Organic

Balduccio is made up of around 9,000 organically cultivated olive trees, all located on the picturesque Montalbano hills between Florence and Montecatini Terme, and an oil mill that is so popular with local farmers that the most popular dates for pressing between 15 October and 15 November have been fully booked on the waiting list since the summer. This is because Balduccio not only presses its own olives, but also makes its modern technology available to other olive producers. Over the last 20 years, Balduccio has gained recognition and respect as an oil mill among local producers. It is not only the customers who are impressed by the quality. The ambition to produce top-quality oils is also increasingly inspiring other olive growers.

And the truly excellent quality of the Balduccio extra virgin is no coincidence. The Montalbano terroir produces high-quality, aromatic olives. However, the transformation of the natural qualities into a clean, fruity olive oil typical of the terroir is only possible because Andreas März and his sons have been working for years on improving the quality of olive oil and consistently putting their findings into practice.

The Balduccio oil has a subtle aroma of green almonds, artichokes and fresh, green olives; in the mouth, thanks to the high Moraiolo content, it tastes strong and full-bodied, green-fruity and actually only subtly bitter; the best comes at the end: an impressive pungency, given by the extremely high polyphenol values of this vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

The structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, the spiciness of Cabernet Franc, the power of Syrah and the softness of Merlot combine here to create a red wine full of character, Mediterranean aromas and elegance. Dark red with a violet edge, fresh fruit bouquet of pomegranate and red currant with balanced hints of thyme, bay leaf and cedar. Initially very fresh and powerful on the palate with memories of raspberry and redcurrant, then round and harmonious, well structured and with soft tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

Owner Leonardo Pinzolo cultivates 52 hectares of biodynamically certified vineyards on his family farms in Popoli and Capestrano. The soils here differ from those in the rest of Abruzzo. Combined with the higher altitude of the vineyards and the proximity to the Gran Sasso mountains, these wines have a decidedly cooler expression than is usually found in Abruzzo. In the winery, fermentations are spontaneous and without temperature control. With the exception of a few single-vineyard wines, most of the wines are matured in stainless steel.

Brilliant medium carmine red colour. Initially somewhat reductively closed on the nose, Leonardo explains: "It's better if the wine is a little reduced when it comes into the bottle because it ages better that way." After a little air, a fine exotic flavour, lots of red fruit and notes of flowers. The surprise on the palate: a beautifully compact, juicy and transparent red fruit and lots of fine tannins, plus notes of liquorice and sweet cinnamon. A fresh, straightforward wine with the typical cool Valle-Reale profile and anything but arbitrary. SUPERIORE.DE

This is a light-weight wine that is still rather fresh and cheerful when young, but which will develop into a highly complex and more than serious white wine over the years. In the still youthful, fresh bouquet, we already find a lot of minerality and fine yellow fruit notes, then on the palate a texture and depth that comes to the fore more and more at 2° higher drinking temperature and appropriate aeration. It will be even better in a few years - guaranteed! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Timorasso is gorgeous. Graphite, pear, chamomile, sage and dried herbs are delineated in this super-expressive white. As always, Timorasso is a white that emphasizes strong mineral and savory notes, while the fruit is in the background." Vinous

Bright, straw-yellow colour with greenish reflections. Pronounced, rich, somewhat smoky varietal aroma, fine woody spice. Clean, fruity, powerful flavour. Round, full-bodied flavour. Fresh final with a long, spicy aftertaste. For us, one of the most fascinating Pinot Gris wines in South Tyrol every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"A very spicy and intense pinot grigio with thyme, lemon leaves, peonies, salt and minerals on the nose. Light-bodied with crisp acidity and a tight, polished finish." James Suckling

Bright, straw-yellow colour with a slight greenish tinge. Delicately fruity, fragrant aroma typical of the variety with notes of ripe tropical fruit. Balanced, medium-bodied and clean flavour. Fresh, lively acidity and a marvellous finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A super-light yet elegant wine. Fairly neutral profile on the nose at first, then it has floral, lime tree, winter melon and grapefruit aromas. Light-bodied with a silky, elegant texture, tingling acidity and a lean yet balanced finish showing savory notes." James Suckling

Copper-coloured with light brown reflections. Floral-sweet and complex on the nose. On the palate, its typical Moscato aromas are carried by honey, dried fruit, caramel and a hint of musk. Creamy and dense on the palate with a well-dosed acidity that gives it a lot of freshness, the overall impression for us is that Aestas Passito is a dessert wine that is hard to beat in terms of excitement and specialness and where you can feel with every sip the dedication and certain wine craziness with which it was created. SUPERIORE.DE

"Only the best grapes." adorns the label. Expressive, intense white wine made from the indigenous Grillo grape, which began its quiet and steep career as the exclusive house wine of the Moretti family and is still only available in small quantities today. Strong, bright straw yellow colour. An expansive bouquet of exotic fruits, flowers and flint, fruity and soft with a fresh, mineral note in the long and energetic final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium shiny straw yellow with silver-coloured reflections. Intense aroma of ripe peach, mango and candied citrus fruit on the nose, spicy with a hint of vanilla pod. Juicy and tense on the palate, very balanced and with a slightly noticeable use of wood, final with a citrus flavour." Falstaff

