Luca Maroni

Notes of pome fruit, citrus, saffron, honey and gravel on the nose. Fresh and powerful on the palate with notes of minerals, beeswax and dried fruit. Will continue to develop and increase in depth and complexity with further bottle ageing thanks to its present acid wire. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, light lemon yellow colour. Delicate notes of nectarines and rooibos tea on the nose, also a hint of pineapple and vanilla. Creamy on the palate, rolls along gently, slightly spicy and juicy with a lingering finish." Falstaff

"Spicy and citrusy nose with Amalfi lemons, pear drops, crushed herbs and flowers. Medium-bodied, bright and juicy with energetic acidity and a mineral finish." James Suckling

Deep dark Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva with a beguiling aroma of dark red cherries and berries, earthy notes, grilled hazelnuts, spices and liquorice. "A mouthful of wine" in an incredibly appealing style. Spelt has remarkable concentration and outstanding length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Nose of graphite, ripe cherries, wild berries, a hint of dried rose petal and rubber. Clear on the palate, with clear fruit and beautiful juiciness, shows compact tannins, drinks even better slightly chilled." Falstaff

"The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Spelt is dark and earthy in the glass, with undergrowth and crushed stones giving way to black cherries and spice. This is round and silky in feel, with ripe wild berry fruits and spices that cascade throughout. Plum and medicinal blackberry linger as the 2020 tapers off long, lightly structured, yet relatively fresh. Well done." Vinous

"Very cedary on the nose at first, so give it a swirl to allow the rich red fruit and floral notes to give you a proper introduction to this full-bodied and solid red. The cedary element is present throughout, but there’s plenty of fruit to counter it. Firm tannins kick in midway and give some astringency to finish, which will smoothen with some more time in bottle." James Suckling

Dark ruby red colour. La Bandina is a parade Valpolicella from a single vineyard with a very complex, nuanced bouquet of small wild berries, cherries, liquorice and tobacco. The palate is fresh, balsamic and warm-hearted with a dark bouquet of forest fruits, chocolate, coffee and plum. The long finish has a very balanced acidity-tannin structure and impressive depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is delicious! The tannins are like silk; there are wonderfully harmonious threads of oak subtly and deeply woven into the fabric of the wine, bringing flecks of spice and long, dark lines of liquorice and hints of dark chocolate to contour the lush, juicy dark red cherry fruit; the finish is minty, peppery and cool. There is so much to explore here, but the heartbeat of this wine is the soaring, deliciously fresh fruit. The fruit is mesmerising. This is how Valpolicella should taste." Jancis Robinson

"I like the hint of green cardamom to the ripe red fruit on the nose, which carries through to the medium-bodied palate that brings in a hint of fruit toffee. Quite low tannin, so you can enjoy this Valpo now." James Suckling

"The 2020 Valpolicella Superiore La Bandina exudes a tantalising blend of crushed wild berries, lavender, chalk dust and a hint of roasted meat. It is a model of purity, with crunchy wild berries underlined by salty minerals and accompanied by a savoury acidity. It finishes long and savoury, leaving rosy, floral notes and a layer of fine tannins that frame the experience without slowing its momentum." Vinous

Cinquanta+ (fifty+) or in this case rather fifty/fifty, because it consists of equal parts of Primitivo and Negroamaro. Concentrated ruby garnet, opulent scent of overripe dark fruits and sweet oak barrel, very substantial texture on the palate. There is nothing subtle in this drop; simply full throttle from start to finish. And a powerful drinking pleasure! SUPERIORE.DE

Villa Gemma Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore has a light ruby red colour and exudes a pretty bouquet of wild strawberries, roses and sweet smoke. The flavour is soft and round, with a stimulating acidity and a sweet-tart tension. The finish is long and structured and ends with a delicious final with hints of spiced citrus fruits. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, radiant cherry red colour. Inviting nose of juicy cherry, cassis and juniper berries. Very present on the palate, linear and direct in the drinking flow, invigoratingly fresh through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

