James Suckling

Coniale, a pure Cabernet Sauvignon, is an elegant and expressive wine. Smells pleasantly of black fruits, spices and tobacco, presents itself dense and wide on the palate, with mineral tones of flint and granite, firmly structured and well defined until the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of blackberries, mushrooms, mocha, cedar and spice box. It's full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. Tight and structured with a rich, zesty and spiced finish." James Suckling

"This red features ripe cherry, currant, loam, Tuscan scrub and bitter almond flavors, with a mineral underpinning. Firm and taut, with a beam of acidity driving the lingering finish. Balanced in a compact way, this should unwind in a year or two." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Coniale, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, is a gorgeous wine that marries varietal character with a distinctly Chianti Classico profile of acid, tannin and overall structure. This decidedly Tuscan Cabernet has so much to offer, starting with its expansive aromatics and beautifully layered fruit. Dark cherry, cedar, tobacco, menthol and licorice lead into the firm, structured finish." Vinous

Seductive bouquet of exotic sweet spices, pickled cherries and minty herbs. Juicy and deep on the palate, with an abundance of ripe red fruits stimulated by a lively acidity, while rosy tones build inside over a layer of fine but sweet tannins. In the long and lightly structured final, bitter notes mix with sour citrus fruits, which in combination with the fine extract sweetness creates all kinds of tension. Very energetic and complex. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark violet with minimal lightening rim. Medium expression on the nose, on roasted malt, walnuts, plus chocolate powder, reverberating on Amarena cherry and pickled plums. Nice creaminess and compact tannin on the palate, spans a wide arc, savoury in attack and progression, rich finish with minimal aftertaste." Falstaff

"The 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva is a dark beauty with balsam herbs giving way to spiced cookie, hints of cinnamon and citrus-kissed black cherries. It’s incredibly elegant in character with silken waves of ripe red and black fruits complemented by sweet spice. This saturates the palate with sweet tannins that create a structured feel, yet fail to slow the 2017’s momentum throughout the long and dramatic finale. There’s so much balance and intensity here, making the 2017 a sure bet for the cellar." Vinous

At a young age, Pelagrilli 2019 is already more open and pleasing than Pacenti's flagship Vecchie Vigne from the same vintage. The bouquet is rich and engaging with dark cherries, herbs and young leather. The palate is powerful, precise and excellently structured, with the recognisable wood well integrated. In addition to a very appealing extract sweetness, the long final reveals salty notes that are otherwise only found in Casanova di Neri's Tenuta Nuova. A wonderful Sangiovese from a great vintage with an almost ideal climate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, shiny ruby red colour. Nose of forest fruits, milk chocolate, fine earthy notes and dried rose petal, mint, blood orange on the finish. Full-bodied on the palate, dark fruity, with a savoury, powerful finish, the alcohol is very well integrated, round and full, without missing its juiciness on the finish, long." Falstaff

"Dark ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. An abundance of spices and mineral, salty notes as well as hints of sweet oak on the nose. Smooth, multi-layered flavour of cherries and mint with firm, grainy tannins. Gentle, long and captivating." Jancis Robinson

"Pungent mint and eucalyptus mingle with oregano and rosemary. The palate is dense and compact with intense blackcurrant and all the oily balsamic herbs that flash on the nose. Through its robust weight, a bright acidity gives the wine vibrancy, brightness and focus. The tannins are dry yet supple, lending a grainy texture to the fruit. The wine has a distinct style and handles its high alcohol content of 15.5% with surprising aplomb." Decanter

"A beguiling blend of mint, cedar and spiced orange slowly gives way to dried strawberries as the spicy and seductive 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Pelagrilli blossoms in the glass. Silky and round, it flows across the palate with a dense wave of ripe red and black fruits accompanied by a bitter bite of cloves and dark chocolate. The finish is long and inward, structured with sweet tannins, while hints of violet and lavender fade. I can really feel the heavy clay soils in this version of Pelagrilli as they give it weight and a plush feel, yet the energy of the vintage shines through." Vinous

"The Siro Pacenti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Pelagrilli is strongly characterised by an oak tone that comes to the fore with a hint of campfire ash or freshly split firewood. The wine shows rock-solid concentration and a level of phenolic extraction not easily found in Montalcino, unless you make it your mission. The tannins are bitter and grippy, and the oak tannins overshadow the fruit tannins at this very young stage of the wine. The alcohol content is very high at 15.5 %. Nevertheless, the 2019 offers an excellent core of dark fruit, and it has the elements and freshness for long ageing." Wine Advocate

