Luca Maroni

The estate's top wine, named after the owner, is the result of many years of work in the vineyard and dates back to the year 2000, when the winery began to replant many of its own plots with Sangiovese. To this day, Sergio Zingarelli pursues the goal of interpreting his existing terroir as authentically as possible. The result is the highest classification Gran Selezione, which is confirmed every year by the consortium and is only awarded to the best wines in the appellation.

Rich ruby colour. Concentrated nose of herbs, black cherry, chocolate, earthy notes and oak spice. Juicy and soft fruit on the palate, refined tannins, glides dynamically and spicy into a respectable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, elegantly shining ruby colour. Opens on the nose on notes of black tea, incense, sage, then a little fumé, ripe cherry, wild berries. Dense, taut, very full-bodied on the palate, opens with many layers and tightly woven tannins, warm and clear fruit, with a lot of pressure on the finish." Falstaff

"Closed nose, needs air and/or time. Fragrant, clear floral nose, violets, menthol. Ripe fruit on the palate, cherry, strawberry, a little cocoa powder. Delicate, yet powerful, clearly structured. Offers great pleasure now, is fun, but has the substance for further maturation. Finishes long." Vinum

"Vibrant cherry, plum and chocolate flavours are balanced by loamy earth, sage and sanguine notes in this tasty red, which has considerable depth and intensity, though it is restrained and closed at this stage." Wine Spectator

"The Rocca delle Macìe 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sergio Zingarelli is the top wine in this winery's portfolio. A dark and beautifully concentrated expression that shows lots of dark fruit and plums." Wine Advocate

"Beautiful sweet fruit with plums and cherries as well as some walnut and smoky character. Fine, polished tannins. It's medium to full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins and a fruity finish. Delicious now, but will improve with age." James Suckling

Le Difese is the freshest and most accessible of the three wines from Tenuta San Guido. For us, it is one of the most beautiful price-quality wonders of Tuscany. Magnificent, sweetly perfumed fruit aromas in the opulent bouquet, equally generous and broad in the long-lasting flavour of dark cherries, wild strawberries and tangy rosehips. Le Difese shows the great class of the winery in a more playful way. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, transparent garnet colour. Juicy, accessible nose. Quite a charmer with a little Sangiovese bite on the finish for the short term. Decent, medium finish." Jancis Robinson

"Bright and appealing flavours of raspberry and cranberry with some cedar follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Fresh and crisp." James Suckling

"Bright red and violet scents with a creamy background and herbal notes lead to a soft and structured palate full of fresh, tangy cherries and dark hedgerow berries. Ripe, precise and flavoursome with a long, airy, balsamic finish, Le Difese should be enjoyed over the next ten years." Decanter

"The 2022 Le Difese is full-bodied, juicy and expressive, making it a good choice to drink now and over the next few years. Crushed flowers, juicy red cherry fruit, mint, spice and blood oranges race across the palate. This exuberant yet medium-bodied Tuscan coastal red wine is a true delight. The 2022 is a particularly beautiful edition. It benefits from a warm year, an earlier bottling and an earlier selection." Vinous

Deep ruby red. Bright, fresh and savoury aromas and flavours of blueberries, flint, coffee and fresh herbs. Long and clean with soft tannins and very good clarity on the bright end. A beautiful, very refined wine with early appeal but also velvet paws creeping concentration and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"A delicate blend of smoky sage, wild blueberries, cracked chalk and dried violets makes the 2018 Rivarossa a total pleasure to take in. This is silky and cool-toned with a balanced inner sweetness that offsets its tart wild berry fruits as peppery herbal tones amass toward the close. The Rivarossa tapers off structured with edgy tannins that pinch at the cheeks as a note of black licorice lingers on and on. A lot is going on beneath the surface here, but it will be several years before the 2018 comes entirely into focus." Vinous

"Lovely blackberries, violets and blueberries with hints of dark chocolate. Medium to full body with creamy, polished tannins and a flavourful finish." James Suckling

Deep ruby red, intense, fresh aroma of dark fruit with delicate roasted flavours. Complex and full-bodied on the palate, full-bodied, with balsamic notes, perfectly integrated tannins and a finely balanced fruity-spicy finish. An intense wine that doesn't want to be a lightweight and which shows off its power perfectly. SUPERIORE.DE

"In colour, the 2021 appears less dark and viscous than usual. The nose is deep and spicy, with a chocolaty richness, a lot of Merlot presence and aromas of bay leaf, rosemary and incense, as well as banana peel. Very youthful, reductive and full-bodied, very dense in the mouth, with seemingly blunt tannins, firmly fleshed out. The all-encompassing sweetness masks the subtle brittleness in its youth. Wiry acidity, a lot of tannin presence, plenty of wood and very little melting." Weinwisser