"The 2023 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore Villa Gemma is a fine, delicately fruity, delicate wine. Raspberry, mint, sweet lavender, crushed rock and round, ripe red berry fruit run throughout the core. Refined and polished, this is a gorgeous Cerasuolo that reflects the beauty of the style. The 2023 has what it takes to improve with bottle age, as evidenced by an extremely fine structure and fine tannins that are still hidden behind the pure fruit concentration at the moment. Marvellous." Vinous

"A focused, tactile and delicious Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo with notes of redcurrants, forest berries and fresh raspberries. Medium-bodied with a well-driven, lively center-palate and a flavorful finish with excellent length." James Suckling

Bright ruby red colour. Fresh and fragrant of violets and rose petals. Fresh, aromatic berry fruit on the palate, very supple tannins, with a lot of fruit and grace on the finish. Very racy and cheerful at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Frappato Vittoria Bell'Assai wafts up with purity, displaying an array of violets, lavender, crushed blackberries and a complicating whiff of dusty earth. Round and juicy in style, it possesses cooling acidity and crisp wild berry fruits that cascade throughout. The 2022 finishes wickedly fresh and with medium length, leaving a pleasantly crunchy, mouthwatering sensation behind on the close. The Bell'Assai would make an excellent pairing for a wide variety of cuisine." Vinous

"Candied cherries and flowers with some dried orange follow through to a medium body, with watermelon and citrus undertones." James Suckling

"The warm, floral nose shows delicate notes of roses and cherry blossom, but also tantalisingly sweet aromas of strawberries and cream. On the palate, a bitter note is emphasised by a latent earthiness, while the acidity plays around polished, firm tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Ornello is an open wine with wonderful, inviting aromas of ripe, dark fruit and vegetal notes. Pleasantly fruity and full on the palate with good length and balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"A tightly packed version, with plum, fruitcake and hoisin flavors shaded by menthol and saline elements. Gains support from a dense swath of tannins as this unfolds on the palate. Gives fine length, if on the tannic side now." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Ornello is an attractive wine to drink now and over the next few years, while the fruit remains vibrant. There’s good depth to the dark red fruit, cedar, dried herbs, tobacco and incense flavors. Stylistically, Ornello seems to be done in a fresher style than in the past. A touch of Syrah adds an attractive element of earthiness and spice that distinguishes the Ornello in the range." Vinous

"Attractively fruity and herbal nose of blackberries, stewed cherries, blackcurrant leaves, sage and dried flowers. Medium to full body with sleek tannins and a juicy, ripe palate." James Suckling

Rosso Falerno del Massico presents itself with an intense aroma of black raspberries, cloves, rosemary and a hint of camphor. It fills the palate with soft, fleshy textures and ripe red berries, contrasted by salty-mineral tones and nuanced tannins. The finish is long and lightly textured, with a hint of violet-coloured floral notes. This is yet another fine vintage of Villa Matilde's Falerno del Massico Rosso, made mainly from Aglianico with a small proportion of Piedirosso. SUPERIORE.DE

The world-famous Valpolicella Superiore from Zenato, produced using the Ripasso method, is a rich wine with the best value. It is peppery, with earthy tones and gravel giving way to black cherries and savoury herbs. It reveals deep, silky textures balanced by vibrant acids, while ripe red and black fruits resonate under a hint of lavender. Zenato's Ripassa is concentrated and intense, but at the same time conveys elegance and leaves a fresh note of violet candy on the palate that lingers for a long time. SUPERIORE.DE

"An aromatic, savory streak of tarry smoke and leather offers a subtle underpinning for the rich mesh of Amarena cherry, cured tobacco, licorice and warm spices on display in this harmonious red, with supple, well-knit tannins." Wine Spectator

