Veronelli

The porphyry-rich steep slopes on the Ritten above Bolzano offer first-class conditions for producing a Sauvignon Bianco with unique fruit, minerality, elegance and depth. Straw yellow in colour with greenish reflections. Precise fruity flavours of gooseberry, elderflower, herbs, yeast and a fine woody note. Harmonious flavour with very well-integrated acidity, an accentuated body and an elegant mineral note. Long and deep on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow colour. Lots of redcurrant on the nose, some herbs and a hint of lemon zest. Powerful, powerful, pleasantly astringent on the palate, again lots of redcurrant, some nettle, long finish." Falstaff

The steep porphyry slopes at an altitude of up to 650 metres on the Ritten above Bolzano offer ideal conditions for vinifying this powerful yet elegant Chardonnay with outstanding balance, well-integrated acidity and excellent ageing potential. Straw yellow in colour with greenish inclusions. Pure exotic flavours of pineapple, mango and white peach on the nose, underpinned by a delicate vanilla note. Powerful on the palate, the well-integrated acidity keeps it fresh and mineral despite its power and complexity, right through to an almost infinitely long finish. A great Chardonnay from South Tyrol! SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense straw yellow with greenish reflections. Ripe banana, vanilla yoghurt and white flowers on the nose. Additional citrus notes on the palate, full-bodied and creamy, long finish with hints of herbs." Falstaff

"The 2021 Alto Adige Chardonnay Riserva Stegher opens to a generous bouquet with peach cream, apricot, almond biscuit and softly delivered baking spice. It shows volume and brightness over a medium-plus mouthfeel. That almond theme returns on the close, adding a hint of pretty tartness." Wine Advocate

With his flagship Poggio al Lupo from the Magliano winery of the same name, Antonio Moretti has created an extremely varietal Cabernet Sauvignon. Its full bouquet of red fruits and spices is already delicious. On the palate, there is a lot of pressure and an equally generous variety of aromas of blackberries, dried cherries and young leather. Enveloped by a finely woven tannin, this typical Maremma wine goes gently and long into a very attractive finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red. In the nose of ripe blackberries, cassis and rum pot, slightly vegetal note in the reverberation. On the palate fruity, juicy, with soft tannin, harmonious, has train, long final." Falstaff

"A fruity cab with an attractive structure of firm, polished tannins and a juicy finish. Medium-bodied, linear and bright." James Suckling

Amarone Selezione Antonio Castagnedi delivers high quality for its price every year: bright ruby red with sparkling reflections. A variety of aromas of violets, graphite, black cherries and minerals and a lively, structured, down-to-earth, very present style. Its richness and depth make it the perfect accompaniment to winter cuisine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright, rich ruby red colour. Very fragrant bouquet on the nose, spicy, cinnamon, blood orange, fresh peach, raspberries. Spicy flavours and clear fruit on the palate, balanced, with a juicy tannin finish and beautiful length." Falstaff

"If you've ever had the opportunity to stand in old hand-fired brick drying sheds, three storeys high, filled with hot steam, leaves tied in bundles, stacked up and up and up, you'll know what this wine smells like. It is an extraordinary odour. It smells of steam-soaked red clay bricks, of tobacco leaves, green, yellow, gold, copper-coloured, brown and of earth, spices, dust and oven smoke. It is the smell of a good Amarone. And this one carries its layers of tobacco between layers of dried plums, dried cherries, crushed rosehips, bitter oranges and nutmeg. It is dry, elegant, refined. It is an extraordinary beauty." Jancis Robinson

"Very dense on the nose, so it should be swirled well to emphasise the bright red fruits such as raspberries and red cherries, which are immediately apparent on the palate. Full-bodied and structured, with a youthful feel created by the backbone of fresh tannins. It can be drunk at the dinner table now, but it is made to last and will lie in the cellar for a few more years." James Suckling

