James Suckling

Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara is not only clearly ahead of the game with the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the family winery also proves this with its Rosato Cremisi. A tantalising and captivating nose of dried orange peel, flowers, ginger and nectarine. Soft and supple on the palate, yet very dynamic and full of energy with citrus fruit, peppery herbs and green melon. The drinking flow is enormous, the salty tension combined with a subtle tangerine note provides plenty of fun, excitement and freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Rosato Cremisi is sinfully zesty and fresh with a burst of zesty lime and rosemary that segues into notes of candied green apples and Jordan almonds that are slightly more forgiving. It has a juicy, ripe fruit flavour that is underlined by a hint of tropical citrus and bracing acidity. A crackling, salty minerality gives the 2023 a remarkable freshness on the finish, allowing notes of sour melon and minty herbal notes to slowly fade away. It's almost impossible to stop with one sip." Vinous

"Here is a juicy and playful rosé with notes of frozen berries, herbs and melon. It’s medium-bodied with a fresh development on the palate. Good fruit character with a comforting finish." James Suckling

Delicate aroma of melon, peach and flowers. Deep, creamy texture on the palate, generous and fresh. A delicious, fresh and very complex white wine from Argiolas made from 100% Nasco. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very complex aromas of lemons, lemon blossoms, orange peel and green olives follow through to a full body with tension and flavors of lemon rind. Crunchy and salty at the end. Shows purity and clarity." James Suckling

Light cherry red, fine fruity nose with a distinct rose note, supple, pleasantly fresh and spicy flavour, with strong, very pleasant tannins and invigorating acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very light, fresh red colour; beefy, only distantly red fruity notes; fine, juicy, rather slender, suitable tannin, very pleasant." Merum

"It is fruity and racy with notes of crushed red berries, dried orange peel and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is medium-bodied, taut and crisp, with dusty tannins and a bright, refreshing aftertaste." James Suckling

"Grignolio, the name says it all, you can't help but smile at this wine. It opens with aromas of dried raspberries, strawberries and cranberries, which combine with notes of sage, thyme and dusty earth on the nose. The palate reveals crunchy red berries with notes of blood orange and citrus fruits, which lend the palate a certain sharpness. The finish brings a savoury note of rosemary and mint, underlined by a lively acidity. A wine that also likes to chill." Wine Enthusiast

Schulthaus Pinot Bianco is a true classic among South Tyrolean Pinot Blancs. Its success began in 1982, when it was first vinified and bottled. A perfect, delicately fruity and fresh wine that is a pleasure to savour with its creamy softness and racy acidity. Smells of fresh spring green, the generous palate is characterised by mirabelle plums, nectarine and a vibrant freshness that leads to a refreshing finish with lemon and minerals. SUPERIORE.DE

"A very intense and fresh style for a Pinot Blanc. Thyme, herbs, cedar wood, green apples and limes on the nose. Light to medium body with crisp, zesty acidity and good length." James Suckling

Zisola, from the eponymous winery of the Mazzei family in Sicily, is an exceptionally well-made single-varietal Nero d'Avola. Elegantly shining ruby red with a delicately lightening rim. In the flattering fruit bouquet, ripe forest berries and rose hips, lightly reminiscent of blood orange with a hint of cocoa. Juicy and clear on the palate with hearty red fruit, powerful and soft on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Zisola is darkly floral and herbal in the glass, mixing earth tones with dried flowers, sage and crushed blackberries. This is soft and round with a mineral tinge that comes in early as tart wild berry fruits ride a core of brisk acidity. Sour citrus mingles with saline minerals as the 2021 finishes with a lovely freshness, lightly structured yet welcoming all the same. The Zisola is a perfect option for drinking now while waiting for the Doppiozeta to mature. Nicely done." Vinous

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Seductive nose, complex fruit play, cherry, raspberry and plum, fresh thyme. Animating and light on its feet on the palate, ripe tannin, well-integrated acidity, some elderberry on the final, lingers." Falstaff

"Sweet berries and hints of wood with dried flowers on the nose. Bark, too. Medium-bodied with firm and creamy-textured tannins and a fresh and clean finish." James Suckling

The evening fall winds of the Mendel Mountains characterise the entire terroir of the St. Michael-Eppan winery. They ensure cool nights and give the grapes the extraordinary characteristics that characterise the aromas, unmistakable freshness and longevity of the wines. The fall wind is the natural force that blows over the vineyard every day, positively influencing the climate and supporting the valuable work of the winegrowers at the cooperative winery.

