Luca Maroni

The Biancosesto is a true Friulian made from equal parts of the local Ribolla Gialla and Friulano grape varieties. Fresh, citrus-fruity aroma with hints of apple and pear, accompanied by a full-bodied, harmonious and pleasantly dry flavour. A refined interpretation of down-to-earthness with a beautiful arc of tension. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright olive green with straw yellow colour. Juicy citrus fruit on the nose, elderberry, juicy pink peach, rose petal, grapefruit, pomegranate, inviting. Fresh, juicy, clear on the palate, with well-defined fruit, full of tension and accessible, pure drinking pleasure." Falstaff

"Perfumed, elegant nose with citrus blossom and menthol, rich on the palate with candied fruit." Decanter

"This bright white features juicy pineapple, passion fruit and lychee notes accented by hints of grated ginger, ground cardamom, vanilla and white blossoms. Well-knit and lightly chalky in texture, with a focused, mineral-driven finish." Wine Spectator

"I like the undertones of crushed stone in the grapefruit and gooseberry flavours. It's bright, creamy and citrusy, with a medium body and a lively, zesty finish." James Suckling

"The Tunella 2022 Friuli Colli Orientali Biancosesto emphasises its modernist style with a very rich and creamy texture that comes from ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels. The blend consists of equal parts Friulano and Ribolla Gialla, and the fruit benefits from marl and sandstone soils that develop freshness and sweet concentration. This wine is complex and rich with ripe fruit, apricots and pears. It is a 360-degree expression with an extra dose of opulence to finish." Wine Advocate

The name refers to the altitude at which the grapes for this champagne-style spumante are grown. Noble light yellow in colour, the bouquet has delicate notes of broom, yellow fruit and the typical yeast note. A fine, persistent perlage on the palate, with fine yellow fruit and respectable depth, with an aristocratic, elegant, fresh, fruity and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Gioia del Colle is an Italian municipality near Bari and probably the most famous DOC for Primitivo wines. The wines from this appellation embody a straightforward, fresh style and are far removed from the usual jammy suspects. The vines here grow at altitudes of up to 450 metres above sea level, the nights are cooler here than elsewhere in Apulia and the wines have a racier, tighter style and more structure than their namesakes.

Colpo di Zappa is a beautifully articulated Primitivo that brings out the fruity richness of Puglia and the intensity of the dark fruit, but all with appropriate intensity. This is no easy task for a region where the ripening of the grapes is never a problem. The trick is to allow the ripening to proceed slowly in order to preserve the wine's more subtle nuances. Dark fruit with earthy tones of dusty terracotta and beetroot in the background, plus aromas of tar and liquorice. Solid and firm on the palate with flavours of dark cherries, wild roses and cassis. A terrificexample of Primitivo off the beaten track and anything but undemanding. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very spicy, almost peppery fruit notes on the nose that expand into juicy blackcurrants on the palate, with the peppery note persisting. Medium to full-bodied with very fine tannins that coat the lips and tongue and a bright and fruity finish." James Suckling

Barolo Paesi Tuoi was named after Cesare Pavese's 1941 novel "Among Peasants". Dark, bright ruby red colour. Wide, warm aroma of sour cherries, wild berries, leather, rose petals and mint. The expressive flavour is harmoniously engaging with clear fruit of black cherry, star anise and clove, framed by fine-grained tannins. A cleanly vinified, mature Barolo with potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red with slightly brightening edges. Compact, ripe fruit notes on the nose, with tobacco spice and ethereal hints behind. Elegant and juicy on the palate, harmonious, refreshing acidity structure, fine-grained tannins, spicy, lingering final." Falstaff

"Aromas of spicy red fruit, dried citrus rind and oyster shell follow though to a medium-bodied palate with firm but not chewy tannins. The flavors remain bright and focused through the finish." James Suckling

This Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is one of the best we have ever tasted. Concentrated ruby red in colour, its nose and taste are characterised by a wonderful balance between fruit components and oak spice. A compact, elegant and very balanced red with a rich finish. Perfect! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Terre di Casauria Riserva San Clemente 2018 opens with a mentholated blend of plum sauce, sage and dusty earth. On the palate, it is elegant and polished, with juicy red and blue fruits that fade into savoury herbs and exotic spices. The 2018 tapers off long and structured. A hint of violets and lavender calls the taster back to the glass." Vinous

