Veronelli

The Barbera vines for Sentieri are over 30 years old and grow at an altitude of around 300 metres on predominantly calcareous soils in the natural amphitheatre of Monleale. It is the complete opposite of an opulent, dense style. Sentieri has a wonderful Italian freshness and is 100% focussed on the primary fruit of the Barbera grape. It presents plenty of race and a personality that is elegantly restrained and very balanced. For us, this is Barbera in its purest form and here Walter Massa impressively proves that he is not only capable of top performance with the white Timorasso. And once again we are more than impressed by the excellent value of his wines. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep dark Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva with a beguiling aroma of dark red cherries and berries, earthy notes, grilled hazelnuts, spices and liquorice. "A mouthful of wine" in an incredibly appealing style. Spelt has remarkable concentration and outstanding length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Nose of graphite, ripe cherries, wild berries, a hint of dried rose petal and rubber. Clear on the palate, with clear fruit and beautiful juiciness, shows compact tannins, drinks even better slightly chilled." Falstaff

"The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Spelt is dark and earthy in the glass, with undergrowth and crushed stones giving way to black cherries and spice. This is round and silky in feel, with ripe wild berry fruits and spices that cascade throughout. Plum and medicinal blackberry linger as the 2020 tapers off long, lightly structured, yet relatively fresh. Well done." Vinous

"Very cedary on the nose at first, so give it a swirl to allow the rich red fruit and floral notes to give you a proper introduction to this full-bodied and solid red. The cedary element is present throughout, but there’s plenty of fruit to counter it. Firm tannins kick in midway and give some astringency to finish, which will smoothen with some more time in bottle." James Suckling

Dark ruby red colour. La Bandina is a parade Valpolicella from a single vineyard with a very complex, nuanced bouquet of small wild berries, cherries, liquorice and tobacco. The palate is fresh, balsamic and warm-hearted with a dark bouquet of forest fruits, chocolate, coffee and plum. The long finish has a very balanced acidity-tannin structure and impressive depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is delicious! The tannins are like silk; there are wonderfully harmonious threads of oak subtly and deeply woven into the fabric of the wine, bringing flecks of spice and long, dark lines of liquorice and hints of dark chocolate to contour the lush, juicy dark red cherry fruit; the finish is minty, peppery and cool. There is so much to explore here, but the heartbeat of this wine is the soaring, deliciously fresh fruit. The fruit is mesmerising. This is how Valpolicella should taste." Jancis Robinson

"I like the hint of green cardamom to the ripe red fruit on the nose, which carries through to the medium-bodied palate that brings in a hint of fruit toffee. Quite low tannin, so you can enjoy this Valpo now." James Suckling

"The 2020 Valpolicella Superiore La Bandina exudes a tantalising blend of crushed wild berries, lavender, chalk dust and a hint of roasted meat. It is a model of purity, with crunchy wild berries underlined by salty minerals and accompanied by a savoury acidity. It finishes long and savoury, leaving rosy, floral notes and a layer of fine tannins that frame the experience without slowing its momentum." Vinous

Rosso Falerno del Massico presents itself with an intense aroma of black raspberries, cloves, rosemary and a hint of camphor. It fills the palate with soft, fleshy textures and ripe red berries, contrasted by salty-mineral tones and nuanced tannins. The finish is long and lightly textured, with a hint of violet-coloured floral notes. This is yet another fine vintage of Villa Matilde's Falerno del Massico Rosso, made mainly from Aglianico with a small proportion of Piedirosso. SUPERIORE.DE

Sparkling garnet red colour. Pronounced aroma of berries and spices. Dense and full flavour with a fascinating balance between fruit and tannin. A complex red with a gentle but persistent finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, dark ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Redcurrant and orange peel on the nose, with a hint of cinnamon stick. Juicy on the palate with pleasant acidity and taut tannins, built on fruit in the medium finish." Falstaff

In contrast to the past, this full and fragrant Barbera is now matured to a greater extent in large oak barrels - and less in barriques. This favours the softness, fruitiness and suppleness of this wonderful wine. Tre Vigne means that the grapes come in equal parts from the top vineyards Mosconi, Ginestra and San Pietro. Deep, dark ruby red in colour. The bouquet has a fine aroma of sour cherries and violets, the full and soft flavour has a pleasantly fresh acidity that enhances the long drinking pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep crimson. Intense nose. And really nicely balanced. Very well-managed tannins. Bitter cherries but fine texture and the 15% alcohol is not evident at all."

