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"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines of Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best made in Friuli today. There is a lot to choose from here, because the transparency of the terroir is paramount. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnay or Friulano wines, but the differences between each hill, each site and the age of each vineyard create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

Standing on the hill where this winery is located, looking out over Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important to the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine a winemaker's fascination with each of these unique sites. If you were to make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

The grapes for this great Chardonnay come from vines that are over 60 years old, and this shows impressively in the depth and complexity of the wine. The full bouquet exudes dusty white flowers and nuances of vanilla bean, contrasted by crushed green apple, curry leaves and rock. Sol is a contrasting, very complex Chardonnay expression with ripe fruit and a silky texture balanced by mineral acids and a hint of acidic citrus. On the palate, it leaves a vibrant tension and refreshment as it finishes with persistence and a hint of almond paste. Forget white Burgundy, the intellectual Chardonnay Sol surpasses all. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Chardonnay Sol 2021 is quite restrained and delicate in the glass, with floral nuances, crushed stones and lime. On the palate, it is much more expressive, with a lively acidity that enlivens the mineral fruits of the orchard. It finishes with a pretty inner sweetness that balances its youthful concentration, leaving a hint of floral apple and pear flavours. The 2021 will need some time to fully develop." Vinous

"A pure Chardonnay of depth and complexity, from barrique ageing. Olfaction that opens on notes of cinnamon, then touches of white melon, wild sage and touches of lemon peel. To the drink spicy-fruity, with officinal-citrus return." Luca Gardini

This Frappato comes from the historic single vineyard Pettineo, which lies beyond the Serra San Bartolo. The topsoil is sandy with a depth of 50 to 60 centimetres. After that, limestone is found. Originally, the Frappato, which is now about 60 years old, stood there in Albarello vines, then the previous owner raised them in wire frames, where they grew very tall. Around 2,600 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Transparent dark cherry red. In contrast to the other two Cotradas, the PT is currently the fruitiest. Sweet cherries, sour cherries and plums are accompanied by sweet yeast dough and light tobacco. Nevertheless, the wine is by no means cloying or overripe, but consistently fine and elegant. The etherealness, which can also be found in the other two Contradas, is also present here. The Vino di Contrada PT is highly present from the first moment. There is a lot of juiciness at play and also a pleasant pressure on the palate. Like the other two Frappatos, the PT is extremely elegant and transparent, almost cool and crystal clear like a white wine, but then again equipped with a silky and striking tannin. When people talk about almost Burgundian elegance in Sicilian wines, they are actually always talking about Nerello Mascalese from Etna. When you have this Frappato in your glass, Sicilian elegance can be redefined. Here it meets a sour cherry fruitiness and the already mentioned impressive clarity and precision." Christoph Raffelt (originalverkorkt.de)

"With fruit from 60-year-old vines, the Arianna Occhipinti 2019 Frappato Vino di Contrada PT (with 2,200 bottles made) reveals a bright and very lifted bouquet with dried cherry skin, wild rose, cast iron and grilled herb. The wine shows medium-weight texture and fine tannins that feel especially integrated in this wine from the Contrada Pettineo. This site has reddish sand soils with a layer of tuffaceous rock." Wine Advocate

Barbera d'Alba Pre-Phylloxera (or Prefilossera) comes from a tiny vineyard that is over a hundred years old. Intense aromas and flavours of plums, black berries, young leather and damp forest soil. Broadly expansive, full of vigour and carried by a lively acidity, it flows flanked by velvety tannins into a never-ending finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elvio Cogno produce just 1,800 bottles annually of this Barbera d'Alba, made from 0.25ha of 140-year-old vines in Berri near La Morra, on chalky, sandy soils. Like the ‘standard’ Barbera d'Alba, it's vinified in stainless steel and aged in Slavonian oak casks for 12 months, yet here the result is more complex and more concentrated: pure hedgerow berry and violet scents adorn a palate full of sweet, ripe black cherry, with notes of cream, coffee and tar in the background. The finish is long and freshly balsamic, carrying more of that gorgeous violet-infused fruit." Decanter

A study commissioned by Francesco Ricasoli has shown that there are 19 different types of soil on Brolio. This made it possible to precisely define the sites that are particularly good for Merlot, from which wines with a unique structure and unmistakable flavour emerge. With the 2018 vintage, Francesco Ricasoli is now presenting the "new" Casalferro, whose grapes come from the three different vineyards Vigna Casalferro, Vigna Pecchierino and Vigna Sodacci. The production volume has been drastically reduced, but the result is impressive!