"The 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Antonio Castagnedi is a dark, seductive wine with a blend of black cherries and crushed purple candies that fade into a hint of cocoa. The wine is silky smooth, almost creamy, yet full-bodied, with ripe red fruit contrasted by a hint of bitter balsamic spice. It finishes with youthful tension, leaving a layer of grippy tannins that are nicely balanced by a hint of residual acidity. The 2019 has a wonderful balance that makes it an excellent choice for the dinner table, but will also aid its ageing. It also has only 15% alcohol. Beautiful." Vinous

Don Luigi Riserva opens with a dark, seductive blend of musky blackcurrants, sweet sage and crushed ash stones. It is full-bodied and almost creamy in flavour. The palate is lapped up by deep, ripe dark fruit and exotic spices. In between, a lively acidity with lingering notes of red plums and cedar wood. Beneath the surface is a hint of grippy tannin. The balance of this wine is breathtaking and further bottle ageing will improve it even further. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet reflections. Very ripe, sweet fruit notes on the nose, aromas of preserved cherries, plums and liquorice, underlaid with cocoa and a hint of liquorice. A fruity-sweet core on the palate, grippy and rustic tannins, with a hint of liquorice on the finish." Falstaff

"A powerful red wine with flavours of black cherries, plums, dried mint and hazelnuts. It is ripe and full-bodied with firm but creamy tannins. Opulent yet balanced." James Suckling

One of the most exciting Etna Rosso with a balsamic, spicy bouquet and a balanced, yet very characterful, juicy, long flavour. Fine fruit, good acidity, firm tannin, beautiful length. Perfectly reflects the terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multi-faceted bouquet with aromas of stone fruit, flowers and subtle tobacco notes; precise on the palate, the tannins are fine-grained and perfectly integrated, develops full of verve towards a long final." Vinum

"It has a tantalising aroma of red and black cherries, almonds, spices and balsamic. In the mouth it is bright and intense, with a good body and balanced savoury red fruits. The finish is fleshy and juicy, stony and slightly bitter (in a positive way)." Decanter

"The 2021 Etna Rosso ‘A Rina opens slowly in the glass with a savory herbal tinge that gives way to rose petals, ash and wild strawberries. This is juicy and round, with abundant energy and ripe red and blue fruits swirling throughout. Brilliant acidity adds further lift as zesty wild berries linger over a subtle bed of fine tannins, framing the experience without getting in the way. It’s a total pleasure to taste and would even stand up to a slight chill on a warm day." Vinous

"This is the entry-level red wine from Girolamo Russo. The Etna Rosso 'a Rina 2021 is made from Nerello Mascalese and about 10% Nerello Cappuccio from different vineyards and offers excellent value with wild berries, blue flowers and crushed stone with an elegant mouthfeel. The emphasis is on freshness and balance." Wine Advocate

"Plenty of citrus, orange peel, honey and beeswax with some pumice and volcanic soil. Medium-bodied, with firm and integrated tannins that are energetic and integrated. Very nice now, but even better in three or four years." James Suckling

Deep, dark ruby red colour. Strong, warm Lagrein with a pronounced aroma of ripe blackberries, cherries, fine mountain herbs, pepper and smoky charcoal notes. The full, juicy, cherry flavour is beautifully balanced with a broad, long finish. Only selected grapes from the best vineyards with low yields are used for the Lagrein Riserva Prestige. An absolute top red wine from the Alto Adige region! SUPERIORE.DE

"Pretty black and blue berry fruit on the nose with violets and bitter chocolate. It’s creamy and beautifully textured with powdery tannins. Medium to full body. Juicy and bright finish." James Suckling

Tramonto d'Oca is a single-varietal red wine made from the French (and not entirely simple) Petit Verdot variety. In addition to the traditional wood note from the barrel, the bouquet has a variety of aromas of spices, violets, blackberries and blackcurrants. Notes of pickled fruit, coffee and chocolate on the palate. Firmly structured and long, needs time and air. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dense and concentrated red wine with black cherries, hints of chocolate and flowers that develop into a medium body. Firm finish." James Suckling

