The Wine Advocate

The strictly selected grapes come from the vineyard "Il Corno" of approx. 400 m altitude with ideal southern exposure. Bright, sparkling ruby red. Well structured nose of blackberries, cassis, some cedar and shoe polish. Medium ripe, quite fresh fruit on the palate, yet supple and well balanced with all the volume. In the rest of the drink with great finesse, coolness and liveliness, the finish is long with well integrated wood, red fruitiness, with a slightly salty vein and lots of spice. A harmonious and well-proportioned top wine of the house, which can rightly bear the highest quality level Gran Selezione. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure varietal Sangiovese full of elegance and polish; complex nose with lots of fruit and nuances of sandalwood and spices; polished attack with well-structured tannins and minerality, finishes long and balanced." Vinum

"Radiant, dark ruby red with brightening rim. Elegant on the nose with precise, crisp fruit on cherry, plus violets, elder and subtle oak notes. Polished on the palate, with crisp acidity, very well integrated fine tannin, pulls through steely to the final with fine fruit notes." Falstaff

"On the nose the fruit is still a little subdued. Hints of malt. Really takes its time to open up. Bags of sour-cherry fruit on the palate. Lots of juice and fruit, but maintains elegance throughout. Tangy finish with finely ground tannins and jewel-like acidity." Jancis Robinson

"A big, concentrated red marked by black cherry, blackberry, plum and tar aromas and flavors. As this plays out on the gripping finish, the intense flavors are matched by stiff tannins. Long and fresh." Wine Spectator

"This wine absolutely stands out and is poised to evolve carefully over time. The Castello di Radda 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna il Corno is focused and bright with vibrant fruit, cassis, grilled herb and blue flower. Made with Sangiovese only, the wine is true to the grape and to the classic vintage. It remains streamlined and polished on the palate." Wine Advocate

"Vigna Il Corno (‘the horn’) is made with grapes from a plot at 400m on a calcareous clay soil. Fermentation is in 50hl stainless steel tanks, malolactic in new 5hl oak tonneaux, then 24 months in the same casks and an additional 12 months of bottle ageing. Dark, brooding, flinty style on nose, cherries and woodland notes. Refined, slick and smooth, lively with good concentration. Federico Moccia: Red fruit and violet aromas, rose floral notes. Racy, juicy palate with herbal notes, tannins well integrated, cherry and redcurrant juice. Refreshing, with great purity. Michaela Morris: Classic spiced cherry with forest cedar. Still quite sweet-wood driven, but admirable fruit purity on the palate, the oak quite integrated. Concentrated with good tannin backbone, finishes bright." Decanter

Ruby red, with a fine cherry scent, in which there are also hints of nuts and wild berries, vanilla, cinnamon, sage and tobacco. Concentrated, rich flavour with harmonious tannins and a long, velvety final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. Restrained but balanced nose, appears multilayered although filigree. On the palate very juicy, dense, with clear fruit and tightly meshed enveloping tannin, shows elegant pressure, builds up in many layers, great length and finesse." Falstaff

"Deep crimson ruby. A lifted, perfumed raspberry nose with beautiful concentration, a peppery tingle and perfectly integrated oak. Vibrant, crushed red-berry fruit on the palate with long, finely chiselled tannins. Closes up a little on the finish, so expect much more to come, but right now it is already irresistible. Great balance and very elegant." Jancis Robinson

"This historic wine was Sicily's first single-vineyard bottling, from a five-hectare vineyard planted in 1959 then extended by 1.5 hectares in 1965. During its long history, Rosso del Conte has adopted various maturation mediums, including chestnut, Slavonian oak and, today, French oak. The 2016 - the current release - was fermented in stainless steel tanks before spending 18 months in small new French oak barriques. Perricone's spiciness immediately comes through in both aroma and flavour, bolstered by Nero d'Avola's rich, sticky and plummy fruits, accompanied by streaks of tangy red berries, black cherry and tobacco." Decanter

"This is a really pretty Sicilian red with dried-cherry, smoke, walnut and mushroom aromas and flavors. The sour-cherry character kicks in at the finish." James Suckling

"The 2016 Rosso del Conte lifts up with an intense and heady bouquet of sweet herbs and tobacco, which deepens as notes of exotic spice, medicinal cherry and hints of menthol form in the glass. It’s silky in texture, delivering a stunning mix of tart wild berries, salty minerals and sage that creates a pleasantly savory expression, as tannins slowly saturate toward the close. This tapers off structured and dry, nearly masking notes of blackberry and cacao that echo on through the finale. A towering and powerful vintage for Rosso del Conte that will require cellaring to show its best." Vinous

