James Suckling

Michele Satta is one of Italy's greatest ambassadors for the Viognier grape, which he has almost single-handedly brought to this part of the Tuscan coast. His Viognier is sophisticated and seductive, making it the object of desire for wine lovers all over the world. Its inimitable bouquet of apricot and peach exudes an almost cheerful floweriness. Maturation in a combination of cement, oak and amphorae gives this expressive, flavoursome white wine a beautiful note. A dense white wine that spreads out softly on the palate with a lovely salty freshness and a long, delicious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright light gold with straw yellow colour. Smells very fine on the nose of exotic fruits, rich lemons, plus a light muscat note, banana. Racy acidity on the palate, with present fruit, brisk, precise, really great Viognier!" Falstaff

"A pure viognier with a creamy texture and subtle apple and tropical fruit. Hints of stone and cement, almond and aniseed. Medium-bodied, subtle and thought-provoking. Complex. 50% made in amphora and the rest in cement and wood." James Suckling

One of the really great Chardonnays from South Tyrol: bright, intense light golden yellow in colour. In the powerful yet harmonious Chardonnay Baron Salvadori, the aromas of fine vanilla cream and ripe fruit change in quick succession. Fresh and round on the palate, the accentuated fruit is accompanied by balanced acidity, a fine salty vein and well-integrated wood spice. SUPERIORE.DE

"A restrained, tight and minerally wine. On the nose it’s fresh and citrusy, with lemon leaf, cedar and butter notes. The attack is silky, with weight, concentration and a tight-knit structure of fruit and acidity. It’s zesty, medium-bodied and savory. Precise at the end." James Suckling

Here is a fairly new single-vineyard wine, similar in style to Santo Spirito, but with an "autumnal" component. Light ruby red in colour, with a nose of gravel, vanilla and a subtle hint of mint, plus some cranberry, cherry, nutmeg and mocha. Fresh and exciting on the palate with a sweet and sour component and a delicately bitter vein. Compact tannin that certainly deserves a few more years in the bottle. The final is herbaceous, spicy and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Moganazzi is very delicate and restrained. It unfolds slowly with a nuanced blend of incense, dried roses and exotic citrus fruits. It is supple, round and medium-bodied, with a zesty acidity and a crystalline core of minerals that slowly support the tart wild berry fruit. The finish is a little short but effective, leaving a bitter raspberry note and grippy tannins that tug at the cheeks." Vinous

"Sparkling, brightening ruby red colour. Fragrant, playful nose, lots of raspberries and blackberries, followed by violets and a hint of lemongrass. Extremely juicy and fruity on the palate, ripe, fine-grained tannins, lively acidity, spicy, mouth-watering final." Falstaff

"A spicy skein of graphite, ground white pepper and clove winds through flavors of ripe black cherry and black raspberry fruit in this red, with accents of sassafras, red licorice and tar. A crisp frame of well-integrated tannins and bright acidity carries the expressive profile through the lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"Fleshy red and black cherry aromas with some cocoa and balsam make for an enticing wine. In the mouth it's rich and intense, with good acidity injecting freshness into the black cherry, blackberry, violet and cocoa palate. The tannins are fine and grippy, clearly evident on the cheeks, supporting the concentrated, precise core. Full and delicious." Decanter

"It has a fresh and fragrant nose with beautiful cherries and raspberries as well as rose petals, liquorice and crushed stones. On the palate, it is firm and straightforward, with a medium body and lively acidity. It's hard to draw a line between the tannins and the earthy, mineral aspect, as both create a chalky mouthfeel and lead to a long, textured finish. I like the finesse of this wine, although it is still quite dense and firm." James Suckling

The Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba shows the true essence and balanced power of this famous village. It presents itself in the glass with a dark garnet colour and hints of red brick. It is full of spicy and earthy accents that perfectly complement the dark side of the Nebbiolo grape. Black cherry, leather, game, smoke, tobacco and liquorice unfold beautifully in the glass with further aeration and give it the necessary structure and power right through to the respectable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red with a slightly brightening, orange-coloured rim. Initially somewhat reserved on the nose, then opens up to wild berries and raspberries, with a slightly smoky note in the background and some undergrowth. On the palate with a beautiful fruit entry, fine melting and good balance, the tannins are tightly meshed and well integrated, ending in a long final on raspberries." Falstaff