"Beautiful fresh fruit with crushed cherries, orange peel and flowers. Pure. Full-bodied with round and juicy fruit and a long, creamy finish. Flamboyant and beautiful with velvety and creamy tannins that offer a wonderful texture." James Suckling

"The north-east quadrant of the "hill", Siro Pacenti's beautiful sustainable project, the product of the youngest vines. Black cherry on the nose, nuances of wild mint and white pepper. Intense sip, iodised, with a return of sweet spices." Luca Gardini

"Packed with vibrant black cherries, blackcurrants and plums, as well as iron, toast and tobacco accents, this red wine shows a certain power and tension, but also grace and balance. The lingering aftertaste shows bright, ripe fruit and wild herbs." Wine Spectator

"W.... Dreams ... ......" has stood for "Where Dreams can happen" since the 2003 vintage and originates from "Where the Dreams have no end", which was first pressed with the 1987 harvest. The '96 to '02 vintages were labelled "Were Dreams now it's just Wine".

Expressive with aromas of lime blossom, jasmine, incense and warm peach skin, this wine crackles with vibrant acidity, delicately interwoven with layers of ripe yellow melon and apple fruit, salted almonds and candied ginger. A noble white wine that lingers for a long time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, present straw yellow colour. Opens with subtle notes of smoke, then camomile, some apricot, light mineral components in the background. Juicy and straightforward on the palate, follows through with good tension, fine yellow fruit components, salty final." Falstaff

"Fresh and toasty nose with aromas of pastry, spice, citrus and roasted pineapple. Quite full and tangy on the palate, with a flavourful mid-palate and a medium-long, clean finish. Subtle oak bite at the end." James Suckling

"There's good presence and structure to this harmonious white, with a vibrant spine of acidity working nicely with the rich range of creamed apple, chopped hazelnut, Meyer lemon peel and ginger-infused pastry cream flavors. Long and fluid, with a tang of salinity driving the finish." Wine Spectator

Terre da Vino's colourful Barbaresco La Casa in Collina smells interestingly of flowers, sour cherries and tobacco. The juicy taste is well balanced with excellent persistence. SUPERIORE.DE

"Perfumed nose of cedar, dried cherries, tobacco, mint chocolate and lemon peel. Medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Sturdy frame, yet fresh and zesty." James Suckling

Batasiolo's Bussia comes from the Bofani vineyard in Monforte d'Alba. A classic-style Barolo with the exceptionally high quality of the 2016 vintage, promising a long evolution. Multi-layered aromas, crisp fruit, robust acidity and firm tannins create a structured, harmonious impression. SUPERIORE.DE

"Extremely perfumed with strawberries, flowers and some dried earth, too. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins and lots of walnut and berry character." James Suckling

"Toasty raspberry nose. Very rich and concentrated, with admirable depth of fruit and grip. Evidently youthful, but has power and intensity. The firm tannins give ample structure and this will go the distance. Long, chocolatey finish." Decanter

The mineral Archineri made from the ancient Carricante grape from vines at an altitude of around 900 metres is quite exquisite. With great clarity and freshness, it displays its typical flavour profile of crushed rock, apple, banana, peach and citrus fruit. Fascinatingly dense on the palate with a velvety texture, a hint of chalk and a long, complex mineral finish. Pre-Phylloxera = from old, ungrafted vines! SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh, engaging aromas of apple, pear, light-coloured stone fruit and flowers. Very juicy on the palate, wonderfully balanced with good freshness, a silky texture and a savoury final. The white Archineri already delivers consistently high quality for the price." Weinwisser

"Medium bright straw yellow with light reflections. Fine aromas of vineyard peach, mint, salted lemon and a hint of nutmeg on the nose. Very fresh and salty on the palate, straightforward and with a long final of citrus zest and fine minerality." Falstaff

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Archineri smells of a savoury blend of dusty dried flowers, shaved ginger and lime zest. It is round and supple, with a lovely inner sweetness and ripe orchard fruit balanced by a core of palpable minerals. The lively acidity makes for a pleasant final with medium length that leaves a hint of candied citrus and fresh mint." Vinous

"The nose is strongly characterised by citrus and stone fruit, but a subtle floral aroma adds elegance. The palate also begins citrus-driven before deeper, richer flavours of nuts, honey and herbs emerge. The salty finish brings a pleasant, unifying coolness." Wine Enthusiast

