The Wine Advocate

Tunella has packed a lot of character into this savoury white: ColMatiss is a Sauvignon Bianco from a cru vineyard planted in the 1980s, which is matured on the fine lees in Slavonian oak barrels. On the nose, it has diverse and detailed aromas of exotic fruits such as lychee and grapefruit, elegant herbal notes of sage and mint, as well as mineral hints that provide depth. A fascinatingly delicate spiciness on the palate, flavours full of character and a lively acidity that enlivens the compact structure and makes you want to drink the next glass. SUPERIORE.DE

Brilliant ruby red colour. Diciasettesalme offers a wonderful bouquet of dark fruit flavours, some flint and Cuban cigar tobacco. Balanced, elegant, full-bodied and salty fresh on the palate. Stylistically and qualitatively very successful. SUPERIORE.DE

At Podere le Ripi, the grapes for the Rosso di Montalcino are given more time in the cellar than elsewhere, making the wine more similar to a Brunello than a Rosso. Deep ruby red in colour with orange reflections. A captivating symphony of aromas on the nose, ranging from cherry, strawberry and violet to fresh balsamic herbs. On the palate, an impressive, broad structure, beautifully interwoven primary and secondary flavours, a fine minerality and a remarkably long finish. The longer ageing period really pays off! SUPERIORE.DE

Crognolo is a wonderfully balanced wine that offers the tangy freshness and acidity of Sangiovese, which is balanced and softened by the small proportion of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine smells of cherry, blackberry and plum. Its primary intensity is bright and cheerful. The finish shows a nice density, extraction and well-integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

With the Vignota, vinified from five different vineyards, the winery also proves that a great deal of excitement is possible even in the so-called entry-level range. Thanks to the marl and limestone soils, this wine offers plenty of natural intensity. Delicious bouquet of cherry jam, mint and rose petals. Very densely woven on the palate, with a juiciness, freshness and subtle fruit sweetness that makes this wine an irresistible accompaniment to food. SUPERIORE.DE

Inviting aromas of dark and blue fruits together with subtle notes of chocolate and spices with hints of blue flowers and crushed stones. Medium to full-bodied, complex and structured, but at the same time ethereal and weightless. Here, generosity meets delicacy. It is fluid, dynamic and immediately drinkable, but it would be better to give it a few more years in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

Verdicchio Riserva in a rich, sensual style with plenty of dynamism in the glass. Ripe peaches, flowers, sweet herbs, orange peel and minerals in a complex yet typical varietal bouquet. First-class impressions on the palate and already easy to drink today, but with good potential for the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for the Villa Antinori Riserva come from four different municipalities in Chianti Classico: San Casciano, Gaiole, Castellina and Greve. The current edition is multi-layered with a wonderful bouquet of dark fruit, gravel and beautiful spices. On the palate, the wine has a velvety attack that is savoury, complex and persistent, with spicy notes of sweet tobacco and dark chocolate. This Riserva has a balance and length that will delight any Tuscany fan. SUPERIORE.DE

Yellow spring flowers, apricots and crushed herbs pour from the glass of this flavoursome white wine, along with an inviting hint of yeast and fresh bread dough. The enveloping, medium-bodied palate picks up where the nose left off, offering ripe pear, unsweetened lemon candy, salt and white almonds alongside tangy acidity. A fine fennel note on the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Everything is just right here: Brolio Riserva is classic in its composition, in its ageing, in its overall impression from the label to the last sip. Velvety, dense ruby colour, dense nose with rich fruit, especially blackberry, some elderberry and a beautiful herbal spice. Juicy and supple on the palate, the finish is polished with fine-grained tannins and a long-lasting final. SUPERIORE.DE

This Pietracupa wine perfectly combines the aromatic grace of Fiano di Avellino with the mineral strength of the Montefredane soil. Citrus notes on the nose, a variety of fruit flavours on the palate, rocky minerality, complexity and an excellent structure beguile the senses. SUPERIORE.DE

Multi-layered aroma, lots of dark cherry fruit, delicate herbal spice and cedar flavours. Juicy dark wild cherries on the palate, ripe, perfectly integrated tannins, elegant and delicate, fine mineral spice, surprisingly full-bodied and animating. A representative of the appellation that opens up beautifully and hits the right notes, like something out of a picture book! SUPERIORE.DE

This single-varietal Malvasia is a reference in the Collio every year. Elegant aromas of white peach, jasmine, magnolia, crushed rock and fresh herbs pour from the glass with every sip. On the palate, pine and fresh herbs combine with fresh apples and apricots, with layers upon layers of ever-evolving flavours. Great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for this Supertuscan come from the San Giovanni vineyard near San Giovanni a Cerreto. In the church next to the vineyard there is a painting by Rutilo Manetti depicting St John the Baptist (San Giovanni). Deep ruby red, youthful, rich, dark fruit, berry and cassis flavours meld with French oak. On the palate with deep, subtle fruit flavours and an excellent balance of fruit and tannin, plus some smoke, liquorice and tar. A rich but not too heavy red with excellent structure and great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Mastrojanni's rich and concentrated Rosso di Montalcino smells of a dark, seductive blend of sweet herbs, menthol and tobacco intertwined with dried cherries and redcurrants. It soothes with a deep, silky texture, which is then replaced by tart red berries and savoury spices over a stimulating acidity. Finishes balsamic with a hint of sour citrus and sweet, polished tannins that frame the experience beautifully. SUPERIORE.DE

For us, one of the best Nebbiolo from the Langhe. Some winemakers would make the entry-level Barolo from this excellent base wine from younger parcels. Multi-layered, dark bouquet of wild berries, menthol, spices and rosehip. The palate is powerful, present, with a taut finish and pronounced primary fruit. The tannins are well woven and very supple. Impeccable elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

The Biancosesto is a true Friulian made from equal parts of the local Ribolla Gialla and Friulano grape varieties. Fresh, citrus-fruity aroma with hints of apple and pear, accompanied by a full-bodied, harmonious and pleasantly dry flavour. A refined interpretation of down-to-earthness with a beautiful arc of tension. SUPERIORE.DE

Fascinating, brightly coloured cuvée that smells of fresh fruit and flowers. Flavours of apple, pear and peach flatter the palate, well balanced and well-balanced. The fine mineral saline note on the finish is also delicious. SUPERIORE.DE

After almost two centuries, it is time to erect a "monument" to the enthusiastic grape grower Philip Mazzei (1730-1816). In the form of this single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, this succeeds extraordinarily well. Elegant, deep dark colour, classic aromas, complex, fruity and spicy flavour, well-proportioned tannins and acidity, taut, structured and persistent. SUPERIORE.DE