VINOUS

Ghiaia, a pure Nerello Mascalese from the slopes of Mount Etna, exudes sweet aromas of cherries and flowers. A refined, very detailed and seductive wine with great charm, character and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-light red colour; reductive red-fruity, appealing; powerful, fruit-deep, subtly tart tannin, long." Merum

"Medium, bright cherry red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Fine bouquet of raspberries, redcurrants, some pomegranate, underlaid with eucalyptus and fine spice. Vibrant freshness and pleasant juiciness on the palate, the tannins still somewhat youthful and ending on herbs in the medium final." Falstaff

"Attractive bouquet of chestnuts, violets and crisp strawberries, fresh and crisp with attractive acidity and a savoury finish." Decanter

"Sweet berries and orange peel with undertones of peach and lemon blossom. Medium-bodied, with crisp fruit and a fresh and slightly chewy finish. Delicious wine, now showing volcanic character with ashy and smoky undertones." James Suckling

"The Etna Rosso Ghiaia Nera 2021 is intense, smoky and ashy. It opens with a burst of crushed strawberries accompanied by notes of blood orange and clove. This wine is a model of purity, with savoury red berry fruit and a core of salty minerality that emerges towards the end. The lively acidity provides a fantastic balance. A web of fine tannins lingers, creating a classic dry feel and youthful tension as the sour cherry tones fade." 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

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

Ampeleias Cabernet Franc is a rare and Demeter-certified wine that opens with a bright, dark ruby-red colour. The wine is made with 20% whole bunches and the fruit comes from the high altitude Vigna dell'Asina, characterised by local soils known as Galestro and Palombino with elements of schist and limestone. This wine is very varietal with dark fruits and blackberries, spices and a green note of grilled rosemary or wild sage. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, bright and pure Cabernet Franc with flavours of wild berries, sour cherries, wild herbs and crushed white pepper. It is medium-bodied with silky tannins. Velvety and subtle, with balance and a refined, flawless texture. Bright and seductive, with a lively, juicy finish. Made from biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification." James Suckling

"The 2022 Cabernet Franc is a real powerhouse. Black cherry, leather, plum, mocha, lavender and spice race across the palate. Although this year's Franc is not as expressive as it could be, it is still compelling. harvestshould expect a rare wine from the estate that packs a punch. This extroverted, wild red wine is a beauty." Vinous

Pithos Rosso was fermented spontaneously in the amphora and is a paragon of vibrancy, freshness, exoticism and elegance. Dried cherries, some leather and spices on the nose. Young and fresh on the palate, lively and yet extremely fragile. A perfectly crafted, mineral and highly unusual red that epitomises gentle biodynamics 100%. Be sure to aerate sufficiently before drinking! SUPERIORE.DE

"Darkly floral, the 2022 Rosso Pithos slowly evolves in the glass, blending roses and violets with crushed stone and hints of rhubarb. This creates a sensation of sweet-and-sour on the palate, with soft textures and juicy acidity guiding its tart red berry fruits and sour citrus tones. The 2022 tapers off long and staining yet only gently tannic, closing with notes of licorice and a lingering tart blackberry concentration. The Pithos is a zesty blend of 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Frappato that’s refined for seven months in amphorae, followed by two to three months in concrete." Vinous

Etna Bianco is smoky in the glass and excites the senses with a burst of crushed rock and raw almonds before fading into a citrus-influenced peach. It is pleasantly soft and enveloping, with weighty textures supported by lively acidity. Mineral fruits and sweet spices meet on the palate. Finishes remarkably fresh yet grippy and long, leaving the mouth wanting more. The complexity of this wine is unrivalled for an entry-level Etna Bianco. SUPERIORE.DE

"Honey blossom, candied ginger, hints of fennel and crushed green apples form a savoury and inviting bouquet when the 2023 Etna Bianco opens in the glass. Ripe fruit meets a core of salty minerals and savoury spices, while a stimulating wave of acidity completely redefines the palate. The 2023 finishes perfumed and long, leaving a pleasantly tart hint of citrus that tickles the cheeks." Vinous