"Brilliant and impenetrable purple colour. Lifted, vibrant cassis, blackberry and blueberry flavours with a hint of dusty oak. Juicy and finely moulded around the cassis and blackberry fruit, with gripping tannins that need more time to settle. The whole clearly expresses the excellence of this vintage." Jancis Robinson

"The Orma 2021 is a rich, heady wine. Juicy dark red plums, spice, new leather, mocha and menthol are beautifully interwoven. This lush, flamboyant wine offers a lot of immediacy and appeal." Vinous

"This wine is heady and voluptuous with a bouquet that brings out black fruits, plums, spices and floral notes of lilac and blue flowers. These flavours are released in waves of varying intensity. It is a proverbial food wine that calls for a dish with a high fat content. The freshness is there and it has a considerable fruit weight". Wine Advocate

"This red is broad and dense yet lively, with flavours of plum, blackberry, vanilla and chocolate shaded by toasted oak. A hint of rose lingers fresh and focused on the long, gripping finish. Balanced and complex." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of herbs such as basil and laurel with blackcurrants are followed by a full body with creamy and round tannins and many undertones of coffee beans and walnuts. Powerful, but not over the top. Velvety texture. Fine on the finish." James Suckling

"Spicy, brambly berry aromas with some dusty wood and chocolate notes are followed in the mouth by super-fresh acidity, introducing some ripe black fruits then a stony mid-palate. A fine web of silky tannins supports the fruit, while herbal and balsamic edges bring a sense of freshness and levity to the concentrated fruit. The finish is long, succulent and fresh, with some fresh and dried black fruits accompanied by spice and chocolate. Great balance." Decanter

"Bright ruby violet colour. Fragrant, floral, of wild berries and light-coloured resin, cassis, expressive, pure, inviting. Powerful on the palate, with lots of tannin, vibrant, finely juicy, currently still very young, will develop very well." Falstaff

"The great classic of the house, now a staple of the type. Blueberry notes on the nose, a hint of marjoram, cloves on the finish with a slight hint of undergrowth. Crisp and exciting on the palate, with salty-sour tannins, persistent and again with small black fruits." Luca Gardini

Deep dark ruby-purple colour. On the nose, cassis, blackcurrants and a strong herbal spice with a good dose of pipe tobacco, tar and crushed gravel. On the palate, dark berries, chocolate and a cornucopia of herbs define the full-bodied palate. This juicy wine monument has precisely integrated tannins, an enormous silkiness and an almost endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, intense colour. Rich, sweet and chocolaty, the Oreno smells of rum pot and shows a beautiful fullness, yet the wood shines through a little, as the core flavour is still underdeveloped. Sweet, broad and compact, it appears in the mouth with a lot of substance and core, with an equally concentrated centre. The powerful tannins are arranged in a straightforward manner, accompanied by a fine woody shimmer and good texture." Weinwisser

"A juicy red characterised by blueberries, boysenberries, cassis, wild herbs and oak spices. It shows a range of dusty tannins that have a firm grip on the compact finish, but it has freshness, plenty of fruit and persistence." Wine Spectator

"Fruity, floral aromas of dried cherries, raspberries and violets on the nose segue into spicy notes of pencil shavings and hot tar, before more mixed berries overlay spicy, earthy notes on the palate, with a hint of orange pith providing astringency on the long, umami-rich finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Oreno richly concentrated aromas to match. You get black fruit, toasted barbecue spice, mahogany and smoke. There are pronounced herbal notes with grilled sage and rosemary. This wine definitely embraces a full-bodied, old-school style that is heavily influenced by Bordeaux." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Oreno is great. In fact, the 2021 is one of the best Orenos I can remember tasting. Aromatic, rich and deep, with tonnes of textural resonance, the 2021 has so much to offer. Scents of tobacco, espresso, spice, new leather and spice open up first, leading to waves of dark, resonant fruit that build over time. Impressive. This is a particularly heady, flamboyant Tuscan red wine. A style that works very well in 2021." Vinous

"Dark blackberry fruit and intense floral and spicy aromas, liquorice and olives with nuances of blueberries and roses. The tannins are grippy but give direction rather than being heavy or broad. On the palate, it remains quite straightforward, persistently in line from start to finish. I love the juiciness, the strawberry juice with herbal accents and clean, ferruginous minerality that comes across as slightly tangy and savoury on the finish, lingering with a zesty olive note." Decanter

"Bright ruby violet colour. Opens with an elegant nose, notes of elderberries, chocolate, stewed blackberries, some liquorice. Present on the palate, with nerve, grippy but very energetic, clean tannins, full-bodied, long, juicy finish lasting many minutes." Falstaff

"Blackcurrants and black cherries with beautiful flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that give the wine focus and tension. Pretty and balanced. A little shy now." James Suckling