"The Tasca Conti d'Almerita 2016 Sicilia Contea di Sclafani Rosso del Conte Tenuta Regaleali is an historic estate blend of Nero d'Avola and Perricone, and it is the latest release of a wine that forever changed the enological future of Sicily by pegging it to a quality-driven production philosophy. The wine is darkly saturated and boasts pretty dark garnet concentration. Both grapes impart a lasting Sicilian imprint on the bouquet with those aromas of toasted fennel, pistachio and black olive that are always associated with this school of winemaking. The wine sits tight and long on the palate, thanks to its generous (but not overdone) full-bodied style." Wine Advocate

Selection of 100% Sangiovese grapes from the estate's vineyards, which are located on the south-eastern and south-western slopes of the municipality of Montalcino at an altitude of 250 to 400 metres above sea level. The soils have an open sandy texture with clay and abundant Galestro skeleton. The wines are aged for at least 24 months in Liters French oak barrels and in Slavonian oak barrels with a capacity of 15-25 hl. This is followed by ageing in the bottle. Talentis Brunello has an intense ruby red colour with garnet reflections, a broad bouquet on the nose, slightly spicy. In the mouth it is full, intense, soft and velvety with elegant and sweet tannins. Wonderful value. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose is on the cherry side, with a hint of mocha and flowers; the attack is delicate, the clean tannins and acidity in harmony, with a long finish. Also very successful in this vintage." Vinum

"Bright ruby red colour. Very elegant and clear nose of sugared cherry fruit, rosehips, shortbread and Assam tea, freshly ground pepper on the finish. Elegant on the palate, with clear fruit, great acidity and a tense finish, very precise, stunning vintage Brunello!" Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red colour. Spicy, aromatic but not sweet oak notes and subdued fruit. Polished cherry and raspberry fruit with a nice bite of ripe tannins on the finish and fully integrated oak. Elegant weight on the palate." Jancis Robinson

"Perfumed, with red berries, cherries and a hint of rose stems on the nose. Medium-bodied, with plenty of wood and richness. Powerful and a little austere, but should soften and come together with age." James Suckling

"It is less exuberant than usual, with mineral and ferrous notes in the lead role. Dried mint and fennel emerge on opening. The palate is full-bodied and fruity, offering great depth of expressive red berry and stony earth flavours. The ripe yet grippy tannins are tightly knit." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens slowly with a mix of savoury herbs, worn leather, dried roses and cinnamon-dusted currants. It flows across the palate with textures of pure silk, racy yet refined, with a seamless wave of ripe red fruit that slowly saturates towards the finish. The finish is long, colourful yet harmonious. Crisp tannins frame the experience without slowing the momentum, while liquorice and orange notes gradually fade away. This fantastic, energised version of Talenti's Brunello will thrive in the cellar over the next ten to fifteen years." Vinous

"Ripe, sweet cherry, raspberry and iron flavours underline this powerful, juicy red wine, which has a great personality, with a wide range of tannins to go with lively acidity and lingering fruit. Overall, a well-balanced wine with a long, lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The Talenti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of above-average intensity that consistently impresses with its dark aromas of blackcurrant, pitted plum, floral earth and a pungent fragrance reminiscent of black baccara rose. It is a rich and open Brunello with velvety tannins and a full-bodied mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"The project is based on Pierluigi's vision, which Riccardo brings to the full expression of the south-west quadrant of the DOCG. On the nose, notes of red plums, star anise and hints of wild rosemary. Juicy mouthfeel, with perfectly integrated tannins and hints of sweet spices." Luca Gardini

With the 2018 Brunello, Campogiovanni succeeds in making an extremely successful and classic appearance: dense garnet red with a well-perfumed bouquet of black fruits, espresso, grilled meat and Asian-like spicy aromas. Viscous and concentrated on the palate, and despite its power and expressiveness, it reveals a dedication to elegance and finesse even at a young age. Exceptionally good! SUPERIORE.DE

"Engaging aromas of raspberries and violets, also pepper; pithy on the palate, the tannins robust, the texture fresh, lovely berry-wood finish." Vinum

