The Wine Advocate

Rose petals, mint, cinnamon, dark sweet cherries and smoke lift from the glass in a translucent, wiry Brunello that builds on energy, power and opulence. Here, length and fruit are in the foreground and, together with a clearly defined tannin structure, Leopoldo Franceschi's team has produced a wine here in a very classic vintage that will really reveal itself over the next few years. As always, it is one of our favourites, and its still outstanding value is also great fun! SUPERIORE.DE

"Wide-ranging bouquet with lots of cedar, ripe red and dark fruits, wild strawberries, cassis and red currants. Behind this, the wood barrel ageing also shows with fine cedar, cloves and dark spices as well as herbs. Rich, almost meaty and dense palate, not quite as dense as 2016, but immensely present freshness and dynamism, also the tannin network seems a bit leaner than usual and of best quality. Very persistent and long aftertaste with crunchy berries on the final." Weinwisser

"Firm, a touch animalic aroma of ripe mixed berries and a hint of plums with fleshy notes, tart nutty hints, pepper and ethereal herbal tones. Taut, tart, ripe, quite dense fruit, present, fine, youthful tannin and some acid bite, persistent, slightly herbaceous, tobacco and peppery, clearly salt in the background, lots of power but also freshness, perfectly vinified, very good, firm, tart finish." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby red. Spicy-animalic nose, then ripe Amarena cherry and plum, walnut, undergrowth, shoe polish. On the palate equally earthy tones, wide-meshed tannin, plus dark fruit." Falstaff

"Shiny, deep ruby red. In the nose still quite closed with just a hint of Moroccan leather. On the palate pure cherry fruit flavours with lots of ripe acidity. Fantastic, compact, gravelly tannins that are a real tour de force in this vintage. A hedonistic whole that you can already approach but will improve with time." Jancis Robinson

"A smoky entry leads to leather and tobacco nuances that repeat on the palate. The 2018 is packed with flavours of cherries and baking spices. It feels medium-bodied but is very rich and its powerful bite contributes positively to the pleasing mouthfeel. It will get even better with another year in bottle." Decanter

"This is a flavourful, complex Brunello with aromas of fresh and sour cherries, plums, bay leaves, rosemary and olives. Also cloves and liquorice. It is medium to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Supple and well integrated, with a long and deliciously spicy finish." James Suckling

"The Il Poggione 2018 Brunello di Montalcino shows a dark and spicy character with more fruit weight and concentration than can be found in many of its competitors. This wine shows a dense focus padded with dark cherry, blackberry, roasted spice, mahogany smoked meat and ploughed earth. Despite the powerful flavours, this Sangiovese is actually quite lean and polished in texture. The tannins are soft and easily accessible. The estate's Riserva Vigna Paganelli was not made in 2018, so the fruit from this wine came here instead." Wine Advocate

"The dense structure sets the pace for this red wine, with aromas of cherry, raspberry, mint and tar that are appealing and expressive. Rosehip, orange peel and earth are evident in the long, expansive aftertaste. It is designed to last a long time." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino impresses from the first swirl of the glass, with a heady burst of exotic spices and crushed ash giving way to dried black cherries and grilled herbs. It combines the energy of the vintage with the dark, balsamic fruits of Montalcino's southern foothills, while zesty acidity maintains balance and minerals saturate towards the finish. The finish is long, savoury and structured, but its tannins are rounder than expected, giving it a classic feel but also leaving a delicious sensation that tempts the taster to reach for the glass again and again. The 2018 is certainly one of the top wines of the vintage, not to be missed." Vinous

"One of the first wineries to deal in Brunello, one of the founding members of the Consortium. A Brunello characterised by freshness, pomegranate on the nose, hints of citrus thyme and white pepper. The palate has juicy tannins with a fruity return." Luca Gardini

The small, 80-year-old vineyard of Pietrabona on the island of Giglio produces an Ansonica of outstanding quality, and so Bibi Graetz decided to vinify the grapes separately in small batches. The vines stand on a bed of rocks and granite sand less than 50 metres from the sea, resulting in a wine with a subtle aroma of ripe oranges, fine spice, flint and minerality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with white-golden reflections. More brooding and slightly deeper than the Testamatta and restrained due to complex, muted oak. Multi-layered and opening up in the glass. It opens up very slowly on the palate. The ripe acidity comes almost as an afterthought and then wires the long finish. Superfine texture." Jancis Robinson

"The 2022 vintage is the third year in a row of consistent summer heat, but the island microclimate benefits from breezes that keep things from heating up too much. In fact, temperatures here remain quite stable which helps because there is very little rainfall. This wine has a direct and vertical character with pretty richness. It offers tropical tones of papaya, gooseberry and green melon with salted caramel and spicy saffron." Wine Advocate

"Intense aromas of lime zest and other citrus fruits. Also some apricot. Crushed stone. Sea breeze and crushed sea salt. Full-bodied with a firm and intense texture that is so long and flavourful. It lasts for minutes. Beautiful bitter notes of dried lemon and apricot. Botanical notes. Slight bite adds to the complexity." James Suckling

The small, 80-year-old vineyard of Pietrabona on the island of Giglio produces an Ansonica of outstanding quality, and so Bibi Graetz decided to vinify the grapes separately in small batches. The vines stand on a bed of rocks and granite sand less than 50 metres from the sea, resulting in a wine with a subtle aroma of ripe oranges, fine spice, flint and minerality.

Even richer, with a somewhat more exotic flavour profile and corresponding complexity than the Testamatta Bianco. Its freshness, fullness and ability to perfectly convey acidity and minerality are strongly reminiscent of a Meursault. Great complexity on the palate, walnut and white almond, blood orange, peach and apricot, guava and quince, passion fruit and passion flower. So juicy and rich and yet ethereal in its freshness. The citrus-fruity acidity is more diffuse and therefore a little better integrated than in the Testamatta Bianco. Great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, sparkling golden yellow colour. Appealing nose with notes of bergamot and apricot, plus fine spicy components of oregano and rosemary. Full-bodied and dense in the attack and on the palate, rich apricot fruit, good pressure, with a final of salt and sea spray." Falstaff

"The 2023 Colore Bianco, made from the Ansonica grape from a special vineyard in the Pietrabuona Valley on this rustic Tuscan island, offers a pretty bouquet of peach, orange peel, sea salt and baked apple. The wine is soft and structured with mild acidity." Wine Advocate

"It's more floral and airy than the Testamatta - with aromas of Mediterranean herbs, apricot skin and some yeast - and in the mouth it's more savoury: olives, capers and herbs come to the fore. Vertical, salty and structured, it has a stony profile with more concentration than the Testamatta, and its subtle lemon zest and apple flavours in the mid-palate add complexity. Delicious." Decanter

"Orange blossom, orange peel, sliced oranges, sea salt and granite. Medium to full-bodied with lots of gorgeous fruit and wonderful character. Quite exotic and wild, with perfectly ripe fruit. The yeast was stirred three times a week. Slightly phenolic, with minerals and vegetal notes. Give this wine three to four years of bottle ageing to soften it." James Suckling

Bibi Graetz: "Monumental, there is no better word to characterise this vintage of roundness in every single aspect of the wine. Colore has elegance, freshness and an incredible acidity that is surprisingly noticeable on the nose and at the first sip."

