Slow Wine

Medium, bright ruby red colour. The bouquet and flavour are dominated by interesting notes of fresh cut flowers, sweet red berries, liquorice, mint, pine and cedar wood. As the wine progresses, the Chianti Classico reveals a marvellous precision and spiciness, which is enveloped by a well-measured extract sweetness. The overall impression is one of grace and an open-hearted style, which impresses with all its components and not least with its typical Radda Sangiovese freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; reductive, appealing; round, balanced, fruit, dense, round tannin, very pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"10% Merlot gives this animating Chianti Classico a rich mouthfeel, it glides velvety over the palate and offers plenty of fruit." Weinwisser

"Intense, radiant ruby red colour. Inviting on the nose, with elegant spice and red cherry fruit, light peach flavour. On the palate with tightly woven tannins, fresh, with clear fruit and subtle spice, beautiful length, drinks very well." Falstaff

"On the nose, dark chocolate links sweet cherry and vanilla to savory tomato leaf and earth. The streaks of cherry, chocolate and vanilla continue on the palate, with strawberries highlighting their sweetness, but well-timed tannins and acid boost the enduring, vegetal tomato note to maintain balance." Wine Enthusiast

"This Annata opens to reveal generous plums and strawberries flecked with black pepper. Sweet red berries fill the mouth while showing the brightness and freshness associated with the heights of Radda. The balanced tannins have a slightly chalky texture that adds a special touch to this delicious red wine." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is an absolute delight. Fragrant, silky and super-expressive, the 2021 captures all the finesse of Radda. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petals, orange peel and mint are beautifully brought out in this vibrant, medium-bodied Chianti Classico that has so much to offer. It's a beautiful performance." Vinous

"A racy version with flavours of black cherries, blueberries, violets and iron. It has firm tannins that harmonise with the acidity, while a hint of Mediterranean scrub shines through. Mouthwatering finish." Wine Spectator

"Balanced blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, notes of redcurrants, undergrowth and liquorice on the nose, wild mint on the finish. Juicy attack, dense and crisp, salty-sour tannins, very long finish. Closes with a return of small red fruits." Luca Gardini

The A in the name of the Boggina stands for the natural wine aged for about 6 months in terracotta amphorae of 400-600 Liters each, which is bottled in an edition of just 5,000 bottles without further addition of sulphites. Bright, luminous garnet red. The bouquet is ethereal, very delicate and nuanced, with a very precise fragrance interpretation of the Sangiovese grape. Medium-bodied, with a beautiful structure and authentic Sangiovese fruit with a salty vein. The finish is highly drinkable, with silky tannins and a beguiling length. A masterpiece of beauty and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure red wine with aromas and flavours of cherry, strawberry, iron, earth and tobacco. Lean and supple in texture, with an elegant profile and a long finish that reflects the fruit and spicy notes." Wine Spectator

"Bright, medium-dense ruby with a slightly pale rim. Very fragrant and appealing nose, of ripe raspberries, fresh plums, plus notes of cinnamon, some cardamom. Firm tannin on the palate, shows good tension, but at the same time seems a bit raw, salty on the final." Falstaff

"The Petrolo 2020 Val d'Arno di Sopra Bòggina A presents the Sangiovese grape with a fresh, concentrated, almost crisp personality. This organic wine opens with aromas of wild strawberries or fragolino, lilac, blood orange and rusty earth. It has an almost shiny or brilliant character. The Bòggina A shows plenty of primary freshness, fine tannins and balanced acidity." Wine Advocate

"Very floral and pretty with aromas of orange peel and cherries that transition into a medium body with lots of tension and brightness. A dusty texture of tannins." James Suckling

"The 2020 Boggina A, 100% Sangiovese vinified and aged in amphora, is possibly the best vintage of this wine I have ever tasted. Finely sculpted and nuanced, the 2020 sizzles with energy. Crushed rocks, red fruit, spice, mint, rose petal and orange peel are all beautifully delineated throughout. Just as important, the 2020 doesn't have any of the awkward aromas and flavors that have penalized some previous editions. Superb." Vinous

The A in the name of Boggina stands for the natural wine aged for around 6 months in 400-600 Liters terracotta amphorae, which is bottled in a run of just 5,000 bottles without the addition of sulphites. Light, bright garnet red in colour. The bouquet is ethereal, very delicate and nuanced, with a very precise interpretation of the fragrance of the Sangiovese grape. Medium-bodied on the palate, with an exceptionally beautiful structure and authentic Sangiovese fruit with a salty vein. The finish is highly drinkable, with silky tannins and beguiling length. A masterpiece of beauty and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour. Delicate, sugared forest fruit on the nose, some ripe red apple, light spice, restrained. On the palate with pithy, juicy, slightly vegetal tannins, plus very lively acidity, still very young, appears somewhat narrow overall." Falstaff