"Very pure and mineral nose, giving a stony, precise feel, almost as if you were sniffing in a quarry. Also some smoked tarragon and lemon peel. Impressive tension on the mid-palate with stimulating acidity and minerality. Pure and long. Delicious." James Suckling

The Montepulciano vines for this powerful and terroir-rich Montepulciano grow on the Campo San Giorgio vineyard at an altitude of about 150 m on deep, chalky clay soils. The wine is unfiltered and unfined and matures for 12 months in small and large wooden barrels. The label represents the historic design of the Rosso Conero of the 1970s and the impressive result is the calling card of a long family tradition and expertise in viticulture.

Deep dark ruby red with violet and garnet reflections. Very expressive on the nose with a fruity style of cherry, plum, liquorice and herbal spice. Fresh and firm on the palate, the delicate extract sweetness gives it harmony and the silky tannins lead into a warm, very long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark shining ruby red. In the nose of juicy, ripe raspberries and cherries, shows elegant leather spice, cedar wood, a hint of blood orange in the aftertaste. On the palate initially with elegant creaminess, shows racy acidity in fine interplay with tannin and fruit, spans a wide, fine arc, slightly salty in the final." Falstaff

"This has aromas of black fruit, leather, charcoal and toast. Some iodine and grilled herbs. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Charred-wood character at the moment, but it’s long and shows excellent concentration." James Suckling

"With only 6,000 bottles made, the Umani Ronchi 2018 Conero Riserva Campo San Giorgio is a terrific expression of Montepulciano that highlights elegance and persistence. This vintage saw very healthy fruit, and you taste pure tones of plum, blackberry, spice and garden herb. The tannins are etched and graceful, giving the Campo San Giorgio lots of solid support at the back. This is a beautiful wine." Wine Advocate

Brilliant, brightening ruby-garnet colour. Spicy notes of wild berries, liquorice, flint and traces of thyme on the nose. Beguiling extract sweetness on the palate, with a juicy and racy freshness and fine, tight tannins. Fine salty components on the final, already very polished and supple with further interesting ageing potential. Around 4,000 bottles were bottled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Remarkably pretty, the 2020 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito wafts up with a lifted blend of black cherries and dried strawberries, complemented by hints of clove and allspice. It’s soothingly round, with pretty red berry fruits motivated by vibrant acidity as rosy inner florals and licorice tones form toward the close. This tapers off with a classic tannic grip, maintaining fantastic freshness. The 2020 possesses a lovely balance that will carry it through its long and broad drinking window." Vinous

"Captivating minerals, white pepper, mezcal, orange peel and a wild, sulphurous flavour. Really juicy and broad on the palate with firm, powdery tannins that dissolve in the long, savoury finish." James Suckling

"The nose is full of bright, energetic notes of cherry, strawberry and blood orange, but undertones of sage and pencil shavings add depth and nuance. On the palate, a crackle of pepper reveals the bitterness of the orange notes, while structured tannins and bright acidity support the citrus tartness." Wine Enthusiast

Just 9,000 bottles make up the annual production of this boutique winery from Etna. At 950 metres above sea level, the one-and-a-half hectares of vines, divided into eight tiny plots, are gradually bought up by the renowned Oenologist. The area is planted with Nerello Mascalese bush vines, which have been spared the phylloxera vine louse and make their way through the lava-covered terraces.

The single vines, which are on average 80 to 100 years old, are cultivated in the traditional, low-bush Alberello style, to which the wine also owes its name. Alberelli di Giodo is of extreme elegance and spiciness and represents to a remarkable degree the minerality and finesse typical of its volcanic growing region. SUPERIORE.DE

"From 2 hectares, the well-known Tuscan Oenologist Carlo Ferrini produces his own Brunello di Montalcino from Podere Giodo as well as a Sicilian red wine from Etna called Albarelli di Giodo. It is made from the local, Burgundy-like grape variety Nerello Mascalese and has the typical delicate colour. Quite fruity and very accessible, the Albarello di Giodo presents itself as an inviting, harmonious interpretation with a sweet, Tuscan touch. Deep, fine and very balanced also in the mouth, the delicate tannins are enveloped by Tuscan-like sweetness." Weinwisser

