Organic

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

Planeta's famous Chardonnay exudes a large and rich bouquet with aromas of apricot, apple, lemon, honey and lime. On the palate, the same intense flavours, delicate melting paired with fruity freshness and beautiful length. A Sicilian white wine at the highest level since its debut vintage in 1995, it definitely needs a few years to mature in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

Filetta di Lamole comes from selected Lamole vineyards owned by the Manetti family at an altitude of 600 metres. A multi-layered, elegant Chianti Classico with nuanced flavours and a fascinating structure. Ruby red in colour with light reflections. A multi-layered bouquet of cherry, followed by slightly tarry notes, violets and wild flowers. You can recognise Fontodi's signature in this profound wine, and yet it is different because it is more subtle and restrained with its existing strengths. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby colour with purple reflections. Dense and inviting nose of ripe sour cherry, rosehip and fine spice. Fresh fruit on the palate, fine-grained tannins, juicy and carried by invigorating acidity through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

"Deep, youthful ruby red colour. Brooding, deep red fruit nose with salty, mineral notes. Loosened up and with a peppery tingle. Lush and energetic on the palate, with fantastic, gravelly tannins and plenty of juice. Real substance." Jancis Robinson

"The organically grown Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole offers bold, lifted fruit with almost carbonic tones of fresh cherry and raspberry. For those of you interested in Lamole fruit from cool climates and high altitudes, which tend to be more transparent and fresh overall, this wine emphasises that contemporary style." Wine Advocate

"An abundance of savoury herbs, juniper and heather pours from the glass. On the palate, it shows a beautiful clarity and energetic acidity, which is gently enveloped by long, flowing and confident tannins. And the dark red cherry stone radiates lightness and brightness." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole is fabulous. In fact, it is the best edition of this wine yet, combining all the aromatic intensity and energy of Lamole with an extra kick of fruit and suppleness on the mid-palate. Dark red cherry, plum, spice, rose petals, crushed rock and herbs create a multi-layered finish. What a wine." Vinous

Push the limits!

"Comets light up, follow their orbit and burn up. Some last for years, others only a few moments. They leave an impression and can indicate a certain direction that guides us in our everyday work. Experimentation, innovation and playing with components are at the forefront of comets. Each of our comets is unique, like a fingerprint. The labels of each individual bottle are customised: A comet's tail, painted on with a finger." Clemens Lageder

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The grapes for the spicy, persistent Contrada come from over 50-year-old Nero d'Avola vines. Rich, lush bouquet of black cherries and plums, wonderfully fruity aromas on the palate with notes of leather, spices and liquorice. Seduces powerfully, with vitality and freshness, tension and a very distinguished elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

The 2022 Il Bianco is noble and elegant. Its exciting bouquet of citrus oil, white flowers, almonds and dried herbs is infused with energising rays. Very nuanced and flavoursome on the palate, with great intensity and elegance as it progresses. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Il Bianco is very pretty and strikingly structured. It shows lovely depth and an engaging mouthfeel. I would give it a good bit of air. This is a serious white wine from Gagliole." Vinous

"A delicious, concentrated and savoury white wine with notes of spiced apples, candied lemons and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied with bright acidity. Lively and crisp, yet concentrated and dense in the centre. Serious finish." James Suckling

"Silent greatness. Noble is he who is self-sufficient. Perhaps a little demanding and in any case sensitive. But has many sought-after qualities: Clarity, freshness, complexity." Michael Graf Goëss-Enzenberg, Weingut Manincor

Sparkling green-silver Sauvignon Blanc with intense and inviting aromas of grapefruit, lychee and white peach. Full-bodied and very racy in the attack, then mineral and elegantly slender with a fine acidity and subtle extract-sweet core. Very long. SUPERIORE.DE

Cellole Gran Selezione impresses with its usual elegance and sophistication. Its masterfully balanced flavour profile of wild berry and blackberry with cassis, blueberry and candied rose is fantastic. On closer inspection, the wine reveals orange peel, rosemary and iron ore. It is a silky and elegant wine with some firm tannin, lots of bright fruit and a hint of crisp acidity. Undoubtedly a great wine with great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Walnuts, cloves, sandalwood, plums and cherry stones on the nose. It is medium-bodied, creamy and beautifully polished, with firm yet silky tannins and elegant layers of spiced fruit. Long and supple." James Suckling

"A nose that sticks on notes of blueberry, then rhubarb and juniper. Intense sip, closed on notes of undergrowth." Luca Gardini

Ceretto's Langhe Rosso Monsordo is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah with fruit from 11 hectares in the Langa area. It penetrates areas never addressed by Ceretto's master grape, Nebbiolo. Monsordo tries to give answers to questions that are rarely asked in the Langa, and he answers them with fine sweetness, fullness and pure extraction.

