Vinibuoni

Pacenti's Vecchie Vigne is every year a prime example of the high class of the appellation around the small village of Montalcino. But what can one say about this wine when it is young? It has the potential to be one of the best Brunellos of this outstanding vintage, but it is too early to sum up its true class. Only this much: Pacenti's Vecchie Vigne has everything that reveals the power, size and finesse of this vintage. Aromas of cherry, forest floor, leather, spices, tobacco and plenty of other primary notes of deep black fruit. Explosive, full-bodied and still very closed on the palate, the tannins firm and even stubborn at first - but you can feel the existing depth and balance with every sip, which will make it one of the most convincing and at the same time charming drops of the appellation with further bottle ageing. Impressive, too, is the power and structure that builds up in waves and that it will reveal with each further year of patience and maturity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Siro Pacenti's wines always offer a full concert. This one seems a bit more restrained at first, but opens up clearly with air. Complex aroma with ripe red and blue plums, blueberries, hibiscus, blue-purple flowers (lavender, iris), dark chocolate, behind it many balsamic nuances. Enormously powerful and exciting, very intense and full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and vibrant freshness." Weinwisser

"Giancarlo Pacenti's selection from old vines is also convincing in 2016: multi-layered bouquet of wild berries, black pepper and violets; polished in the mouth, with plenty of richness and crisp acidity, the tannins finely meshed and youthful, ending on notes of red berries, flowers and tobacco. Convincing, but should still mature." Vinum

"Sparkling, dark ruby red. Lots of dark berry fruit, mulberries, fresh dark plums, some cardamom. On the palate a lot of compact, grippy tannin, opens up in many layers, gripping and sturdy, grippy tannin forms the backbone of the wine, then drying wood in the final." Falstaff

"This wine opens to a nicely saturated appearance with dark berry, spice and tobacco. The wine is structured and firm, owning its tannins to both the fruit and the barrique. I do find the tannins to be astringent at this young stage, so I would hold off from opening this release for a long while. Like many of the other producers in Montalcino, Giancarlo Pacenti has captured the linearity and focus of the vintage, but his house style ultimately leaves a bigger mark on the fruit." Wine Advocate

"Broad and dense, this red reveals power behind the plum, cherry, earth, leather and underbrush flavors. Will need time to shed its beefy tannins, but the fruit keeps pace on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Menthol, new leather, French oak and spiced blueberry aromas come to the forefront. Full bodied and concentrated, the firmly structured palate delivers dried cherry, grilled Porcini, vanilla and licorice set against assertive, close-grained tannins before closing on a coconut note. Give it time to flesh out in the bottle." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne from Siro Pacenti is dark and youthfully folded in upon itself. This pulls you closer to the glass, as it slowly reveals a nuanced display of olive-tinged blackberry and plum, with hints of mocha, balsamic spice and tanned leather. It's deeply textural, with velvety waves of ripe black fruits laced with tactile minerals, propelled by vibrant acids which carry its medium-bodied weight with ease. Youthfully dense, poised and geared for the long term, the 2016 Vecchie Vigne will require a good amount of cellaring to show all of its charms. Hints of licorice and violet florals echo throughout the long and structured finale." Vinous

"Such wonderful opulence and beauty. The nose shows dried flowers and minerals with blackberries and black cherries. Purity is the word. Full-bodied with incredible depth and structure and polished, silky tannins that envelop your palate. The length is really impressive." James Suckling

For the first time, the winery presents a small amount of its matured Amarone flagship "Calcarole" from the very good 2011 vintage as a so-called "late release". Rich, dark, almost decadent bouquet that evokes memories of Christmas cake with brown sugar icing served with a cup of hot cocoa. It is velvety-smooth and full-bodied, yet perfectly balanced, with ripe black fruits mingling with exotic spices, mocha and violet flowers. After almost a minute, you can still taste notes of dark chocolate and a hint of bitter coffee. While the Calcarole shamelessly flaunts its extroverted character, it does so with class. The further five years of bottle ageing have done it more than good! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, brilliant ruby red. Elegant nose of ripe cherries with a fine scent of roses. Creamy attack on the palate with flattering play, expands nicely, pithy red fruit, presents itself very harmoniously until the final, firm pressure." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red with hints of amber. Red cherry, dark plums, botanical herbs and minerals on the seductive nose. Dense and very supple, with ripe red cherry, tobacco and sweet spice flavours that are precise, concentrated and layered. The finish is long and lively, offering lingering spicy nuances and a hint of faded rose petals. Just a hint of excessive alcohol lowers my score, but at 16% alcohol this olfactory sensation is virtually unavoidable. A stunning Amarone; if I'm not mistaken, this may be the best Calcarole I've ever tasted." Vinous