"This red wine is pure and smooth in texture and offers aromas and flavours of cherry, strawberry, rose and iron. Charming and concentrated, with a fine intensity and a long, savoury aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The Petrolo 2021 Val d'Arno di Sopra Bòggina A was created in a year that winemaker Luca Sanjust describes as a difficult year for agriculture, but which ultimately led to great results. The wine shows a particularly dense and firm character that becomes almost Burgundian with time, with floral notes and blood orange. The sulphites are kept to a minimum to give the wine the drive and vigour that works so well. This wine is now a primary wine with a crisp fruit quality. Give it time to age." Wine Advocate

"Very perfumed with aromas of cherries, terracotta and cedar wood. Crystal clear. Medium-bodied with very integrated tannins and a fresh finish. It is polished and bright. Made in an amphora. Drink now or keep." James Suckling

"Sanguine, earthy and alive on the nose, with the warm density of dried cherries and dried cranberries shot through with tang of gunpowder and black pepper. Orange zest and more pepper and metal lift red cherries and red plum skin off the palate, which seems to vibrate with energy and acid. Immediately delicious, with the promise of yet more elegance to come." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Boggina A, 100% Sangiovese in amphorae, is brilliant. Medium-bodied and wonderfully translucent, the 2021 captures all the magic of the year in its finely cut, chiselled personality. Once again, Luca Sanjust and his team have produced a stunning, vibrant Sangiovese that is a far cry from previous vintages, when this wine was often much less pure." Vinous

The grapes for the most classic red wine of the Valtellina are air-dried by the alpine winds for about 2 months after the harvest. Infinito shows a fresh, almost mentholated side of the Nebbiolo grape that adds lift and brightness to the bouquet. Immediately after these spicy herbal notes, the wine dives into the darker fruit of blackcurrant, wild plum and pressed rose. This wine offers an exciting and unexpected array of flavours that highlight its unique personality, which can only be achieved in this form with the Nebbiolo grape in the Italian Alps. As the wine settles on the palate, there is even a subtle sweetness that comes from the appassimento process, rounding it out to a distinctive classic. Be sure to aerate before enjoying! SUPERIORE.DE

"Made with air–dried grapes, the Tenuta Scerscé 2018 Sforzato di Valtellina Nebbiolo Infinito opens to a medium–dark color and moderate fruit weight that feels velvety, rich and open–knit. The sforzato, or appassimento, process brings on extra heft and intensity for sure, but the Nebbiolo grape never loses its inner grace and poise. Aromas of dried rose, wild cherry, plum and sweet earth rise from the bouquet. A pretty layer of cured tobacco gives the wine a more fleshed–out feel on the close." Wine Advocate

"Licorice with sweet, candied strawberries, spice box and creme de cassis. A very flavorful nebbiolo with a brighter palate than the nose, rounded by creamy, dusty tannins in a firm, slightly austere setting." James Suckling

Etna is one of Italy's most fascinating wine regions and Andrea Franchetti is probably the most fanatical producer in this area. Added to this are eighty-year-old indigenous Nerello Mascalese vines. The single vineyard Contrada Porcaria has a thoroughly masculine personality. Darkly scented with ripe fruit and menthol, the palate is predominantly spice and mineral with many other facets. The course and the final are rich, dense and very convincing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, medium ruby red. Deeper nose than the Contrada C with fragrant, concentrated raspberries and hints of crushed black pepper and stones. A racy acidity permeates the spicy-sweet raspberry fruit. Very firm but polished tannic framework that finishes in a chewy raspberry finish. Firm structure." Jancis Robinson

"A dusty and inviting blend of dried roses and cherries is contrasted by hints of ash and smoke as the 2019 Contrada Porcaria (P) blossoms in the glass. It is undeniably elegant, with a velvety texture that lays over the medium-bodied wine, delivering mineral red berry and sweet herbal tones that arch across the palate. It is lightly textured with grippy tannins that tug at the cheeks, but the mouthfeel leaves you wanting more as the pomegranate and plum notes slowly fade away. The Porcaria vineyard sits at 650 metres above sea level, with soils that Passopisciaro describes as "a fragile layer of lava that shatters underfoot". Give this beauty another year to come into its own." Vinous

