Nebbiolo

Sommet means peak, i.e. the view of the mountains behind the vineyards. The Nebbiolo biotype, which is found in the southern alluvial valley of glacial origin, brings the winery back to the origins of viticulture in the Aosta Valley. Sommet was born from the desire to vinify and enhance a traditional grape variety. The result is a wine of great character and cool sophistication, a precise interpretation of the grape variety under the strong influence of the pre-alpine terroir.

Bright ruby red colour. Blackberry, cherry and balsamic notes on the nose. Juicy, precise and flavoursome on the palate, with a long finish that expresses the freshness and cool elegance of this exceptional region. Just 3,300 bottles are bottled each year. SUPERIORE.DE

Delicate golden yellow. On the nose notes of mushrooms, hazelnuts, grapes, straw, sultanas, blackberries, followed by a hint of dark chocolate. Supple, warm and long on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a project with which I am still celebrating the beginning of my adventure as a winemaker, which is why this Riserva bears my name. Valgella is the region where my exciting journey began, and this wine not only bears my signature, but also pays tribute to the steep slopes from which we have wrested its fruit with its elegant shyness."

Bright garnet red colour. Fine and subtle on the nose, where the initial iron-rich mineral notes are replaced by articulate aromas of spices, red rum fruit and coffee. Full-bodied and expansive on the palate, ethereal, with a present, sand-blasted tannin structure. Long and juicy on the finish. Certainly needs at least two more years for the tannins and oak to integrate perfectly. We are certain that, with a little patience, it will reach radiant perfection; it is a wine that rightly bears the winemaker's name! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby red colour. Great, open-hearted nose of rose hips, peaches, raspberries, some mint and smoky notes. Medium-bodied on the palate, very juicy, very fruit-accentuated, prancing, shines magnificently on the tongue, straightforward and precise right through to the fine finish." Falstaff

"Dark wild berries, savory spices and roasted earth aromas define the nose of this brooding wine made from Nebbiolo. Ripe black cherries open the palate giving way to more floral, herbal and mineral notes on the long and deep finish." Wine Enthusiast

The grapes for the most classic red wine of the Valtellina are air-dried by the alpine winds for about 2 months after the harvest. Infinito shows a fresh, almost mentholated side of the Nebbiolo grape that adds lift and brightness to the bouquet. Immediately after these spicy herbal notes, the wine dives into the darker fruit of blackcurrant, wild plum and pressed rose. This wine offers an exciting and unexpected array of flavours that highlight its unique personality, which can only be achieved in this form with the Nebbiolo grape in the Italian Alps. As the wine settles on the palate, there is even a subtle sweetness that comes from the appassimento process, rounding it out to a distinctive classic. Be sure to aerate before enjoying! SUPERIORE.DE

"Made with air–dried grapes, the Tenuta Scerscé 2018 Sforzato di Valtellina Nebbiolo Infinito opens to a medium–dark color and moderate fruit weight that feels velvety, rich and open–knit. The sforzato, or appassimento, process brings on extra heft and intensity for sure, but the Nebbiolo grape never loses its inner grace and poise. Aromas of dried rose, wild cherry, plum and sweet earth rise from the bouquet. A pretty layer of cured tobacco gives the wine a more fleshed–out feel on the close." Wine Advocate

"Licorice with sweet, candied strawberries, spice box and creme de cassis. A very flavorful nebbiolo with a brighter palate than the nose, rounded by creamy, dusty tannins in a firm, slightly austere setting." James Suckling

Intense ruby red with garnet shimmer. Fragrant, very delicate bouquet with pleasant fruity hints of cherries, wild berries and spices - plus a delicate hint of liquorice. The full and harmonious taste, just right in tannin content, is lasting and flattering and makes this Nebbiolo a "little Barolo" and unique wine. SUPERIORE.DE

