The Wine Advocate

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

Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Volpaia is a dark, powerful wine. Black cherry, smoke, liquorice, incense, mocha, menthol, lavender and leather give this virile, brooding Riserva plenty of character. The palate is very aromatic with sweet red cherries, cedar wood and nuances of blood orange, yet very powerful and multi-layered with terrific depth and structure. A dream for Sangiovese lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour with delicate rim brightening. Magnificent, complex nose, lots of small red berries, raspberry and wild strawberry, violets, subtly leathery. Elegant and very juicy on the palate, beautiful tension to peppery-spicy notes, ripe cherry fruit, vibrant acidity on the finish, powerful tannins in the background." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is terrific. Macerated dark cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, dried flowers and underbrush are some of the many notes that grace this super-expressive Riserva. The 2020 is a touch somber, but that only adds to its considerable allure." Vinous

"In the bottle with the black label, the organic 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva offers ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone. Achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season such as this. This wine is characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes it over the palate with good momentum." Wine Advocate

"Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones, following through to a medium to full body with compact tannins that are firm and finely grained. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish." James Suckling

Pale copper colour with amber and salmon hues, the result of prolonged maceration on the skins of the Pinot Grigio grapes (Ramato). Straightforward, precise nose of white stone fruit, sweet spices and vanilla. Clearly structured and forward on the palate with tart berry fruit, light cherries, wild mint and a hint of bitter almond. A salty nuance on the finish, light-footed, almost weightless and very animating. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright light orange colour with a sparkling reflex. Elegant and inviting nose of fine precious wood, hazelnuts, some apricots, plus orange zest and light spice. Great freshness on the palate, underpinned by a fine creaminess and substance, albeit somewhat alcoholic in the centre, rich and long. Has a lot of character." Falstaff

"The Pinot Grigio Dessimis 2022 has a copper-orange colour in the glass and a delicate floral note. Dried apricots, almond paste, peaches and a hint of mint characterise its bouquet. On the palate, it is soft and enveloping, almost juicy, with ripe fruit balanced by lively acidity and a noticeable minerality. The 2022 finishes long, colourful and lightly structured, with lingering hints of nectarine and spice." Vinous

"Opening to a mildly copper-tinged appearance, the Vie di Romans 2022 Friuli Isonzo Pinot Grigio Dessimis rests on the lees in barrique for nine months to produce extra textural richness and softness. This wine offers a very pretty bouquet with elegant hints of grapefruit, Pink Lady apple and dragon fruit. There is a hint of the exotic, but it remains very mild." Wine Advocate

This Riserva is only made available each year in very small quantities to hand-picked specialist retailers and top restaurants. Brilliant ruby red colour. Fine raspberry and floral notes dominate the spicy nose. Very juicy on the palate, tannins and acidity are well integrated. Riecines Riserva has length and suppleness right through to the long fruity finish. The elegance and fine melting texture are impressive. Once again, this is Sangiovese at the top level that Riecine is known for! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby colour. Elegant bouquet of ripe blackberry and ribes, with some cloves and white pepper behind it, complex. Harmonious on the palate, beautiful alternation of lively acidity, fine-grained tannin and precise fruit, long." Falstaff

"Youthful carmine red colour. Beautiful, mineral, stony nose with notes of leather and brooding fruit. Juicy, compact and fruity on the palate, with finely chiselled tannins. A very appealing whole that still deserves plenty of time." Jancis Robinson

"The nose is herbaceous, savoury and floral with aromas of earth, moss and wild strawberries. A cascade of berries crashes across the palate, while edgy tannins and ample acidity accentuate undertones of dark chocolate and salt, with a latent heat blazing in the background." Wine Enthusiast

"A refined, balanced and seductive red wine with flavours of cherries, dried flowers, wild herbs and exotic spices. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Refined texture with focus and a juicy core of wild berries that brings vitality and freshness to the flavourful finish." James Suckling

"In the bottle with the copper-coloured wax capsule, the Bio-Riecine 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva shows rich or almost crunchy red fruit. The mouthfeel of the wine is much improved thanks to its medium weight and silky tannins. The wine has a slight stiffness, which is good for it now, especially when served with red meat, and which also makes it suitable for ageing in the cellar. Riecine is one of the most representative wineries in the Gaiole subzone." Wine Advocate

