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The Nerello grapes (100% Mascalese) come from the northern slope of Etna from plots in the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the Rovittello district. Opens in a delicate ruby red colour, then fine, heady, spicy on the nose, revealing a pretty basket of red fruits after a few minutes of aeration. Initially closed on the palate, only gradually revealing its flavour facets, then medium pressure in the middle, with a very fine structure and almost Burgundian finesse and elegance. The finish is harmonious and of excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Quite light red; shrubby-fruity, appealing; subtle jammy fruit, sweetness, quite tart, not dry tannin." Merum

"Here is a submission from Benanti, which comes from a rather unknown contrada. The 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo is located in Castiglione di Sicilia on the north side of the volcano. The wine shows a medium-light appearance with spicy volcanic notes of ash and bonfire, surrounded by delicate fruit, sour cherry and cassis. The wine has fine tannins with dusty impressions resulting from the volcanic environment. This gives the wine an approachable personality." Wine Advocate

"Aromatic and bright with notes of orange peel and watermelon, but also some cherry. Medium-bodied, with firm and medium-soft tannins that are long and flattering." James Suckling

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo is exotic and floral, with hints of ash stone and dusty rose that fade into dried black cherries. Silky and smooth, it flows across the palate with a pure blend of red and blue fruits, fuelled by juicy acidity. The final is structured and long, yet perfumed, allowing violet and lavender tones to fade away on a bed of fine-grained tannins. The Dafara Galluzzo is a real charmer for which further ageing is recommended." Vinous

"The bouquet is restrainedly sweet, with dried cherries and fresh and preserved oranges supported by vanilla and baking spice notes, while herbs and earth provide a savoury balance. The blend of cherries, oranges and baking spices continues on the palate, like a warm pastry, before a tart, salty and peppery finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Nose of wild flowers and red cherries. Dense, silky-textured palate. Plenty of tannins but fine, adding a chalky grip to the finish." Decanter

Etna Rosso in light ruby and with a fine bouquet of raspberries, herbs, orange peel and flint. Firm, straightforward taste. Mineral hints corresponding to the terroir. Silky tannins and a fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm light red; fruity, fine ripeness, deep; juicy, fine tart attack, depth, then pronounced length with powerful tannin." Merum

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Arcuria is smoky and earthy in style, wafting up with vivid aromatics, featuring freshly picked strawberries, plum skins, rose hips and wet stone. This is texturally deep, silky-smooth and more savory than sweet, with mineral-infused red and hints of blue fruit, as well as balsam herbs that resonate toward the close. It finishes lightly structured with a minty freshness, as well as with a bitter tinge of cherry pits and spice. The 2019 Arcuria is so pretty today that it’s hard to recommend cellaring; yet with the balance on display here, the chances are that it will only get better over time." Vinous

Rich ruby, very typical nose of sour cherries, red berries and spices. Grip, light tannin on the palate, pithy, very nice fruit, firm and sturdy. A Barbera for connoisseurs! SUPERIORE.DE

Vignamaggio's Sangiovese di Vitigliano is dark, expressive and complex. Complex bouquet of dark flowers, some pepper, leather and herbs. In the drink voluminous and straightforward with many nuances, fresh and with the Sangiovese typical acid wire. The full, firm body and the wonderfully present fruit flank its elegant, spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shows a good combination of richness and finesse from the get-go, sporting nuances of dark cherries, fresh herbs, red licorice, cedar and orange peel. Medium to full body, firm yet generous tannins, a good helping of round fruit and a savory, tangy finish." James Suckling

"Vignamaggio's 2015 Sangiovese di Vitigliano is dark, expressive and beautifully layered. Lavender, spice, leather and menthol wrap around a core of succulent dark cherry fruit. Plump and forward, with plenty of nuance, the 2015 has a lot to offer. This is an especially bold, potent style, but it works well. I would give the 2015 at least a few years in bottle to allow the tannins to soften." Vinous