Beautiful Langhe Nebbiolo from Roagna's top Barbaresco vineyards Pajé and Pira, which gives a good impression of the winery's remarkable style. Although from vines that are only around 25 years old, it is a striking wine, very old Piedmontese school - with crisp flavours of cherry, tobacco and leather, firm tannins and powerful acidity - and an inspiring round finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate rust-red colour with orange accents. Chalky, clear and precise on the nose. Wild berries, forest floor and pine needles reveal dark, ethereal attributes. Then black pepper, cinnamon and juniper. Plum and a little sloe add dark fruit flavours. On the palate, the fine-grained but present tannins are surprising at first. The acidity kicks in immediately and puts a lot of pressure on the palate, accompanied by a slight spiciness. It is linear, cool and taut with a lot of drinking flow. The fruit appears much lighter than initially expected. The spiciness comes out again and again, with forest mushrooms and truffles subtly coming to the fore in the finish. Nebbiolo is the Pinot Noir of Italy and this can be recognised very well here." Marian Henß (Sommelier)

"The 2019 Langhe Rosso is fabulous. It captures all the pedigree of this great vintage, but in a slightly more open style (especially in its aromatics) that makes it quite approachable. Crushed flowers, dried cherries, spice, mint and sweet pipe tobacco are all beautifully highlighted. The 2019 is already quite approachable and can be drunk immediately. It is Piras Nebbiolo from young vines. Around two thirds of the fruit comes from Pira, the rest from Albesani, Gallina and Paje." Vinous

The grapes come exclusively from the single vineyard San Pietro; since the 2018 vintage, part of the wine has been matured in amphorae. Berries, liquorice and deep red fruit on the nose. Finely woven and very precise structure, personality and class on the palate. Sheer elegance and Clerico enjoyment without waiting for further ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour, sparkling. Beautiful expression on the nose, of geraniums, cold smoke and raspberries, with a finish of crisp, red-cheeked apple. Juicy and savoury on the palate, with a radiant fruit core, shows muscular tannins throughout, firm pressure on the finish, can still mature for a long time." Falstaff

"A pretty red, reminiscent of strawberry, cherry, floral and aniseed flavours. It is light and taut on the finish, but above all it is elegant and supple." Wine Spectator

"This is a fun and easy-going wine with beautiful primary fruit reminiscent of wild berries and cassis. The Domenico Clerico 2022 Langhe Nebbiolo Capisme-e is characterised by its brightness and freshness, which are easy to drink. It's all about transparency and energy." Wine Advocate

Intense ruby red with garnet-coloured shimmer. Fragrant, very delicate bouquet with pleasant fruity notes of cherries, wild berries and spices - plus a delicate hint of liquorice. The full and harmonious flavour, with just the right amount of tannins, is persistent and flattering and makes this Nebbiolo a "little Barolo" and a unique wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is very serious for the appellation, with pure cherry, bark and walnut character as well as a hint of dark chocolate. Medium-bodied, firm and focused, with integrated tannins and a long and flavorful finish. More like a Barolo. Great site. Give it a year or two, but it’s already impressive." James Suckling

Perbacco shows in the fresh bouquet first slightly leafy notes, then lots of cherry. On the palate nicely round, lots of ripe fruit, of cherries and red berries, underpinned by fine-grained tannin, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco offers bright fruit and dried blueberries with hints of cherry wood and spice. The effect is mild but well balanced, and the wine enhances its food friendliness with fresh acidity to cut through cream or cheese." Wine Advocate

"The Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco 2020 is another excellent entry-level wine from Vietti. In this vintage, the Perbacco is particularly fine. Sweet dried cherries, herbs, mint, crushed flowers, anise and orange peel adorn this distinctive, seductive Nebbiolo. It has enormous depth. For years, Perbacco was a very serious wine - some would say almost too serious - for its peers. Then Vietti switched to a simpler style. With the 2020, Perbacco again seems to be a wine that exceeds expectations, and exceeds them in spades. Frankly, the 2020 is more satisfying than many Barbarescos and Barolos I've tasted this year." Vinous