From some of the oldest Sangiovese vineyards comes Colore every year, the maximum expression of Bibi Graetz' dream. The barren, sandy soils at high altitudes create the perfect terroir for a wine that can tell the true story of Tuscany and its inhabitants. The grapes for Colore were selected from vineyards in Lamole, Vincigliata and Siena. Each vineyard was harvested up to eight times in order to achieve the optimum ripening time for as many grapes as possible. Each parcel is matured separately in barriques for almost two years before the final blend is decided. Only the best Sangiovese barriques from each vintage become Colore. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, sparkling ruby colour. Intense nose with notes of raspberry, rhubarb, beetroot, plum and cherry jam. Firm tannins in the attack and on the palate, fine raspberry and cherry fruit, good tension, some cinnamon on the final, well-made, juicy." Falstaff

"Lustrous, healthy mid ruby. This clearly has eclipsed the variety and expresses origin. Chalky, minerally hints under ripe, concentrated raspberry with hints of garden herbs. Great focus and balance of fresh, ripe, supple raspberry, with firm, powdery tannins that are gripping the finish, for now." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Colore is a pleasant surprise and an absolute feminine beauty. When I expect power, it delivers grace with a stunning bouquet of freshly cut roses, blood orange, wild strawberries and sweet smoke. It's very structured but not heavy, instead feeling like crushed velvet that lays gently across the palate, leaving mineral blackberries and redcurrants in its wake. The finish is elegant with fine-grained tannins, without slowing down the momentum, while the spicy notes slowly fade away. The Colore is made exclusively from old (70 years or older) Sangiovese vines from the Lamole, Vincigliata, Olmo and Siena vineyards." Vinous

"The Bibi Graetz 2020 Colore is a pure expression of Sangiovese that comes from old vines carefully selected in different parts of Tuscany. The majority of the fruit comes from an elevated and cool site in Lamole or from 70-year-old vines in Bagno a Ripoli or Vincigliata near Fiesole. A small percentage of the old vines in Olmo is also used. Bibi has a preference for old vines, and you can taste the beautiful depth and complexity expressed in the Colore. Compared to his other wine, Testamatta, this wine has undergone fewer stylistic changes over the years and the aim has always been elegance and finesse. The Colore has a beautiful luminosity with flavours of dark fruit and wild berries. There is also a hint of liquorice and mint. Mineral flavours and bright acidity characterise the Colore." Wine Advocate

"The subtlety and fragrance of this wine are enchanting, offering flowers, orange peel and cherries. Also wonderful ripe strawberries. Full-bodied but not over the top, with polished tannins that run the length of the wine. It's dense, but shows all the signs of a great wine. You want to drink it now, and you probably should, because it's so seductive. But it will also age beautifully." James Suckling

From some of the oldest Sangiovese vineyards comes Colore every year, the maximum expression of Bibi Graetz' dream. The barren, sandy soils at high altitudes create the perfect terroir for a wine that can tell the true story of Tuscany and its inhabitants. The grapes for Colore were selected from vineyards in Lamole, Vincigliata and Siena. Each vineyard was harvested up to eight times in order to achieve the optimum ripening time for as many grapes as possible. Each parcel is matured separately in barriques for almost two years before the final blend is decided. Only the best Sangiovese barriques from each vintage become Colore. SUPERIORE.DE

The Colore 2021 is an irresistibly delicate Sangiovese with a distinctly high-altitude character. Darker and denser in colour than usual. It smells rich, dense, sweet and intense from the glass, much more aromatic than in previous years. Deep, spicy and very youthful with a slightly reductive note, the Colore 2021 has plenty of juice and fullness on the nose. Rich, velvety and fleshy on the tongue, it is very profound, mature and full-bodied. A great, delicate and finesse-rich Sangiovese with penetrating power and delicate acidity. Delicate, elegant and extremely persistent, it leaves a much fuller and fuller body than usual. An inspiring colore with a long finish." Weinwisser

"Brilliant medium to deep ruby red colour. Brooding and with aeration, showing a cloud of fragrant but spicy raspberry and cherry fruit and then pet shop! Just a hint of cigar box. Plenty of powdery tannins that support the fruit rather than dominate the finish. Long, tannic and supple at the same time. It will age gracefully." Jancis Robinson

"Pure and elegant, offering a beam of cherry, strawberry, pomegranate, rose and mineral aromas and flavors. This harmonious version builds in intensity to the long, fruit-filled finish, where a hint of blood orange peeks through." Wine Spectator

"The nose reveals aromas of dark fruits and berries, which are surrounded by rubbery, slightly smoky notes. A juicier, denser berry flavour defines the velvety palate, while bitter undertones of orange and chocolate provide structure. Firm, taut tannins emerge in a warm finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The Bibi Graetz 2021 Colore is a Sangiovese from old vines, but otherwise the vinification and oak ageing is identical to the other top red wine Testamatta. In this case, the fruit comes from the Lamole area with vineyards at 600 metres above sea level. Some of them face south, but are located high up on the mountain. As Bibi explains: "The Colore provides vigour and freshness, while the Testamatta offers transparency and freshness." The Colore shows the pure energy and vibrancy of Sangiovese with violets, wild cherry and orange zest. The wine shows an elegant, earthy side with a very fine mouthfeel supported by very fine, gentle tannins. This is a beautiful wine with a delicately sweet cherry finish. Bibi has changed this wine very little over the years (apart from giving it a new home at the estate in Fiesole) to create an ideal or benchmark for Sangiovese. His 2021 is his best wine yet." Wine Advocate

