Luca Maroni

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

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

"The 2022 Il Bruciato is a fine entry-level offering from Antinori's Guado al Tasso property. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, licorice, cloves and espresso are front and center. This juicy, lush red is classic Bolgheri." Vinous

"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

Nero has been one of Puglia's most interesting and sophisticated wines for many years: this dark ruby red wine is full of cherry and blackberry flavours with a hint of vanilla and tobacco. On the palate, it is spicy with elegant tannins and good structure and impresses with its extraordinary depth and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich and warming red with aromas of orange rind, mulberries, hot chocolate and spiced cherries. Full-bodied, ripe and mellow, with velvety tannins and a caressing finish." James Suckling

Sun-kissed Syrah from Etna, with an aroma of dark berries and a pleasant spicy note. The flavour is mineral and has a complex structure. An elegant wine with a harmonious final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Black pepper and ripe cherries on the nose, with a chocolate aftertaste. Juicy and well-balanced on the palate, with fine-grained tannins and a long, spicy final." Falstaff

Brilliant golden yellow colour. The nose opens with yellow fruit, summer-ripened peach, pear and honeydew melon, as well as hints of mineral tones, ash and crushed flint. On the palate, Golden Delicious, pear and a certain creaminess, which in turn is flanked by salty notes. The acidity is very well integrated, all in all a wonderful white wine with impressive depth and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is fresh with notes of nectarine, pear drops, acacia and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, chalky and mineral with white flowers and mineral undertones. Piquant on the finish." James Suckling

Ben Ryé - the great naturally sweet and world-famous white wine from Donnafugata. The grapes are harvested in mid-August and left to dry naturally for 20 to 30 days. In September, the later ripening grapes are harvested and freshly processed. The hand-picked raisined berries are added to the must in several stages during fermentation. Light orange yellow in colour. Overwhelming aromas of apricot, peach and orange peel. Creamy notes of passion fruit and peach on the palate with an impressive elegance and length. For us, one of the best sweet wines in Italy every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"An icon of sweet Sicily: notes of honey, figs, mint and orange zest; perfectly balanced in the mouth, pleasantly salty with a long bitter-honey finish." Vinum

"Bright amber with copper-coloured reflections. Distinct aroma of dried apricots and figs, stewed peaches, acacia honey, orange blossom and some ginger on the nose, very complex. Very balanced and round on the palate with a great balance of freshness and sweetness, the tannins are well integrated, ending with a long finish of dried fruit." Falstaff

"A beautiful sweet with a fragrant orange blossom nose, with a tantalising array of glazed mandarin, apricot, dried mint and candied ginger, as well as rich hints of graham cracker, vanilla and white chocolate. Long and slightly mouth-coating, with tangy blood orange peel acidity accentuating the juicy finish." Wine Spectator

"Burnt blood orange, autumnal spices, candied ginger, dried nectarines and a hint of mint form a kaleidoscopic bouquet as the 2022 Ben Ryé blossoms in the glass. It feels heavy and velvety, yet remarkably fresh, flooding the palate with an abundance of tropical citrus, mango and papaya supported by a core of zesty acidity. The 2022 finishes with dramatic length and concentration. The finish of peach nectar and savoury spices is long lasting. The 2022 is sure to join the ranks of Ben Ryé's best vintages." Vinous

"Gorgeous flavours of sun-ripened peach, bitter orange peel and dried figs, infused with luxurious flowers that shine through the supple texture and wonderful caress of refreshing acidity. Very engaging and rich, with an unbroken length." Decanter

"Le Merle" is named after the Merlot-loving blackbirds that compete with the harvest workers during the grape harvest. Eleonora and Elena Charrère deliberately decided to grow Merlot, a very rare variety in the region, of international origin, in order to challenge the terroir on the one hand and to create a wine of great consistency and richness on the other.

Bright ruby red. A cornucopia of small black fruits, cranberries and blackberry jam on the nose, with floral notes of violets and roses. Tasty spices enhance the flavourful experience on the palate, closing softly with notes of roasted cocoa. Very successful alpine interpretation of the grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

The Andreola family business in Col San Martino was founded in 1984 by Nazzareno Pola in the heart of the Valdobbiadene wine-growing region. In his honour, a wonderful Prosecco Superiore is produced here every year in small batches, which has now received the highest award in Gambero Rosso for the first time with the 2023 vintage. For Stefano Pola, the Etichetta del Fondatore represents the highest expression of finesse and olfactory elegance that the Glera grape can give in the core zone of Prosecco Superiore - combined with the verticality and juiciness that the soils give it, without ever losing its lightness and drinkability.