"This is a fresh and fruit-driven Nebbiolo with notes of raspberries and cherries, orange peel and chocolate. Also some dried flowers. Medium to full-bodied, firm and racy with ripe but tight, compact tannins that run the length of the wine. Well crafted. Long and even." James Suckling

"From the moment the cork is pulled you will be smitten with aromas of cherry, wild herbs, dried rose and anise enticing you to the glass. The wine delivers fresh and clear red-berried fruit snuggled with sweet and savory spices finishing with crunchy acidity begging you to take that next sip." Wine Enthusiast

The grapes for Christoph Künzli's top wine come from the best small vineyards in the Boca DOC. The soils there consist of humus-poor porphyry of Vucan origin with a slightly red colour and are rich in salts and minerals. This minerality of the soil and the distinctive structure and class of the Nebbiolo grape combine in the winery's flagship wine to create an expressive, ingenious dream of a wine that has long enjoyed cult status among connoisseurs.

First impression: aromas ranging from violets, ripe wild berries and pomegranate to balsamic notes, citrus and tobacco. Then fresh cut flowers, sweet red berries, mint, pine and sweet red cherry. Explosive, taut and wonderfully lively on the palate, with animating acidity, floral aromas and tons of energy. This is a wine that leaves nothing to be desired in terms of complexity, depth and personality. We're more than excited to see how this amazing wine will present itself in a few years' time ... SUPERIORE.DE

"The Swiss Christoph Künzli has made a significant contribution to the rebirth of the Boca growing region and presses wines with character and finesse, partly from ancient vines: This Nebbiolo with some Vespolina impresses with its notes of fresh berries, maraschino cherries and balsamic notes; polished on the palate, with fine-grained tannins, salty, fresh minerality, great length and, above all, elegance." Vinum

"Künzli released the 2019 vintage of his signature wine before the 2018, as it needs more time. Seductive aromas of nutmeg, sour cherry and red pepper flakes. The palate is rich, with medium to full tannins and subtle oak notes. An excellent combination of the power of Nebbiolo with the spice of Vespolina. The tannins are elegant and there is a subtle pepper note on the finish." Decanter

Outstanding terroir, terrific grape quality and technical mastery in the cellar have made this one of the most highly prized wines! Beguiling aromas of candied cherry fruit with notes of spice and tobacco. Dense on the palate, very concentrated with fabulous fruit sweetness, subtle acidity and fresh tannins. A hedonistic and at the same time very contemporary dream of finesse and elegance that lingers with long and incredibly deep flavours. SUPERIORE.DE

"Gently shimmering, light ruby colour with a garnet-red rim. Spicy, inviting bouquet of stewed cherries, wild berry jam and juniper, with a touch of clove. Silky entry on the palate, then firm tannins, fresh and with precise fruit, young but with great potential." Falstaff

"Cola, cherry jelly and blueberries. Medium body with refreshing, integrated acidity and ripe, velvety, relaxing tannins. Good laurel finish." James Suckling

Luca de Marchi's showpiece is the Rosso of the same name from the small DOC Lessona. Fresh garnet red and a rather restrained-cool aroma spectrum open with a lot of understatement the very powerful and spicy taste experience at the first sip, which, however, never seems muscular or fleshy, but expands with constant, medium pressure and a cornucopia of ripe fruit in the mouth. Here and also in the finish, the Lessona-style Nebbiolo comes to full fruition - unlike Barolo or Barbaresco with more restraint and instead a depth that only reveals itself after some time. Gripping and impressive - definitely aerate! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2015 offers wonderfully fragrant rosehip, wet pine and rooibos with a hint of orange, then floral nuances. The lively palate is driven by straightforward acidity, while pomegranate flavours dissolve into silky, fine-grained tannins, finishing with a bracing, saline finish." Decanter

Piras Langhe Nebbiolo is a big, rich wine that smells of dark cherries, strawberries, tobacco and spices. The creamy flavour is bright and broad on the palate with a focused final. SUPERIORE.DE