Ugolaia is a 1.7-hectare, south-west-facing plot with a view of the sea, where the temperature fluctuations between day and night are considerable. The estate's oldest vines grow here on red iron soil.

Lively, full red colour. Cool notes of watercress and mint complement fresh red cherries and crunchy chocolate-covered redcurrants. Rich, subtly sweet and very supple on the palate, with a juicy brightness that highlights the excellent cut and clarity of its red fruit and floral flavours. The characterful finish is refreshing with its lingering violet flavour. Very polished and velvety at the same time, a great wine every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful berry nose, spiced up with notes of pepper and leather; the attack is compact, the tannins robust, the acidity noticeable, has fullness, power and juice. The beguiling final completes the perfect impression." Vinum

"Brilliant, deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Mineral and brooding on the nose and still quite closed. Lots of soft yet spicy fruit. Still somewhat powerful at the moment, but very promising and with firm but very fine tannins. Long, complex and juicy finish. Stunning, but still far from mature." Jancis Robinson

"Rich ruby colour with a slightly brightening garnet rim. Inviting, rich nose with lots of fleshy fruit, cloves, blackberries and plums. Shows beautifully present fruit on the palate, round and balanced, grippy, dense tannins, lingers for a long time, full-bodied." Falstaff

"The Brunello di Montalcino Ugolaia 2017 comes from a hot and very dry vintage and shows a dark garnet red colour with particular concentration and texture. The bouquet smells of dark fruits, baked plums and roasted spices. The Ugolaia is complex and rich, but despite the intensity of the vintage, the mouthfeel is of medium length and the wine finishes with a bright freshness." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolaia smells of dried roses and cherries as well as cinnamon and cloves in the glass. It feels almost velvety, with a dense wave of tart wild berries accompanied by a hint of sour citrus and balsamic spice. Nuances of plum and liquorice linger as the 2017 finishes structured, but not austere, with hints of mocha and redcurrant. The Ugolaia is another example of Lisini's success in this difficult vintage. Nevertheless, it will need a few more years to fully develop." Vinous

"Full-bodied with ripe and dried cherries, spiced plums, chocolate and blueberries, supported by polished tannins. Also well-integrated spices and dried flowers. Ripe and expansive, with a soft and supple texture that makes it very approachable and satisfying." James Suckling

"Lisini's single-vineyard selection shows its usual exotic side in 2017. It opens with an intoxicating blend of incense, juniper, pressed lilac and lavender. There's also that polished wood nuance that I associate with the wine's six months of ageing in chestnut barrels. On the palate, it is even denser than the estate's Brunello annata, showing flavours of myrtle and redcurrant underpinned by an appetising salty core. The powerful tannins require another year in the bottle, but are admirably voluptuous. Undoubtedly one of the successes of the vintage." Decanter

"The nose takes you to a forest cabin, full of savory, umami aromas of damp earth, leather and mushrooms, with sharper notes of balsamic and Luxardo cherries coming through. On the palate, the cherry element freshens and brightens, and is lifted by undertones of orange and anise, along with springy tannins and buoyant acid." Wine Enthusiast

"Lush and fruity, this red wine offers flavours of cherries, raspberries, eucalyptus, wild rosemary and minerals, supported by a lively acidity and dense, refined tannins. It offers a balanced overall picture with a long, tasty aftertaste characterised by fruity and mineral elements." Wine Spectator