A Tuscan Merlot as it is written in the book. On the nose, complex aromas of dark red fruit, delicate cedar wood, leather, very spicy. Initially taut and dense on the palate, it opens up as it progresses and expands with impressive elegance. The interplay between bouquet and complexity on the palate is perfectly balanced and its impressive size is already unmistakable. This Merlot will have a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure Merlot from (for the first time) three selected vineyards that are particularly suitable for the variety and a hit right from the start: complex nose with intriguing notes of blackcurrant, sandalwood, tobacco and pepper; harmony on the palate, which increases in fullness and density with aeration and yet retains its elegance." Vinum

"Noble, bright ruby red colour. The nose is barrel-spicy and reminiscent of precious woods, plum, blackberry, peppery-malty tones in the finish. Very fresh on the palate with crisp acidity, without missing its body, stretches out nicely, polished and with lots of juice, keeps coming back, put it down, will be a long-distance runner." Falstaff

"The 2018 Casalferro, Brolio's (Merlot) is a powerful, brooding wine, packed with dark fruit, espresso, dried herbs, menthol, liquorice, incense and cloves. This juicy, intensely flavoured red wine delivers a lot of impact, that much is clear." Vinous

"The secret of Casalferro is the fruit, which comes from different locations, including one that is 500 metres above sea level. It delivers vertical power and intensity with dark fruits, spices and dried mint. This wine is already drinking beautifully." Wine Advocate

"A very precise and beautiful Merlot with violets, spices and blackcurrants. Extremely perfumed. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a long, polished finish that shows finesse and complexity. Delicious to drink now, but will get even better with age." James Suckling

"Beautiful intense ruby color, on the nose intense aromas of blueberry, currant and balsamic herbs. The taste is broad, elegant and of spectacular cleaning. Silky tannins, excellent drinkability." Luca Gardini

This powerful and long-lasting Brunello is royal; only the best grapes from our there own vineyards are used for this Selezione. It perfectly embodies the powerful elegance of the great Tuscan red wines. Ruby red in colour, with an expansive bouquet of rosehip, lilac and spices. You can taste the dense dark berry fruit and a fine minerality. Roasted and tobacco flavours accompany the firm, juicy and long-lasting finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Coniale, a pure Cabernet Sauvignon, is an elegant and expressive wine. Smells pleasantly of black fruits, spices and tobacco, presents itself dense and wide on the palate, with mineral tones of flint and granite, firmly structured and well defined until the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of blackberries, mushrooms, mocha, cedar and spice box. It's full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. Tight and structured with a rich, zesty and spiced finish." James Suckling

"This red features ripe cherry, currant, loam, Tuscan scrub and bitter almond flavors, with a mineral underpinning. Firm and taut, with a beam of acidity driving the lingering finish. Balanced in a compact way, this should unwind in a year or two." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Coniale, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, is a gorgeous wine that marries varietal character with a distinctly Chianti Classico profile of acid, tannin and overall structure. This decidedly Tuscan Cabernet has so much to offer, starting with its expansive aromatics and beautifully layered fruit. Dark cherry, cedar, tobacco, menthol and licorice lead into the firm, structured finish." Vinous

As always, Paolo Meroi has vinified a great Friulano with classic proportions, of which one can only get hold of a bottle with difficulty due to a total production of just 1,000 bottles. As always from a microsite, this white convinces with its perfectly knit balance of fine peach notes, pear, green melon and a little honey, its vibrant acid wire and a remarkable freshness and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, light straw yellow. Opens with fine wood notes, some light caramel, then of fresh yellow apple, rich herbal spice in the background. Lush and rich on the palate, very good concentration, fine ripe fruit, but still noticeable wood overhang on the back end, needs further ripening." Falstaff

