Luca Maroni

Distinctive white wine from Monferrato. The aromatic Sauvignon Blanc grape variety gives the wine its unique floral bouquet, along with some pear and apple slices, passion fruit, gooseberry and citrus fruit. Its powerful texture and racy acidity are the basis for the medium-bodied and fresh flavour. Tra Donne Sole (The Lonely Women) is named after a work by Cesare Pavese. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale straw yellow with silvery reflections. Above-average intensity on the nose, of gooseberries, followed by fresh grass and elderberry. Smooth on the palate, delicately bitter, juicy and also fresh until the medium-long finish." Falstaff

"Attractive aromas of quince and melon with a hint of fine herbs and stones, followed by a medium body with a fresh, mineral character of ripe orchard fruit. Creamy finish." James Suckling

Deep red colour, fascinating complex aroma spectrum on the nose. Dominated by the ripe berry scent, with hints of plums and tobacco. Powerful and intense on the palate, rich in extract, with juicy soft tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Ilico opens with a burst of crushed blackberries, underbrush and ashen stone. It's silky-smooth with polished red fruits that form beneath an air of inner violet florals. This finishes long and staining yet only lightly structured with a bump of residual acidity that maintains a lovely balance." Vinous

Grottolo Rosato has a rich pink colour, a delicate red winey bouquet and a juicy taste of wild berries and peach with a pleasantly balanced acidity. Spicy and fresh, compact, with a remarkably fresh flavour on the palate and a beautiful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of Sangiovese with plenty of Ciliegiolo and Montepulciano, tinged with roses and fresh raspberries; creamy in the mouth, the acidity accompanies the evolution into a lingering berry-floral final." Vinum

"Bright, luminous old rose colour. Pleasant aroma of raspberry, wild strawberry and cherry. Fresh on the palate with pleasantly noticeable tannins and a medium, fruity finish." Falstaff

"It is bright and red-fruited with notes of sour cherries, pomegranate peel and flowers. Medium-bodied, supple and structured, with a refreshing, citrusy finish." James Suckling

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

Anthilia - a fruity white individualist from Ansonica and Catarratto, round and very fine. The bouquet has aromas of yellow peaches, plums and hints of flowers from the Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, spiciness, fine saltiness and softness merge into a pleasant, flattering unison. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Anthìlia is remarkably pretty, blending white flowers, freshly sliced pears and hints of wet stone. This is silky-smooth with nearly oily textures, offset by a twang of sour citrus and crunchy orchard fruit. The finish is perfumed and crisply refreshing, wrapping things up with a lime and mineral tinge that calls the taster back to the glass." Vinous

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

Curtain up for a lively Italian rosato: bright orange-pink colour, delicate floral nose with hints of small red fruits. Delicate, fresh fruit on the palate, neither ripe nor sweet. Medium-bodied on the palate, very straightforward and clean, with lively acidity, a delicate melting texture and a respectable finish. This single-varietal Sangiovese Rosato clearly stands out from the average swimming pool wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rosamundi, also known as 'Gallic Rose', is a structured rosé from 100% Sangiovese. Clear pink in colour, the wine offers a lovely bouquet of cherry with hints of strawberry and sour cherry. Dry, with moderate acidity, it finishes clean and fresh. Salmon and grilled prawns would pair wonderfully." Decanter

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

Personality-strong, very balanced white wine with the clarity and finesse you are used to from Maculan. Summery fruit bouquet of gooseberry, apricot and peach, unforced and juicy on the palate with a pleasant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Peachy fruit and chalky minerals on the nose. Medium-bodied with nicely defined peach and peach-skin flavors." 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

Sherazade - a beautiful protagonist from A Thousand and One Nights and a wonderful Nero d'Avola from the south-west of the island, which grows on clay soils. Concentrated ruby red colour, fruity, balsamic aroma with mineral tones, followed by a sweet hint of cocoa. Soft on the palate with memories of sour cherries and blackberries. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Nero d'Avola Sherazade wafts up with a wickedly fresh bouquet of crushed wild berries, violets, sage, white pepper and licorice. This is racy and cool-toned in feel, with juicy acidity and masses of ripe red and blue fruits that cascade throughout. The 2022 leaves a staining of primary blackberry concentration, finishing classically with framing tannins that make for a lovely punctuation. This is a wonderfully fresh yet still potent Nero d'Avola." Vinous

"Very typical with lots of sour cherry and crisp lemon zest both on the nose and on the palate. Medium body with bright acidity and a tart finish. Creamy texture. Shows real Nero character." James Suckling

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