"It already shows an exquisite clarity of wild strawberries, raspberries, coriander and mint blossom, and although it comes across as slender, it has sufficient concentration. It captivates with its vibrancy and graceful flow; the structure blends insidiously with a structured tannin train. Very nice." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is a dark, brooding wine. Sour cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, menthol, liquorice and dried herbs are enhanced in this powerful, strong Gaiole Riserva. Bright mineral notes round off the whole in style. Give this wine a year or two to develop." Vinous

"From the usual, careful selection of the farm's best plots. On the nose, notes of redcurrant, with a hint of eucalyptus and cinnamon and nuances of laurel. On the palate, it is juicy, with spicy tannins, a return of small red fruits and balsamic flavours." Luca Gardini

Montebello is a sophisticated blend of Mammolo, Ciliegiolo, Pugnitello, Colorino, Sanforte, Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo, Fogliatonda and Sangiovese. Each grape variety is harvested and fermented separately in open Liters barrels with indigenous yeasts and manual racking. A captivating bouquet of dark cherries and earth, with notes of cinnamon, tar and grilled herbs. The defined tannins are accompanied by a beautiful acid wire. A wine with great character and beautiful structure that changes with every sip. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive, juicy red wine with fine tannins and a firm structure. Medium-bodied, bright and racy, with notes of ripe cherries and redcurrants and a spicy aftertaste." James Suckling

"Here's a wine that offers you a full dose of Tuscan grapes. The 2019 Montebello (with only 4,000 bottles) is an IGT blend of Mammolo, Ciliegiolo, Pugnitello, Colorino, Sanforte, Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo, Foglia Tonda and Sangiovese. This expression is an attempt to protect some of the lesser known grapes of the region. The mouthfeel is characterised by a subtle sweetness, and the wine offers ripe notes of sour cherry, redcurrant and pomegranate pulp." Wine Advocate

"Our Barolo (Classico) has been a successful synthesis of the various characteristics of the Massolino vineyards for over 70 years. Thanks to traditional ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels, we preserve its pure and unadulterated identity and its complex flavours." Franco Massolino

Traditionally vinified Barolo from the estate's best vineyards. Brilliant ruby red colour. Complex, spicy bouquet of liquorice, tobacco, dried flowers, violets and damp leaves. Very emphatic, firm and full-bodied on the palate. Its racy and forward style is flanked by tangible, robust tannins. Finishes with a fine sweetness, elegant and long. The already undisputed high level will continue to develop in full beauty over the next few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby-red colour with rim brightening. Phenolic nose with eucalyptus, light mint, followed by redcurrants and sweetish elements. Complex, structured palate, full-bodied and juicy with phenolic spice and freshness, retronasal again eucalyptus, beautiful drinkability with firm tannins, long final." Falstaff

"Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Rich fruit on the nose with a hint of gingerbread. A spicy cherry unfolds with air, albeit still a little restrained. Smooth, soft cherry fruit with super-fine, long, crisp tannins. A beautiful wine." Jancis Robinson

"Opens with aromas of crushed red fruits and a bouquet of laurel, balsam and sandalwood that slowly rise from the glass. On the palate, it is round and beautifully soft, the tannins making it immediately accessible. A savoury backbone is brightened by hints of orange peel and clove, creating an approachable yet complex profile that can be enjoyed now." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright and vibrant red fruit character with dried flowers, stones and a hint of tree resin. Medium-bodied, clean and concentrated on the palate, with fine tannins and a linear finish. Shows freshness and balance. Polished. Best from 2027, but already a pleasure to drink now." James Suckling

"Showing elegant richness and a velvety consistency, the Massolino 2020 Barolo ages in large oak botti for 30 months. Elegance is underlined in this wine that shows wild berry, dried blueberry and a sweet touch of lilac over a medium-dark finish. The wine's texture manages to be direct and linear but generous at the same time." Wine Advocate