Boscareto from Serralunga d'Alba has an intense aroma of leather and liquorice, dried flowers and undergrowth; the round, aromatic flavour follows a straight path to the lingering final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Somewhat dried floral to tobacco aroma with restrained berry tones, a little undergrowth as well as mushroomy and earthy nuances. Tart, yet quite juicy fruit, again dried-vegetable, mushroomy and earthy tones, finely dusty, still slightly drying tannins, cedary and nutty flavours, a hint of cocoa, also a little pepper, vegetal traces, very good, increasingly juicy finish with chalky-mineral tones." Wein-Plus

"Beni di Batasiolo produces two top Baroli from single vineyards, and the Barolo Boscareto 2016 is one of them. This wine contains fruit from Serralunga d'Alba and is therefore the bolder and more powerful of the two. But to be honest, the differences are minimal, especially in a vintage like 2016, which brings out the purity of the fruit so well in all the vineyards." Wine Advocate

"Spicy nose with baked earth and blackberry fruit. The palate is rich in extract, with a core of sweetness and a hint of tannin. Long finish." Decanter

"Flavours of flowers, cedar, strawberries and chocolate follow through to a full body, with a solid core of fruit and tannins and a chewy finish. Needs time to mellow." James Suckling

Brilliant gold in the glass. Floral bouquet with hints of candied fruit and fine herbal spice. Lots of sweet yellow fruit and a restrained almond note on the palate. Full-bodied, creamy flavour of orange zest, some cinnamon and white pepper. The finish is long and compact with candied fruit and saffron. You could call it sensory overload, but no: it is a highly elegant, polyphonic symphony concert with several encores and standing ovations! SUPERIORE.DE

"Polished, firm and deep nose of partly candied and preserved white and yellow fruits with planty to herbal aromas, almonds and hazelnut, some sea buckthorn as well as vegetal and floral tones. Dense, youthful, rather bright, very sweet fruit, fine acidity, clear candy tones and some light honey on the palate, floral tones, a little white berries and lychee, ethereal-herbal notes, orange zest and some preserved apricot, a lot of salt in the background, good depth, still undeveloped, quite complex, very good to long, polished, sweet, juicy and finely spicy finish." Wein-Plus

"Sparkling straw yellow with a light gold colour. Delicate and pleasant nose, initially of yellow peach, banana, some nutmeg and white pepper, then elegant candied citrus fruit, constantly developing in the glass. Oily texture, with a creamy fruit centre, warm-hearted, pleasant, soft and somewhat broad on the finish, clear on saffron." Falstaff

"Deep golden and unagitatedly slow in the glass. Luscious, breathtakingly sweet! It's like a concentrate of Alphonso mango and apricot syrup. Beautiful deep orange-coloured acidity. But so intensely sweet and concentrated that it almost makes your eyes water." Jancis Robinson

"This wine is very aromatic, it almost jumps out of the glass with all its tropical fruits, citrus peel, flowers and spices. On the palate it is full and rich with a generous sweetness, but balanced by freshness and lively acidity. Very attractive and well made. Creamy on the finish." James Suckling

"The Gewürztraminer Vendemmia Tardiva Terminum is a thick, glossy wine with sweet glycerin that wraps over the palate. This fragrant dessert wine boasts aromas of tuberose, marigold and Indian spice. The acidity is lacking, but the wine delivers a big dollop of sweetness over a full-bodied finish. It ages in barrique for 14 months, bringing in marzipan and roasted almond." Wine Advocate

