Veronelli

Owner Leonardo Pinzolo cultivates 52 hectares of biodynamic, Demeter-certified vineyards on his family farms in Popoli and Capestrano. The soils here differ from those in the rest of Abruzzo. Combined with the higher altitude of the vineyards and the proximity to the Gran Sasso mountains, these wines have a decidedly cooler expression than is usually found in Abruzzo. In the winery, fermentations are spontaneous and without temperature control. With the exception of a few single-vineyard wines, most of the wines are matured in stainless steel.

Brilliant medium carmine red colour. Initially somewhat reductively closed on the nose, Leonardo explains: "It's better if the wine is a little reduced when it comes into the bottle because it ages better that way." After a little air, a fine exotic flavour, lots of red fruit and notes of flowers. The surprise on the palate: a beautifully compact, juicy and transparent red fruit and lots of fine tannins, plus notes of liquorice and sweet cinnamon. A fresh, straightforward wine with the typical cool Valle-Reale profile and anything but arbitrary. SUPERIORE.DE

Wonderfully fragrant, fruity and floral bouquet. The flavour is reminiscent of plums and cherries with a fine vanilla-spicy component and clear, very pleasant acidity and polished tannins. Clear fruit flavours, enormous velvety texture and a long finish emphasise the harmony of this Nobile Riserva. SUPERIORE.DE

"Raspberry-fruity attack with balsamic nuances; elegant style with polish and character, impresses with its balanced texture, finesse and length." Vinum

"A spicy and fragrant red that has aromas of pine needles, incense, walnuts and spiced plums. It’s full-bodied with ripe, creamy tannins that are well-integrated into the plum and berry fruit. Excellent concentration." James Suckling

This Vermentino cru is the result of a study project in the vineyard and in the winery and comes from two clones each from Corsica and Sardinia. "Belguardo V" (formerly "Codice V") displays the most distinctive characteristics of Tyrrhenian Vermentino and thus epitomises the typical Vermentino as the Mazzei family understands it. Fresh and bright citrus flavours with white flowers, honeysuckle and cut grass. Sunny, savoury and very mineral on the palate with the typical Vermentino structure. Taut on the final and with promising ageing potential. 30% of the wine is matured on the fine lees in amphorae. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, light golden yellow colour. Smoky on the nose with notes of melted butter, ripe citrus fruit and a hint of cinchona bark. Very juicy on the palate with a velvety texture, rich fruit on fresh acidity and good length." Falstaff

"Fresh and mineral Vermentino with flavours of white fruits, lemons and flowers. Very polished and supple, with a medium body and clean acidity. Silky and structured, but crisp and nervy at the same time. Focussed and balanced." James Suckling

Beautiful white from Carricante that captures the energy of Etna and reflects its essence. Sparkling lemon yellow with a drop of gold. Yellow stone fruit, mint, flowers and spice aromas on the nose. Complex flavour, full fruit and subtle minerality on the palate. Racy, delicately flavoured and sophisticated. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, light golden yellow colour. Elegant and subtly fragrant bouquet, notes of juicy peach, honeydew melon, lime blossom, some white pepper. Finesse on the palate, silky texture, juicy fruit, invigorating acidity, very harmonious." Falstaff

"Tantalising notes of chamomile and cumin draw you into the glass of this bright and balanced Etna Bianco. Flavours of poached apricot, grainy pear, lemon thyme and beeswax are rounded off by a well-cut acidity that leaves a delicious impression on the mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"A burst of crushed stones, green apples with ginger, fennel and dried flowers creates an invigorating bouquet as the 2023 Etna Bianco explodes from the glass. It is silky and enveloping, with a tart hint of green melon and salty, mineral tones that create tension in the cheeks. The 2023 rejuvenates wickedly fresh yet strong. The concentration of sour citrus fruit remains, while hints of kiwi and fresh mint slowly recede." Vinous

"The flavours of sliced apples, flowers and flint come through clearly here. Medium to full-bodied with a lovely character and vibrancy, this is concentrated and balanced, showing plenty of fruit and a bright finish." James Suckling

The Chardonnay wraps itself in a refined fragrance of fresh bananas, pear and caramel. The elegant, distinctly scent-corresponding taste is soft and fascinatingly warm and sensual. SUPERIORE.DE

An accessible, fruit-accentuated classic at a high level. A clear aroma of wild berries and flowers, with a mix of dark berry notes, fine spices and light tannins on the palate. Flavour and depth give this noble Valpolicella its wonderful drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a fine, brightening rim. Intense on the nose, cranberry compote, juniper and leather on the finish. Silky texture on the palate, with lots of ripe fruit, slightly spicy and with well-integrated tannins, long presence." Falstaff

"Aromas of dried fruit and nuts follow through to a medium-bodied palate with a dense bead of bright fruit and fine, slightly drying tannins. Very direct and concentrated with good forward acidity. Give this wine a little more time for the tannins to resolve further." James Suckling

"The 2020 Valpolicella Superiore Maternigo is wickedly fresh and floral, wafting up with suggestions of violet and lavender before giving way to crushed blackberries. This is a soft-textured mix of savory and sweet, with saline minerals complicating its tart wild berry fruits. It tapers off with tension, leaving a pleasantly tense sensation and hints of sour orange that pucker the cheeks. Don’t be afraid to lose the 2020 Maternigo in the cellar for a number of years." Vinous

Delicate old pink with shimmering reflections, elegant bouquet with notes of wild strawberries and light currants, plus restrained, spicy tones. On the palate with creamy freshness and lively acidity, fine and distinguished. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of grapefruit peel and raspberries. Medium body. Balanced acidity. Vivid citrus aftertaste with a slightly smoky edge to it." James Suckling

