Luca Maroni

Andreolas Col del Forno brut is an elegant and well-balanced Prosecco from an outstanding Rive vineyard. A subtle, fresh aroma of green apple and young pear, delicate yet demanding on the palate with a drinky, citrus-fruity note. SUPERIORE.DE

"Inviting freshness, light fruit; creamy foam, fresh fruity, also apple, balanced, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"Brilliant, bright silver-green colour with persistent perlage. Fragrant nose of juicy lemon and lime, with delicate green spice and a hint of lychee. Great freshness on the palate, crisp, balanced, with great pressure, spans a wide arc in the airiest perlage." Falstaff

"Blood orange, pear and acacia blossom creamy and mouth-filling mousse, bright acidity and citrus, pear and pineapple finish." Decanter

"We want this land to say: Barbera. We've always thought that, ever since the first vineyards that grandfather Giuseppe left to his father Giacomo, where grapes were grown for La Monella. Then the ones between Rocchetta and Belveglio (the vineyards of Bricco dell'Uccellone), which mother Anna brought as a dowry, and the vineyards of Montebruna, which we bought and merged - and which we still look at with great pride." Familie Bologna

The first vintage of Curej was harvested in 2019 with the same respect for the landscape and the grape variety, and the name says it all: it is the nickname of the families who have always lived in the village of Rocchetta Tanaro, which has a population of 1,400. This wine is therefore an impressive reminder of its roots, the typical flavour of the Barbera grape and the open, wide and happy panaroma that can be enjoyed from the San Bernardo vineyard.

Curej is an extremely fresh, straightforward and precise Barbera, full of primary flavours, which impressively reflects the signature of the Braida winery, famous for the grape, because hardly anyone can interpret the DNA of this classic Piedmontese grape variety better than Rafaella and Giuseppe Bologna! SUPERIORE.DE

"This has smoky, peppery character with dark fruit, spices and hints of dry earth. The palate is juicy, fruity and sleek. Medium-bodied with supple tannins. Pretty and ready to drink." James Suckling

Vigna Ochera is the new name for the popular Vigne dei Piai and is a fantastic Prosecco Spumante di Valdobbiadene Superiore from the Rive di Rolle vineyard. Rich, shimmering green-yellow in colour. A pronounced aroma of white flowers, lime and white roses, followed by quince and fresh butter. Pleasantly soft, fine bubbles, with a fresh apple flavour and invigorating taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with light greenish reflections. Lemon zest, peach and green apple dominate the nose. Very fruity-sweet on the palate, delicate perlage, good balance between sweetness and acidity, juicy finish." Falstaff

From the 2019 vintage, the successor to the famous "Eticchetta Blu" is called "Maggiolo", derived from maggio (May) and giaggiolo (iris). The latter covers the fields in May with its flowers and floral scents, which we also find in the bouquet of this Chianti Classico. Bright ruby red in colour, fruity aromas of violets, mulberries, blackberries and blueberries as well as hints of sweet spices and cocoa. Very fresh and juicy on the palate, then the soft tannins envelop the pretty fruit centre and, together with a fine saltiness, lead into the medium-long finish. A wonderfully balanced and drinkable red wine from organic cultivation that certainly won't get old in good company. Drinking pleasure at a high level! SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh, lively and bright Chianti Classico with notes of cherries, sweet spices and some earth. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Focused and structured, with a delicious core of cherries in the centre and a juicy finish. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"Dense and tightly wound, exhibiting plum, cherry, boysenberry, earth and mineral flavors. Flashes of wild rosemary and thyme peek through as this persists on the long, dense finish." Wine Spectator

"The bouquet is very floral, red raspberry, nuances of nutmeg and laurel flavours. The sip is iodised, with spicy and floral memories." Luca Gardini

Our team drinks this after work, our very special insider recommendation for purists: finely balanced and very elegant Prosecco Millesimato Spumante Superiore with a shiny golden colour and green reflections. Floral bouquet, fine perlage and elegant flavours of pear and white fruit, which lend the aristocratic, dry structure a great deal of elegance and length. This is not an everyday occurrence, even in the noble DOCG Conegliano Valdobbiadene! SUPERIORE.DE

"Inviting, fresh and fruity; smooth foam, dry, subtle apple, also length, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"Bright straw yellow with greenish reflections. Very fresh and fruity on the nose, citrus notes, green apple, some fresh grass, mint. On the palate with good pressure and tension, fresh, juicy, slightly salty with good length." Falstaff

Bright ruby red colour with a delicately brightening rim. Fresh, full-bodied, very enjoyable wine with the aroma of dark cherries, flowers and mint. Hearty, delicate flavour, good acidity, very lively and full of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Morisfarms 2019 Maremma Toscana Sangiovese Barbaspinosa shows very dense and tart fruit flavours and has a slightly green note reminiscent of blackberries or balsam herb. The wine is a little prickly with a medium-heavy palate that finishes with cedar and toasted wood. It opens up nicely when it gets more air in the glass." Wine Advocate

