Veronelli

Syrah Suisassi is rich and expressive. The bouquet convinces with aromas of sage, rosemary, wild flowers, liquorice, violets and plums. On the palate very full and round with memories of berries, chocolate and nuts. Elegant and intellectual. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and explosive in the glass, the 2015 Suisassi has a lot to offer. A blast of heady blueberry jam, crème de cassis, leather and pepper notes emerges as this big, tannic wine gradually starts to open up. The 30% stems add quite a bit of savoriness without dominating the wine's balance. This is very nicely done, especially within the context of the year." Antonio Galloni

"The blackberries and cloves are intense on the nose with licorice and hints of eucalyptus, too. Full body, extremely fine tannins and citrus rind undertones. Tight and composed. I love the length." James Suckling

This great wine is only released for sale nine years after the harvest: The slow drying of the fully ripe grapes gives this cru its immense strength and density as well as its extraordinary character with powerful ripeness, fruit fullness, beautiful concentration and great elegance. On the palate, Bertani's Amarone demonstrates freshness, noble lightness and great dynamism. An exciting wine and for decades probably the most classic Amarone - the archetype, so to speak - of the entire appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, very intense ruby colour. Opens with light mineral notes, followed by preserved cherries and rich red berry fruit, with fine blood orange in the background. Very precise attack and finish, elegant cherry fruit, grippy, dense tannins, opens up in many layers, fine enamel, already easy to drink, very juicy, great development potential." Falstaff

"Medium garnet red colour. There's so much going on here on the nose! Fruit and dried spices. The next time I'm in an Indian restaurant with a good wine list, I want to try an Amarone. Really very complex and exciting. So fresh and clean! Dry finish. So different from the commercial Amarone norm. Really quite exciting." Jancis Robinson

"The 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico takes its time to open up in the glass, slowly evolving with a rich blend of crushed black cherries complemented by dusty purple flowers and exotic spices. The palate is silky smooth but with cooling minerality and vibrant acids that give an energetic feel, while a saturation of red fruits and fine tannins emerge towards the finish. The 2012 finishes lightly textured with an echo of balsamic spice and bitter cocoa notes still lingering - a fantastic and truly harmonious rendition of Bertani's Amarone Classico." Vinous

"This wine is pure in its fruit, earnestness and joy. It opens with aromas of vibrant red plum, macerated red cherries and raspberries followed by cocoa powder, oolong tea and dried violets. Each sniff of the glass brings a new aroma. The wine is earth-driven on the palate, with tobacco and dried red and black fruits blending well with mixed herbs, savory spices and elegant tannins, all leading to a fresh acidity that makes the wine pop on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Wow, what a complex bouquet, with a base of dried cherries that is spiced up with a hint of mild coffee and walnuts. There are also dried flowers, wild herbs and spices such as tarragon and cloves. Subtle hints of dried banana and apricot. The palate is full-bodied, very smooth, intense and balanced, with firm, spicy tannins that drive everything forward. Long, long finish. It's nice to taste it now, but this wine, already almost ten years old, will be in your cellar for a long time." James Suckling

Pinot Noir, which originates from France, has been cultivated in South Tyrol since 1850. The best sites, low yields, meticulous care and perfectionism in the cellar guarantee a fine, extremely sensual Pinot Noir with considerable ageing potential. In his constant search for perfection, cellar master Hans Terzer presents the fourth edition of the Pinot Noir Riserva "The Wine Collection" this year.

Notes of sour cherry, redcurrant, rose petals, minty herbs and floral undergrowth. On the palate, it impresses at this youthful stage with ripe red and light blue berries, mineral underpinnings and bright acids that slowly mingle with savoury spices. A layer of fine tannin lingers and flexes the wine's structural muscles, even if the core of ripe primary fruit remains firm. With just 3,300 bottles, this is a real rarity and one of the great Pinot Noirs of South Tyrol every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Expressive and dark berry, rich nose, of forest fruits and ripe cherries, some mint, also of malt, complex, comes back on rich cherry. Great structure on the palate, with polished, tightly woven tannins and savoury acidity, plus fine precious wood, powerful, long. Can still spend some time in the bottle." Falstaff

"Opulent and inviting, with a nose of cigar box, leather and coffee, then the palate is laced with blackcurrant, cola and spice." Decanter

"The 2019 Pinot Noir Riserva The Wine Collection presents a smoky blend of wild berries, peppery herbs and flowers. It has a soft texture and a pure style, with red fruits and lavender tones layered over a core of zesty acidity. The wine finishes on a spicy note, while the savoury acidity leaves the mouth watering and a hint of liquorice slowly fades." Vinous

"A wonderful Pinot Noir from South Tyrol that shows excellent depth and complexity. Dark cherries, berries, dried roses, forest floor and dark mushrooms. On the palate, chalky tannins with fresh acidity and fruit. Juicy, firm and very long and airy on the finish." James Suckling

"This is a bright and vibrant expression of the Burgundian grape variety from Alpine Italy. Pinot Noir Riserva The Wine Collection 2019 shows bright berry fruit, candied orange peel, pressed violets and a sweeter note of rye bread or honey muesli. There is a hint of cinnamon or cardamom on the finish." Wine Advocate