"Ripe, somewhat toasty nose, with brooding black fruits. Good fruit concentration, structure and intensity with candied, ripe and fresh plum flavours. The fresh acidity is balanced by moderate tannins. A long finish that is very bright and youthful." Decanter

"The Domenico Clerico 2021 Barbera d'Alba Trevigne is a particularly fruit-driven wine with blackberries, dark plums and spices. Winemaker Oscar Arrivabene says that this is a very good year for Barbera. The wine feels lush and soft on the palate and goes well with cheese-filled pasta." Wine Advocate

"Intense ruby red colour with a violet hue. Ripe plum and blackberry on the nose, followed by pepper and tobacco. Juicy start on the palate, great tension, refreshing acidity, polished tannins, animating, subtly salty final." Falstaff

The "I Giganti" line, with its three wines, represents Contini's top collection. In white, rosé and red, they pay homage to the large statues that were discovered in the 1970s in the archaeological site of Mont'e Prama, just 2 km from the Cabras pond. They were farmers working the fields with their ploughs, bringing to light the precious treasures of the past. These sandstone figures were called "giants" because of their considerable size. They represent brave warriors, symbols of strength and courage.

I Giganti Bianco, an exciting cuvée of Vermentino and Vernaccia, is a straw-coloured wine with beautiful golden notes. It is characterised by excellent intensity and finesse, followed by present notes of white spices, some chamomile and Mediterranean scrub. It has a great structure and is also highly appreciated for its freshness and longevity. SUPERIORE.DE

Wonderful cuvée of Greco and Fiano. An opulent potpourri of passion fruit, peach and honeydew melon on the nose. Not too heavy on the palate, but rather prancing and elegant with a wonderfully fresh structure. Beautiful balance, complex and full-bodied finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here's a fun and versatile non-carbonated white wine to bring chilled to an al fresco lunch. A blend of equal parts Fiano and Greco, the Montevetrano 2022 Core Bianco has a lean approach with enough texture to support fragrant apples, honey and white currants. The wine's flavour palette is very nice, and the best part is the salty or mineral end note that adds a spark of energy." Wine Advocate

"A beautiful blend of Fiano and Greco, offering rich flavours of ripe fruit salad as well as notes of pressed flowers and minerals. Medium-bodied with an intense palate, including a phenolic note that gives it a structured feel." James Suckling

"The 2022 Bianco Core wafts up from the glass with a rich blend of peach preserves and confectionary spice, complicated by a hint of candied lime. This is soothingly round with a core of saline minerality to balance, as a core of zesty acidity enlivens tart orchard fruits. The 2022 tapers off with a tart lemon-pith concentration yet is also remarkably fresh, leaving nuances of mint to fade slowly." Vinous

Fine Sauvignon Blanc from grapes grown on limestone gravel soils in Kurtatsch and loamy sandy soils in Völser Aicha. Rich flavours of elderflower, gooseberry, green pepper, sage and mint. An elegant wine, pleasantly mineral, fresh and juicy with well-balanced acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wafting aromas of honeydew, pressed white flower, beeswax and lemon zest define this pretty Sauvignon Blanc. The palate is bright and fresh with loads of mixed citrus notes that evolve into white peach. It finishes with a distinct mineral note reminiscent of chalk." Wine Enthusiast

"The Sauvignon Blanc Turmhof 2021 emerges from the glass with a musky blend of peach and nectarine with a lemon flavour. It is silky smooth with ripe citrus and salty minerals that fade into savoury florals. The 2021 finishes fresh and with admirable length. A salty note and a tropical hint of sour melon let it slowly fade away." Vinous

Medoro's famous top-quality Montepulciano Adrano, which elegantly and typically spreads a fine fruity aroma. The taste is led by a rich fruit that is excellently embedded in a full, deliciously spicy structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Adrano lifts up with an alluring display of crushed black cherries, sweet spices, violet florals and a hint of vanilla bean. This is silky and elegant in texture, contrasted by brisk acids and balsamic-tinged black fruits. Fine tannins linger, framing the expression nicely as the Adrano finishes savory with tart wild berries and minerals." Vinous

"The Villa Medoro 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane Adrano shows a classic aromatic profile with dark fruit tones followed by leather and mild tobacco. This wine ages in oak for 12 months, and the impact of that wood emerges mostly in terms of the rich and slightly dense texture of the mouthfeel. Those contrasts between dark fruit and oak spice are nicely played, and they are perfectly suited to a rib-eye steak." Wine Advocate

The barrique-aged Is Solinas, which was vinified for the first time as a Riserva from 100% Carignano in the 2014 vintage, is remarkable. Deep red in colour, an independent, delicately spicy bouquet, hints of red fruit and balsamic notes. The palate reveals an astonishing fullness of extract, dense, soft, harmonious, complex and long-lasting. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, ruby-red centre with a brightening rim. Warm and inviting on the nose with savoury fruit of plums and cranberries, plus black olive paste. The fruit also takes centre stage on the palate, with firm tannins, juicy and fresh through to the finish." Falstaff