"Another excellent wine from Bibi Graetz made from selected old Sangiovese vines. Herbaceous and spicy on the nose, fragrant but with savoury aspects rather than overtly floral or fruity. Intense and direct, it hits you straight away with energy and forward drive. So supple and well defined, soft yet lively and energetic with tannins that are so beautifully executed. Almost plush and chewy, adding weight and texture to the palate, while overall quite light and airy. Complex and invigorating, fresh and wild at the same time - I love the character, it's pure but with a sense of authenticity that summarises the terroir and winemaking philosophy so beautifully. The finish is extremely flavoursome with mint, liquorice, spiced blackcurrants and cool cherries!" Decanter

"Intense aromas of violet fruits such as raspberries, spices, pencil and granite. Also fragrant flowers. Full-bodied, dense with balanced tannins that show transparency and focus. Crisp and very long. Better after 2028, when it opens up and integrates beautifully." James Suckling

From some of the oldest Sangiovese vineyards comes Colore every year, the maximum expression of Bibi Graetz' dream. The barren, sandy soils at high altitudes create the perfect terroir for a wine that can tell the true story of Tuscany and its inhabitants. The grapes for Colore were selected from vineyards in Lamole, Vincigliata and Siena. Each vineyard was harvested up to eight times in order to achieve the optimum ripening time for as many grapes as possible. Each parcel is matured separately in barriques for almost two years before the final blend is decided. Only the best Sangiovese barriques from each vintage become Colore.

Spicier and more intensely floral than Testamatta - as if we had moved from the fresh flowers to the perfumer's laboratory, but still with plenty of vibrant fresh rose petals. This wine is bloodier, fleshier and richer than the Testamatta Rosso with an iron note in the minerality. Generous on the palate, but also with delicacy and finesse, crushed berries and notes of candle wax. Intense due to the narrow frame, which reinforces the feeling of compactness and density. Clear, bright and with an intense flavour on the sharp finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, very dense ruby colour. Very fine and inviting nose, classic Sangiovese fruit of dark cherry, then fine tobacco, plus blackberry and roses. Firm, gripping tannins on the palate, savoury and with good tension, has substance and depth, with pronounced earthy notes on the final." Falstaff

"The Bibi Graetz 2022 Colore only draws its fruit from two sites in this vintage: from 60-year-old vines in the Olmo vineyard (at an altitude of over 400 metres) and 88-year-old vines in Lamole (Chianti Classico). The vines are mostly south-facing, but the altitude is decisive. Testamatta, on the other hand, comes from predominantly cool, north-facing vineyards. The results show plenty of vertical vigour and sharp tones with bright fruit, mineral graphite and blue flowers. Bibi strives for transparency in his wines, and although the 2022 vintage delivers heavier fruit flavours overall, the wine offers a nice textural lightness." Wine Advocate

"Precisely moulded and very intense, the Colore 2022 is both padded and bright. Dark berries, spices and blood orange are picked up by a lingering, savoury finish. At the moment it is more closed than the Testamatta, but with time it will reveal more of its beauty." Decanter

"Perfect Sangiovese, with cherry blossom, chalk, shells, fine sand and violets on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied with concentrated and balanced tannins that are beautifully integrated and quite endless. Crisp and chewy on the finish. So much presence. You want to spend time with this wine. A top selection from two vineyards, the Olmo and one in the village of Chianti Classico in Lamole, aged 60 and 88 years respectively. This is a wine that gives a lot of pleasure now, but will be even better in two or three years." James Suckling

Sugarille is always a little darker, richer and more opulent than Rennina. Bouquet of remarkable richness. In the drink, dark red cherry, plum, smoke, liquorice and cloves fill out the wine's broad-shouldered frame well. Hints of mocha, chocolate, spices and black-fleshed fruit add the final layers of nuance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium-dense ruby garnet. Smells of fresh, crisp cherries, blood orange and Mediterranean herbs on the nose. Spreads out very richly on the attack, juicy, crisp cherry fruit and some blackberry characterise the palate, shows grippy, savoury tannin on the back end, long final." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red with orange reflections. Spicy and slightly reductive on the nose, with pure cherry underneath. Pure and concentrated on the palate, albeit slowly, with complex oak notes that slowly unfold. At the moment, the powdery tannins take the lead on the finish, but it still needs plenty of time." Jancis Robinson

"First produced in 1995, Sugarille is not made in every vintage - having been omitted in 2017, this single vineyard bottling returns. Dark cherry and black plum are peppered with bitter herbs, tobacco and wet stone. Strong tannins provide a solid framework, and tantalising acidity soars. Sweet oak nuances merge with the finish of liquorice roots. A great contender for the cellar." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille keeps me returning to the glass to enjoy its spicy yet wonderfully airy bouquet, where cedar and pine shavings evolve into mentholated herbs, flint and dried black cherries. This wine is very structured and soothing with its combination of ripe red fruits and juicy acidity, while sweet spices and mint nuances resonate towards the end. The sugarilla misses nothing, rejuvenating with impeccable balance and regal structure, while remnants of ripe wild berries and plums linger. The Gaja family has truly outdone itself in this idiosyncratic vintage." Vinous

"A dark, brooding 2018, with accents of smoke, vanilla, iron and tar surrounding a core of cherry and plum flavors. Reveals balsamic elements of eucalyptus and wild herbs on the lingering finish. On the austere side now, with a core of fruit and mineral." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille is structured, rich and intense, with particular richness and texture. This wine comes from a single site characterised by slaty Galestro soils. These conditions give the Sugarille its heavier focus and its particular power and strength. Dark fruits, balsamic herbs and pencil shavings create a beautiful and precise bouquet. Give this wine more time to mature." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of red plums, sour cherries, spice box, oranges, cloves and capers. Also moss and porcini mushrooms. Wonderfully open, with a medium to full body and very fine, silky tannins. A beautiful purity of fruit with a long, seamless finish. Ethereal and transparent." James Suckling

Barbera d'Alba Superiore Fides from the famous Mosconi vineyard offers a very nuanced bouquet characterised by blackberry, black cherry, cassis and plum on the one hand and pronounced mineral notes on the other. Fides offers a dark concentration and a soft, intense texture. Lavender, mint and sweet floral notes give it additional vigour and make it one of the best single-vineyard Barberas in Piedmont every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fruit for this wine is sourced from an excellent site in Monforte d'Alba. The Pio Cesare 2021 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Vigna Mosconi Fides is dark in color and rich and concentration. The wine offers a soft texture with plenty of dark fruit and blackberry. Those bleed nicely into sweet spice and light toast over a full-bodied finish." Wine Advocate