Monsordo opens with a dark and impenetrable appearance. Dark cherries and blackberries merge with sweet tobacco and exotic spices. Its aromas are heady, determined and intense, especially in this vintage. A very exotic and punchy wine for the Langhe, it virtually comes out of nowhere and leaves a strong impression. SUPERIORE.DE

Push the limits!

"Comets light up, follow their orbit and burn up. Some last for years, others only a few moments. They leave an impression and can indicate a certain direction that guides us in our everyday work. Experimentation, innovation and playing with components are at the forefront of comets. Each of our comets is unique, like a fingerprint. The labels of each individual bottle are customised: A comet's tail, painted on with a finger." Clemens Lageder

Clemens Lageder told us: "We were in for a surprise when processing the grapes from this Porer component. When the grapes were tipped, a significant proportion of botrytis berries was found in many of the grapes. The wine was nevertheless bottled. As the wine matured, we got to know and appreciate it more and more. This is how our understanding developed: From initial rejection and uncertainty to appreciation of the influence of noble rot on Pinot Gris. Most of this component became part of the 2020 Porer Pinot Grigio, while we left a small part aside and created this comet." Just 632 bottles of the PIPO TRY comet were filled ... SUPERIORE.DE

Pushing the limits!

"Comets light up, follow their orbit and burn up. Some last for years, others only for a few moments. They leave an impression and can point to a certain direction that guides us in our everyday work. Experimentation, innovation and playing with components are at the forefront of comets. Each of our comets is unique, like a fingerprint. The labels of each bottle are individually designed: A comet tail, painted on with a finger." Clemens Lageder

The Vernatsch variety is part of South Tyrol's culture and an important component of the country's red wine varieties. The grape variety is often hastily dismissed as too simple and often gets little time in the cellar. This Vernatsch has had time to develop. NATSCH4 is a vintage blend of the four vintages 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The grapes of the wines come from the oldest parcel of the famous Vernatsch site RÖMIGBERG. The four wines are vinified on the skins and whole clusters for different lengths of time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The NV Natsch4 (a blend of four vintages of Schiava) bursts from the glass with an intense mix of crushed raspberries and black cherries complemented by autumnal spices and shaved cedar. This is zesty in nature, with tart wild berry fruits offset by stimulating acidity and sour citrus. It tapers off a bit shorter than anticipated yet leaves the mouth watering for more, as a bitter yet subtle twang of nectarine punctuates the finale. The Natsch4 does impress, yet it will be best served alongside a meal." Vinous

Medium ruby red. Opens with ripe fruit notes of redcurrants, wild cherries and dried raspberries, then grilled herbs and liquorice in the background. This Rosso is more powerful and opulent than many of its competitors, almost reaching the intensity of a Brunello. Nevertheless, the aromas are more precise than one would expect from a young red wine. The delicate tannin has reached a certain stage of maturity and finds a lively ally in the well-proportioned acidity, which keeps the flavour development going for all eternity. SUPERIORE.DE

Polissena shows the typical signature of Il Borro: the wines are made as typical of the grape variety as possible and therefore come into the glass as authentically and transparently as possible - particularly recognisable here with Sangiovese. The nose has a fine cherry flavour with hints of wild berries, forest floor, herbs and a little plum. On the palate, the typical acidity is paired with delicate fruit, a firm centre and a taut final. The 12-month maturation in used and almost neutral barriques is very conducive to the freshness and straightforwardness of the Polissena. Great drinking pleasure and stylistically comparable to a Brunello! SUPERIORE.DE

"Lifted nose with herbs, spice and red fruit. Vanilla and dill notes mingle with cherry and orange zest nuances." Decanter

"The 2019 Valdarno di Sopra Sangiovese Vigna Polissena from Il Borro has undergone a 30-day fermentation and is aged for 18 months in neutral barriques. It offers a silky and gentle character with very direct fruit, which is softened by the oak spice. A nice mineral note rounds things off." Wine Advocate

"The nose is sunny and wild, with aromas of warm tar and brick dust, then Bing cherries and blood orange, then packed earth, crushed sage and wild fennel that roll onto a round and lush palate of strawberries, cherries, bitter orange and wild herbs. A hint of acidity and a growing peppery spiciness on the back palate linger into a lingering finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Flavours of cedar, salted caramel, fresh flowers and cherries follow through to a medium body with ultra-fine tannins that integrate beautifully with the wine. A hint of wood at the end, but a lovely finish." James Suckling

For some years now, Matteo Catania has been holding back a few hundred bottles of his wines in the best vintages in order to offer them to his most loyal importers after a few years. From this "private reserve" comes Nerobaronj 2014, which is now - in spring 2023 - being offered in small quantities with 5 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