"Lively and silky, this juicy red reveals a beam of raspberry coulis flavours. Finely balanced, with good weight and focus on the palate, yet light on its feet. It offers an underpinning of fresh loamy earth and details of dried lavender, milk chocolate, ground aniseed and pepper that add complexity and linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Slate and dried berries with undertones of walnut, bark and mushrooms. Full-bodied and multi-layered with plenty of fruit and intensity. Juicy tannins and chewy texture, but it's polished and very pretty. Better in a year or two, but already excellent now." James Suckling

Syrah and Petit Verdot form the basis for an exciting cuvée with which the Chia family once again demonstrates its great talent for the wines of Tuscany. Deep dark garnet red. On the nose, an unexpected cornucopia of dark, smoky fruits, plus spicy herbs, multi-layered and deep. Impressive texture on the palate, we find spicy notes of raspberry, a salty vein and invigorating acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Romitoro is packed full of balanced pleasure. It’s dark yet also rich and spicy, with blue-toned florals giving way to currants, worn leather and smoke. This is elegant and plush on the palate, with masses of tart wildberries energized by zesty acidity while giving way to inner rose perfumes. The 2020 finishes with amazing length and potency, as it leaves a staining of liquid lavender and sweet violets. The Romitoro, a blend of Petit Verdot and Syrah, is showing beautifully today." Vinous

"Strawberries, red cherries, bark, walnuts, cedar and chocolate orange on the nose with hints of truffle. Medium-bodied with firm, chalky tannins. Focused and flavorful." James Suckling

"The 2020 RomiTòro is a blend of Petit Verdot and Syrah, and it does a terrific job of capturing the exuberance and jovial qualities of sunny Tuscany. The wine shows layers of candied cherries, crème de cassis, sweet almond paste and even a touch of crushed mineral or aspirin. This is creamy and rich in texture, with lots of plump primary flavors and absolutely no rough edges." Wine Advocate

Vibrant dark fruit, minerals, rosemary, menthol and spices are just some of the flavours that flow harmoniously in this wine. The balance and elegance of this red are simply exceptional - from the first sip to the final. SUPERIORE.DE

Palazzotto is the name of the two hectares of vineyard where only Cabernet Sauvignon is grown. Fausto Maculan vinifies a fine wine from these grapes. A pronounced, very multi-faceted bouquet of dark ripe fruit, cassis and nuances of fine spices and violets. The fruity flavour is full-bodied and soft, with a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Maculan 2018 Breganze Cabernet Sauvignon Palazzotto makes a bold statement thanks to inky dark fruit, thick ripeness and dense extraction with black fruit flavors framed by lots of sweet oak. This full-framed red has an almost exotic quality with teriyaki or barbecue spice." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Palazzotto is spicy in the glass: cedar and ground ginger give way to dusty roses and redcurrants. It is elegant yet refined, with creamy textures lifted by vibrant acidity, while a wave of mineral-tinged wild berry flavours lightly wash over the palate. The 2018 leaves a tart note of citrus and raspberry and subtle, grippy tannins that frame the wine without slowing its momentum. Although it is already showing very well now, this wonderfully balanced version of Palazzotto should improve even more with medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"Ripe dark fruit with notes of walnuts, cedar wood and spices. Some leafy flavour. Medium to full-bodied with lots of firm, creamy tannins and a deep core of ripe and crunchy dark fruit. Velvety and long-lasting, with a firm, spicy finish." James Suckling

Dark ruby red with elegant shimmer. Intense and appealing nose with delicate spicy notes, opens up after some time and then dark notes of wild berries and some undergrowth predominate. Very dense, with continuation of the spicy notes already found in the nose, well integrated with lots of fruit, which lets the wine rest weightily with a long final on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby. Opens on the nose with balsamic notes of eucalyptus, lots of blackberry, some clove. Full-bodied and soft on the nose, unfolds with lots of savoury tannin over the course." Falstaff

"The nose on this wine has the quiet elegance and confidence that usually takes more age to realize. It gives aromas of leather, graphite, sandalwood and pepper before nutmeg, dried currants and other spices and dried fruits come through. The palate is energized with an iron-rich current of raw meat and bricks, lifted by a sizzle of acid and heat." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of plums, black cherries, blackberries, tomato leaf, dried herb and spice box. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. Rich and fleshy on the palate with a lots of black fruit. Flavorful finish." James Suckling