Sparkling ruby red colour. Complex and enveloping bouquet of rich cherry, black forest berries, violets, tobacco, tar, liquorice, incense and smoke in the background. The single-vineyard Chianti Classico San Marcellino has an excellent structure, interwoven with lively, elegant tannins, exemplary harmony and a savoury, slightly salty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable dark ruby. I can see the vintage with the oak having a bigger impact on the elegant fruit than is normally the case. That is not to say there isn’t plenty of concentrated black fruit contoured by savoury oak and a touch of undergrowth with just a hint of tar. Long, tangy and generous, with fine, sandpapery tannins. Elegant yet with plenty of stuffing, and ready now." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto San Marcellino 2018 is outstanding. Silky and medium-bodied, the 2018 is a wine with more finesse than power. Dark fruit, coffee, lavender, liquorice, dried herbs and a hint of new oak adorn this exquisite, wonderfully nuanced Gran Selezione. The San Marcellino 2018 is a wine of restraint and understatement." Vinous

"Packed with red berry fruit, sweet spices and mint. Quite full and powerful on the palate and richer than most other 2018s we've tasted." Decanter

"A rich, juicy red wine with aromas and flavours of cherry, raspberry, rose, graphite and earth. Pure, with lively acidity and refined tannins to support it. Balanced and long, with a mineral note on the finish. Sangiovese and Pugnitello." Wine Spectator

In 2012, Carlo Franchetti began making wines from Pinot Noir grapes grown at altitude in the hills around San Casciano Bagni. The following year saw the creation of Sancaba, the first collaboration with his cousin, aimed at highlighting the richness, depth and uniqueness of this grape variety in this particular terroir. In 2014, the two cousins merged their wineries and founded Vini Franchetti. Unfortunately, Andrea Franchetti passed away in 2021, a wine visionary who leaves a big gap. However, his two very different wine projects, one on Tenuta di Trinoro and the other called Passopisciaro on the slopes of Mount Etna, have one thing in common: to bring the characteristics of the vintage, the specificity of the terroir and the full potential of the grape variety into the glass. His wines are intuitive and poetic, always expressing exactly what his philosophy and vision of wine and life was.

Thus, Sancaba is also undoubtedly a champion of great character and elegance, characterised by the marked precision of the fruit. It is obtained from grapes grown on the hills around San Casciano dei Bagni at an altitude of 650 m, characterised by great temperature variations between day and night. It spoils the nose with intense and fascinating scents of cherries, red fruits, spicy tones, citrus nuances and mineral hints. In the mouth, it is structured, silky, with incisive freshness and a very long finish with mineral iodine tones. The almost never-ending finish with fruity hints deserves our applause! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium dense ruby. Finely marked nose with notes of ripe raspberries and blackberries, underpinned by cloves and cardamom. Fine-meshed, very polished tannin with sweet melting, showing lots of juicy fruit, elegant and with a long finish." Falstaff

Bianco Trinoro is made from 100% Semillon from a tiny sandy plot in the highest locations of the Trinoro winery. The parcel is located at about 600 metres above sea level and covers about 5,000 square metres. The vineyard was partially planted in 2001 and completed in 2006 with vines from Bordeaux; here, as elsewhere on the estate, the vines are densely planted one metre apart in the Bordelais style.

Very aromatic with ripe, fruity notes balanced by a nice freshness and acidity, great length and a very good ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow with slight green reflections. In the nose with a delicate muscat tone, a small potpourri of citrus and stone fruit, reverberating with green peppers. Medium weight on the palate at the start, has fine juiciness, then builds more and more on the tongue, with good length and a slightly salty finish." Falstaff

"Only in its third year, this Semillon-based white is a relatively new experiment for a vintner who has made important strides in modern Italian red wine. The Tenuta di Trinoro 2019 Bianco di Trinoro is beautifully smooth and silky rich in texture. The intensity of the mouthfeel gives momentum and a lasting flavor profile. Orchard fruit, pear, apricot and fleshy apple segue to a mild point of mineral or crushed stone. The fruit is harvested from one of the estate's highest plots with sandy soils. Production is only 2,446 bottles." Wine Advocate

Sparkling ruby. Earthy notes, some truffle, pomegranate, then lots of blackberry. Round and supple in the attack and course, opens with fine-meshed tannin, coated with sweet melting, mineral-salty hints in the final, raspberry, some black tea and a firm pressure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid ruby with orange tinges. Crushed cherry with hints of exotic spice, wildflowers and iodine hints. Suave red fruit with supple acidity tied together by finely ground tannins. Closes up - indicating there is more to come." Jancis Robinson