The Fallwind wines are ambassadors of their terroir and reflect the strengths of the growing region in a unique way. Most of them are from selected vineyards that have been cultivated for centuries. Strict quality guidelines, low yields, intensive manual labour in the vineyard and gentle and individual ageing in the cellar make them what they are: Characterful, precise and unique wines with varietal characteristics that will win over every connoisseur.

Fallwind Chardonnay in a radiant golden yellow colour has an expressive aroma of white peach. The warm, sunny location of the Merol vineyards characterises this attractive Chardonnay, which impresses with a pleasant fullness, silky elegance, balanced acidity and a fruity finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Accessible style, fresh pome fruit, apple, pear, fine citrus vein. Shows melting on the palate, but remains predominantly juicy, animating and uncomplicatedly playful in the centre of the mouth. Medium length, finishes clear and refreshing." Vinum

"Lemon zest and apple pulp with a hint of spice, sprite and stones. Medium-bodied with fresh, creamy acidity and a slightly phenolic, medium-long finish." James Suckling

The Fallwind wines are ambassadors of their terroir and reflect the strengths of the growing region in a unique way. Most of them are from selected vineyards that have been cultivated for centuries. Strict quality guidelines, low yields, intensive manual labour in the vineyard and gentle and individual ageing in the cellar make them what they are: Characterful, precise and unique wines with varietal characteristics that will win over every connoisseur.

Distinctive aromas of pineapple, elderberry, gooseberry and honey on the nose. Stony limestone gravel soils and cool downslope winds at the foot of the Mendelstock produce this lively and expressive Sauvignon in the Lahn vineyards. With refreshing acidity, delicate minerality, fine peppery notes and a marvellous melting texture. A striking white wine that causes a sensation. SUPERIORE.DE

"An elegant, transparent sauvignon blanc showing tangy aromas of green gooseberries, limes and some asparagus. Refreshing and dry, with plenty of fruit and a dainty finish." James Suckling

Brilliant and intense straw yellow colour with bright reflections. Fine citrus fruit, white-fleshed fruit and wild flowers on the nose, followed by a hint of herbs, then slightly spicy and very elegant. Elegance, longevity and freshness on the palate with a return of the bouquet flavours and a great spiciness, ending with the minerality characteristic of the Pecorino grape variety, simply delicious! SUPERIORE.DE

"A saline and bright white that has aromas and flavors of lemon rind, white grapefruit, rock salt and chamomile. It’s medium-bodied with excellent balance and focus. Salty, refreshing finish." James Suckling

Light salmon pink due to very short skin contact. Fresh and very cosy bouquet of white flowers, peach and dried nectarine. Delicate and crisp on the palate, with a fruity elegance that makes it ideal as an aperitif or to accompany mild Mediterranean fish dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"This vintage is a little rounder and fruitier than in the past, with notes of peaches and pears. Medium- to full-bodied. Creamy texture with a fruity, bitter lemon finish." James Suckling

At Conterno Fantino, the Dolcetto grape is always processed with great sensitivity. Deep ruby violet colour. Aromas of crème de cassis, smoke, lavender and cloves. Firm on the palate, the typical Dolcetto acidity and a delicately bitter vein accompany this incredibly powerful Dolcetto through to the fresh, fruity and delicate final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Dolcetto d'Alba Bricco Bastia from organic farming is densely packed with sweet blackberries and blackcurrants. The wine is dense and rich with bitter almond and blue flower in the background. There is a lot of varietal character in this wine." Wine Advocate

"The Dolcetto d'Alba Bricco Bastia 2022 is a very nice wine. Crushed blue fruits, menthol, liquorice and baking spices are beautifully highlighted in this delicate, understated Dolcetto. Like so many Dolcettos, the 2022 is more finesse than power." Vinous