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano 2015 is a huge, outstanding wine. Waves of vibrant, intensely fragrant fruit appear on the palate, supported by the firm, broad tannins of the plump, very rich vintage. Violets, spices, new leather and liquorice unfold in the glass, clean mineral notes frame an eruption of dark cherries, plums and camphor in a finish that fills the palate endlessly. Madonna 2015 is well on its way to becoming one of Vincenzo Abbruzzese's very great wines! SUPERIORE.DE

"There’s a mentholated freshness to the 2015 Madonna del Piano Riserva which draws you in, as a seductive display of crushed black cherries, cinnamon, sage and sweet white smoke holds your attention firm. It’s silky in feel yet far more lifted than expected, with wave after wave of tart wild berries and savory spices which drench the palate in concentrated fruit, as if you can feel the skins, pips and all. Just when you think that the 2015 will release you from its structured clenches, its coating of grippy tannins comes forward, and it remains throughout the tension-filled and purple-tinged finale. This will require many years of cellaring to reveal its charms, coming across as far more structured than most other Brunello Riservas from the vintage; yet there’s plenty of fruit to keep pace throughout the wine's evolution." Vinous

"The Valdicava 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is a lovely wine that finds nice balance between power and elegance. You get the character of the fruit with dried cherry, cassis and cranberry and delicate nuances of grilled herb, cola and blue flower. The bouquet also shows lots of balsam intensity with root beer and rosemary oil. These two sides of the wine reach equilibrium, and the only thing needed here is more cellar aging time. There is a point of youthful tannic astringency that needs to unwind and integrate." Wine Advocate

"Cherry, berry and wild herb flavors mark this linear red, which is pure and vibrant, with refined tannins and bright acidity underlying it all. The mineral-tinged finish is fresh and long, with fine harmony in the end." Wine Spectator

"Spectacular aromas of crushed fruit, plums, sous bois, porcini and black truffles. Decadent year, but fresh. Full-bodied, dense and linear on the palate, yet so much in balance and refined with incredible depth and consistency. The savory and juicy finish, with vivid acidity and fruit, is eye-opening. Greatest ever." James Suckling

The lily is the flower of all flowers in Valpolicella and this exceptional Riserva is dedicated to the best of them. The grapes for this new flagship of the winery, produced in very small quantities, grow on 300-metre-high soils of mainly limestone with some sandy silt in the Monti Garbi district of the municipality of Mezzane di Sotto. The vines have an average age of 40 years and produce only small yields. After harvest, the grapes are selected twice by hand. The Lilium Est is aged for three years in new Bordeaux barriques, the laths of which have been dried outdoors for 36 months. Before it goes on sale, it remains in the bottle for at least another four years.

Dense ruby red, clear and consistent, olfactory very powerful, extensive and fine. The first impression is of balsamic, almost iodine-like notes, transported by the remarkable alcoholic content, to immediately reveal the characteristic scent of ripe cherries, plums, vanilla and ginger. Tertiary aromas of cocoa, chocolate, tar, almonds, roasted hazelnuts and pipe tobacco follow on the heels. The palate is dry, warm and soft, well supported by a remarkable acidity, of great palatability and equipped with an enveloping tannic structure. As it progresses, it is balanced, very persistent and fine. Undoubtedly a highly elegant, complex wine monument - a strong companion with broad shoulders that will defy time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and compact garnet red with ruby reflections. Complex and intense nose with notes of pickled plums and sour cherries, rum pot and some coffee. On the palate with powerful and at the same time supple tannin, with lots of ripe cherry fruit, juicy and with a long final." Falstaff

"Black dates, green tea, shellfish, seaweed, bark, melted dark chocolate and liquorice on the nose. Full-bodied and flavourful on the palate, a little old-fashioned, but complex and distinctive. It starts dry, but then becomes a little more generous, with a refined, bittersweet accent, before a long finish. A conservative Amarone that exudes quality. Beautiful now, but it will age for a long time." James Suckling

"Released 10 years after the harvest, the Tenuta Sant'Antonio Famiglia Castagnedi 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva Lilium Est is packaged in a very heavy glass bottle with a red wax capsule. The wine has definitely started along its evolutionary track, although there is still some of that dark and opulent Amarone fruit to behold. Dried fruit aromas are wrapped within ample spice, leather, tar and a potent 16% alcohol content." Wine Advocate

"My goodness what a beguiling nose, wood, caramel, parma violet, floral with coffee/mocha tones. Full bodied and full of life, tannins make the immediate impact, massive and fleshy but also powdery so you get depth of flavour on the tongue and a fine coating of texture around the cheeks. A powerhouse of a wine, layers of vibrant acidity, rich concentration and lingering freshness with lovely aspects of coffee, toffee, star anise, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper and balsamic leather. The fruit is crisp with a high-toned toasting element, all of which seems to work in harmony to deliver a nuanced wine with so many facets." Decanter

"The 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva Lilium Est delights from the first swirl of the glass with a seductive bouquet of sweet spices, sugary blueberries, sweet smoke and oak. This is pure elegance, almost opulent but not quite, with a balance of ripe red fruits and a bitter hint of cocoa to balance it out. The finish is smoky and firm, with fine-grained tannins that frame the wine without slowing its momentum, while nuances of coffee grounds and cloves slowly fade away. The 2012 could do with some ageing to further integrate the oak (it matured for four years in new barriques), but the use of wood is skilful." Vinous

Mazzei's top wine Siepi is not only an outstanding Tuscan wine every year, but also a 6-hectare vineyard in the middle of dense oak forests with an ideal altitude and a unique climate. The sunshine is optimal throughout the day and a constant breeze from the west prevents excessive heat and creates a mild, Mediterranean climate. The oak forests also provide an ideal protective barrier against extreme weather conditions. Rocky soils of marl, limestone and clay from the Pliocene period ensure a special balance of elements in this geological complex.