The Passito I Capitelli is like a delicious sweet, with a lightly mouth-coating and finely knitted palette of flavours that includes fruity notes of papaya, candied watermelon, preserved Meyer lemon and dried fig, with aromatic accents of tea rose, star anise and pickled ginger just above the dryness level. Luscious and juicy, with fresh acidity on the slightly roasted finish, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"A sweet and nutty passito with aromas and flavors of dried peach and apricot. Some floral complexity, too. It’s full and sweet, but contained, without any cloying or syrupy character. All in all, it’s a nimble, balanced and inviting sweet wine." James Suckling

"Silky and lightly mouth-coating, this bright, smooth bonbon offers a core of mandarin sorbet, mango and passion fruit coulis. It offers aromatic accents of candied ginger, jasmine, graham cracker and chive blossom and has a long and creamy finish." Wine Spectator

Intense, compact, ruby red colour. An intense mixture of black raspberry, wild herbs, air-dried meat, thyme and smoke flows from the glass. Refined and lively on the palate with delicate, salty acidity and berry fruit flavours. As it progresses, a beautiful cherry centre with a hint of sweet blood orange that keeps you coming back to the glass. This is already a pure thrill for the palate, and with further bottle ageing it will reveal its full depth and sophistication. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, bright ruby red colour with a light garnet hue. On the nose, rich heart cherries and ripe plums, then cassis and slightly leathery. Sweet and fruity on the palate, with velvety tannins, juicy and drinky, long finish." Falstaff

"Rich redcurrants, baked cherries, some sweet spices and hazelnuts. Lots of juicy fruit on the medium to full-bodied palate with firm tannins and a fleshy centre. Spicy, ripe finish at the end." James Suckling

"This red is about purity and silkiness, with black currant, cherry, violet, graphite and rosemary aromas and flavors defined by vibrant acidity. Harmonious, with fine length, this is set to evolve over the next decade." Wine Spectator

"The Carmignano Il Sasso 2021 impresses with its rich bouquet of crushed plums, sage and balsamic spice. On the palate it is pure energy, silky yet supple with racy acidity and a depth of crunchy wild berries, underpinned by tactile minerals and a hint of mandarin orange. The 2021 refreshes the palate and finishes structured and long, while purple flowers and blackberry notes fade away. This super seductive Il Sasso will win many hearts." Vinous

Cellole Gran Selezione impresses with its usual elegance and sophistication. Its masterfully balanced flavour profile of wild berry and blackberry with cassis, blueberry and candied rose is fantastic. On closer inspection, the wine reveals orange peel, rosemary and iron ore. It is a silky and elegant wine with some firm tannin, lots of bright fruit and a hint of crisp acidity. Undoubtedly a great wine with great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Walnuts, cloves, sandalwood, plums and cherry stones on the nose. It is medium-bodied, creamy and beautifully polished, with firm yet silky tannins and elegant layers of spiced fruit. Long and supple." James Suckling

"A nose that sticks on notes of blueberry, then rhubarb and juniper. Intense sip, closed on notes of undergrowth." Luca Gardini

Long Now is still a real insider tip for us. Dark ruby colour. Opulent nose with notes of black cherry, smoke, tobacco and liquorice. The palate is full of tension with a breadth and power that is unrivalled. In this exceptional wine, Barbera and Nebbiolo merge into a spectacular blend that is rich, powerful and has a beautiful, long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Long Now, Pelissero's Barbera/Nebbiolo blend, is fabulous. The combination of inky, jammy Barbera fruit and Nebbiolo structure works so well here. Inky dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate, spice, new leather, licorice and lavender saturate the palate." Vinous

