The Wine Advocate

"The Stilèma project was created as a testament 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: Fresh hay and apple notes, including mint, are captivating on the nose; 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

La Quinta is the fresher, lighter but no less elegant version of Carlo Ferrini's Sangiovese interpretation. The purist beauty of small red fruits, including raspberry and summer cherry, combined with floral undertones, pepper and a hint of Mediterranean maquis combine to create a cool, aristocratic Rosso that expresses the signature of the Oenologistoenologist like no other! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby with garnet reflections. Elegant and spicy on the nose, opening on sweet cherry, blueberries and cloves, followed by liquorice and a hint of dark chocolate. Gripping but very fresh on the palate, with firm, tight tannins, precise fruit notes through to the lingering final." Falstaff

"The Giodo 2020 La Quinta is a pure Sangiovese (with fruit from younger vines) from a vintage that will be remembered for its sun and heat. This wine shows the power you would expect, with bold fruit tones of candied cherries and baked raspberries. The primary intensity of the wine is bold and determined, making this a good choice for a cheesy meal, be it lasagne or baked brie. The finish is soft and dense." Wine Advocate

"Lots of earth, meat and spices with cherries and spices. Also bark and mushrooms. Medium to full body, deep and dense but not heavy, with lots of forest fruit on the finish. Quite unique." James Suckling

Ruby red with violet reflections. Intense notes of sour cherry, wild berries, chocolate, undergrowth and coffee on the nose. Velvety, structured, full and rich on the palate of dark spices, candied cherries and cocoa, finishes juicy and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Michele Chiarlo 2017 Nizza Riserva La Court is a beautifully enriched and generous wine that adds ample volume and depth to the Barbera grape. This kitchen-friendly option shows the dark fruit (blackberry and plum) that goes well with most pasta or meat dishes. It also offers just enough acidity to get through any recipe with lots of cheese or cream." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of dark fruit, cedar and scorched earth lead the nose. The structured, balanced palate offers Marasca cherry, blackberry jam and liquorice alongside polished tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2017 Nice LaCourt is soft, supple, rich and open, but not at all heavy. Raspberry jam, mocha, spices, new leather - all build as this juicy Nice unfolds its considerable appeal. The 2017 hits just the right notes. It's a great effort from the Chiarlo family." Vinous

"Forest floor and farmyard on the nose, lots of dark fruit and wild herbs on the palate. Good intensity and freshness with a touch of volatile acidity, not in a negative sense, which gives the wine personality." Decanter

The top wine Cavalli Rosso comes from loose marl soils at an altitude of 400 metres facing south. It reveals a dark and lush fruit profile with intense blackberry, sour cherry, plum and graphite. On the palate, it has a high primary intensity and medium weight, finishing with a very crisp acidity. It is polished and deep, balanced and supple with plenty of fruity power, weight and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine is rich and fully loaded with dark fruit flavors, but it never strays from a careful sense of balance. There is some ripe fruit with blackberry mostly, followed by spice and cured tobacco. It ages in a combination of oak, stainless steel and cement." Wine Advocate

"A modern and very well-made Toscana here showing excellent depth and complexity. Some plush cocoa powder to the minty blackberries, dark cherries, violets and hints of pine cone, black pepper and stones. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate with firm, juicy tannins and a focused finish. Long and tangy." James Suckling

"The 2020 Tenuta degli Dei is wonderfully poised and vibrant. Cavalli's blend of (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot and 15% Cabernet Franc) stands out for its precision. The heaviness of some previous years thankfully belongs to the past. Bright acid lift a core of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice and espresso. The 2020 might be the best vintage yet for this wine." Vinous

Beautifully weighted, the 2019 edition is full yet agile with enough structure to carry it over the next decade. Above all, it emphasises the freshness and balance of the vintage: the aromas unfold slowly, but are very floral, with cherry and thyme blossoms underscored by peppery notes. Crisp red plums and juicy cherries dominate the palate, with the youthful, grippy tannins needing a little time to integrate perfectly. SUPERIORE.DE

