Luca Maroni

The Nero d'Avola grapes come from vines up to 30 years old in the Noto region. Animating, delicately fruity notes of peach, pineapple and raspberry. Round, full and wonderfully drinky on the palate, with beautiful, medium-ripe fruit, flavour and a cool, fresh and salty final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium old rose colour. Delicate bouquet of fresh wild berries and citrus fruit, spicy-creamy notes on the finish. Silky texture and soft fruit on the palate, pleasantly juicy final." Falstaff

Rosso Piancarda is intensely flavoured and perfumed, with medicinal cherries and raspberries complemented by dusty roses and sweet cedar wood notes. On the palate, Piancarda turns to the savoury spectrum. Salty and full of savoury minerality, it shows spicy red fruits, a hint of plum and a lively acidity that keeps the expression fresh. The grippy tannins remain until the final, while the notes of sour citrus fruits and tart berries slowly fade away. SUPERIORE.DE

"A peppery burst of wild herbs, chalk dust and crushed blackberries defines the 2021 Rosso Conero Piancarda. This is silky-smooth and round, with ripe red and blue fruits swirling across a vibrant acidity stream. Crunchy mineral tones add form to the finish, and fine tannins and a black licorice tang gradually fade. The Piancarda is a varietal Montepulciano." Vinous

Marvellous cuvée based on Nero d'Avola. Ruby red with lively garnet-coloured reflections. Intense aroma with hints of blackcurrant, tobacco, spices and mineral notes. The balanced flavour is characterised by red fruits and impresses on the palate with blackberry and sour cherry tones, final with a final of good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Sedàra is perfumed and floral with a mix of earth tones and wild herbs to balance. It's soft textured with a blend of wild berries and spice guided by brisk acidity. This finishes with admirable length and potent, leaving gently grippy tannins and balsamic spice hints." Vinous

"The nose is primarily spicy, with dominant aromas of earth and coffee, black cherry undertones and a crackle of pepper. The palate is livelier, with more pronounced fruit and the vibrancy of orange marmalade and wild fennel. The tannins are polished yet structured, like a well-tailored suit." Wine Enthusiast

"Cherries and watermelon with some citrus flavours transition into a medium to full body with creamy tannins and a crisp finish. A hint of earth at the end." James Suckling

Classic Vermentino from the Montecucco region: intensely floral, fruity bouquet with clear notes of hawthorn, green apple, grapefruit and white peach. Fresh and juicy on the palate, the elegant acidity opens up a beautiful fan, then salty notes in the well-proportioned final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Convinces with its refreshing bouquet of elderflower and pineapple; classic style, fine Mediterranean flavour, beautiful polish, balanced through to the animating finish." Vinum

"Bright straw yellow colour with brightening edges. Pleasant aroma of quince, apple and citrus fruit on the nose. Crisp and juicy on the palate with fine fruit flavours and a medium finish." Falstaff

"Fern and sage-like, restrained herbaceous character with mirabelle plum fruit. Light body with crisp acidity and a silky texture. Spicy, very well integrated and persistent." James Suckling

Tradition, innovation and typicity are the key words of the daily endeavours at the Arnaldo Caprai winery. And so this white wine from the old, indigenous Grechetto variety is traditional, straightforward and pleasantly drinkable - and anything but banal. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate straw yellow with greenish reflections. Restrained nose of gooseberry, citrus fruit and garden daisies. Surprisingly fruity-sweet on the palate with lively acidity. Salty, lingering final." Falstaff

"The 2023 Grecante is a real pleasure on the nose. It shows crushed rock, dusty dried flowers, lively fresh pears and yellow apples. It opens with a pleasant inner sweetness accompanied by crunchy fruit and a hint of sweet spice. Lively acidity provides fantastic balance and presence, while the 2023 tapers off with a subtle train of crisp tannins and a lemony concentration that slowly fades away." Vinous

Intense ruby-red cuvée with an aromatic nose of dried red fruits, walnuts and lively spices. On the palate, notes of elderberry, red berries and wood as well as the fine Ripasso sweetness. A rarity in this attractive price range. Fine, balanced, with a certain spiciness and juiciness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of ripe strawberries and mulberries with undertones of ground spices and dried flowers. Medium-bodied, juicy and tense with crunchy tannins and racy acidity. Shows freshness and concentration." James Suckling

