colour. Spicy and opulent on the nose, of ripe fruit, liquorice, forest floor and tobacco. Firm tannins and savoury fruit on the palate, carried by fresh acidity, mouth-filling with medium length." Falstaff

"Spicy berries, red plums and cherries are followed by a medium-bodied palate with fresh tannins and a juicy, medium-long finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Montecucco Rosso Riserva is dark and brooding in the glass, with suggestions of rosemary and sage, chalk dust and autumnal spice giving way to red currants. This washes across the palate, elegant and refined, with sleek red and black fruits carried across a core of vibrant acidity. It leaves a coating of fine tannins to linger along with a licorice tinge, as hints of sweet sage and violet inner florals fade." Vinous

"Multi-layered nose of cherries and menthol; pithy in the mouth, lively acidity, fresh, balanced final with an elegant final." Vinum

"Sangiovese, with the participation of Ciliegiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon, for another of the "favourite sons" of the Maremma. Notes of blueberries on the nose, then laurel and undergrowth, finishing with eucalyptus again. Juicy on the palate, iodised tannins, fruity and balsamic notes." Luca Gardini

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 Chardonnay grapes for Rio delle Rose come are over 80 years old. Fine, exotic and noticeably mineral bouquet of pome fruit, apple, citrus peel, white flowers, some flint and a hint of banana and pineapple. On the palate driven forward, with nice pressure and juicy draw, then as it progresses this fine minerality again and in the long, complex finish a very delicate, never-ending melt. Very balanced and big - with its subtle restraint and great personality, Rio delle Rose is for us one of the best Chardonnays from Friuli! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense nose with ripe pome fruit, light flowers, herbal spice and fresh herbs, pink grapefruit, lime zest, fine wood, plus ethereal notes. Powerful in the mouth, yet very balanced thanks to the juicy train, shows itself stoffig with a lot of inner density, remains sharply contoured, enormously juicy, wonderfully dry, very classic without exuberant melting. Rather compact with a cool style." Weinwisser

"Fragrant on the nose, juicy pears, red apple, honeydew melon, lemon zest, hazelnut, meadow herbs. On the palate juicy fruit, spice, fine tannin, creamy core with lively acidity. Pleasantly salty finish, nice length." Falstaff

"An impressively concentrated Chardonnay with excellent structure and lively acidity that makes it seem lighter than it actually is. Wonderful peach fruit and delicate vanilla oak combine with fine tannins in exemplary fashion on the long, crisp and saline finish." James Suckling

The cherry-fruity Nieddera interpretation by Paolo Contini shows itself in a strong ruby red and with the typical aroma of ripe plum and black cherry. Barrile is a splendid wine in Riserva quality and of great richness, soft and warm, yet fresh, structured with a sweet wood spice and an impressive final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich and dense red with aromas of walnuts, olives, coffee and mushrooms. Full-bodied, toasty and flavorful, with firm yet integrated tannins. Meaty and intense." James Suckling

The combination of two such different personalities as Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend brilliantly in Grifi, giving this wine a unique character. The Cabernet gives the wine an extra kick of depth in the mid-palate as well as a tannic backbone that gives the wine plenty of persistence and energy.

Dark ruby red with violet reflections. The nose opens with hints of blueberries, blackberries and incense through to sandalwood and graphite. Dense and complex on the palate with hints of blackberry jam and cinnamon. On the palate, it develops like a balsamic explosion, supported by good acidity. The lively tannin accompanies the savoury and persistent, very linear finish. Grifi is a wonderfully sophisticated and elegant pleasure from the best vineyards around Montepulciano and Cortona. SUPERIORE.DE

"An elegant red, featuring a gleam of pure cherry, currant and strawberry fruit. This is also intense and firmly built, with a layer of dense tannins guarding the finish. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"Excellent purity and ripeness in the fruit-accentuated nose, but also a certain complexity. Some violets, graphite and spices to the fresh blue fruits and slate. On the palate, I like the texture with fresh, fine-grained tannins and a cool finish. Long, fresh and juicy." James Suckling

This Sangiovese rarity, bottled without the addition of sulphites, is only produced in the best vintages and matures for 16 months in cocciopesto, a container made from ground brick, fine stone, sand and natural fibre binder. This mixture can then be moulded into containers that are watertight but still allow micro-oxygenation. The real peculiarity of Cocciopesto wine containers lies in the material itself, which is characterised by a high thermal inertia and a certain permeability that makes it ideal for all phases, from vinification to ageing.