"It opens with a fruity flavour of red and blue fruits, with spicy notes reminiscent of cinnamon and cardamom. Dense and creamy in the mouth, very juicy, still a little grippy in the tannins, a modern Brunello that should be ready to drink in 1 to 2 years." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red colour. Ripe blackberries, some undergrowth, dried oregano and loam on the nose. Great tension on the palate, juicy, dark fruit, tightly woven tannins and a precise final with pressure." Falstaff

"Deep to dark ruby red in colour. Deep, brooding and backward on the nose, but with real precision. Lots of juicy red fruit and impressive, fine-grained tannins. Still a little embryonic, but already hard to resist. Pure class." Jancis Robinson

"Pure and refined wine with lively raspberries, red cherries, rosehips and a hint of citrus blossom. Medium to full-bodied with firm but silky tannins. Excellent acid backbone. Enjoyable now, but give it another two to three years to develop." James Suckling

"Deep notes of dried black cherries meet cedar shavings and worn leather as the seductive Brunello di Montalcino 2019 slowly unfolds in the glass. It is surprisingly juicy and energising, with a pure blend of red fruits and inner flowers accompanied by fresh acidity. Fine tannins assert themselves on the finish as the 2019 takes on a youthful tension and pinches the cheeks, while tart cranberry notes fade into a youthful, crisp final." Vinous

"The certified organic Col d'Orcia 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows ripe fruit, blackberry, earthy notes, liquorice and, generally speaking, a much bigger and riper fruit profile compared to its peers. It offers a full-bodied Brunello opulence that can be enjoyed in the short or medium term, and the wine delivers flavours of dried fruit such as plum and fig to finish. The tannins are velvety and contribute to the richness of the rather forward and immediate mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 is immediately inviting and expressive. It seduces with lovely tones of red rose, cherry and sweet thyme. Expansive and spacious, the palate unfolds fluidly with layers of delicious red plum and pomegranate. Hibiscus, rosewater and orange hide in every crevice. A brilliant demonstration of the flavourful juiciness of Sangiovese. Deceptively gentle at the start, fine sandy tannins build in a worthy crescendo." Decanter

"This densely packed version is resonant and persistent, with fine integration of all its components, though today it is compact and austere, revealing flavours of cherry, raspberry, rose, earth and minerals. Give it the benefit of the doubt." Wine Spectator

"Notes of marasca, geranium and eucalyptus on the nose. Juicy tannins on the palate, balsamic and floral notes, compact flavour and crispness." Luca Gardini

"Bright straw yellow with green reflections. Compact on the nose, lots of fruit, blackcurrant, lemon and bergamot, with plenty of herbal spice behind it. Straightforward and precise on the palate, great grip, mouthwatering, salty, delicately melting, refreshing acidity, long, mineral final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Fiore di Campo (Gold Label) is remarkably pretty in the glass. It is delicate and floral, with crushed stones and lime zest complemented by ginger spices. On the palate, it is round and pleasantly sweet. Ripe fruit is surrounded by a bright acidity, while a hint of mint unfolds towards the end. Candied citrus and a salty note contrast on the final, while the 2019 retains fantastic energy but is also lightly structured. The balance is stunning, and while it is still enjoyable today, it has a bright future ahead of it." Vinous

"The wine has a soft texture that only Italian white wines from Friuli have. The special thing about the texture is that it feels creepingly full-bodied, but never heavy. In addition to the flavours of stone fruit and pastries, the wine has a lovely acidic freshness and salty mineral notes." Wine Advocate

Tavignano's complex top product Misco Riserva represents the synthesis of the winery's Verdicchio expertise and is its most refined interpretation of the terroir. Starting with the grapes from the Cru Misco vineyard, those grapes are selected that can best develop first in steel and then in the bottle. This ageing process emphasises the richness of the grape variety, its spicy and mineral notes and provides the ideal conditions for long ageing, while retaining its aromatic vibrancy at all times. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant straw yellow colour. Sea salt, raspberries, pineapple, juicy pear and candied lemon zest on the nose with a hint of spice. Opens up on the palate with great playfulness, savoury and clear, appears very noble, lingers long and polished on the final." Falstaff