This wine is practically a Barolo, except for the fact that it is released a year earlier. Langhe Giàrborina draws its fruit from the top Arborina site in La Morra. Blackberries and plums are surrounded by smoke, tar and black liquorice in the most refined and elegant way. A magnificent, single-varietal Nebbiolo, impeccably balanced, impressively elegant and with a promising future. SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine is a 100% Nebbiolo, made like a Barolo but released a year earlier. This wine always gives you a good idea of what to expect the following year when the Barolos are actually released. The Elio Altare 2020 Langhe Giàrborina definitely hints at warmer, sun-drenched fruit with ripe cherry flavours and a fairly soft texture. Maceration times have been shortened and barrel ageing fine-tuned to adapt to the warm fruit of the vintage. This vintage is more approachable overall." Wine Advocate

"The Langhe Giarborina 2020 is bright and exuberant in the glass, with striking aromatic presence and plenty of class. The purity of the aromas is simply irresistible. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, blood orange, chalk and white pepper give the 2020 its distinctive perfume. A little new oak still needs to integrate, but that shouldn't be a problem in a few years." Vinous

Giarborina is not only another breathtaking wine from Altare, but also actually a Barolo that comes to market just one year earlier and is therefore more open and accessible. Its dramatic aromatics and finely interwoven fruit are the hallmarks of the exceptional 2021 vintage, in which the Altare family has captured the full potential of the year. Giarborina is a regal, aristocratic wine that packs a punch and its polished tannins add to the wine's appeal. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Langhe Giarborina is Altare's Nebbiolo, aged with a shorter maceration and less time in wood - as always, 100% from new oak. Bright and articulate on the palate, with compelling energy, the 2021 is wonderfully refined from start to finish. Crushed rose petals, cedar wood, spices, tobacco and mint adorn the lively finish. Give the still youthful tannins a few years to unwind." Vinous

This Nebbiolo comes from one of the best vineyards in the Roero and is vinified by Luciano Sandrone with the same care as a Barolo. Brilliant ruby-garnet colour. Wonderful aroma of light red fruit, mainly raspberry and cherry. Earthy on the palate with a lovely strawberry touch and an incredible amount of elegance. The fine-grained tannins are wonderfully integrated and, together with a subtle minerality, give this Nebbiolo a race, depth and finesse that is unrivalled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Subtle nose, a potpourri of watermelon, oranges and rose hips, light spice on the finish. On the palate with a polished fruit core and great juiciness, comes in several waves, savoury, radiant, drinks very well." Falstaff

"Very restrained on the nose, with liquorice, smoky forest notes and dried and ripe cherries. Firm tannins, somewhat dusty on the mid-palate, with refreshing acidity, a medium body and good fruit concentration." James Suckling

If you frequently take part in barrel tastings, you will know that the same wine can develop differently in each barrel. So far so good, because it is usually only nuances that equalise after bottling and further ageing in the bottle. In the case of the 2017 Boca, however, Christoph Künzli very quickly realised that the wine from one of his barrels had a greater complexity and at the same time a youthful exuberance, which impressed him so much that he quickly decided to wait to bottle this barrel. After a total of five years, he then bottled a Boca that not only opens up new facets, but also represents the terroir in a terrific way like no other. The result was a wine that he dedicated to Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), who first mentioned the growing region in his "Naturalis Historia" ...

