Veronelli

This extremely delicate Moscato, which was christened Kabir (the Great) in Arabic so as not to be overshadowed by the far more powerful Ben Ryé, never fails to surprise and delight. Elegant and balanced, beguiling scents of melon and orange peel, aromatic balance, sweetness and freshness on the palate. A delight with intensely flavoured cheeses and shortbread with white fruits. SUPERIORE.DE

La Grola is the eponymous, historic vineyard where Corvina, the indigenous grape of Valpolicella, is believed to have originated. The replanting of the vineyard by Giovanni Allegrini triggered an agronomic revolution and laid the foundations for the success of this wine-growing region, which today stands for convincing, great red wines from north-east Italy.

Dense, dark ruby red in colour, very rich and powerful on the nose with notes of wild and overripe berries. The rich fullness of coffee to black cherries is underlined by present, pleasant tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby colour with a dark core and fine garnet-red rim. Multi-layered bouquet of dark chocolate, cassis, underpinned by fine spice. Velvety texture on the palate, harmonious and round, concentrated fruit and pronounced length." Falstaff

"Bright cherry red. Quite a reticent nose but masses of flavour on the palate with attractive bitterness after dried cherry fruit and a hint of charcoal. Quite a bit of texture here and a chewy, long finish. I wouldn't recommend drinking it without food. It's quite a statement!" Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 La Grola shows ripe fruit, some herbal notes in the background, liquorice, tar and gentle spices. This simple red wine has a slightly wild side with fresh acidity and a whistling, clean finish. La Grola paints a more concentrated picture of Corvina, a grape usually used in traditional Amarone blends." Wine Advocate

"Dark, brooding and complex, the 2020 La Grola tantalises the imagination with notes of spiced blood orange, cloves, dark chocolate and dried black cherries. It has a soft texture and more verve than expected, with lively acidity and a wave of tart wild berries that slowly saturate. The wine finishes with tension, with a primary concentration of fine-grained tannins that linger. The 2020 is an intense La Grola that will require patience." Vinous

"An elegant red wine with fine tannins that blend seamlessly with the ripe flavours of black and red cherries. Accents of smoked tobacco, rosehip, cocoa powder and aniseed run through the fruit profile, and a subtle, mineral hint of fresh earth and iron lingers on the finish." Wine Spectator

"La Grola has been an integral part of the Allegrini family since 1989. This blend of 90% Corvina and 10% Oseleta opens with aromas of black plums, preserved black cherries, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper and violets. As the wine progresses, notes of cedar, cigar box and tobacco develop. On the palate, rich, black-coloured fruit dances with taut, well-structured tannins, while savoury and earthy notes add to the fascination." Wine Enthusiast

"A single vineyard whose fruit comes from a historically important site that is quite steep and calcareous and slopes down towards the Adige. No dried grapes. The tannins of the Oseleta are hard, firm and powerful on the attack. However, the mid-palate is round and energetic, softening any impression of stiffness as it expands aniseed, mint, leather varnish and dark, saturated berry fruit. This is a very good wine made for the cellar." James Suckling

"Podere La Grola, Sant'Ambrogio in Valpolicella, Corvina with a small proportion of Oseleta, which undergoes malolactic fermentation and matures in barriques. Liquorice, blackberry jam and lime on the nose, salty-sweet on the palate, with a fruity finish and slightly iodised final." Luca Gardini

Brilliant ruby red colour. Diciasettesalme offers a wonderful bouquet of dark fruit flavours, some flint and Cuban cigar tobacco. Balanced, elegant, full-bodied and salty fresh on the palate. Stylistically and qualitatively very successful. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-light red; reductive-barrelled, plum cake, quite deep, arouses curiosity; dense, sweetness, depth of fruit, lots of beautiful tannin, length." Merum

"Brilliant ruby red colour. On the nose, hints of mustard seeds, dried rose petals, raspberries, ripe cherries and delicately resinous tones, reminiscent of plaster on the finish. Hearty on the palate with tightly woven tannins, powerful, stony, with a polished red fruit final, currently still somewhat unbalanced." Falstaff

"A flavoursome and lively red wine with notes of tapenade, sun-dried tomatoes, raspberries and cherry stones. Taut and firm, with a medium body and firm tannins. Excellent focus." James Suckling