The rich garnet-red Pelago in Riserva quality made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano and small amounts of Merlot has a captivating aroma of raspberries, strawberry jam, cloves, tobacco and mocha. On the palate, it reveals a noble spiciness and a hearty, juicy and very long flavour. Pelago 2019 should turn out to be a real charmer after some ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light ruby red colour with a garnet-red hue. Rum pot, rich black cherry and ripe plums on the nose, then slightly spicy. Fruity-sweet, juicy, drinky on the palate, with well-integrated tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"Lush fruit that presents the blue-black fruit, Napeta spice and ink dust of a ripe Cabernet and the velvety red plum of a Montepulciano. A hint of cigar smoke pervades the long, fine-grained, slightly chunky tannins. A hint of freshly gathered wild mushrooms, a touch of pine needles, and then the finish is deep and lush and juicy red soaked with Montepulciano fruit. Modern and international, but stylish, and the Montepulciano from Le Marche shines through." Jancis Robinson

"This blend is a rich, dense and concentrated wine that shows well today or will age in the cellar. It opens with Cabernet leading the way with aromas of blackberry, cassis and tobacco as hints of savory herbs and spice quickly follow. Concentrated but with a lift, the palate shows power with some restraint as flavors of plum, coffee and liquorice all seamlessly meld together on the long and savory finish." Wine Enthusiast

"A pleasant, fruity red wine with the character of blackcurrants and blackberries and a lovely mineral freshness. Medium-bodied with excellent balance and non-distracting tannins. It radiates clarity and drinkability. Very well made." James Suckling

"The Pelago 2019 seduces with a beguiling blend of crushed plums, sage and tobacco, underpinned by sweet smoke. This is pure elegance, silky and enveloping with cooling acidity to balance. A wave of polished red and blue fruit flows easily across the palate. Tart blackberries and a hint of citrus resonate as the 2019 finishes long and powerful, with a hint of minerality that leaves a crisp feel as a layer of fine-grained tannins tug at the cheeks. This wine is still very young, but full of potential." Vinous

Bright ruby red colour. Warm, balsamic bouquet of black cherry, some plum and blackcurrant syrup, then firm, complex and spicy on the palate, the fruit beautifully present and with a wonderfully long finish with notes of leather and sweet tobacco. The well-structured tannins perfectly round off the overall picture of a serious red with personality and character. The 20/24-month ageing in French oak barrels (25-35 hl), followed by a further year in the bottle, enriches the aromatic complexity of the wine with a clear focus on balance and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Plum and Amarena cherries on the nose, with elderberries and mint, reminiscent of roasted apple. Juicy, radiant on the palate, spreads over the tongue with great play and lots of tension, slightly salty, finesse-rich and long finish." Falstaff

"A 100% expression of Sangiovese, the Rocca delle Macìe 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva SerGioveto shows hints of baked plum, candied fruit and spice with dusty mineral and good overall definition." Wine Advocate

"The nose layers soil and pencil shavings on top of strawberries and cherries and then chocolate and coffee, before the palate luxuriates in chocolate-cherry notes with a texture that's dense and velvety but maintains its integrity with angular tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Subtle and complex aromas of red berries, mushrooms, blood orange and nutmeg. A medium-bodied Chianti Classico, showing dusty tannins and juicy, savory berry fruit on the palate. Silky and effortless." James Suckling

"Rich, laced with cherry, raspberry, earth and underbrush flavors. Revealing weighty, well-integrated tannins, this is balanced overall and tightens up on the finish." Wine Spectator

The still young DOC Colli Tortonesi is probably still one of the least known wine regions in Piedmont. The term Derthona is already used as a generic term. It is the old name for Tortona, a small village in the centre of the DOC. The indigenous white grape variety Timorasso led a shadowy existence for many years, but today some winegrowers are already calling it the "white Barolo". This is due to its great complexity and finesse on the one hand and the excellent ageing potential of the wines on the other. In addition, the grapes often vary in size and ripeness during the harvest, which makes selection a major challenge, just as with the great Nebbiolo crus.