The Rosso di Montalcino comes from slightly younger Brunello vines and is matured for 12 months in large oak barrels. It undoubtedly bears the signature of the top winery Biondi Santi: delicately sweet, open flavours of red berries, flowers and cloves. Like all of the winery's other wines, the Rosso is classic and firm in style, with a bombastic structure and a brilliant, long finish. True to the house, it also has a long ageing and maturation potential and can compete with some of the Brunello wines of the appellation today and in the future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale ruby red colour. Slightly restrained nose. Structured, sweet fruit on the palate, with real drive and grip on the finish. Admirably long. Really very exciting! Pure, fully ripe Sangiovese. Powerful and a great balance between fruit and the natural tannin and acidity of the grape. Simply marvellous! Already a great drink, but with enough ripe tannin to go on and on." Jancis Robinson

"Generous aromas of ripe strawberries and cherries that develop into flowers and stones with some crushed cement. Medium-bodied with firm tannins that fill the mouth, as well as lively acidity and depth of fruit. Spicy and almost salty on the finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is simply stunning. It emerges from the glass with vibrant raspberry and cherry notes complemented by sweet roses, cloves and cedar. This model of purity is silky and refined, with a dusty feel to its ripe red berry fruit. Orange notes provide contrast on the finish. It ends structured and long, still remarkably pure, with a slightly bitter hint that slowly fades. This fabulous Rosso from Biondi-Santi shows the work that has been done in recent years." Vinous

"The Biondi-Santi 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is a very expressive and generous wine with perfumed aromas of softly fragrant heritage rose, violet, redcurrant and rosemary essence. Those herbal notes come out nicely in this vintage, and there is elegantly chalky tannin to close. This vintage saw rain in June and higher temperatures later in the summer. This wine is drinking beautifully now and offers a pleasantly immediate drinking style." Wine Advocate

"The nose is floral and sweet, but refreshing thanks to the clean, balancing flavours of mint and dirt. On the palate, this freshness goes a step further, to a light, bouncy, almost astringent level. The precocious tannins are young but dense and supportive, while the jubilant acidity sings." Wine Enthusiast

Medium ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Deep, concentrated bouquet with some lift and brooding intensity. Concentrated and long, but convincingly balanced by an integrated acidity and a rich layer of sandy tannins. Good potential, even if it can be enjoyed now. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very pale ruby in the glass, with mushroom earthiness, straw, strawberry, cinnamon and a meaty touch. This fierce character is supported by a very savoury attack, with delicate acid, polished and vibrant tannins: a large palate and a lot of details. There is great balance despite a bit of austerity on the finish. Super-classic for ageing." Decanter

"Fresh and crunchy with red fruit, dried herbs, potpourri and moist earth. Medium- to full-bodied with firm tannins, that are ripe and velvety. Dry and a little chewy at the end with attractive fruit coming through." James Suckling

"Packaged with a black label and eye-catching lettering in red, the Fontanabianca 2020 Barbaresco Serraboella reveals a very fine, almost dusty personality with wild berry, crushed rose and wet river stone. The wine is beautifully balanced, with dry tannins presented next to delicately sweet berry fruit. The Serraboella shows the careful winemaking practiced at this estate. Only 4,000 bottles were made." Wine Advocate

"Reserved yet somewhat haunting on the nose, this wine presents pristine dark-berried fruit aromas, dried rose and savory spices. Warmed and macerated black cherry shines on the palate, accompanied by mouthwatering acidity and a solid earthy bass note with firm, yet fine tannins. This wine is meant to be savored." Wine Enthusiast

The Sangiovese grapes for this wine come from the vineyard of the Empire of His Royal Highness, the Count of Turin, Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, who planted it in 1935. The soil is a mixture of clay and gravel, rich in marl and rock, which gives the grapes a spectacular minerality. The temperature fluctuations during the day play a decisive role in developing the finest flavours, which are elegant and complex. The wine, bottled in numbered bottles, is not filtered in order to preserve all the typical varietal notes and characteristics of Sangiovese. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red colour. Opens on the nose with notes of oranges, juicy cherries, rose hips and wet pebbles. Rich in finesse on the palate, with a great structure, polished tannins and beautiful salinity, fine wood and spice, with a tobacco final." Falstaff

