Veronelli

Tirrenico comes from the west coast of Tuscany. Rich, dark ruby red colour. Rich bouquet of dark fruit, maquis, stone fruit and some fig, hints of flowers and lavender. Fleshy and juicy on the palate, with a fine acid wire and subtle flavours of berries, dried flowers and coffee. The tannins are polished and the final is finely spiced with a full, round finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby red colour. Juicy, ripe blackcurrant and blackberry fruit on the nose, along with cocoa powder and espresso. Polished on the palate with a rich fruit centre on velvety tannins, supporting acidity, balanced and persistent." Falstaff

"Very attractive nose of cherry, blackcurrant, walnuts, iodine and graphite. Medium-bodied, firm and structured, with compact but very fine tannins and juicy fruit. Exciting and concentrated. Already delicious." James Suckling

The Chianti Classico from Tenuta Sant' Alfonso is a sophisticated wine of authentic style: aromas of plums, dark cherries, clay, mushrooms and oregano. Medium-bodied with fine, creamy tannins and fresh acidity. Round and balanced with a velvety texture. Intense and multi-layered, followed by a long, smooth finish - everything in the right place! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red with slightly brightening edges. On the nose, hearty cherries, plums and violets, with a light white pepper aftertaste. Fruity on the palate, with fine tannins, savoury." Falstaff

"The intensely savory nose is full of cured meat, new leather and pencil lead, with zippy undertones of cranberry and hibiscus. The meatiness escalates on the palate, while pepper, fresh cherry and orange provide balance. Tannins are approachable, while the acidity is substantive enough to make itself known." Wine Enthusiast

"A firm and linear red with crushed stone to the cherry and chocolate character. Medium body. Lightly chewy finish. A little tight now at the end." James Suckling

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

Al Passo is named after the small forest on the highest hill of Tolaini - a magical place with a breathtaking view of the countryside and the sunsets over the towers of Siena. The wine is as unique as the forest, showcasing the natural affinity of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich garnet with ruby colour. Intense and enticing bouquet of ripe fruit, orange zest and spicy oak notes, on the palate with ripe fruit and fresh acidity, balanced, medium body, long final with a fine salty vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of cassis, meat, leather and earth. Firm acidity and tannins with a chalky texture, full body and supple fruit that balances the structure. Tart on the finish." James Suckling

"An intense red that evokes flavours of cherries, raspberries, pomegranates, minerals, tobacco and wild herbs. Silky and juicy, with fine-grained tannins that linger on the finish. Overall, it shows finesse." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Al Passo is a very beautiful and expressive wine. Dried cherry, tobacco, cedar wood, liquorice and incense give it remarkable aromatic nuances. This blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon has a lot to offer. Bright acids round off the whole thing in style." Vinous

Bright yellow-green colour. Ripe peaches, herbs, apricots, minerals, smoke, nougat and honey closely interwoven in the aroma. Beautifully proportioned, intense, creamy, with a beautifully light and elegant flavour in which the barrel wood is masterfully integrated. Great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Layered and complex nose here, with ripe stone fruit, mangoes and hints of wafers, pastry crust and cream. Medium- to full-bodied with a structured, well-formed palate, offering tense acidity and fine tannins. Lingering and focused." James Suckling

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

Pure white wine from the old Calabrian variety Mantonico. The grape is of Greek origin and its name goes back to Mantonikos (prophet). Deep straw yellow in colour. Fruity aromas of honey, apricot, baked apples and poached pear. Big, broad and rich, but by no means overloaded, with aromas corresponding to the flavours, good freshness and promising potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Ornello is an open wine with wonderful, inviting aromas of ripe, dark fruit and vegetal notes. Pleasantly fruity and full on the palate with good length and balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"A tightly packed version, with plum, fruitcake and hoisin flavors shaded by menthol and saline elements. Gains support from a dense swath of tannins as this unfolds on the palate. Gives fine length, if on the tannic side now." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Ornello is an attractive wine to drink now and over the next few years, while the fruit remains vibrant. There’s good depth to the dark red fruit, cedar, dried herbs, tobacco and incense flavors. Stylistically, Ornello seems to be done in a fresher style than in the past. A touch of Syrah adds an attractive element of earthiness and spice that distinguishes the Ornello in the range." Vinous

"Attractively fruity and herbal nose of blackberries, stewed cherries, blackcurrant leaves, sage and dried flowers. Medium to full body with sleek tannins and a juicy, ripe palate." James Suckling

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 famous Gewürztraminer "Kleinstein" from Cantina Bolzano is a nutty, fragrant wine with complex aromas of ripe fruit, dried flowers and a hint of rosewood. Its flavour is reminiscent of honeydew melon and mountain herbs with a slight hint of citrus. A firm texture, lively acidity, fine minerality and a slightly spicy sweetness combine to create a highly balanced pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

