Organic Red Wine

Villa di Capezzana is considered one of the longest-lived wines in Tuscany, with a vertical tasting of 20 vintages dating back to 1937 - none of the vintages showed any signs of fatigue. The wine is fermented spontaneously and matured in large and small wooden barrels, a third of the small wood is renewed every year. Dark ruby red in colour. Black cherries, blackberries, cassis and fine woods dominate the nose. On the palate, the wine is firm, well-structured and has a long finish. Decanting recommended. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Inviting nose of wax and grated forest fruits, with subtle hints of honey and dried rose petals on the finish. Initially juicy on the palate, with good tension and a slightly salty undertone." Falstaff

"Inviting bouquet with seductive cherry aromas, herbal and sandalwood notes; polished texture, the tannins are fine-grained and in balance with the acidity, combining suppleness and length. To a roast beef." Vinum

"A solid, concentrated and compact red wine. Red berries, warm herbs, earth, mushrooms and baking spices dominate the nose, followed by a full body with fine, slightly chewy tannins. Concentrated and dense, with a solid tannic framework for the fruit and spices on the long, funnel-shaped finish." James Suckling

"This red wine is expressive, with flavours of ripe cherries, raspberries, flowers and wild herbs and a smooth texture. It is well-structured and balanced and leaves a long, fruity, ferruginous and spicy aftertaste with a fine grip on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Carmignano Villa di Capezzana opens like a veritable spice box, seducing with an autumnal blend of allspice, clove and star anise before moving on to soaked plums and sage. It is silky and refined, with a supple texture and ripe red and blue fruit flavours that are lapped up by a lively acidity. It leaves a pleasant chewing sensation and finishes with fine-grained tannins and a hint of primary concentration. After a minute, a hint of white pepper lingers. Wow. While the 2020 is richer than usual and easier to savour from the start, it is balanced and will develop long and steadily." Vinous

The anniversary edition of the Novecento opens on the nose with layers of dark fruits, spices, tar and smoke. Then on the palate, there is terrific depth and hints of earth or crushed black rock. Novecento offers a great texture that is velvety and rich without ever seeming heavy or sluggish. Long and crisp on the spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe nose with aromas of maraschino, herbs and leather; the tannins robust, showing character and length, solid finish. Pair with a T-bone steak." Vinum

"The organic Dievole 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Novecento is slow to open and is neutral on first nose. It does eventually show some dark fruit and wild cherry that is nicely intermingled with spice, leather and tar. There is a warm or savory quality to this wine with autumn leaf and forest floor. The blend is 95% Sangiovese, 3% Canaiolo and 2% Colorino. This release celebrates the 30th vintage of this wine." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 vintage was one of the most balanced in recent years in Chianti Classico. Here, as Antonini confessed, there is no intention to make an approachable wine. The colour shines in its ruby red tinge; the nose is intensely fresh, flowery and slightly reductive at first, before an orange vert emerges from the depths to overlay black cherry and creamy strawberry. The attack is firm, crunchy and extracted. Fierce acidity supports a youthful cherry fruit expression with enough concentration and a thick finish. Quite austere for 2019, but amazing considering its ability to age." Decanter

"A tight, tannic version, this red has a strong grip on its currant, cherry and strawberry fruit. Revealing mineral and tar details, this remains succulent and breezy through the lingering aftertaste; just needs to absorb the tannins." Wine Spectator

"This is extremely aromatic, with strawberry and cherry character and hints of orange peel and flowers. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are integrated and polished. Bright acidity at the finish, Made from a mix of parcels from the highest vineyards of Dievole. Beautiful to drink now, but will age will, too." James Suckling

La Villa is a casual, feminine Barbera d'Asti that smells of ripe red fruit, flowers and spices. Round and focussed on the palate with a silky texture, lively acidity and good length. This is what value for money ideally looks like! SUPERIORE.DE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As always, the Cerviolo is excellent: concentrated, with the aroma of red cherry, sweet tobacco, walnut and wild mushroom. Silky and multi-layered on the palate, with balsamic and spicy notes, dense and soft, with absolutely harmonious tannins. A marvellous wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"An organic blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 25% Petit Verdot, the San Fabiano Calcinaia 2019 Cerviolo opens to dark concentration and bold aromatic intensity with plummy dark fruit, dried blackberry and chalky white mineral. The wine shows a clean approach with lots of textural heft on the medium to full-bodied close." Wine Advocate

The organically grown Etna Rosso Reseca is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese from a 1.5-hectare vineyard located at 800 metres above sea level on the blackened cone of the volcano. The wine offers both power and grace, the two contrasting qualities that characterise the great wines of Etna.

Sweet cherries, dried flowers, liquorice and spices on the nose. The elegant style continues on the palate with silky tannins and restraint in all components. A medium-bodied, prancing red with all the classic, elegant advantages of Etna's volcanic terroir. The fresh fruit should easily carry this wine to the 10-year mark and probably beyond. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Reseca opens with a cascade of rosy florals and a dusting of spice, grounded by hints of wet stone. It possesses a lovely inner sweetness and silky textures as citrus-laced wild berry fruits swirl throughout. Only gently tannic yet incredibly long, the 2019 finishes potent, youthfully grippy and fresh." Vinous

Bright, intense ruby colour, lots of fresh, concentrated berry fruit on the nose, very elegant, pronounced acidity on the palate, which then gives way to a fine tannin, long and juicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

With Kyè, Vajra has not only recognised the potential of the Freisa grape, but redefined it. The freshness of the grape variety is somewhat reminiscent of Barbera and has a similar structure to the Nebbiolo grape. An explosive wine with dark fruits, violets, minerals, menthol and spices. Insanely beautiful and multi-dimensional, the fruit remains primary and the tannins are firm. Elegance all along the line and at the same time completely Freisa, only without the old-fashioned rusticity of this indigenous variety. SUPERIORE.DE

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