VINOUS

A hearty, spicy Fiano di Avellino that impresses with its fruitiness and aromas of sausage, bacon and smoke. Complex on the palate of tropical fruits, candy and minerals, full-bodied long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Bianco More Maiorum is very tasty in the glass, combining musk, dried apricots, yellow flowers, ginger and crushed rock. The palate is almost salty, showing a crisp purity of tart fruit and mineral tones, with an almost crisp feel towards the finish. The finish is marked by bitter almonds and lemon peel and ends with admirable length, but dry and grippy." Vinous

"This wine starts with a lovely lemon, cedar peel and wild onion character on the nose, mixed with a touch of oak. The palate is medium to full-bodied with bright citrus fruit that lingers until the end. It leaves a long aftertaste of lemon peel, dry minerals and caramel." James Suckling

"Here is a beautifully matured blend of equal parts Fiano and Greco. The 2017 Irpinia Bianco More Maiorum from the historic Mastroberardino estate shows a rich, mid-weight style with layers of beeswax, stone fruit, thick-skinned cedro lemon and underripe apricot. A nice hint of petrol and gravel adds to the wine's complexity and highlights the smooth evolution of this impressive five-year-old white." Wine Advocate

Deep, bright ruby red in colour. This 100% Nero d'Avola is a captivating wine with its full-bodied, fruity and spicy aroma of blackcurrants, cherries, undergrowth, liquorice and dark chocolate. The soft but firm, multi-layered and warm flavour of ripe berries, the fine spice and the fine tannins are very appealing. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is a well-made Nero d'Avola with a purity and freshness in its ripe character of red and black berries and cherries. Intense and savoury, with tangy acidity, it shows juicy cherries and black fruits along with notes of chocolate and balsamic and mouth-coating tannins. Full and rich in fruit, but quite vertical in style, it is a lively and storable example of what can be achieved with this typical Sicilian grape." Decanter

"The 2020 Santa Cecilia, a single varietal Nero d'Avola, rises from the glass with a dark and brooding blend of crushed plums, cloves, stone dust and a hint of camphor. It's round and supple with juicy acidity that retains a lovely energy, and bright red and blue fruits spill across the palate. The 2020 finishes with a bitter touch of savoury spice and a hint of sour citrus, while a layer of fine tannins lingers. The 2020 is a very beautiful and balanced wine for medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"Bright and fragrant, with a lush creaminess that carries flavours of strawberry jam, dried cherries, tar, tea roses and singed orange peel. Well-spiced and minerally, with slightly chalky tannins that provide fine definition." Wine Spectator

"The Santa Cecilia 2020 is one of Sicily's iconic wines, a Nero d'Avola clothed in elegance and precision. The wine is softly structured and multi-layered with dark fruits, black cherries, spices and sweet tobacco. The Santa Cecilia takes a classic approach with a balance between generous fruit and carefully managed oak." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of blackberries, flowers and dark earth with a hint of fresh black mushrooms. Medium to full body with round and creamy tannins and a delicious undertone. Just a hint of vanilla bean underneath the fruit." James Suckling

"The nose starts bubbly and sweet, with aromas of black plums, cherry and vanilla, then turns savory but still crackly, with notes of pencil shavings, pepper, graphite and leather. The palate doubles back toward juicy fruit with figs and more plums, then shifts again toward that sanguine earthiness, but textured tannins and almost silky acid unify the whole." Wine Enthusiast

The Durella grapes for this sparkling wine produced using the Champagne method come from the volcanic soils of the Agno Valley. Brilliant, light straw yellow in colour with a fine, persistent perlage. Salty, fruity notes of citrus fruit and quince on the nose. Powerful and mouth-filling on the palate, lively with striking acidity and a wonderful, bone-dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Energetic and vibrant from the moment the cork pops, this wine opens with citrus, stone fruit and fresh lily aromas. Bright, yet with a cream texture from the elegant perlage that helps the citrus oil, white peach and subtle mineral notes lift on the palate." Wine Enthusiast