Compact colour, fruity, slightly animal bouquet of strawberry, cherry, caramel and brown bread. Very juicy on the palate, with sufficient aeration a puristic and at the same time extraordinarily flavoursome pleasure. The production quantity is just 2,400 bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Sangiovese di S. Lucia is a bold, racy wine. Ripe red cherry fruit, licorice, leather, rose petal and sweet spice are nicely amplified. The Sangiovese is done in amphora, so it has the combination of fruit purity and intensely savory aromatics that are common for wines done in this style, which is on the eccentric side." Vinous

"Orange blossom with fresh cherries and dried flowers with some dried flower stems, following through to a medium body with tangy fruit and hints of spices. No sulfites added." James Suckling

"Sporting a very punchy and vibrant personality, the Castello dei Rampolla 2021 Sangiovese di S. Lucia offers an authentic and nearly transparent expression of Sangiovese from one of the most beautiful corners on the planet. With cocciopesto amphorae aging, you taste the skins of the grapes with plum and blackcurrant. There is bitter almond and lovely iris or violet-like aromas over a delicate, mid-weight delivery." Wine Advocate

This unfiltered rosato, matured in Liters amphorae, is the result of the strictest selection of Syrah grapes from the winery. The spontaneously fermented and Demeter-certified result is just 4,000 bottles, which are sold in selected specialist shops and restaurants. A beguiling, intense bouquet of pink grapefruit, raspberry and cranberry. Taut, juicy and lively on the palate - a perfect harmony of expression, freshness and body. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light cherry red with orange-coloured reflections. A fruity nose of fresh stone fruit, cherries and grapefruit and a flavour of Mediterranean scrub. Well-balanced on the palate, fresh and very juicy, full-bodied and with a long final." Falstaff

"Attractive aromas of pink cherries and peach skins with dried rose petals and pink peppercorns. So sleek and textured with medium to full body and a silky mouthfeel. Very attractive and delicious. Very well-made with tension and a mineral backbone." James Suckling

Dark garnet red with ruby red reflections. Complex bouquet of wild berries, underlaid with a hint of spice and cocoa. Dark fruit again on the palate, some smoke and tar, the fine-meshed tannins lend a wonderful structure, with a delicate woody spice on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, impenetrable purple-red colour. Flattering aromas of dark chocolate, liquorice and stewed plums on the nose. Surprisingly fresh on the palate with soft tannins and a long, chocolaty finish." Falstaff

"A youthful and juicy red showing aromas of black cherries, vanilla, chocolate and orange. It’s medium- to full-bodied with creamy and broad tannins." James Suckling

Lis is a mixed blend of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and is one of the house's top wines. It has a wonderfully complex aroma of citrus and passion fruit, yellow apple and an initially barely perceptible flavour lead from the Sauvignon Bianco. All elements of this cuvée are equally and masterfully married on the palate, the mouthfeel is soft and round. This complex and at the same time elegant white wine, with its subtle pressure, whets the appetite for more and inevitably casts a spell over every Friuli fan. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light golden yellow with straw-yellow reflections. Slightly reductive nose at first, then ripe stone fruit, flint, citrus fruit and fresh herbs in the background. Pleasant and lively acidity on the palate, salty, with a long finish." Falstaff

"Honeysuckle, guava, papaya and lime curd on the nose. Some dried spice, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a creamy, oily texture. Ripe, tropical style. Finishes fresh." James Suckling