Fantastic Cabernet that beautifully reflects the first-class terroir of its Umbrian homeland. Deep dark red, immense fruity scent of black berries, finest spicy aromas, a hint of toasted bread. Very concentrated and dense on the palate, lots of finesse and elegance, the new wood perfectly integrated, dreamlike sweet fruit extract, soft, juicy tannins and a brilliant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Marciliano shows dark and brooding in the glass, with a mix of blackcurrant, wild herbs and white smoke. The palate is silky and round with a polished feel, while ripe plum and hints of sour cherry give way to tobacco towards the finish. The grippy tannins assert themselves on the finish, but there is a pleasing burst of inner sweetness to balance it out, along with an aftertaste of primary concentration that promises many good things to come with further ageing. The 2017 Marciliano is a complete success from this warm and dry vintage." Vinous

"Made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Marciliano Cotarella shows signs of the very hot and dry growing season. You get plenty of profound, dark primary fruit with blackcurrant confit and candied cherry. The tannins are soft and sweet." Wine Advocate

Merlot Voos dai Ciamps smells seductively of ripe cherries and plums, complemented by sweet herbs and tobacco. Its silky texture is consolidated by bright acids and inner spice in a savoury expression, while notes of tart red and blue berries pour over its mineral core. The finish is long and lightly textured, leaving earthy tones, hints of lavender and citrus for a characterful final. SUPERIORE.DE

Camalaione - a powerful cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah - smells of dark fruits, menthol, smoke, liquorice and toasted oak. Deep and dense, with excellent persistence and remarkable evolution in the glass. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Camalaione, Le Cinciole's Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Syrah blend, packs a huge punch. Blackberry, lavender, grilled herbs, chocolate and incense power through. There is plenty of intensity, but not exactly much elegance or finesse." Vinous

Matteo Ascheri shows a fascination for the grape varieties of the Rhône valley and produces every year in extremely small quantities a pure Viognier of the extra class.

Intense straw yellow. Complex bouquet with aromas of apricot, white peach, violet and lavender. Round, full and persistent on the palate with an appetizing, tangy fresh citrus note in a very elegant long finish. This incredibly exciting and multi-layered wine is one of the brightest white wines of Piedmont. SUPERIORE.DE

Just like the equally famous neighbour Fattoria Petrolo (with his Boggina A), Il Borro can also convince us with a red wine aged in amphorae. Petruna is a pure Sangiovese, fermented in hermetically sealed amphorae with skin contact for 12 months. The result is surprising, not in the sense of an "interesting" experimental wine, but because the typical character of Sangiovese is fully expressed in freshness, fruit and energy. The bouquet is dominated by cherry and small red berries, along with some orange zest. His body is of medium weight, which makes him an excellent eating companion. Its fresh acidity and an array of fine tannins increase the drinking pleasure enormously. Experiment succeeded in an elegant way, we can say. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, bright ruby. Very fragrant, open nose, floral, after violets, pomegranate, blood oranges, rhubarb, delicate white pepper. On the palate with lots of fruit and plenty of juice, fine texture, lively on the tongue, medium to slender body, well balanced, enjoys enormous flow, powerful tannin in the aftertaste." Falstaff

"Bright and fresh with cherries, watermelon and orange peel. Light body. Fine tannins and crisp acidity. A pure, single vineyard sangiovese made in amphora." James Suckling

"My reaction to this wine is overwhelmingly positive. This is a pure expression of organic Sangiovese that is farmed with extreme care, down to one kilogram of fruit per plant. The grapes are fermented in clay amphorae with daily punch-downs. The clay vessels are then sealed with steel lids, and the wine is left in contact with the skins for 12 months. The results are offbeat and provocative for sure, but the wine pleases the senses thanks to its grape-skin purity and firm mid-weight texture. The freshness and energy of the fruit comes through loud and clear, and you don't feel the heat of the vintage whatsoever. I give it my thumbs up." Wine Advocate

The Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Ciliegiolo grapes for Montecalvi's flagship Vigne Vecchie come from one of the oldest vineyards in Tuscany. And since each of the old vines only produces a handful of grapes, only a limited number of bottles are produced per vintage. Bright, luminous ruby red with a brick-red rim, the bouquet is beguilingly deep and fruity of raspberry, crisp cherry and juicy strawberry. With all the fullness and concentration that the old vines produce, it is nevertheless elegant and fine, velvety and well-proportioned in its impression. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, rich ruby red. Fragrant of strawberry jam, roses, nutmeg, then again of oranges, noble, of cigar box and incense. On the palate polished and with hearty fruit, seems profound, compact and ferruginous, sturdy and at the same time juicy, with a present course and finish." Falstaff

Madre is an elegant and at the same time juicy cuvée of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon matured in barriques. Its rich, slightly tobacco and leather-tinged bouquet and impressive, lasting body give it great independence and character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Plums, berries, dried herbs and mushrooms on the nose. Full-bodied with fine tannins. Supple, with a velvety texture in the mouth. Spicy character on the long, savoury finish. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Already very attractive." James Suckling

The Montepulciano vines for this powerful and terroir-rich Montepulciano grow on the Campo San Giorgio vineyard at an altitude of about 150 m on deep, chalky clay soils. The wine is unfiltered and unfined and matures for 12 months in small and large wooden barrels. The label represents the historic design of the Rosso Conero of the 1970s and the impressive result is the calling card of a long family tradition and expertise in viticulture.

Deep dark ruby red with violet and garnet reflections. Very expressive on the nose with a fruity style of cherry, plum, liquorice and herbal spice. Fresh and firm on the palate, the delicate extract sweetness gives it harmony and the silky tannins lead into a warm, very long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fragrant with loamy earth and ripe fruit on the nose, this enticing red features a pure beam of pureed black cherry, minerally iron and smoke, dried thyme and lavender. Silky on the palate, but the lush flavor profile wraps around a core of dense, but fine, tannins that emerge to firm the finish." Wine Spectator

"A lovely shellfish aroma rises first to the nose, followed by notes of fresh orange peel and ripe purple plums. The palate is already engaged, repeating the same fresh fruit and mineral character that gives this wine a light feel despite its Riserva status. Firm tannins emerge at the end. This is a very fine, terroir-driven wine that just needs time to shake off the still-youthful tannins. An exceptional wine for the Marche. Best from 2024." James Suckling

Rich, deep dark ruby with garnet reflections. Very expressive fragrance of grilled herbs, compote of red berries and a fine note of young leather. Compact on the palate, with a beautiful spiciness and a rich balsamic style that is recognizable even at a young age, giving it depth, elegance and a distinctive character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich garnet. Spicy nose of leather, rich dark berry fruit and light fumé. Juicy tannin on the palate, stretches out heartily, powerful, also slightly salty." Falstaff

"Pretty merlot with green-olive and berry character. Hints of chocolate and leather, too. Medium to full body, round and savory tannins. Give it a year or two to soften. Try after 2020." James Suckling

"The 2015 Merlot di Santa Maria is another impressive wine in this range from Vignamaggio. Black cherry, chocolate, mocha, spice and new leather all flesh out in a deep, succulent wine loaded with personality as well as character. Readers should expect a rich, flamboyant style with ripeness pushed to the edge. All the elements come together nicely in this heady, exotic Merlot from Vignamaggio." Vinous

Ghiaie della Furba means "pebbles of the Furba stream" and there is a reason for this, as the vines for this wine grow on the river pebbles on the banks of this stream. It is one of the very first "Supertuscans". After an hour in the carafe, this extremely complex red reveals wonderfully clear, dark fruit, blackberries and cassis, as well as coffee notes, dark chocolate and spices. Its very good structure and personality are impressive. It is already very accessible today (with aeration), but is still hiding its great potential for the next decade. SUPERIORE.DE