Bright, sparkling straw yellow with delicate reflections. Jasmine, crisp apple and fresh peach on the nose, with subtle hints of citrus fruit and incense, very inviting. Very harmonious on the palate with an airy perlage, crystalline in the middle, with pronounced fruit, elegantly floating, sparkling clean, with a long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling straw yellow colour. Fragrant and distinctive on the nose of juicy pear, ice candy and elderflower, with hints of jasmine and a subtle mineral note on the finish. Soft and with a fine mousse on the palate, elegant balance of fresh acidity and sweet fruit." Falstaff

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

The new red from Zisola is a 100% Syrah in radiant ruby violet. Spicy bouquet with notes of black cherry, cassis, undergrowth and foliage. Juicy, engaging and balsamic on the palate, with prominent tannins and interesting acidity. Subtle hints of cocoa and smoked bacon on the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Strong ruby red. In the nose of lush raspberries and wild berries, delicate plum, minimal pepper spice, a hint of milk chocolate in the aftertaste. On the palate dense and with grip, juicy and clear on the tongue, exciting course, lingers long." Falstaff

"A relatively new wine, the Zisola 2017 Sicilia Achilles is a pure expression of Syrah. This grape normally delivers especially rich and abundant wines from Sicily; however, this bottle holds back a bit in terms of intensity and concentration. The results are solidly mid-weight, and the wine reveals easy perfumes of dark cherry, cassis, spice and earthy leather. This vintage shows extra roundness and a supple quality to the fruit." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Syrah Achilles captivates the senses with a beguiling bouquet that mixes black fruits, smoke and pepper with sweet violet and lavender notes. It’s silky and round in feel, balanced by a concentration of tart wild berries, savory herbs and a bitter touch of mocha toward the close. There’s a combination of decadence and contrasting sour citrus tension here that I find quite pleasurable, as the Achilles finishes lightly structured and persistent under an air of tar and tobacco. Nicely done." Vinous

From old vines in the best Lagrein sites in Gries near Bolzano comes this Riserva, strictly limited every year, with its seductive chocolatey-fruity bouquet. Rich, dark purple with a slightly lightening rim. On the palate, it is velvety and elegant with a soft fullness and lively freshness and adds further fruity accents on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Lagrein Riserva Gries lifts from the glass with a woodsy mix of black raspberries, rosemary and peppery florals. This soothes with its soft textures and ripe wild berry fruits, gaining tension in its saline-mineral core. The 2020 finishes structured and with an array of pretty inner florals." Vinous

Dense, deep red, in the nose forest fruits, ripe red berries and sweet-spicy notes. On the palate elegant, soft, almost creamy, rich, with fine tannin, pronounced body and an optimal balance between alcoholic potency, freshness and fruit and with a furious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Bellovedere is dark yet elegant, with an inviting bouquet of blackberries, crushed violets, exotic spice and hints of camphor. This is silky in texture with a savory, almost-salty display of wild berries and minerals, all balanced by brisk acids. You can hardly feel its fine-grained tannins settling in until the very end, as the palate aches under the Bellovedere’s youthful structure, with echoes of licorice and black fruits lingering long. That said, the balance here is on point, and all the 2016 needs is a few more years of cellaring to really shine." Vinous

"Aromas of dark fruit, mushrooms, flowers and spices. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins. Chalky texture in the mouth. Juicy and spicy. Flavorful finish with some length." James Suckling

"This rich red offers a cohesive mix of cigar box spice, menthol, hoisin sauce and brandy-soaked blackberries. It's densely packed in fruit and spice flavors on the full-bodied palate, yet balanced well by a polished sheen of tannins and plenty of fresh acidity. Showing ample power and concentration, this would hold well in the cellar." Wine Enthusiast

"Lovely nose, fragrant with a great purity, showing notes of dark cherries, cinnamon and hints of tobacco with leathery undertones. Very elegant and complex palate." Decanter

Brilliant golden yellow colour. Complex notes of light peach, fresh pineapple and poached apricot on the nose. Rich and creamy on the palate with accents of smoke and toasted almonds. The finish is long-lasting, mineral and herb-accentuated. This very focussed and complex white paints a beautiful portrait of the refined side of the Trebbiano di Lugana grape, which is becoming increasingly popular. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, bright straw yellow with a golden centre. Complex nose with notes of pickled peach and camomile, delicate smoky notes in the background. Taut on the palate, ripe fruit and crisp acidity, unfortunately a noticeable use of wood on the final, still needs to age." Falstaff

"Aromas of toast and pineapple fruit. The attack is soft and smooth, with a silky texture, a glycerine layer, refreshing acidity and a light to medium body. Cedar that is lean on the finish. Drinkable now, but it has potential for aging." James Suckling

"Rich flavors of toasted hazelnut, patisserie apple and pear, lemon curd and vanilla are chiseled by well-honed acidity and a streak of salinity in this white, which shows focus and tension. Tightly meshed today, this will unfurl nicely with some bottle age or in the glass." Wine Spectator