"The 2018 Lis is coy in the glass, with a nuanced bouquet that shows young peach, dusty florals and white smoke. This is pure elegance on the palate, pleasantly soothing and soft, with ripe white pit fruits and hints of sweet spice that smooth over the palate. It finishes with a tug of tannin and a concentration of residual fruits, as hazelnut traces embellish the style." Vinous

In the history of Etna, the eruption of 1614 is legendary, as it lasted ten years and is thus to date the longest recorded eruption of the volcano that is still active today. A very impressive and fitting name for Planeta's Etna series of equally impressive wines.

Riesling from Etna? Initially an experiment, admittedly. But it can truly be called successful and great: the latest offspring of Planeta's Etna family with a delicate pale colour with green reflections; on the nose with a great variety of aromas such as white apple, plum, lemon and yellow flowers. Perfectly dry on the palate, with mild acidity, fine minerality and (especially with increasing maturity) pronounced fruitiness and beguiling depth and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"This has plenty of citrus zest, orange blossom, acacia honey and pomelo. Medium-bodied with sharp acidity and a citrusy, floral palate. Dry yet honeyed character. Delicious finish." James Suckling

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

Nemo is an exceptional Tuscan Cabernet: It is masculine, extremely spicy and of an impressive expressiveness. In the initially slightly reductive bouquet, a poptpourri of morello cherry, spices, liquorice, leather, tobacco and a hint of rosemary oil. The palate is punchy, complex and of a high aromatic intensity and at the same time distinctly Tuscan identity. We strongly recommend giving the wine a few hours of aeration before drinking - the alternative for the patient is to put it in the cellar and find it again in five years ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red. Rich, tree-ripe cherries on the nose, cranberries, a dash of ink and graphite, violets. On the palate with beautiful melting and great cassis fruit, also minty components, spans a fine arch, fine afterdrying in the finish." Falstaff

"The Castello di Monsanto 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Nemo is a pretty treat. The aromas are spot on and the bouquet shows little sign of the vintage heat that proved difficult in many parts of Tuscany. Instead, this wine offers delicate tones of blue flower, black olive, spice and campfire ash. There is smoothness on the bouquet; however, the palate shows some of the tannic astringency and tightness that is characteristic of this 2017 vintage. Give it a few more years of bottle age." Wine Advocate

"The blackcurrant and vanilla character is coming through strongly here now, both on the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Some bitterness at the end with the new wood. Give this time to come around." James Suckling

Millesimato Metodo Classico Brut 2018 - carefully matured using the Metodo Classico method - is juicy, floral and creamy, with a lovely acidity. Flavours of peach and stone fruit take centre stage, with delicate mineral tones and a lovely hint of baked bread. Silky and delicate, this is the stuff of dreams. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and complex on the nose, with glazed lemons, pears and hints of almonds and pralines. Juicy and mouth-filing, with a medium to full body and a creamy texture. Minerally, slightly saltine character at the end." James Suckling

Ampeleia is the winery's top wine and, since the 2015 vintage, has been made exclusively from Cabernet Franc from various plots planted at a cool altitude of 500 to 600 metres above sea level. A wine with personality and character, its inner elegance and fruitiness make it a fascinating interpretation of the new and different Maremma. SUPERIORE.DE

"Earthy notes dominate this wine, with leather, cocoa, dried eucalyptus leaves and restrained bramble fruit. Dense palate with a full body, velvety extracted tannins, intense fruit definition, black olives savoriness, crisp acidity and a muscular finish." James Suckling

Less than 1,000 bottles of this Gewürztraminer Riserva are produced each year. The grapes are harvested at the end of December - just when they are finely coated with the noble fungus Botrytis cinerea. Golden, almost amber-coloured sheen, quince, dried fruit and rose petals on the nose. Concentrated on the palate, delicate honey flavour, sweet and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is aromatic and spicy, with sweet exotic fruit and hints of honeysuckle, beeswax and savory herbs. Full, creamy and quite sweet, yet balanced with good acidity. Round and fruit-driven on the palate, with a lot of spice and citrus notes at the end." James Suckling