Cepparello is one of the great varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Brilliant ruby red colour. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed, enveloping flavour, which provides a perfectly measured acidity framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and full of finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby colour with a slight violet hue. Opens with fine spicy notes, some cinnamon, then plums and chocolate. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, crisp and fresh, fine tannins, very long-lasting, supple and juicy on the palate." Falstaff

"Attractive red and dark berries with dried flowers, nutmeg and cocoa powder. Also dried orange peel and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied, taut and consistent with fine-grained, slightly chalky tannins. Polished and even with a lingering finish. Try after 2026." James Suckling

"Expressive and lush from the start, this red wine displays aromas and flavours of cherries, strawberries, roses, orange peel, minerals and Tuscan herbs." Wine Spectator

"The Cepparello 2020 is soft and supple and elevates the Sangiovese in a way that only Paolo De Marchi can. This is his penultimate vintage before he retires and sells this historic winery. The wine opens with a medium to full concentration of dark plums and redcurrants. These segue into sweet spices, earth, crushed stone, rusty nails and candied orange peel. Give the wine more time to develop in the cellar. It has a strong alcohol content of 15%." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Cepparello is a total stunner, just as it was last year. Deeply colored, layered and explosive in the glass, the 2020 possesses striking textural richness and overall intensity. Black cherry, graphite, plum, spice and lavender flesh out effortlessly. There's tremendous pedigree and sheer stature here. Cepparello is surely one of the wines of the year." Vinous

Podernovi is San Polo's great single-vineyard Brunello. Ruby red colour with light garnet reflections. On the nose, floral aromas of violets, cyclamen and jasmine, notes of fresh fruit and spicy notes. In the mouth, round, full of harmony and with a good structure and acidity, as well as very soft tannins that show excellent persistence overall. A wine of almost endless length, depth and with a distinct character that lingers in the memory. SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex bouquet of cherries, leather and dried flowers; harmonious texture, acidity and tannins in balance, long polished final. To wild boar with polenta." Vinum

"Powerful ruby with a fine garnet rim. Opens with notes of mint and ginger, juicy cherry, a little resinous in the background. Dense and compact on the palate, shows lots of fresh, red berry fruit, gripping tannin." Falstaff

"Aromas of forest floor, grilled herb, camphor and pipe tobacco mingle on the nose of this full-bodied red. The firm, elegantly structured palate offers juicy Marasca cherry, red currant, licorice and coffee bean. Tightly wound, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity grip the close and lend an ageworthy structure." Wine Enthusiast

"A tight, chewy red with plums and berries, together with orange-peel and dried-flower undertones. It's full with fine tannins and a long, floral finish. Very reserved now." James Suckling

"A mix of wild herb, Tuscan scrub, rose, cherry and earth flavors mark this sleek red, which tiptoes between elegance and power, with a layer of chalky tannins underlying it all. With air, the ripe cherry and plum fruit comes forward." Wine Spectator

"Delicately perfumed and finessed, the San Polo 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Podernovi is very floral and lifted in personality. This vintage is very different than the inaugural 2015 vintage. I remember the previous release for its darker and blacker quality of fruit. This cooler vintage is more lithe and lighthearted, with building aromatic intensity that unfolds with caution and care. Once you've had the wine in your glass, it reveals a succession of sour cherry, wild rose and fresh lavender bud. There are light mineral dustings as well, and the wine is ultimately quite solid and structured. This bodes well for its aging evolution. Fruit comes from a two-hectare parcel in a cool and high position some 450 meters above sea level. The soils are clayey with schistous Galestro." Wine Advocate

One may wonder whether Luigi Moio is a professor wearing a winemaker's hat or a winemaker wearing a professor's hat. His vintage presentations are academic in tone, his tasting room is run with the rigour of a lecture theatre, and his vineyards are planted according to criteria that only a mathematician or scholar could fully understand. Quintodecimo's winemaking philosophy, on the other hand, is relatively simple. The best vineyard sites are selected for each individual wine. Soils, sites and microclimates are researched with great care. Nothing is taken for granted.

The Grande Cuvée Luigi Moio is the house's new top white cuvée and a carefully thought-out blend of Fiano, Greco and Falanghina, with the blending ratio varying depending on the vintage. It only comes onto the market after 14 months of bottle ageing. The idea was to create a "super-bianco" that represents the best of southern Italy, and the result is magnificent. About 60% of the wine is fermented in oak barrels and the blend is regularly stirred on the lees. The wine has a velvety, rich texture with silky fruit weight and lingering flavours of summer peach, quince, acacia honey and fragrant tuberose. All this beauty is framed by etched notes of saltiness or crushed shells. This is an outstanding achievement and raises the bar for Italian white wines! SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex flavours of rockmelon and peach together with floral and slightly honeyed notes, leading to a medium-bodied palate with very good concentration and focus. A slight phenolic element adds structure and makes for a long finish that ranges from fruit to tangy honey and salty minerals. There's a lot going on here." James Suckling

"This classy version delivers mouthwatering acidity, with zesty hints of pink grapefruit peel and grated ginger, plus tangy salinity. Offers focused flavors of nectarine, white cherry and Marcona almond, showing great energy and expression. This white’s vibrancy is held in fine restraint, with a deft and delicate mesh that expands on the creamy palate and lingers through the elegant finish." Wine Spectator