"Fresh aromas of honeysuckle, lemon rind, sea salt and green melon. Medium-bodied, crisp and focused, with notes of apples, honey and minerals. Focused and creamy texture." James Suckling

Ampeleias Cabernet Franc is a rare and Demeter-certified wine that opens with a bright, dark ruby-red colour. The wine is made with 20% whole bunches and the fruit comes from the high altitude Vigna dell'Asina, characterised by local soils known as Galestro and Palombino with elements of schist and limestone. This wine is very varietal with dark fruits and blackberries, spices and a green note of grilled rosemary or wild sage. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, bright and pure Cabernet Franc with flavours of wild berries, sour cherries, wild herbs and crushed white pepper. It is medium-bodied with silky tannins. Velvety and subtle, with balance and a refined, flawless texture. Bright and seductive, with a lively, juicy finish. Made from biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification." James Suckling

"The 2022 Cabernet Franc is a real powerhouse. Black cherry, leather, plum, mocha, lavender and spice race across the palate. Although this year's Franc is not as expressive as it could be, it is still compelling. harvestshould expect a rare wine from the estate that packs a punch. This extroverted, wild red wine is a beauty." Vinous

Pithos Rosso was fermented spontaneously in the amphora and is a paragon of vibrancy, freshness, exoticism and elegance. Dried cherries, some leather and spices on the nose. Young and fresh on the palate, lively and yet extremely fragile. A perfectly crafted, mineral and highly unusual red that epitomises gentle biodynamics 100%. Be sure to aerate sufficiently before drinking! SUPERIORE.DE

"Darkly floral, the 2022 Rosso Pithos slowly evolves in the glass, blending roses and violets with crushed stone and hints of rhubarb. This creates a sensation of sweet-and-sour on the palate, with soft textures and juicy acidity guiding its tart red berry fruits and sour citrus tones. The 2022 tapers off long and staining yet only gently tannic, closing with notes of licorice and a lingering tart blackberry concentration. The Pithos is a zesty blend of 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Frappato that’s refined for seven months in amphorae, followed by two to three months in concrete." Vinous

Foradori's Teroldegos are world-class and the best from this very special grape variety. Typical subtle flavours of blackberries, fine tannins, elegant and long. A warm, very delicate and exceptional red wine with great potential to be remembered! SUPERIORE.DE

Etna Bianco is smoky in the glass and excites the senses with a burst of crushed rock and raw almonds before fading into a citrus-influenced peach. It is pleasantly soft and enveloping, with weighty textures supported by lively acidity. Mineral fruits and sweet spices meet on the palate. Finishes remarkably fresh yet grippy and long, leaving the mouth wanting more. The complexity of this wine is unrivalled for an entry-level Etna Bianco. SUPERIORE.DE

"Honey blossom, candied ginger, hints of fennel and crushed green apples form a savoury and inviting bouquet when the 2023 Etna Bianco opens in the glass. Ripe fruit meets a core of salty minerals and savoury spices, while a stimulating wave of acidity completely redefines the palate. The 2023 finishes perfumed and long, leaving a pleasantly tart hint of citrus that tickles the cheeks." Vinous

"This has a restrained white-pepper and mineral character, lemon bush and pulp. On the palate, the acidity is firmly integrated with citrus, flint, concentrated fruit and a medium to full body. The finish is supersavory and tense. Drinkable now but will improve with age." James Suckling

Radiant cherry red. In the subtly elegant nose notes of red berries, cherry, violets and rose petals. Juicy and penetrating in the drink, with good pressure and a light herbal note to the spicy red fruits and floral aromas. The crisp acidity, typical of Barbera, is very well cushioned by the wine's extract-sweet fruit core. Fine tannins, medium-long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Straw yellow with reddish hints. Powerful, complex aroma with late harvest character (botrytis). Tropical fruits in combination with floral and herbal scents. Powerful, opulent, full-fruity flavour with an elegant, fresh citrus tone and the typical bitter note in the successful finish. A highly elegant Demeter-certified Gewürztraminer. SUPERIORE.DE

Fórra, an elegant small-batch white wine, is made purely from Manzoni Bianco and has an interesting history and an exciting development. Lageder's project with this grape variety began several years ago and resulted in the crossing of Rhine Riesling and Pinot Bianco. Traditional methods were used in the cellar to ensure freshness and vibrancy. Contact with the skins over several days sharpens the profile of the wine. After spontaneous fermentation, Fórra remains on its lees in wooden barrels for several months. Fórra exudes all this passion and love, all this experience and craftsmanship - a wonderful, great pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"This distinctive, medium-bodied white wine feels soft and silky. A tangy salinity and a slight chalkiness do more than the soft orange peel acidity to create a lively balance to the flavours of baked melon and pear, dried thyme, ground nutmeg, walnut skin and honeycomb." Wine Spectator

"Manzoni bianco is a super fresh grape variety, a valuable resource in view of the rising temperatures in this era of climate change. Aromas of pears, white peaches, lime peel and lemon leaves. It’s soft on the palate, with a silky texture, sharp acidity, peach flavors and a polished finish in spite of its citrus peel aftertaste." James Suckling