"Very classic bright garnet color. Aromas of potpourri, dried cherries and licorice, then firm, ripe, velvety tannins, red fruit character and elegant acidity. It displays a medium body with good concentration for aging a couple of decades." James Suckling

Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon - the creative and successful experiment of Count Tasca d'Almerita. Cygnus is a young, enchanting wine that smells of blackberries, cherries, vanilla and tobacco and has a wonderfully smooth, grapey-sweet taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has aromas of mulberries, ripe cherries, bay leaves and mushrooms. It is medium-bodied with firm, integrated tannins. Spicy and well balanced." James Suckling

Piastraia fully lives up to the classic image of a great and delicate Bolgheri Rosso Superiore. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller portions of Merlot and Sangiovese, it fills the glass with its intense aroma of fruit and a hint of leather flavours. The flavour is powerful, concentrated and pure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Promising bouquet of blueberries and cherries, also sandalwood, liquorice and flowers; the tannins are powdery, the acidity skilfully integrated, combines race, juiciness and a lot of melting and at the same time not at all pretentious, but very drinkable." Vinum

"Dark and full ruby colour. Open, elegant bouquet of blackberry, underlaid with spicy notes of liquorice, leather and undergrowth. Powerful on the palate, round, juicy and easy to drink. The tannins are well integrated, retronasal black cherry and chocolate, long final." Falstaff

"A firm and compact red wine that shows walnuts, dried herbs, loam, black fruit and cedar on the nose. It is full-bodied, polished and compact, with firm but fine-grained tannins. Roasted walnut notes on the long finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Piastraia is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. It's a great example of where the house style is heading under the direction of Giacomo Satta. Syrah is gone from the blend, and yet the wine offers plenty of textural depth and energy. Dark red cherry, spice, new leather, rose petal and dried flowers open gradually in the glass. This is beautifully done." Vinous

"The core flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry and pomegranate are overlaid with notes of mint, violet, iron and toasted oak. This red wine is dense and rich, with a matrix of polished tannins in support. The balance and finish are outstanding." Wine Spectator

Normally, the Sangiovese grapes from the 14-hectare single vineyard are mainly harvested in Ama and San Lorenzo. Since the 2018 harvest, Lorenza and Marco have decided to vinify a small quantity separately. Deep, dark ruby red colour with violet reflections. Extroverted bouquet of blackberry, raspberry and redcurrant, with notes of crushed gravel, tobacco and traces of young leather. Very powerful and beautifully textured on the palate, the various layers of primary fruit only gradually unfold, the wood pleasantly receding into the background. Finely granulated tannins and a well-integrated acidity flank this very harmonious red on an elegant, long final. There is a lot to like here, for us it is once again a typical Ama wine: racy, powerful and elegant! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with violet reflections. Very precise nose of ripe cherries and plums, some eucalyptus, undergrowth and juniper berries on the finish. Initially soft on the palate with a delicate fruity flavour, then with gripping tannins." Falstaff

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni is a bold, potent wine. Black fruit, leather, tobacco, grilled herbs, licorice and incense add to an impression of virile intensity. Ideally, readers will cellar this for a few years. It’s a serious wine that needs a bit of time." Vinous

"Flavours of black cherries, dark mushrooms and some lemon zest follow through to a medium body that finishes long and energetic." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni is a broad and rich expression of Sangiovese, offering concentrated blackberries, plums and velvety tannins. The wine shows attractive accessibility and a generous, medium-bodied mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