"Baked apples and pears combine with sweet mint, camomile and a hint of vanilla as the Taurasi Grande Cuvée 2021 unfolds in the glass. Silky and elegant, it washes over the palate in perfect harmony, while salty minerals combine with candied lime and zesty acidity. The sour melon and tart green apple are full of tension and depth. The 2021 finishes with remarkable length. It is simply stunning and full of potential. The Grande Cuvée is a blend of 40% Greco, 20% Falanghina and 40% Fiano, which matures for eight months on the lees in a combination of 60% new barriques and 40% stainless steel." Vinous

"I have described this wine in the past as a blend of the "three graces", and this analogy comes to mind again. The Quintodecimo 2021 Irpinia Grande Cuvée Luigi Moio offers the playful nature of the first grape variety, the texture of the second and the vertical lift of the third. This is the total package from Campania, and it's a wonder that more winemakers aren't experimenting with Campania white wine blends. This limited production shows tropical tones, pie crust, custard, honey and fragrant white flowers. At first glance, the wine is dense and compact, but it needs more time in the bottle to develop and open up. This is a beauty." Wine Advocate

A great Barbaresco, destined for long ageing: Garnet red, concentrated and powerful aromas of red berries, freshly cut flowers, mint and tobacco. The flavour is also bursting with power and richness, but still has a captivating purity, immediacy and elegance, the framework of which is formed by the beautifully integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Barbaresco Gallina has a slightly sweet side that is reinforced by the warm sunshine of the summer season but also from the oak aging. There is ripe cherry and cassis along with spice and cured tobacco. The wine is open-knit and quite accessible in terms of mouthfeel. This Barbaresco is pretty much ready to drink straight out of the gate." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Barbaresco Vigneto Gallina is terrific. Brilliant and focused, with mid-weight depth, the 2020 impresses with its poise more than anything else. All the elements are so well balanced. Dried flowers, spice, herbs, mint and licorice open with a bit of coaxing. As is often the case, the Gallina is quite understated in feel." Vinous

"Ripe raspberries and cherries with flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied with firm and chewy tannins that are fine-textured with a long and focused finish. Needs three or four years to come together. Pretty." James Suckling

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three microlocations, which will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. The range of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione now includes, in addition to the famous Castello di Brolio, three cru sites (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% planted with Sangiovese. They differ in structure and taste in close correspondence with their terroir and impressively demonstrate the complexity of the Chanti Classico region.

The grapes of Colledilà come from the soils of Monte Morello. The 7.6 hectare single-vineyard plot was planted in 2002 on very rocky soils rich in calcium, clay and organic matter. These characteristics give this wine its sharpness and concentration, promising long ageing in the cellar.

Ripe, dark cherry fruit and blackberry aromas, followed by tar, liquorice and potting soil. On the palate, a fine earthiness, cherry and plum, plus finely knit and slightly sweet tannins. The dense fruit and pleasant acid wire the Sangiovese provide the necessary freshness. Masterfully composed! SUPERIORE.DE

"Finely chiselled site wine from the extensive vineyards around Castello di Brolio, with a lot of polish and yet also underpinning: convincing the balanced nose with fine fruit and floral notes, discreet mineral nuances; on the palate supple and yet with great future, the tannins finely spun and of great length. Convinces with its elegance and storability." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby with a slight garnet shimmer. Shows fine ripened fruit on the nose, of plum, blackberry and dark cherry, slightly earthy notes in the background, of black truffle. Firm pressure on the palate, unfolds with dense tannin, smooth at the core, after wild raspberries, good tension." Falstaff

"Focused cherry, plum, menthol and spice flavors permeate this dense red, which is vibrant and firmly structured, with the menthol and spice notes echoing on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"This is sensational, with ultra fine tannins that melt into the wine. Such intense and beautiful fruit with cherries, peaches and lightly candied cherries. Some citrus, too. Very soft and creamy with wonderful polish. Beautiful center palate and a lovely finish. A song in the bottle. A little tight now. Hard to wait, but give it two or three years to open." James Suckling

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà is the most complex of the single-vineyard Gran Seleziones, as it often is. A wine of notable aromatic breadth and dimension, the Colledilà is wonderfully nuanced from start to finish. Crushed rocks, sage, blood orange and smoke infuse the 2018 with notable character. Once again, the Colledilà is quite distinctive." Vinous

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

"A rich, fresh red wine with a fragrant attack of tar, singed sage and loamy earth notes that fades into flavours of plum pudding and dried raspberries. The fine, chalky tannins give it a supple structure and the aromatic profile remains intact on the finish." Wine Spectator

"This is a flavoursome and smooth red wine with an array of sour cherry, mushroom, nutmeg and white pepper on the nose. Medium to full-bodied with well-integrated tannins and a flavoursome, spicy finish." James Suckling

"The Carignano Riserva di Santadi is very original and unpredictable and a wine that should be drunk at least once in a lifetime. A multi-faceted bouquet, notes of pomegranate, with nuances of wild myrtle, paprika and dandelion. Crisp and taut on the palate, with excellent density and a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