"Ripe, savoury cranberries, stones, baked grapefruit, dried herbs and some subtle sweet spices. Exciting and minerally on the palate with medium to full body, elastic, chalky tannins and a pure, almost ethereal finish. Impressive texture and savoury minerality give it definition." James Suckling

"Intriguing notes of red forest fruits, leather and tobacco; polished in the mouth, the acidity and the tightly woven tannins in balance, finishes long on notes of red berries. Pleasing with its elegant style." Vinum

"The nose intertwines delicately floral aromas with bright, tart fruit and a dense, savory earthiness. The palate is decisively fruit-forward, but undertones of coffee and dark chocolate maintain a feeling of versatility. A current of acid flows down a cobblestone path of polished, round tannins, before eventually pooling into a warm, luxurious finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Organic Sangiovese from stony and clayey soils. Multi-faceted bouquet of yellow fruits and raspberries, with a hint of orange peel, eucalyptus and balsamic notes in the background. Mouthfeel with velvety tannins: intense, persistent, balanced, spicy and mineral finish." Luca Gardini

Pajana - most modern wine of the entire Clerico range - presents itself closed, compressed and with great potential. Rich ruby with a light garnet rim. Compact nose, showing rich notes of blackberry, dark cherries, a little cinchona bark in the background. Explodes literally on the palate, lots of ripe, present fruit, then opens up with lots of fine-meshed tannin, salty depth, rich pressure. SUPERIORE.DE

"This Barolo features eloquent strawberry, cherry, currant and rose aromas and flavors. Gains depth from earth, wild herb and mineral accents, while the harmony and aftertaste are impressive. Resonates on the finish, remaining persistent and elegant." Wine Spectator

"The Pajana vineyard, planted between 1971 and 1991, is slightly lower than Ciabot Mentin and faces southeast. This 2019 is full of restraint: dill and liquorice are to the fore, then fresh violets and cherry with citrus freshness. It's firm and extracted, with powerful, dusty tannins and a refreshing acidity that balances the warming alcohol. It will develop well." Decanter

"The Domenico Clerico 2019 Barolo Ginestra Pajana shows a more open first impression with soft black fruits. The wine shows greater impact in terms of texture with firm structure and silky tannins. It is a little more open and approachable." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of raspberries, cherries and orange peel lead into a medium to full body, with firm and very fine tannins that are chewy but fine-grained. The acidity is also strong. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

"Notes of wild plums and rhubarb on the nose, a hint of mint from the Aosta Valley, nutmeg notes on the finish. Dense, compact mouthfeel, salty-spicy tannins, finishes with a fruity-mental aftertaste." Luca Gardini

After almost thirty years of experience in the vinification of the famous Etna Rosso "Rovittello", the Benanti family decided in 2015 to extend the vinification, ageing and refinement of the wine to 60 months. The result is an exclusive Riserva, produced in small quantities from vines over 100 years old from plot no. 341, which is rightly considered one of the best red wines in the region. The Nerello grapes (85% Mascalese/15% Cappuccio) come from a terraced vineyard (pre-phylloxera) in the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the upper area of Rovittello, part of the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia.

Pale ruby colour with light garnet tones. Fine, ethereal, floral, intense, spicy, delicate bouquet with hints of ripe fruit, young, tanned leather and cedar wood. Firm and powerful on the palate, it only opens up gradually and then gradually reveals its depth and secrets, which are characterised by impressive weightlessness and elegance. An extremely harmonious red with meditation potential - mineral and remarkably persistent! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Etna Rosso Riserva Rovittello blossoms in the glass with a remarkably pretty mix of roses, lilacs and violets before giving way to dried strawberries and sweet smoke. This wine is surprisingly round and juicy, driven by lively acidity, with crisp red fruits and blueberries spilling over the austere mineral core. Hints of sour citrus combine with lavender and tart blackberries as the 2017 finishes lightly textured and refined. Even though this version of the Rovittello Riserva is slightly younger than previous vintages, it is a truly beautiful wine with the balance for a long and steady evolution." Vinous