"This has a restrained white-pepper and mineral character, lemon bush and pulp. On the palate, the acidity is firmly integrated with citrus, flint, concentrated fruit and a medium to full body. The finish is supersavory and tense. Drinkable now but will improve with age." James Suckling

The small, museum-like island of Mozia in the Marsala lagoon is a production site of unrivalled uniqueness. It is a marine ecosystem that has always been linked to the vineyard. The English, who came to Marsala at the beginning of the 19th century and recognised its great potential, initiated the first planting. The vines are cultivated naturally using the Gobelet system with natural irrigation. The grapes are harvested in crates, brought to the mainland in flat-bottomed boats and then transported to the Regaleali winery in air-conditioned lorries to guarantee their aromatic integrity.

Since 2007, when the Tasca family was entrusted by the Whitaker Foundation with the implementation of a project to promote and revitalise historic Grillo vineyards, they have been looking after 12 hectares of vineyards in Mozia. This is where the best Grillo in Sicily comes from, which is unrivalled in terms of concentration and razor-sharp precision.

Pale straw yellow in colour. Tantalising, very refined aromas of nectarine, yellow flowers, lime and mint herbs. On the palate, it is fresh, juicy and dense, with a wonderful clarity and flavours of pome fruit and white stone fruit, accompanied by a lively and harmonious acidity. Its impressive finish is long and mineral. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shimmering straw yellow with a silver-green touch. Restrained, initially slightly dry on the nose, slowly opening up to yellow stone fruit and hints of garden herbs. More precise on the palate, with a soft fruit centre and beautiful freshness." Falstaff

"The 2023 Grillo Mozia is youthful and shy, yet full-bodied, revealing a delicate blend of chamomile, green melon and a hint of candied lime. A blend of savoury and sweet flavours, ripe fruits and silky textures balanced by a zesty acidity. Sweet herbal notes emerge towards the end. The wine finishes with enormous length and a salty note, while the green citrus fruit aftertaste gradually dissipates. Mozia comes from Albarello vines that grow on sandy soils at sea level or slightly below. This is one of the most characterful Grillos produced in Italy today." Vinous

Intense, very elegant bouquet of apple and almond, extremely complex fruit on the palate; fresh, powerful, rich and with a beautiful citrus-fruity length and mineral vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Friulano Rolat is perfumed in the glass with a blend of wildflowers, lime zest and fresh mint. This opens with a lovely inner sweetness contrasted by a reverberation of zesty acidity. Sour melon complicates the palate further, and inner florals amass toward the close. The 2022 keeps the energy high throughout, finishing spicy and with tension. The Rolat is a gorgeous Friulano." 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

The pure Malvasia from Raccaro is elegant, complex and rich. Pleasantly fragrant with hints of broom and iris and the typically strong and persistent flavour of the grape variety. Salty on the palate, spicy on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Malvasia opens with a delicate bouquet of ripe orchard fruits and sweet herbal tones. Silky-smooth, this washes across the palate with a perfumed mix of pit fruits and candied citrus. The 2022 tapers off with medium length and is pleasantly fresh with a trace of tropical citrus." Vinous

The wonderfully typical, very lively Ribolla Gialla has a bouquet of fresh citrus fruits and apples, with peach notes and flint in the background. The fruity taste is round, clean and very harmonious with a long, salty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Ribolla Gialla Zuc di Volpe 2021 is delicate and unobtrusive. It smells of lime and green melon, underlined by sweet floral scents. The style is soft and mineral, with an echo of saline acidity that slowly dissipates to reveal crisp Granny Smith apple. The 2021 finishes clean but full of youthful tension and a crisp feel as nuances of sour citrus gradually fade. What a beauty. Two to three years of ageing should help it to develop fully." Vinous