"Unique location, south-facing vineyards in the river basin of the same name. Taut nose, blackberry, eucalyptus, pink pepper and capers, peony and balsamic finish. Dense on the palate, crisp, spicy tannins, fresh citrus flavours with a long, drinkable finish." Luca Gardini

Poggio ai Merli is a single-varietal Merlot that relies entirely on the terroir of central Tuscany and consistently embodies the Castellare style. Deep ruby garnet. Pure, clear, with refinement, the wood well integrated, elegant and free of fashionable monotony. Great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pretty red with aromas of blueberries, plums, incense and tea leaves. Full-bodied and structured with a creamy texture and firm, chewy tannins. Vibrant, long finish." James Suckling

"This rich red is saturated with black cherry, black currant, tar, wild rosemary and cedar flavors. Beautifully layered, ripe and fresh, with a lingering fruity and savory aftertaste and refined tannins." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Poggio ai Merli (Merlot) is a dark, fleshy wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Spice, leather, new oak and tobacco add pretty hints of Chianti Classico savoriness to the lush Merlot fruit. Although quite appealing now, the 2019 has enough tannic grip to age well for many years to come." Vinous

The wine icon, rare every year and very highly rated, presents itself in a shiny, rich ruby. On the nose, crisp berry fruit, ripe dark cherries, sweet plums and delicate notes of cinnamon. In the mouth it is full-bodied and firm, very juicy, unfolds a finely woven tannin and glides in a wide arc into a powerful, long final. A great wine full of tension and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, sweet and with great seductiveness, it smells out of the glass with lots of chocolate and nutty aromas. Fine-grained and clearly structured on the palate, it has excellent breed with playful acidity, which in turn gives it depth and length. Impressively typical I Sodi, which has never lost its traditional character. Even though it was one of the more modern top wines from Tuscany in the 90s because of its ageing in barriques, today it has to be classified rather with the classics." Weinwisser

"Rich, sparkling ruby with a slightly pale rim. Opens clear and deep on the nose, with plums and blackberries, discreet smoky notes, some cardamom. Firm and sturdy on the palate, shows lots of tightly woven tannin, builds up firm pressure, lots of plum, long final." Falstaff

"This is marked by new oak initially, then the plum and cherry flavors shine through. Vibrant, with leather and earth elements joining in before the oak spice and tannins frame the finish. Fresh and complex, with a lot going on—just needs time." Wine Spectator

"Bright and vibrant, the trademark lively and vibrant acidity at the fore straight away giving life and lift to the caramelised cherries, pomegranates and strawberry fruit. The wood is a little apparent, giving the frame a spiced edge that sticks out a little and pulls the fruit forwardness back a bit. Clearly powerful, there is a richness and ripeness to the fruit with massy tannins. Nuanced and generous with precision and focus from beginning to the end." Decanter

"This celebrated Tuscan red is a blend of mostly Sangiovese with a smaller part of Malvasia Nera. The Castellare di Castellina 2018 I Sodi di S. Niccolò shows the elegance and grace of these native grapes with aromas of red and purple fruit, cherry, wild rose and gardening soil. However, there is also a strong oak element that adds spice and toast to the bouquet and textural weight to the wine's generous build." Wine Advocate

"A vibrant, balanced and fresh red with raspberries, pomegranates, cherry stones and spice box on the nose. Sleek, tight tannins. Focused, with a very fine structure and wound-up energy." James Suckling

"The 2018 I Sodi di San Niccolò is the most elegant Sodi I have ever tasted, and I have tasted them all. Sodi can be quite the bruiser in its youth, as the tannins are often imposing, but the 2018 is impressive because there is more than enough fruit to balance things out. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and gravel build in a Sodi endowed with mind-blowing purity and exceptional finesse. Superb!" Vinous

Amarone Calcarole is only produced in small quantities in the best vintages and has officially been allowed to bear the label Riserva since the 2015 vintage. The single vineyard of the same name is located above Villa di Rovereti in the heart of Negrar in the Valpolicella Classico region. The vineyard offers ideal conditions for great red wines due to its particularly warm climate and stony soil as well as its south-western exposure. The grapes are 100% dried in small crates in the historic rooms of Pojega. A wonderfully intense balsamic wine with memories of rosemary oil, damp forest floor and dried ginger. On the palate, complex berry flavours and a wonderful depth, Calcarole is thoroughly masculine, energetic and powerful, with tightly woven tannins and clearly structured. SUPERIORE.DE

"Showing a savory and earthy character, the Guerrieri Rizzardi 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Calcarole offers a mix of dried spice, bitter chocolate, dark fruit and herb. This is a full-bodied Amarone from a classic vintage that sits at an encouraging place in its drinking window. The alcohol measures an imposing 17%, but the wine actually goes down easier than you might expect. There is sweetness on the close with candid cherry or blood orange." Wine Advocate

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Calcarole 2016 is a sleeping giant with an abundance of crushed blueberries and black cherries accompanied by blood orange, allspice and mocha. This wine is deep and velvety in texture, with cooling mineral tones and vibrant acids contrasting with the rich red fruits on the palate. Balsamic spices and inner rose tones linger as the 2016 finishes with sweet tannins that frame this red wine perfectly. It is stunningly beautiful, but beware of the 17% alcohol content." Vinous

The Aleatico grapes for this very small edition (< 500 hand-numbered bottles) dry slightly on the vine when they are harvested. They are then subjected to further drying in well-ventilated rooms for about 45 days, as in the production of Amarone. The first fermentation takes place in stainless steel, the further course then in new small wooden barrels of medium toasting.