Cala Silente is a pearl among Santadi's white wines. This pure Vermentino with a complex bouquet of fresh butter, citrus fruits and white flowers has an enormously rich extract in the flavour and increases in harmony and grace, with salty and nutty-peppery notes on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright straw yellow with green reflections. Yellow-fruity peach, honeydew melon, acacia blossom and a hint of banana on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate, carried by the acidity, with a pleasant juiciness and ending on citrus notes in the finish." Falstaff

Carmelo Morgante's spicy and dark Nero d'Avola opens with a burst of blood orange, crushed blackberries, balsamic herbs and violet blossom. It is silky smooth yet cool in flavour. Crisp wild berries and tangy citrus fruits form the contrast. A youthful tension unfolds on the palate, while tart cherries and cranberries mingle with sweet tannins. It reveals much more depth, concentration and balance than you would expect for this price.

"Medium ruby colour with violet accents. Fresh acidity structure. Lots of Amarena cherry. Juicy and uncomplicated. Subtle notes of blood orange and violet blossom. Everything appears cool and modern. Silky tannins. Cranberries lend a youthful character. Forest plants and fir, tangerine and fresh redcurrant. Fresh acidity. Inviting." Vinum

"The 2021 Nero d'Avola is savoury in the glass with a forest-inspired blend of mentholated herbs, shaved pine, tangerine and crushed wild berries. The palate is pleasantly sweet, with cocoa flavoured red berry fruit and a hint of sage and lavender. Pickling and powerful, the 2021 tapers off with dramatic length, leaving taut tannins and notes of liquorice that linger." Vinous

Nero d'Avola and Syrah from the hills around Monreale, aged briefly in steel and oak barrels. Young vines, freshness on the palate, red cherry, hints of thyme, myrtle and menthol. Juicy and tasty on the palate, with a fruity, oily finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby violet colour. Ripe blackberries, cassis, black pepper on the nose, with a hint of forest floor and preserved plums. Present on the palate, medium tannin and palate pressure, savoury texture, retronasal black cherry, pleasant, round, long-lasting final." Falstaff

"The Benuara 2022, a blend of Nero d'Avola and Syrah, exudes a cascade of dried violets, roses and black cherries accompanied by hints of rosemary and camphor. This wine is elegant and polished, with spicy herbal notes on the attack that give way to an abundance of red and black fruits. The lively acidity maintains balance, while the 2022 finishes with soft tannins and a pleasant bitterness." Vinous

The Carignano and Sangiovese grapes for the Araja come from red, sandy soils from the coastal region. Ruby red with a lush aroma of fruit, light spicy notes and chocolate. The taste is extremely soft and dense with very fine and elegant tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Moss and seaweed notes here, alongside sour cherries and citrus rind. Savory with a light stemminess, medium body and a crunchy finish." James Suckling

Bright garnet colour with a transparent core. Opens with a rich aroma of freshly roasted malt coffee, black elderberry and cherry liqueur, with a hint of tobacco. Spreads comfortably over the tongue, supple and balanced, interwoven tannins, medium weight, lingers for a long time, has potential. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for the Vigna Pedale come from vines that are over 30 years old. The vines are planted in a sapling system, which allows only a few grapes per vine. The harvest does not begin until mid-October, which is very unusual for this location so far south. Purple dark red colour. Spicy aroma of cherries, thyme, wild mushrooms and earth, the typical, unadulterated flavour is strong and concentrated with a subtle sweetness. This wine is already a great pleasure today, but still has potential for the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Opens with a bouquet of spices, lots of cloves, cardamom and bay leaf, then dark blackberry fruit, some dark olive paste. Characterised by grippy tannins on the palate, fine cherry fruit." Falstaff

"Rippling dark cherry, pomegranate and redcurrant aromas offset by a lifted fennel and mint energy which spills out over the lively acidity and dark chocolate tannins. Textbook." Decanter

Delicate salmon pink colour. Fragrant notes of citrus, rose petals and strawberries on the nose. On the palate, it has a lovely minerality, crisp tanginess and freshness. A good dose of acidity and its complexity make it a characterful and racy accompaniment to aromatic fish and vegetable dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright cherry pink with a sparkling centre. Opens up to crisp grapefruit on the nose, with notes of sour cherry and lavender. Compact fruit sweetness on the palate, present, with medium acidity and length." Falstaff

"A fresh blend of camomile, wild strawberries and spices wafts from the 2023 Rosé di Morgante. It has a soft texture, juicy acidity and crisp orchard fruit. The finish is long and full of savoury tension, leaving a noticeable mineral note and a hint of lemon peel." Vinous