"The Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva Misco 2019 is wonderfully perfumed and rich in the glass, with nuances of brown spices and hints of baked apples that give way to sweet floral tones. It also impresses with a silky, almost glycerine-like texture and a depth of ripe apples and pears that practically envelop the salty minerals that only emerge towards the end. The 2019 finishes elegant and long, leaving a subtle hint of lemony tension that lingers. The 2019 Misco Riserva is a real pleasure." Vinous

"The certified organic Tenuta di Tavignano 2019 Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva Classico Misco is a wine with texture and medium fruit weight. The wine presents many yellow and golden fruits with a hint of saffron and dried ginger. It undergoes partial malolactic fermentation to achieve the extra creaminess that is particularly noticeable in this beautiful vintage. Production is limited to 3,500 bottles." Wine Advocate

"A complex and deep wine with a leesy character and notes of ripe fruit, assertive candied lemons and peaches. Full-bodied, it shows savoriness and crisp acidity that are well integrated with supple fruit." James Suckling

"Deeper and earthier in flavour, it combines floral notes with baked apple, citrus peel and a hint of almond. In the mouth, it is broad, creamy and intense, with apricot, baked apple and hints of black pepper and sweet spices. There is good acidity in the background, supporting a lively and fresh expression; savoury and salty, bright and long." Decanter

Deep ruby red colour, lush notes of cherries, strawberries and sweet oak spice, vanilla and black pepper. The Sangiovese gives the blend great freshness and is in perfect balance with the silky and soft tannins of the Merlot. Overall rich, but always elegant and with great persistence. A complex, excellently structured red of absolute Supertuscan quality. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Gianni Brunelli Le Chiuse di Sotto 2020 Amor Costante is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Sangiovese and offers a lovely richness with a medium body interwoven with blackberry, wild plum, spice and sweet tobacco. The softness and texture come from the Merlot, while the Sangiovese provides freshness and fresh cherry flavours. Only 2,360 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Amor Costante keeps the glass swirling as dried violets, stone dust and exotic spices accentuate an enticing blend of wild berries and red plums. This is velvety smooth with medium-bodied weight, ushering in textural waves of red and blue fruits offset by sour citrus tones and saline-tinged acidity. It finishes long and structured with fine-grained tannins and a tart resonance of currants and licorice, yet the 2020 remains surprisingly fresh through it all. Patience will be required, yet also rewarded. What a treat." Vinous

The "Sassorosso" vineyard is located on a rocky promontory that is separated from the rest of the mountain and has been almost completely eroded by the glacier over the centuries. It is visually characterised by the unmistakable red colour of the ferrous inclusions in the rock. The overlying shallow soil layer consists of clay and sand and lies on friable, metamorphic rock into which the roots can penetrate. The unmistakably elegant and mineral character of the terroir is therefore particularly evident in this Nebbiolo.

Bright, transparent ruby red colour with a fine garnet hue. Small red fruits such as blackberry, redcurrant, cherry and raspberry on the nose, complemented by fresh, floral notes of violets and roses. Dense on the palate with a very flavourful attack, silky tannins and an almost endless finish. A wine of great rigour and purity with considerable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby with garnet-red tendencies. Medium intensity on the nose with hints of wild raspberry and redcurrant, followed by floral and earthy notes. Clearer on the palate with fresh fruit, tightly woven tannins, fresh and juicy through to the finish." Falstaff