Intense garnet red, primary aromas on the nose such as roses, dried apricots and ripe black fruits, plus a spicy herbal note and wonderfully integrated wood. On the palate, complex, full of character, with great consistency and personality, the exciting correspondence of residual sweetness and natural acidity makes it a highly balanced, almost hedonistic meditation wine of great rarity value. SUPERIORE.DE

The single vineyard Guarnaschelli is a 60-year-old vineyard with a slight westerly exposure. A loamy matrix of brown skeletal soils can be found here. This generous soil, characterised by limestone, gives the wines finesse and minerality. Here, the plants produce grapes of consistently high quality every year - the result of deep roots and restrained, intelligent vineyard work. The strong exposure to the sun is tempered by constant winds blowing from all directions. This sets in motion a play of temperature fluctuations from which the old vines benefit to produce complex and aromatic grapes.

"Bright ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Blueberries, blackberries and blackcurrants on the nose, harmoniously accompanied by maquis and some leather. Great fruit core on the palate, harmonious freshness and gripping tannins, final with dark fruit on the final." Falstaff

"Deep, impenetrable purple colour. Impressive depth of lifted cherry and damson fruit, with a complex note of spicy oak and hints of eucalyptus and white pepper. The palate is juicy, lush, sour cherry and damson, with a hint of grainy tannins and surprisingly high acidity on the finish. The 15% alcohol is well integrated. A few more years in the bottle wouldn't go amiss, as this wine has both the richness and the tannic structure." Jancis Robinson

"Earthy and intense, the 2021 Vigna Guarnaschelli develops slowly in the glass with a dark mix of crushed blackberries, exotic spices, lavender and rosemary. The texture is deeply creamy yet tangy, with cooling acidity and polished red and black fruits that slowly saturate towards the finish. The 2021 leaves behind a layer of fine-grained tannins and salty minerals, finishing with dramatic length, power and structure. This tangy Nero d'Avola is ready for the cellar. Wow." Vinous

"Aromas of terracotta, dried earth, stone and black berries. Medium to full body. Strong but fine tannins. Lasts for minutes. The fruit remains flowing but always in check. A wine for the cellar. A new benchmark for Nero d'Avola. The magic of a single vineyard." James Suckling

Castello della Sala has been producing one of Italy's most famous white wines, Cervaro, for many years. In recent years, it has become fresher and deeper at the same time, without the conservative, broad style that characterised older late harvest editions of this wine. On the nose, stewed apples, cream, notes of oak bark, mango and peach. The palate is full of tropical fruit with a fine vein of acidity and a precise mineral component. A long-lasting, beautiful white wine and rightly one of the most sought-after white wines in the wine world every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"An enticing nose of ripe fruit, floral and spice notes lures you into the glass of this classy white. Finely meshed and refreshing, with a pleasing succulence to the flavors of ripe yellow peach, macadamia nut, lemon-infused pastry cream and ginger biscuit. Lightly chalky in texture, this lingers on the salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The Castello della Sala 2022 Cervaro della Sala is based on Chardonnay and has a small proportion of the local grape variety Grechetto in the blend. The nose opens with a reductive note of flint or matchstick, but quickly lifts to reveal soft orchard fruit, white peach and minty apple. These are joined by delicate toasted notes with a hint of pecan or macadamia nut. Salty mineral notes also emerge on the finish, emphasising the extremely vertical or elevated character of the bouquet." Wine Advocate

"The Cervaro della Sala 2022 opens with a seductive bouquet in which vanilla pods and crushed almonds develop into a mixture of yellow apples, camomile, mint and cardamom. The palate is flooded with silky waves of ripe stone fruits and spices. Tactile mineral tones build tension over a core of vibrant acidity. Balanced and refined, the 2022 finishes beautifully structured and long with a concentration of citrus fruit and a saline note that lingers. This is a stunning Cervaro della Sala that, despite its seductive state, is made for the cellar." Vinous

"Attractive nose of ripe mangoes, pineapple and grilled lemons with some roasted and nutty notes and a hint of smoky minerality. Also cardamom and pie crust. It is full-bodied, nervy and juicy, with bright acidity and savoury nuances. It is complex and long, building on the palate with vibrant, savoury notes of candied ginger, dried lemons and bitter citrus peel. Truly the Montrachet of Italy." James Suckling

Tenuta Missoj is a small vineyard in Mizzole with just 3.5 hectares of vines and is owned by the Campagnola family. The vineyards extend at an altitude of 200 metres on a well-ventilated and exposed hill where the grapes can reach perfect and complete ripeness. The grapes for this Amarone Riserva come from single vineyards and the wine is aged for 24 months in new barriques made of Fleur de Quintessence oak in medium to lightly toasted Allier oak with very fine grain. Further ageing of the wine takes place in the bottle for another 12 months.