"A lively, elegant red wine with aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackcurrants, violets, cedar and tobacco. Balanced, while a sweep of firm, dense tannins support the long, fruity and flavoursome finish." Wine Spectator

"The nose is like a garden after a storm, with aromas of fruit and flowers mixing with the stones crushed underfoot and the saltiness of still-wet air. Red plums, mission figs, roses and violets continue onto the palate, with umami undertones setting up a coffee and chili pepper finish." Wine Enthusiast

Delicately yeasty and opulent tropical fruit flavour. Outstanding personality, elegant, full-bodied and with a great balance between fruity softness and structure. Oenologist Mattia Vezzola and Bellavista also set standards in terms of complexity and depth with their Satèn. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium straw yellow colour. Fine aromas of citrus zest and ripe yellow apple on the nose, accompanied by elegant yeast notes and a hint of nuts. Fine foam caresses the palate, while the refreshing acidity and creamy, mineral texture glide gently over the tongue. The finish is characterised by an invigorating freshness that allows the floral accents to linger for a long time. Young and dynamic with plenty of potential for maturity." Falstaff

"Bright and crisp fruit flavours, accompanied by lemon peel, flow from the glass. Light yeasty notes add complexity, while crisp acidity provides freshness. The wine is fruit-driven, with a slight minerality and a hint of yellow flowers." Wine Enthusiast

Vulcaia Fumé is an immensely dense and aromatic wine that demonstrates its sense of balance in a unique way. Deep, sparkling golden yellow. Impressive richness and opulence of passion fruit and other exotic fruit aromas, then blood orange, elderflower, a touch of iodised salt, flint and a noble spiciness in the finish. Spreads out colossally on the palate, with beautiful melting and excellently integrated wood. The finish shows smoky notes with some sweet vanilla and caramel cream. A Sauvignon Bianco the likes of which cannot be found again in Italy. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant intense straw yellow with light reflections. In the nose fine and elegant aromas of flint, some salt stone, noble spice and toast aroma as well as hints of tropical fruit and sage. Creamy and rich on the palate, with well-integrated use of wood, lingers very long on the palate." Falstaff

Grospoli comes from the vineyard of the same name on ancient terraces, cultivated in the archaic form of the Lamolian alberello. The sandy soils of the Chianti massif, the constant exposure to the wind and the pure light create the ideal conditions for a lyrical and enchanting wine.

Bright ruby red. Impressive bouquet of violets and iris overlapping with notes of small red and black berries, aromatic herbs and sweet spices. On the palate, powerful and of excellent structure, very stimulating also its freshness and spiciness, which spreads into the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Charismatic bouquet of cherries, blossoms and leather; juicy on the palate, vivid acidity that also enlivens the final, notes of red berries on the finish that round off the performance. Shows elegance." Vinum

"Rich ruby red. In the nose first after butter biscuits, then after juicy heart cherries, reminiscent of spruce honey, in the reverberation after raspberries and dried rose petal. On the palate juicy, radiant, shows great nerve in the course, long and with pressure, currently still young, will settle down very well." Falstaff

"A thoroughly delicious Chianti Classico with aromas and flavours of plums, bark and light chocolate. Medium-bodied with round, flattering tannins and a juicy finish. It's all about softness here." James Suckling

"This is a new submission from Lamole di Lamole, located in the mountains behind Greve in Chianti. The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Grospoli is a certified organic Sangiovese that shows medium-bodied density, lovely freshness and consistency. Sourced from a single vineyard, this wine shows clarity and straightforwardness with concentrated aromas of strawberries, ripe raspberries and mineral notes." Wine Advocate

"A pure Sangiovese with notes of black raspberries, then marjoram and carob. The mouthfeel is juicy, with hints of officinal and undergrowth, dense and crisp." Luca Gardini