"The 30th anniversary of Siepi, a unique wine that bears witness to the harmony between the vineyard and its ecosystem, with great benefits for biodiversity, also celebrates our family's ancient bond with this vineyard. This encourages us to look to the future with the courage and awareness of those who have cultivated and respected the land for centuries." Philippo Mazzei

The 2022 Siepi is a stunning wine that appeals to all the senses with just the right amount of complexity. The wine is soft, brooding, velvety and long-lasting. It is made from equal parts Merlot and Sangiovese and both grapes bring their best qualities to the blend. The Sangiovese grape shows a distinct personality with region-specific notes of small berries and spices and it also offers a wonderfully fresh acidity. The Merlot plays a strong role in the background, adding softness, fullness and richness. SUPERIORE.DE

"2022 was a hot and dry year and it seems to have emphasised the Merlot power more than the Sangiovese finesse: wild forest berries, sous bois and spicy plum lead the way, with a saline touch. Grippy and spicy, round and ripe, it's a bit angular at the moment, with a drying finish, but once that oak has settled down it should show us what it's made of." Decanter

"This warm vintage offers plenty of primary fruit with bold cherry as the protagonist. Softer tones of blue flower and grilled rosemary appear at the back. However, the oak spice and cinnamon need time to integrate." Wine Advocate

"The aromas of dark berries, violets and perfume are enchanting. The palate is medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are polished and so elegant and they run the length of the wine. They are rather endless. Very classy and balanced. A merlot and sangiovese blend. Give this a year or two, but it’s already a joy to drink." James Suckling

Terlano I (pronounced Primo) Grande Cuvée is the name of the white flagship of Cantina Terlano. In recent years, the winery has made a name for itself worldwide with its long-lasting, mineral white wines. Even years later, the wines still present themselves with top freshness and great complexity. With this long history of white wines, since the 2011 vintage there is now a wine in which the essence of Terlan is expressed in an even more focussed way. Terlaner I Grande Cuvée combines the Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon grape varieties from the Winkl, Kreuth and Vorberg vineyards to create a masterpiece which, due to its limited and exclusive nature, will only be available from hand-picked retailers and in selected top restaurants.

Brilliant straw yellow colour. Rich and complex on the nose with flavours of citrus fruit, white pepper and herbs as well as a delicate smoky note. Remarkable structure and refined texture that give it finesse, elegance and an unmistakable character. The extraordinarily long and salty finish leaves an almost endless impression as an expression of a unique mineral terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"Highly refined and multi-layered fragrance with fine citrus, pink grapefruit and aromatic herbs. Something fascinating, almost primal with this distinctive herbal flavour. Wonderfully melting on the palate at first, but changes constantly in the glass and after a few minutes it appears very powerful with a delicate style and a juicy, vertical final, which is carried by the acidity and the spicy underlying fruit. What always fascinates me about these wines is the silky, melting mouthfeel with a refined texture." Weinwisser

"Brilliant light straw yellow with green nuances. Very clear and memorable nose, flavours of apricot, white peach, some mango, underpinned by flint and hazelnuts, exciting. Juicy and present on the palate, very clear, lots of fresh yellow fruit, salty, very long final." Falstaff

"The Terlaner Grande Cuvée Primo 2020 presents itself with a delicate blend of dusty stone, freshly spiced pear, white flowers and crushed raw almonds. It is elegance personified, silky yet lively. A hint of hazelnut custard enriches the notes of young peach, while a hint of minerality builds towards the end. The Primo finishes dramatically long yet youthfully tense, leaving a saturation of primary fruit that lingers under a bloom of citrus. The word "wow" doesn't do this wine justice. The 2020 is still a baby today. Is it Grande Cuvée or Grand Cru? Either way, it's fantastic." Vinous

"Layers of stone fruit and vanilla spice on the nose; tremendously intense and focused with mouthwatering acidity and a core of youthful citrus fruit that carries through to the long and well-defined finish. Fabulous and will only get better with age." Decanter

"It's so beautiful, with candied apples, peach peel, honeysuckle and almond biscuits. Also a hint of candied citrus and dried Mediterranean herbs. Full-bodied, so complex and concentrated. Impressively balanced and polished, with a structured mouthfeel and a delicate phenolic impression on the finish. Very long. Beautiful now, but there's no doubting its longevity." James Suckling

"The Terlaner Grand Cuvée Primo is all about texture. This beautiful wine bears the unique characteristics of oak and yeast ageing, which give it a delicate creaminess. It has plenty of richness and softness, followed by white wine tannins. Its rich and viscous mouthfeel is a perfect sounding board for lemon curd, caramel cream and the gelatine on a fruit tart." Wine Advocate

With the exception of 2016 and 2019, the last eight years in the region around Montalcino have been characterised by warm and dry conditions. For this reason, Il Poggione has started to prioritise irrigation for emergencies (which is becoming more and more of a necessity in the south-west of Montalcino) and is looking for a better balance in the higher vineyards. This is not the only reason why Il Poggione is one of the top producers every year, with an extremely fair value.

Oenologist Alessandro Bindocci compares the 2019 and 2016 vintages as follows "Both Brunellos are quite classic, but the 2019 has more energy and fruit than the 2016 at the same stage."

Opens as a medium-dark appearance with a pretty Sangiovese lustre and ruby red shimmer. In the glass, the 2019 shows a wildly romantic side and a dense fruit profile. The aromatic focus is on blackberries, dried cherries, tobacco and a hint of smoked tobacco or horse saddle. On the palate, a contrasting spectacle of dark red fruits, sweet spices and salty mineral notes; all supported by a silky texture and lively acidity. As it progresses, it has a beautiful, firm grip and a stable backbone, with youthful tension and fine-grained tannins, which will give it great ageing potential. Il Poggione is a safe bet every year, and not just for us, and the 2019 edition is once again one of the best representatives of this noble appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of blackberries and herbs, also tobacco; pithy structure, robust tannins, combines character and good length." Vinum

"Dense bouquet with ripe red and dark fruits, blueberries, wild strawberries, cassis and redcurrants. Behind this, the oak barrel ageing is also evident with a fine animal note, cedar, tobacco, chocolate, dark spices and herbs. Fleshy, dense palate with a coarse-meshed tannin network, but of the best quality. Very persistent and full-bodied on the final." Weinwisser

"Dark, youthful ruby red colour. Very closed and brooding with just a hint of fragrant raspberry, tea leaves and oak. Generous and compact on the palate. A layer of soft cherry and raspberry fruit, lined with quite powerful tannins that need more time. Carries its 15% with ease. Closes on the finish and needs more time." Jancis Robinson

"Lots of dried fruit, such as figs and dried cherries, followed by tree bark, rosemary and a hint of sandalwood. Full-bodied and creamy on the palate with a solid tannin structure. Wonderful length. Dense and opulent." James Suckling

"The Il Poggione 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows a developed bouquet with aromas of dried fruit, forest floor, crushed flowers and autumnal foliage. A second nose reveals dark liquorice, wet slate, cola and grilled rosemary. The tannins are powdery and dry." Wine Advocate