"Lots of flint and smoke with aromas and flavours of green apple and lime. Tangy and bright. A linear and energetic Ribolla with a sorbet finish." James Suckling

Purple-red colour with black-violet reflections. Wonderfully concentrated and extracted Barbera with the right blend of power, fruit and juiciness. Some plum jam, black chocolate and spices combine to create a dark fruity firework of flavours, framed by finely polished tannins and accompanied by a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Simultaneously lush and fluid, with flavours of black cherry, blackcurrant, earth and toasted spice that blend seamlessly. Balanced, with a firm, juicy finish that defines the fruit and oak accents." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Pairolero is a heady, explosive wine. Black cherry, new leather, licorice, cloves and gravel infuse the Barbera with so much flavor intensity. Bright acids lend quite a bit of energy throughout. The 2021 is incredibly promising." Vinous

At Podere le Ripi, the grapes for the Rosso di Montalcino are given more time in the cellar than elsewhere, making the wine more similar to a Brunello than a Rosso. Deep ruby red in colour with orange reflections. A captivating symphony of aromas on the nose, ranging from cherry, strawberry and violet to fresh balsamic herbs. On the palate, an impressive, broad structure, beautifully interwoven primary and secondary flavours, a fine minerality and a remarkably long finish. The longer ageing period really pays off! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino Sogni e Follia is wild and exotic, with a tantalising mix of rose petals, cinnamon sticks and mentholated cherries making up its bouquet. The balance between the silky texture, ripe wild berries, zesty orange and juicy acidity is extremely attractive to me. The 2020 leaves a layer of soft grippy tannins but keeps the energy high and finishes with medium length as the violet florals slowly fade inside." Vinous

"It shows dark concentration with lifted aromas of dried raspberry, cocktail cherry, dried garden herb and cinnamon. It is an unusual wine but charming nevertheless." Wine Advocate

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

Here comes the new single-varietal Pinot Grigio from one of our absolute favourite winemakers for years. In addition to his Friulano vineyards, Dario Raccaro has been cultivating a small vineyard planted with 100% Pinot Gris vines in Guyot training for many years. Since the 2022 vintage, he has been selling just 2,000 bottles of this fine wine and we are delighted to have received an allocation. Pale straw yellow in colour, with a fine, floral bouquet with traces of flint and white smoke. Well-structured on the palate, soft and flowing, very velvety and deep at the same time, a masterful interpretation of Pinot Gris! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Pinot Grigio lifts from the glass with an airy freshness, blending minty herbs with crushed rocks and Asian pear. This is soothingly round with ripe orchard fruits and sweet spices that swirl throughout. It tapers off remarkably fresh with an herbal tinge and green melon suggestions slowly fade." Vinous

Schiopetto's Pinot Grigio seduces with a nuanced and noble blend of yellow apples, spring flowers, wet stone and sweet smoke. On the entry, it is soft with an echo of green citrus and salty minerals that add tension, while lively notes of pear and inner flowers build towards the finish. It finishes with a pleasant inner sweetness, while a hint of spice and ginger lingers. This understated beauty is full of character and promises good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich, carpeted ginger-pear wine that starts pretty, perky, floral and green. It spreads out like liquid silk, filling every corner with a kind of golden, silvery sheen that hints at honey and baked puff pastry to come, then returns to sweet peas and sugar snap peas." Jancis Robinson

"Delicate aromas of green apple, citrus, and fresh white flowers mingle in this expressive wine. The palate pops with vibrant flavors of ripe pear and lemon, complemented by a crisp acidity and a refreshing, clean finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2022 Pinot Grigio is remarkably pretty, with hints of sweet spice and white flowers emphasising freshly cut nectarines. The Pinot Grigio is incredibly fresh, with zesty acidity and a hint of green citrus to the ripe fruit. The finish is clean and of medium length, leaving a hint of young peach and chamomile. The balance of this wine is excellent and makes it easy to return to the glass again and again." Vinous