Deep ruby red colour with garnet reflections. Developed, fragrant, spicy bouquet with hints of ripe fruit, cherry and vanilla. Intense, soft and pervasive taste, fine tannin structure. Slight bitter almond note on the finish, typical of high-class Amarone, very long and with great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried blueberries, raspberries, citrus and tea leaves. Medium to full body, a subtle casing of foursquare tannins to surround ripe but agile berry fruit and a muscular finish. Drink from 2022." James Suckling

Ai Suma offers great balance and tension. Intense ruby red with garnet-coloured reflections. There is a lot of black fruit on the nose and on the palate, along with spices, tar and leather. The wine finishes with a hint of sweetness, but the natural acidity of the grape comes in to add a pinch of freshness at the end, emphasising the class of this wine. Full, powerful, full of character, but at the same time elegant, harmonious and very persistent - a Barbera in a class of its own every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is quite ripe and spicy with dried cherries, moist bark and hints of undergrowth. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and concentrated with a juicy core of red and dark berries and velvety tannins. Lingering and flavorful." James Suckling

"The Braida 2020 Barbera d'Asti Ai Suma shows a very ripe bouquet featuring air-dried fruit, raisin and prune. There is a lot of muscle and power in this wine delivered in terms of texture, concentration and alcohol that in this vintage measures a whopping 16%. Think of this as the Amarone of Asti. The finish is creamy soft and slightly sweet." Wine Advocate

The classic Habemus with its white label is probably the most famous wine of the exceptional Roman winemaker Emanuele Pangrazi. This may not only be due to its extreme quality, but also to the relatively large production of 9,000 bottles per vintage for the boutique winery, which should ensure a certain distribution at least in international connoisseur circles. Habemus is one of the 100 best wines in Italy every year and, with its style inspired by the great wines of the Rhone, at least casts a small but very bright light on the wine region of Lazio, which is otherwise not particularly conspicuous in terms of exceptional wines.

Intense, almost impenetrable ruby red. In the expansive bouquet aromas of black cherries, blackberries, spices, smoke, tobacco, lavender and crushed stones. The palate is full-bodied and complex with remarkable concentration and depth. Habemus is beautifully balanced with a velvety texture and a wonderful sense of freshness that lasts until the long, expansive finish full of dark fruits and lavender notes. SUPERIORE.DE

Massimo Piccin is living the dream of giving new expression to Bordeaux growths from Bolgheri and producing wines that combine power, elegance and longevity. And so the Sapaio offers its full, vital and tannin-rich style magnificently and allows plenty of time for the finish. Once again, some of the grapes come from Bibbona, i.e. outside the Bolgheri DOC, so that this great wine can only bear the addition Toscana IGT.

Wonderful, animating bouquet of blackcurrants, blueberries, lavender and a delicate hint of chocolate. Firm on the palate, full-bodied, multi-layered with an attractive sweetness of extract, finely woven but very present tannins and a resting, seamless substance that leaves nothing to be desired right through to the long and flavoursome finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim. Finely characterised nose with notes of blackberries and cassis, some cedar wood, fine spice. Shows a lot of present fruit on the palate, cassis and blackberry, opens up with dense tannins, firm pressure." Falstaff

"Reductive and restrained on the nose, with green pepper, violets and cassis infused with spice, it leads to a full, dense, extracted and fierce palate with almost dusty tannins. The wine is savoury, but above all very fresh, pithy and dynamic. The finish is still a little austere and needs more bottle ageing, but it deserves attention in the long term." Decanter

"Impressive depth with lots of dark cherries, black pepper, cocoa powder, roasted red pepper and grilled herbs on the nose. Full-bodied and intense on the palate with lots of silty tannins that meld with the dark fruits and fine spices. Long-lasting and very fine-grained. This wine should drink well over the next ten years." James Suckling

"The Podere Sapaio 2020 Sapaio needs a few moments in the glass before the wine starts to sing. You get a full bouquet that includes ripe fruit, balanced spices, sweet cinnamon, cloves and an earthy note of minerals or gravel. The fruit generously coats the palate with depth, firm structure, integrated tannins and further layers of dark fruit that unfold over time." Wine Advocate