"A grape variety with high acidity and optimum ripeness for such a creamy, sparkling and non-dosed sparkling wine. Also very good. Accents of vanilla apples and lemon blossom are brought to a good length by a persistent perlage and juicy acidity." James Suckling

"The Metodo Classico Durella Leon is airy and fresh with a spicy burst of ground ginger that fades into young peach and white smoke. It is savoury and mineral, with a silky bead of fine bubbles and salty fruit that slowly saturates. Notes of lime zest meet sour melon and the finish is long and powerful." Vinous

Brilliant dark ruby red colour. Creamy bouquet with delicate hints of dark chocolate and black cherry. Consistent flavour with a delicate, typical bitter note, again black fruit and a wonderfully fresh tangle of acidity and tannin. A perfect and inexpensive introduction to the great wines of Roagna! SUPERIORE.DE

"Just bottled, the 2023 Dolcetto d'Alba is aromatic, gracious and light on its feet. Crushed flowers, spice, licorice, leather and blue-toned fruit all grace this understated Dolcetto. The 2023 spent nearly 90 days on the skins, followed by aging in cask and cement. Like so many wines in this vintage, the Dolcetto is on the lighter side." Vinous

Dark ruby, finely spicy bouquet, juicy cherry notes and delicate caramel. Elegant texture, with firm tannins and well structured. A round wine and ideal food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. A nose of ripe cherries and ripe plums, plus a hint of blackberries and milk chocolate, reverberating on dried rose petal. Fleshy and juicy on the palate, showing creamy fruit core with great tension, reverberating with savoury tannin and fine pressure." Falstaff

"Sweet herbs mix with peppery florals and freshly crushed blackberries as the 2017 Merlot blossoms in the glass. This envelopes the palate with mineral-tinged red and blue fruits as zesty acidity keeps the expression amazingly fresh, yet decidedly savory. A staining of primary concentration lingers through the lightly structured finale, along with a salty flourish that keeps the mouth watering for more. Very nice." Vinous

Borgo 2022 is the debut vintage of a Chianti Classico that embodies the soul of San Felice with great character. Sangiovese and a small amount of Pugnitello combine to create a fragrant and lively wine that faithfully and authentically represents the unmistakable terroir. The overall impression is versatile and immediate, with freshness, fruity aromas and floral notes. Rich and complex on the palate, with sweet tannins that accompany a persistent and balanced finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is exactly the kind of wine you want to come home with. Its freshness alone is a pick-me-up. Its cherry, raspberry and blackberry-coloured fruit is so vibrant and three-dimensional and 'now' that it tastes like you're picking it in the garden in the sunlight and popping it straight into your mouth. You take a sip of it and look for spots of juice on your fingers. It's a happy wine. It's fabulous at this moment." Jancis Robinson

"A juicy, fresh and delicious red wine with flavours of plums, cherries and oranges. Medium-bodied, bright and lively. Why wait?" James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Borgo 2022 opens with a medium-dark garnet red colour, characteristic of Sangiovese from a warm vintage. The wine's bouquet is true to the variety, with aromas of wild cherry, floral earth, iris and blue flowers in the background. These flavours are delivered in a very clean and concentrated way, followed by good acidity. It is approachable and pleasant to drink, especially when a plate of pasta with meat ragout is on the menu." Wine Advocate

"This broad, rich red wine shows flavours of cherries, raspberries, iron and wild herbs. Well defined and firmly structured, with a fluid feel and excellent length on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Sanguine and floral with a delicate but persistent earthiness on the nose, offering flavours of cranberry, hibiscus, earth and coffee. The same mix of tart fruit and slightly bitter earth defines the palate, while a lively acidity washes over still slightly dusty tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico Borgo 2022 is a racy, sensual wine. Crushed red berry fruit, wild flowers and cinnamon fill out the layers beautifully, all framed by soft contours that give it plenty of charm. This juicy red wine has a lot to offer." Vinous