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Diciassettesalme shows dusty minerals and dried fruit flavours. This wine generally has more muscle and dark fruit compared to the Zottorinoto, which tends to be floral and more delicate in character. The Diciassettesalme is fresh and straightforward and delivers all the fundamentals of Nerello Mascalese from this mighty Sicilian volcano. The vineyard is located directly below the Cottanera winery at 780 metres above sea level and is planted on light or grey lava rock. The soils are unique for this location." Wine Advocate

"Vivid ruby with garnet hues, this volcanic red boasts fresh black cherry and dried blackberry aromas. Toasty notes, liquorice, and minerality add complexity. Concentrated palate, supple tannins, refreshing acidity. Elegant yet robust, with a hint of heat on the finish." Decanter

This 100% Gewürztraminer is modelled on the Alsatian Grand Crus. The grapes come from sites that are particularly suitable for this classic grape variety. Warm, sparkling yellow colour with golden reflections. Rose petals and notes of apple, peach and apricot on the nose, with a hint of cinnamon and cloves. Full and expansive on the palate, gliding into a creamy finish with well-dosed freshness. Ideal with Asian cuisine and shellfish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Traminer Monogramma bursts from the glass, mixing rich notes of confectionary spice and custard with mint and Granny Smith apple. This soothes with its round and supple textures, ushering in a seductive blend of tropical citrus and ripe peach. This finishes with staining length yet refinement, leaving sweet inner florals and kiwi notes that linger on and on and on." Vinous

A fascinating drop made from 100% Roscetto, with half of the grapes air-dried. The dense and intense bouquet is filled with the scent of pear and melon, underpinned with heavier tones of honey and apricot. On the palate, multi-layered with inspiring fruit dynamics, enveloping and powerful with a delicious sweetness and length. Total production: 2,000 bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

Crognolo is a wonderfully balanced wine that offers the tangy freshness and acidity of Sangiovese, which is balanced and softened by the small proportion of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine smells of cherry, blackberry and plum. Its primary intensity is bright and cheerful. The finish shows a nice density, extraction and well-integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Crognolo 2021 is a great entry-level wine from Sette Ponti. An explosion of red/purple fruits, blood orange, spices and rose petals race across the palate, lifted by bright acids that add energy. All elements are very well balanced. This is a very inviting wine." Vinous

"Dusty, perfumed aromas of spiced plums with sour cherries and dried cherries are followed in the mouth by a vertical palate full of fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity and juicy fruit. It feels balanced and upright, ready to spring into action as soon as the cork is pulled. Vibrant red and black fruits intermingle, punctuated by a certain saltiness and supported by those tannins. The finish is long, juicy and flavoursome and leaves you wanting another sip." Decanter

"This young red wine shows all its components in the right place, but needs time to integrate. It offers flavours of cherry, violet, earth, iron and mint, which fade into powerful tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Bright ruby violet colour. Expressive flavours of blackberries and rich cherries, with fine spicy components in the background. Compact, concentrated on the palate, with grippy tannins that also become juicy, salty on the finish." Falstaff

"The wine shows dark concentration, certainly more than you'd expect from Sangiovese, with lots of cherry, spice and blue flower that ties directly into the Merlot. It offers a medium to full-bodied texture with fine, chalky tannins." Wine Advocate

"Ultra-fresh, juicy cherries with more delicate aromas of violets and rose petals on the nose roll onto a palate rich with more cherries and berries balanced by earthy, tart notes of earth, branches and roots and a finish of bitter cocoa and aniseed." Wine Enthusiast

"The purity of the fruit in this wine is impressive, with redcurrants, orange peel, peaches and lemon on the nose and palate. Full-bodied yet compressed and agile. Tasty finish. Restrained now, but given a year or two it will come into its own." James Suckling

Bright ruby red with brick-red reflections. Plums and sour cherries on the nose, accompanied by tobacco nuances and dried violet flowers. The fine-meshed tannins combine wonderfully with the notes of red fruit and liquorice on the finish. Very juicy, clear and well-balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, rich ruby red colour. Gentle and inviting nose of ripe cherry, light spice, some candle wax, red apple, sealing wax, precious wood. Juicy on the palate, with pithy tannins, well-integrated acidity, drinky, cheeky, slightly salty on the final." Falstaff

"The Torrione 2021 is one of the best wines of recent years. Bright acids drive through a core of red cherry/plum, blood orange, new leather and spice. The purity of the flavours is impressive. I especially admire the energy of this wine. This is a rare Torrione that I would cellar for at least a year or two." Vinous

"It shows dark fruit with bramble, tree bark, blue flower and sweet cherry. The wine offers mid-weight intensity with a long, silky mouthfeel. There is a point of bright acidity at the end, and even a hit of chili spice." Wine Advocate