"Rich, supple and expressive, offering black cherry, blackberry, violet, mineral and spice aromas and flavors. This red builds on the palate to the saturated finish, with lively acidity and civilized tannins. Shows fine balance and length, though this is still a bit compact in the end." Wine Spectator

The classic Habemus with its white label is probably the most famous wine of the exceptional Roman winemaker Emanuele Pangrazi. This may not only be due to its extreme quality, but also to the relatively large production of 9,000 bottles per vintage for the boutique winery, which should ensure a certain distribution at least in international connoisseur circles. Habemus is one of the 100 best wines in Italy every year and, with its style inspired by the great wines of the Rhone, at least casts a small but very bright light on the wine region of Lazio, which is otherwise not particularly conspicuous in terms of exceptional wines.

Intense, almost impenetrable ruby red. In the expansive bouquet aromas of black cherries, blackberries, spices, smoke, tobacco, lavender and crushed stones. The palate is full-bodied and complex with remarkable concentration and depth. Habemus is beautifully balanced with a velvety texture and a wonderful sense of freshness that lasts until the long, expansive finish full of dark fruits and lavender notes. SUPERIORE.DE

The Sangiovese grapes for this wine come from the vineyard of the Empire of His Royal Highness, the Count of Turin, Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, who planted it in 1935. The soil is a mixture of clay and gravel, rich in marl and rock, which gives the grapes a spectacular minerality. The temperature fluctuations during the day play a decisive role in developing the finest flavours, which are elegant and complex. The wine, bottled in numbered bottles, is not filtered in order to preserve all the typical varietal notes and characteristics of Sangiovese. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red colour. Opens on the nose with notes of oranges, juicy cherries, rose hips and wet pebbles. Rich in finesse on the palate, with a great structure, polished tannins and beautiful salinity, fine wood and spice, with a tobacco final." Falstaff

"Ripe, savoury cranberries, stones, baked grapefruit, dried herbs and some subtle sweet spices. Exciting and minerally on the palate with medium to full body, elastic, chalky tannins and a pure, almost ethereal finish. Impressive texture and savoury minerality give it definition." James Suckling

"Intriguing notes of red forest fruits, leather and tobacco; polished in the mouth, the acidity and the tightly woven tannins in balance, finishes long on notes of red berries. Pleasing with its elegant style." Vinum

"The nose intertwines delicately floral aromas with bright, tart fruit and a dense, savory earthiness. The palate is decisively fruit-forward, but undertones of coffee and dark chocolate maintain a feeling of versatility. A current of acid flows down a cobblestone path of polished, round tannins, before eventually pooling into a warm, luxurious finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Organic Sangiovese from stony and clayey soils. Multi-faceted bouquet of yellow fruits and raspberries, with a hint of orange peel, eucalyptus and balsamic notes in the background. Mouthfeel with velvety tannins: intense, persistent, balanced, spicy and mineral finish." Luca Gardini

Camartina has always been the winery's flagship, and Palafreno has now also taken its place at eye level. Compared to Palafreno (100% Merlot), Camartina consists mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon, which gives it a robust fruit profile and more freshness and straightforwardness. Sweet floral notes, red berries, mint and chalky notes give the 2019 rising top notes, energy and a fascinating liveliness. It is always elegant and even rather restrained at first. Camartina has a firm place in Querciabella's premium portfolio, not least thanks to its impressive finesse and intensity. Everything done right! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim. Fragrant and inviting nose of savoury raspberries, light spices, some sealing wax and resin, then leather on the finish. Clear fruit on the palate, shows tightly woven tannins, polished and juicy, keeps coming back, pleasant pressure on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2019 Camartina shows dark fruit nuances with savoury tobacco and spice notes. This wine is primarily driven by the weight and concentration of the French grape, but it also shows some of the bright cherry and freshness of the Italian grape." Wine Advocate

"Fresh and imbued with flavours of blackcurrants, cherries, plums, iron and undergrowth. Wonderfully balanced, it tightens up on the finish, but shows the necessary fruit to shine through in the long aftertaste. It radiates the austerity of the vintage." Wine Spectator

"Fresh and imbued with flavours of blackcurrants, cherries, plums, iron and undergrowth. Wonderfully balanced, it tightens up on the finish, but shows the necessary fruit to shine through in the long aftertaste. It radiates the austerity of the vintage." Wine Spectator

"The Camartina 2019 is a dense, powerful wine. After tasting a whole range of Sangiovese, the Camartina stands out with its strong Cabernet character and the more pronounced presence of sweet oak. Dark red fruits, mocha, new leather, blood orange and sweet spices take shape in the glass." Vinous

"Perfumed and stylish with fresh thyme and redcurrants with some lead pencil. Medium-bodied with very crisp fruit and a bright and energetic finish. Lively acidity frames the wine with fine tannins. Shows brightness and vibrancy. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. At the moment it is dense, but with bottle ageing it will develop wonderfully. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