Deep, dark ruby violet colour. Pugnitello impresses with intense notes of elderberry and blackberry, interspersed with subtle smoky notes, slightly peppery in the background. Juicy attack with a well-structured body, dense, gripping tannins, long and persistent with a salty component. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Pugnitello is a fascinating wine. It offers plenty of dark cherry fruit, plum, leather, coffee, liquorice and dried herbs and shows remarkable depth and concentration. There is plenty of tannin, but this is a Pugnitello after all." Vinous

"A rich and dense red, showing some toasted sesame from the oak with red chilli chocolate, dark olives, blackberries and hints of purple flowers and spice. Full and compact, with tonnes of fine-grained tannins rounding out the fruit. An outstanding Pugnitello. Drinkable now, but better after 2023." James Suckling

"This is a beautifully made wine and a special expression of one of Tuscany's great under-the-radar grapes. The 2019 Pugnitello prides itself on its dark concentration, soft ripeness, blackberry jam, earth, black truffle and crushed rose as a single varietal wine. The full-bodied mouthfeel is rich in extract but also soft, giving this wine a medium-term drinking window. In fact, it's preferable to drink this bottle until the 10-year mark, when the velvety primary fruit is at its best." Wine Advocate

"The nose starts intensely sanguine and almost metallic, like meat fresh off the grill, then lightens into sweet aromas of vanilla and gentler savory notes of earth and herbs. On the palate, a current of astringent fruit ties together the herbaceousness with that metallic quality, while a peppery heat blazes around unrelenting tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Lemartine shines in a stunningly beautiful red. Dark fruit aromas, pomegranate and cinnamon emanate from its dense, expressive bouquet and continue full-bodied on the palate. Refined opulence and a supertuscan in pure culture! SUPERIORE.DE

"Raspberry, blackberry, chestnut, mushroom and earth on the nose. Full-bodied with chewy tannins. Structured with a chalky texture in the mouth and a long, flavorful finish." James Suckling

Maestro Raro shines first with its lively colour and then impresses with a bouquet that reveals a wonderful blackberry scent after spices, leather and tobacco aromas. The concentrated taste spreads softly, in which a stable acid structure cooperates perfectly with the tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet. In the nose noble spicy note, after cassis and elderberries, carried by cloves and a hint of red pepper. Spicy on the palate with a slight peppery-animal note, very warm, has tension throughout and comes back juicy on the final." Falstaff

"The currant character is supercharged with wood and bark highlights. It’s full-bodied with lots of blackberry and blackcurrant undertones. Chewy and firm. Needs time to open." James Suckling

"The 2018 Maestro Raro is dense, powerful and rich. As always, Maestro Raro is a decidedly Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon. Black fruit, leather, spice and smoke are front and center. This burly Cabernet is a bit angular, but it certainly has plenty of character." Vinous

"This is an exacting and powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of Tuscany. The Fèlsina 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Maestro Raro always stands out in a crowd, and it definitely stands apart in this portfolio. The wine is sultry and rich in personality, sporting tightly wrapped tannins that will need time to soften and unwind. At its core, the wine shows concentrated black fruit flavors, but there are hints of spice, baker's chocolate and smoky tobacco that add to the complexity and the aromatic lift of the bouquet." Wine Advocate

La Quinta is the fresher, lighter but no less elegant version of Carlo Ferrini's Sangiovese interpretation. The purist beauty of small red fruits, including raspberry and summer cherry, combined with floral undertones, pepper and a hint of Mediterranean maquis combine to create a cool, aristocratic Rosso that expresses the star Oenologist's signature like no other! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright and lively on the palate, such beautifully expressed fruit flavours of raspberries and red cherries alongside a bright acidity that is so clean and precise. Joyful expression with hints of caramelised strawberries and fresh mint. So sharp but so well defined with a clarity on the palate that is beautiful. Not totally complex but a balanced, easy to enjoy wine with lots of life." Decanter

"The Giodo 2021 La Quinta, whose Sangiovese comes from the winery's younger vines, is bold and bright with cherry jam, raspberry syrup and tart aromas of blood orange and nectarine. The wine is easy to drink, with overt fruit and a reassuringly transparent personality. The finish is lean and fresh." Wine Advocate