Fantastic Etna crescendo from vines up to 60 years old from a small single vineyard with wonderfully balanced iodine and citrus flavours. Softly flowing on the palate, profound in flavour, the fine acidity, inner sweetness and delicate woody notes are well integrated into the overall concept designed for a long ageing period. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of honeysuckle and cut lemon with some crushed stone. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture and focused phenolics that add nice texture and length. Some flint on the finish." James Suckling

"This cru bottling from vines in Randazzo is youthfully creamy and offers little flavour other than that of the wood in which it has rested, along with stony patches of mango and peach. This Carricante is full, concentrated and highly acidic. It has enough earthy yellow fruit - such as pineapple, nectarine and yellow plum - to underpin its stony and acidic backbone; a vertical yet full style that will gain power and weight with age. Impressive." Decanter

"With a bouquet like chiseling through sheer limestone with all of the smoky and flinty nuances that come with it, the 2022 Etna Bianco Le Vigne Niche Calderara Sottana is impossible to ignore. It’s silky upon entry yet quickly builds with mineral tension. A savory, sweet interplay of citrus and spice offsets ripe nectarines and apricots. The 2022 leaves the palate reeling with youthful tension and watering for more as it finishes with outstanding freshness. This may not be the longest-lived Calderara Sottana Bianco, yet there’s no rush. It’s a total charmer." Vinous

This Riserva is only made available each year in very small quantities to hand-picked specialist retailers and top restaurants. Brilliant ruby red colour. Fine raspberry and floral notes dominate the spicy nose. Very juicy on the palate, tannins and acidity are well integrated. Riecines Riserva has length and suppleness right through to the long fruity finish. The elegance and fine melting texture are impressive. Once again, this is Sangiovese at the top level that Riecine is known for! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby colour. Elegant bouquet of ripe blackberry and ribes, with some cloves and white pepper behind it, complex. Harmonious on the palate, beautiful alternation of lively acidity, fine-grained tannin and precise fruit, long." Falstaff

"Youthful carmine red colour. Beautiful, mineral, stony nose with notes of leather and brooding fruit. Juicy, compact and fruity on the palate, with finely chiselled tannins. A very appealing whole that still deserves plenty of time." Jancis Robinson

"The nose is herbaceous, savoury and floral with aromas of earth, moss and wild strawberries. A cascade of berries crashes across the palate, while edgy tannins and ample acidity accentuate undertones of dark chocolate and salt, with a latent heat blazing in the background." Wine Enthusiast

"A refined, balanced and seductive red wine with flavours of cherries, dried flowers, wild herbs and exotic spices. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Refined texture with focus and a juicy core of wild berries that brings vitality and freshness to the flavourful finish." James Suckling

"In the bottle with the copper-coloured wax capsule, the Bio-Riecine 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva shows rich or almost crunchy red fruit. The mouthfeel of the wine is much improved thanks to its medium weight and silky tannins. The wine has a slight stiffness, which is good for it now, especially when served with red meat, and which also makes it suitable for ageing in the cellar. Riecine is one of the most representative wineries in the Gaiole subzone." Wine Advocate

"It already shows an exquisite clarity of wild strawberries, raspberries, coriander and mint blossom, and although it comes across as slender, it has sufficient concentration. It captivates with its vibrancy and graceful flow; the structure blends insidiously with a structured tannin train. Very nice." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is a dark, brooding wine. Sour cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, menthol, liquorice and dried herbs are enhanced in this powerful, strong Gaiole Riserva. Bright mineral notes round off the whole in style. Give this wine a year or two to develop." Vinous

"From the usual, careful selection of the farm's best plots. On the nose, notes of redcurrant, with a hint of eucalyptus and cinnamon and nuances of laurel. On the palate, it is juicy, with spicy tannins, a return of small red fruits and balsamic flavours." Luca Gardini