Tasca got involved in Etna early on and the latest result of these years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante estate: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are delicate and profound, and despite their power, acidity and taut tannin, very elegant, finesse-rich and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine - due to the altitude, soil composition and morphology of the historic lava flows. A high annual rainfall ensures that the soil has all the water it needs, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the aromatic diversity of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Sciaranuova parcel is situated at an average altitude of 730 metres above sea level between the villages of Montelaguardia and Passopisciaro. It covers an area of about 4.9 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. Within the Sciaranuova parcel is a small cru site whose vines were planted in 1961. The bottles, produced in very small quantities, are labelled "Vigna Vecchia". Compared to its "younger brother", this rare wine shows increased complexity, depth and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby. Great concentration of red fruit on the nose. Real depth. Red cherry with dark-earth notes and hints of white pepper. Very pure and focused red-fruit palate but not open by far. Gentle tannic structure framing the fruit. Nervy yet full cherry finish with coating tannins." Jancis Robinson

"A graceful red, with finely meshed flavors of raspberry puree and black cherry gliding across the palate. Delicate accents of ground white pepper, anise, sweet smoke and dried sage add depth, lingering prettily alongside the light, taut tannins on the creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"Made with fruit from old vines, the Tenuta Tascante 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova V.V. is powerful and delicate at the same time, and it strikes a careful balance between these two opposing forces. This is one of the biggest compliments you can give to a wine from Etna, one of the most dramatic and violent winemaking panoramas on Earth. This lovely Nerello Mascalese shows aromas of cherry and wild rose with toasted nut, scorched earth and lavender essence. The concentration and staying power from those old vines add considerably to the depth, tannic power and complexity of this age-worthy bottle." Wine Advocate

"Bright, radiant ruby red with a gently lightening rim. Great, fragrant nose, of geranium blossoms, rose hips, oranges, some pomegranate, very red-fruity-fresh, with fine spices in the aftertaste. On the palate polished and with clear fruit, spreads gently and steadily growing over the tongue, pithy and clear, in the finish extremely finesse-rich and long." Falstaff

"Intense, ripe and textured, it displays a good concentration of fleshy red fruits with notes of liquorice, balsam, cocoa, leather and soft spices. Broad-shouldered and ageable, it finishes elegantly with a long, mineral tang." Decanter

"Wow. Such a beautiful, old-vine red with strawberry and cherry aromas, as well hints of hazelnuts and roses. It’s full, very creamy and polished. Extremely long and flavorful. Gorgeous wine all around." James Suckling

Pinot Noir, which originates from France, has been cultivated in South Tyrol since 1850. The best sites, low yields, meticulous care and perfectionism in the cellar guarantee a fine, extremely sensual Pinot Noir with considerable ageing potential. Brilliant ruby-garnet colour. Delicious aromas of small berries, violets, cloves, smoke and vanilla. With age, the aroma gains interesting notes of porcini mushrooms and truffles. In the glass, the well-structured Pinot Nero Sanct Valentin shines with finesse, balance, spicy smoothness, fine tannins and a subtly integrated woody note. Pure seduction! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with brick reflections. Complex nose with ripe raspberry and some mocha. Precise, elegant and somewhat spicy on the palate, fine-grained tannins paired with a long finish." Falstaff

Chardonnay Vigna San Francesco is luxurious and rich as it moves along the lines of sophistication: ginger spice, crushed oyster shells, Italian buttercream and citrus fruits make up its seductive bouquet. On the palate, it conveys a sense of opulence but also harmony, combining a silky, medium-bodied texture with mineral fruits and pretty floral nuances. An interplay of sweet and sour that lasts until the final, while savoury green citrus fruits and a hint of Granny Smith apple slowly fade away. A wonderful Sicilian Chardonnay that perfectly combines the sophistication of the international grape variety with the charm of the Mediterranean climate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of grilled pineapple, hawthorn, dried lemon, flint, praline and a hint of burnt caramel. Long and delicious, with a full body and a creamy, subtly smoky palate, balanced by a fine minerality and bright acidity." James Suckling

"The 2020 Sicilia Chardonnay Vigna San Francesco shows a medium fruit weight with creamy notes of peach, poached pear and crushed limestone. This is a promising wine for the dinner table." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Chardonnay Vigna San Francesco is remarkably pretty. It warms in the glass, revealing sweet white flowers and honeysuckle that complement young peaches and vanilla pods. It's round and supple, almost oily in texture, contrasted by a mix of lemony citrus with tropical melon and pineapple, all energised by a core of saline acidity. The 2020 finishes long yet remarkably fresh with a tart concentration of citrus tickling the cheeks as the sweet spice notes fade. The Vigna San Francesco is a plea for Italian, or more precisely, Sicilian Chardonnay. It is simply stunning." Vinous