"Beautiful sweet berries and plums with some cherries. Fir tree and other forest notes. Medium to full body. Round tannins and fresh acidity. Tangy and lively. Delicious right now, but it will age nicely." James Suckling

"Bright, elegant ruby red with a gently lightening rim. Fragrant, inviting nose of juicy cherries, rose hips, in addition fine noble spice, oranges, floral touch, dried violet, in the reverberation again on cherry juice. Exciting and juicy on the palate on entry, with dancing fruit and acidity, shows a nice arch to it, hearty and approachable, great Sangiovese!" Falstaff

"Smells intensely of stone fruit and fresh berries, flanked by herbal and sandalwood aromas; rich in tannins and mineral on the palate, the finish ells out on notes of wild berries, flowers and spices. Full-bodied yet with finesse." Vinum

Strong dark ruby. Pepper and spice accents, aromas of ripe red and dark fruits and a slightly animal note characterise the precise aroma. The perfect balance between tannin, silky elements and the acidity guarantee a characterful and pithy taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multifaceted bouquet on notes of rose hips, cherries, pepper and blossoms; the attack is full-bodied, invigorating acidity, racy tannins, elegant course with mouth-filling finish, the wood perfectly integrated. With mushroom dishes." Vinum

"Dark ruby red with a drop of violet. In the nose of juicy cherries, juicy plums, plus a hint of iron, in the aftertaste noble pepper and slightly bacony tones. Spicy on the palate, with grippy tannin and juicy fruit." Falstaff

"The 2019 Syrah Case Via is powerful, inky and expressive. A blast of inky dark fruit, espresso, licorice, cloves, game and leather infuses the 2019 with notable depth. This virile, somber Syrah has plenty to offer." Vinous

"Intense, exhibiting blackberry, plum, boysenberry and black pepper aromas and flavors. Firm and needs time to resolve the oak, yet this is fresh and persists on the mineral- and spice-tinged finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of blackberries, black tobacco and slate follow through to a medium body with firm tannins and a graphite note in the finish." James Suckling

The top-quality Vigneto Erchi Riserva comes from the small vineyard of the same name, which has belonged to Fattoria Selvapiana since 1998. The owners spent a long time looking for a vineyard whose terroir impressively demonstrates the complexity of Sangiovese in the Rufina region, making this wine a high-calibre addition to the famous Selvapiana collection.

Compared to Bucerchiale, Vigneto Erchi is somewhat more red-fruity and combines its power with wonderful finesse. The well-tempered bouquet has precise and well-defined aromas of wild cherry and redcurrant, as well as hints of blue flowers and earthy notes. Initially restrained on the palate, it gains volume and race with further aeration. Maturation in French oak provides a structure and depth that will give it a long life. Everything is just right here, the house's new top Sangiovese has found its place. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Selvapiana 2018 Chianti Rufina Riserva Vigneto Erchi is drinking beautifully right now, with a little hint of tertiary definition that goes a long way to add complexity. There is dried blackcurrant, spice, tobacco, licorice and a hint of smoked meat on this 100% Sangiovese. It reveals a mid-weight texture with an open-knit quality of tannins." Wine Advocate

"Purity of cherries and crushed stones on the nose. Medium to full body, racy tannins and a mineral, crisp finish. Nice structure, if a little austere now. Better from 2024." James Suckling

"Fattoria Selvapiana, one of the region's top producers, has described its 5-hectare Vigna Erchi as iron-rich soil in comparison to its legendary Bucerchiale vineyard. Exceptional elegance and a silky smoothness complement the bold character of the dark fruit. Although aged for 18 months in French barriques, there is no hint of oak on the palate, only its influence. The wine is a classic example of power and finesse, invigorating freshness and great length. The tannins remain polished and unobtrusive, even if you keep the wine in your mouth. It is a youthful wine, but its impeccable balance suggests a long life and glorious evolution." Decanter