The grapes for Ciampagnis come from a 7.8-hectare vineyard located just above sea level at an altitude of 32 metres. Fresh, Mediterranean-spicy bouquet with notes of white flowers and an exotic touch of mango, lychee and rhubarb. Medium-bodied on the palate with a beautiful silky texture, full-bodied flavours of citrus, pineapple and apple, the long ageing on the lees ensures terrific freshness and complexity. A seductive wine with great potential for enthusiasm, full of energy and personality with a mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with golden reflections. Very intense nose of exotic fruits such as pineapple, mango and papaya, plus salted lemon and mint. Very juicy, salty on the palate with exotic, long-lasting fruit flavours as well as good pressure and an animating drinking flow." Falstaff

"This vibrant Chardonnay shows good balance and integration, offering bright pineapple and persimmon fruit flavours with a rich hint of grilled macadamia nut and aromas of orchard blossom and mountain herbs. Creamy and mineral on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A tight and slightly herbaceous chardonnay that’s fully focused on fresh pink grapefruit and a lot of mangoes at its core. Light-bodied, it shows a silky, super-refined texture, fruity length and refreshing acidity." James Suckling

"The 2022 Chardonnay Ciampagnis is a seductress that captures the imagination with a beguiling array of crushed nectarines infused with tropical citrus, a hint of curry leaves and sweet, sweet spice. The wine impresses with a balance of contrasts, combining tart fruit and green citrus notes with cool acidity and a hint of apricot towards the finish. Incredibly fresh and dramatically long, the Ciampagnis finishes with a colourful length and gentle tannins that leave a pleasantly tart sensation that lingers." Vinous

Villa di Capezzana is considered one of the longest-lived wines in Tuscany, with a vertical tasting of 20 vintages dating back to 1937 - none of the vintages showed any signs of fatigue. The wine is fermented spontaneously and matured in large and small wooden barrels, a third of the small wood is renewed every year. Dark ruby red in colour. Black cherries, blackberries, cassis and fine woods dominate the nose. On the palate, the wine is firm, well-structured and has a long finish. Decanting recommended. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Inviting nose of wax and grated forest fruits, with subtle hints of honey and dried rose petals on the finish. Initially juicy on the palate, with good tension and a slightly salty undertone." Falstaff

"Inviting bouquet with seductive cherry aromas, herbal and sandalwood notes; polished texture, the tannins are fine-grained and in balance with the acidity, combining suppleness and length. To a roast beef." Vinum

"A solid, concentrated and compact red wine. Red berries, warm herbs, earth, mushrooms and baking spices dominate the nose, followed by a full body with fine, slightly chewy tannins. Concentrated and dense, with a solid tannic framework for the fruit and spices on the long, funnel-shaped finish." James Suckling

"This red wine is expressive, with flavours of ripe cherries, raspberries, flowers and wild herbs and a smooth texture. It is well-structured and balanced and leaves a long, fruity, ferruginous and spicy aftertaste with a fine grip on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Carmignano Villa di Capezzana opens like a veritable spice box, seducing with an autumnal blend of allspice, clove and star anise before moving on to soaked plums and sage. It is silky and refined, with a supple texture and ripe red and blue fruit flavours that are lapped up by a lively acidity. It leaves a pleasant chewing sensation and finishes with fine-grained tannins and a hint of primary concentration. After a minute, a hint of white pepper lingers. Wow. While the 2020 is richer than usual and easier to savour from the start, it is balanced and will develop long and steadily." Vinous

Castello di Monsanto's Chianti Classico Riserva is a fabulous wine that punches well above its weight. Dark cherry, plum, liquorice, spice, leather, lavender and tobacco run through this wonderfully nuanced and vibrant Riserva. It is surprisingly expressive and open even at a young age and will continue to drink well for over 15 years. Sweet floral notes extend the finish of this medium-bodied, graceful and well-structured wine. Interesting Storage potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Opens with inviting, dense cherry fruit, underpinned by juniper, clove and a subtle medicinal note. Concentrated and precise fruit core on the palate, elegant tannins and supporting acidity, juicy and persistent." Falstaff