"Bright, radiant ruby red. In the nose lots of sweet wood, vanilla, roasted hazelnuts, delicate fumé, frisich, cherries and blood oranges. On the palate with sweetish fruit, dominated by the use of wood, wide-meshed tannin in the finish." Falstaff

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is remarkably beautiful with a fruit-driven bouquet of wild strawberries, sweet rose and cinnamon spice. It has a soft texture and lively acidity that gives it a juicy character, while peppery red berries and sweet herbal tones resonate. The palate remains watery as a train of sloppy tannins and a note of sour cherry with citrus flavours slowly fade away. After a short stay in the cellar, this zesty wine will give much pleasure." Vinous

"Expressive nose of olives, sour cherries, plum seeds, tomato leaves, cardamom and spice box. It is full-bodied with firm, slightly chewy tannins. Structured and well-framed, with sophisticated spice notes on the finish. Try it in 2025." James Suckling

"The Campogiovanni 2018 Brunello di Montalcino definitely shows a lot of richness and concentration, translating into more fruit weight and texture. The effect is a little heavy and overdone in my opinion, and this vintage prioritises brawn over nuanced detail. There's a lot coming at once, with ripe plums, blackberries and spice." Wine Advocate

"The nose is metallic and stony, with a puff of petrol, like a road trip in winter, but also brighter notes of bergamot, black currant and black cherry. The palate embraces the bitter fruitiness of bergamot before savory notes return for a bitter finish. A balanced, polished and integrated wine." Wine Enthusiast

"Very reminiscent of Sangiovese, this red wine combines both fruity and spicy elements - cherry, strawberry, hibiscus, wet hay, iron and tobacco - with a firm structure. Expressive, balanced, lively and long, with stiff tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

Here comes the debut vintage of a great white wine from a classic red wine region. In a small edition of less than 6,000 bottles, an elegant and at the same time very independent Trebbiano was created, which rightly bears the label based on the famous "Castello di Brolio" Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. The white Trebbiano grape variety has a tradition of over a hundred years at Brolio, and the grapes for this white cru come from a small 1.18-hectare plot in the company's own Tarci vineyard. According to tradition, a monument was erected here to San Barnaba, the protector of the vineyards from hail.

Its production is as special as the wine itself: it was matured in Tuscan cocciopesto amphorae, with the skins macerating for around three months. The wine was then aged for a year, 40% in amphorae, 30% in stainless steel tanks and 30% in second and third passage tonneaux.

Sanbarnaba surprises with its elegance and intensity. It has a golden yellow colour with amber reflections. On the nose, it opens with floral and fruity notes, followed by honey flavours, spice and herbs. It is soft and very harmonious on the palate. Its acidity and freshness with a fine mineral note accompany the extremely flavoursome experience right through to the long finish. Very exceptional! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, light golden yellow colour. Notes of jasmine blossom, pear and some baked apple on the nose. Lots of taut acidity on the palate, gives tension and juiciness, salty, slightly phenolic notes on the final." Falstaff

"An attractive wine with notes of bruised apples, pear peel, savoury herbs, young walnuts and ripe cheese. Full and waxy, structured and rather fluid, but also interesting. Spicy and savoury with a delicate phenolic impression on the finish. 100% Trebbiano from 1.18 hectares of vineyard." James Suckling

"A slightly honeyed, appley aroma with floral lift leads to a textured lanolin palate. It has good underlying acidity along with a lovely line of salinity which balances its waxy weight, finishing with a refreshing twist of lime. 2020 is the first vintage of Sanbarnaba." Decanter

"This is a wine that promises modest potential for cellaring, and thanks to its natural structure it could be paired with mature cheeses or even a plate of cacio e pep. The Barone Ricasoli 2020 Castello di Brolio Sanbarnaba is aged in a combination of amphorae, stainless steel and neutral oak. Only 5,600 bottles were produced. It opens with a medium golden colour and offers nutty aromas with mango, apricot and candied orange. It finishes on a glycerine-rich note. It should be interesting to taste this bottle again in five years' time." Wine Advocate

Serpico is an authentic, long-lasting wine made from Aglianico grapes, some of which come from vines that are over 100 years old. Intense, deep ruby red colour and an extremely complex bouquet with aromas of cherries, sweet spices, liquorice, coffee and cocoa. Its exceptional concentration and flavour as well as the enormously long-lasting finish are impressive. SUPERIORE.DE