The grapes are dried on straw mats for 4 months, followed by slow fermentation, which is interrupted in winter due to the temperature. Bright ruby red colour with elegant golden reflections. Aromatic bouquet of great breadth and complexity with characteristic notes of dried fruit, honey and various spices. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of saffron, toffee, and salted caramel followed by a hint of sesame oil. The concentrated and generous palate is supported by bright acidity. Persistent finish with citrus blossom undertones." James Suckling

Caprais Montefalco Rosso is an attractive red made predominantly from Sangiovese with small amounts of Sagrantino and Merlot. The aroma is unmistakably of black cherries and violets. Juicy and playful on the palate, with balanced acidity that enlivens the crisp red berry fruit, which leaves a slight mineral touch towards the end. Plenty of power and freshness, good structure, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red colour with a violet hue. Fragrant, playful nose, fine cherry fruit, blueberries and some pepper. Juicy on the palate, dancing acidity, builds up pressure towards the end via the tannin structure, lingers." Falstaff

"Black cherry and spice dominate the aroma, along with an intense floral element. The wine is lush on the palate, with gripping tannins, mouthwatering acidity and ample dark fruit notes both fresh and preserved with an undertone of clove and cinnamon." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright and fruit-forward with ripe raspberries and cherries as well as sweet spices, chocolate and candied orange peel. Medium- to full-bodied with deep, succulent fruit and firm, tightly packed tannins. Lingering, racy finish." James Suckling

Pecchenino has long been based in the Dogliani area and is known for its first-class Dolcetto. The property in Barolo is more recent and includes vineyards in Bussia, Le Coste di Monforte and Ravera di Monforte and San Giuseppe blends fruit from all three areas for this wine. On the nose, bright red fruits mingle with orange, rose and mushrooms. Polished, silky tannins effortlessly support the flawless ripe fruit. This wine is thoroughly vibrant with a lingering strawberry finish, and while the structure is already accessible, its complexity will become even more apparent with time in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Subtle aromas of red cherries, wild strawberries, dried roses, stones and pink peppercorns. Juicy and savory with a medium body. It has firm structure that builds up on the palate. Dense and meaty with a lingering aftertaste." James Suckling

Bright ruby-garnet colour. Smooth and expressive on the palate, with sweet red cherries, blood orange, mint, wild flowers, cedar wood, sweet tobacco and aniseed. Very fine tannins on the palate, spicy, delicate and at the same time very rich and clear, with a long, balsamic final. Every year, Cascina Nuova is a prime example of how excellent Barolos can be produced at moderate prices. SUPERIORE.DE

"A beguiling bouquet of cherries, dried flowers and herbs; juicy on the palate with perfectly integrated tannins, striking acidity and a long final." Vinum

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Still a little closed and with savoury, spicy notes. Serious and complex, it opens slowly to red fruits with a hint of black pepper, but more mineral than fruity or sweet. Still very compact and closed on the palate. Really elegant and refreshing, with firm tannins accompanying the fresh fruit on the finish. Serious stuff." Jancis Robinson

"The Barolo Cascina Nuova 2019 is bright, exuberant and beautifully lifted, straight out of the gate. Crushed flowers, dried herbs, sweet red cherries, cinnamon, spices and candy rise from the glass. Light and medium-bodied, with plenty of vigour, the 2019 is an absolute delight. I really like its energy. The concise Ravera tannins are also handled well." Vinous

"Balanced and harmonious, this red wine offers flavours of cherries, raspberries, spices, minerals and chocolate, supported by a backbone of refined tannins. It becomes even more concentrated in the long, mineral and spicy aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The Cascina Nuova 2019 is initially somewhat reductive, but then opens up and reveals the freshness of lemon leaves, redcurrants and pomegranate as well as the aromatic depth of lemon thyme. The attack is very elegant, almost silky at first, then a little dusty on the finish with a light extraction. Possibly not too concentrated, but impressively good and graceful." Decanter

"This aromatic Barolo opens with wild red berries, fresh herbs and dried roses to create an aromatic lift that will captivate you. On the palate, it delights with light-footed, macerated raspberries dusted with spice, leading to a minerality of crushed chalk and fine tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Attractive primary flavours of crushed strawberries and stones follow through to a full body with fine and polished tannins and a lovely, fresh finish. Vibrant is a good word to describe this wine overall. Best after 2026." James Suckling

