The 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

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

"The organic Gulfi 2017 NeroSanloré is packed dense at its core and offers a very true portrait of the Sicilian grape from a hot vintage. There is a lot of extra ripeness that is delivered amply across the wine's dark fruit flavors and its soft textural richness. Nero d'Avola is planted across three hectares in reddish sandy soils. Like other wines from this vintage, it delivers a front-loaded effect. In other words, you get a great deal of ripeness and aromatic intensity on first inspection, but the wine is ultimately milder and shorter in terms of finish. However you look at it, this is a versatile, fruit-forward Sicilian red." Wine Advocate

"Old tile and ripe berry with some flowers and nuts. Just a hint of dried fruit. Full-bodied with round, succulent tannins and a juicy and tangy finish." James Suckling

"The 2017 NeroSanlorè is the dusty, spicy and elegant beauty of the Gulfi Nero d’Avola range. The bouquet presents a beguiling mix of crushed stone, roses, incense and tart cherries. It’s soft and almost weightless in feel, hovering across the palate with a refined display of red berries and inner florals. A subtle coating of tannin lingers, but does not get in the way as this finishes with sweet minerals and hints of tangerine. Give the Sanlorè a year or two to come further into focus and flesh out a bit more. From the Gulfi crus, this is the vineyard closest to the sea, less than 700 meters away, and at only 10–15 meters above sea level, with vines growing in sandy soils. It is simply stunning." Vinous

On the classic bouquet, ripe cherry, tobacco and some damp earth. On the palate, first the pure Sangiovese feeling: beautiful small red berries, wild cherry, lively acidity. Then an impenetrable mesh of red and black fruits, which together with a fine web of tannins and minerals reveal more and more of themselves. Compressed and with each sip more open and present, the beautifully diversified taste components present themselves until they then lead into an aristocratically long and fresh finish with a hint of liquorice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Somewhat woody, also dried-vegetable to herbal and earthy, with air increasingly preserved-fruity scent of mixed berries and a little plums with cedary hints. Quite firm, positively implied marmalade-like fruit with more red components than on the nose, smoky and wood spice aromas, quite present, ripe, relatively friable tannin, some bite, ethereal spice on the palate, salty-mineral, persistent, a little herbal, gaining depth with air, very good, juicy and spicy finish with bite." Wein-Plus

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte is unobtrusive, bright and delicate in the glass, with white pepper, beautiful rose and nuances of dried strawberries. It coats the palate with soft textures and soothing ripe red fruits contrasted with savoury spices and inner herbal notes. The 2018 lingers long, showing balsamic nuances and salty liquorice, while gentle tannins do not slow down the momentum. It will be interesting to follow this understated beauty through to maturity." Vinous

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte shows medium-dark concentration and a savoury character with black spices, saddle leather and some distant hints of cured meat. I always associate Ugolforte with a more modern style of wine that brings spices, ripe fruit and soft tannins to the fore. This vintage offers all these qualities with a soft and approachable mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"This red wine features aromas and flavours of cherry, plum, thyme, sage and clay. Lively and firmly structured, with a salty undercurrent. An open wine with beautiful balance, fine energy and a long, resonant finish." Wine Spectator

"Excellent interpretation of the 2018 vintage from Tenuta San Giorgio, the last estate acquired by the ColleMassari group. We are in the south-eastern area of Montalcino, starting from a raw material of great crispness. Notes of blackcurrant on the nose, then laurel lashes and hints of blood orange peel. Iodine tannins on the palate, with a fruity finish." 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

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

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

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

Beautifully matured Cabernet Sauvignon that underlines its rich, fleshy fruit with graphite and liquorice aromas. Its broad, full and balanced flavour, polished tannins and fruity, elegant style build up to a long, balsamic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Rich pepper, cassis, cranberry, leather and undergrowth on the nose. Hearty and impetuous on the palate, stretches very powerfully over the tongue, gripping, with a rich pressure, balsamic touch and minimal dryness in the finish." Falstaff