Deep bouquet of crushed flowers, small sweet red berries, mint and mountain herbs. The palate is full and rich with a beguiling texture and an almost weightless style. It captivates us until the long final, its purity and balance are unique. Plinius (i.e. the aforementioned Boca 2017 cask) is a fascinating and contemplative wine that should be savoured for several hours (or days) in the glass, if you manage to resist for that long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Künzli uses a hotter fermentation that melts the tannins together, resulting in greater structure and longer ageing potential. With its aromas of ripe cherries, tobacco, cloves and peppercorns, you can imagine it as an autumn or winter wine. Generous tannins, beautiful acidity, restrained oak notes and excellent complexity." Decanter

"The 2017 Plinius is a potent, explosive wine, rushing from the glass with macerated cherry, kirsch, rose petal, sage, mint and tobacco. The 2017 is deep, dense and expressive in its first impression, but then loses some of that persistence on the mid-palate and finish. Even so, the 2017 is a very pretty wine and a fine choice for drinking in the near term." Vinous

Boca 2012 is always a very harmonious, great wine and this year close to perfection. Balsamic notes on the nose, surrounded by a distinctive scent of small red berries and Amarena cherries. Very powerful in the mouth with a wonderfully stable acidity, which provides an irrepressible freshness. The primary aromas are dominated by blackberries, blackcurrants and ripe cherries. Smooth and powerful as it progresses, its sensory harmony as well as its potential are more than convincing.

The grapes for Christoph Künzli's top wine come from the best small vineyards of the Boca DOC. The soils there consist of humus-poor porphyry of volcanic origin with a light red colour and are rich in salts and minerals. This minerality of the soils and the distinctive structure and class of the Nebbiolo grape combine in the winery's flagship to create an expressive, brilliant dream of a wine that has long enjoyed cult status among connoisseurs. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2012 Boca is immediately open and accessible. The bouquet is perfumed and floral with rose potpourri, lavender and rose hip. There is a slightly dry and perhaps more evolved quality to the inner fruit on hand with sun-dried cassis or cranberry. Pretty background tones of smoke, ash and tar add to the overall complexity of the aromas." Wine Advocate

"The 2012 Boca is fabulous. Rich, ample and deep, the 2012 offers a level of pure immediacy that, while not typical of this wine, does mean that the 2012 will drink well with only minimal cellaring. Even so, I expect the 2012 will age beautifully because of its palate density and weight. Wild cherry, sweet tobacco, licorice, smoke and underbrush build into the powerful finish. As always, the Boca presents slightly darker shades of Nebbiolo." Vinous

The "Sassorosso" vineyard is located on a rocky promontory that is separated from the rest of the mountain and has been almost completely eroded by the glacier over the centuries. It is visually characterised by the unmistakable red colour of the ferrous inclusions in the rock. The overlying shallow soil layer consists of clay and sand and lies on friable, metamorphic rock into which the roots can penetrate. The unmistakably elegant and mineral character of the terroir is therefore particularly evident in this Nebbiolo.

Bright, transparent ruby red colour with a fine garnet hue. Small red fruits such as blackberry, redcurrant, cherry and raspberry on the nose, complemented by fresh, floral notes of violets and roses. Dense on the palate with a very flavourful attack, silky tannins and an almost endless finish. A wine of great rigour and purity with considerable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby with garnet-red tendencies. Medium intensity on the nose with hints of wild raspberry and redcurrant, followed by floral and earthy notes. Clearer on the palate with fresh fruit, tightly woven tannins, fresh and juicy through to the finish." Falstaff

"This is minerally and enticing on the nose, but then a burst of ripe black raspberry, cherry and strawberry fruit flavors on the palate offers its own appeal. The creamy tannins provide fine, supple structure, while hints of fig cake, smoke and bay leaf are fragrant and lingering on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Valtellina Superiore Grumello Sassorosso reveals hints of iron ore, rusty nail, redcurrant and pressed rose. This wine reflects the earthy quality of Grumello. There is a brief moment of apricot-like sweetness on the mid-palate that transitions over to a tart flavor of wild plum or blood orange. The vintage warmth is felt in the silky nature of the mouthfeel and the wine's soft tannins. There are no rough spots here, and this has the most determined character among these new releases from Nino Negri." Wine Advocate

The "Ca' Guicciardi" vineyard takes its name from the farmhouse that lies at its centre. The single vineyard is characterised by small, very steep valleys. Impressive rock faces alternate with terraces supported by some of the highest dry stone walls in Valtellina. The special colour of the rock, which tends towards a quartz-like white, considerably enhances the power of the sun and leads to higher temperatures and more light here than in other parts of the valley.