"Bright and full of cherry, raspberry and floral notes, this red wine is harmonious and expressive. The finish shows accents of earth, graphite and tobacco, with a beautiful length and compact, chalky tannins." Wine Spectator

"The nose is like a cool, damp forest, with dark berries, fresh earth, but with a quiet rumble of warmth and savoury undertones, and the palate balances cool and warm, sweet and savoury, buoyant but indulgent. Valdarno delivers in every price range, but this one is a particularly good deal." Wine Enthusiast

"Inviting aromas of dark and blue fruits along with subtle notes of chocolate and spice with hints of blue flowers and crushed stones. Medium to full-bodied, complex and structured, but at the same time ethereal and weightless. Here, generosity meets delicacy. It is fluid, dynamic and immediately drinkable, but it is better to give it a few more years in the bottle." James Suckling

Aromas of dried roses, incense, white pepper, lavender and crushed wild blueberries in the glass. Juicy character on the palate with zesty acidity and tart red and blue fruits. As it progresses, it tapers off with beautiful primary tension and leaves a mysterious hint of gravel and bitter blackberry on the palate. Wonderful exoticism from Etna! SUPERIORE.DE

"Here, too, a blend from 5 contrade. Attractive bouquet with hints of Pinot, finely outlined red fruit and earthy-mineral notes. Sweet and tart fruits alternate on the delicate palate, supported by a good and lively acidity structure, shows a lot of grip." Weinwisser

"The 2022 Etna Rosso opens with a woody mix of savoury herbs, underbrush and red liquorice. There's a lovely inner sweetness here, with crisp red and blue fruits swirling over a stream of savoury acidity. The 2022 lingers but remains remarkably fresh, finishing on a tart blackberry note." Vinous

Cultus is a modern style Chianti Classico Riserva and a dark, lavish interpretation of the terroir of the slightly cooler and wilder commune of Gaiole in Chianti. It delights with a generous mineral- and graphite-tinged berry bouquet, tones of tobacco, dark spice and the soft, juicy, primary fruit flavour. The fine tannins and well-proportioned acidity give this Riserva a harmonious grip and an undeniable class for this price. SUPERIORE.DE

Everything is just right here: Brolio Riserva is classic in its composition, in its ageing, in its overall impression from the label to the last sip. Velvety, dense ruby colour, dense nose with rich fruit, especially blackberry, some elderberry and a beautiful herbal spice. Juicy and supple on the palate, the finish is polished with fine-grained tannins and a long-lasting final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Dark berries on the nose, fine, spicy notes with a blood orange aftertaste. Medium structure on the palate, polished, present tannins, fresh acidity, lingering finish." Falstaff

"This Chianti Classico is a savoury version with aromas of green olive, tomato leaf, iron and tobacco clustered around a core of macerated cherry fruit. Although lean and sinewy, it is also intense and focused, with a lingering aftertaste that feels the pull of both the savoury and fruity sides." Wine Spectator

"A firm and fresh Chianti Classico with a light to medium body, sour cherries, orange peel and hints of sandalwood. Crunchy finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio is a dark, brooding wine. Black cherry, licorice, sage, tobacco, incense and leather fill out the layers as this strapping Riserva shows off its imposing personality. This is nicely done." Vinous

"In the bottle with the black label, this is a very pretty, relatable and well-priced wine from Tuscany. Made with 100% Sangiovese, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio offers blueberry, plum and sweet spice thanks to 18 months of tonneaux aging. I especially appreciate the wine's pronounced mineral signature that gives the wine a salty or savory side, which is perfect for food pairing." Wine Advocate

"Its versatile aroma is reminiscent of redcurrants, Mediterranean maquis, peony and pepper leaf. Sip with powerful tannins, tension and juiciness, finish with a fruity-floral return." Luca Gardini

Brilliant, rich yellow with silver-green reflections. The bouquet has pronounced smoky, mineral notes, full flavours of mango, citrus fruit, sage and asparagus. It shows its true class on the palate: wonderfully complex structure, lots of naturally sweet flavour, refreshing acidity and a juiciness, strength and length that can only be achieved through long contact with the lees and simultaneous agitation. Very convincing, downright captivating! SUPERIORE.DE