"It offers plenty of plum, cherry, iron, tobacco and undergrowth flavours supported by a plump texture that matches the dense structure, as well as a lively acidity that keeps everything in focus. Another year of ageing should allow the finish to expand and this wine to reach its full potential." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 vintage is very balanced, somewhere between 2016, 2013 and 2010. Sant'Angelo in Colle, which suffers in warmer vintages, has done very well and Il Poggione is a great example of the harmony of the area's wines in this vintage. At first sniff it is fruity, later becoming more restrained, with black cherry, violets, leather, graphite and the typical nutty finish. The chalky tannins are extracted but velvety, emphasised by an almost piquant acidity." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino draws the taster close to the glass with its dark and earthy blend of crushed ash stones giving way to rosemary, cedar, exotic spices and a core of raspberry jam. Enveloping and serene, it flows across the palate like pure silk, steadily building tension as tart wild berry and orange notes give way to a sweet herbal push. The 2019 finishes with tremendous length and is classically structured as crisp tannins linger and purple flowers slowly fade over a tactile layer of minerality. Il Poggione has captured the vibrancy of the vintage, yet it is still a baby today." Vinous

"Fresh nose, pomegranate, notes of lemongrass and ginger with citrus notes. Salty tannins on the palate, reminiscence of pomegranate and notes of ginger." Luca Gardini

Franchetti Rosso is Passopisciaro's flagship wine and a stunningly perfect wine. The grapes come from 1000-metre-high northern Etna vineyard sites, where the soils are ash and pumice. Franchetti is a ripe, exotic wine that envelops the palate with dark fruit. Refined tannins support the fruit, while an intense inner sweetness adds elegance and finesse. A thoroughly outstanding drop. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Franchetti is a unique wine that perfectly interprets the high volcanic soils. Power, structure and then such a straightforward concentration of aromas: deep scent of black cherries, plums, orange zest and mint. Then comes a distinct minerality. Dark chocolate and blueberry show on the palate, spiced with fresh tarragon. A great wine to know from Etna." Vinum

"The Vini Franchetti 2020 Franchetti is very spicy and savory with inky black fruit aromas. You feel the 15.5% alcohol content over the wine's thick, full-bodied texture." Wine Advocate

"Dark ruby red with a delicately lightening rim. In the nose of ripe heart cherries, paired with cold smoke, mulberries as well as freshly roasted coffee and a hint of Ras-el-Hanout. Extremely polished and compact on the palate, opens to juicy tannin, punchy and with plenty of finesse, keeps coming back, dense, long and balanced." Falstaff

"The 2020 Franchetti is beautiful, jumping out of the glass, spicy and intense, showing off its Cesanese aromas with a mix of blackberries, lavender, sage, white pepper and smoke that make it impossible to ignore. This wine is very structured, almost creamy yet tangy, with medium body and a salty core of minerality that balances the masses of ripe dark fruit and sweet herbal notes. The length is amazing, as is the harmony within. It finishes structured yet supple, with violet flowers and nuances of plum jam that linger. This wine is already very appealing, elegance personified, but the best is surely yet to come." Vinous

Rare exceptional Merlot from the west of Tuscany: Deep ruby red with violet reflections. Multi-layered bouquet with hints of wild berries and blackberries, ripe cherries, but also liquorice and tobacco notes. Very structured and at the same time lively on the palate. The silky tannins underline the filigree minerality until the seemingly endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This lush, silky red is introduced by deep aromas of black cherry and blackberry, with hints of chocolate, coffee, vanilla and minerals that develop into a long, complex aftertaste. Despite its richness, it also has finesse and detail." Wine Spectator

"Bright, rich ruby, Intense and fine nose with notes of blackberry, wild raspberry, then mint and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate marked by hearty, dense tannin, entwined with lots of sweet melting, fine spice on the back end, finishes on sweet tobacco, but also needs some time." Falstaff

"Aromas of cigar box, black plums, cherries, mocha and toasted walnuts. Full-bodied with firm, taut and chewy tannins. Structured and deep with sophisticated oak spice character. Still tight at the moment. Yet very fine and elegant. Finesse for Redigaffi. Give it a few years to show even more. Try it in 2026." James Suckling

"The nose begins sweet and classic, like berries dipped in vanilla and chocolate, and then expands to include a riot of wild herbs. On the palate, the interplay between chocolaty berries and savory undertones continues before a burst of acidity and tannins that are so fine-grained and smooth they're almost ethereal. It's magical now but no doubt will be even better after some time." Wine Enthusiast

"The Tua Rita 2020 Redigaffi is the winery's top wine, made from Merlot. The bouquet smells of dark fruits, dried apricots, spices, leather and ashes from the campfire. You can taste the special fullness and concentration in this full-bodied red wine. On the palate, the Redigaffi is soft and approachable with rich layering and texture." Wine Advocate

The Gran Selezione from the Bellavista vineyard is rich and dark with aromas of wild cherry, smoke, liquorice, menthol and tobacco. Extremely attractive and full-bodied on the palate, firm tannins form the backbone of this virile, potent wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista plays very true to type, with expressive aromatic top notes from the Malvasia Nera that gives the wine its distinctive savory/floral profile. Sage lavender, black pepper, menthol and juniper berry all grow in the glass. Towering and statuesque in its presence, the 2015 is going to need a number of years to be at its best." Antonio Galloni

"This wine is one of the true protagonists of the 2015 vintage. The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista offers an unreal level of intensity and depth with profound darkness and perfectly integrated tannins versus acidity. This wine was not produced in 2014. This vintage only saw 4,200 bottles made. The wine pours forth with rich fruit that is tightly woven within the wine's generous texture. Spice, smoke and tobacco appear as brief afterthoughts. Despite the beauty of the bouquet, this wine is ultimately all about the finesse and the elegance of its mouthfeel and that subtle game it plays alternating between brawn and grace. Vigneto Bellavista is bellissimo." Wine Advocate

"This awe-inspiring Chianti Classico shows blueberries, blackberries, red plums, melted chocolate, hazelnuts, violets, elderberries, heather, rose stems, ash and charcoal. Full body and a ripe yet ultra-polished sheen of tannins, which encase wonderfully rich and fresh fruit. Deep and ever so long on the finish. The silkiness is mind-boggling. Will this prove to be the greatest Chianti Classico ever made?" James Suckling

The wine from the single vineyard of the same name is probably the most opulent of the selection lines of the house. The bouquet is almost brush-stroke wide with a presence of ripe fruit, spices and hints of crushed rock. On the palate it is impressively smooth and full, with a whole bouquet of dark fruit aromas flanked by firm, structured tannins. The Merlot portion gives it additional depth and power. SUPERIORE.DE