Light yellow in colour, tending towards golden as it matures in the bottle. The nose is very fresh, floral and fruity, with some orange confit, petrol and honey. Rich and deep on the palate, with an almost Riesling-like minerality and fine acid wire. With increasing aeration, it becomes more multi-layered, complex and surprisingly deep, hinting at the great potential of the grape variety. Not an off-the-peg wine, but all the more convincing for those wine lovers who expect character, personality and a high degree of independence from a white wine. For us, Timorasso is THE white grape variety discovery of recent years and Vietti's new addition, alongside the whites from Roagna and Walter Massa, is an excellent example of how Italian white wines can play at the very top of the international league! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow with green reflections. Initially restrained on the nose, with air some banana, hazelnut and lactic hints appear, subtly reminiscent of vanilla yoghurt. More citrus fruit on the palate, fresh and lively, vibrant acidity, salty, lingering final." Falstaff

"The 2021 Timorasso from Vietti is great. The first vintages here were decidedly rustic, but the 2021 shows an extra layer of textural finesse that is particularly evident in its contours. Notes of lemon peel, white flowers, mint and chamomile adorn this multi-layered, expressive white wine. The 2021 was mostly fermented in ceramic and steel, with only one batch aged in wood. I've never been the biggest fan of Vietti Timorasso, but the 2021 might change my mind. It's a great wine in every way." Vinous

"The 2021 Colli Tortonesi Timorasso Derthona shows a brilliant appearance, density and crisp fruit. At this young stage, it is still quite neutral aromatically, but one can expect a slow and beautiful development. The quality of the fruit is precise and clean. I am reminded of a ripe pear sealed with wax. There is a spicy note with white pepper and a hint of paraffin. A tart hint of citric acidity still needs to be ironed out, but it gives the wine the ability to age." Wine Advocate

"This big-name producer from Barolo hit the mark right from its first Timorasso in 2018. This Derthona ferments mostly in ceramic vessels and some stainless steel tanks and large oak barrels. Notes of pear and peach with mineral hints and traces of hawthorn introduce a dry, soft and rich palate of great balance, with a persistent finish." Decanter

"A beautiful Timorasso with aromas and flavours of salted caramel, sliced mango, pear and apple. Medium to full body. Bright and lively acidity on the finish. A nice combination of ripe fruit and wild, crisp acidity." James Suckling

"Timorasso is one of the most distinctive white grape varieties in the Italian canon, and Vietti has hit the bull's eye. Aromas of fresh and baked yellow peaches and spiced pears mingle with hints of petrol, magnolia and dried mango. Wild honey, beeswax and a chalky minerality give this wine volume, complexity and depth, finishing with a fresh and lively acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Lareale" - the "true, genuine" Chianti Classico Riserva from Lamole di Lamole offers attractive aromas of black cherries and spices. The palate has plenty of depth; a slender body, velvety tannins and a beautiful texture right into the long, clean finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a slightly light rim. Compact nose with notes of juicy, dark cherries, blood oranges and rose petals in the background. Fine, sweet fruit on the palate, well-integrated, round tannins, with a plum final." Falstaff

"A serious, firm and focused riserva showing notes of dark cherries, dried herbs and sweet spices, following though to a medium to full body with fine, firm tannins. Well built and solid, with a textural core of berries funneling through to the compact, focused yet juicy finish." James Suckling

"This broad red's cherry, strawberry, mineral and eucalyptus flavors ride a wave of juicy acidity, keeping this fresh and focused. Earth, iron and tobacco accents grace the moderately gripping, salty finish." Wine Spectator

"Lareale is a blend of two vineyards: on Lamole’s classic Macigno (sandstone) soil, Il Prato includes a portion of bush vines planted in 1945, whereas Le Masse is a steep, stony, terraced site soaring upwards from 600 metres. The merger makes for a mineral-inflected mouthful. It's a suitable step up in depth and structure for its category, while still demonstrating Lamole’s slender frame. Flint and juniper notes lead, and the vintage’s warmth gives a generosity to the red berry palate. Nuanced by alpine herbs and stones, its sandy-textured tannins give traction." Falstaff