"A vibrant, concentrated red, offering black cherry, black currant, iron, tobacco and spice aromas and flavors. Though dense, this is also fluid, with excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Olmaia has developed into a brand in its own right. The wine emphasises the potential of Cabernet Sauvignon in this part of Tuscany, an area where Sangiovese is grown almost exclusively. The 2016 Sant'Antimo Cabernet Olmaia reminds us of the importance of diversity in a monoculture, which allows us to better understand the potential of a growing area. This wine has a dark colour and a dense concentration of colour. It is certainly broad and full-bodied, but it transcends the senses with nuanced grace. Black and purple fruits segue into earthy tobacco, cured leather and dark spices. These flavours are particularly finely tuned in this classic vintage." Wine Advocate

Piandorino, the "entry-level wine" from Pian dell'Orino, represents its noble origins with great class. Light, bright ruby red in colour, with a beautiful bouquet of dark cherry, fresh plum, peppery notes and delicate vanilla tones. Juicy fruit on the palate, accompanied by a flattering woody note, finely balanced tannins and good length. This wine is fine and beautifully delicate on the finish. The grapes for Piandorino come from the estate's younger Brunello vines and around 3,000 bottles are produced each year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pian dell'Orino 2021 Piandorino has warm-vintage aromas of ripe fruit, cherry cough drop and grilled herb." 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

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

"Dark ruby red with violet. In the nose noble spicy note, after cassis and elderberries, carried by cloves and a hint of red pepper. Spicy on the palate with a slight peppery-animal note, very warm, has tension throughout and comes back juicy on the final." Falstaff

"The currant character is supercharged with wood and bark highlights. It’s full-bodied with lots of blackberry and blackcurrant undertones. Chewy and firm. Needs time to open." James Suckling

"The 2018 Maestro Raro is dense, powerful and rich. As always, Maestro Raro is a decidedly Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon. Black fruit, leather, spice and smoke are front and center. This burly Cabernet is a bit angular, but it certainly has plenty of character." Vinous

"This is an exacting and powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of Tuscany. The Fèlsina 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Maestro Raro always stands out in a crowd, and it definitely stands apart in this portfolio. The wine is sultry and rich in personality, sporting tightly wrapped tannins that will need time to soften and unwind. At its core, the wine shows concentrated black fruit flavors, but there are hints of spice, baker's chocolate and smoky tobacco that add to the complexity and the aromatic lift of the bouquet." Wine Advocate

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 star Oenologist's signature like no other! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright and lively on the palate, such beautifully expressed fruit flavours of raspberries and red cherries alongside a bright acidity that is so clean and precise. Joyful expression with hints of caramelised strawberries and fresh mint. So sharp but so well defined with a clarity on the palate that is beautiful. Not totally complex but a balanced, easy to enjoy wine with lots of life." Decanter

"The Giodo 2021 La Quinta, whose Sangiovese comes from the winery's younger vines, is bold and bright with cherry jam, raspberry syrup and tart aromas of blood orange and nectarine. The wine is easy to drink, with overt fruit and a reassuringly transparent personality. The finish is lean and fresh." Wine Advocate

"Beautiful sweet berries and plums with some cherries. Fir tree and other forest notes. Medium to full body. Round tannins and fresh acidity. Tangy and lively. Delicious right now, but it will age nicely." James Suckling

"Bright, elegant ruby red with a gently lightening rim. Fragrant, inviting nose of juicy cherries, rose hips, in addition fine noble spice, oranges, floral touch, dried violet, in the reverberation again on cherry juice. Exciting and juicy on the palate on entry, with dancing fruit and acidity, shows a nice arch to it, hearty and approachable, great Sangiovese!" Falstaff

"Smells intensely of stone fruit and fresh berries, flanked by herbal and sandalwood aromas; rich in tannins and mineral on the palate, the finish ells out on notes of wild berries, flowers and spices. Full-bodied yet with finesse." Vinum

The top-quality Vigneto Erchi Riserva comes from the small vineyard of the same name, which has belonged to Fattoria Selvapiana since 1998. The owners spent a long time looking for a vineyard whose terroir impressively demonstrates the complexity of Sangiovese in the Rufina region, making this wine a high-calibre addition to the famous Selvapiana collection.