" Seductive nose of maraschino cherries, vanilla, lilac; full-bodied entry, perfectly rounded texture with tight tannins, great length and red-berry freshness, also fine leather and tobacco notes. Of great complexity." Vinum

"Deep, dark ruby with a violet tint. Opened with emphatically earthy notes, after tobacco and truffle, then lots of elderberry and blackberry. Firm and gripping tannin, shows a lot of power, full-bodied, after elderberries, in the final a bit rough, still needs storage. Falstaff

"This aromatic Chianti Classico features violet, black cherry, leather, earth and spice flavors. A laser of bracing acidity and muscular tannins runs underneath. The balance tips toward the tannins today, but put this in your cellar for another few years. Sleek and very long." Wine Spectator

"From the small vineyard facing Castello di Ama from the north, the 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto la Casuccia shows a dark and hearty side with rich fruit that flows steadily from the bouquet. Like the other new releases from this iconic estate, this wine shows a pretty earthy note that is particularly well defined and fine-tuned in this vintage. The fruit is broad, thick and horizontal. This is a Sangiovese painted with broad brush strokes. It'll stand another decade or two, or open it sooner with a pappardelle al cinghiale." Wine Advocate

"The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is rich, sensual and inviting, as it so often is. The addition of Merlot to Sangiovese yields a Chianti Classico built on textural resonance, with silky tannins, soft curves and tons of sheer allure. The 2016 won't be ready to drink anytime soon, but it is unquestionably a great wine in the making. Succulent dark cherry, red plum, menthol, licorice, cloves and new oak infuse the creamy, voluptuous finish." Vinous

"Mature black-skinned berry, rose, tilled soil and a balsamic whiff of eucalyptus shape the nose. The bright, elegant palate has energy, tension and depth, delivering ripe wild cherry, red plum, licorice and crushed botanical herb. Taut, fine-grained tannins lend polished support while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. A gorgeous wine." Wine Enthusiast

Firmly rooted in La Morra, Elio Altare has been vinifying a Barolo on a rented plot in Serralunga d'Alba for a few years, which is vinified and bottled separately. A fascinating and powerful Nebbiolo with elegant fruit, truffle, leather and floral aromas. Full-bodied, juicy and long in flavour, with a remarkably elegant, well-built tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Opens with slightly earthy notes of black truffle and balsamic tones, then ripe plum, some dried tomato, wild raspberry. A substantial and gripping attack, lots of dark fruit, opens up with powerful tannins, full-bodied pressure on the final, ends on earthy tones." Falstaff

"The Elio Altare 2018 Barolo Riserva Cerretta has plenty of dark blackberry flavours complemented by spicy oak, all to great effect. The oak continues on the palate and in the tannins with roasted spices, nutmeg and vanilla pods." Wine Advocate

"The Barolo Riserva Cerretta Vigna Bricco 2018 is a big, powerful wine that shows the full range of Serralunga. Black cherry, smoke, tobacco, gravel, liquorice and incense open up to reveal a Barolo of enormous depth and resonance. The Cerretta clearly stands out in this range due to its size, but the whole works so well. The 2018 is still developing. It is very promising." Vinous

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento from the dream 2015 vintage is dark, rich and seductive. It smells of ginger and hints of leather and tobacco before opening up further to reveal black cherry fruit and wild berries. Although cool and supple, it has a velvety texture that strikes a wonderful balance between the tart blackberries and exotic spices within. Its complexity is remarkable: sometimes sweet, sometimes sour, framed by youthful grippy tannins and hints of cranberries, spices and subtle saltiness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, powerful garnet red. Finely marked, fragrant nose with notes of cranberries, ripe dark cherries, some prunes and plenty of tobacco. Polished tannin on the palate, showing ripe fruit notes, with grippy tannin in many layers on the final." Falstaff

"Lustrous ruby with orange tinges. At first a tiny bit sweaty, then opening up to rich, focused cherry fruit. A palate of lush cherry fruit and sensationally balanced. The juicy fruit, lined with gravelly tannins, goes on and on." Jancis Robinson

"Lots of plum, toffee, floral and cherry aromas that follow through to a full body with ripe, round tannins that follow through to a long, gorgeous finish." James Suckling

"A powerful version, this red delivers concentrated plum, black cherry, iron and earth flavors allied to a base of muscular tannins. The balance tips to the astringent side, but it's not overbearing, with ripe fruit returning on the finish. Needs time and food." Wine Spectator

"Made with certified organic fruit, the Col d'Orcia 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is open-knit and big both in intensity and mouthfeel. This full-bodied Riserva graces us with budding tertiary notes of tobacco and cured leather, but the ripe and fundamentally very rich fruit of this vintage remains firm at its core. You also get cola, licorice and grilled rosemary. This vineyard site sees ancient soils with an important component of well-draining sand, and this helps to concentrate flavors." Wine Advocate

"The darkly alluring 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento requires coaxing to unlock its aromatics from their youthful state. However, patience is rewarded, as crushed stones and ashen earth give way to red and black wild berries offset by hints of camphor and, finally, a note of sweet tobacco. Its textures are like pure silk draped across the palate, as a saturation of salty minerals settle in. Vivid notes of tart black cherry and an air of inner rose resonate throughout as fine tannins slowly clench the senses. The result is one of hulking structure yet also a potent staining of primary concentration; yet through it all, bright acids maintain supreme balance. Wow, the 2015 Poggio al Vento is a masterpiece in the making." Vinous

Sugarille 2019 is certainly one of the greats of its vintage. A crescendo of dark berries, Amarena cherries, tar, liquorice and smoky notes on the nose. The intensity continues on the palate: Sugarille is uncompromisingly powerful, with multi-layered fruit, striking tannins and wonderful acid wire. With increasing aeration, the impressiveness and opulence give way to a wonderful finesse that will continue to refine and develop with further years of bottle ageing. A wine as wonderful as it is today - and guaranteed to be even better tomorrow! SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Much more closed and sleepy than the Rennina and with an undertone of oak. There is also a little more fullness. Restrained on the palate, with marvellous cherry, cranberry and raspberry fruit. Superfine, deep tannins. Polished and long, with a hint of tannin on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"To complete Angelo Gaja's comparison with his Langhe wines, he compares Sugarille with Barolo (as opposed to Rennina, which he equates with Barbaresco). This powerful wine will appeal to anyone looking for a powerful Brunello. Sweet oak spices and plums are accompanied by earthy forest tones. It is rich and fruity, but austere and firm in structure: dark cherry and plum hang on steely, vertical grape tannins. Thicker wood tannins build at the core, but crisp acidity balances the dense structure, and medicinal herbs are embedded in the layers. This wine is firming up in the glass and still needs plenty of time." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille is dark and youthfully closed, forcing the taster to engage with its brooding blend of blackberry, sage and crushed stone. It displays textures of pure silk, polished and refined, with a dense textural wave of tart red and black fruits underscored by savoury minerals and exotic spices. Orange notes provide contrast on the finish, which is tannic and long, with a pleasant chew and angular tannins that pinch the cheeks. The 2019 is a dark Brunello stallion with plenty of muscle and flesh that will need many more years in the cellar to show its best side. But it will be worth the wait." Vinous