"Aromas of Mediterranean scrub, eucalyptus, smoky flint and wild berries mingle with dark spice. On the full-bodied palate, bright acidity lifts raspberry compote, liquorice, slate and blood orange. Taut, polished tannins give grip while the warmth of the alcohol lingers on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"A tight-knit red wine that, despite its dense tannic framework, has a lush texture thanks to aromas and flavours of steeped black raspberries and cherries, wild sage, singed orange peel and red liquorice. The wine has good tension, focus and freshness, but the fruit and spice palette and smoky minerality will only fully develop with more time in bottle." Wine Spectator

"The Vini Franchetti 2019 Contrada P shows more concentration and fruit weight compared to some of the other wines in this series of single-vineyard wines. Blackcurrant and dried cherry segue to cola, spice and some lingering balsam herb. The tannins are also tighter here, and this wine has more power and extract all around." Wine Advocate

Granato has been an exceptional Teroldego for years: It convinces in the bouquet with its rich balsamic scent of sour cherries and red currants. Extract-rich and intense, powerful and extremely precise on the palate. A great wine that reflects the long-standing consistency and competence of this winemaker. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Teroldego Granato is so youthful yet so beautiful, rising from the glass with an infectiously spicy bouquet that is at times autumnal, at times savoury, mingling with dark red fruits. The palate is flooded with a wave of intense raspberries and wild berries that quickly saturate, but with a hint of sour citrus for a nice balance. A pretty inner sweetness lingers as it finishes structured and remarkably long with a refreshing hint of inner rose and wild strawberry that lingers on. It's powerful but also elegant and perfectly balanced for a long evolution." Vinous

"This wine shows deep red and dark berries with peppery notes, dark chocolate, hibiscus and grapefruit peel. Just a hint of cedar and smoked herbs. Full and concentrated, so stable and dense with lively, finely honed tannins and vibrant acidity giving the wine power and highlighting the savoury fruit and minerality. Very long and tense." James Suckling

"Iconic wine, one of the expressive peaks of Teroldego. Fermentation in open oak vats, ageing in acacia and cement casks, great freshness on the nose, redcurrants, touches of wild mint and rhubarb, on the palate it is dense-sweet, with a fruity-balsamic return and a finish on underbrush notes." Luca Gardini

The Frappato Vino di Contrada PT (with fruit from the Contrada Pettineo) is a shade lower in colour intensity than the BB. This wine is similar to the FL in terms of accessibility and the very silky and delicate nature of its fruit. Arianna Occhipinti has achieved something marvellous for our collective understanding of the Frappato grape with the fermentation of these contrasting wines. Pettineo has sandy soils, and the Alberello vines (later converted to trellises) are over 60 years old. It is definitely on the right track, as you get a better understanding of the range of the grape variety. This expression shows bright freshness, wild berries, wild roses and hints of sweet almonds. Around 2,700 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"It's the finest and most perfumed of the three contrada wines, offering hedgerow berries and lovely florality. Intense, vibrant red fruits and juicy acidity combine on the textured, airy, vertical palate, with some hints of dried cherry on the long, sapid finish. Delicious!" Decanter

"The Frappato Vino di Contrada PT 2020 (from old vines of Contrada Pettineo) has a unique bouquet that stands out from the other wines in this series, especially in this warm and sunny vintage. There is a hint of purple plum, but the aromas are mainly focused on red fruit flavours with cassis and fresh cherries. I love the lively, powerful approach of this vibrant wine. It feels very lively." Wine Advocate

Barolo Le Coste di Monforte from the top 2019 vintage is extremely beguiling in the glass. Rose petals, cedar wood, mint, sweet pipe tobacco and blood orange open up first. On the palate, it is deep and layered and exceptionally beautiful and harmonious for a young Barolo. Time in the glass brings out its myriad nuances. SUPERIORE.DE

"Monforte d’Alba. Lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. Focused, perfumed red-fruit nose and sweetly flavoured cherry fruit on the palate, with a layer of sandpapery tannins. A pretty wine that needs more time. It certainly has the bones to age further." Jancis Robinson

"The Pecchenino 2019 Barolo Le Coste di Monforte reveals a smoky character with campfire ash and toasted spice. At its core, the wine shows dark fruit and plum that dovetails into a medium-thick textural build. You have the structural momentum of the vintage with a more open-knit and accessible side for medium-term drinking." Wine Advocate

"Tar and roses with freshly sliced plums and some cherries. Medium-bodied with racy tannins that are chewy. Juicy underneath." James Suckling