Bright straw yellow colour. Beguiling aroma of fresh citrus and floral notes on the nose, with some light-coloured fruit. Taut on the palate with a beautiful acidity structure, then crisp fruit and an animating interplay of freshness and flavour. Very balanced on the palate, delicately salty and of great elegance and finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is clean and floral with subtle citrusy character, as well as hints of pears, elderflowers and fine herbs. Medium-bodied, crunchy and delicate on the palate with delicious fruit character. Refreshing, with attractive salinity at the end." James Suckling

"Sweet herbs, dusty black cherries and a hint of smoke make the 2020 Montefalco Rosso Vigna Flaminia a real pleasure on the nose. It feels silky and elegant, with red and blue fruits carried by a saline acidity and balsamic herbs that build towards the finish. A slightly bitter aftertaste lingers, while the mouth remains watery and the blackcurrant notes slowly fade." Vinous

"Aromas of grilled plums, figs and roasted herbs. Full-bodied with grainy tannins. Woody spice on the palate is supported by well ripened red and black fruits. Dense." James Suckling

Tenuta Missoj is a small winery in Mizzole with just 3.5 hectares of vineyards and is owned by the Campagnola family. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 200 metres on a well-ventilated and exposed hill, where the grapes can reach perfect and complete ripeness. The new prestige wine Valpolicella Ripasso "Tenuta di Missoj" comes from these soils, which already impressively showcased the typical characteristics of the appellation in the 2019 debut vintage.

Intense ruby red colour with violet reflections. Delicate, ethereal and spicy bouquet with an elegant balance and flavours of jam, black cherry and plum. Dry, harmonious, with a very complex flavour and soft, deep tannins. A sophisticated Ripasso with plenty of spicy character. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy Ripasso with notes of mocha, sultanas, lemons, chocolate and cherries. It is medium to full-bodied with a delicious dried fruit character, but remains dry, fresh and elegant." James Suckling

There are no fixed rules at Zýmē, only the pursuit of experimentation to offer a unique and honest experience that also conveys the character of each individual vintage. Il Bianco From Black to White (sealed with a glass cork) opens with a golden colour and a whitish sheen typical of grapes that have no skin contact. The predominant grape variety is Rondinella Bianca, a mutation that was only discovered by chance in the vineyards of Zýmē and is unique in Italy.

The fresh bouquet has aromas of citrus fruits, honeydew melon, star jasmine and sour grapefruit. The palate is uniquely different, but silky and very flavoursome with a medium body, while ripe apples and nectarines are stimulated by juicy acidity and a hint of green citrus fruit. The tension builds with each successive glass, a slightly tropical note is added in the final, together with salty minerals and lingering spice, From Black to White also clearly expresses its deserved place in Celestino Gaspari's exceptional portfolio, because it is a white gem full of character and purity! SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich straw yellow with green reflections. Seductive, intense aroma of mandarins and jasmine on the nose, with some rose and elderflower in the background. Clear and precise on the palate, harmonious, animating, well-integrated acidity, some fleur de sal on the lingering final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Il Bianco From Black to White wafts up, sweetly floral with candied citrus, raw almond and vanilla bean. It soothes with a soft textural wave of ripe orchard fruits as lime zest adds a reverberation of tension. The 2020 tapers off spicy and crisp, leaving cooling mineral tones and an almost crunchy sensation. Always unique and consistently one of the best values from the Zymé portfolio." Vinous

"Lime and lemon peel on the nose, with notes of white flowers and wet stones. Medium-bodied with plenty of fresh flavour extension and good length. A very flavoursome white this year." James Suckling

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"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

For over 30 years, Selvarossa has been the top wine of Cantine Due Palme: deep red, sweet tobacco and fruit aromas on the nose, intense and generous on the palate with flavours of dark berries, plums and chocolate, cuddly and fresh at the same time, lots of density and bite also in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

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 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

"Il Repertorio" - "The Register". Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti's wines recall his father's notarial world with their names.

Expressive and uninhibited, the Aglianico Il Repertorio meets us. Dark berries, a herbal bouquet of mint, rosemary, black olive, thyme and sage, plus tones of leather and liquorice. An extremely fascinating and fresh wine from start to finish. Intense and delicate at the same time, elegant and rustic. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose shows complex aromas of spicy oak, dark chocolate, dried herbs, dark cherries and liquorice. Firm and youthful on the palate." Decanter

"Lavender, plums, black and red currants and some white pepper on the nose. Fresh and youthful with full body, fine-grained tannins and a very clean finish." James Suckling

"A hauntingly dark display of crushed blackberries, lilac and lavender evolves in the glass as the 2021 Aglianico del Vulture Il Repertorio slowly comes to life. It’s silky and sleek, also decidedly savory in style, with tart wild berry fruits propelled by saline-tinged acidity. The 2021 finishes staining and structured, leaving a bitter tinge of exotic spice offset by sour citrus. This imposing vintage of Il Repertorio is built for the cellar." 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