"Bright, radiant ruby red. In the nose hearty, of rich cherries, wet stone, some black truffle, in addition noble nuances of tea. On the palate radiant and juicy, showing fine creamy nuances, currently also still with very young tannin, in the final with firm grip and pressure." Falstaff

"Dark cherries and dried flowers with pumice and spices on the nose. Medium to full body with tight, firm tannins. Racy, with wonderful depth. From old vines with an average age of 70 years." James Suckling

"The Alberelli di Giodo 2019 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese is a wine true to its volcanic roots. This elegant grape variety reveals a tight embroidery of aromas with wild rose, sour cherry, white pepper and campfire ash. The tannins are polished and long, and this deftly made Nerello Mascalese is endowed with plenty of natural freshness and tart berry flavors that drive a long, nuanced finish. This is another super star bottle from winemaker Carlo Ferrini." Wine Advocate

The red Archineri from Nerello Mascalese grapes is full of character and elegance. A very refined bouquet of redcurrants and wild berries, with a hint of dog rose, stone fruit and ethereal aromas. Very exquisite, very juicy, flavoursome and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"A herbaceous, spicy bouquet with Mediterranean culinary herbs such as sage and oregano, followed by floral accents of rose petals and peonies. On the palate, it is compact and almost sparse with a linear structure, which is reinforced by the earthy-mineral character and the supporting tannins, with the typical salty smokiness and fine red fruit on the juicy final." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Somewhat closed on the nose, delicate flint with red berry fruit. Barren and stony on the palate, shows a fine saltiness, very young, yet harmonious and balanced, constantly juicy on the final, beautiful length." Falstaff

"A floral, herbaceous bouquet with notes of sage, oregano, tomatoes, roses and peonies. On the palate, a dash of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of pepper add further nuances to the waltz of savoury herbs and flowers. The tannins emphasise the earthiness, while the acidity introduces a fruity element that is both sweet and tart." Wine Enthusiast

"An evolutionary nose of dried roses, figs and baked plums leads to a palate with lively acidity and a hint of rosewater. Exotic, bazaar-like flavours, rich exotic fruit minerality and charming floral fruitiness. Delicate smoke, round texture, fine tannins, juicy bitter cherry finish. Slightly tart." Decanter

"Ripe, spicy nose for an Etna Rosso with lots of orange peel, white pepper, cloves and mandarins. Also some stones and sage. Firm and full-bodied with a mineral texture that lightly coats the palate. Broad-shouldered tannins with a long, mineral finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Etna Rosso Archineri is earthy, dark and brooding, with a youthfully backward bouquet of ashen stones, grilled herbs and dried berries. It is silky smooth, with ripe wild berries accompanied by a hint of blood orange. A salty core of minerality saturates towards the end. This leaves a lingering tension on the palate. The lively acidity tantalises the senses and the fine tannins penetrate deeply, leading to a dramatically long, structured and intense final." Vinous

Inama's Garganega flagship is named after the wide terraces with rows of old Garganega vines trained in beads on Monte Foscarino. In 2019, thanks to the optimal orientation and careful cultivation, a selection of the best grapes was reserved for I Palchi, which will now only be released on the market in the best years in very limited quantities. It is the archetype of a Soave Classico from volcanic soils and a more than successful, independent interpretation of the Garganega grape.

Deep, rich straw yellow colour. Delicate, highly elegant nose of white flowers, stone fruit and meadow herbs, rounded off with a lovely spiciness and a hint of flint. Full-bodied on the palate, with a firm creaminess, dense, ripe fruit and complex, mineral components. A dream in velvet and silk, carried by a well-proportioned acidity and with an impressive final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant straw yellow with elegant green reflections. Appealing nose of ripe lemon, cold smoke, exotic undertones, candied pineapple, sugared coconut, cold herbal tea on the final. Very nice melting on the palate, with a racy-salty undertone, polished, with beautiful play, mouth-watering in the final and with fine length." Falstaff

"Rich, round and flinty, it's full of exotic and peachy yellow fruits, allied to lovely freshness and poised sapidity. Smoky and spicy hints emerge on the long, slightly woody finish. Class." Decanter

"The Soave Classico Foscarino Grande Cuvée I Palchi 2021 is what they describe as the most representative target for this wine. Made from 100% Garganega, the wine is beautifully structured and fresh, almost crisp and very detailed with peach, honeydew melon, exotic fruits and crushed oyster shells. I Palchi consists of terraced vineyards with 50 to 60 year old vines that are trained using a pergola-rafter system. Garganega is a very vigorous grape variety. The choice of oak wood is carefully considered here." Wine Advocate