Ruby garnet colour, fine violet and rose notes and many spices in the bouquet. Dense and compact with taut tannin and sweet fruit melt. Given time, this captivating red is at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"A powerful sour cherry and the nose, with hints of roasted almonds. On the palate, it shows an opulent, ripe red fruit, reminiscent of morello cherries and redcurrant jam. It also has smoky and savoury notes, reminiscent of fennel salami. On the palate, there is also a salty minerality typical of the volcano." Vinum

"The Vini Franchetti 2020 Contrada S sees its fruit sourced from the popular Contrada Sciaranuova at 850 meters in elevation. The vines are 80 years old on average. It is spicy and tart with plenty of white pepper, medicinal herb and wild berry. The wine continues to offer that slightly spicy quality to the palate with dry tannins and lots of blackcurrant. This vintage saw only 2,040 bottles released." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Contrada Sciaranuova (S) is deeply seductive, almost sultry, with an herbal note in its bright cherry-berry bouquet, along with a hint of animal musk that keeps me on the edge of the glass. The earth-inspired blend continues on the palate, but mingles with exotic florals, red citrus and a bracing acidity. There's just so much going on here, yet the balance is perfect as the 2020 tapers off lightly structured with a burst of inner sweetness and a hint of salted liquorice that lingers. Wow. Although this wine will age evenly, it is worth tasting early to enjoy its original character. The vines of Sciara Nuova grow at an altitude of 850 metres on soils of volcanic gravel." Vinous

Outstanding terroir, terrific grape quality and technical mastery in the cellar have made this one of the most highly prized wines! Beguiling aromas of candied cherry fruit with notes of spices and tobacco. Dense on the palate, very concentrated with fabulous fruit sweetness, subtle acidity and fresh tannins. A hedonistic and at the same time very contemporary dream of finesse and elegance that lingers with long and incredibly deep flavours. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has aromas of walnuts, cherries and olives. Some chocolate, orange and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, firm and flavourful, with roasted and firm tannins. Drink or store." James Suckling

"Complex, powerful nose that shows a certain development. Intense flavour, with warming alcohol and strong cherries on the finish." Decanter

"The Nino Negri 2020 Sforzato di Valtellina Sfursat 5 Stelle definitely shows extra power and heat, followed by layers of cherry liqueur, crème de cassis, blood orange and dried apricot. Despite the bigger intensity and fruit profile obtained with the Sforzato method that uses air-dried fruit, the wine is elegant, closing with blue flower and lilac." Wine Advocate

"Still the benchmark for this type, balsamic nose of jammy blackcurrants, juniper berries, pepper leaf and liquorice, salty-spicy, dense and compact mouthfeel, with fruity and undergrowth recognition value and excellent persistence." Luca Gardini

Every year, Fratta is a groundbreaking blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that you can't help but love. Fratta proved the Veneto's potential for winemaking when it was first produced in 1977, the year Angela Maculan (a second daughter) was born. Deep, complex fruit bouquet, rounded off with fine sweet spices, tobacco and coffee. On the palate, beautiful lines and a sharp focus with dry mineral tones framing dark fruits, dried cherries and exotic spices. Fratta is a bold and big wine and there is no doubting the profound elegance of this highly personalised expression. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, almost impenetrable violet colour with ruby. Very fragrant nose of juicy cherries, cassis, some red pepper, violets and earth. Lots of sweet fruit on the palate, embedded in grippy, hard tannins, spicy, almost savoury, on bitter chocolate, still a little overhanging wood on the finish, still quite harsh on the final." Falstaff

"A deep and dense nose of redcurrants and black cherries and a hint of slightly charred oak. Medium bodied with a cool and crystalline feel on the palate. The tannins are still firm, but the super-pure fruit pushes through beautifully. Best from 2025." James Suckling

"Dark and balsamic in the glass, the 2018 Fratta displays aromas of crushed blackberry and wild blueberry accompanied by lavender, clove and camphor. This wine is supremely elegant and refined, with a polished wave of ripe red and blue fruits supported by a core of vibrant acidity, while cooling mineral tones provide a breezy lift towards the finish. This heady experience is emphasised by sweet tannins and a slightly bitter spiciness, while the 2018 finishes long and classically structured. The inner harmony that Maculan has captured here is breathtaking." Vinous

"A traditional and complex Bordeaux from Veneto. Notes of blackberry jam, black peppercorns, a hint of marjoram and nutmeg. Salty and fruity on the palate, with a spicy finish." Luca Gardini