Compared to Bucerchiale, Vigneto Erchi is somewhat more red-fruity and combines its power with wonderful finesse. The well-tempered bouquet has precise and well-defined aromas of wild cherry and redcurrant, as well as hints of blue flowers and earthy notes. Initially restrained on the palate, it gains volume and race with further aeration. Maturation in French oak provides a structure and depth that will give it a long life. Everything is just right here, the house's new top Sangiovese has found its place. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Selvapiana 2018 Chianti Rufina Riserva Vigneto Erchi is drinking beautifully right now, with a little hint of tertiary definition that goes a long way to add complexity. There is dried blackcurrant, spice, tobacco, licorice and a hint of smoked meat on this 100% Sangiovese. It reveals a mid-weight texture with an open-knit quality of tannins." Wine Advocate

"Purity of cherries and crushed stones on the nose. Medium to full body, racy tannins and a mineral, crisp finish. Nice structure, if a little austere now. Better from 2024." James Suckling

"Fattoria Selvapiana, one of the region's top producers, has described its 5-hectare Vigna Erchi as iron-rich soil in comparison to its legendary Bucerchiale vineyard. Exceptional elegance and a silky smoothness complement the bold character of the dark fruit. Although aged for 18 months in French barriques, there is no hint of oak on the palate, only its influence. The wine is a classic example of power and finesse, invigorating freshness and great length. The tannins remain polished and unobtrusive, even if you keep the wine in your mouth. It is a youthful wine, but its impeccable balance suggests a long life and glorious evolution." Decanter

Classic Rosso from the Langhe, made from 50% Nebbiolo and 50% Barbera grapes from the Ginestra and Bussia districts. Inviting, exuberant Barbera-influenced bouquet of raspberry jam, dark fruit, leather, tar and tobacco. Deep, plump and very inviting, drinky and opulent on the palate. Very accessible even at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Langhe Rosso Monprà 2020 is a blend of Barbera from old vines (planted in 1971) and Nebbiolo from Bussia Sottana. Juicy and expressive, with plenty of Nebbiolo nerve, the Monprà delivers the goods. Juicy black cherry, gravel, spices, menthol, liquorice, dried flowers and a hint of French oak all come together in this wine. The 2020 is a particularly beautiful edition of the Monprà." Vinous

"The Langhe Rosso Monprà 2020 shows lovely richness and concentration in this hot vintage with dried cherry, blackberry, spice and liquorice (both red and black). The flavours are up front, but the wine shows a streamlined mouthfeel to close gently." Wine Advocate

Bright ruby-garnet colour. Smooth and expressive on the palate, with sweet red cherries, blood orange, mint, wild flowers, cedar wood, sweet tobacco and aniseed. Very fine tannins on the palate, spicy, delicate and at the same time very rich and clear, with a long, balsamic final. Every year, Cascina Nuova is a prime example of how excellent Barolos can be produced at moderate prices. SUPERIORE.DE

"A beguiling bouquet of cherries, dried flowers and herbs; juicy on the palate with perfectly integrated tannins, striking acidity and a long final." Vinum

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Still a little closed and with savoury, spicy notes. Serious and complex, it opens slowly to red fruits with a hint of black pepper, but more mineral than fruity or sweet. Still very compact and closed on the palate. Really elegant and refreshing, with firm tannins accompanying the fresh fruit on the finish. Serious stuff." Jancis Robinson

"The Barolo Cascina Nuova 2019 is bright, exuberant and beautifully lifted, straight out of the gate. Crushed flowers, dried herbs, sweet red cherries, cinnamon, spices and candy rise from the glass. Light and medium-bodied, with plenty of vigour, the 2019 is an absolute delight. I really like its energy. The concise Ravera tannins are also handled well." Vinous

"Balanced and harmonious, this red wine offers flavours of cherries, raspberries, spices, minerals and chocolate, supported by a backbone of refined tannins. It becomes even more concentrated in the long, mineral and spicy aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The Cascina Nuova 2019 is initially somewhat reductive, but then opens up and reveals the freshness of lemon leaves, redcurrants and pomegranate as well as the aromatic depth of lemon thyme. The attack is very elegant, almost silky at first, then a little dusty on the finish with a light extraction. Possibly not too concentrated, but impressively good and graceful." Decanter