Vigna Ca' Guicciardi has an intense, bright ruby red colour, pronounced aromas of ripe red fruit with predominant notes of black cherry, blackcurrant and spices, with hints of liquorice, cloves and cinnamon in the background. Soft and full on the palate, without appearing broad or denying its Alpine origins. You can't help but compare it to a complex Burgundy, its round tannins and wonderful depth and length round off the experience in a well-proportioned and highly elegant way. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Valtellina Superiore Inferno Ca' Guicciardi shows a little more ripeness, just a little, which is expressed with strawberry jam, wilted blue flowers, crushed slate and spicy pepper. The Inferno sub-region is known for its warmth, hence the name "Inferno". The mouthfeel is polished, lean and soft." Wine Advocate

"A lovely, harmonious red, expanding with silky finesse on the palate to reveal flavors of cherry coulis, warm fig and red licorice, with a sanguine thread of iron, smoke and spices. Long and supple, with good focus, though only medium-bodied in weight. Lightly chewy on the fragrant, herb-laced finish." Wine Spectator

The "Fracia" vineyard has belonged to Nino Negri since it was founded in 1897. It lies at the confluence of several alpine valleys and the vegetation in this area is almost Mediterranean with lavender and rosemary. The result is a wine that is flavoursome and flowery with a characteristic, spicy aroma.

Intense ruby red colour with garnet reflections. Complex aromas of dog rose and violets on the nose, which develop into spicy notes such as rosemary and lavender. Dense, rich and with well-structured tannins on the palate. The well-balanced and fresh acidity leads to a long, very flavoursome finish. An alpine red that is already a pleasure to drink, but its complexity and power will really come to the fore with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour. Elegant hints of honey, rosehip and strawberries on the nose, some sage, peach, cold smoke. Beautifully polished and fresh on the palate, elegant, slightly creamy fruit, delicately flowing, fine pressure on the finish." Falstaff

"Raspberries, damp earth, herbs and orange peel on the nose. Medium-bodied with dusty tannins and an attractive minerality. Firm and persistent. Drink or store." James Suckling

"The Nino Negri 2019 Valtellina Superiore Valgella Vigna Fracia shows a bright ruby red colour, and although the bouquet is not as expressive as some of its peers, it opens slowly with notes of cassis, dried orange peel and sweet nectarine. The bouquet is characterised by red berries, fruit and a hint of wild roses and mountain flowers. It is delicate and light in texture. This wine is packaged in a bottle with a greenish-grey label that reflects the slate soils of Valgella. Give it a little more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

"Firm and chewy, this compact red opens in the glass, offering a tarry undertow, with flavors of baked cherry, medicinal herbs and white pepper, plus a touch of black licorice. Long and minerally on the finish." Wine Spectator

If you frequently participate in barrel tastings, you know that the same wine can develop differently in each barrel. So far so good, because usually it is only nuances that even out after bottling and further bottle ageing. In the case of the 2007 Boca, however, Christoph Künzli very quickly noticed that the wine from one of his barrels had a higher complexity and at the same time a youthful exuberance, which impressed him so much that he decided without further ado to wait with the bottling of this barrel. After a total of six and a half years, he then bottled a Boca that not only opens up new facets, but also represents the terroir in a terrific way like no other. The result was a wine that he dedicated to Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), who first mentioned the growing region in his "Naturalis Historia" ...

Deep bouquet of crushed flowers, small sweet red berries, mint and mountain herbs. On the palate of great fullness and richness with a beguiling texture and an almost weightless style. It captivates us until the long final, its purity and balance is unique. Plinius (i.e. this barrel of Boca 2007) is a fascinating and contemplative wine that should be followed in the glass for several hours (or days), if you manage to resist for that long. SUPERIORE.DE