"The moment the cork is pulled, you know you're in for a ride. The wine opens with aromas of lemon blossom, lemon peel and lemon curd. You might think that this is all the wine has to offer, but you are quickly led down a different path where flavours of hazelnut, roasted apples, magnolia and the first hint of smoke emerge. As the wine reaches the palate, you are hurled into the vineyard and feel the power of the soil. Flavours of white peach, mixed citrus, wild herbs and honey lead the way to an explosion of minerality that captivates you back into the glass. This is a wine that can hold its own with any other in the world." Wine Enthusiast

"The Soave Classico I Palchi Foscarino Grande Cuvée 2021 has a platinum gold colour and a youthful, intense bouquet that blends raw almonds with stone dust, dusty dried flowers and Asian pear. It seduces with its silky texture and supple personality, washing over the palate with crisp, ripe fruit accompanied by a savoury mix of spicy herbs and minerals. The 2021 tapers dramatically long and fresh, leaving an aftertaste of mint and liquid stone." Vinous

"Wow. This is fantastic with mangoes, lemons, pears and a hint of vanilla. Mineral flavours too. Full-bodied with bright fruit and a lively finish. Lots of minerality. A selection of the best grapes from Inama in the Grand Cru Foscarino. Outstanding." James Suckling

Bright ruby red colour. Fine bouquet with aromas of red cherries, raspberries, savoury herbs and flint. Then rich and ripe in the mouth, with harmonious, peppery acidity that gives the red and black fruit flavours lift and support. Very complex in the further course, with enormous juiciness and the power and persistence for a very respectable finish and a long life. Only 1,200 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of ripe plums and clafoutis lead to a good concentration of fruit that is austere at first but promises to open up nicely. Fresh floral notes mingle with spicy complexity, revealing the richness of dark fruits, finely structured with balanced tannins and freshness. A Cate Blanchett-like elegance, followed by a powerful, substantial finish." Decanter

"On the nose, there are mainly aromas of earth, tar, undergrowth and soy sauce, but also tart fruit notes that provide a certain spiciness. On the palate, a pinch of salt and pepper as well as strong tannins and acidity ensure that both the slightly metallic earthiness and the tart fruit elements develop into a multi-layered tapestry." Wine Enthusiast

"Pale to medium ruby-garnet colour. Very mineral nose with gravel, iron, some bitter orange, wild herbs and savoury berries. Huge tannins and high acidity on an austere palate with a full body and a mineral finish. Lots of tension here and yet elegant. A mineral and rather Barolo-like Etna Rosso." James Suckling

"Dusty, floral and slightly spicy, the 2020 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo entices from the first tilt of the glass. It floods the palate with textures of pure silk, complicated by tactile mineral tones and brisk acidity as crunchy red berry fruits cascade throughout. A tart cranberry crunchiness takes hold through the structured finale as violet inner florals slowly fade. This is a simply stunning rendition of Feudo di Mezzo. Bravo." Vinous

Contrada Rampante with a finely woven bouquet of dark red cherries, flowers, mint and liquorice. Fresh and lively on the palate, with a memorable blend of ethereal sweetness, delicate acidity and an interesting salty note. A contemplative wine that requires a certain amount of experience and patience in order to fully discover itself and its deliciousness. Pre-Phylloxera = from ungrafted vines! SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose is simultaneously delicate and earthy, with aromas of dirt, stone and herbs, but also cherry blossoms and cranberries. The palate is defined by a richer, fuller cherry element, but undertones of salt and citrus, along with a powerful electric current of acid, elicit excitement." Wine Enthusiast

"Tar, graphite, dried roses, dark minerals and oranges with just a hint of earthy sweet spices. Structured and full-bodied on the palate with a heap of dusty tannins and a lengthy, cohesive finish." James Suckling

"Hauntingly dark and floral, the 2020 Etna Rosso Rampante smolders up with an array of dusty violets, lavender, cloves and earth tones before giving way to musky black currants. This is sleek and cool-toned in feel, showing its crisp minerality up front as tart wild berry fruits emerge over a core of sour citrus and spice. Structured and long yet still remarkably fresh, the 2020 finishes with dramatic length and concentration, leaving a hint of licorice and saline minerals that pinch at the cheeks. Patience will be required for this strapping Etna Rosso to come to full maturity." Vinous