"A blend of young peach and nectarine is complemented by hints of crushed rock and dried flowers as the 2022 Rosato Etna blossoms in the glass. It has a soft texture and a mineral style. It quickly gains traction with a stimulating blend of lively acidity and a lemon astringency. The 2022 lasts a long time, with a saline concentration and mandarin notes that keep the taster coming back to the glass. The 2022 is another fantastic Rosato Etna from Graci." Vinous

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

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

Brilliant ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Sublime, almost aromatic cherry fruit on the nose with hints of gingerbread and caraway. Lush cherry fruit on the palate, interspersed with plenty of tangy acidity and crisp tannins. Long, juicy cherry flavour with plenty of fullness on the finish. A well-made wine from an excellent vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a garnet-red rim. Dense nose of cold smoke, cherry, juniper berries, cloves and pickled violets. Silky on the palate, juicy and with invigorating acidity, firm tannins, persistent into the fruity-fresh final, with a racy acidity at the end." Falstaff

"A medium- to full-bodied, savory and chewy red that has aromas and flavors of mint, sour cherries, walnuts, cloves and tomato leaves. Plenty of tannin, but nicely integrated." James Suckling

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

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

The first year of production of the single-varietal Merlot Clos Roareti dates back to 2004. The grapes are harvested from the 2 hectare historic Rovereti vineyard in Negrar. In this 100-year-old vineyard, which is surrounded by equally old walls, Merlot has been cultivated since the 1990s and is perfectly adapted to the climate and the red clay soil. The palate is rich and full-bodied with complex and very aromatic notes. Maturation in oak barrels gives this wine its special flavour and a certain opulence. SUPERIORE.DE

Schioppettino is an old Friulian grape variety from which this wonderful, medium-bodied wine is made. Smells of red berries, herbs and liquorice. Fresh, floral and fruity notes on the palate, mineral and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive aromas of dark cherries, licorice, dried rosemary and wet stones, following through to a medium body with a solid and velvety tannin structure. Smooth and balanced." James Suckling

The grapes for the Villa Antinori Riserva come from four different municipalities in Chianti Classico: San Casciano, Gaiole, Castellina and Greve. The current edition is multi-layered with a wonderful bouquet of dark fruit, gravel and beautiful spices. On the palate, the wine has a velvety attack that is savoury, complex and persistent, with spicy notes of sweet tobacco and dark chocolate. This Riserva has a balance and length that will delight any Tuscany fan. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby colour with shine. Restrained, subtle nose of fig, redcurrants, followed by black bread bark and some leather. Precise on the palate with a clear fruit centre and grippy tannins, harmonious mouthfeel with an elegant final and good drinkability." Falstaff

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Villa Antinori is not married to a particular subzone of the appellation, as it is intended to reflect a house style rather than a vineyard identity. Aged in tonneaux and partly in barriques, the wine is rich and persistent. It remains elegant on the palate, with fine tannins and a good fruit tension with cherry and blue flowers." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Villa Antinori is infused with black cherry, plum, new leather, liquorice and spice. Generous and expansive in flavour, the 2021 is wonderfully generous, not to mention incredibly delicious. The fruit comes from some of the most sought-after sites in the appellation." Vinous

"The spicy, lush nose presents aromas of cloves, cardamom, bergamot, dried cherries and vanilla, while the palate is based on citrus fruits, cherries and vanilla. The acidity plays around imposing, solid tannins." Wine Enthusiast

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

"Cottanera's Etna Rosso 2022 is deliciously vibrant and textural, with ripe dark cherry and herbal notes emphasised by some nice sapidity which beckons you back for another sip." Decanter

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. Hints of cherry on the nose and slightly dried fruit in the aftertaste. Balanced on the palate with a medium structure, the acidity lends drinkability, paired with a persistent finish." Falstaff

"Infused with cherry, strawberry, iron and spice flavors, this bright red is also solidly built. Smooth in texture, nimble and intense, finishing with echoes of red fruit and dusty tannins." Wine Spectator

"A cellar selection from parcels throughout Ricasoli’s 235 hectares in Gaiole, this Riserva gives a panoramic view of the Brolio estate. Each plot is fermented separately in stainless steel, matured in diverse types of wood, and assembled after ageing. The nose is focused and forthcoming, and offers a balanced mix of red cherry and violet with whiffs of Mediterranean herbs, tobacco and vanilla. Fine-grained tannins are firmly stitched around the lush plum core, while juicy acidity carries the bitter orange finish." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio has ripe fruit, toasted spice and a hint of scorched earth. Made with all Sangiovese, the wine presents mid-weight intensity with an intense bouquet that is driven by savory notes and a hint of something charred, such as dustings of campfire ash." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio is a gorgeous, complex wine. Dark cherry, plum, leather, licorice, lavender and graphite bring out the darker side of Sangiovese in this mysterious, introspective Riserva. A wine of dynamic energy and substance, the 2021 is very nicely done." Vinous

"Sweet spices, savory plums, cherries, dried citrus and minerals on the nose. Fine-grained on the palate, with a medium to full body and a convincing amount of tannins. Long and fresh." James Suckling

"The nose has both the tang of black cherries and blackberries and the texture of coffee grinds, pepper and earth. The mouthfilling palate stays balanced between tart and sweet berries and tangy, peppery earthiness, all set aflame by fiery acid but held in careful balance by decisive tannins." Decanter