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

The grapes for this elegant Metodo Classico come from loose limestone soils with a clay content from the Überetsch and Unterland regions. The three grape varieties are vinified separately, gently pressed and fermented at a controlled temperature of 14°-16°C. The wine is matured in stainless steel on the lees of the first fermentation until spring. The wine is matured in stainless steel on the lees from the first fermentation until spring. Bright straw yellow in colour, fine and persistent perlage, fruity aroma with a subtle yeast note. Fresh, dry and very persistent on the palate, with a pleasant aftertaste of dried fruit and a saline touch. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw yellow with an olive green centre, persistent perlage. Fresh nose of green apple and white peach, also reminiscent of pepper and flint. Gentle entry on the palate, with fine-grained perlage, subtly full-bodied in the mid-palate, with a grapefruit final." Falstaff

"Flinty and floral, with orange blossom aromatics, then to a palate of bright acidity, peach, citrus fruit and strawberry." Decanter

Fumin with a great aroma of red fruits, black pepper and tobacco, dark fruity on the palate, very well structured and with a persistent balsamic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Fumin embodies the soul of alpine wine, with a peppery array of sage, rosemary and mint giving way to rose petals and hints of camphor. It’s finessed yet full of life, cascading citrus-tinged red berries across a core of minerals and vibrant acidity. The 2019 finishes remarkably clean yet perfumed, with a lingering tension of sour berries. What a darling, but it will be best enjoyed served alongside a meal." Vinous

The vineyards for the 100% Pinot Noir Riserva are located in the Überetsch region between 350 and 450 metres above sea level and face south-west. The soil is a compact, dense moraine soil made up of sediments from the Ice Age, calcareous, loamy and rich in minerals. Bright ruby red in colour, with a bouquet of redcurrants, raspberries, strawberries and hints of sage. Taut and very polished on the palate, its spicy tannins flank its beautiful depth and very appealing length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear, slightly dried floral nose of predominantly red berries with a hint of meat juice and beetroot as well as some flint in the background. Ripe, juicy, again rather red fruit, slightly smoky and again reminiscent of flint notes, a little bitter chocolate and beetroot, hints of peanut, chanterelles in the background, very fine acidity, certain freshness and coolness next to the alcohol warmth, very skilfully balanced, salt and chalk in the background, very good, juicy and unobtrusive clove-spicy finish." Wein-Plus

"Light, almost transparent ruby red colour. Elegant bouquet of ripe sour cherry, marzipan and rose water. Inviting on the palate with savoury fruit, lively acidity, fine-grained, well-integrated tannins, harmonious through to the juicy final." Falstaff

"The Pinot Noir Riserva Yura 2021 is spicy and wickedly fresh, with rose petals and cloves giving way to dried blueberries. It is soft and round with juicy textures and spicy mineral tones that emphasise the tart red fruits. The finish is lightly structured and long with a subtle layer of fine tannins." Vinous

"A fresh and fine Pinot with nimble, ethereal flavours of red berries, cherries and undergrowth. Juicy and medium-bodied on the palate with soft tannins and a fresh and long finish." James Suckling

Dark ruby, finely spicy bouquet, juicy cherry notes and delicate caramel. Elegant texture, with firm tannins and well structured. A round wine and ideal food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. A nose of ripe cherries and ripe plums, plus a hint of blackberries and milk chocolate, reverberating on dried rose petal. Fleshy and juicy on the palate, showing creamy fruit core with great tension, reverberating with savoury tannin and fine pressure." Falstaff

"Sweet herbs mix with peppery florals and freshly crushed blackberries as the 2017 Merlot blossoms in the glass. This envelopes the palate with mineral-tinged red and blue fruits as zesty acidity keeps the expression amazingly fresh, yet decidedly savory. A staining of primary concentration lingers through the lightly structured finale, along with a salty flourish that keeps the mouth watering for more. Very nice." Vinous

Feudi di San Gregorio's DUBL project was born in 2004 out of an awareness of the great richness of the indigenous vines of the Irpinia region and the desire to open up new horizons for them: as Metodo Classico Spumante or by means of the famous Méthode Champenoise. A consultant was quickly found for this - none other than Anselme Selosse, who is known for his champagnes and his flair for the specialities of the vines and vineyards.