"Aromas of quince fruit, glazed lemons, peaches and a hint of praline. Also some wet stones. Medium to full-bodied with depth and a delicate phenolic note in the texture. Long and taut with a lively, nervy acidity that goes on and on. Lots of crushed stones and spices. Attractive." James Suckling

Pietradolce Rosso is reminiscent of an elegant red from Burgundy. Sparkling, intense garnet red colour. Light, aromatic tones of cherry, raspberry, slate, cigar tobacco and cedar wood, medium-bodied and very energetic on the palate, flavoursome fruit, salty, balanced and long. Be sure to aerate! SUPERIORE.DE

"Grapefruit, fresh cranberries and minerals on the nose. Fresh and almost tangy on the palate with savoury citrus fruits and a firm tannin structure. Pleasantly grippy and structured." James Suckling

"The predominantly cool, fresh and earthy nose also reveals tart, subtly warm aromas of tea leaves, hibiscus, plums, cranberries and orange peel. On the palate, these fruit flavours are underlined by almost metallic citrus and pepper notes. The acidity fizzes in the background." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2022 Etna Rosso lifts from the glass with a bouquet that mixes savory and sweet: woodland berries, cloves, grilled herbs and wet concrete. This is fruit-focused, with masses of ripe black cherries accentuated by hints of sweet spice as a gentle staining of tannins forms toward the close. The 2022 finishes remarkably fresh, enlivened by a bump of juicy acidity as rosy inner florals gradually taper off. This makes for an excellent introduction to the Pietradolce style." Vinous

This mineral and concentrated wine emphasises the beauty of the Collio region. Ponca, the local name for the soil in the Collio, is a calcareous clay and sandstone conglomerate, which this wine shows in abundance. The first note of Ponca leads to ripe apples and white flowers. On the palate, it is complex and structured, creamy and with a strong acidity. It is a wine with stony and mineral undertones that emphasises the soil of this special place. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of baked apples, lemon oil and pressed yellow flowers. On the palate, it delivers a delightful fusion of citrus and stone fruit flavors, culminating in a refreshing, clean finish that mirrors the region's vibrant spirit." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2022 Pinot Bianco captivates with a bouquet that mixes enriching notes of almond paste and sweet spice with crushed yellow apples. Silky and enveloping, this washes across the palate with medium-bodied weight and mineral-tinged orchard fruits as brisk acidity adds a cheek-puckering twang toward the close. The 2022 leaves tropical citrus and hints of green melon to linger on, finishing with admirable length and wonderfully fresh. Already a pleasure today, the 2022 Pinot Bianco will also excel over three to four years of cellaring." Vinous

"Crushed seashells, flint, white fruit and crumbled minerality. Quite textured with a medium to full body and a long, mineral finish. Has lovely mid-palate substance and tension." James Suckling

Classic Nebbiolo from the now not-so-young vines of the Starderi cru vineyard, among others, which rivals many a Barbaresco: Bright, intense ruby colour with garnet rim, elegant bouquet with lots of fresh, clear berry fruit, pronounced acidity on the palate at the beginning, which then gives way to beautiful fruit and well-proportioned tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just bottled, the 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo is terrific. A blend of La Spinetta's four sites (Starderi, Valeirano, Gallina and Campè), the Langhe Nebbiolo is an excellent introduction to the Spinetta range. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice, lavender and dried herbs are all amplified in a succulent, opulent Langhe Nebbiolo that over-delivers." Vinous