"A beautiful nose of ripe red berries with sweet vanilla and chocolate. Medium body with firm tannins and good acidity that brightens the character of the black and red cherries. Good balance and length." James Suckling

"Firm and minerally, with a core of fine, dense tannins wrapped in flavours of crushed black and red cherries, iron, earth, tobacco and dark chocolate. Fresh and graceful on the palate despite its tight mesh, it opens slowly and lingers on the well-seasoned finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Aglianico Serpico is impossibly fresh, with an array of hauntingly dark florals, steeped plums and white smoke forming its inviting bouquet. This is racy and sleek, also intensely mineral, with silky textures offset by tart wild berry fruits. Zesty acidity balances it all out, and hints of sour citrus add penetrating contrast. A wall of edgy tannins emerges through the dramatically long finish, leaving an air of balsamic spice and espresso bean to mingle under a waft of mentholated herbs. The 2016 will require a considerable amount of cellaring to come fully into balance." Vinous

"The Feudi di San Gregorio 2016 Irpinia Aglianico Serpico has taken the proverbial turn towards tertiary flavours, or at least a first turn, showing pressed blackberries and blackcurrants surrounded by tarry smoke, campfire ash and toasted spices. The 2016 vintage will be remembered for its power and inner elegance, and these are the very qualities that have carried this wine so far and will continue to define its journey in the bottle. The finish reveals dusty volcanic notes and dry tannins with a medium-heavy mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"The savoury bouquet shows the weathered sophistication of leather, cigars, earth and pepper, while undertones of oregano, tomatoes and cherries provide a burst of energy. On the lighter palate, the cherry element is emphasised by raspberry, but the spicy balance remains. The acidity plays around bright but firm tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Rich, dark shimmering ruby colour. Open-hearted, dense bouquet of blackberry, plums and a delicate hint of clove in the background. Juicy flavour, shows supple tannins, spreads out beautifully. A great Chianti Classico every year with an exemplary price/quality ratio. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby red colour; subtly fruity, spicy; juicy, fruity, fine tart tannins." Merum

"Medium garnet red colour. Both savoury and sweetly fruity. Firm tannin on the palate, with a fresh, savoury Sangiovese bite. Pronounced freshness, a penetrating depth, gentle tannins. Long and valuable with ageing potential." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Brolio 2021 is a light blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino and immediately shows a light and bright personality. It offers an attractive, powerful attack with plenty of cherry, blue flowers and pressed violet, followed by subtle mineral shadings." Wine Advocate

"Light ruby red colour. Animating aroma of cherry, raspberry and blackberry, with a spicy finish. Juicy on the palate with compact fruit, fine tannins and great length." Falstaff

"Beautiful flavours of sweet berries and orange peel that fade into a medium to full body with crisp fruit and a stony undertone. Another year in the bottle will make it even better." James Suckling

Il Randagio (the stray) is wonderfully complex and nuanced. Initially quite closed, the delicately spicy nose creeps up with increasing aeration and opens further into a wonderfully complex bouquet of dark red to black berries. Rising floral, savoury and spicy accents point to a wine that says more about the style of the house than anything else. The palate is wide-ranging with delicate wild berry flavours, perfectly polished tannins and a fresh, very invigorating acid wire that uninhibitedly enhances the drinkability of this once again typically different red. The best days of this wine still lie in the future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with violet shimmer. Opens with notes of dark smoke, then lots of blackberry and elderberry. Firm tannins, spicy and savoury, crisp fruit, still a little rough on the final." Falstaff

"A very juicy and drinkable Toscana, with fresh red berries, cherries, chopped herbs and subtle dark earth funk to encourage drinking. Fluid and bright, with lively strawberry fruit and chunky tannins. Firm, juicy and quite relaxed." James Suckling

"The 2022 Il Randagio, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is fabulous. Bright acids and floral nuances adorn this exquisite, nuanced red wine. The 2022 spent four months on the skins in cement tanks and open vats. Above all, the freshness and purity of this wine stand out. What a great wine this is." Vinous

"The Tenuta di Carleone 2022 Il Randagio is a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc and comes in a screw-top bottle with a drawing of a one-eyed bulldog on the label, which is surely the alter ego of Sean O'Callaghan. He experiments with long maceration times and alternative cement containers. There's a lot of creative spirit in a wine like this, which reveals fresh, bright berry tones. The style is full of energy. This is a good value red wine that I'm happy to recommend, especially if you're looking for a casual but spirited expression." Wine Advocate