A quarter of the base wines for this top product are aged for 6 months in oak barrels, after which the cuvée matures for two years in the bottle on the fine lees before being disgorged. Strong light yellow colour and a super-fine perlage. On the nose, light-coloured fruit, yeasty notes and nuances of fresh bread. Powerful and fresh on the palate, with a lovely spiciness and a potpourri of stone fruit, fine honey notes and roasted almonds. SUPERIORE.DE

"A flavourful, creamy sparkling wine with aromas of peaches, pineapple, nutshells and cake crust. It has a medium body with a broad and frothy mousse." James Suckling

"The Metodo Classico Dubl Edition II Brut, matured on the lees for 36 months, is an easy-drinking wine with fresh flavours of lemon peel, white peach and honeydew melon. This sparkling wine offers a dense and firm effervescence with a fresh, medium-bodied mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

The grapes for Ciampagnis come from a 7.8-hectare vineyard located just above sea level at an altitude of 32 metres. Fresh, Mediterranean-spicy bouquet with notes of white flowers and an exotic touch of mango, lychee and rhubarb. Medium-bodied on the palate with a beautiful silky texture, full-bodied flavours of citrus, pineapple and apple, the long ageing on the lees ensures terrific freshness and complexity. A seductive wine with great potential for enthusiasm, full of energy and personality with a mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with golden reflections. Very intense nose of exotic fruits such as pineapple, mango and papaya, plus salted lemon and mint. Very juicy, salty on the palate with exotic, long-lasting fruit flavours as well as good pressure and an animating drinking flow." Falstaff

"This vibrant Chardonnay shows good balance and integration, offering bright pineapple and persimmon fruit flavours with a rich hint of grilled macadamia nut and aromas of orchard blossom and mountain herbs. Creamy and mineral on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Chardonnay Ciampagnis is a seductress that captures the imagination with a beguiling array of crushed nectarines infused with tropical citrus, a hint of curry leaves and sweet, sweet spice. The wine impresses with a balance of contrasts, combining tart fruit and green citrus notes with cool acidity and a hint of apricot towards the finish. Incredibly fresh and dramatically long, the Ciampagnis finishes with a colourful length and gentle tannins that leave a pleasantly tart sensation that lingers." Vinous

Sparkling yellow-green colour. The elegant, floral-scented Sauvignon Bianco Mantele is irresistible, with beautiful varietal typicity and a pleasingly slender waistline. Fine mineral notes on the palate add playfulness and vibrancy, overall very juicy and fresh. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny golden yellow colour. Pronounced nose of nettle, followed by tropical fruit of pineapple and passion fruit. Velvety on the palate on entry, then with a lot of tension, fresh and fruity until the lingering final." Falstaff

"After aeration with a fine Sauvignon nose, passion fruit, green chilli pepper, cassis leaves, grass clippings, Granny Smith. Finely woven, profound, generous. Minerality on the palate, tweaks the edge of the tongue, vital, taut acidity." Vinum

"Aromas of gooseberries, lemon leaves and subtle tomato leaves. Light- to medium-bodied with weight and texture, yet it has sharp acidity, savory citrus notes and a gently leafy aftertaste." James Suckling

Deep, dark ruby red colour. Full, deep and explosive bouquet reminiscent of dark berries, tobacco and liquorice. Illuminati's single-vineyard classic Zanna, with its elegant, very complex flavour and delicate oak spice, leaves nothing to be desired every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Colline Teramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Zanna is quite backward today, dark and brooding. Exotic spice and black currants form its understated bouquet. This is a more lifted and fresh style for Zanna, with round, supple textures and ripe citrus-tinged black fruits. Edgy tannins linger through the mentholated finale as hints of spiced cherry fade slowly." Vinous

This beguiling Gewürztraminer is one of the most exciting growths in the wine world and is the favourite of the Italians. Golden yellow with an aroma potpourri of roses, exotic fruits and oriental spices. Powerful and complex on the palate with discreet residual sweetness and a long finish. Gewürztraminer Sanct Valentin is an absolute top growth that promises wonderful drinking pleasure even after many years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Textbook gewurztraminer nose with lots of perfumes and spices. Lychee, cantaloupe, roses, freshly-cut vanilla and cinnamon spices. Mellow, dry and medium- to full-bodied on the palate with low, creamy acidity and a long, flavorful finish full of lychee and white roses." James Suckling

Amarone Selezione Antonio Castagnedi delivers high quality for its price every year: bright ruby red with sparkling reflections. A variety of aromas of violets, graphite, black cherries and minerals and a lively, structured, down-to-earth, very present style. Its richness and depth make it the perfect accompaniment to winter cuisine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright, rich ruby red colour. Very fragrant bouquet on the nose, spicy, cinnamon, blood orange, fresh peach, raspberries. Spicy flavours and clear fruit on the palate, balanced, with a juicy tannin finish and beautiful length." Falstaff