"Concentrated medium ruby red colour. Balsamic, cherry and crushed raspberry on the nose with a hint of eucalyptus. Juicy fruit with sandy tannins on the palate. Fresh, elegant and long. Great balance and style in this not easy to handle vintage." Jancis Robinson

"A dense red wine with well-defined aromas and flavours of black cherries and blackberries, underpinned by graphite, eucalyptus and cumin. Balanced, though still tightly wound, with a lingering fruity, spicy and mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"It shows a medium-dark concentration with typical flavours of wild cherry, peat moss, blue flower and light spice. This winery offers consistently well-made and convincing wines at a favourable price." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 that has just been bottled is magnificent. It offers a beguiling blend of dense fruit supported by a core of vibrant acidity. Striking aromatics, remarkable depth and exceptional balance make the Riserva a winner. This is such a great and compelling wine." Vinous

"This wine is complex and flavoursome with red and dark berries, dried orange peel, nutshells and roasted spices. Also a hint of walnut and crushed stones. Medium to full-bodied with super-polished tannins and juicy acidity. Delicious fruit character with a firm mineral backbone. Complete and concentrated." James Suckling

"Bing cherry and blood orange, floral earth, graphite and then wild herbs - especially sage - appear on the nose, before a hint of vanilla and cedar. The palate is juicy and fresh, with vanilla, chocolate and cherry, while herbs reappear on the back palate. A rare example of a wine with great refinement that is also an undeniable crowd favourite." Wine Enthusiast

"Opening slowly, this reveals strawberry blossom, coriander and hints of tobacco. The palate is remarkably perfumed, with an undercurrent of rose and pepper running through the dark brambly berries. Firmly structured, ripe tannins wield an assertive grip, and the zesty acidity has a citrussy, blood orange ring that draws out the finish. Lots of life here." Decanter

"Wild strawberries, then nuances of white pepper and eucalyptus. It is powerful on the palate, ending with a fruity-balsamic return, long flavour." Luca Gardini

Mimmo is a triumvirate of the wonderful autochthonous grape varieties Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Croatina from vines up to 100 years old on Montalbano and Santuario porphyry soils at an altitude of 500 metres. The Nebbiolo parcels come from the same vineyards as the cult wine Boca and are harvested and processed according to the same quality principles. The division between Boca and Mimmo is made by tasting after two years of ageing in large wooden barrels.

Some lots from the estate's own vineyards in the Boca DOC ripen a little earlier than others, without losing their original character. Together with 30% Croatina, the final result is Mimmo, named after an unforgettable person who has helped to raise the quality level of the Le Piane winery to what it is today. With his approachable manner, he opens the door to the more complex Boca at a more affordable price.

Fine, floral bouquet. Great and precise fruit on the palate. Powerful tannins envelop a core of bright red fruits, tobacco, crushed flowers and liquorice. The flavours and supple texture round off beautifully on the deep finish with well-dosed pressure. It is rightly described as the younger brother of the Boca and is a great choice for drinking over the next five years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light carmine red colour. Pretty, with red fruit and citrus flavours. Wild, herbal and inviting. Excellent depth of cherry fruit, soft tannins, excellent balance and delicious length." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Mimmo, is a little more generous than the 2019 and easier to savour in its youth. Juicy dark red cherry, sage, menthol, liquorice and herbs are beautifully enhanced in a wine that combines fruit intensity with structure." Vinous

Castellares dessert wine matures for five long years in chestnut wood caratelli, with just 3,500 bottles going on sale each year. Deep honey yellow in colour. The bouquet is reminiscent of wild porcini mushrooms, candied fruit with honey and caramel. Seductive and soft on the palate, the well-developed acidity not only ensures a wonderfully fresh drinking flow, but also gives this fine wine a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"An intense wine with a lively character. Aromas of varnish, glue, apricots, raisins, geraniums and roses. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity on the palate and a tight, lengthy finish." James Suckling

"Herbal, nutty and iodine aromas give way to flavours of caramel, brown butter, dried figs and orange peel. Lean and lively, with a long finish interspersed with caramel and toasted walnuts." Wine Spectator