The cru sites Liste, Terlo, Baudana, Gabutti, Ravera di Monforte and Mosconi are the origins of the grapes for the terrificVia Nuova. It is a monumental, exciting wine that combines the best that the vintage had to offer. Explosive in the glass, with breathtaking aromatic depth, it is stunningly beautiful from the first sip. Dark macerated cherry, lavender, spice, menthol and rose petals are enhanced by the underlying acidity and tannin that give the wine its energy and drive. Via Nuova is a wine of exceptional harmony, purity and finesse with an everlasting finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, lightening garnet red, light rim. Exceedingly fragrant nose of fresh roses, lots of raspberry and strawberry, a little candyfloss. Polished, finely meshed tannin, red berry fruit, tobacco on the final." Falstaff

"Fascinating aromatic complexity that keeps your nose hovering over the glass. Raspberries with ginger biscuits, flowers and a twist of basil. There’s a deeper layer of crushed goji berries and talc-like minerals, too. Full, intense, silky and dainty with well-integrated tannins that even add a chocolatey touch. So tempting to drink now, but better from 2024." James Suckling

"The 2018 Barolo Via Nuova is marked by palpable brightness and tension that lend energy. Like all of these wines, the 2018 is restrained in feel, but all the elements are so well balanced. Freshly cut flowers, mint, crushed rocks, chalk and white pepper give the Via Nuova notable energy. Intense veins of supporting tannin and minerality provide the backbone." Vinous

"This is an organic blend of fruit from six MGA sites: Terlo and Liste (in Barolo), Ravera di Monforte and Mosconi (in Monforte d’Alba) and Gabutti and Baudana (in Serralunga d’Alba). The 2018 Barolo Via Nuova is fermented in steel and aged in oak according to time-tested local tradition. This mid-weight blended Barolo has a more prominent herbal or balsam signature at the back of red and purple fruits, licorice and pressed violet." Wine Advocate

Sparkling yellow-green. The elegant, floral-scented Sauvignon Bianco Mantele is irresistible with beautiful varietal typicity and a pleasingly slender waistline. Fine mineral notes on the palate give play, overall very juicy and fresh. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elderflower, greengage and lime aromas with a lemon tart character on the palate; fresh and crisp with a grassy finish." Decanter

"Intense bright straw yellow. In the nose gooseberry, sage and ripe stone fruit. On the palate juicy, nice freshness, round and full-bodied, salty and with a long finish." Falstaff

"Classic varietal aromas of elderflower, crushed tomato leaves and citrus come to the fore. The palate is full-bodied with juicy grapefruit, peach, dried herbs and salt, framed by racy acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The Nals Margreid 2020 Alto Adige Sauvignon Mantele is one of the classic white wines of this winery with exotic fruit, grapefruit and fragrant pear. This pretty wine is fresh and lean, with a good sense of tension and energy. It is the winery's "classic" interpretation of the grape variety, offering a little more structure on the finish. It plays its best cards in terms of mouthfeel. The Sauvignon Blanc vines are planted near the winery and are 40 to 45 years old. They are some of the first vines planted with Guyot in South Tyrol." Wine Advocate

"A ripe and complete Sauvignon blanc with an amazing complexity of fresh herbs and a hint of passion fruit on the nose. Beautiful textural complexity on the concentrated but only moderately rich palate. Long, complex finish with stimulating herbal and mineral vitality." James Suckling

Laura Brunelli's Brunello is an outstanding reflection of the appellation every year. A floral bouquet, the purest expression of cherry and strawberry imaginable, hints of mint, sage and cedar dust - all are found in its stunning bouquet. The youthful density of the ripe primary fruit contrasts with salty minerality and lively acidity, leaving a cascading and crisp impression on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Scents of wild strawberries and violets; well balanced texture, the tannins tight, elegant course, pithy fresh finish." Vinum

"Shiny medium ruby red. Spicy, mineral nose with fragrant fruit but not really opening up yet. Elegant, long flavours of raspberry and fruit with plenty of fresh acidity and grippy, gravelly tannins. Still youthful and will take some time to come together." Jancis Robinson

"Enticing nose of rosemary, wild cherries, lemon peel, chocolate strawberries and pralines. It is medium-bodied with a bright, fruit-driven palate framed by fine-grained tannins. All in balance. Drinkable from 2023." James Suckling

"The dark, seductive Brunello di Montalcino 2018 rumbles from the glass with a blend of crushed plums and black cherries, complemented by nuances of grated sage. It is soft and deep, engulfing the palate with ripe wild berries and spices, underlined by a spicy herbaceous steak. A web of fine tannins creates a truly classic impression, while mentholated herbs and hints of wild strawberries keep popping up. This youthfully masked beauty will need minimal ageing to be at its best." Vinous