"A fruity rosé that has pomegranate, rose hip and cherry aromas. It’s medium- to full-bodied, ripe and juicy. Tasty finish." James Suckling

Verha Bianco is a pure Sauvignon Blanc from Basilicata. In the glass, it exudes a sweet aroma of white flowers, camomile and mint. It is soft and supple on the palate, with ripe fruit and subtle mineral notes. The finish is crisp and refreshing, with a lovely length and a hint of fresh almonds. SUPERIORE.DE

Sabazio, a ruby red Rosso di Montepulciano, smells of sweet aromas of black cherries mixed with notes of undergrowth. Medium-bodied on the palate with lively acidity, good freshness and a beautiful structure and harmony. Clear, clean enjoyment. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red with a cherry-red rim. Fresh plum and coffee on the nose, some vegetal notes, black olive and fine spice on the finish. Raw, juicy on the palate, with fine pressure and broad tannins." Falstaff

"The 2022 Rosso di Montepulciano Sabazio opens with an inviting bouquet of roses, crushed raspberries and spices. It is a soft and enveloping effort. Vibrant wild berry fruit and lively acidity provide a lovely energy. Liquorice and cloves mingle with a hint of sour cherry as the 2022 finishes wonderfully fresh and with admirable length." Vinous

The combination of Friulano (called Tai in Veneto) and Sauvignon Bianco makes Bidibi a delicious white wine full of character with rather moderate acidity. Delicately scented with citrus fruits, fresh, fruity and animating on the palate with a discreet mineral structure that adds a summery lightness to the wine's fullness and creaminess. SUPERIORE.DE

Verha Rosso is a single-varietal Aglianico produced by Elena Fucci in a seductively fresh style. In the glass, it presents an abundance of ripe raspberries and blueberries, accompanied by minty herbs and a hint of smoke. On the inside, it is juicy and perfumed, with energising notes of mandarin orange balancing the wild berry fruit. A delicately bitter citrus flavour and a salty note make every sip an unforgettable experience. This must be THE wine for every day, and that's exactly what Elena meant, a thousand thanks for that! SUPERIORE.DE

Concentrated ruby red with garnet-coloured reflections. The wood contributes very slight hints of roasted coffee to the predominantly black cherry and berry aroma. Full and very intense flavour of dark berries, very slight hints of violets and plums, the compact tannins are supported by balsamic notes, with fine liquorice tones in the finish. The harmony that this powerful and already delicious Aglianico hints at today will only fully come into its own after a few years of ageing in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"This has aromas of black currants, black cherries, dried herbs, tobacco and bitter chocolate. Firm and toasty on the palate, with a full body and chewy tannins. Ambitious but balanced." James Suckling

Our price-performance favourite at a high level: pure and juicy Primitivo with a shimmering purple, dark ruby red colour and the scent of cherries soaked in alcohol, chocolate and hazelnut. The full, warm and well-structured flavour has good length and pleasing, slightly sweet tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red with brightening edges. Forest berries and pomegranate on the nose, some dried thyme and rooibos. Initially light-footed on the palate, with fresh fruit and good juiciness, showing grippy tannins and fine spice on the finish." Falstaff

Mazzei's uncompromising rosato made from Sangiovese and Syrah is a beautifully balanced, generous wine. Fine, floral bouquet of red fruits, medium-bodied on the palate. This marvellous rosé offers plenty of harmony and freshness and finishes polished with a delicate pressure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, light salmon pink colour. Restrained, almost shy nose with hints of creamy raspberries and a touch of camomile. Silky on the palate entry, with beautiful fruit melting in the centre and medium length." Falstaff

"A fresh and flavourful rosé with notes of cranberry, redcurrant, peach skin and cherry blossom. Medium-bodied, silky and structured, with delicious fruit reminiscent of crisp nectarines and cherries. Dry and polished." James Suckling

Characteristic straw yellow colour with light reflections. Delicately fruity, clear bouquet of medium-ripe pears, some apricot and a nutty note. Fresh on the palate and of unmistakable finesse, with delicate herbal notes and animatingly juicy. A crisp, fresh Tuscan with beautiful harmony and a pleasurable drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

"Combined with a little Viognier, this produces an inviting bouquet of ripe peaches and acacia blossom; compact structure, racy acidity, delicately tart and yet very fruity on the finish." Vinum

Elegant, delicate and very precise Pinot Gris. Bouquet of wild herbs, pleasantly fresh and juicy on the palate, toasted almond note in the respectable finish. SUPERIORE.DE