"The Elvio Cogno 2019 Barolo Cascina Nuova is the most accessible of the many excellent Barolos produced by this leading winery in the municipality of Novello. The fundamental value this wine offers is even more irresistible in a classic vintage like 2019. The wine opens beautifully in the glass and unfolds its aromas of redcurrants and wild berries. This is accompanied by varietal notes of liquorice, cola and camphor ash in a firm, medium-weight texture." Wine Advocate

"Brilliant garnet red with a ruby red shimmer. Rich raspberries and ripe plums on the nose, with a slightly smoky aftertaste and forest floor flavour. Fresh and juicy on the palate, with fine-grained tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"A Barolo of great freshness, with the proverbial cleanliness of Elvio Cogno, coming from the younger vineyards. Raspberry on the nose, with notes of peony and clementine peel, closed by hints of mint Valdostana. The mouthfeel shows iodized tannins, supported by citrus-floral return." Luca Gardini

Al Passo is named after the small forest on the highest hill of Tolaini - a magical place with a breathtaking view of the countryside and the sunsets over the towers of Siena. The wine is as unique as the forest, showcasing the natural affinity of Sangiovese and Merlot. Rich garnet with ruby colour. Intense and enticing bouquet of ripe fruit, orange zest and spicy oak notes, on the palate with ripe fruit and fresh acidity, balanced, medium body, long final with a fine salty vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cassis, meat, leather and earth notes. Firm acidity and tannins with a chalky texture, a full body and supple fruit balancing the structure. Austere on the finish." James Suckling

"An intense red, evoking cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, mineral, tobacco and wild herb flavors. Silky and sappy, with fine-grained tannins lingering on the finish. Overall, this shows finesse." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Al Passo is a very beautiful and expressive wine. Dried cherry, tobacco, cedar, licorice and incense lend notable aromatic nuance. This Sangiovese/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend has a ton to offer. Bright acids pull it all together in style." Vinous

Beautiful Amarone Riserva with well-proportioned flavours of ripe dark fruit and noble notes of leather, spices and sweet tobacco. It is dense and full-bodied with remarkable depth, breadth and purity on the palate. An opulent wine with a long and very harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Acute aromas of dried cherries and berries, with spicy and earthy, nutty notes. Full-bodied with a regal structure of velvety fruit and oak tannin, supporting plenty of spicy dried-fruit flavor. Concentrated and intense with a long, long finish. This will age nicely for many a year, despite already being approachable now." James Suckling

Eneo is supposed to be the "Grand Vin" of Montepesolo, the Italian answer to the globalisation of wines. And Eneo can do that. The blend of indigenous grape varieties, with Sangiovese and Montepulciano clearly in the foreground, unmistakably expresses its terroir and is understood worldwide in the process. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegantly bright ruby red. Pronounced on the nose with aromas of juicy mulberries and blackberries, rose petals, underpinned by a hint of nutmeg. With soft but precise fruit on the palate, tense, tight tannin, long finish." Falstaff

"Lovely perfumes of flowers, fresh plums and red berries with some stones. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins that blend into the wine. Finely pixelated. Just a hint of bitterness at the end." James Suckling

"The 2021 Eneo is superb. Bright and effusive, with tons of explosive energy, the 2021 is shaping up to be a gem. Crushed flowers, blood orange, cinnamon, cedar and spice are all finely delineated in an Eneo that exudes balance. Clean mineral notes extend the finish effortlessly. I very much admire the vibrancy here, something that is hard to achieve in this district of Suvereto." Vinous

To fall in love with this delicate pink with bright, copper-coloured reflections, the even, persistent perlage, the fine fragrance, the elegance and freshness. A thoroughly sensual drinking pleasure. The pure Pinot Nero brut shines with an elegant aroma of strawberries, cranberries and raspberries, which also characterise the lingering taste. SUPERIORE.DE