Palafreno 2019 is wonderfully polished and lively. Firm but well-integrated tannins form the backbone for a Merlot that is endowed with considerable energy. Spicy herbs, tobacco and wild flowers add complexity. Very nuanced on the palate, opulent to expressive, then at second glance supple, downright elegant. Almost unbeatable in complexity, depth and richness of finesse, it will reveal more and more of its first-class repertoire in the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with purple and opaque core. Very spicy on the nose, with dark berry fruit, cherries, blackberries, a hint of sealing wax, cassis and a fine fleshy component. On the palate hearty, compact and balanced, spans the palate with great dark berry fruit, shows noble resinous notes in addition, very exciting and juicy, great length, put away." Falstaff

"This is very polished and structured with a finesse to the tannins which spread across the palate. It’s full-bodied with fine fruit and a driven finish. It needs three or four years to soften and open." James Suckling

"The 2019 Palafreno, 100% Merlot from Greve's Ruffoli district, is stunning, not to mention one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted here. Silky, plush and exceptionally vivid in the glass, the Palafreno possesses breathtaking beauty that captivates all the senses. At this early stage, the 2019 is all primary dark fruit, but the layers will start to open with cellaring. Readers who can find it should not hesitate. It's a real head turner." Vinous

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family has for the first time vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione to reflect the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiòla.

Vicoregio 36 is the successor to the ambitious Mix 36 and, since 2017, a true Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. As a result of 50 years of research, 36 biotypes of the Sangiovese grape were planted on a sunny plateau near Castelnuova Berardenga, from which this extremely interesting and independent wine was created a few years ago. The overall impression is very balanced and straightforward with hints of red cherries, spices, dried blueberries and tobacco. It is the warmest and most balanced of the three Gran Selezione wines. Its intensity, richness of colour and precise fruit instantly captivate the Sangiovese lover. SUPERIORE.DE

"Raspberry-scented seducer with floral and herbal notes; flattering on the palate, silky tannin, embedded in fine acidity, ends long and fresh. Pleases with its elegance and no-frills style. Among the best cuts of Viennese beef cuisine." Vinum

"Bright ruby red. In the nose initially marked by rich noble wood, then after blood orange and fresh raspberries, pink roses in the finish. Compact and with clear fruit on the palate, shows itself polished and radiant, pithy, minimal afterdrying in the final." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red with orange reflections. Brooding and with the faintest suggestion of gingerbread and sweet oak. In this youthful state, the palate is similar to that of the Castello di Fonterutoli Gran Selezione of the same vintage, but this is slightly richer and with firmer, if polished, tannins. Enormous length. Monumental and far from finished." Jancis Robinson

"Mazzei's expression of the Vagliagli commune comes from a vineyard planted with 36 different Sangiovese biotypes, the result of 50 years of research. At an altitude of 350 metres, it is the lowest of the winery's three Gran Selezione sites and also the most expansive and supple. It leads with mocha, dried cherry and balsam wood and wears its oak well. The purity of the red berries shows on the palate with toasty flavours. This wine is full yet gracefully structured, with appetisingly integrated acidity." Decanter

"This classy red boasts a core of ripe, juicy plum, cherry and blackberry fruit framed by a subtle touch of new oak and a mineral underpinning. Reveals refined tannins, which should come into the fold over the next five to seven years as this integrates fully. Shows terrific balance and length, with finesse and complexity." Wine Spectator

"This is the third vintage in which this wine has the Gran Selezione designation. The fruit comes from an experimental vineyard at an altitude of 350 metres with compact clay soils (with some stones for loosening), good aeration and a dominant southern exposure. The property is 12.5 hectares and was acquired in 1997. Following the graceful 2018 vintage, the Mazzei 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Fonterutoli Vicoregio 36 shows medium-bodied concentration and sweet tannins with plenty of dark fruit, spice, scrub and wild mint." Wine Advocate

"A very straightforward and fine Chianti Classico with crisp cherry fruit and a hint of minerals. Medium body. Crisp and lively finish. Closed and dense on the mid palate." James Suckling

Ceretto's single-vineyard Barbaresco Bernadot plays up its elegance and graceful personality. From the fruit of a 4.8-hectare, organically and biodynamically farmed site in Treiso, planted at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level, this pretty Barbaresco unfolds very specific aromas of wild berries, spices, liquorice and iron rust. These aromas are also essential components of its classic Nebbiolo game on the palate, as is its light and silky texture. Barbaresco Bernadot is very straightforward, finely spiced and with a supple personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium dense ruby garnet. Clearly marked nose with notes of sour cherry, some thyme and coriander seeds. Very precise in attack and course, opens with fine-meshed tannin, builds well, pithy and firm on the final, sweet melting on the final." Falstaff

"Youthful-looking mid ruby. Rather closed on the nose and pure and concentrated fruit on the palate that is still a little embryonic and with firm but truly ripe, complex tannins. The finish is breathtaking, with perfect balance. Simply gorgeous." Jancis Robinson

"Dried herbs, sour cherries, peaches and fresh mushrooms on the nose. Some cedar, too. Succulent and medium-bodied with fine, sleek tannins. Bright and well balanced." James Suckling

"Ceretto planted vines in Bernadot (400 metres above sea level) in 1997 and 1998. The nose shines for its elegant notes of earthy strawberry, fresh violet and a restrained bloody character. The attack is savoury with pomegranate fruit to the fore. It's full and ripe in terms of tannic structure, despite the extraction, with crisp acidity and a dusty finish. A wine full of delicacy but not without structure for the long haul. One to follow." Decanter