Terre Brune is a Carignano, with a small proportion of Bovaleddu, of seductive balance and fruitiness and one of the best reds in Sardinia every year. Matured in barriques, it has a fresh but ripe fruit on the nose with a slight hint of cocoa. On the palate, it has a beautiful depth with present tannins. An exemplary wine vinified with love and full of regional typicity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, dense ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Ripe aromas of blackberry and blueberry, herbal flavours and hints of liquorice on the nose. Dense and fruity on the palate, very fine tannins and a long, balanced final." Falstaff

"Fine and creamy, this elegant red wine offers fireworks of raspberry and strawberry fruit as well as accents of lavender, incense, tea rose and thyme. Juicy and fresh, with supple, fine-grained tannins that are evident on the mineral, tarry and salty finish." Wine Spectator

"A savory nose features aromas of old leather, top soil, coffee and herbs, for an overall spicy, earthy feel. The palate is tangy and fresh, with black-cherry notes and a potent floral component, before a bitter-chocolate undertone sets up a finish of resurgent earth and spices. Tannins and acid are lithe, but anchored in that earthy depth." Wine Enthusiast

"I love the flavours of liquorice and herbs alongside chocolate cherries and plums. There's also a hint of vanilla and praline. It's creamy, slightly chewy and full-bodied, with berry-like tannins and a long and wonderfully smooth finish. Makes you want more." James Suckling

"Dark cherry, blueberry, followed by a hint of ink and graphite, classic aromatic garrigue herbs with fine and juicy tannins." Decanter

Bright golden colour, explosive aromas of quince, honey, wax, granite, blood orange, vanilla, white chocolate and straw on the full bouquet. On the palate, initial notes of roasted cashew and almond, followed by fruits such as white peach, pear and citrus. Exciting and very multi-faceted. SUPERIORE.DE

"The organic Monteverro 2020 Chardonnay offers a soft and supple character with orchard fruit, quince, pear and mild spice. This wine has a Burgundian quality, especially in terms of mouthfeel and texture, but it reveals its Italian roots thanks to the electric and vibrant notes of citrus and Mediterranean herbs that also appear." Wine Advocate

"Nice, toasty spice with ripe white peaches and mangoes, as well as walnuts and dried summer herbs. Also some freshly baked bread crust. Full-bodied, creamy and mouth-filling. The clean acidity comes through well with its phenolic and mineral nature. I like the racy cut of the spicy herbs on the finish." James Suckling

"Multi-layered nose of peaches, pome fruit, pineapple, sweet spices; of engaging salty minerality on the palate, but also plenty of polish and spice, long as an ell with verve and yet also character. Great wine!" Vinum

The extremely successful "Binomio" joint venture between Fattoria La Valentina and Azienda Agricola Inama is entering a new round. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the La Valentina winery, a new wine was born, which is only produced in the best vintages and in limited small editions.

2017 was a very hot year and in some areas of the Binomio vineyard, the Montepulciano grapes were extremely concentrated. This gave rise to the idea of making a top selection of the grapes for the first time, because under the good shade of the foliage, they showed a particular flawlessness of flavours and promised an even more concise interpretation of the essence of Binomio. With patience and care, this small and exceptional portion of the fascinating grapes was then selected and the foundation stone was laid for the small "Binomio Collezione" series, which is only produced in the best years. With the first vintage 2017, 3,000 bottles are now available in the hand-picked specialised trade.

Deep, shimmering ruby red colour. Intense bouquet with heavy aromas of redcurrants and sour cherries, accompanied by hints of roasted almonds, gentian violets and a delicate spiciness. On the palate, the wine reveals all its complexity and opulence, framed by tightly woven, well-integrated tannins in a perfect balance between warmth and softness. A deep wine that only reveals itself with some aeration and is proof of the outstanding characteristics of the grape variety and terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, dark ruby red with an opaque centre. On the nose, preserved cherry, ripe plum, dark chocolate, a hint of nougat, grated wild berries, delicate sealing wax. Very dense on the palate with a creamy texture, almost oily, currently still with a lot of tannin, becomes slightly broad-meshed in the final and remains drying." Falstaff

"Dark and brooding, the 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Binomio Collezione opens with hints of cedar and sweet spices complementing the crushed plums. It flows across the palate with silky textures and masses of ripe red and blue fruits, neatly balanced by a hint of citrus towards the end. Violet candy, lavender and mint can be found as the 2017 finishes powerful and fresh." Vinous

"Floral black fruits on the nose, with notes of black liquorice and pressed flowers. Full-bodied, round and silky on the palate, firm but not chewy, with liquorice fruit and grainy, fruity tannins. Balanced and long. Accessible now, but made to last. Best from 2025 onwards." James Suckling