"The nose balances tart cherries and cranberries with savory undertones of pencil lead, herbs and medicinal licorice, before the palate leans into sweeter fruit, without losing that medicinal quality. Contoured tannins and lively acid accentuate a latent, earthy smokiness." Wine Enthusiast

"Wonderfully perfumed with fresh flowers such as hibiscus as well as cherry and watermelon character. Also gravel. Medium body, firm and silky tannins with brightness and tension. Some smoke and tar on the finish. Still a little reserved. Drink it after 2025." James Suckling

"It shines with its marvellous aroma of wild strawberries, woody and delicate. In the mouth, it shows its taut, vertical structure and intense, lively and concentrated red fruits, with dusty, woody and balsamic nuances. Despite its obvious power and weight, it is light on its feet and deserves to spend some time in the bottle before opening." Decanter

Tasca got involved in Etna early on and the latest result of these years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante estate: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are delicate and profound, and despite their power, acidity and taut tannin, very elegant, finesse-rich and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine - due to the altitude, soil composition and morphology of the historic lava flows. A high annual rainfall ensures that the soil has all the water it needs, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the aromatic diversity of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Sciaranuova parcel is situated at an average altitude of 730 metres above sea level between the villages of Montelaguardia and Passopisciaro. It covers an area of about 4.9 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. Within the Sciaranuova parcel is a small cru site whose vines were planted in 1961. The bottles, produced in very small quantities, are labelled "Vigna Vecchia". Compared to its "younger brother", this rare wine shows increased complexity, depth and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby. Great concentration of red fruit on the nose. Real depth. Red cherry with dark-earth notes and hints of white pepper. Very pure and focused red-fruit palate but not open by far. Gentle tannic structure framing the fruit. Nervy yet full cherry finish with coating tannins." Jancis Robinson

"A graceful red, with finely meshed flavors of raspberry puree and black cherry gliding across the palate. Delicate accents of ground white pepper, anise, sweet smoke and dried sage add depth, lingering prettily alongside the light, taut tannins on the creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"Made with fruit from old vines, the Tenuta Tascante 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova V.V. is powerful and delicate at the same time, and it strikes a careful balance between these two opposing forces. This is one of the biggest compliments you can give to a wine from Etna, one of the most dramatic and violent winemaking panoramas on Earth. This lovely Nerello Mascalese shows aromas of cherry and wild rose with toasted nut, scorched earth and lavender essence. The concentration and staying power from those old vines add considerably to the depth, tannic power and complexity of this age-worthy bottle." Wine Advocate

"Bright, radiant ruby red with a gently lightening rim. Great, fragrant nose, of geranium blossoms, rose hips, oranges, some pomegranate, very red-fruity-fresh, with fine spices in the aftertaste. On the palate polished and with clear fruit, spreads gently and steadily growing over the tongue, pithy and clear, in the finish extremely finesse-rich and long." Falstaff

"Intense, ripe and textured, it displays a good concentration of fleshy red fruits with notes of liquorice, balsam, cocoa, leather and soft spices. Broad-shouldered and ageable, it finishes elegantly with a long, mineral tang." Decanter

"Wow. Such a beautiful, old-vine red with strawberry and cherry aromas, as well hints of hazelnuts and roses. It’s full, very creamy and polished. Extremely long and flavorful. Gorgeous wine all around." James Suckling

Elena Fucci's exceptional Titolo wine is already built for the long haul in its "basic version". It will continue its steady development for at least the next 20 years, which is why it is particularly enjoyable when aged in magnum format. Dark ruby red in colour, the bouquet has aromas of ripe red fruit and a fine woody spice. The wine is assembled with enormous precision, offering a balanced intensity and a beautiful degree of fruit purity that speaks both in favour of the Aglianico grape and the extreme region that produces it. Titolo impresses with its fine texture and elegantly integrated tannins. This is the kind of masterful Aglianico performance we love. SUPERIORE.DE