Francesco Ricasoli, the likeable and ambitious owner of Castello di Brolio, brings out the elegance and finesse as well as a marvellous depth of fruit in his wines. Rocca Guicciarda Riserva is a soft, silky wine. Dark ruby in colour, it has a rich, open bouquet of cherry and pomegranate, with a fine almond and tobacco note. A wine whose juiciness makes it a pleasure to drink early on, but whose flavour complexity increases enormously as it matures. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lightly cooked plums and sliced oranges with some caramel on the nose. Medium body, fine and silky tannins and a delicious finish. Polished and ready." James Suckling

The DOC Cortona, which has existed since 1999, is famous for its single-varietal Syrahs and Merlots, whose vines thrive on the pliocene clay soils. Since 2006, the Carletti family has also been involved in this hitherto relatively unknown appellation, and their Merlot Il Violas is now known beyond Italy's borders and has many fans.

Dense, dark ruby colour with violet reflections. The bouquet is an open-hearted bouquet of black berries, sandalwood, rosemary and fine spices. The texture envelops the palate, warm, intense and rich after dark fruits, chocolate, plum and redcurrant. In Violas is an attractive, generous and deep red that almost calls out for a Bistecca Fiorentina and gives great pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure, saturated flavors of black cherry and blackberry are framed by toasty oak in this fluid red. Vibrant, with a light coating of tannins, this is elegant overall. Lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Charcoal, black olives, roasted red peppers and dark plums with some dark chocolate and cedar character. Fine-grained and silky tannins on the palate, with a medium to full body and a long, layered finish. Shows length, depth and polish. An outstanding merlot that shows typicity." James Suckling

A Quo is the entry into the sensual world of Montepeloso. A fresh, daring wine from younger vineyards. Round and velvety, clean and fruity, this blend of five grape varieties combines the virtues of Montepeloso and Fabio Chiarelotto's high standards to the finest. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 A Quo is a fabulous introduction to these wines. Bright, punchy and vibrant, the 2021 offers up an exciting mix of red fruit, blood orange, rose petal, mint and cinnamon. Montepeloso's entry-level estate offering is a winner." Vinous

"The 2021 A Quo, made mainly from Sangiovese and smaller proportions of Malvasia Nera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano, Marselan and Alicante Bouschet, offers intense scents ranging from blackberry to dark rose - like one of those deep purple flowers you see in a flower shop. It has a dense texture and a solid structure." Wine Advocate

"A firm and silky red wine with blackberry and blueberry character and a hint of cream. Medium-bodied with polished tannins and a fresh finish. Racy and refined on the finish." James Suckling

The vineyards in Gaiole and Greve form the core of the blend, with a hint of fruit from Radda. On the nose, floral aromas and red fruits in the super-classic, medium-bodied style that is so typical of the Querciabella style today. Rose petals, lavender, mint and sweet raspberry fruit take centre stage. Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Enormous density on the palate, firm fruit body, with great youthful, fresh temperament, paired with a certain finesse and elegance. Finishes long with notes of juicy red berries, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine has a fresh character with ripe cherries and raspberries as well as dried flowers, bark and stones. Polished and structured with medium body and lively acidity. Focused and fresh with chalky tannin structure and a linear finish with notes of citrus and minerals." James Suckling

"This red is precise, offering cherry, raspberry, rose, iron and tobacco flavors fused to a steely, dense and vibrant structure. Balanced and intense, building to a long aftertaste infused with fruit and mineral notes." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico 2021 is fabulous. Bright and powerful, with great resonance, this wine shows how convincing the vintage is. harvestwill find a Chianti Classico of dynamic energy and volume. Dark red cherries, purple fruit, lavender, rose petals, spice and a gentle kiss of French oak lead into a lush, vibrant finish. Outstanding." Vinous

"A hint of smoke and terracotta pervades dark raspberries and blackcurrants, while the heady rose slowly intensifies. Taut tannins blend seamlessly into the supple fruit fabric. This wine has such a pristine quality and vibrates with sparkling energy." Decanter

La Bella Estate (The Beautiful Summer) is named after a work by Cesare Pavese. Deep golden yellow in colour with an opulent aroma of candied fruit, nutmeg and vanilla. Warm and full on the palate, always emphasising the floral sweetness of the Muscat grape with an optimally balanced acidity.

This Moscato Passito is the result of over 20 years of experience. "Over time," explains the president of the company, Piero Quadrumolo, "we have managed to find an optimal balance with the aim of obtaining an aromatic wine with the clear varietal character of a Moscato that is not too broad or boring and also has good acidity." Today, just 15,000 bottles are bottled per vintage, most of which are delivered directly to the haute cuisine of Piedmont. SUPERIORE.DE