"As with the 2017 vintage, Laura Brunelli will not be releasing a Riserva. Instead, the Olmo vineyard, which typically forms the backbone of the Riserva, is an important component in this Annata Brunello, making a beautiful and complete wine. Mint, lavender and fennel lead on the nose, while sweet, juicy persimmon and crisp pomegranate provide the backdrop on the palate, and the chalky tannins are quite insidious in their grip. On the surface it's approachable, but its substance, intrigue and backbone suggest more to come." Decanter

"This red wine with its cherry and raspberry aromas also offers flavours of eucalyptus, minerals, earth and almonds. Lively and balanced, with an intense, delicious finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino captures the essence and spirit of the Sangiovese grape very well, a grape that in the right hands delivers endlessly nuanced and complex results. This wine reveals wild cherry, blue violet, blood orange, rusty nail and sweet earth. Hints of scorched earth or baked clay highlight the warmest months in this growing cycle. The result is balanced and fresh. I have mentioned alcohol levels throughout this review, and although the 14% registered here is still quite high, it is below the average of its peers. This is a very well done job." Wine Advocate

Elegant, delicate Chianti Classico and every year one of the best of its appellation: Bright red, smells of strawberry and elderberry, fresh fruit on the palate, beautifully juicy and balanced, enormously smooth in the finish. Possesses polish, elegance and, despite the visually high price, very good value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby with a slight garnet shimmer. Clear and memorable nose with notes of ripe raspberry, some pomegranate and goji berries. Polished and round on the palate, finely woven tannin, pulls through richly, exceedingly juicy." Falstaff

"Lustrous mid ruby. A little savoury/reductive and not that forthcoming and polished as I would have expected, but I am sure this just needs more time in the bottle. A generous mouthful of sweet fruit with firm, grainy tannins gripping the finish. The reductive note clings on, though." Jancis Robinson

"This pretty entry-level red shows great silkiness and a nuanced bouquet with wild berry, crushed stone, licorice and wildflower. It ages in large oak casks for 12 months to help integrate those flavors." Wine Advocate

"Perfumed nose of dried roses, wild mushrooms, sour cherries, raspberries, olives and spices. Medium-bodied with a firm yet supple tannin frame and a creamy core of red fruit. Delicious finish." James Suckling

"This lovely, delicious red races out of the gate with enticing scents of perfumed berries, blue flowers, forest floor and baking spice. Smooth and savory, the juicy palate features ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and star anise alongside polished tannins. It's already drinking beautifully but will also offer several years of sheer pleasure." Wine Enthusiast

"Owner Paolo di Marchi has not chased the current trend to increase the percentage of Sangiovese and continues to blend Canaiolo Nero and a small percentage of Syrah in his deliciously reliable Chianti Classico. Aromas reveal a warm stone flintiness along with baked Mediterranean herbs and scented purple flowers. Limpid and linear, the palate builds with black plum, rose and sweet earth. Full yet vivid, it's polished yet soulful with seductive truffle nuances to finish, all held together with fine, chalky tannins." Decanter

"This wine comes from my family's historic vineyard. It is a wine that is the result of long reflection, study and experimentation, where nothing has been left to chance: Monte Grande is to be my great Soave wine." Graziano Prà

Monte Grande is the house's white cru and a blend of 70% Garganega and 30% Trebbiano di Soave of great complexity with ideal ageing potential. Deep bouquet of exotic fruits and rocks with a fine citrus note. Multi-layered and spicy on the palate, intense and sharply focussed, with mineral notes and a pretty salty core. Beautifully crafted acidity, with notes of orange zest and almonds on the long finish. A terrificmasterpiece! SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe fruit on the nose, from pineapple to gooseberry and a hint of snowberry. Medium-bodied with a gentle honey note competing with stony minerals that colour the finish. A powerful Monte Grande." James Suckling

"A rich petrol note on the nose that underlines the flavours of blood orange, pink grapefruit granita, blanched almonds and white flowers on the palate. The generous, expressive profile of this wine is well tamed by well-balanced acidity and a hint of salinity on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A vibrant mix of wild flowers, yellow apples and ground ginger form a captivating bouquet as the Soave Classico Monte Grande 2021 blossoms in the glass. It is round and supple, with cooling minerality and fresh acidity that gives a wonderful lift to ripe stone fruit and minty herbal notes. A hint of lime and a saline note give the 2021 a lovely finish that is long and colourful, but graceful and floral. What a treasure." Vinous