"Firm and quite deep, yeasty, very delicately nutty and smoky aroma with citrus flavours, some white berries, spring onions, broccoli, white pepper and crab meat. Ripe, juicy, dense fruit, very fine acidity and some grip, vegetal spice, blackcurrant leaves, some smoke and nutty-yeasty traces, blackcurrants and gooseberries in the background, mineral foundation, good depth, very good, firm, juicy, mineral and somewhat herbal-spicy finish with blackberry and floral nuances." Wein-Plus

"Intense straw yellow with a green tinge. Aromatic nose, lots of gooseberry and nettle, some passion fruit in the background. Straightforward and precise on the palate, animating, mouthwatering, delicately melting, lingering, salty final." Falstaff

"On the nose, cooked lemons, savoury herbs, pepper and a hint of flinty minerality. Medium-bodied, juicy and citrusy with lively acidity and a flavourful finish." James Suckling

"The Sauvignon Blanc Picol 2021 is flavoursome and incredibly fresh. In the glass, it unfolds aromas of nectarine, rosemary and sage, accompanied by candied lime. It is full of zesty tension with sharp yellow citrus fruits and salty mineral notes that tantalise the senses. Its brilliant acidity is the real highlight of the show, as the Picol finishes long and powerful with a mix of sour melon and young kiwi that makes the taster return to the glass." Vinous

"Inviting, smoky nose of gooseberry aromatics; palate of tropical notes and a neat, bright acidity." Decanter

Puer Apuliae (engl.: Son of Apulia) is what the De Coratos call their elegant and qualitatively outstanding drop made from 100% Nero di Troia. The flagship in the cellar delights with its balsamic fragrance, in which there is room for spices, plums, pickled nuts and black sour cherries. The taste is very concentrated and yet juicy, of great substance and density, also equipped with a long finish with a nice hint of cranberries and tobacco. SUPERIORE.DE

"A spice-forward, macerated-berry blend on the nose of this wine is countered with graphite and a final hint of capsicum. The palate is more strawberries, raspberries and cherries, with black and fresh peppercorns. Tannins cling and acid sings." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright, dark ruby red with brightening rim. Fine nose with a light vegetal touch, smelling of blackcurrant and blueberry, plus a light smoky note and hints of bitter chocolate. Firm, fine-grained tannin on the palate, accompanied by lively freshness, with fine spice in the lingering finish." Falstaff

"Fresh, dark earth and hints of peppercorns and anise season the dark cherries and game. Spicy and very fine-grained on the palate with juicy plums and tightly wound, silky tannins and a long, bright finish." James Suckling

The grapes are harvested at the end of August when they are well ripe and then dried in 5 kg crates at 23⁰C in the fruit cellar. After about 40 days, when half of their weight has been lost, the grapes are pressed and the resulting must, which is particularly rich in sugar, ferments slowly at 18°C for over a month in stainless steel vats, where it remains until bottling.

Light golden yellow, fine bouquet of orange blossom, some quince, apricot and peach. Sparkling on the palate with surprisingly lively acidity, spreads nicely, in the long final again orange peel and some grapefruit. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweetly seductive, the 2020 Passito di Noto captivates with a rich blend of spiced blood orange and lemon curd complicated by savory herbal tones and white smoke. This soothes with its weighty, silken textures while mixing sweet and sour through a blend of saline-tinged acids, sour citrus and sweet tropical melon. While long and potent, the 2020 remains impossibly fresh, leaving candied lime and Sour Patch green apple to linger on and on." Vinous

Produced in just 6,000 bottles per vintage, Godenza from the vineyard of the same name undergoes spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, followed by temperature-controlled maceration in stainless steel tanks. After malolactic fermentation, it then matures for 12 months in cement vats and at least 9 months in the bottle. Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, it is characterised by its complex and open bouquet with aromas of small red berries and spices. On the palate, it is firm and clear with a wonderful balance between acidity and ripe flavours and has a very respectable, slightly salty and spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine with its deep colour shows the beauty, power and depth that Sangiovese from Predappio in Emilia-Romagna possesses and seems almost reserved at first. Aromas of baked plums with sweet and savoury spices, dried wild herbs, roasted game and forest floor. On the palate with firm tannins that balance the richness of dark berry fruit with liquorice and candied violets, finishing with grace and elegance." Wine Enthusiast