"This red made with 95% Nerello Mascalese and 5% Nerello Cappuccio opens with aromas of mature dark-skinned fruit, pressed violet, scorched soil and camphor notes. Boasting a depth of flavors as well as weightless finesse, the savory, firm palate features juicy morello cherry, black raspberry, star anise, orange zest and licorice. Taut fine-grained tannins give the finish an edge." Wine Enthusiast

"The Graci 2018 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo shows lifted and nice vertical intensity in a vintage that was not always easy across the board. Carefully selected fruit from the Feudo di Mezzo site appears to have overcome the challenges of summer rain and heat. This pretty Etna red reveals aromas of wild berry, plum, candied orange peel and a sprinkling of white pepper. Some volcanic smoke and campfire ash also come into play. The wine shows good intensity on the palate, with dry but integrated tannins." Wine Advocate

Besides Fragore, the Etna Cru, named after the Contrada Marchesa single vineyard of the same name, is Donnafugata's second top wine from the volcano. Its label is adorned by a volcano goddess decorated with flowers and fruits, beside her, the medieval village Castiglione di Sicilia appears. The Nerello vines grow on a lava soil rich in minerals, the location in the north of the volcano ensures moderate summers with strong temperature fluctuations between day and night.

This single-varietal Nerello presents itself in bright ruby red and reveals a generous bouquet of small red berries, spicy notes (cinnamon and black pepper) and undergrowth, followed by balsamic nuances and a delicate mineral vein. On the palate, besides its structure, the indescribable balance, the convincing freshness and an ultra-fine tannin delight. This great wine glides aristrocratically and full of elegance into a deep finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep dark ruby red. Ripe notes of dried small currants and blackberries, plus some smoke and tobacco - this is Sangiovese in concentrated form. Lush and fleshy on the palate, with firm body, spicy nuances, multilayered fruit and a wonderful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Petresco is another stellar wine from Le Cinciole. Bright and focused, with striking explosive energy, Petresco sizzles with tension. Black cherry, coffee, spice, leather, incense, lavender and plum all run through a linear, driving pure Sangiovese that is going to need at least a few years to come together. There is a ton of potential here, but readers need to be patient." Vinous

Cherry accentuated bouquet with hints of violet blossoms, clove, cigar box and a pleasant spicy sweetness. Dense and expressive on the palate, it opens vibrantly and multilayered and then reveals a beautiful load of black cherry, exotic spices and a fine salty vein. The perfectly balanced tannin always provides the necessary balance and gives it a racy, very long finish with its exceedingly refined flavour components. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep ruby red. Perfumed, spicy nose with mineral notes. Fine polished fruit that is really fresh. Long, grainy tannins. Lush and fresh at the same time." Jancis Robinson

"The Castiglion del Bosco 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is robust and powerful from the start, showing broad shoulders and plenty of muscle. But at the end of the day, the wine's concentration remains on the medium to medium-bodied side of the spectrum. It remains firmly within the confines of Sangiovese. Dark fruits and blackcurrants segue into savoury notes of toasted spices, black olives, earth and rusty nails." Wine Advocate

"In the far northwest of Montalcino, the sprawling Castiglion del Bosco estate stretches over several hills of varying heights, exposures and textures. From 42 hectares dedicated to Brunello comes this impressive production. The 2018 does not explode with its fragrance, but slowly unfolds its suggestive floral scents. These reach a crescendo on the palate, melding seamlessly with joyful, pure pomegranate and cherry flavours. The supple tannins have a velvety texture. Unrestrained and fluid, it's hard to resist now." Decanter

"Ripe berries and hints of red liquorice and herbs on the nose, medium-bodied on the palate with fine, tightly packed tannins and a taut finish for now. Give it two years to relax a little. Taste from 2025." James Suckling