"Aromas of an elegant bouquet of white blossoms, crushed stones and ripe apricots. Its palate elegantly navigates between a silky texture and a vibrant acidity, culminating in a flinty minerality that captures the essence of the Soave landscape." Wine Enthusiast

The already very well-balanced and classic 2018 vintage can gain again with Fuligni, because no Riserva was produced. Ruby red with orange reflections. On the nose, after some aeration, ripe morello cherries, violets, roses and lots of Mediterranean scrub. Powerful on the palate, the silky tannins give it elegance and the necessary balance, its complexity comes to the fore with every sip. This very authentic and strongly focused Brunello can be counted among the best of the vintage, its wonderfully balanced proportions and its juiciness will give it further impetus in the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear, quite firm, a touch floral aroma of ripe red and also black berries with nutty aromas, a little tobacco, cigar ash, dried herbs and dried meat. Firmly woven, tart and juicy, quite noble fruit, present, fine, youthful tannin, some acid bite, peppery and ethereal herbal nuances on the palate, persistent, good depth, salt in the background, a little cocoa and coffee, complex, still undeveloped but already impressive, has tension and finesse, very good, tight finish with coffee notes and ethereal, also slightly resinous spice." Wein-Plus

"Sparkling, medium dense ruby with a broad garnet rim. Very fragrant and inviting nose, shows lots of fresh fruit, of fresh plum and cherry, fine herbal spice in the background. Compact and present in attack and course, shows itself very balanced and clear, very well integrated tannin, spreads out in long waves, nice juiciness in the drink." Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red with orange reflections. There is a kinship with the Rosso 2020 in the oak notes, but here it is a bit more complex and less exotic. Iron, cherry, raspberry with complex oak notes in the background. Cardamom and cumin. A good mouthful of juicy red fruits with fine but persistent tannins. Refreshing, transparent and elegant. Quite amazing balance and lovely bite." Jancis Robinson

"It takes quite a while for the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino to open in the glass. A cloud of white smoke gives way to a sweet-smelling blend of dried roses, sugared cherries and a hint of exotic spices. This is a round and supple 2018 that conveys elegance through its velvety texture, polished ripe red fruits and cascading florals of violets. The 2018 is opulent but also has the acidity to keep it balanced, as it finishes long with classically refined tannins but leaves the palate perfectly poised for another sip. Honestly, it's hard to put this glass down. No Riserva will be produced in 2018, so all the juice has been used to support this open and seductive Brunello." Vinous

"A fine Brunello with aromas and flavours of black cherries, hazelnuts and chocolate. Very perfumed. Medium body with a nice texture and delicious finish. Nice, fine tannins. Not the best structured red wine, but it will improve with age and is a wonderful treat right now." James Suckling

"The Fuligni 2018 Brunello di Montalcino stands out for its supple integration of aromas and the carefully balanced intensity achieved here, which shows verve but also remains very fine and nuanced. The bouquet is multi-layered and reminiscent of wild fruits, cassis, rock gravel, candied oranges and fresh herbs or rosemary. A floral note also emerges, reminiscent of rose or orris root. The tannins are very well integrated and silky. You hardly feel them, and yet the wine has a firm structure throughout." Wine Advocate

"An elegant, juicy red wine with pure cherry and rosehip flavours. Nice balance of fruit, acidity, tannins and texture, with accents of earth, tobacco and wild herbs adding detail. The long finish suggests great potential." Wine Spectator

"Under the direction of Maria Flora Fuligni since 1971, along with her long-time right-hand woman Dr Daniela Perino - now CEO of the winery - Fuligni is one of the denomination's most consistent performers. The 2018 does not disappoint: it embodies the elegance of the vintage. The nose is a captivating synthesis of flowers and earth, exuding pressed violets, lavender and roses with accents of truffle and tobacco. In the mouth, it unfolds with flavour rather than weight or power. Redcurrants and oranges are enhanced by piercing acidity, and the shapely, gorgeously textured tannins are chalky and appropriately cushioned, adding layers and depth. This wine, which is not beyond its capacity, will drink beautifully over the next decade." Decanter

The Fuligni winery offers an "evergreen" at its best with this version of the traditional-style Brunello. Blackcurrant and juniper on the nose, with a hint of pepper leaf on the finish. Salty and taut tannins on the palate, fruity-balsamic return on the finish." Luca Gardini