"A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barbaresco Bernardot is dark, fleshy and wonderfully nuanced. Soft contours and silky tannins give the 2019 its racy, super-inviting personality. The Bernardot is usually a potent Barbaresco, but in 2019 it is all finesse, all the way. Rose petal, mint, dried cherry and cinnamon linger in this super-expressive Barbaresco from the Ceretto family." Vinous

"The organic Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco Bernadot shows a broader character and a more open-knit personality compared to the Asili. There is a lot of dark fruit, spice, truffle and earth to frame the medium-build of this elegant wine." Wine Advocate

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family has for the first time vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione to reflect the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiòla.

Badiòla is the historic name of a vineyard in the municipality of Radda, whose grapes have been vinified separately as Gran Selezione by the Mazzei family since the 2017 vintage. Bright ruby, a restrained but clear nose of wild berries, blue flowers, undergrowth, and hints of dark pepper. On the palate, Badiòla is masterfully balanced, almost weightless. The very well integrated tannin makes it seem supple from the first to the last glass and impresses with a long finish - its elegance is great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Homely bouquet of wild berries, spices and tobacco; harmonious on the palate, fine-grained tannins, accentuated acidity, stylish finish on notes of maraschino cherries and pepper." Vinum

"Medium ruby red with orange reflections. The most compact of the winery's three Gran Selezioni. Elegant, soft fruit that is less baroque than elegant. Long, tangy finish of raspberries and cherries with supple but long tannins." Jancis Robinson

"A juicy and ripe wine with freshness and brightness for the Radda zone in Chianti Classico. Medium-bodied. Spicy. Orange peel." James Suckling

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Fonterutoli Badiòla is a refined and elegant wine with precise aromas of cherry, blackberry, spice, earth and pressed violet. The six-hectare site consists of a mixture of slate Galestro soils and sandstone. The mineral signature is beautiful in this wine." Wine Advocate

"The great Gran Selezione of Mazzei, from three different Sangiovese clones and a mass selection. A wine of great gustatory-olfactory impact, with notes of berry jam, wild mint and gardenia, with iodine sensations. Iodine on the palate too, with a fruity-floral return and flavourful compactness." Luca Gardini

Rich, deep dark ruby red colour. The bouquet opens with dark cherries, blue flowers and earth. The tannins are taut, almost crisp, and the wine offers a deep pedigree and persistence that is carried by the distinct acidity. This depth is what stands out the most. Since 2016, a small part of the wine has been aged in clay amphorae, which has resulted in an even more elegant and refined Flaccianello. As always, it deserves a top place among the pure Sangiovese from central Tuscany and connoisseurs are giving it time to develop further. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red in colour. Opens the nose with rich earthy tones of ripe plum and ripe Amarena cherry, slightly reminiscent of rum pot, with a walnut and mint finish. In the mouth with balsamic-earthy tones, shows a lot of tannin and grip, then great juiciness in the back, still needs to come together, put it away and forget about it for a few years." Falstaff

"Classic Supertuscan from the Conca d'Oro of Panzano: Enchanting with notes of stone fruit, undergrowth and leather; the entry is dense and yet with finesse, the tannins powdery, the acidity invigorating, also mineral-salty in the further development, in the aftertaste multi-faceted and noble." Vinum

"The Flaccianello della Pieve 2020 is a blend from the Fontodi vineyards, especially from the three main vineyards planted on sites with very dense and heavy rock. Dark, supple and inviting, the 2020 is so expressive today. Black cherry, plum, spice, lavender, liquorice and mocha merge seamlessly in the glass. The 2020 is a fine Flaccianello with a bright future. The majority of this assemblage comes from three parcels on the upper slopes near the town centre." Vinous

"This pure red is sophisticated, complex and balanced, permeated with black cherry, blackberry, violet, mineral and spice aromas and flavors, with tannins that are present yet refined and well-integrated. The fruit persists from beginning to end, defining the finish." Wine Spectator

"The Flaccianello della Pieve 2020 is the complete package. This becomes clear when you taste all the other wines in the Fontodi portfolio and finish with this bottle. This organic Sangiovese shows a beautiful intensity and remains balanced throughout with dark fruits, gravel, spices and wild roses. It picks up on the themes of elegance, depth and maturity that run throughout the vintage. The wine gently envelops the palate with considerable fruit richness and sweet tannins. This expression of a warm vintage can be cellared or savoured straight away." Wine Advocate

"Very floral with sage and liquorice in the berry and dark cherry aromas, leading to a medium body with fine and silky tannins that run the length of the wine. Very crisp for a Flaccianello. Lively on the palate." James Suckling

A few years ago, Pio Boffa, who has sadly since passed away, bought himself a "small" present for his 60th birthday. Not a new set of golf clubs, a picture to hang in the hall, a holiday for him and his family. No. Just a vineyard called Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba, a region of Piedmont where four generations of the Pio Cesare dynasty were never able to gain a foothold. Originally, the grapes from the 10-hectare vineyard were intended to enhance the quality of his classic Barolo, but after the first barrel samples, Pio Boffa realised unmistakably that this would be at least an equal - albeit stylistically different - counterpart to the hitherto undisputed flagship Ornato.