Pale straw yellow with golden reflections. Ripe herbal aromas, tonic, sweet lemon, grapefruit and apricot on the nose. Juicy and penetrating on the palate, with a delightful floral lift and energy that leads seamlessly into the long, complex finish with a savoury bite and pronounced minerality. A beautiful, distinctive single-vineyard Falanghina in a class of its own. SUPERIORE.DE

"This light- to medium-bodied white has a subtle, pleasing fleshiness to it, with mouthwatering acidity sculpting well-knit flavors of melon, persimmon, almond skin, verbena and fleur de sel. Delivers a light, honeyed overtone that lingers on the spiced finish." Wine Spectator

"Green melon, candied lime, freshly sliced Granny Smith apple and crushed stones form a captivating bouquet as the 2022 Falanghina Via del Campo comes to life in the glass. It is soft and supple, with a mineral note at the forefront, enhanced by vibrant acidity, while tart fruit and citrus keep the tension high. The 2022 finishes crisp and refreshing, yet remarkably long with a concentration of sour melon lingering around the cheeks. There is great potential here. The Via del Campo shows the best characteristics of this ripe vintage and a minerality that perfectly balances the expression." Vinous

"Clean floral aromas with notes of yellow peach and apple and a hint of almond. Medium-bodied with a salty freshness on the palate and a long finish with more lemon peel and zest dressing the firm, dry-mineral texture. A Falanghina of the highest calibre." James Suckling

"From the vineyard of the same name in Piana dei Greci, in Mirabella Eclano, partially vinified and fully matured in French oak barriques, this is a sophisticated, multi-layered and complex wine. White melon, a hint of lemon peel and sage on the nose, crisp and savoury mouthfeel, with a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

"A wine like this makes us appreciate a working grape like Falanghina anew. In the right hands, this indigenous grape variety with roots in antiquity can produce marvellous results with surprising nuance and elegance. This is what you get with the Quintodecimo 2022 Irpinia Falanghina Via del Campo. The wine shows a good texture and a slightly waxy note with hints of dried tropical fruit and grapefruit flavours coming from the grape skins. A third of the wine is aged in oak, which also contributes to the flavour and texture of this wine. On the scale of Falanghina wines, it shows much more fruit weight and depth." Wine Advocate

Feudi's Riserva Piano di Montevergine is only vinified in outstanding years. The wine has a very impressive concentration and great richness in every vintage. Dark and brooding on first impression, it slowly awakens in the glass with a captivating blend of menthol, mint and exotic spices that evolves with a lively note of cinnamon-dusted redcurrant. This velvety-smooth and elegant wine appears heavy at first, but is quickly enlivened by a core of vibrant acidity and zesty citrus notes that embellish the tart black fruits. The tannins on the finish are sweet and chalky, while notes of wild red plum and blood orange keep the tasterer coming back for more. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with garnet reflections. Ripe fruit of plums, heart cherries and bay leaf on the nose, underlaid with cedar wood, tobacco leaf and cardamom. Very polished and straightforward on the palate with gripping tannins and a very spicy final." Falstaff

"Aromas of juicy red cherries, baked strawberries and sage. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Fresh and juicy on the palate with beautifully balanced red fruits. Subtle length. Charming." James Suckling

"The hot and dry 2017 vintage may be too much for most Italian appellations, but for Irpinia it is one of the best harvests. This Riserva comes from the village of Taurasi. Its dark purple colour and dark fruit profile with cassis and cherry are complemented by an aftertaste of dark chocolate, pistachio and sweet tobacco. The palate is compact with taut, chalky tannins and fresh fruit flavours and shows great balance at this stage. However, it lacks a little complexity, although it will develop more layers as it ages." Decanter

"The Feudi di San Gregorio 2017 Taurasi Riserva Piano di Montevergine is one of Campania's flagship red wines and carries some of the heaviness and softness of this notoriously hot and dry growing season. The fruit comes from a beautiful site with volcanic sand and clay soils. This release is more open and approachable than some of the recent releases, which we have put aside for a long maturation in the cellar." Wine Advocate

For some years now, Matteo Catania has been holding back a few hundred bottles of his wines in the best vintages in order to offer them to his most loyal importers after a few years. From this "private reserve" comes Neromaccarj 2011, which is now - in spring 2023 - offered in small quantities with 8 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