"The Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2018 is a prime example of finesse and restraint. Notes of almonds, orange peel, spices, tangerine peel and rose water are beautifully emphasised. The residual sugar is a very modest 90 grams per Liters, making this moderately sweet Vin Santo one of the drier versions that harvestare likely to encounter." Vinous

Good, full red colour. Captivating aromas and flavours of ripe red cherry, spicy herbs and blackcurrant jelly are interwoven with bright liquorice and blood orange nuances. An exceptional Rosso that combines richness and vibrancy in a remarkably harmonious way. Closes creamy yet refined. Wow, this is more than the little brother of Brunello di Montalcino! SUPERIORE.DE

"A burst of crushed raspberry and sweet smoke comes together with cloves, cinnamon sticks and hints of worn leather as the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino opens in the glass. This is softly textured yet lifted in feel with ripe red fruits propelled by juicy acidity, as rosy inner florals add further depth. The 2021 tapers off structured and long, leaving the mouth watering even as grippy tannins resonate. The 2021 found excellent balance in this warm vintage." Vinous

"Here comes an intense and fruit-expressive Rosso di Montalcino that delivers excellent richness and freshness on the nose. Mineral, ripe strawberries, red plums and walnuts to the nose follow through to a tight, medium- to full-bodied palate. Quite vertical and structured with lots of tannins that give a comfortably grippy closure to the long, tight finish. A serious, outstanding Rosso di Montalcino." James Suckling

Castellares Chianti Classico Riserva opens with a bouquet of black cherry, plum, mocha, game, spices, leather and tobacco. A dark, mysterious wine with enormous depth and the potential to develop well for many years to come. This medium-bodied, super-classic Riserva captures the Castellare style beautifully, with plenty of character and a strong personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wood nuances eventually give way to leather and macerated cherry. The fruit is bright and concentrated but pure, and juicy acidity helps brighten the wine, while ripe, polished tannins give way generously. Give this wine another year to digest its oak." Decanter

"A balanced, concentrated and delicious red wine with flavours of baked cherries, cassis and grilled herbs. It is medium-bodied with chewy tannins. Serious, with a juicy mid palate and a solid, compact finish with length." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is a silky, racy wine. With remarkable elegance and finesse, the 2021 is very expressive right from the start. Dark macerated cherry, spice, new leather, liquorice and a kiss of French oak adorn this polished Riserva." Vinous

"A rich, round version, offering plum, cherry, vanilla and iron flavors. There's a solid grip of tannins but also vibrant acidity that focuses this red and propels the finish. The balance tips toward the tannins for now, so give this some time in the bottle." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, notes of Durone de Vignola and peony, then a hint of rhubarb. Spicy tannins on the palate, with hints of dark fruit, flowers and undergrowth." Luca Gardini

Deep, dark ruby red colour. Full, deep and explosive bouquet reminiscent of dark berries, tobacco and liquorice. Illuminati's single-vineyard classic Zanna, with its elegant, very complex flavour and delicate oak spice, leaves nothing to be desired every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Colline Teramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Zanna is quite backward today, dark and brooding. Exotic spice and black currants form its understated bouquet. This is a more lifted and fresh style for Zanna, with round, supple textures and ripe citrus-tinged black fruits. Edgy tannins linger through the mentholated finale as hints of spiced cherry fade slowly." Vinous

Nerello Cappuccio with dried flowers, cherries and spices on the nose offers elegant pleasure. Medium-bodied, delicate and ethereal on the finish. A fascinating interpretation of the indigenous Etna grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Nerello Cappuccio is dark and brooding in the glass. Hints of sage and balsamic spice complicate dried black cherries on the nose. It’s much more giving on the palate, pleasantly ripe in style with a wave of tart wild berry fruits and saline minerals that saturate, adding tension toward the close. The 2021 tapers off with a staining of primary concentration, gently grippy tannins and a bitter tinge of tart blackberry that lingers on and on." Vinous

"Flavours of watermelon, slightly tart cherries and crushed stones follow through to a medium body, with bright acidity and a creamy and round tannin structure. Delicious now, but even better in a few years." James Suckling

"Oudeis" has its origins in the Greek name "Odysseus" and means "nobody". And indeed, no one but the outstanding terroir of the Alta Langa is responsible for the complexity of Enrico Serafino's sparkling wines.