"An elegant version, this red exhibits cherry, graphite, earth, blood and eucalyptus aromas and flavors, turning darker and more brooding as it evolves in the mouth, with both savory and mineral elements. Yet this remains very Sangiovese, with a firm, peppery aftertaste that echoes fruit, iron and underbrush accents." Wine Spectator

"Extremely perfumed and intense with lilac, violets, violet fruit and black cherries. Full-bodied and very structured with powerful tannins that give it great length and intensity. A great wine for the cellar. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

"The Pieve Santa Restituta 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille displays a finely chiselled quality with direct and lifted fruit that gives this wine an edgy or delineated personality. This impression is reinforced by delicate mineral notes of crushed stone that give way to dark fruits, sweet plums, black cherries and earthy orris roots. The wine is elegant, but also very flavoursome and structured thanks to the natural ripeness and concentration of the fruit. Give this wine more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

Madonna del Piano is a top wine from a top vintage, what more could you want? We are deeply impressed by its energetic tension and complexity, plus a harmony only imagined in the wildest dreams. Focused and racy bouquet of dark cherries, herbs, smoke and mineral hints. Very animating in the drink, the acidity plays around the primary fruit, then the polished tannins set in and glide this beautiful red into its almost endless finish. An extremely characterful and polished wine that is already one of the most beautiful of its appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is totally captivating: deep, dark and viral. It smolders up from the glass, with a thrilling mix of cherries and plums complemented by notes of black tea, balsam herbs and ashen stone. With each return to the glass, this seems to expand further, adding nuances of smoke and animal musk. The 2016 is packed full of energy but also youthful tension, showing the radiance of the vintage with its citrus-tinged fruits and depths of minerality. Through it all, energizing acidity maintains harmony, just as fine tannins slowly saturate, resulting in a long finish that resonates on licorice and purple-tinged inner florals. The 2016 is one of the most balanced, yet also prettiest, expressions that I have ever witnessed from Valdicava’s Madonna del Piano." Vinous

"The Valdicava 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano impresses for its intensity, its balance and its freshness. The wine is medium to full-bodied with a good amount of fruit weight and power that is offset by acidity and the lifted, vibrant quality of the bouquet. If balance is the objective, this wine meets it goals, although like with many of its peers, you certainly won't miss the deep inner power of this determined Brunello." Wine Advocate

"Expressive yet complex, this red is already revealing tertiary hints of truffle, fading roses and spice. Features cherry, raspberry, iron, eucalyptus and anise flavors allied to a firm, compact structure. Balanced and long, with fresh fruit, spice and mineral accents lingering on the endless finish." Wine Spectator

"This is heavenly on the nose with fresh flowers such as violet and cherries with undertones of freshly shaved sandalwood. It’s full-bodied with very fine tannins that are focused and intense with a polished nature. This is a complete wine that impresses at every level. Give it at least five to six years to come together and resolve the tannin structure. Better after 2027." James Suckling

"The Stilèma project was created as a testimony to Antonio Mastroberardino's love for his land, his vines and his wines, and their original character." Piero Mastroberardino

The project aims to highlight the link between the vines, the wines and their territorial origins. The Mastroberardino family wants to recreate the style of winemaking of the indigenous grape varieties of Irpinia (Greco, Fiano and Aglianico) that took place between the late 1950s and early 1970s for the Taurasi and between 1970 and 1980 for the two white wines from Irpinia. It is the unmistakable style (the stilèma) of a family that has interpreted the natural heritage of its territory over generations and that today impressively emphasises the genuine character of the terroir, which by no means can be expressed through high concentration and intensity alone.

Pale straw yellow in colour with light green reflections. The 24 months of ageing on the lees of this exceptional Fiano creates a fascinating balance and complexity in the aroma profile with classic hints of flint, fine saltiness, the scent of fresh almonds, cedar wood and wild herbs. The flavour is lively with a pronounced mineral note, accompanied by an inspiring freshness that gives it great drinking flow and finesse. The precise and very long finish is also extremely convincing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Proof of the grape variety's ageing potential: On the nose, fresh hay and apple notes, including mint, are captivating; in the mouth, the wine is acidic and fresh with a fine salty minerality and a precise evolution towards citrus and apple notes." Vinum

"This slight hint of initial reduction fades to reveal soft citrus, exotic fruit, white peach and pear. The wine's flinty minerality is well defined. The fruit comes from four vineyards and the wine is mostly aged in stainless steel." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Fiano di Avellino Riserva Stilema is aromatically intense, with a burst of ground ginger, cumin, incense and crushed green apples. It's a seductress, with a sweet burst of ripe fruit on the attack that is quickly contrasted by lemon zest and vibrant acidity. As well as being incredibly fresh, the 2019 is also incredibly long, finishing with a sense of liquid stone and a pleasant bitter note that calls me back to the glass for more." Vinous

"A fresh Fiano with aromas of honeysuckle, flint, oyster shells and green pear, which fade into a medium body, a creamy texture and a fruity finish. Slightly salty on the finish." James Suckling

"A masterful, intense and complex pure Fiano. Beautiful profile on the nose, lychee, a hint of pink grapefruit and pineapple, with a finish of herbs, thyme and a hint of jasmine. Dense, iodised mouthfeel, lovely depth, with a return of exotic fruit." Luca Gardini

"The nose is sweet yet structured, thoughtful and almost wistful, with notes of vanilla, pear, yellow apple, lemon, dried pineapple and almond paste. On the elegant, equally compelling palate, a more intense lemon element swirls around fresher pineapple notes and emerging melon flavours before a toasted almond finish follows. The bright acidity adds a subtle sizzle to the overall silky mouthfeel." Wine Enthusiast