"Aromas of ripe blueberries and mulberries with rose petals and peppery undertones. Medium body with a polished texture and fine tannins. Fresh and floral on the finish." James Suckling

Single-varietal Vermentino from a single vineyard: fruity aromas reminiscent of exotic yellow fruit and nutty fresh almonds, with a flavour typical of the variety and a fine, vibrant acid wire. A rich wine for richer dishes or simply for itself, of the highest quality and the Vermentino flagship of the traditional winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium straw yellow with silver reflections. Yellow-fruity and slightly floral on the nose. Juicy and well-balanced on the palate with a fruity finish." Falstaff

"A very intense Vermentino with flavours of sliced peach and mango. Tropical character in many respects. Medium to full-bodied, fruity, lively, slightly oily and crisp. Complex and structured. From vineyards with chalky soils." James Suckling

Rich, dark shimmering ruby colour. Open-hearted, dense bouquet of blackberry, plums and a delicate hint of clove in the background. Juicy flavour, shows supple tannins, spreads out beautifully. A great Chianti Classico every year with an exemplary price/quality ratio. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very clear flavour with crisp cherries, blackberries and sour cherries. Animating with good freshness, raspberry notes, polished tannins, precise, lean, vertical style." Weinwisser

"Brilliant ruby red with brightening edges. Animating aroma of cherry and blackberry, with a slight spiciness behind it. Juicy on the palate with stimulating acidity and length." Falstaff

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is a flavoursome, fruit-driven wine that can be drunk now and over the next few years. Juicy red cherries, spices, leather, tobacco, cedar and mint are beautifully brought to the fore. The 2022 has a lot of charm." Vinous

"The Barone Ricasoli 2022 Chianti Classico Brolio is a bright, perfumed wine where the primary fruit takes centre stage. There is a strong cherry theme that adds verve and accessibility to the bouquet. This beautiful wine also benefits from an elegant mineral tone that frames the light fruit. A small percentage of Colorino is added to this red wine made from Sangiovese." Wine Advocate

"A burst of pure cherry in both aroma and flavour underlines this elegant red wine, while pink and mineral notes add detail along with a subtle hint of white pepper. Charming and long on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A textbook Chianti Classico, offering a fragrant juxtaposition of damp earth and spring flowers on a well-padded background of redcurrants, cranberries and sour cherries. Tightly knit with an elegant frame of light, powdery tannins and firm, steely acidity. Very impressive indeed." Decanter

"Lively and floral nose with lots of berries, Mediterranean herbs and red flowers. Juicy and well-balanced, with a medium body and light, crisp tannins. Really fresh, pure and beautiful. This wine is medium-bodied, drinkable, and a little more length on the finish would certainly take it to the next level. Enjoy now." James Suckling

"One of the impeccable landmarks of its kind, it is both balanced and complex. The nose opens with aromas of pomegranate, then notes of star anise and sensations of rhubarb. The sip is iodised, with hints of small fruits and nuances of sweet spices, closing with nuances of undergrowth." Luca Gardini

The Ribolla Gialla has a delicate and persistent aroma of white flowers, green apples and yellow peaches. Full-bodied on the palate, the supple body reflects the characteristic features of the grape variety. The dry and spicy flavour conveys a pleasant freshness and pleasing aromatic richness. Elegant, light and flavoursome - a lively white wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Apples, nectarines and chamomile on the nose. It’s fragrant and fruity with a medium to full body and a lightly fleshy texture. Excellent length." James Suckling

Col d'Orcia's Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine every year. Classic aromas of wild berries, camphor and ploughed earth as well as a hint of blue flowers. Full-bodied and savoury on the palate with flavours of marasca cherry, plum and liquorice and taut, fine-grained tannins flanking the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Rosso di Montalcino 2022 is spicy, blending cedar shavings with cloves, spiced oranges and dried strawberries. It glides across the palate with ease, silky smooth and racy, with ripe red berry fruit and sour citrus. The 2022 leaves the senses reeling right into the finish, ripe in style yet fresh and tangy, with a pleasantly bitter hint of ground clove that slowly fades." Vinous

"Fine spices, iron, minerals, fresh berries and grapefruit. Juicy, firm and fluid on the palate, with a medium body and an effortless finish. Well balanced and ready to drink." James Suckling