Mosconi is more light-footed than Ornato, the nose is dominated by red rather than black fruit, with an irresistible liquorice and a juiciness that will immediately put it at the top of the entire appellation. On the palate, it has a precision that is unrivalled; it is less powerful than Ornato, but more elegant and subtle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby-garnet colour. Mysterious nose, initially of cold black tea, then delicate earthy notes, then mint, cinchona bark, then delicate wild berry and raspberry fruit in the second area. Shows a lot of tannin and pressure on the palate, builds up like a pyramid, noble earthy tones on the finish, lingers for a very long time." Falstaff

"Mid-to-deep ruby with orange tinges. Less exalted that the Parusso version but with the same perfumed undertow and with savoury, minerally and oaky hints. Totally seductive palate of succulent, round fruit spiked with gripping tannins." Jancis Robinson

"This red wine with its cherry and raspberry fruit is ripe and lively, with a solid basic structure. It gains depth with notes of iron, liquorice and tar, while a salty note emerges on the long, intense finish. Ripe, with a sense of restraint - a fascinating combination." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barolo Mosconi is a great wine from this vineyard. Rich and explosive, the 2019 offers plenty of Mosconi intensity along with the more classic sense of structure that is now a signature of the house. Dark red fruits, sage, blood orange, tobacco and cedar all come through beautifully in this dramatic, full-bodied Barolo." Vinous

"The Pio Cesare 2019 Barolo Mosconi offers the structure and length of a Nebbiolo from Monforte d'Alba. You also get a salty mineral tone or rusty iron framing a core of wild berries and blackcurrants. The Mosconi always strikes me as very straightforward and direct, and this particular sharpness is what I like most about this vintage." Wine Advocate

"Macerated raspberries combine with wild roses and crushed chalk in this evocative wine that captivates from the first sniff. Mixed cherries emerge on the palate, dusted with aniseed, liquorice and savoury herbs, with superfine tannins leading to a long finish that I wish would never end." Wine Enthusiast

"Cru Mosconi, the house's latest acquisition, a perfect snapshot of the Monforte terroir. Dogwood on the nose, with notes of pink grapefruit and clove, in the mouth with iodised tannins, crisp and exciting, beautiful finish." Luca Gardini

"The flavours of blue fruits such as raspberries and blueberries are very pronounced. Liquorice. Crushed stone. Violets. Full-bodied. So noble with ultra-fine tannins that last forever. Wonderful depth with cool and concentrated fruit. A lively and sophisticated wine with power and finesse. A classic." James Suckling

Luce Brunello is dark and impenetrable, as always in its more international style. On the palate, it delivers ripe and round fruit flavours of blackberries and plums with plenty of opulence, power and race. The comparatively warm year of 2017 has been superbly parried and we have here once again a wonderful Sangiovese interpretation very much in the style of the Frescobaldi family with wonderful melting, impressive length and suppleness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multi-layered bouquet with forest fruit aromas spiced up with nuances of bitter chocolate, spices and roses; the attack is promising, the tannins tightly woven and well integrated, mineral facets, the finish full-bodied, fruit and elegance in perfect symbiosis." Vinum

"Elegant bouquet, very polished of the skilfully modern kind. Juicy but precisely worked out dark cherry, juicy plums, behind them sweet spicy notes of tobacco, mocha and cedar. Precise on the palate with polished enormously juicy fruit with lots of detail, sweet carpet-like but quite polished tannins, spicy fruity final." Weinwisser

"Nougat, coffee, dark fruit, elderberry, some plum, prune too; blueberry on the palate, clay grip, polished international style, clear and precise." Meiningers Sommelier

"Rich ruby with brightening garnet rim. Fine, rich, dark cherry, plus plum fresh from the tree, some tobacco in the background. On the palate beautifully elaborated fruit of cherry and raspberry, then opens up with grippy tannin, embedded in sweet melting." Falstaff

"A classic style, floral, and very expressive. Intense in the mouth, with strong tannins wrapping the rich fruits, straw, and roasted coffee." Decanter

"The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Luce is an exuberant and flashy expression of Sangiovese. Just like the etched label design that features sunbeams, the wine radiates fresh fruit, cherry, spice, tar, licorice and grilled herb. The house style favors a contemporary and rich style of Sangiovese, and the wine's velvety approach is measured against the ample texture and fruit weight presented here. This warm 2017 vintage is well interpreted by the folks at Tenuta Luce." Wine Advocate

"The freshness and the floral aromas with citrus fruit and berries are startling for a 2017. The palate is full and extremely refined with elegant tannins and vivid fruit and orange-peel undertones. Racy and bright at the finish." James Suckling

The top wine from the winery of the same name presents itself in an exemplary manner and as a kind of reference for many other so-called Super Tuscans in the region. Deep ruby red in colour with light red reflections. Dark fruit, spices, herbs, some leather and a fine tarry note on the nose. The flavours then unfold powerfully and concentrated on the palate, yet it glides velvety with a wonderfully balanced acid-tannin ratio into a rich, well-proportioned and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful attack with notes of forest fruits and spices; combines character with elegance, the tannins are fine-grained and interact with the acidity, with a polished final and length." Vinum