Bright, rich straw yellow colour. The fragrant nose seduces with a salty minerality, a potpourri of country flowers, lime, blood orange and ripe peach. The palate is exciting, fresh and extremely flavoursome, with well-integrated perlage and precisely measured intensity and a texture that is never too heavy or too flat. Oudeis Brut has a very energetic arc of tension and convinces in the remarkable final with a refined interplay of fruit and acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"This Alta Langa opens with a mix of lemon and orange peel, baked apples, yellow flowers and cake batter. On the palate, it is round with a vinous note that emphasises the character of the Pinot Noir, with cherry and flowers and a mineral finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Alta Langa's Brut Oudeis 2019 is remarkably pretty, with a delicate blend of peaches and young mango accompanied by hints of incense and spice. It shows a round, smooth texture and juicy acidity with a core of tart fruit that creates a nice tension towards the end. The finish is of medium length, leaving a hint of sour citrus and a steely minerality that gives it a tactile edge. The 2019 is beautifully made and shows incredible balance. Well done." Vinous

"Limpid and creamy nose with brioche, lemons, sliced pears and chalk. Restrained but generous, with crisp, fine beads on the medium-bodied palate. Tangy and lightly saline in the finish." James Suckling

"An elegant sparkling wine with a fine mousseux. It offers well-defined acidity and a savoury undertone interwoven with a beautiful palette of yellow peach, grapefruit granita, crushed lemon thyme and notes of white flowers." Wine Spectator

"Enrico's vision in this revealing Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend from 36 months on the fine lees, giving a clear idea of the terroir, nose with notes of white peach, broom and cedar thyme, taut mouthfeel of beautiful complexity and density, finish with a fruity orchestral return." Luca Gardini

Gauggiole comes from a single vineyard in the north-east of the Castiglion del Bosco estate and is vinified exclusively in concrete barrels. Bright, lively red. On the nose, fresh red berry fruits with delicate herbal notes. Well structured in the mouth with cool red fruit flavours like cherry, floral nuances of violet and peppery notes on the finish. Well balanced on the palate with fine tannins and good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. Beautifully deep nose with fantastic focus. Juicy fruit, supple and elegant but with a little more concentration than L'America and rich, enveloping tannins." Jancis Robinson

"The Rosso di Montalcino Gauggiole 2020 is a pretty and discreet expression with a bouquet of wild strawberries and peppery herbs. It is silky and has a cool character, while red berries and mineral tones slowly unfold. The finish is classically dry with an acidic citrus note that adds nicely to the expression. The Gauggiole comes from a single vineyard in the north-east of the Castiglion del Bosco estate. It is aged in concrete barrels." Vinous

"Here is a new surprise from Castiglion del Bosco. The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino Gauggiole is made from a selection of fruit from a 20-hectare vineyard with rich clay soils and is quite soft and silky from the start. The wine offers a delicate ensemble of wild berries, cherries, blue flowers and white pepper. Pretty background tones of crushed limestone and iron ore give the wine a sense of place. All in all, this is an elegant expression that highlights the true personality of young Sangiovese." Wine Advocate

"Notes of redcurrants, flowers and undergrowth on the nose; compact in the mouth, in perfect harmony between structure and acidity, smooth finish on notes of wild berries and spices. Excellent with pasta and light meat dishes." Vinum

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

Filetta di Lamole comes from selected Lamole vineyards owned by the Manetti family at an altitude of 600 metres. A multi-layered, elegant Chianti Classico with nuanced flavours and a fascinating structure. Ruby red in colour with light reflections. A multi-layered bouquet of cherry, followed by slightly tarry notes, violets and wild flowers. You can recognise Fontodi's signature in this profound wine, and yet it is different because it is more subtle and restrained with its existing strengths. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby colour with purple reflections. Dense and inviting nose of ripe sour cherry, rosehip and fine spice. Fresh fruit on the palate, fine-grained tannins, juicy and carried by invigorating acidity through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