"Perfumed and remarkably pretty, the 2014 NeroBaronj emerges from the glass with a dusty mix of autumnal spices, sweet rose and vibrant, freshly squeezed black cherries. It has a creamy texture with a pleasing inner sweetness, while cool acidity enlivens the crisp wild berries and contrasting sour citrus tones within. A hint of tart concentration lingers at the edge of the palate, while a lingering note of red candy lingers in the middle. This is a highly appealing and potent version of NeroBaronj." Vinous

"Deep, earthy bouquet with lots of ripe black plums, plus fresh dates and figs. Rich and quite tannic, although these two aspects of the wine now harmonise well. Notes of leather and cloves develop with air. Confident, dry finish with a lovely powdery texture." James Suckling

Valletta is a blend of Sangiovese from the Gagliole vineyards in Castellina and Merlot from the Panzano vineyards. The wine is fermented in stainless steel (each variety is processed separately) and then aged in oak, some of which is new. Supple and racy, it offers enormous appeal from the very first sip. Ripe black cherry, mint, spices, espresso and blood orange open up with a little time in the glass. An open, sensual Tuscan red wine that has a lot to offer. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of plums, dried flowers and bark follow through to a medium body with round, juicy tannins and a soft, bright finish. Half Merlot from Panzano and half Sangiovese from Castellina in Chianti. Beautiful finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Valletta is a blend of equal parts Sangiovese and Merlot. It's a combination that works very well in this vintage. Juicy dark cherry and plum fruit opens first, followed by sweet tobacco, mocha, dried herbs, leather and cedar. The flavours of the Sangiovese and bright acidity complement the fruit of the Merlot very well." Vinous

This wine bears the small print name Viola delle Viole, although its fruit comes from the Bricco delle Viole and Bricco Bertone vineyards, two sites with different soil types, one of which provides structure and the other aromatic purity. Vajra's Barbera d'Alba Superiore opens with a dark, almost impenetrable appearance. Powerful aromas of blackberry jam and preserved cherries unfold on the nose. You can feel its warmth and richness and there is no way around it. It is a super-sized Barbera that goes one better in terms of extraction and intensity. The finish is almost sweet, followed by good acidity. It shows great aromatic perfection, length and a very accentuated style. SUPERIORE.DE

The Riserva Poggio Lombrone is produced according to traditional winemaking methods and organically. Distinctive bouquet of red fruits, roses, violets and sweet spices. Polished, rich texture on the palate, full of finesse, juicy and with balanced tannins. A great Sangiovese full of character with good ageing Storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multi-layered bouquet of raspberries, flowers, cloves and pepper; combines polish and character, acidity and tightly woven tannins in perfect harmony, precise development with a complex, elegant finish. Also convincing in this vintage." Vinum

"Bright garnet with ruby red nuances. Complex on the nose, plum compote, iodine, tobacco, cocoa, slightly animal. Soft fruit on the palate, tightly woven tannins, very juicy until the lingering final." Falstaff

"The 2017 Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva Poggio Lombrone is dark and rich in the glass, with sweet sage and hints of basil giving way to black cherries and savory spice. It's silky and round on the palate, with depths of ripe, fleshy red and blue fruits that slowly saturate under an air of violet inner florals. Clove and dark chocolate linger as the 2017 finishes grippy and tannic, all while a bump of residual acidity keeps the mouth watering for more. This warm vintage interpretation of Poggio Lombrone has maintained lovely balance and is already showing quite well." Vinous

"This wine has an attractive bouquet of dried flowers, blackberries, grilled herbs, walnuts, orange peel and spices. Medium-bodied, firm and structured with a range of savoury herb and spice notes. Rich and flavourful finish." James Suckling

"The Riserva Poggio Lombrone is an emblem of Sangiovese from the Maremma and has been at the forefront of the quality of this variety for years. A refined bouquet, notes of marasca cherries under alcohol, a hint of wild iris, a hint of cinnamon and finally mentholation. On the palate, it is juicy and savoury, with a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

"Lareale" - the "true, genuine" Chianti Classico Riserva from Lamole di Lamole offers attractive aromas of black cherries and spices. The palate has plenty of depth; a slender body, velvety tannins and a beautiful texture right into the long, clean finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a slightly light rim. Compact nose with notes of juicy, dark cherries, blood oranges and rose petals in the background. Fine, sweet fruit on the palate, well-integrated, round tannins, with a plum final." Falstaff

"A serious, firm and focused riserva showing notes of dark cherries, dried herbs and sweet spices, following though to a medium to full body with fine, firm tannins. Well built and solid, with a textural core of berries funneling through to the compact, focused yet juicy finish." James Suckling