"This is minerally and enticing on the nose, but then a burst of ripe black raspberry, cherry and strawberry fruit flavors on the palate offers its own appeal. The creamy tannins provide fine, supple structure, while hints of fig cake, smoke and bay leaf are fragrant and lingering on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Valtellina Superiore Grumello Sassorosso reveals hints of iron ore, rusty nail, redcurrant and pressed rose. This wine reflects the earthy quality of Grumello. There is a brief moment of apricot-like sweetness on the mid-palate that transitions over to a tart flavor of wild plum or blood orange. The vintage warmth is felt in the silky nature of the mouthfeel and the wine's soft tannins. There are no rough spots here, and this has the most determined character among these new releases from Nino Negri." Wine Advocate

The "Ca' Guicciardi" vineyard takes its name from the farmhouse that lies at its centre. The single vineyard is characterised by small, very steep valleys. Impressive rock faces alternate with terraces supported by some of the highest dry stone walls in Valtellina. The special colour of the rock, which tends towards a quartz-like white, considerably enhances the power of the sun and leads to higher temperatures and more light here than in other parts of the valley.

Vigna Ca' Guicciardi has an intense, bright ruby red colour, pronounced aromas of ripe red fruit with predominant notes of black cherry, blackcurrant and spices, with hints of liquorice, cloves and cinnamon in the background. Soft and full on the palate, without appearing broad or denying its Alpine origins. You can't help but compare it to a complex Burgundy, its round tannins and wonderful depth and length round off the experience in a well-proportioned and highly elegant way. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Valtellina Superiore Inferno Ca' Guicciardi shows a little more ripeness, just a little, which is expressed with strawberry jam, wilted blue flowers, crushed slate and spicy pepper. The Inferno sub-region is known for its warmth, hence the name "Inferno". The mouthfeel is polished, lean and soft." Wine Advocate

"A lovely, harmonious red, expanding with silky finesse on the palate to reveal flavors of cherry coulis, warm fig and red licorice, with a sanguine thread of iron, smoke and spices. Long and supple, with good focus, though only medium-bodied in weight. Lightly chewy on the fragrant, herb-laced finish." Wine Spectator

Bright ruby red colour, open-hearted notes of cherry, raspberry and violet, paired with green pepper and cloves. Delicate on the palate, with a nice tang. Delicate, fine tannins, vivaciously supported by a fresh acidity structure with subtle extract sweetness, round off this incredibly authentic and juicy Tuscan experience. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is bright, floral and fruity, giving it great immediacy. Crushed flowers, cedar, tobacco and mint play with a core of vibrant Sangiovese fruit in this charming, medium-bodied offering from San Felice." Vinous

"A fresh and delicious Chianti Classico with a lightness and crispness. Sour cherries and light orange blossom. Light and beautiful." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico proves to be a versatile wine and a fundamentally food-friendly choice with lots of purple and blue fruits with hints of fragrant wild roses. The wine has a medium weight and plenty of fresh acidity that pairs well with cream or butter ingredients." Wine Advocate

"Cranberries, strawberries and orange peel with fennel and sage and a mineral note of crushed rock can be found on the nose and are repeated on the palate, where they come together in an elegant balance with firm but polished tannins and lively acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Intense notes on the nose, hints of black raspberries, with memories of mint and cinnamon from Valdostan. Juicy and spicy flavour, with a comeback of rowan and green pepper." Luca Gardini

Dark garnet red with beautiful reflections. Aromas of cherry, strawberry, eucalyptus, tobacco and spices. A wonderfully balanced wine of fruit, fine acidity and polished tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Barolo San Giuseppe is very bright and expressive on first nose with candied orange, wild cherry, iris root and powdered licorice. The wine offers a lovely experience and stays true to a classic Nebbiolo playlist. The tannins are dry with some powdery sensations too." Wine Advocate

"Fresh raspberry with flowers and hints of tar and asphalt on the nose. Medium body, firm and silky tannins and a firm finish. Give this time to soften." James Suckling

The 2019 vintage leaves no doubt about its origin from a top vintage in Montalcino. The fruit for Poggio Landis Brunello is harvested at altitudes of 200 to 300 metres above sea level. Interesting aromas of wild cherry, plum and crushed flowers. Taut, polished yet traditional character on the palate. It fits perfectly into the house style, which favours an elegant and less extract-rich approach. A highly sophisticated charmer across the board. SUPERIORE.DE