The world-famous Valpolicella Superiore from Zenato, produced using the Ripasso method, is a rich wine with the best value. It is peppery, with earthy tones and gravel giving way to black cherries and savoury herbs. It reveals deep, silky textures balanced by vibrant acids, while ripe red and black fruits resonate under a hint of lavender. Zenato's Ripassa is concentrated and intense, but at the same time conveys elegance and leaves a fresh note of violet candy on the palate that lingers for a long time. SUPERIORE.DE

"An aromatic, savory streak of tarry smoke and leather offers a subtle underpinning for the rich mesh of Amarena cherry, cured tobacco, licorice and warm spices on display in this harmonious red, with supple, well-knit tannins." Wine Spectator

"An excellent Ripasso. A full-bodied wine polished by a smooth veneer of winemaking. Liquorice root, violet, clove, sassafras and dark cherry accent the oak. The sweetness is in the cherry range, but the tannic clip ensures that it is not excessive. This is a wine for those who like power and polish." James Suckling

Beautiful, single-varietal white from Carricante from Planeta's Etna Dependence. A youthful, exuberant growth full of freshness, energy and minerality. Grown under exclusive conditions on volcanic soils and at an altitude of 870 metres, this wine is an exceptional pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm light yellow; openly fruity, pronounced, appealing; sweet, full-fruity, ripe pear, concentrated, dense, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Contrada Taccione is seductively fresh and displays an herbaceous bouquet of lime, peach and mint. It opens with a pleasant inner sweetness, while a burst of zesty acidity enlivens the tart orchard fruit. The 2022 rejuvenates crisply, with a hint of salinity and an inner smoky sensation." Vinous

"The nose is light, fresh and gentle, with coherent but compelling aromas of citrus, yellow apple and white flowers. The palate is lemon-driven, but a hint of salt brings out a honey-nut element and a lingering apple note." Wine Enthusiast

"A bright, fragrant, mineral white wine with delicate notes of broom and pine. With flavours of nectarine, persimmon, blanched almonds and ground ginger, it shows good linear power, yet is harmonious and approachable, unfolding on the palate through the creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"A multifaceted, polished white Etna showing restrained citrus notes, stony minerality, green apples, apricots and almonds. Medium-bodied and bone-dry with a silky texture, this has crisp, long, vibrant acidity and a citrusy floral aftertaste." James Suckling

Rosa Mara is undoubtedly one of the favourite wines of Mattia Vezzola, who is dedicated to reinterpreting a historic vinification method that has been practised in this region since the 18th century. This Chiaretto is produced using the traditional "a lacrima" method, in which the grapes are pressed gently and carefully so that they begin to "cry". To achieve the perfect colour, the tone of the rosato is constantly monitored during production. Speaking of perfect: with this wine, Mattia proves how masterfully he has mastered this process and brought it to absolute perfection.

Pale pink in colour with a fine mother-of-pearl hue. The bouquet of probably the most famous Chiaretto from Lake Garda is fascinatingly inviting and stimulating with notes of vineyard peach, cherry stones, dried herbs and a hint of grapefruit. On the palate, it fulfils all expectations in terms of its class and juiciness, structure and harmonious texture. Salty minerals provide balance, while ripe fruit trees cascade upwards. The crisp, refreshing final is exciting and characterised by a pleasant citrus and almond note. SUPERIORE.DE

Blackberries, raspberries, tomato leaves, lemon peel and bark on the nose. Also some tar and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with fine, slightly chunky tannins. Beautiful character of rose petals. Fresh and mineral on the finish, very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Youthful nose of raspberry, cassis and mint, with a tobacco and smoky aftertaste. Surprisingly dense on the palate with chocolaty nuances, juicy, pleasant tannins, persistent fruit." Falstaff

"Brilliant carmine red colour. Concentrated and deep cherry nose and luscious, tangy cherry palate, with a helping of firm tannins on the finish to give grip. Immediately, a little rich and delicious. Just a tiny bit of spiciness on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Here is an easy-drinking entry-level wine from a winery that maintains a classic approach to all of its fine wines. The Castello di Monsanto 2022 Chianti Classico offers very bright and vibrant fruit with forest-fresh raspberries and blueberries giving this wine a particularly charming profile. It shows a primary intensity with sweet fruit and without being affected by excessive ageing." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is forward, juicy and very easy to like. A burst of dark red fruit, spice, cedar and leather makes a strong statement at the start. Although the 2022 doesn't offer the nuance of most vintages, it makes up for it with its charming, inviting personality." Vinous

"Ripe and juicy, this red wine begins with flavours of cherries, raspberries and flowers, underlined by iron and wild undergrowth. It firms up on the finish and shows a pleasant astringency." Wine Spectator

"The youthful violet colour suggests a healthy dash of Colorino. Deep red cherries and wild strawberries are infused with fragrant Mediterranean herbs and a distinct note of orange blossom. The palate is richly filled with tangy, tart berries infused with light, grainy tannins that add nuance to the texture. A hint of pepper and a savoury saltiness whet the appetite." Decanter