"This aromatic Barolo opens with wild red berries, fresh herbs and dried roses to create an aromatic lift that will captivate you. On the palate, it delights with light-footed, macerated raspberries dusted with spice, leading to a minerality of crushed chalk and fine tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Attractive primary flavours of crushed strawberries and stones follow through to a full body with fine and polished tannins and a lovely, fresh finish. Vibrant is a good word to describe this wine overall. Best after 2026." James Suckling

"The Elvio Cogno 2019 Barolo Cascina Nuova is the most accessible of the many excellent Barolos produced by this leading winery in the municipality of Novello. The fundamental value this wine offers is even more irresistible in a classic vintage like 2019. The wine opens beautifully in the glass and unfolds its aromas of redcurrants and wild berries. This is accompanied by varietal notes of liquorice, cola and camphor ash in a firm, medium-weight texture." Wine Advocate

"Brilliant garnet red with a ruby red shimmer. Rich raspberries and ripe plums on the nose, with a slightly smoky aftertaste and forest floor flavour. Fresh and juicy on the palate, with fine-grained tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"A Barolo of great freshness, with the proverbial cleanliness of Elvio Cogno, coming from the younger vineyards. Raspberry on the nose, with notes of peony and clementine peel, closed by hints of mint Valdostana. The mouthfeel shows iodized tannins, supported by citrus-floral return." Luca Gardini

Tasca was involved in Etna at an early stage and the latest result of this many years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante winery: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are filigree and profound, and despite their strength, acidity and tight tannin very elegant, rich in finesse and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine due to the altitude, soil and morphology of the historical lava flows. A high annual rainfall secures all water reserves for the soil, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the variety of aromas of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Pianodario plot is situated at an average altitude of 775 metres above sea level between the hamlet of Montelaguardia and Randazzo. It covers an area of about 8 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"One of three new single-vineyard wines introduced by Tasca's Tascante, the 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Pianodario comes from the western-most parcel located between Montelaguardia and Randazzo. These are relatively new vines, planted in 2010, in soils representing various lava flows, the oldest in 1646 and the newest in 1981. This is a bright and accessible wine with pretty tones of wild berry and dried pomegranate followed by candied orange and pressed violets. It will no doubt be exciting to follow this wine as those vines get, proverbially speaking, older and wiser. Some 5,000 bottles were made." Wine Advocate

Tasca got involved in Etna early on and the latest result of these years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante estate: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are delicate and profound, and despite their power, acidity and taut tannin, very elegant, finesse-rich and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine - due to the altitude, soil composition and morphology of the historic lava flows. A high annual rainfall ensures that the soil has all the water it needs, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the aromatic diversity of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Sciaranuova parcel is situated at an average altitude of 730 metres above sea level between the villages of Montelaguardia and Passopisciaro. It covers an area of about 4.9 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby and the most youthful looking of the four single-contrade wines of this vintage. Quite deep red-fruit nose with hints of bacon and a note of oak. This is the one that is the most obviously oaked. Wonderful succulent fruit with a bit of oak that supports rather than distracts. Serious grainy tannins and a little demanding and still a little rough, but extremely fine-perfumed fruit finish." Jancis Robinson

"Good full red. Deep musky, ripe red cherry and strawberry aromas are characterized by a mineral undertone. Then also mineral on entry, but turns just slightly tough in the middle and on the long back end that features similar flavors to the aromas. There's good sweetness here, and the stony nuances add further lightness of being to what is essentially a medium-bodied, easygoing red wine." Vinous

"Lovely nose of wild berry, autumn leaves and tar noted aroma. Crunchy red berry texture, grippy with soft woody notes." Decanter

"The 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova is made with fruit from vines planted in 2008 at 730 meters above sea level. This is a classic expression from Etna with an even dose of wild berry, rose, mineral and spice. This wine shows an attractive level of balance and harmony, and I am especially attracted to those distinctive volcanic or mineral tones that frame this delicate, almost fragile wine. This Etna Rosso is mostly aged in large Slavonian oak casks, but a small part goes into 300-liter tonneaux. This adds a bit more volume and girth to the finish. Production is 5,000 bottles." Wine Advocate