Schiopetto's Friulano is youthfully unobtrusive with a pretty bouquet that blends lemon peel with mint and hints of crushed rock. It washes over the palate with a tense mix of citrusy acids and salty minerals, while a core of tropical melon develops towards the end. Finishes on a more delicate note, but long and with pretty inner flowers that still linger. The beautiful balance and underlying power of this wine will guarantee good ageing in the bottle. The best is yet to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"Hawthorn blossom on the nose and then that indefinable, seamless, petal-wax smoothness-that-is-Friulano on the palate. It has Friulano's macadamia-nut-carved-into-flower smooth, sweet, floral oiliness. Kind of hard to define, kind of delicate, kind of ploppy (like fat rain drops). Poached-pear sweetness. A wine that would be delicious with anything soft and green and drenched in buttery beurre blanc. Wonderful with cold, minty lamb sausages." Jancis Robinson

"Lithe and well-balanced, this mouthwatering white has lively hints of grapefruit zest, milled white pepper and lemon thyme underscoring juicy tangerine, peach skin and lentil notes." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Friulano wafts up with a delicate bouquet, blending minty herbs and wet stone with green apples and lime zest. This flows across the palate with ease, crisp and cool-toned in feel, with saline mineral tones adding a tactile feel as candied citrus notes resonate throughout. It finishes clean and with medium length, leaving a salty sensation and the mouth watering for more." Vinous

"Oyster shell, light flint, match stick, dried pear, and apple puree aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Layered. Very minerally. Tight and focused. Serious." James Suckling

"Palistorti" means "crooked stakes" in Italian – and the name is no coincidence. At the beginning of their winemaking career, Laura and Moreno found many limestone boulders in the vineyards, which made the freshly driven stakes crooked and crooked when they were planted. And that's how this exciting second wine got its name, the estate owners reveal in conversation.

Bright ruby red. The aroma is dominated by red and black berries. With a little air, cherries and sour cherries become more pronounced, and something spicy that you can't immediately place. Somehow fresh and yet Mediterranean, but not like Chianti or Brunello. Is it the little bit of Syrah? Or is it this unique terroir? Wherever this spiciness comes from, in combination with this pronounced fruit, it smells simply wonderful. On the palate, it is full-bodied, very juicy and again this unique combination of fruit and spice that makes the wine simply exciting and special. Juicy, finely structured, perfectly balanced, with character and animating acid bite. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. On the nose aromas of undergrowth, small red fruits and some hints of tobacco and liquorice. Rich, concentrated flavour, soft and spicy at the same time, with compact tannins and a medium finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 Palistorti di Valgiano is a very interesting wine. Intensely aromatic and savory, the 2020 is also quite distinctive. Dried herbs, lavender, mocha, macerated dark cherry and incense soar out of the glass. Wild and a touch eccentric, the 2020 is incredibly distinctive, especially for readers in search of something new." Vinous

"Lots of blackberry, licorice and clove aromas follow through to a medium to full body, tight and slightly austere tannins (in a good way) and a fresh, vivid finish. Racy and bright. Better in a year or two, but already attractive." James Suckling

Wonderful, deep aroma of dark wild cherries, crushed raspberries, pomegranate, roses and peppery herbs. Dense but not heavy on the palate, long and pure with multi-layered subtle fruit flavours. Salty minerals and violet blossom emerge on the finish, along with nuanced tannins that create a classically dry feel on the elegant finish. This wine is already an absolute pleasure to drink, and although it tastes great now, it will continue to refine in the bottle for several years. A sensual and enjoyable wine, 60 per cent Nero d'Avola from oak barrels and 40 per cent Frappato matured in a vitrified cement vat. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Cerasuolo di Vittoria entices with a dusty bouquet of citrus-laced blackberries, dried violets and sweet smoke. This is pure and lifted in style, communicating undeniable elegance with a silken wave of ripe wild berry fruit that swirls throughout. It finishes classically dry yet only gently tannic, leaving hints of black raspberry and spice to linger. The 2021 is simply stunning today and has the balance to evolve beautifully through medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"Nectarine flavours leap from the glass with lemon blossom and crushed stone. Medium-bodied with integrated tannins that envelop and caress the palate. Fine and delicious." James Suckling