"An excellent Ripasso. A full-bodied wine polished by a smooth veneer of winemaking. Liquorice root, violet, clove, sassafras and dark cherry accent the oak. The sweetness is in the cherry range, but the tannic clip ensures that it is not excessive. This is a wine for those who like power and polish." James Suckling

The Monferrato Rosso Il Bacialè is a blend of Barbera, Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Merlot. Black cherry, gravel, chocolate, liquorice and dried herbs give this powerful, lush Monferrato red wine a lot of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Monferrato Rosso Il Bacialè 2019 is a blend of Barbera, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It offers a beguiling blend of Barbera fruit and the spicy notes typical of Cabernet Sauvignon. Leather, menthol, cedar wood and earthy undertones open up beautifully. This powerful, heady red wine from Monferrato is full of character." Vinous

"Dark ruby red with brightening edges. Ripe blackberries and plums as well as spicy notes and cinnamon on the nose. Medium intensity and structure on the palate, with a warm and elegant final." Falstaff

"Roasted black fruits, peppers and oak spice dominate the inviting and pleasurable aromatic profile. The lush palate exhibits a pronounced herbal character that complements notes of roasted plums, figs and an abundance of oak spice. Fine tannins and lingering licorice notes add depth." Wine Enthusiast

"Dried cherries, burnt orange peel, notes of chocolate, dried flowers and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied, compact and a little chewy with velvety tannins and juicy acidity. Intensely flavoured and long-lasting." James Suckling

The Aleatico grape variety is of Greek origin and is mainly used in Tuscany and central Italy for the production of dessert wines. Complex and multi-layered on the nose and palate, it has an exceptional aromatic range and is the ideal accompaniment to desserts and pastries. Total production: 2,000 bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

Core Rosso impresses with a blend of dark, rich fruit, exotic spices, boulders and peppery herbs. It is unexpectedly soft and airy, with a pure display of pure plums, complemented by nuances of sage and rosy flowers that develop towards the end. A layer of fine tannin leads into the lingering final, while hints of liquorice and blackcurrant linger. Great ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"A lighter expression of Aglianico, handled with aplomb. Juicy red cherry, lilac, a hint of tobacco, liquorice root and a touch of freshness. One of the better approaches to transforming this wiry variety into an earlier drinkable expression without losing integrity. Prosaic in the most delicious sense." James Suckling

Core" means "heart" in Italian dialect, and a heart-shaped drawing can be seen on the front label. The Montevetrano 2020 Core Rosso has a certain astringency of the hot vintage, but not much, with fine chalky tannins. The wine is made from 100% Aglianico and is very fruit-driven, with deep black cherries and ripe plums. It has a lovely spicy finish." Wine Advocate

"Dusty and floral, the 2020 Core Rosso wafts up with an alluring bouquet that blends cedar shavings with dried black cherries and lifting whiffs of sage. This is round and juicy in style yet still quite complex. A core of zesty acidity and hints of citrus offset depths of tart red and black fruits. The 2020 finishes long yet fresh, with rosy inner florals and notes of licorice that linger on and on." Vinous

Wonderful cuvée of Greco and Fiano. An opulent potpourri of passion fruit, peach and honeydew melon on the nose. Not too heavy on the palate, but rather prancing and elegant with a wonderfully fresh structure. Beautiful balance, complex and full-bodied finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here's a fun and versatile non-carbonated white wine to bring chilled to an al fresco lunch. A blend of equal parts Fiano and Greco, the Montevetrano 2022 Core Bianco has a lean approach with enough texture to support fragrant apples, honey and white currants. The wine's flavour palette is very nice, and the best part is the salty or mineral end note that adds a spark of energy." Wine Advocate

"A beautiful blend of Fiano and Greco, offering rich flavours of ripe fruit salad as well as notes of pressed flowers and minerals. Medium-bodied with an intense palate, including a phenolic note that gives it a structured feel." James Suckling