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

Maestro Raro shines first with its lively colour and then impresses with a bouquet that reveals a wonderful blackberry scent after spices, leather and tobacco aromas. The concentrated taste spreads softly, in which a stable acid structure cooperates perfectly with the tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Beautiful aromas of currants and fresh herbs with some green coffee bean. Medium to full body with firm, chewy tannins and a flavourful finish. Needs time to mellow and come together." James Suckling

"The 2019 Maestro Raro is impressive. Dark, layered and striking in its completeness, the Maestro Raro is endowed with tremendous depth and sheer resonance. Black cherry, plum, menthol, liquorice, spice and grilled herbs give the 2019 considerable depth." Vinous

"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Maestro Raro is a lovely expression with deep layers of dark fruit and savory spice that are woven tightly together to form a solid core of primary and secondary flavors. This vintage is especially tight and concentrated, showing terrific balance and freshness and impeccable fruit ripeness that is generous and full. There are no green elements in this vintage. Instead, the fruit is beautifully rich and velvety." Wine Advocate

The aromas of dark cherry, plum, smoke, leather, spices and menthol are supported by wonderfully juicy blackcurrant, clove, tobacco and aniseed on the palate. The refined tannins flank the compact, very straightforward style into a long final, in which we discover fine notes of hazelnuts. An aristocratic wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pecchenino 2021 Dogliani Superiore Sirì d'Jermu is a popular expression of Dolcetto that is often found in local restaurants. It is a rich and savoury wine that goes well with a pizza with spicy sausage. The wine is characterised by ripe blackberries, soft tannins and a hint of bright acidity. The presentation is simple, but perfect for a Dolcetto." Wine Advocate

"Notes of ripe and juicy dark berries with plum skins and spices, followed by a medium body with racy tannins and lively acidity. Fresh and lively with lots of energy. A little salty on the finish. Drink now." James Suckling

"This bright red is infused with violet, cherry and raspberry flavors, plus a flash of wild herbs. Firms up on the finish, where the fruit persists and a chalky sensation lingers. Shows fine balance and length." Wine Spectator

The top red Riserva from the Bolzano winery has been the undisputed Lagrein Taber for years, with a fine bouquet of wild berry fruit, herbal flavours and spicy notes. Taber is a dense, full-bodied wine with a pleasant acidity and silky tannins, finishing with notes of candied fruit. A top wine from over 80-year-old vines on the Taberhof farm near Gries and a contender for the "Tre Bicchieri" of the Gambero Rosso almost every year. The best Lagrein Riserva in South Tyrol? Find out for yourself! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark purple colour. On the nose, rich heart cherry, blackberry juice, dried violets, with fragrant black bread notes and some precious wood. Very juicy on the palate, tightly woven, fruity, stretches over the tongue with great and fresh notes, savoury, complex and drinky at the same time, exciting and vibrant." Falstaff

"The 2021 Lagrein Riserva Taber opens with plummy and very ripe aromas of confit blackberries, pitted plums and a spicy note of suede or new leather. Lagrein usually has a pronounced creamy side, and this can be felt here, especially through the wine's dense texture and soft tannins. This 2021 vintage is very extracted and dense." Wine Advocate

"A dark and ripe red that impresses with aromas of liquorice, chocolate, cassis and mulberries. Full-bodied and fleshy, with chewy but soft tannins and generous, spicy oak that complements the ripe fruit. An intense Lagrein." James Suckling

"The classic, almost impenetrable, deep blackberry red colour that is so typical of this grape variety. Blackberry and sloe fruit dominate the nose and palate, with notes of dark chocolate and roasted spices. Full and round with ripe tannins, the wine is approaching an early peak but should keep well over the next five to seven years." Decanter

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

Precise aromas of ripe red cherries, flint, orange peel, lavender and violets. Silky and juicy on the palate, with a refined but very concentrated extract that almost crushes the taste buds, yet remains lively and not at all heavy, giving the flavours of red cherries, raspberries, flowers and minerals beautiful definition and lift. The finish is very deep and long, with very soft tannins, a beguiling perfume and extreme finesse; very Barolo-like. A beautiful, multi-layered wine that shows the elegant side of Nero d'Avola that few producers are ever able to present. SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex nose of black plums, dark chocolate, balsamic vinegar, candied oranges and a variety of baking spices. After all this extravagance, one might expect a soft and voluptuous wine, but this full-bodied red has a very solid core of healthy tannin and is decidedly dry. Surprisingly crisp finish." James Suckling