"On the nose, smoky, sanguine notes of graphite and cured meat are balanced by the fruitiness of cherries and red plums. The fruit notes headline the palate, but an undertone of chili jam leads into a resurgentally meaty finish, while acid bounces around contoured tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Aglianico del Vulture Titolo 2019 is stunning. It opens with an exotic flair that blends smoky plum and lavender with animal musk, ash stone and a hint of sour citrus that enlivens the senses. The palate is silky and supple, quickly gaining youthful tannic tension, but not before offering a taste of mentholated herbal tones and a depth of mineral dark fruit that will take centre stage after a few years of cellaring. The wine finishes incredibly long and structured, leaving a hint of primary concentration lingering under a hint of pretty inner flowers and savoury spice. I believe that the 2019 could one day be one of the best vintages ever produced by Elena Fucci's Titolo." Vinous

Elena Fucci's exceptional wine Titolo is already built for the long haul in the "basic variant". It will continue its steady development for at least the next 20 years, so it is a joy to drink at a mature age, especially in magnum format. Dark ruby red, on the nose aromas of ripe red fruits and a fine wood spice. Put together with enormous precision, the wine offers a balanced intensity and a nice level of fruit purity that speaks both for the Aglianico grape and the extreme territory that produces it. Titolo convinces with its fine texture and elegantly integrated tannins. This is a masterful Aglianico performance, just the way we love it. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, dark ruby garnet. Fragrant nose of dried rose, ripe strawberries, a hint of vanilla, honey in the aftertaste, inviting bouquet. Opens softly on the palate with polished tannin, clear red fruit, stretches finely and elegantly over the tongue, compact tannin presses gently on the palate in the finish." Falstaff

"There's no mistaking the masses of pure, mineral-laden, musky Aglianico del Vulture fruit that wafts up from the 2018 Titolo. It's dark, with violet florals and smoke smoldering in the glass. The silky and pliant textures within wash a polished wave of mineral-tinged black fruits and savory exotic spices across the palate with ease, propelled by zesty acidity. Grippy tannins emerge, yet the mouth waters as a salty flourish lingers, along with hints of licorice and lavender. The 2018 won't be the longest-lived vintage of Titolo, but this beauty will excel easily through medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"Plush aromas of violet, juniper, cherry and bramble berry burst on the nose. Medium in weight, there's a driven, ample feel to the juicy red-cherry and blackberry flavors, with bits of tar and pressed rose arising on the midpalate. Yet, throughout the whole experience, bouncy berry fruit and zesty crushed mineral tones remain constant." Wine Enthusiast

Brunello di Montalcino Gli Angeli Riserva 2018 is stunningly beautiful. Its seductive presentation beguiles with rich dark fruits, sweet mint, spice and a grounding hint of floral undergrowth. Its textures are seamless, gliding over a core of fresh, bright acids that flank its black cherry and redcurrant flavours. Notes of liquorice, tobacco and sweet herbs linger long over a gentle layer of fine tannin. It has a juiciness, finesse and structure that will give it a long life. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, serious, finely characterised bouquet. Juicy palate, intense, polished tannins, supple, very stylish, coherent Riserva, polished, cherry, floral notes." Weinwisser

"Needs a little time to get going, then notes of cherry blossom and leather beguile; elegant structure with perfectly integrated acidity, tightly woven tannins, multi-layered finish with flavours of dried flowers, berries and truffles." Vinum

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gli Angeli is dark and rich with a bouquet of plum sauce, Baker's chocolate and sweet sage. It feels seamlessly silky, with a plush wave of ripe red and darker black fruits swirling over a core of savoury minerals and exotic spices. A hint of spiced orange adds a pleasant tension, while a bitter bite of tannins lingers." Vinous

"The La Gerla 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva gli Angeli shows warm vintage characteristics with baked fruit and plums. These impressions of ripe fruit blend well with the medium-bodied texture of the wine. Only 3,775 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"This red is rich and generous for the vintage, offering flavours of cherry, plum and rose with light accents of earth and dusty herbs. Light tannins and lively acidity support it, and it finishes gracefully." Wine Spectator

"Subtle aromas of red cherries, pepper, leather and cocoa powder wrapped in fresh violets. Firm attack with extracted, chalky tannins infused with cherries, full body and refreshing acidity. Spicy, fruity finish." James Suckling