"The nose puts cherries front and center, intertwined with roses with heavier tar and graphite, before umami flavors of mushroom, balsamic vinegar, seaweed and soy slowly emerge. On the chalky palate, dark chocolate pushes up against the showboating cherries before a kick of spice sets up a long, energetic finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Exuding a dusty blend of cedar spice, mentholated herbs, rose petals and sour cherry, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino feels round and supple, with floral red and black fruits complemented by a subtle hint of sweet spice. The palate leaves a bitter aftertaste of sour berries, while a touch of residual acidity gives the wine a pleasing freshness and a gentle tannin slowly retreats. The 2018 has improved every time I've tasted it over the past five months, and it now shows the robustness of northwestern Montalcino Sangiovese, but in a wonderfully balanced way." Vinous

"Rich at the start, with a touch of glycerine in the texture before civilised tannins take over on the finish. It offers notes of plum, cherry, earth, tobacco and iron that come through, with a firm grip of tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"From a parcel of the Capanna vineyard, one of the most accomplished expressions of the winery run by managing director Simone Pallesi. Pomegranate notes on the nose, with balsamic nuances of eucalyptus and rhubarb. Salty, juicy tannins on the palate, fruity-balsamic finish." Luca Gardini

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family has for the first time vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione to reflect the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiòla.

Badiòla is the historic name of a vineyard in the municipality of Radda, whose grapes have been vinified separately as Gran Selezione by the Mazzei family since the 2017 vintage. Bright ruby, a restrained but clear nose of wild berries, blue flowers, undergrowth, and hints of dark pepper. On the palate, Badiòla is masterfully balanced, almost weightless. The very well integrated tannin makes it seem supple from the first to the last glass and impresses with a long finish - its elegance is great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Homely bouquet of wild berries, spices and tobacco; harmonious on the palate, fine-grained tannins, accentuated acidity, stylish finish on notes of maraschino cherries and pepper." Vinum

"Medium ruby red with orange reflections. The most compact of the winery's three Gran Selezioni. Elegant, soft fruit that is less baroque than elegant. Long, tangy finish of raspberries and cherries with supple but long tannins." Jancis Robinson

"A juicy and ripe wine with freshness and brightness for the Radda zone in Chianti Classico. Medium-bodied. Spicy. Orange peel." James Suckling

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Fonterutoli Badiòla is a refined and elegant wine with precise aromas of cherry, blackberry, spice, earth and pressed violet. The six-hectare site consists of a mixture of slate Galestro soils and sandstone. The mineral signature is beautiful in this wine." Wine Advocate

"The great Gran Selezione of Mazzei, from three different Sangiovese clones and a mass selection. A wine of great gustatory-olfactory impact, with notes of berry jam, wild mint and gardenia, with iodine sensations. Iodine on the palate too, with a fruity-floral return and flavourful compactness." Luca Gardini

Of the three Baroli from Pecchenino, Le Coste di Monforte shows the most focus and sharpness. The other two wines are much softer in their aromatic focus compared to this wine. Le Coste di Monforte offers dark fruits, balsamic herbs, spices, campfire ash and ferruginous earth in beautifully balanced proportions. This wine has a long maceration period of 60 days (at 28 degrees Celsius), which is followed by 36 months of ageing in oak barrels. This gives the wine its rich flavour profile. The fruit comes from a site of just under one hectare at an altitude of 450 metres. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Barolo Le Coste di Monforte shows some sweet oak and baking spices on the first nose. Given more time in the glass, the wine reveals dark fruits, plum, autumn leaves and forest floor. The oak tones are strong in this medium-bodied Nebbiolo and need more time to settle into the wine's lean texture, if they ever fully emerge at all." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Barolo Le Coste di Monforte is an exotic, beguiling wine. Melted road tar, incense, scorched earth, game, tobacco and cured meat contribute to an impression of brooding gravitas. But here, too, the flavours are advanced. Powerful Monforte tannins frame the imposing finish. Still, I wouldn't push my luck with ageing." Vinous

"Expressive, featuring rose, cherry, strawberry and sun-kissed hay aromas and flavors matched to an elegant frame. Light-bodied yet charming, harmonious and persistent on the chalky finish." Wine Spectator