"Our Barolo (Classico) has been a successful synthesis of the various characteristics of the Massolino vineyards for over 70 years. Thanks to traditional ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels, we preserve its pure and unadulterated identity and its complex flavours." Franco Massolino

Traditionally vinified Barolo from the estate's best vineyards. Brilliant ruby red colour. Complex, spicy bouquet of liquorice, tobacco, dried flowers, violets and damp leaves. Very emphatic, firm and full-bodied on the palate. Its racy and forward style is flanked by tangible, robust tannins. Finishes with a fine sweetness, elegant and long. The already undisputed high level will continue to develop in full beauty over the next few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby-red colour with rim brightening. Phenolic nose with eucalyptus, light mint, followed by redcurrants and sweetish elements. Complex, structured palate, full-bodied and juicy with phenolic spice and freshness, retronasal again eucalyptus, beautiful drinkability with firm tannins, long final." Falstaff

"Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Rich fruit on the nose with a hint of gingerbread. A spicy cherry unfolds with air, albeit still a little restrained. Smooth, soft cherry fruit with super-fine, long, crisp tannins. A beautiful wine." Jancis Robinson

"Opens with aromas of crushed red fruits and a bouquet of laurel, balsam and sandalwood that slowly rise from the glass. On the palate, it is round and beautifully soft, the tannins making it immediately accessible. A savoury backbone is brightened by hints of orange peel and clove, creating an approachable yet complex profile that can be enjoyed now." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright and vibrant red fruit character with dried flowers, stones and a hint of tree resin. Medium-bodied, clean and concentrated on the palate, with fine tannins and a linear finish. Shows freshness and balance. Polished. Best from 2027, but already a pleasure to drink now." James Suckling

Montebello is a sophisticated blend of Mammolo, Ciliegiolo, Pugnitello, Colorino, Sanforte, Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo, Fogliatonda and Sangiovese. Each grape variety is harvested and fermented separately in open Liters barrels with indigenous yeasts and manual racking. A captivating bouquet of dark cherries and earth, with notes of cinnamon, tar and grilled herbs. The defined tannins are accompanied by a beautiful acid wire. A wine with great character and beautiful structure that changes with every sip. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive, juicy red wine with fine tannins and a firm structure. Medium-bodied, bright and racy, with notes of ripe cherries and redcurrants and a spicy aftertaste." James Suckling

"Here's a wine that offers you a full dose of Tuscan grapes. The 2019 Montebello (with only 4,000 bottles) is an IGT blend of Mammolo, Ciliegiolo, Pugnitello, Colorino, Sanforte, Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo, Foglia Tonda and Sangiovese. This expression is an attempt to protect some of the lesser known grapes of the region. The mouthfeel is characterised by a subtle sweetness, and the wine offers ripe notes of sour cherry, redcurrant and pomegranate pulp." Wine Advocate

Neromaccarj comes from a low-lying vineyard facing the sea and shows the ripe and juicy side of Nero d'Avola. The wine opens with a deep dark appearance and flavours that are dense and broad, forming a high wall of black plum fruit. The wine is very immediate and impressive, and you don't have to look far to recognise all these wide-ranging aromas on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate with multi-layered fruit and fine tannins. 6,500 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried plums, mussels, dark cherries, figs and warm cinnamon spices on the nose. Quite flavorful and juicy on the palate with tight yet silky tannins that grow on the palate. Quite ripe but refined, with a long, intense finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 NeroMaccarj tempts the imagination as dark depths of black cherry and brown spice evolve into an array of minty herbs, clove and crushed raspberries. This is soft and supple on the palate, with tart red berries and exotic spice motivated by brisk acidity. It tapers off with a bitter tinge of wild berry concentration and only lightly structured, ending with blood orange and rosy dark chocolate. The 2019 is very pretty today, yet holding its power in reserve." Vinous