The owner and winemaker Alessandro Mori describes himself as a "naturalista". His wines ferment spontaneously with autochthonous grape varieties and age for a long time in large old oak barrels. He lets the natural temperatures of the cellar control the refinement of the wine and uses minimal sulphur throughout. In addition to all its characteristic floral scents of roses and violets, Il Marroneto's 2018 is positively spicy with a peppery, juniper note. On the palate, it is delicately woven while offering deep flavours and good length. Clean and bright, with distinct notes of rosehip and raspberry, while refined tannins sneak up with textured chalkiness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exciting nose with hints of freshly picked cherries, blackcurrant, tobacco, cardamom as well as Mediterranean spices and flowers. In the mouth again very gripping,
very own, exciting style, completely focused on freshness and pure-toned crispness, shows itself grippy and delicate with juicy fruit and fine spice. Must mature." Weinwisser

"Bright, medium dense ruby garnet. Appealing nose with notes of cranberries, goji berries and juicy fresh cherries. Lots of crisp fruit on the attack, unfolds very smoothly, fine sweet melt, raspberry on the final." Falstaff

"Brilliant, concentrated ruby red. Refined but still somewhat closed on the nose with spicy and mineral hints. Lots of appeal on the palate with beautiful, juicy, vibrant and concentrated cherry and raspberry fruit and hints of fruitcake. Lots of firm tannins that are still a little astringent and overpower the fruit. Long and layered finish, but still a little embryonic." Jancis Robinson

"Fresh, red fruit character with cherries and red plums and hints of gunpowder, coffee beans, spices and dried orange peel. Medium to full-bodied with firm tannins and a smooth, velvety fruit core on the mid palate. Lingering mineral note on the finish. Best after 2024." James Suckling

"Il Marroneto's 2018 Brunello embodies elegance, lightness and grace without being banal or superficial. Harvested on 5 October, it has a sweet core of red berries that provides a backdrop for cinnamon stick, sarsaparilla and violet accents to unfold. The ripe tannins are fine-grained and enveloping as the wine reaches accessible depths, and the appetising acidity begs for another sip - but not before the leisurely finish unfolds with spices and raspberries. A seamless symphony that reflects Alessandro Mori's unhurried, unforced approach to winemaking. As tempting as this wine is now, a little more patience will be rewarded." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino has a charisma that makes it an absolute delight. Sweet exotic spices meet dried black cherries, dusty flowers and a hint of cloves. It is a pure delight on the palate, showing both opulent fruit and total balance and sophistication, while the sour berries are given a bracing lift by the juicy acidity. The 2018 leaves no stone unturned, rejuvenating with rounded tannins and lingering on the palate for up to a minute with a bracing burst of citrus, nuances of sweet rose and liquorice. This wine is so beautiful already, but it also has the balanced structure to age beautifully, something you don't find in many Brunellos of this vintage. What a treasure." Vinous

"The Il Marroneto 2018 Brunello di Montalcino from Alessandro Mori opens with a spicy bouquet with notes of caraway and white pepper that seamlessly transition into bright cherries, blueberries and cassis. The trick with this wine is balance, as neither side is stronger than the other. More importantly, this Brunello still has life and vibrant energy. Precisely because this bottle tastes so good now, I see little reason to wait any longer." Wine Advocate

"All the richness of Il Marroneto's raw materials in this impeccable version of Brunello. Blueberry jam on the nose, then notes of cinnamon, carob and marjoram. Juicy, spicy tannins on the palate and a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

"The nose seems like a dreamy island getaway, with passion fruit for breakfast, prickly pear cocktails by the pool, violets on the dinner table, and rosewater candy waiting on the nightstand. The palate brings candied cherries and strawberries, with continued rosiness bleeding into a citrusy, spicy finish. The acidity sparks off sophisticated tannins. This wine is poised and elegant, yet also exciting." Wine Enthusiast

Maternigo means "mother's land" and is also the name of one of the Tedeschi family's vineyards. The vineyards cover around 33 hectares in two municipalities, Tregnago and Mezzane di Sotto. The new Cru-Amarone Riserva Maternigo is only produced in the best years and its grapes come exclusively from the Barila vineyard. This single vineyard was selected after careful zoning and characterisation of the soil, which is characterised by very low vigour and consequently produces grapes rich in structure.