"If you've ever had the opportunity to stand in old hand-fired brick drying sheds, three storeys high, filled with hot steam, leaves tied in bundles, stacked up and up and up, you'll know what this wine smells like. It is an extraordinary odour. It smells of steam-soaked red clay bricks, of tobacco leaves, green, yellow, gold, copper-coloured, brown and of earth, spices, dust and oven smoke. It is the smell of a good Amarone. And this one carries its layers of tobacco between layers of dried plums, dried cherries, crushed rosehips, bitter oranges and nutmeg. It is dry, elegant, refined. It is an extraordinary beauty." Jancis Robinson

"Very dense on the nose, so it should be swirled well to emphasise the bright red fruits such as raspberries and red cherries, which are immediately apparent on the palate. Full-bodied and structured, with a youthful feel created by the backbone of fresh tannins. It can be drunk at the dinner table now, but it is made to last and will lie in the cellar for a few more years." James Suckling

"The 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Antonio Castagnedi is a dark, seductive wine with a blend of black cherries and crushed purple candies that fade into a hint of cocoa. The wine is silky smooth, almost creamy, yet full-bodied, with ripe red fruit contrasted by a hint of bitter balsamic spice. It finishes with youthful tension, leaving a layer of grippy tannins that are nicely balanced by a hint of residual acidity. The 2019 has a wonderful balance that makes it an excellent choice for the dinner table, but will also aid its ageing. It also has only 15% alcohol. Beautiful." Vinous

Deep dark, sparkling ruby red colour. An opulent dark red fruit basket on the nose, intense and full. From the very first sip, a depth that is unrivalled in this price range. The heights to which this wine is capable of carrying the connoisseur are nothing short of spectacular. At the same time, it always convinces with an indescribable balance. Maharis is never fat or jammy, but its potpourri of dark fruits, spices, matured leather and a subtle smoky note is balanced at all times with an almost surprising freshness and liveliness. The final is long, velvety and richly textured. Magnificent! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Nose with elegant wood, fine spice, black pepper and grated blackcurrants, sour cherries, dried flowers on the finish. On the palate, grippy and present, with a cool fruit centre and tight tannins, final on fine salty notes." Falstaff

"This balanced Syrah from Alberello vines grown on chalky soils in Noto has an incredible perfume of Parma violets, cedar wood, dark chocolate, balsam, dried cherries and wild strawberries. In the mouth, it is concentrated and vertical, with plenty of freshness, floral scents and airy delicacy combined with dark, juicy fruit. Juicy and stony with hints of violets and lavender, then liquorice, black pepper and coffee notes on the long finish, this is such a beautiful wine." Decanter

"The aromas of dark fruit, dried meat, bacon and orange peel are impressive. It’s medium-bodied with juicy fruit, round tannins and notes of dried meat and cedar. Lightly bitter at the end in a good way. An attractive blend of syrah and nero d’avola that gives an international take on the Sicilian area of Noto." James Suckling

Don Luigi Riserva opens with a dark, seductive blend of musky blackcurrants, sweet sage and crushed ash stones. It is full-bodied and almost creamy in flavour. The palate is lapped up by deep, ripe dark fruit and exotic spices. In between, a lively acidity with lingering notes of red plums and cedar wood. Beneath the surface is a hint of grippy tannin. The balance of this wine is breathtaking and further bottle ageing will improve it even further. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet reflections. Very ripe, sweet fruit notes on the nose, aromas of preserved cherries, plums and liquorice, underlaid with cocoa and a hint of liquorice. A fruity-sweet core on the palate, grippy and rustic tannins, with a hint of liquorice on the finish." Falstaff

"A powerful red wine with flavours of black cherries, plums, dried mint and hazelnuts. It is ripe and full-bodied with firm but creamy tannins. Opulent yet balanced." James Suckling

Animalucente consists mainly of Carricante from 70-100 year old vines, some of which are still ungrafted. Shiny, ethereal and extravagant in the glass, the bright colour is reminiscent of a lava flow in a wild and romantic setting. Extremely flavoursome on the palate, vertical, with a tangy acidity and creaminess that makes you want to drink the next glass. Animalucente is a strong, forward and very authentic Etna wine and the perfect fusion of heaven and earth. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has an invitingly transparent style with plenty of juiciness and core. Slightly green accents resonate, the acidity appears subtly unripe in a well-built structure." Weinwisser

"Bright straw yellow colour. Open-hearted on the nose, of salt lemon, dried herbs, sea salt, then precise, juicy, clean on the palate." Falstaff

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Animalucente Santo Spirito blends savouriness and sweetness with a burst of crushed stone and lemon peel accompanied by a hint of sage. It has a soft texture with juicy acidity and savoury minerals holding the balance as the crunchy fruit trees slowly saturate towards the finish. The 2022 tapers off with a flinty feel and admirable length, leaving a hint of sour citrus for lovely punctuation." Vinous