"The 2014 NeroSanloré blends dark earthy tones with exotic spices and hints of worn leather, plum sauce and sage as it rises from the glass. The palate is round and supple, with cool acidity and mineral notes that fade into dried black cherry and dark chocolate. Despite its depth and concentration, the finish is very clean. The final is long and structured, yet remarkably fresh, closing with a hint of tart cranberry that gives it a crisp feel. The 2014 is simply stunning and will age beautifully." Vinous

"This wine shows a medium, dark concentration, a characteristic feature of this vintage. The aromas have taken on an elegant tertiary definition with dried fruit, dark plum flavours, spice, earth and smoky tar. The wine is drinking beautifully now and gives us valuable and encouraging insights into the ageing potential of this popular indigenous grape variety from Sicily." Wine Advocate

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

Sparkling, medium-dense ruby-garnet colour. The Rancia Riserva from the single vineyard of the same name is powerful and energetic, expressive and dense and has been elevated to "Gran Selezione" status for the first time. The aroma is characterised by ripe, full-bodied fruit and mineral notes. The flavour is earthy, tannic and terroir-influenced, beautifully articulated, fine and with an enjoyable length. A wine that requires sensitivity and/or a few years of rest. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby-red core with a garnet-coloured rim. Black cherry and blueberry on the nose, with notes of forest floor, liquorice and cedar wood. On the palate with a fruity core, on a tightly woven tannin structure alternating with fresh acidity and great length." Falstaff

"Quite fruity and fresh, with medium body, fine tannins and undertones of dark cherry, blood orange and cedar. It is closed now, but shows focus and brightness. Straightforward tannins run through the centre." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Rancia, which has now been elevated to Gran Selezione status, displays a dark fruit profile with blackcurrants and wild plums. These black and purple fruits are followed by mineral notes of slate and iron ore. The finish is dusty and dry as these mineral notes are enhanced by powdery tannins." Wine Advocate

"The core of cherry, pomegranate and raspberry fruit is underlined by notes of Tuscan scrub, iron, vanilla and tobacco as this intense red wine builds its power to the expansive final, where its fruit, mineral and wild herb flavours converge. It shows fine balance and length; it just needs time to absorb the oak." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Rancia 2021 is the first vintage in which Rancia is transitioning from Riserva to Gran Selezione. The 2021 combines power and finesse in a way that only Rancia can. Black cherry, leather, game, spices, liquorice, tobacco and grilled herbs are combined in a brooding yet elegant Gran Selezione that lives up to expectations. Outstanding." Vinous

Neri's new and already very serious wine was born with the purchase of a very special vineyard. True to the winery's philosophy of making wines only from the best terroirs around Montalcino, the small 7-hectare parcel with over 45 years of vines was finally acquired in 2018. This was preceded by a friendship of over 40 years with the previous owners, with whom Giovanni Neri planted the vines and nurtured them over the past decades. It is still "only" a Rosso, but in 2023 the new star in the firmament of the Neri range will emerge here - a Brunello that will then set new standards in the appellation in terms of quality, expression and uniqueness.

Fine fragrance of strawberries, herbs and young leather. Taut and lively on the palate, the Sangiovese fruit very precisely nuanced, flanked by powerful but by no means aggressive tannins. Long and round on the palate with remarkable freshness and cheerfulness. Will gain even more in the next few years with further bottle ageing." SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, luminous ruby red. Hearty, open nose of ripe cherries and ripe raspberries, delicate cloves and noble spice. On the palate with tightly woven tannin and racy play, after fine blood oranges, very juicy and salty in the finish." Falstaff

"Giovanni Neri is the first line of Rosso di Montalcino dedicated to the founder of the estate. It comes from Sesta vineyard, purchased in 2017 and planted with 50-year-old Sangiovese vines. The wine ages in tonneaux for 15 months. Aromas of rose, violet, black berries, an almost blueberry scent, then earth and Parma violet in depth. Complex and well packed on the palate, it displays refined velvety tannins and long, delicate acidity. Cherry and violet on the finish." Decanter