This gives it its own complex and aromatic character, which is characterised by a high concentration of natural aromatic components in the grapes. This complexity creates an intense bouquet of red fruits and Mediterranean flowers. These notes are echoed on the palate, along with subtle hints of eucalyptus, which give the wine freshness and at the same time hints of sweet spices. The impressive result is an elegant wine with great structure and exciting development potential - and an unmistakable sensory experience. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright, rich ruby red colour. Noble and clear on the nose, of ripe, rich cherries, red peach, rosehips and wild berry mousse, with fine spicy components on the finish. Full-bodied and dense on the palate, opens rich and with dark berry fruit components, juicy tannin envelops the fine melting, ends long in the final with fine pressure on elderberry syrup." Falstaff

"The 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva Maternigo is ashy and intense, with tobacco giving way to peppery herbs, dried cherries and dark chocolate. It feels velvety-smooth and glycerin-like, with a dense wave of ripe red fruit and sweet spice carried by salty minerals and vibrant acids. It leaves a hint of rich sweet fruit along with violet and lavender tones as it finishes lightly textured. The 2016 took some time to develop in the glass, but it really shows the magic of the vintage. Bravo." Vinous

"Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella from the Barila vineyard, grape harvest, followed by long fermentation and maceration, then 48 months in Slavonian oak, a wine with a beautiful olfactory impact, notes of blackcurrant, nuances of wild mint and nutmeg, spicy attack, spicy finish." Luca Gardini

"This wine exemplifies the unique world that Amarone lives in as a wine. It is both very powerful and elegant at the same time. The nose is reserved at first, showing a mixture of black currant, plum and raspberry. The wine then shifts gears highlighting the bitter-chocolate notes and chalky minerality that come from this unique single vineyard, Barila. The bottling has firm tannins and vibrant acidity, giving the wine seriousness and demanding it be lost in the cellar for some time." Wine Enthusiast

"It's very restrained on the nose, with a dense package of baked red cherry flavours and a bright mineral, almost wet stone character. Mediterranean herbs too. Full-bodied palate that is back under control, but there is a dense package of firm, fine tannins, dried fruit and spice waiting to burst out. It's hard to believe this wine is only 17% alcohol, it's so well constructed. It will be superb in a year or two and beyond if you can resist the temptation now. Best from 2023 onwards." James Suckling

"Spicy, woody black cherry, blueberry jam and coffee scents are joined by deep, rich, earthy and almost-jammy flavours, with cocoa and damson. Round and extremely fresh with a persistent finish, this is by no means a shrinking violet yet has the balance to match its considerable concentration and heft." Decanter

A proud, pure Pinot Nero vintage sparkling wine: strong golden yellow colour, fine, elegant, wonderfully long-lasting perlage. Inviting bouquet of fresh stone fruit, delicate hints of baked goods and blossom honey, plus a hint of citrus. Good complexity on the palate, charming fruit and a hint of roasted flavour. Dry and wonderfully long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense straw yellow with a golden shimmer, fine, persistent mousseux. Elegantly restrained on the nose, reminiscent of sea breeze, some peach and lemon, followed by crusty bread. Structured and racy on the palate, pleasantly creamy, vibrant acidity, animating, salty finish, good length." Falstaff

"This graceful sparkler is round and plushly creamy on the palate, offering a bright backbone of citrusy acidity and a streak of salinity meshed with flavors of baked white cherry and toasted almond, plus hints of glazed tangerine and lemon thyme." Wine Spectator

"100% Pinot Noir aged for six years on the lees lifts from the glass aromas from an almost opened bakery with fresh croissants and fruit tarts being pulled from the oven. Drizzled honey, cream and roasted almond aromas quickly follow to entice you further into the glass. The richness is immediate with baked orchard fruit and lemon peel striking a pose on the palate as creme fraiche and subtle berry hints pop on the the palate that struts to the finish where pure mountain minerality embraces the palate and sharpens the wine to a fine point." Wine Enthusiast