The Pecorari family's passion for single-varietal wines is best represented by the Pinot Grigio Gris, which is matured for 11 months on the fine lees with bâtonnage. This Pinot Grigio fermented in oak offers an exciting and complex bouquet of white peach, citrus, flint, crushed oyster shells, white rose petals and notes of acacia honey. The well-proportioned acidity, the fresh flavour and the wonderful depth and tension make it easy to see that the Pinot Grigio at Lis Neris occupies an absolutely special position every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Firm, somewhat nutty, planty to herbaceous and hints of mushroomy aromas of yellow fruit with slightly smoky and vanilla wood notes and nuances reminiscent of mussel shells. Polished, firm fruit with melting and some light wood notes, fine acidity, has a grip of ripe tannin, good substance and persistence, certain depth, salty minerality, tobacco, butter and hints of crab meat in the background, very good, animating finish with bite." Wein-Plus

"Bright straw yellow colour. Fine reduction on the nose, subtle flint, precious wood and stone fruit. Full-bodied and radiant on the palate, with great juiciness and salinity, powerful, savoury, lingers for a long time, great Pinot Grigio!" Falstaff

"It is fresh and mineral with notes of white peaches, flowers and stones. Crisp and juicy with a medium body and a polished, mineral backbone. Tasty finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Pinot Grigio Gris tantalises the senses with an opulent blend of vanilla pods, sweet spices and whole butter complementing ripe apples and pears. It is pleasantly round and silky in flavour, with a core of juicy acidity that balances it out and ripe fruit that plays around it. The balance on the inside is fantastic. The 2021 rejuvenates with a saline mineral note and sour citrus, leaving a youthful inner tension. The oak will need to be integrated a little over the coming years, but I expect that with a little patience an absolutely stunning interpretation will develop." Vinous

"Inviting, with a nose of orange blossom, smoky fruit and yellow spring flowers; lemon, apricot cake and spiced pear on the palate." Decanter

After almost two centuries, it is time to erect a "monument" to the enthusiastic grape grower Philip Mazzei (1730-1816). In the form of this single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, this succeeds extraordinarily well. Elegant, deep dark colour, classic aromas, complex, fruity and spicy flavour, well-proportioned tannins and acidity, taut, structured and persistent. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Philip (Cabernet Sauvignon) is a blend from vineyards in Castellina and Maremma. Rich and supple, the 2020 offers plenty of varietal character. Dark plum, menthol, liquorice and espresso are all present in this supple, resonant red. Attractive floral and spicy top notes brighten the finish." Vinous

"A bright, elegant red with cherry and blackcurrant flavours, with lively acidity and dusty tannins. Packs plenty of fruit, with hints of tobacco and wild herbs, despite the lean profile." Wine Spectator

"A multi-layered nose starts with salt and pepper, then turns earthy, herbal and woody before finishing with black cherries and blackberries. On the palate, a hint of earth keeps the freshness of the berries in check before a swirling mocha finish ties everything up with a bow. Tannins and acidity are harmonious throughout." Wine Enthusiast

"This is aromatic with blueberries and black cherries, as well as hints of blue flowers, spices, dark chocolate and crushed stones. Full-bodied with layers of firm, fine-grained tannins and deep blue fruit. Structured and focused with a lingering finish that continues to build. Well crafted." James Suckling

Bright yellow-green in colour. Intense nose of orchard fruits, ripe peach, roasted nuts and some lemon mousse, rounded off with creamy vanilla. Very juicy on the palate, not too heavy, with salty elements and warm yellow fruit flavours. Chardonnay made by Lis Neris is always a complete pleasure and a lasting memory. Very elegant and with good ageing and maturation potential thanks to 11 months of ageing on the fine lees. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, light golden yellow in colour. Slightly reductive on the nose, flint and gunpowder, fine roasted flavours, tropical fruit and vanilla on the finish. Fresh and juicy on the palate, the use of wood is noticeable, well-balanced, with a long final." Falstaff

"Notes of cooked apples, walnuts, bread crust and stones on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, firm and textured with a juicy stone fruit character. Zesty and refreshing finish." James Suckling

Monleale is a rich, intoxicating wine. Medium ruby-garnet in colour, the bouquet has a subtle sweetness, dried cherry, balsamic notes and clove. On the palate, spicy and earthy undertones support its precise core of dense red cherry and plum fruit, while it briskly presents a powerful and pleasantly savoury style that is ideal for the dining table. Monleale has plenty of personality and character, and its persistence and longevity make it one of the most profound and intense Barbera wines to be found in this price range. SUPERIORE.DE

Generous, seductive and very complex bouquet of cherries, plums, spices and other aromas. The taste of the "Vigneti Vallata di Marano" impresses above all with its elegance and length. A beautiful Amarone in which power and concentration go together harmoniously. SUPERIORE.DE