Tenuta le Colonne Bolgheri Superiore comes from a beautiful vineyard just a stone's throw from the pine-lined coast. Intense, impenetrable ruby red. On the complex bouquet, dark fruits with distinct notes of blackcurrants and blueberries, accompanied by spicy notes, coffee and graphite. On the palate, energetic and refined at the same time, concentrated and powerful, just as complex yet beautifully balanced as on the nose and very long-lasting as it progresses. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red and leafy-scented, full of fresh notes of rosemary and lavender, pipe tobacco and a balsamic touch. Multifaceted and complex, dense and fresh, it shows a delicate rose aroma with dense, youthful and crisp cassis and red cherry. It's edgy, but the toasty flavours make for a lovely finish." Decanter

"An elegant, lively red wine characterised by aromas of mint, wild rosemary and eucalyptus. It offers flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries, violets and minerals that unfold on the palate in a lingering finish. Balanced and will be even better in a year or two." Wine Spectator

"The Tenuta le Colonne 2019 Bolgheri Superiore is a small production of 6,000 bottles from a site with sandy, gravelly soils. It shows pure aromas of black fruits, dried blueberries, toasted oak, cherry and gravel. Soft-textured and medium to full-bodied, this red also shows lovely hints of earth, forest floor and delicate blue flowers." Wine Advocate

The vineyard on the western side of the Montalcino hills is so secluded that you can enjoy the starry sky to the full without being disturbed. It is therefore not surprising that this supple, very classic Brunello bears the name "Sky of Ulysses". As is well known, Odysseus had the ability to navigate the seas without a compass and by simply orientating himself by the stars.

Deep dark ruby with light-coloured inclusions. The bouquet is a potpourri of aromas that unfold almost endlessly, with floral notes of light roses and white flowers alongside black and red fruits. On the palate, power, flavour and a freshness that, together with the well-proportioned tannins, suggest a harmonious and exciting development! SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, rich ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Opens on the nose with intense, quite mature fruit notes of dried plums, preserved cherries, liquorice and some leather. Also reveals itself on the palate with clearly matured tones, grippy tannins, then clear malty components in the final, already appears very mature." Falstaff

"Deep, youthful ruby red colour. Deep raspberry fruit nose with mineral notes. Lots of concentrated, juicy fruit, yet complex, multi-layered and with gripping tannins. Has everything you need, yet retains an elegant weight on the palate. Impeccably balanced. Irresistible." Jancis Robinson

"The Brunello di Montalcino Cielo d'Ulisse 2018 smells of violets and roses as well as dried blueberries and a hint of smoke in the glass. It feels silky and cool, with a racy acidity that accompanies the tart wild berry fruit. Blue and purple flowers, liquorice and chalky tannins accompany the 2018, which finishes lightly structured and long. Podere Le Ripi has managed to maintain the balance and energy in this wine. The Cielo d'Ulisse comes from the vineyards of Podere Le Ripi in the south-west of Montalcino, but the vines are surrounded by woods that balance out the warmth of the location." Vinous

"The Podere le Ripi 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Cielo d'Ulisse shows a spicy character with cloves and white pepper. These notes are faint, but they help to support the dark layers of dried cherries and blackcurrants. There is a hint of sour fruit on the finish of this medium-bodied Brunello. The structure of the wine is lean and fine." Wine Advocate

"The nose begins savory and earthy before sweet cherries and bitter espresso start to sparkle. The palate is full of black cherries and figs, with a bolder coffee flavor reappearing on the finish. The tannins are chalky and dense, while marvelously intense acidity persists through the finish." Wine Enthusiast

Noble, white cuvée made from Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon, as majestic as the Terlan castle ruins of the same name. Powerful and complex, multi-faceted, exotic and mineral, this classic Terlaner brings out the advantages of the growing region with a strong character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, bright straw yellow colour with a green sparkle. Polished and very precise nose, opens with notes of ripe apple, some pear, then walnuts, but also grapefruit and subtle thyme spice in the background. Very tense on the palate, very precise, salty, with fine yellow fruit notes, lingers for a very long time, juicy." Falstaff