"The 2022 Bianco Core wafts up from the glass with a rich blend of peach preserves and confectionary spice, complicated by a hint of candied lime. This is soothingly round with a core of saline minerality to balance, as a core of zesty acidity enlivens tart orchard fruits. The 2022 tapers off with a tart lemon-pith concentration yet is also remarkably fresh, leaving nuances of mint to fade slowly." Vinous

Medium, bright ruby red colour. The bouquet and flavour are dominated by interesting notes of fresh cut flowers, sweet red berries, liquorice, mint, pine and cedar wood. As the wine progresses, the Chianti Classico reveals a marvellous precision and spiciness, which is enveloped by a well-measured extract sweetness. The overall impression is one of grace and an open-hearted style, which impresses with all its components and not least with its typical Radda Sangiovese freshness from the high altitudes of the Chianti Classico. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Multi-faceted nose, pleasant cherry and blueberry fruit, followed by pepper and tobacco. The fruit also predominates on the palate, paired with stimulating acidity and a mineral finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Chianti Classico is a lovely wine from Volpaia. Aromatic, light on its feet and gracious, the Chianti Classico here is a consistently fine example of Radda. Clean mineral notes shape this bright, taut offering. A burst of red fruit, chalk, white pepper and mint lingers on the finish." Vinous

"A delicious, well-rounded and velvety Chianti Classico with aromas of strawberries, raspberries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins and texture. Juicy and velvety with elegance and a pure character. Fresh and delicious finish." James Suckling

Negroamaro "F" stands for Falò (bonfire). And that's what it is! Black-red hue, surprising intensity of aromatic richness, ripe black berries, cherry jam, thyme, dark chocolate and cocoa. Also very dense and full-bodied on the palate with silky tannin and a very long, aromatic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Sangiovese in its purest form: bright ruby colour with a broad garnet rim. Rich in fruity and floral aromas, multi-layered, herbal, deep and well-polished with further development potential. A full-bodied and harmonious Chianti Classico with a highly authentic and very inviting style. SUPERIORE.DE

"Walking a fine line between cherry and berry flavours and notes of earth and iron, this red wine is bright and juicy in the middle of the palate and firms up on the long finish. Balanced overall, it needs a year to come together." Wine Spectator

"At the south-eastern end of the Chianti Classico, the Fèlsina vineyard extends into the Chianti Colli Senesi area, where on a clear day you can see as far as Siena, just 15 kilometres away. In its sun-drenched surroundings, the 2022 is immediate and exuberant in its charm. Reminiscent of maritime pine, Mediterranean scrub and wild yellow broom, it gains concentration as it glides smoothly across the palate, where stony minerals meet ripe strawberries. Lively, if a little lively on the finish." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Berardenga 2022 is magnificent. Rich and deep, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Black cherry, leather, spice, tobacco, menthol and dried herbs characterise this powerful, classic Chianti Classico. It is beautifully made, especially for this year." Vinous

"A balanced, seductive and lively red wine with flavours of wild berries, red currants, warm herbs and some crushed peppercorns. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. A juicy berry character with a hint of spice brings energy and vitality to the palate and tactile finish." James Suckling

Fantastic Barbera from a world-famous vineyard, complex aromas of dark red, plump, juicy cherries, the finest spices and black forest berries on the nose. In the mouth, polished, dense, enormous amounts of glycerine and sweetish fruit, present but silky tannins, finely enveloped by the fruit, rich in finesse, persistent, first-class acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear, firm, slightly tobacco-like, delicately smoky and ethereal aroma of ripe red and black berries with cherry nuances, dried floral tones and restrained woody spice. Polished, juicy, rather tart, ripe fruit, very fine, youthful tannin and delicate bite, persistent on the palate, herbal-ethereal spice and a hint of pepper, persistent on the palate, certain alcohol warmth, but still elegance, salt in the background, smoky nuances and a hint of dark chocolate and coffee, very good, again polished, juicy and finely spicy finish with clear ethereality." Wein-Plus