The elegant blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot surprises with its aroma full of purity and intensely aromatic fruit flavour. Elegance and finesse trump muscle in Turpino, a wine that is always light on its feet. Fermentation in wooden barrels and ageing in barriques lend the spicy, balsamic notes of the grape blend a softness, a fine frame and a beguilingly long finish on the palate. With its tangy acidity balancing the ripe fruit, Turpino manages to be generous and restrained at the same time, making it a great accompaniment to Mediterranean meat dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, dark ruby red colour. Captivating nose with aromas of black cherry, tobacco and ebony, also some iodine. On the palate, with a good length, young but fine tannins, lots of chocolate, still needs time, lots of potential." Falstaff

"Infused with plum, cherry and blackberry fruit, this well-balanced red wine is soft in texture. Hints of Mediterranean scrub, iron, earth and tobacco complete the flavour profile. The finish is fresh and long." Wine Spectator

"Lots of black liquorice and aniseed with blackberries and blueberries. Medium-bodied with very refined and polished tannins that run the length of the wine. Crisp, firm and juicy. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot. Needs time to mellow, but is very nice." James Suckling

"The Turpino 2020, which I tasted from the barrel last year, has developed wonderfully. The 2020 is rich, multi-layered and expansive and captivates from the very first sip. The blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot is very well done. The Syrah contains some whole bunches (50%), another good choice that works very well. All the elements are very harmonious. This is another fabulous wine from Querciabella." Vinous

Friulano Dolée is another impressive Vie di Romans flagship. Bright straw yellow in colour. Clean, fresh aromas of honey, citrus fruit and pear, complemented by ripe banana. On the palate, its soft texture forms an ideal sounding board for the beautifully layered fruit basket of peach, melon, quince and fresh pear. A ripe, finesse-rich wine that finishes long and with an excellent acid-fruit balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Friulano Dolèe springs from the glass with an intense mix of crushed grapefruit, sage, lemon curd and dusty slate. It is soothingly round and supple with a lovely inner sweetness contrasted by a lash of acidic citrus and green melon. The saline minerality provides a crisp feel as the 2022 cleans up beautifully, mouthwatering yet precise, and a savoury herbal note still lingers. This is a seductive Dolèe with a balance and tension that will reward cellaring." Vinous

"This is an intense wine focused on herbs, tomato leaves, grapefruit and white peaches. Smooth and silky on the palate, with a medium body, crisp acidity and a savory, fruited finish." James Suckling

Don Antonio Riserva is the best selection from the Morgante vineyards, where only Nero d'Avola grows. Concentrated and hauntingaromas, very typical of the variety, ripe fruit accompanied by mineral and balsamic notes. Lively and elegant on the palate. The flagship of the winery and a prime example of the "Taste of Sicily". SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with purple reflections. Dense and dark on the nose, of sweet black cherry, dark chocolate, liquorice, toast and bacon. With sweet, savoury fruit on the palate, powerful and with a lot of pressure, on tightly woven tannins, with a long finish." Falstaff

"Intense ripe dark fruits mixed with leather flavours, powerful and bright with a sweet, oaky finish." Decanter

"The 2020 Nero d'Avola Riserva Don Antonio rises from the glass with a mentholated blend of grilled herbs, dried black cherries and balsamic spice. This is an elegant and refined wine with a polished wave of ripe red and blue fruit accented by hints of spiced orange. Fine-grained tannins rise towards the finish, leaving it long and structured, yet remarkably fresh. Notes of cherry and dark chocolate linger on the final. The 2020 is a fantastic edition of the Don Antonio with a perfectly integrated hint of new oak. It should only need a short stay in the cellar before it reaches a long and wide drinking window." Vinous

Soft, silky wine with aromas of ripe apricots and honey that harmonise well with the fleshy richness of the mouthfeel. The expressive and very varietal palate is crowned with plenty of stone fruit, melon and pear. This is a strong performance from one of the winery's flagships. SUPERIORE.DE

"This well-meshed white wine is compact up front and opens up on the palate to reveal layers of melon, grapefruit zest, lentils and chive blossom notes framed by lively acidity. A smoky, mineral underpinning lingers on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Perfumed and delicate, the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Vieris unfolds slowly with dusty white flowers and cracked slate, then morphs into ginger-infused pear and green melon. This wine is cool, with a soothing, round texture, but also energetic, with ripe stone fruit and crisp mineral tones that provide tactile satisfaction towards the end. The 2022 rejuvenates with a floral finish and a long, classically dry and slightly austere finish that requires patience but leaves the palate completely refreshed. Despite the warm vintage, this is a Vieris that will thrive in the cellar." Vinous

"Stony minerality with aromas of tuberose, white peaches and lemon leaves. Medium-bodied, it shows weight, a silky texture, sharp acidity and a poised, balanced finish." James Suckling