"The Terlaner Riserva Cuvée Nova Domus 2021 presents itself with an airy bouquet in which ground ginger mingles with dusty dried flowers, crushed green apples and spice flavours. The palate is lapped up by a silky texture and ripe fruit. Sour citrus notes provide a contrast, accompanied by lively acidity. The 2021 finishes full of youthful tension and with light tannins that leave a savoury sensation and a hint of bitter lemon peel that lead the taster back to the glass." Vinous

"Pretty aromas of hazelnut, beeswax and floral notes, yuzu, mandarin, preserved lemon and spices on the palate." Decanter

"Aromas of warmed pears with spices, delicate white flowers and the peel of lemons, limes and kumquats. On the palate, there is an invigorating acidity carried by citrus oils, fresh herbs and a pronounced sharpness that not only revitalises the palate but also the soul." Wine Enthusiast

"This is a very straightforward white wine with tension and acidity that kicks in at the end, giving it fantastic energy and length. It is medium to full-bodied with sliced pineapple, lemon and green apple before a lively finish. There are also undertones of lemongrass and tarragon. Complex and complete. Better after 2025, but already exciting to drink now." James Suckling

Smooth, generous red wine with beautiful notes of red fruits, sweet spices and delicate herbs, all coming together in a medium-bodied, terroir-driven style. The wine offers excellent depth, a long, elegant finish and an inspiring overall harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Rosso del Gnemiz wafts up smoky with red currants, peppery herbs and rosy florals. Its textures are silky, ushering in a potent wave of spicy red berries and minerals, all supported by bright acidity. While pretty and finessed, the 2019 is also powerful and structured, promising many years of pleasure." Vinous

Arianna Occhipinti's new white wine is a 100% Grillo and comes from a vineyard located 490 metres above sea level and surrounded by pine forests, oaks and centuries-old olive trees. The soil of Contrada Santa Margherita consists of sandy calcareous marl of a whitish colour and yellowish-white calcarenite, all marine sediments dating back to the Pleistocene. These soils of the Monti Iblei at the foot of the small municipality of Chiaramonte Gulfi give the wine an impressive complexity and saltiness.

Pale yellow in the glass, intense bouquet of citrus notes, accompanied by spicy vegetal notes and white flowers. A fantastic balance of alcohol and acidity on the palate, impressive complexity that only reveals itself with time, with a beautiful length and a dry, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This Grillo is really vertical and focussed, almost austere, with spicy, juicy stone fruits hidden among straw, hay, flowers and lanolin notes. A stylish interpretation of this grape variety." Decanter

"The Grillo Contrada Bianco SM 2021 opens with a dark golden colour and macerated aromas of grape skins and honey. The wine has a very fragrant side, as you would expect from a young Grillo, with white rose, jasmine and peach blossom. The wine is very full-bodied, with plenty of freshness, crushed stone and a creamy texture. There is also a hint of dried apple skin." Wine Advocate

"Dark yellow, golden in colour with a green shimmer. Aromas of dried apples, apricots, rose soap and camomile. Full-bodied with a multi-layered texture of phenols and apple skin. Flavours of apple crumble and cream. Also some honey. It's definitely a skin contact wine, but not over the top. Drink it now." James Suckling

"The 2021 Contrade SM is a varietal Grillo with a deep golden-yellow color. The bouquet evokes musky dried peaches, apricots, sweet herbs and ground ginger. It’s soft-textured, with zesty acidity and saline minerals up front that give way to vivid yellow apples and savory spice. This finishes long, dry and lightly structured, yet harmonious, displaying all the components necessary for a steady evolution, as a bitter tinge keeps the mouth watering for more. This is a fascinating Grillo that exceeds expectations. Two thousand and twenty-one is only the second vintage of Contrade SM, which hails from a vineyard planted in 2016 at 500 meters in soils of sandy calcareous marl." Vinous