"The nose reveals a wild, fruity character with a sharp, truffle and earthy note. With air, a hint of chocolate emerges. Medium to full body with dense flavours of ripe berries and medium-grained tannins covered in fruit and minerals. It all seems a bit raw at the moment, but it has plenty of character and length. It's fun to try, but give it a few years to develop." James Suckling

Contrada Rampante grows on the highest vineyard of Passopisciaro. The soils have a higher sand content and the harvest takes place later here. On the nose, dark red cherries, flowers, mint and liquorice. Rampante is an elegant, energetic red with clear fruit and silky tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby red. Brooding and hinted at ripe red fruits with iodine notes, oatmeal and still embryonic. Plenty of tannic raspberry fruit. Very long, juicy and energetic, tannic and perfumed. Big, long tannic bite on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Contrada Rampante (R) vintage exudes a dramatic but incredibly pretty bouquet of dried flowers, exotic spices, smoke and sour cherries. It is softly textured and refined, with bright acidity that further enlivens the tart red berries. It leaves a hint of minerality, along with fine tannins that only emerge at the very end, when the hints of sour citrus and inner rose tones fade. The Rampante vineyard is the highest site where Passopisciaro grows Nerello Mascalese, at 1,000 metres." Vinous

"Hints of eucalyptus and liquorice on the nose continue on the palate of this fresh red wine, which offers flavours of plump cherries and ripe currants, a mineral underpinning and a crisp framework of chalky tannins. It's enjoyable now, but should also show well with a short ageing period." Wine Spectator

"the Vini Franchetti 2019 Contrada R is characterized by plummy black fruit at its core and a richer, softer texture compared to some of the other single-vineyard wines in this series. It is tight and quite structured despite its luminous ruby shine and medium-light appearance. There are salty mineral notes on the close, even some crushed white pepper, to remind you of this spectacular volcanic landscape." Wine Advocate

"Smoky flint, dark spices, blue flowers and wild berries and a hint of hay come to the fore. The elegant, structured palate is racy and full of mineral tension, offering crushed raspberries, pomegranate, liquorice and ground cloves before an almost salty, mineral finish. Taut, refined tannins and fresh acidity provide the framework." Wine Enthusiast

The grapes for this fine white wine from the north side of Mount Etna come from the 3-hectare Contrada Muganazzi in the municipality of Passopisciaro. The skeleton-rich and pH-neutral soils are rich in iron and nitrogen and offer ideal conditions for fresh, acidic and mineral white wines. The wine is matured in equal parts in wood and stainless steel for 12 months on the fine lees. Muganazzi is neither a lean wine, nor is it too full-bodied. It is somewhere in between, with thick layers of peach, apricot and lots of fresh citrus fruit. The mineral notes such as gravel, flint and volcanic ash are very evident. An elegant, powerful Carricante with great drinking flow that clearly shows the signature of the sensitive Alberto Graci. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a very fresh and lively white wine with flavours of lime zest, stones, lemon peel, mussels and herbs. Medium body with bright acidity. Textured finish." James Suckling

"This elegant white shows fine knit, layering sleek acidity with flavors of star fruit and persimmon, Marcona almond and quince paste, plus accents of chamomile and white pepper. The finish is driven by a rich underpinning of salty minerality." Wine Spectator

"This 2021 is the second vintage from Graci's Contrada Muganazzi, located in Passopisciaro and made from the estate's youngest vines. Aromatic summer meadow, lemon, peach and apple lead to a very flavoursome, stony palate with juicy peach, orange zest and a waxy character on the finish." Decanter

"The 2021 Etna Bianco Muganazzi is the star among the white wines in the Graci portfolio. The wine offers a nice texture with mild creaminess and good complexity. You get candied lemon, honey and pastry cream, and of course there is gravel and volcanic ash to make an ever more interesting wine. This is a light-coloured white wine from a purely volcanic area. Give it a little more time to develop." Wine Advocate