"This slender red wine offers a core of cherry and strawberry fruit interspersed with earth, tobacco and mineral accents. Stiff tannins take the lead on the chewy finish." Wine Spectator

"The Poggio Landi 2019 Brunello di Montalcino has a hint of teak or Indian furniture shop, which gives this wine a slightly exotic personality. To this I would add dark fruits, dried currants and sweet blueberries. It finishes with medium fruit weight and open knit tannins that give the wine accessibility." Wine Advocate

Ricasoli's amber-coloured Vin Santo shows aromas of honey, caramel, roasted nuts, vanilla and brown sugar. The flavours are silky and seamlessly integrated and flow together in absolute harmony on the palate. On the palate, this wine is rich with a high glycerine content that endlessly envelops the palate. A terrificVin Santo with breathtaking fruit intensity, precision and remarkable freshness despite its maturity! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barone Ricasoli 2014 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Castello di Brolio is especially sweet and soft in a vintage that is remembered for cool and rainy weather. You get lots of candied fruit, but you also get a fragrant whiff of rose oil or rosemary essence. I also notice a mineral side to this wine, with graphite or pencil shavings that square nicely against the fruit." Wine Advocate

Wonderful single-vineyard Nerello from the north side of Etna at an altitude of 750 metres. Cherry and small wild strawberries on the nose. Very clearly accentuated and fresh flavour, acidity and tannin in perfect harmony and well integrated. Long finish with impressive elegance and freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. On the nose, hints of mustard seeds, dried rose petals, raspberries, ripe cherries and delicately resinous tones, reminiscent of plaster on the finish. Hearty on the palate with tightly woven tannins, powerful, stony, with a polished red fruit final, currently still somewhat unbalanced." Falstaff

"Herbal and summer meadow scents accompany balsamic red and black cherries, while in the mouth it's earthy and floral, with a juicy sapidity of ripe red fruits, a soft, silky mid-palate and fine, integrated tannins. Vertical and elegant, it finishes with some lavender and milk chocolate on the finish." Decanter

"It has flavours of strawberry, orange peel, raspberry and chocolate orange, with some oyster shells. It is medium-bodied and flavoursome with firm, fine-grained tannins. Subliminal mineral restraint. It is just opening up." James Suckling

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo is dense and concentrated with volcanic tones of scorched earth and dark fruit. The wine has a bright primary side of crushed cherries and blueberries, and it fills out nicely across the palate thanks to the mid-weight texture of this supple fruit. Floral notes of rose and iris are also evident. This vintage has something to offer now, and it will offer even more for those who choose to wait." Wine Advocate

Le Baròncole Riserva captivates already in the bouquet with juicy fruit and stone fruit aromas and continues this beautiful impression on the palate. Cherry, sour cherries, blackberries, very juicy and powerful in appearance, fills the palate completely, but always remains lively and elegant. Silky, fine-grained tannins and a long, balsamic finish make you want to drink the next glass. Good substance. Good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"An opulent style, featuring ripe black cherry, blackberry and earth flavors, with hints of chocolate and spices. A beefy layer of tannins shores up the finish, yet this is also vibrant and long." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baròncole is fabulous. What a wine. The 2020 is by far one of the most impressive Baròncoles I have ever tasted. I find the purity of the fruit unreal. Rich and structured, with tremendous depth, the 2020 is developing into a jewel of a wine. Even in the early stages, all the elements are so well put together, which is especially evident when compared to the rather unruly 2019." Vinous

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baròncole (a certified organic wine) shows bright fruit with summer cherry and redcurrant. It offers textural heft and weight. Its Riserva status (with extended aging) is well noted. With time in the glass, it unfolds to leather, potting soil and crushed stone. This vintage does however show a more accessible personality overall." Wine Advocate

The "Fracia" vineyard has belonged to Nino Negri since it was founded in 1897. It lies at the confluence of several alpine valleys and the vegetation in this area is almost Mediterranean with lavender and rosemary. The result is a wine that is flavoursome and flowery with a characteristic, spicy aroma.