Dark colour, beautiful bouquet of Mediterranean herbs and balsamic notes, ripe, fruity morello cherry and date fruit, rich in silky tannins, that's how it is, the magnificent and expressive Nero d'Avola single-vineyard wine Neromaccarj. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2011 Neromàccarj is the wine that, in my opinion, best encompasses the overall winemaking philosophy at Gulfi. Like the other Nero d'Avola selections presented, this wine boasts a super enriched and concentrated style. On top of black fruit and cherry marmalade, the bouquet offers Teriyaki, barbecue smoke and asphalt-like aromas. Neromàccarj presents a more balanced and complete picture because its large bulk is spread evenly in proportioned elements. In other words, the opulence of the bouquet is perfectly matched to the large footprint left on the finish." Wine Advocate

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

The project aims to highlight the link between the vines, the wines and their territorial origins. In this way, the Mastroberardino family wants to recreate the style of winemaking of the autochthonous grape varieties of Irpinia (Greco, Fiano and Aglianico) that took place between the end of the 1950s and the beginning of the 1970s of the twentieth century for the Taurasi and between the years 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 today impressively highlights the genuine character of the terroir, which by no means can be expressed by high concentration and intensity alone.

Stilèma Greco di Tufo Riserva is a blend of grapes from the Montefusco, Tufo and Petruro Irpino vineyards. During the cellar processes, special attention was paid to the malolactic fermentation and the ageing phase, which give the wine density and consistency. Pale straw yellow with greenish reflections. On the nose, notes of ripe fruit, lychee and grapefruit, yellow flowers, dried fruit and figs. Powerful but agile taste with a pronounced salty note, accompanied by a surprising freshness that gives it drinkability and finesse. It closes with a subtle and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich straw yellow with greenish reflections. In the nose of tropical fruits, lychee and grapefruit, in the aftertaste iodine, flint and slightly herbal, very complex. On the palate filigree, very salty and fresh, drinky, with draught, long and mineral final." Falstaff

"The 2018 Greco di Tufo Riserva Stilèma is rich and sweet-smelling, captivating with a tropical blend of green melon and exotic flowers. On the palate, it flows with a medium-heavy texture that feels silky and shows mineral fruit and savoury spices. The 2018 finishes with admirable depth and concentration, ending with a saline feel and notes of lime and liquid stones. While enjoyable, this wine is still very young and needs further ageing to reveal its hidden charms." Vinous

"Peachy piney notes at the start, evolving into more pronounced notes of fresh white grapes, yellow peaches and minerals on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, bright and concentrated. An interesting and refined Greco." James Suckling

"Here is a new wine from Mastroberardino, and what a charming beauty it is. The 2018 Greco di Tufo Riserva Stiléma takes advantage of the new "Riserva" status and offers us a glimpse into the age-worthiness of Greco. It is a white wine with a soft texture and medium-weight approach. The bouquet shows a filigree of lemon curd, pastry cream, saffron and wet stone." 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

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

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

"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

Prunotto's Barbaresco shows a strong dose of Nebbiolo personality and opens with balanced notes of dried berries, liquorice, tar and blue flowers. The ensemble is delicate and fresh. What makes this wine so attractive is the fact that it offers such a clear and unadulterated view of the grape, which comes across particularly well in this very attractive drop. The finish is full of elegance and silk. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Very fine nuances of redcurrants, raspberries and cranberries on the nose, some leather and floral notes of violets. Equally delicate fruit flavours on the palate, accompanied by elegant tannins and a long final with a fruity aftertaste." Falstaff

"The 2021 Barbaresco is a great wine to drink now and over the next few years. Crushed red berry fruit, cedar, spice, mint and orange peel are beautifully showcased in this ethereal, understated Barbaresco from Prunotto." Vinous

"Showing a light and luminous appearance, the Prunotto 2021 Barbaresco stands out for its focus, its finesse and its delicately sweet fruit tones. The wine is redolent of cassis, forest flower and peat moss, and there is a hint of tobacco that points to the wine's savory side." Wine Advocate

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

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