"On the nose, sour cherries and blackberries roll around in earth and wild herbs, then spread out on the palate over flavours of vanilla, dark chocolate and espresso. Lively acidity and penetrating spiciness emphasise the earthy saltiness that Il Borro expresses in a unique way. Lush but refined." Wine Enthusiast

"The Il Borro 2019 Il Borro shows very good definition of each of its components. The Syrah brings freshness and lift to the bouquet. The Merlot is aged in botte grande to bring out an authentic taste of the variety with earth and soil. The Cabernet Sauvignon gives firmness and structure. Bigger oak casks are used to help mitigate the alcohol content that, in the case of this wine, comes in at 15%." Wine Advocate

"Fresh and floral with aromas of black cherry and lavender, leading to a medium body with well-integrated tannins that spread nicely across the palate. It becomes silky and beautiful. A hint of smoke and spice at the end. Crisp on the finish." James Suckling

Paleo Rosso - unmistakable Cabernet Franc and one of Bolgheri's most important wines, full of elegance and class. The name is unspectacularly derived from a weed that has long since been removed from the vineyards of Le Macchiole. Rich ruby red colour with violet reflections. Mint, white pepper, blackberry fruit and a hint of pomegranate on the nose. Finely melting on the palate with hints of tobacco and poppy seeds. Wonderfully structured and with a long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich bouquet, characterised by hints of iron, which combine with ethereal medicinal notes to create a recognisable signature. Tobacco, fir wood and dark herbs characterise the distinctive expression of this top wine. On the palate, it is gripping with an elegant structure, emphasising an expressive yet subtle spiciness, a real spicy orgy of exotic spices, cardamom, cloves and slightly smoky peppers. Cabernet Franc at its finest, eternally salty and savoury aftertaste. Great cinema." Weinwisser

"Intensely reflective ruby-purple colour. Opens on the nose with pronounced spicy notes of graphite and cedar, then black cherry, dark currants and white pepper. Grippy, gripping tannins characterise the palate, dark fruit components, with an emphatically spicy final." Falstaff

"Precise, with accents of herbs and peppers in the blackcurrant, black olive, iron and tobacco flavours. Shows subliminal vanilla and spice elements from the discreet use of new oak, which unfold with harmony and finesse on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Lots of black berries and black olives with blackcurrants and rosemary. Full-bodied, chewy and rich with intense tannins and a long, powerful finish. Muscular and taut." James Suckling

"Its aroma is a heady combination of leafy and cedar scents, saturated with vibrant graphite minerality, citrus fruit and liquorice depth. On the palate, this is supported by tremendous extraction and power, with firm, oaky tannins and a graphite aftertaste of astonishing elegance." Decanter

"The Le Macchiole 2020 Paleo is one of the best Cabernet Francs in Italy. It is very dense and richly concentrated, with an amount of dark fruit that can only be broken down by slow maturation in the cellar. Paleo is always a wine for the long haul. The oak needs time to integrate and focus. Even at this young stage, the quality of the tannins and the precise ripeness of the fruit are convincing. A hint of sweet cherry, exotic spice and dark chocolate ensure a long finish." Wine Advocate

"The Paleo Rosso 2020 is noble, elegant and wonderfully polished. Crushed flowers, spices and blood orange lend it brightness. The Paleo Rosso impresses with its medium-bodied structure and offers great depth. It has performed very well in the past. I assume that this will also be the case here, as the 2020 radiates balance from start to finish. The 2020 matured for 18 months in 100% French oak and 5% of the wine was aged in amphorae." Vinous

"A firework of pepper lights up the nose, from black pepper to green peppercorns and hot chilli. Undertones of flint and leather intensify the spiciness, while flavours of raspberry jam and vanilla provide balance. On the palate, the spiciness remains, with biting, assertive acidity, but a sweetness lingers, and a finish of chilli and chocolate ties it all together. Transcendent." Wine Enthusiast

Bricco della Bigotta smells of cherries, cinnamon, black pepper and a hint of tobacco. On the palate, great finesse and harmonious balance between acidity and alcohol. Lingers long with character and class. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby with a slight violet shimmer. Very intense and deep nose of dark wild raspberries and black cherries, in the background cinnamon and some red beet. Round and mouth-filling on the palate, showing lots of ripe cherry fruit, embedded in fine melting, unfolds elegantly and with persistence." Falstaff

"Aromas of baked plum, baking spice and mocha emerge from the glass. The bold, full-bodied palate offers cherry marinated in spirits, white pepper and cocoa alongside smooth tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Like all the Barberas from Braida in this flight, the alcohol content is recorded at a hefty 15.5% here, but the 2018 Barbera d'Asti Bricco della Bigotta shows a lot more ripeness, sweetness and rich concentration across the board. This expression is just heavier and denser. You sink your teeth into this red wine. There is oak spice and toasted cinnamon, and the wine carries extra fruit weight." Wine Advocate

Luce Brunello is dark and impenetrable, as always in its more international style. On the palate, it delivers ripe and round fruit flavours of blackberries and plums with plenty of opulence, power and breed. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and full-bodied, this juicy red shows aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and Mediterranean scrub, with hints of graphite, underpinned by muscular tannins that come through on the finish. Very balanced overall." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is generous and open in personality. It shows sweet cherries, dried raspberries, spices and fragrant roses." Wine Advocate