Intense straw yellow in colour, the aroma is reminiscent of freshly baked bread, acacia blossom and ripe tropical fruit. These flavours are also confirmed on the palate, the Pinot Gris is elegant and full-bodied with an extremely delicate yeasty note. A harmonious wine full of character with good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sliced pear, apple and lemon on the nose, followed by a medium-bodied, fruit-driven and creamy palate. Fresh." James Suckling

"St. Magdalener, a traditional cuvée made from the two indigenous grape varieties Vernatsch and Lagrein, once not only played a very important role in South Tyrolean viticulture, but was also one of the most famous Italian red wines. But even today, this fine, fruity and characteristically stylish red wine, which is named after the growing area around the wine village of St. Magdalena, has many fans and is currently being rediscovered by many a connoisseur." Rudi Kofler (cellar master Cantina Terlano)

Deep ruby red in colour, with a clear, superficial nose of black elderberries and cherries, rounded off with a bitter almond aroma and hints of violets. Fruity flavour, soft and elegant on the palate with a balanced acidity structure and a low tannin content for the Vernatsch variety. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense nose of blueberry yogurt and violet candy. The slightly confected fruit on the nose is balanced by a medium body, crisp acidity and crunchy tannins. Made in a reductive style." James Suckling

After a year of ageing in the cellar, Feudi's famous Greco "Cutizzi" is labelled Riserva.

Intense, straw-yellow colour and a complex bouquet in which the aromas of melon and pineapple alternate with spicy notes of camomile, vanilla and nutmeg. On the palate, it is round with a rich texture and the pleasant mineral note so typical of the Tufo region. Elegant, long finish with a delicate almond flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with green reflections. Yellow peach and orange zest on the nose, delicate nuances of dandelion. Yellow-fruity, juicy and fresh on the palate, lively acidity, pleasantly salty on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Greco di Tufo Cutizzi opens with an array of sweet white flowers, chamomile and crushed apples. It balances ripe fruit trees and green melon with salty mineral tones and tantalising acidity. The 2022 finishes with a saline tension and notes of nectarine." Vinous

"Elegant, fresh and dense, with a delicious acidity and a chalky base note that frames flavours of ripe mirabelle plums and nectarines, blanched almonds, aniseed, hyssop and preserved lemon." Wine Spectator

"This is a fine Greco. It's savoury, almondy, quinine, bitter and spicy, while subtly moving into stone fruit territory without going over the top. A tremor of mineral tension and shotgun acidity finds a nervous meeting with a stiff upper lip of richness. Convincing." James Suckling

"The Feudi di San Gregorio 2022 Greco di Tufo Cutizzi is just the thing for a plate of raw fish with spicy wasabi sauce or tuna tartare. Aged exclusively in stainless steel, it has the subtle power and firmness to support generous flavours of pear, quince and honeydew melon. The mineral signature of the wine is very pronounced." Wine Advocate

"Floral, zesty and peachy, it has good intensity allied to lovely freshness and a very saline finish. Still very youthful, it deserves the chance to gain some more bottle age before opening; wait and you'll be rewarded." Decanter

After a year of bottle ageing in the cellar, Feudi's famous Fiano "Pietracalda" is labelled Riserva.

A particularly high-quality Fiano di Avellino from Campania with a bouquet of light-coloured stone fruit, nuts and honey. On the palate, its fruity character, aromatic herbal notes and clean structure and minerality make it extremely stimulating. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Fiano di Avellino Pietracalda wafts up with a delicate blend of white flowers, young peach and crushed stone. It flows across the palate with silken textures offset by tactile mineral tones as a core of ripe pit fruits and inner florals amass toward the close. A youthful tension lingers as the Pietracalda finishes classically dry and lightly structured. Today, the 2022 is coy, yet it possesses the balance for medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"That's good. Taut and fresh. It relies on a chewy lattice of salted lemon pith, as well as a distinct acidity. Taut and medium-bodied, with dabs of pistachio, fennel, tonic and jasmine. Long and complex." James Suckling

"The Fiano di Avellino Pietracalda 2022 is another very approachable and drinkable white wine from Feudi di San Gregorio. It is fresh and lively, both on the nose and in the mouth, with lots of flavours of white melon, pear, almond and gravel." Wine Advocate