"Shimmering ruby red with violet reflections. Plum, blackberry and liquorice on the nose, with a hint of sealing wax on the finish. Dancing acidity on the palate, paired with youthful tannins and rich plum fruit, warming alcohol." Falstaff

"Attractive, chocolaty character with ripe dark cherries, red plums and sweet spices. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and smooth, with a velvety texture. Long-lasting and beautifully fruity." James Suckling

"An ecstatic wine that leaps from the glass with the speed of an Olympic sprinter. Vibrant aromas of sliced Bing cherries, crushed raspberries, wild roses and a hint of bay leaf dominate the nose. A delicious freshness unfolds on the palate with a blend of red berries that shine as brightly as if they had just been picked. Subtle earthy notes balance the wine on the crisp and lively finish." Wine Enthusiast

Fresh rosato with a flavour of dark berries and a hint of lavender. Clear fruit on the palate, with elegant suppleness, a fine mineral note and, last but not least, an appealing palatability. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Etna Rosato smells of wild strawberries, dusty rose and crushed stone. Round and juicy in character, it presents ripe stone fruit, green melon and a hint of candied citrus. The 2023 leaves a crisp and refreshed palate and finishes with medium length and a hint of minerality." Vinous

"Very perfumed with sliced apples, peaches and hints of citrus. Medium-bodied, this has bright acidity and a long, flavorful finish. Vibrant." James Suckling

Broad and rich, with aromas and flavours of plums, blackberries, clay and spices. La Braccescas Nobile di Montepulciano is a finely balanced, beautiful wine with all the elements in the right place. It is aromatically persistent, complex and nuanced in its balance. The winemaking team has done everything right here. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano opens with a mentholated freshness, blending cedar shavings with dried herbs and black cherries. This is elegant, nearly velvety in feel, with medium-bodied weight and polished red and black fruits. It tapers off with a pleasantly bitter tinge and is slightly chewy, leaving a coating of sweet tannins to frame the experience quite nicely." Vinous

"In the far east of the Vino Nobile zone, the La Braccesca vineyard borders Umbria. The vineyards extend over 340 hectares and reach as far as the neighbouring municipality of Cortona. Expressive aromas combine subtle oak spice with the scent of lavender and orange against a background of dark red cherry. On the palate, it is round, rich and velvety and is carried by a juicy acidity. The sandy tannins give the wine its shape and show a strong spiciness on the finish. Clean and well-defined." Decanter

"Aromas of ripe mulberries and blackberries with dark spices, burnt orange peel and earth. Full and structured with a deep core of ripe dark fruit and firm, chalky tannins. Long lasting finish." James Suckling

The deep garnet-red Recioto della Valpolicella releases a concentrated, sweet aroma of ripe fruit, caramel and chocolate. Its taste is dense, powerful and determined until the harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Rich Riserva made from Tintilia grapes, an ancient vine from Molise. Full, soft and velvety, the perfect harmony of bouquet and flavour is impressive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, sparkling ruby with a brick-red hue. Impressive on the nose, sweet, black plum, juniper, cocoa bean, also some leather and iron. Precise fruit on the palate, fine-grained tannins, round and present, very harmonious and persistent on the finish." Falstaff

"Spicy and hot on the nose, with chilli pepper and cherry tomatoes before flavours of sour cherries and candied red apples emerge. More red apple and red pepper spiciness on the palate, with the sanguine flinty quality of dusty brick and ferrous soil emphasised by lively acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of eucalyptus, figs and wild cherries. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. Interesting mineral character on the palate with walnut and blackberry flavours." James Suckling

"Autumnal spices, black liquorice and sage form an inviting bouquet when the Tintilia 2020 blossoms in the glass. Silky and enveloping, it impresses with cool mineral tones and juicy acidity. The tart fruits of the forest slowly saturate the palate. A layer of fine tannins gradually fades as the 2020 finishes energetically, leaving the mouth wanting another sip." Vinous