"This wine delivers the goods with fruit from a very warm and sunny vintage. The Casanova di Neri 2020 Rosso di Montalcino Giovanni Neri offers an almost exotic quality with Indian spice, grilled herb, candied orange and crushed rose. In fact, a second wave of floral aromas washes over the senses with lavender bud and lilac." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino Giovanni Neri is hauntingly dark, with masses of ashen crushed stone and exotic spices that unfold to reveal rich blackberry and plum. This is so soft and silky yet vibrant, cascading ripe red and black fruits across the palate with ease, as minerals slowly saturate. It’s lightly structured with ripe plums and spice, hints of licorice and a flourish of salty minerals. The 2019 will be enjoyable right out of the gate, but it will also hold up nicely through short-term cellaring." Vinous

For some years now, Matteo Catania has been holding back a few hundred bottles of his wines in the best vintages in order to offer them to his most loyal importers after a few years. From this "private reserve" comes Nerosanloré 2013, which is now - in spring 2023 - offered in small quantities with 6 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

Bright red-ruby. Perfumed aromas of violets, red cherries, raspberries, Mediterranean herbs and thyme. Then dense but juicy, with harmonious acidity that nicely lifts and prolongs the juicy, very pure, overripe red cherry and berry flavours on the long, mineral finish. Despite its maturity, the wine seems supple and is a real beauty! SUPERIORE.DE

"I love the intense herb-liqueur and balsamic-vinegar character on the nose, also because its married to delicious richness. Still very lively for a five-year-old red and the balance of ripeness and rather supple tannins is impressive. Long finish." James Suckling

"The 2013 Sicilia Nerosanloré is a rich and plush red wine with a mid-weight approach backed by lots of rich fiber and fruity thickness. The house style at Gulfi always prizes ripeness and higher-than-average concentration. Blackberry preserves and cherry confit are backed by spice, sweet tobacco and sticky tar. The San Lorenzo vineyard site enjoys the highest altitude of all these cru sites. It is located at 600 meters above sea level and has red sandy soils." Wine Advocate

Our customers had to do without Frescobaldi's Castelgiocondo for several years, as we felt that it did not sufficiently reflect the elegance and finesse of the Montalcino region. After the winery made some stylistic changes in recent years, it has evolved from a rather opulent wine into a very authentic and cool interpretation of the appellation and we would therefore not like to withhold the very successful 2019 edition from you.

Opens beautifully in the glass with sour cherries, spiced oranges and dried flowers. Creamy textures on the drink, contrasted by cool minerality and juicy acids, nicely accompanied by small red berries under a hint of sweet herbs and inner flowers. Castelgiocondo 2019 still needs some time to develop, but it has the necessary balance and structure to mature into a real beauty. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, light ruby with a granite-red rim. Deep and spicy nose of black pepper, damp earth, tobacco, cedar wood and cherry jam. Ripe fruit on the palate, finely woven tannins, lots of tension, a hint of menthol on the long finish." Falstaff

"Very dark ruby red with bright orange-coloured reflections. Rich, brooding cherry with a hint of eucalyptus. Supple fruit that is still quite curled up at the same time. Grainy, long tannins and plenty of juice on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The Brunello comes from plots located between 350 and 450 metres above sea level on the predominantly slate-rich Galestro. Concentrated and expressive, the nose reveals an intriguing blend of red cherries, plums, nutmeg and mint. The layers of generous fruit are lush and the tannins have a suede-like texture. Undertones of sweet earth and forest permeate the wine. Well made, everything is effortlessly in place." Decanter

"The Frescobaldi 2019 Brunello di Montalcino CastelGiocondo shows notes of oak, dried spices, redwood and smoked tobacco. At its core, the wine shows dark fruit and a high level of extraction. The tannins are soft and dissolved, making this Brunello a wine that can be drunk immediately. The wine is exactly where you want it to be." Wine Advocate

"This powerful red wine is as spicy as it is fruity, with notes of cherry, plum, leather, wild thyme, woody undergrowth, iron and tobacco. Powerful, with dusty tannins that guard the long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"Black cherries, black bark, blackberries and lavender. Medium to full-bodied with juicy and polished tannins and a long, flavourful finish. Needs four to five years to open up and develop." James Suckling

"South-west quadrant of the appellation, a Brunello of spicy and balsamic elegance. Refined nose, black cherry, a hint of juniper, closing on cinnamon sensations. Dense and drinkable on the palate, with iodised tannins and recurring notes of black cherry, with citrus notes." Luca Gardini