"This broad red's cherry, strawberry, mineral and eucalyptus flavors ride a wave of juicy acidity, keeping this fresh and focused. Earth, iron and tobacco accents grace the moderately gripping, salty finish." Wine Spectator

"Lareale is a blend of two vineyards: on Lamole’s classic Macigno (sandstone) soil, Il Prato includes a portion of bush vines planted in 1945, whereas Le Masse is a steep, stony, terraced site soaring upwards from 600 metres. The merger makes for a mineral-inflected mouthful. It's a suitable step up in depth and structure for its category, while still demonstrating Lamole’s slender frame. Flint and juniper notes lead, and the vintage’s warmth gives a generosity to the red berry palate. Nuanced by alpine herbs and stones, its sandy-textured tannins give traction." Falstaff

Pure naturalness from Trebbiano di Soave, without dosage and without the addition of foreign sulphites. The Opera Semplice, produced using the classic bottle fermentation method, plays with fruity, yeasty notes, has a complex mineral side, is excellently structured and at the same time fresh and flavoursome. Sparkling wine purists will shout "Bravo"! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Trebbiano Soave Classico Opera Semplice is remarkably pretty, wafting up with honeyed florals, freshly sliced peaches and chamomile. This washes across the palate with a soothing bead of mineral-tinged bubbles as a contrast of tart green apples and sweet spices cascade across the palate. This finishes wickedly fresh yet with a rich note of raw almond as a reverberation of residual acidity maintains marvelous freshness. This is simply stunning. The Zero dosage Opera Semplice is produced using Metodo Classico and without any sulfur." Vinous

The pioneer of Riesling on Italian soil is Aldo Vajra. Already fascinated by the variety as a student, he planted the first vines of the White Riesling variety in the Langa. Very light yellow-green in colour when young, developing into a strong straw yellow. The flavours of the noble Pètracine also take a varied course. Starting with peach and apricot, delicate floral and citrus notes follow in the middle, while minerality takes centre stage as the wine matures. Harmonious and precisely structured on the palate, almost austere, fascinatingly complex and long. Great ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Riesling Pétracine is a beautiful white that marries varietal notes with the natural richness of the year. Sweet jasmine, tangerine peel, ginger, passionfruit and lemon confit lend exotic beauty to Vajra's Riesling in 2022. I imagine time in bottle will bring out more of the textual oiliness that is in the background at present." Vinous

"The organic G.D. Vajra 2022 Langhe Riesling Pétracine (the name is hard to read given the vines surrounding the lettering on the front of the label) is very direct and bright with a sharp citrus quality that stands out thanks to crushed stone and tropical fruit. A bright, supple wine that is great fun to drink (especially young)." Wine Advocate

Fine Nobile Riserva with spicy notes of clove and cinnamon on a clear fruit base of wild berries, black cherries and savoury spice notes. Soft on the palate, with a delicate fruit centre and polished tannins, well supported by the fine use of wood. Finishes long and dynamic. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark and brooding in the glass, the 2019 Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva slowly opens with an array of medicinal blackberries and cherries complicated by sage and sweet smoke suggestions. This soothes with its silky textures contrasted by a tart tinge of wild berry fruit. Sour citrus notes mingle with grippy tannins toward the close. The 2019 leaves a resonance of balsamic spice, finishing structured, long and youthfully tense. " Vinous

"Piquant spices with dried plums, cherries and hints of sweet spices, white chocolate and iron. Juicy and firm on the palate with dusty tannins and a lingering finish. Sangiovese. From organically grown grapes. Sustainable. Drink or store." James Suckling

"Black cherry and raspberry on the nose, with an herbal, medicinal component expressed in a final flavour of salted black liquorice. On the palate, it remains earthy and herbal, but brings dark chocolate and a peppery spiciness with grippy tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Fiano Pietraincatenata is the winery's flagship white wine and takes the grape variety to a whole new level. The bouquet is a fascinating blend of grapefruit, lime zest and peach with a hint of sweet smoke as it warms up in the glass. Silky yet savoury to the core on the palate. A cornucopia of citrus fruits and minerals completes the green apple fruit. Tense and invigorating as it progresses and finishes, but still well suited to further and exciting bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe peaches and minty herbs come together with dusty dried flowers and white smoke as the 2022 Pietraincatenata slowly blossoms in the glass. This is pure elegance on the palate, mixing ripe orchard fruits and green melon with saline minerals and candied citrus atop a stream of vibrant acidity. The 2022 tapers off with incredible length and youthful tension, yet it keeps the mouth watering for more. A salty flourish and hints of sour lime slowly taper off." Vinous

Wonderful organic extravergine from Fattoria Felsina. Fine olive-fruity aromas, extremely harmonious and with valuable pungency. Only available in very small quantities every year! SUPERIORE.DE