"Deep, youthful ruby red colour. Brooding, deep red fruit nose with salty, mineral notes. Loosened up and with a peppery tingle. Lush and energetic on the palate, with fantastic, gravelly tannins and plenty of juice. Real substance." Jancis Robinson

"The organically grown Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole offers bold, lifted fruit with almost carbonic tones of fresh cherry and raspberry. For those of you interested in Lamole fruit from cool climates and high altitudes, which tend to be more transparent and fresh overall, this wine emphasises that contemporary style." Wine Advocate

"An abundance of savoury herbs, juniper and heather pours from the glass. On the palate, it shows a beautiful clarity and energetic acidity, which is gently enveloped by long, flowing and confident tannins. And the dark red cherry stone radiates lightness and brightness." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole is fabulous. In fact, it is the best edition of this wine yet, combining all the aromatic intensity and energy of Lamole with an extra kick of fruit and suppleness on the mid-palate. Dark red cherry, plum, spice, rose petals, crushed rock and herbs create a multi-layered finish. What a wine." Vinous

Elegant with its old rose colour and fine foam in the glass. Dark berries and yeasty notes on the nose, full-bodied and creamy on the palate with a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Hints of rose petals and crushed rocks give way to dried strawberries as the savory NV Trentodoc Rosé forms in the glass. Crystalline in feel and quite mineral, this splashes across the palate with a tension-filled blend of white cherry and spice. The cheeks pucker as the mouth waters for more, finishing with medium length and admirable potency." Vinous

"Well-cut and harmonious, with flavours of white peach, blood orange sorbet, grilled macadamia nuts and oyster shells on the silky mousse. There is a hint of saltiness on the long, creamy finish." Wine Spectator

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

Stylistically balanced, very finesse-rich Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from a small single vineyard (vineyard no. 7) in the Castelnuovo-Berardenga area, where the temperatures are always somewhat higher than in the rest of Chianti Classico. Dark, bright ruby colour. Elegant bouquet of pure Sangiovese of red berries with a very delicate hint of tobacco. Salty on the palate, shows a lot of pressure, very clear, compact fruit, builds up with tightly woven tannins, very intense and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sensual notes of blackberries, subtly floral and spicy; juicy in the mouth, the tannins are fine-grained and well integrated, final is still somewhat characterised by wood." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Clear and inviting nose, with aromas of blackberries, blueberries and some cloves. Pithy, well-placed tannins on the palate, embedded in lots of cherry fruit, describes a wide arc, savoury and with vigour." Falstaff

"The nose is sweet and earthy, with aromas of vanilla, cherry and orange peel, as well as topsoil and crushed stones. The palate is a fruit basket of strawberries, raspberries and cherries, with a hint of orange peel. The acidity plays around soft but dense tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"This red wine is bursting with energy, offering flavours of cherry, raspberry, iron, tobacco and black pepper. It finishes long and balanced, with a range of dusty tannins girding the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Montebello Sette is magnificent. Sweet pipe tobacco, incense, leather, spices and dried flowers give this deceptively medium-bodied Gran Selezione a great aromatic presence. The time it spends in the glass helps to develop the wine's texture. There's a lot of wine here." Vinous

"A juicy and exciting red with a fresh character of red and dark berries and a hint of dried orange peel and liquorice. Medium-bodied, firm and concentrated, with chalky tannins and bright acidity. Balanced and beautifully moulded." James Suckling

"The Tolaini 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Montebello Sette shows great intensity and focus in the warm season and represents a deep immersion in Sangiovese. This elegant expression of the grape variety shows a powerful fruit profile with perfect ripeness and strong cherry flavours. This is complemented by a slightly creamy texture. Delicate mineral tones and lightly toasted spices add depth. The result is balanced and elegant." Wine Advocate