"Fresh, racy strawberries, red cherries and a hint of pastry and pomegranates on the nose. On the palate, it is firm and expressive, with beautifully chewy tannins and a medium body. Plenty of berry fruit in its elegant, long finish. Drink now or keep." James Suckling

"A cornerstone of the Classico, a label with precise and impeccable workmanship. On the nose, red mulberry, hints of rhubarb and eucalyptus, with a touch of black pepper. The mouthfeel is intense, with ionised tannins. Closes with a hint of undergrowth and balsamic notes. Great length." Luca Gardini

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

The name Mare Antico (ancient sea) is a tribute to the marine fossils and shells found in the soils of Orvieto. It is a beautiful blend of 55% Grechetto, 20% Vermentino, 20% Chardonnay and 5% Procanico and is the house's flagship wine every year.

Mare Antico blows like a cool breeze from a mountain top, mixing crushed rock with raw almonds, a hint of sage, ginger and flint in its interesting bouquet. It flows across the palate with skilful ease, long and citrusy. It also has a lovely inner sweetness contrasted by candied lime and salty minerals. Finishes structured and crisp, with a crisp green apple and residual acidity that begs for the next sip. The complexity of this wine is unrivalled, coupled with an overwhelming balance. Mare Antico is beautiful today, but also has a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, light golden yellow with slightly greenish nuances. Shy on the nose, with hints of lime, followed by subtle meadow herbs. Creamy texture on the palate with a fine fruit melt, pleasantly juicy with medium length." Falstaff

"The Orvieto Classico Superiore Mare Antico 2022 is unobtrusive and delicate in the glass, it smells of flint, white smoke and sliced pears. It is pleasantly round and supple, with a hint of salty minerals that create remarkable contrasts. Ripe fruit flavours swirl throughout the wine and are supported by a zesty acidity. The finish is long and slightly tannic, leaving a youthful tension and a hint of bitter lemon that tantalises the cheeks. The 2022 may be a little behind today, but it is designed for long and fruity ageing." Vinous

Chardonnay Turmhof has a multi-layered bouquet of clear, well-defined apple and pear flavours, flowers and grasses. Creamy on the palate, yet fresh and mountain-mineral, lively and harmonious. Flavours of baked apple, dried flowers and mountain minerality give this wine a special note. Turmhof Chardonnay finishes savoury and crisp, leaving a salty note and a hint of nectarine. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Chardonnay Turmhof opens with a rich blend of crushed almonds, gingery spice, curry leaf and yellow apples. Silky and harmonious, it flows across the palate with ease. Brisk acidity enlivens its tart orchard fruits. The 2022 tapers off with staining length and lightly structured, ending with a cheek puckering tension and saline tinge." Vinous

"Creamy and layered, this focused white offers patisserie apple and pear fruit, chamomile, salted almond and lemon curd notes, sculpted by well-honed acidity and an underpinning of flint and spice hints that linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

Medium, bright ruby red colour. The bouquet and flavour are dominated by interesting notes of fresh cut flowers, sweet red berries, liquorice, mint, pine and cedar wood. As the wine progresses, the Chianti Classico reveals a marvellous precision and spiciness, which is enveloped by a well-measured extract sweetness. The overall impression is one of grace and an open-hearted style, which impresses with all its components and not least with its typical Radda Sangiovese freshness from the high altitudes of the Chianti Classico. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Multi-faceted nose, pleasant cherry and blueberry fruit, followed by pepper and tobacco. The fruit also predominates on the palate, paired with stimulating acidity and a mineral finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Chianti Classico is a lovely wine from Volpaia. Aromatic, light on its feet and gracious, the Chianti Classico here is a consistently fine example of Radda. Clean mineral notes shape this bright, taut offering. A burst of red fruit, chalk, white pepper and mint lingers on the finish." Vinous

"A delicious, well-rounded and velvety Chianti Classico with aromas of strawberries, raspberries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins and texture. Juicy and velvety with elegance and a pure character. Fresh and delicious finish." James Suckling

A classic journey into the dreamlike world of the South Tyrolean mountains: bright lemon yellow with golden yellow accents. Pinot Blanc Anna Turmhof, with flavours of pear, peach and floral notes, is an unusually soft and beautiful wine, rich and concentrated, with class and refinement. Its fresh acidity is a lively accompaniment to the very captivating and complex finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium pale yellow; fruity-vegetable, fresh, very appealing; juicy, sweet, delicately fruity, dense, fresh, drinky." (JLF) Merum

"The 2022 Pinot Blanc Anna opens with a rich blend of sweet spices, toasted almonds and baked apples. On the palate, it is round and sweet, but finds its balance through a core of savoury-tart fruit and lively acidity. The 2022 finishes crisp and refreshing with spicy tension." Vinous

"A fresh and mineral white wine with flavours of lemon zest, stones, apricots and kiwi. It is medium-bodied, cool and beautifully restrained." James Suckling