"Delicately floral and honeyed lemon, herbal and fragrant on the nose. Dense, round and full of flavour - burnt caramel, orange peel and blossom, pear drops and chamomile with plenty of spiced, roasted edges providing the frame and sense of structure. Nice body and fruitiness, round and forward, offering a full palate with nuances of iron, black pepper, cloves, toast and freshly picked apples. A beautiful wine." Decanter

"You can smell the sea here and there are many aromas and flavours of dried lemon, raw ginger and apple. Turmeric. Full-bodied with lots of fruit and yet energetic and concentrated. So complex. Very well made." James Suckling

Pale pink with orange reflections. Elegant, fine fragrance of flowers and roses, small red berries and herbs and the typical scent of bread and yeast. Very supple on the palate, fresh and forward, the acidity agile and the mousseux soft and fine. A mouthful of red berries and very broad herb and spice flavours are wonderfully enveloped by a fresh acidity that finishes this very long drop with a fruity, subtle tartness and salinity. SUPERIORE.DE

A convincing and racy cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, as well as small parts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot with a marvellous bouquet of dark cherries, leather, mocha and lavender. Multi-layered and powerful on the palate with a cornucopia of spice and dark fruit. Well-structured tannins flank the extremely flavourful and expressive finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark, ruby-red centre with a delicate rim. Initially shows earthy notes on the nose, then cassis, plum and toasted wood. Full-bodied fruit on the palate with velvety tannins, balanced and persistent through to the juicy finish." Falstaff

"Smooth and expressive, with aromas of blackcurrants, black cherries and blackberries as well as hints of liquorice, iron and rosemary. This red wine is taut, with firm tannins that give it a compact finish." Wine Spectator

"The popular Marchesi Antinori 2022 Bolgheri Rosso Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that offers generous black fruit, plum, black prune, spice and light toasty flavours. On the palate, the wine tapers to a medium-weight texture. This hot vintage reveals ripe fruit characteristics with soft tannins and an approachable style." Wine Advocate

Tramonto d'Oca is a single-varietal red wine made from the French (and not entirely simple) Petit Verdot variety. In addition to the traditional wood note from the barrel, the bouquet has a variety of aromas of spices, violets, blackberries and blackcurrants. Notes of pickled fruit, coffee and chocolate on the palate. Firmly structured and long, needs time and air. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dense and concentrated red wine with black cherries, hints of chocolate and flowers that develop into a medium body. Firm finish." James Suckling

Intense, compact, ruby red colour. An intense mixture of black raspberry, wild herbs, air-dried meat, thyme and smoke flows from the glass. Refined and lively on the palate with delicate, salty acidity and berry fruit flavours. As it progresses, a beautiful cherry centre with a hint of sweet blood orange that keeps you coming back to the glass. This is already a pure thrill for the palate, and with further bottle ageing it will reveal its full depth and sophistication. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, bright ruby red colour with a light garnet hue. On the nose, rich heart cherries and ripe plums, then cassis and slightly leathery. Sweet and fruity on the palate, with velvety tannins, juicy and drinky, long finish." Falstaff

"Rich redcurrants, baked cherries, some sweet spices and hazelnuts. Lots of juicy fruit on the medium to full-bodied palate with firm tannins and a fleshy centre. Spicy, ripe finish at the end." James Suckling

"This red is about purity and silkiness, with black currant, cherry, violet, graphite and rosemary aromas and flavors defined by vibrant acidity. Harmonious, with fine length, this is set to evolve over the next decade." Wine Spectator

"The Carmignano Il Sasso 2021 impresses with its rich bouquet of crushed plums, sage and balsamic spice. On the palate it is pure energy, silky yet supple with racy acidity and a depth of crunchy wild berries, underpinned by tactile minerals and a hint of mandarin orange. The 2021 refreshes the palate and finishes structured and long, while purple flowers and blackberry notes fade away. This super seductive Il Sasso will win many hearts." Vinous

Barolo Essenze is made from a collection of grapes from six different vineyards: Bussia in Monforte, Annunziata in La Morra, Ravera in Novello, La Volta in Barolo, Scarrone in Castiglione Falletto and Gianetto in Serralunga. The wine has a flawless ruby red colour and a bouquet with a variety of aromas of liquorice and roasted notes. Lively on the palate, confident and luscious on the palate with a present, yet elegant tannin final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pleasant, approachable Barolo with raspberry-cola aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with some fine-grain tannin that broadens the wine a bit." James Suckling