Intense ruby red colour with garnet reflections. Complex aromas of dog rose and violets on the nose, which develop into spicy notes such as rosemary and lavender. Dense, rich and with well-structured tannins on the palate. The well-balanced and fresh acidity leads to a long, very flavoursome finish. An alpine red that is already a pleasure to drink, but its complexity and power will really come to the fore with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour. Elegant hints of honey, rosehip and strawberries on the nose, some sage, peach, cold smoke. Beautifully polished and fresh on the palate, elegant, slightly creamy fruit, delicately flowing, fine pressure on the finish." Falstaff

"Raspberries, damp earth, herbs and orange peel on the nose. Medium-bodied with dusty tannins and an attractive minerality. Firm and persistent. Drink or store." James Suckling

"The Nino Negri 2019 Valtellina Superiore Valgella Vigna Fracia shows a bright ruby red colour, and although the bouquet is not as expressive as some of its peers, it opens slowly with notes of cassis, dried orange peel and sweet nectarine. The bouquet is characterised by red berries, fruit and a hint of wild roses and mountain flowers. It is delicate and light in texture. This wine is packaged in a bottle with a greenish-grey label that reflects the slate soils of Valgella. Give it a little more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

"Firm and chewy, this compact red opens in the glass, offering a tarry undertow, with flavors of baked cherry, medicinal herbs and white pepper, plus a touch of black licorice. Long and minerally on the finish." Wine Spectator

Deep ruby red colour, lush notes of cherries, strawberries and sweet oak spice, vanilla and black pepper. The Sangiovese gives the blend great freshness and is in perfect balance with the silky and soft tannins of the Merlot. Overall rich, but always elegant and with great persistence. A complex, excellently structured red wine in absolute Super Tuscan quality and produced in a limited edition of just under 3,000 bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

"A round, juicy and flavourful red wine. The nose shows notes of blackcurrant, cassis and sweet spices. It is medium to full-bodied with fine tannins. Fine texture with control. A lively core of juicy berries in the centre meets vibrant spices and herbs leading into the lively finish." James Suckling

"This wine is a lot of fun with bright cherry, pomegranate and chewy Jolly Rancher candy aromas. That combination adds to the brightness and richness of the mouthfeel. You gotta love this departure from classic Montalcino. This is not a terroir-driven wine, but it's a fun wine to drink nonetheless." Wine Advocate

Fantastic Cabernet that beautifully reflects the first-class terroir of its Umbrian homeland. Deep dark red, immense fruity scent of black berries, finest spicy aromas, a hint of toasted bread. Very concentrated and dense on the palate, lots of finesse and elegance, the new wood perfectly integrated, dreamlike sweet fruit extract, soft, juicy tannins and a brilliant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Marciliano shows dark and brooding in the glass, with a mix of blackcurrant, wild herbs and white smoke. The palate is silky and round with a polished feel, while ripe plum and hints of sour cherry give way to tobacco towards the finish. The grippy tannins assert themselves on the finish, but there is a pleasing burst of inner sweetness to balance it out, along with an aftertaste of primary concentration that promises many good things to come with further ageing. The 2017 Marciliano is a complete success from this warm and dry vintage." Vinous

"Made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Marciliano Cotarella shows signs of the very hot and dry growing season. You get plenty of profound, dark primary fruit with blackcurrant confit and candied cherry. The tannins are soft and sweet." Wine Advocate