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Quite restrained on the nose, then opens up with notes of rose petals and tea, rich spicy components in the background. Firm and grippy on the palate, shows plenty of grippy tannin, substantial and structured, but still needs longer ageing." Falstaff

"A finely structured and concentrated Brunello with a complex palette of cherries, blackberries, dried roses, bark, liquorice and a hint of praline. Also iodine and oyster shells. Medium to full body with firm, very fine tannins. Nice texture and balance. Remains fresh and fine until the end. To be tasted from 2025." James Suckling

Scarrone Vigna Vecchia" has been certified organic since the 2019 vintage. Multi-layered aroma with notes of wild berries, chocolate and mint, lots of power, fruit and fullness on the palate, spicy-opulent final. A Barbera that can and should mature. The small edition of this exquisite extract from just under 1.4 hectares of vineyard is usually sold out in no time at all. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wow, this wine is all about concentration and power. This is due to several factors, including firstly the hot vintage and secondly the great age of these precious vines. Just remember that they were planted in 1918, during the final offensive of the First World War. The Vietti 2020 Barbera d'Alba Scarrone Vigna Vecchia has a deep black appearance and is certainly not shy about its thickness and density. The wine coats the palate with baked fruit and blackberry jam. This is an extreme expression of Barbera, but considering the nuances, the wine also shows very careful balance." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Barbera d'Alba Scarrone Vigna Vecchia captures all the magic of the old vines in this cru from Castiglione Falletto. Black cherry, plum, liquorice, incense, melted road tar and spices combine in a Barbera of unusual complexity, power and elegance. Again, the purity of the flavours is downright compelling." Vinous

"Concentrated aromas of black cherry, cinnamon, black tea and rosebud are found in the glass. The palate is a study in both richness of fruit and lifted elegance as the lush cherry and blackberry flavors set the stage but are then bolstered by the vibrant acidity and sweet and savory spices. It's well-balanced and supremely structured." Wine Enthusiast

Emanuele Pangrazi is probably Lazio's most ambitious winemaker at the moment. With his extreme planting density and radical yield restriction, he is following a path that is trend-setting for Lazio. After he had fundamentally analysed his terroir and also the climatic conditions, it was clear to him in 2006 that he would plant mainly French grape varieties here according to the principle of the great wines of the Rhone. In addition to his famous Cuvée Habemus (Etichetta Bianca) and the San Giovenale Rosso (assemblage from two vintages of Habemus), he also vinifies four single-varietal Habemus wines, but these are absolutely small.

Habemus Etichetta Rossa, with a production volume of approx. 1,000 bottles, is a pure Cabernet Franc of the absolute extra class. Deep dark ruby red. The bouquet is broad, complex and elegant with a balsamic carpet of graphite, cinchona bark, blood orange and rhubarb. As it progresses, notes of Mediterranean scrub, sweet spices and cherries open up. The palate is full, punchy and warm, the tannins are silky and the alcohol fully integrated. On the finish, those beguiling balsamic notes and sweet spices reappear. If you have patience, you will be richly rewarded with this rare exceptional wine! SUPERIORE.DE

Coltassala Gran Selezione is an impeccable representative of the royal class in Chianti Classico. The immensely fragrant bouquet shows black fruits, spices and ploughed earth. All the aromas are on the dark and spicy side, but the wine always remains fresh, dense, buoyant and very linear. Shows rich volume and a strong personality and precision. SUPERIORE.DE

"As always at this young stage, the wood notes accompany the fine and bright fruit; the strengths lie in the inner tension, the elegance, the solid style of the fine tannin and the eternal length. Confirms the upward trend of this great classic, which has been organically farmed since 2000." Weinwisser

"Charismatic attack of cherries and black pepper, delicately tinged with liquorice notes; the tannins youthful, the acidity perfectly integrated, plenty of richness and power through to the long complex final." Vinum

"The organic Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala 2019 is 95% Sangiovese with a tiny 5% Mammolo. The production is 9,000 bottles in this vintage. The wine shows medium fruit weight with a nice blend of creamy black fruits, Christmas spices and crushed stone or granite. The wine is both fruity and contemporary." Wine Advocate

"Bright ruby red. In the nose initially fine mint, some fruit tea, also fine liquorice, in the aftertaste of ripe blackberries and cardamom. On the palate with clear, radiant fruit, tense powerful tannin, also on the palate with ripe berry fruit, in the final with delicate earthy-spicy nuances, grippy." Falstaff

"Aromas of black cherries and citrus fruits with some graphite and smoke. Medium-bodied with firm, juicy tannins that are still chewy now but will soften with age. Racy and long on the finish. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"Lovely cherry, raspberry and floral aromas and flavours take centre stage in this graceful red wine. Lively and elegant, with well-integrated tannins and a long, supple, mineral finish. In about 5 to 6 years, this wine will be truly charming." Wine Spectator

"An exceptional Gran Selezione from Volpaia, sourced from the winery's historic vines and clones. On the nose, red raspberry, hints of rhubarb and juniper, then balsamic eucalyptus. Salty-sweet on the palate, with a fruity finish and balsamic notes, very long lasting." Luca Gardini