Medium ruby red with orange reflections. On the nose, beautiful cherry, raspberry and floral notes, plus some espresso and spice notes. On the palate, a supple texture, exciting depth and multi-layered fruit notes. It presents itself long and medium-weight, its elegance and the focused overall picture make it one of the best of the vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas recalling underbrush, crushed botanical herbs, wild rose and forest berries waft out of the glass. Linear and medium-bodied, the elegant palate offers dried cherry, licorice and ground clove set against fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"This is firm and underscored by a mineral streak, displaying strawberry, cherry, earth, spice and tobacco flavors. Shows harmony and should really come together in 2-3 years. Fine length." Wine Spectator

"Poggio Antico is another one of those Montalcino estates that you will forever remember if you've been lucky enough to visit. The vineyards enjoy unobstructed views all the way to the Tyrrhenian Sea (I think this is the only place in the appellation where you can see the water on a clear day). Fruit for the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is sourced from the I Poggi parcel with thin galestro and alberese soils. There is a lot of fresh fruit here, and the tannins are quite soft and supple." Wine Advocate

"A thoroughly drinkable and refined 2017 Brunello with pure cherry, berry and floral character with hints of cedar. It’s full-bodied yet has good tension and focus with a long and beautiful finish." James Suckling

G.D. Vajra's Ravera (whose site straddles the municipalities of Novello and Barolo) is always the most angular, powerful and vertical of their collection. It comes from soils with clay and sandstone at 320 to 340 metres above sea level. This is the ideal place for wines that show both power and elegance. The tannins are sweet, but every fibre of the backbone is dense and firm. Red and purple fruits with liquorice, tar and white truffle are neatly packed here, revealing themselves only gradually but then with beautiful precision and straightforwardness. The final has a wonderfully long reverberation, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant ruby red with a lightening rim. Expressive on the nose, of wild berries, elderberries, also floral, then eucalyptus, plus noble spice, of black tea on the final. On the palate compact, juicy, with dense tannin, comes in several layers, energetic, salty in the final." Falstaff

"Lustrous mid ruby. Subtle, fragrant and concentrated and with fantastic depth and earthy minerally notes. Cherry and raspberry fruit with a hint of damson. Richly tannic adding chew to the juicy elegant fruit. On the finish, quite a bit of tannins that still need to integrate into the very long fruit finish. Compact and pithy." Jancis Robinson

"High-toned vanilla notes tie in with blue fruit purity. Rich and weighty with layers of fresh strawberries, raspberries, dried tobaccos, leather and earthy notes on the palate." Decanter

"This focused, fragrant red offers aromas of woodland berry, new leather, wild herb and pipe tobacco. The linear palate exhibits dried cherry, mocha and toasted nut set against close-grained tannins that leave a drying finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Rich, ripe mixed berries and perfumed bark on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with some lightly firm tannin giving support to the fruit. Has a promising core. Give it a while to broaden out." James Suckling

"The 2018 Barolo Ravera is a powerful, tightly wound wine. Gravel, smoke, cured meats, spice, leather, tobacco and menthol emerge, but only with quite a bit of reticence. This deceptively mid-weight Barolo has a good bit of brawn." Vinous

"Seamlessly stitched together, the G.D. Vajra 2018 Barolo Ravera reveals tight layering and smooth texture. Fruit comes from an amphitheater of vines with Tortoniana epoch sandstone clay that is typical of parts of Barolo and Novello. What stands out here is the mineral character of the wine. It frames a dark core of plum, dark cherry and soft spice." Wine Advocate

One hundred percent Sangiovese conjures up a wonderful mineral scent of dark fruits and a powerful taste with firm tannins. Spicy, well-structured Rosso on a clear Brunello level! SUPERIORE.DE

"Open nose, expressive floral style, blueberry, hibiscus, light pepper note; spicy play, fine acidity, pithy bite, yet overall light-footed and exciting." Meiningers Sommelier

"Luminous red color. Perfumed red rose, violet, sour red cherry and minerals on the absolutely captivating nose. Then fresh juicy and very precise, with laser-like delivery of red cherry and raspberry flavors that linger long on the vibrant finish." Vinous