Garnet red in colour with aromas of jammy fruit, black cherry, cherry, vanilla, with a hint of wilt and spice. It is a wine of great structure, enveloped in fine, chalky tannins, complex, elegant and velvety. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby colour with a subtly brightening rim. Fine sweet fruit on the nose, elegant potpourri of oranges, cherries and wild strawberries, inviting and clear. Subtle, elegant pressure on the palate, savoury, precise, opens with polished tannins and light juiciness, beautiful length." Falstaff

"Dark ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Cherry liqueur with a hint of dark chocolate. Lush, deep cherry on the palate with a hint of Mon Chéri and a bite of firm but polished tannins and overall dramatically more balanced than the pure Classico." Jancis Robinson

"Quite a vegetal nose with dried berries underneath. Fruitier on the palate, with a full body and fine, slightly firm tannins that accompany the fruit through the long finish. The vegetal note persists, but by the end it becomes an element of complexity rather than a distraction." James Suckling

"A harmonious red, with fresh earth and sanguine notes serving as a savory thread enmeshed with juicy sun-dried cherry, red licorice, singed orange peel and cocoa powder flavors. Offers good depth and complexity, with the silky texture nicely wrapped around robust tannins." Wine Spectator

"The Cavolo Amarone is a selection of the best grapes from all of the estate's vineyards. This wine opens with aromas of raspberry jam, dried cherries dusted with cinnamon and cocoa, and wafting notes of cedar and tobacco. The flavours of tart plums and fresh blackberries combine with bay leaf, chia spice, liquorice root and white pepper. The palate is elegant, with fine tannins and a lively acidity that gives the wine a good basis for ageing." Wine Enthusiast

"Le Merle" is named after the Merlot-loving blackbirds that compete with the harvest workers during the grape harvest. Eleonora and Elena Charrère deliberately decided to grow Merlot, a very rare variety in the region, of international origin, in order to challenge the terroir on the one hand and to create a wine of great consistency and richness on the other.

Bright ruby red. A cornucopia of small black fruits, cranberries and blackberry jam on the nose, with floral notes of violets and roses. Tasty spices enhance the flavourful experience on the palate, closing softly with notes of roasted cocoa. Very successful alpine interpretation of the grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

Barbera d'Asti Riserva from the noble DOCG Nizza opens with dark red fruit, followed by smoke, spices and flowers. Dense, intense fruit with a pleasantly salty, mineral note on the palate. Impressive Barbera presentation with a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of macerated black cherries and ripe raspberries combine with star anise, cedar and violets that pour out of the glass. The palate is loaded with notes of ripe plum, blackberries, fresh thyme and fine oak spices. Structured tannins give the wine heft, finishing with enough acidity to balance each component." Wine Enthusiast

"This wine has a red fruity character with notes of tea leaves, dried herbs and ground cloves. Medium-bodied with bright and lively fruit, crisp acidity and firm, polished tannins. Fresh and spicy." James Suckling

"A pure nose of cherry and other ripe red fruits. With sour cherry, plums and dried cranberries. Freshness and balance, precision and intensity, the oak is well integrated." Decanter

"The 2019 Nizza Riserva is packed with dark fruits, graphite, cured meat, cloves, leather and lavender. Deep and layered, with enormous stature, the Riserva is a wonderfully complete wine that just needs a few years in the bottle to round itself out. It is another impressive wine in this range from Olim Bauda." Vinous

Brilliant golden yellow colour. The nose opens with yellow fruit, summer-ripened peach, pear and honeydew melon, as well as hints of mineral tones, ash and crushed flint. On the palate, Golden Delicious, pear and a certain creaminess, which in turn is flanked by salty notes. The acidity is very well integrated, all in all a wonderful white wine with impressive depth and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is fresh with notes of nectarine, pear drops, acacia and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, chalky and mineral with white flowers and mineral undertones. Piquant on the finish." James Suckling