The straw-yellow Soave Classico has a light, floral aroma of citrus, apple, jasmine and elderberry. Soft and creamy on the palate with subtle almond tones and a mineral vein, all embedded in a fresh, crisp acidity. A lively, sophisticated white wine with an aromatic character and a flavoursome bite. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive notes of sliced pears and peaches with hints of fresh herbs and lemon peel. Medium-bodied, tangy and savoury on the palate, with lively acidity. I like the freshness and savoury character." James Suckling

"Inviting aromas of ripe peach, fresh herbs, crushed stones, and notes of jasmine all swirl together like a perfect garden in the glass. On the palate, the wine is zingy, offering a delightful interplay between citrus and stone-fruit flavors. The mouthwatering acidity and solid mineral finish show this Soave to be worthy of drinking today or stashing away for a number of years." Wine Enthusiast

Top Italian rosé made from selected Montepulciano grapes. Rich, full-bodied and typical of the variety with an intense aroma and fruity, dry flavour, a slender acid wire and a clear, energetic and full-bodied final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium bright orange with reddish reflections. Aromas of garden herbs, wild raspberries and a hint of citrus on the nose. Beautiful fruity sweetness of morello cherries and redcurrants on the palate. Noticeably well-integrated phenolic notes and a pleasant flow." Falstaff

"Aromas of strawberries, raspberries and dried orange peel, with light notes of cocoa and almonds. Medium-bodied, very polished and fine, with a seamless and even texture. Very attractive and full of character. Well made." James Suckling

"Deep purple in the glass, the 2023 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Spelt is a superfine rosé with an engaging, beguiling nose. Purple flowers and blood-orange citrus tones meet a core of savoury minerality and layers of salinity and earthiness. The 45-year-old vines give this wine remarkable complexity. Wonderfully balanced, with ample acidity and a gentle train of phenolics, this is a serious Cerasuolo." Vinous

Alongside Cartizze, the new top product from Villa Sandi from the best Rive vineyard in the Barbozza district: fine and long-lasting mousseux with elegant apple, pear and melon flavours. The flavour is fresh, taut, with subtle fruit and a well-proportioned final. An outstanding Prosecco Spumante Superiore. SUPERIORE.DE

"Floral aromas of jasmine and lemon blossom here with peach and sweet melon. It’s medium-bodied and lightly honeyed on the palate with frothy bubbles and a clean finish." James Suckling

Dark ruby red in colour. Opens with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spices and Spanish cedar. The delicate blackberry flavour is also very seductive on the palate, which in turn blends with tobacco, minerals and well-integrated wood. The final is fresh with pinpoint acidity and an intense, spicy length. The Chianti Classico from Poggio Bonelli is very attractive, stylish and in tune with the times every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Open and accessible nose with notes of plums, some smoke and vanilla in the background. Characterised by grippy tannins on the palate" Falstaff

"The Poggio Bonelli 2021 Chianti Classico shows a beautiful combination of candied cherries and powdery mineral notes. These are characteristics I often find in the Sangiovese wines that are best suited for a pizza or pasta night. This casual presentation hits the mark, offering plump dark fruit and good acidity to finish. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and leans slightly towards the more robust side of the spectrum." Wine Advocate

"Spiced cherries, wild berries and hints of liquorice, walnuts and wet stones. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. The aftertaste is toasty and cedary. Bright and concentrated." James Suckling

Mario Schiopetto was born in 1930, he grew up in the family-owned Osteria ai Pompieri and had his first professional experiences as a fireman and later as a truck driver. In 1963, guided only by his taste and love of wine, he began to devote himself to wine production in his parents' farm and produced the first pure Tocai in 1965. The historic label at the time included the drawing of his fire engine, which he also used to deliver the wine to customers. With the 2019 vintage, the winery recalled these historical roots and resumed the cute drawing on part of its wine labels.

Garnet-purple coloured Merlot with a warm scent of crisp plums and ripe blackberries, plus earthy nuances and a hint of clove. Slender but full-bodied on the palate, all components wonderfully harmonised. SUPERIORE.DE