The Sottimano winery has five vineyard sites, with the Pajorè site near Treiso having the poorest soils of all. These wines are therefore more elegant and ripe. The current 2018 vintage is a super-classic, explosive wine, with tremendous depth and character. Although it has a lot of breadth and texture, it remains light on its feet. Lavender, mint, liquorice and purple berry fruit are beguiling and wonderfully vibrant in the glass. Pajorè is a spicy, elegant and sweet Nebbiolo that is fine yet covers the mouth well - and we are always impressed by its lovely salty mouthfeel. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wild rosemary and sage notes mingle with plum and cherry fruit in this enticing red, which is harmonious and feels rich midpalate, ending with floral, berry and herb accents, along with moderate tannins." Wine Spectator

"With fruit from Treiso, the 2018 Barbaresco Pajoré shows a lot of shape and depth, all supported by generous but carefully balanced fruit. The bouquet is layered with summer cherry and dried cassis, with earthy tones, camphor ash and powdered licorice. You also get a whiff of crushed flowers or roses. This is an extremely silky and elegant wine with only 6,000 bottles produced." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Barbaresco Pajorè is quite closed. It shows all the translucent elegance of all the wines in the range. Spice, mineral, melted road tar, rose petal, leather and lavender bring out the darker, more balsamic inflections of Nebbiolo. This potent, structured Barbaresco is quite backward today. Readers need to be especially patient." Vinous

Cerretto is a fruit-driven wine of virile, explosive power that shows, among other things, how different the wines of Serralunga can be. Black cherry, plum, sage, menthol and liquorice hit the palate in a firm, tannic Barolo that will require some patience but already presents itself with remarkable freshness, purity and nuance. Cerretta is the embodiment of richness and structure of Serralunga. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby with the beginning of orange tinges. Still quite tight and a little closed on the nose with an undertow of soft, perfumed red fruit. Youthful, elegant and juicy red fruit with a firm layer of chewy, lip-smacking tannins that add fireworks to the long finish. Super-elegant and at the same time very structured." Jancis Robinson

"Bright red fruit and a nut-cream note on the nose. Medium-bodied with very fine, firm tannins and a long, intense finish. Solid and focused." James Suckling

"The 2018 Barolo Cerretta is a potent, searing wine, its mid-weight structure notwithstanding. Scorching tannins wrap around a core of dark red/black fruit, gravel, smoke, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice and game. The 2018 is going to need a number of years to come around and for those formidable tannins to soften." Vinous

"The 2018 Barolo Cerretta offers good focus with a sharp and linear style that gives way to forest berry, wild rose, rusty nail and crushed stone. The wine is extremely direct, and that's what sets it apart. In that sense, this wine is faithful to the characteristics of Serralunga d'Alba. The soils of Cerretta see a layer of white marl on the surface and red clay further down; that's where those rusty sensations must come from." Wine Advocate

Giuseppe Russo cultivates part of the 12-hectare San Lorenzo vineyard at an altitude of around 750 metres on the slopes of Mount Etna near Randazzo. The lava flows of recent decades have created a porous soil here, rich in volcanic rock and therefore providing excellent drainage.

San Lorenzo, named after the Roman deacon and martyr, boasts irresistible aromas of red cherry, marzipan, quinine, blood orange and mineral stones. Excellently nuanced on the palate with polished tannins, remarkable length and great elegance. San Lorenzo from Etna - a commitment and one of many examples of the fact that the red wines from Etna can certainly hold their own with the finely elegant representatives of Nebbiolo. SUPERIORE.DE

"Balsamic red fruits mingle with sweet black berries and black cherries, with some strawberry, cherry and pomegranate on the mid palate. Fine, grainy tannins support the fruit, while some dried fruit and more balsamic take centre stage on the long, fresh finish." Decanter

"Subtle notes of ripe red berries, such as cherries and strawberries, with hints of lilac, red spices and crushed stones. Also some blood orange. Medium-bodied, polished and even on the palate with supple tannins that have a dusty texture. Juicy acidity and a crisp, mineral finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo entices with a bouquet of candied black cherry and minty herbs accentuated by sweet smoke and cloves. This displays silky textures and ripe red berry fruits with a crunchy mineral core. A zesty stream of acidity creates abundant energy. Classically dry and structured yet not severe, the 2021 finishes long with a pleasantly bitter note, leaving behind a tart cranberry concentration that puckers the cheeks. What a darling." Vinous

"The Etna Rosso San Lorenzo 2021 is a very exciting wine with lots of energy and vigour. It opens with a lean, concentrated body and a bright ruby red colour. The wine displays a long array of wild fruit and small berry flavours, underpinned by crushed white pepper and crushed stone. San Lorenzo is one of the most impressive interpretations of Etna. I highly recommend tasting and cellaring this wine." Wine Advocate