Normally, the Sangiovese grapes from the 14-hectare single vineyard are mainly harvested in Ama and San Lorenzo. Since the 2018 harvest, Lorenza and Marco have decided to vinify a small quantity separately. Deep, dark ruby red colour with violet reflections. Extroverted bouquet of blackberry, raspberry and redcurrant, with notes of crushed gravel, tobacco and traces of young leather. Very powerful and beautifully textured on the palate, the various layers of primary fruit only gradually unfold, the wood pleasantly receding into the background. Finely granulated tannins and a well-integrated acidity flank this very harmonious red on an elegant, long final. There is a lot to like here, for us it is once again a typical Ama wine: racy, powerful and elegant! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with violet reflections. Very precise nose of ripe cherries and plums, some eucalyptus, undergrowth and juniper berries on the finish. Initially soft on the palate with a delicate fruity flavour, then with gripping tannins." Falstaff

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni is a bold, potent wine. Black fruit, leather, tobacco, grilled herbs, licorice and incense add to an impression of virile intensity. Ideally, readers will cellar this for a few years. It’s a serious wine that needs a bit of time." Vinous

"Flavours of black cherries, dark mushrooms and some lemon zest follow through to a medium body that finishes long and energetic." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni is a broad and rich expression of Sangiovese, offering concentrated blackberries, plums and velvety tannins. The wine shows attractive accessibility and a generous, medium-bodied mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

Deep, dark ruby violet colour. Pugnitello impresses with intense notes of elderberry and blackberry, interspersed with subtle smoky notes, slightly peppery in the background. Juicy attack with a well-structured body, dense, gripping tannins, long and persistent with a salty component. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Pugnitello is a fascinating wine. It offers plenty of dark cherry fruit, plum, leather, coffee, liquorice and dried herbs and shows remarkable depth and concentration. There is plenty of tannin, but this is a Pugnitello after all." Vinous

"A rich and dense red, showing some toasted sesame from the oak with red chilli chocolate, dark olives, blackberries and hints of purple flowers and spice. Full and compact, with tonnes of fine-grained tannins rounding out the fruit. An outstanding Pugnitello. Drinkable now, but better after 2023." James Suckling

"This is a beautifully made wine and a special expression of one of Tuscany's great under-the-radar grapes. The 2019 Pugnitello prides itself on its dark concentration, soft ripeness, blackberry jam, earth, black truffle and crushed rose as a single varietal wine. The full-bodied mouthfeel is rich in extract but also soft, giving this wine a medium-term drinking window. In fact, it's preferable to drink this bottle until the 10-year mark, when the velvety primary fruit is at its best." Wine Advocate

"The nose starts intensely sanguine and almost metallic, like meat fresh off the grill, then lightens into sweet aromas of vanilla and gentler savory notes of earth and herbs. On the palate, a current of astringent fruit ties together the herbaceousness with that metallic quality, while a peppery heat blazes around unrelenting tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Cognos Barbaresco from the top Bordini vineyard is a centred and firm Nebbiolo that is one of the more powerful representatives of the appellation. However, it only reveals its great aromatic potential at second glance: Cherry, blackberry, hints of spice and a little freshly chopped mint. Then some speculoos, walnut, salty tones and tobacco. Acidity and tannin form a perfect symbiosis and at the same time the backbone of this impressive Barbaresco, which will give pleasure for many years to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Elvio Cogno 2020 Barbaresco Bordini is particularly powerful and powerful in terms of fruit. This expression of a hot vintage offers a medium fruit texture with a classic presentation of cherry, redcurrant, liquorice, blue flower and spice. It needs a few more years of bottle age, but we are not far from optimal drinking maturity." Wine Advocate

"A bright, well-defined red with aromas and flavours of cherries, strawberries, liquorice and wild herbs. Smooth in texture, it firms up nicely, with finely crafted tannins and a lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Attractive raspberries and cherries with a hint of roselle and red spices. Also some blood orange. Medium to full-bodied, polished and refined with compact tannins and a velvety texture. It is ripe but fresh, with a pure and lively red fruit character and a long finish. Attractive now, but even better after 2025." James Suckling

"Dusty red berries and raspberry aromas intertwine with chalky notes, creating an electric and energetic aromatic profile. The wine showcases fine yet firm tannins, displaying excellent structure with a core of tart red fruits today that will give way over time to more of the wine's savory and mineral characteristics." Wine Enthusiast