VINOUS

Anthilia - a fruity white individualist from Ansonica and Catarratto, round and very fine. The bouquet has aromas of yellow peaches, plums and hints of flowers from the Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, spiciness, fine saltiness and softness merge into a pleasant, flattering unison. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Anthìlia is remarkably pretty, blending white flowers, freshly sliced pears and hints of wet stone. This is silky-smooth with nearly oily textures, offset by a twang of sour citrus and crunchy orchard fruit. The finish is perfumed and crisply refreshing, wrapping things up with a lime and mineral tinge that calls the taster back to the glass." Vinous

Tradition, innovation and typicity are the key words of the daily endeavours at the Arnaldo Caprai winery. And so this white wine from the old, indigenous Grechetto variety is traditional, straightforward and pleasantly drinkable - and anything but banal. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate straw yellow with greenish reflections. Restrained nose of gooseberry, citrus fruit and garden daisies. Surprisingly fruity-sweet on the palate with lively acidity. Salty, lingering final." Falstaff

"The 2023 Grecante is a real pleasure on the nose. It shows crushed rock, dusty dried flowers, lively fresh pears and yellow apples. It opens with a pleasant inner sweetness accompanied by crunchy fruit and a hint of sweet spice. Lively acidity provides fantastic balance and presence, while the 2023 tapers off with a subtle train of crisp tannins and a lemony concentration that slowly fades away." Vinous

Sherazade - a beautiful protagonist from A Thousand and One Nights and a wonderful Nero d'Avola from the south-west of the island, which grows on clay soils. Concentrated ruby red colour, fruity, balsamic aroma with mineral tones, followed by a sweet hint of cocoa. Soft on the palate with memories of sour cherries and blackberries. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Nero d'Avola Sherazade wafts up with a wickedly fresh bouquet of crushed wild berries, violets, sage, white pepper and licorice. This is racy and cool-toned in feel, with juicy acidity and masses of ripe red and blue fruits that cascade throughout. The 2022 leaves a staining of primary blackberry concentration, finishing classically with framing tannins that make for a lovely punctuation. This is a wonderfully fresh yet still potent Nero d'Avola." Vinous

"Very typical with lots of sour cherry and crisp lemon zest both on the nose and on the palate. Medium body with bright acidity and a tart finish. Creamy texture. Shows real Nero character." James Suckling

Carmelo Morgante's spicy and dark Nero d'Avola opens with a burst of blood orange, crushed blackberries, balsamic herbs and violet blossom. It is silky smooth yet cool in flavour. Crisp wild berries and tangy citrus fruits form the contrast. A youthful tension unfolds on the palate, while tart cherries and cranberries mingle with sweet tannins. It reveals much more depth, concentration and balance than you would expect for this price.

"The 2021 Nero d'Avola is spicy in the glass, displaying a woodland-inspired blend of mentholated herbs, shaved pine, mandarin and crushed wild berries. This is pleasantly sweet upon entry, with cocoa-tinged red berry fruits complicated by hints of sage and an air of lavender. Staining and potent, the 2021 tapers off with dramatic length, leaving firming tannins and notes of licorice to linger on." Vinous

Nero d'Avola and Syrah from the hills around Monreale, aged briefly in steel and oak barrels. Young vines, freshness on the palate, red cherry, hints of thyme, myrtle and menthol. Juicy and tasty on the palate, with a fruity, oily finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby violet colour. Ripe blackberries, cassis, black pepper on the nose, with a hint of forest floor and preserved plums. Present on the palate, medium tannin and palate pressure, savoury texture, retronasal black cherry, pleasant, round, long-lasting final." Falstaff

"The Benuara 2022, a blend of Nero d'Avola and Syrah, exudes a cascade of dried violets, roses and black cherries accompanied by hints of rosemary and camphor. This wine is elegant and polished, with spicy herbal notes on the attack that give way to an abundance of red and black fruits. The lively acidity maintains balance, while the 2022 finishes with soft tannins and a pleasant bitterness." Vinous

The Riserva from the great traditional line of de Castris captivates with intense cherry fruit, fine wood notes and subtle spice. Powerful and juicy on the palate, round and harmonious, with a wonderfully long finish. Every year a fantastic price-pleasure ratio! SUPERIORE.DE

"A fantastic value, the 2019 Salice Riserva 50esima Vendemmia opens with black cherry and plum depths complemented by sweet herbs and tobacco. This is silky-smooth and rich with masses of ripe dark fruits and exotic spices. It leaves a staining of primary concentration while tapering off lightly structured yet energetic." Vinous

"A harmonious medium-bodied red offering a well-balanced palette of black plums, dried raspberries, fresh loamy earth and hints of dark chocolate and sage, all underpinned by fine-grained tannins and juicy acidity." Wine Spectator

"This powerful yet balanced red offers compact aromas of ploughed soil, violets, blood orange and crushed peppercorns over a dense blackberry core. The palate is juicy yet broad and densely packed, framed by powerful acidity and velvety tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Warm stones, blackberries, sweet plums and cocoa beans on the nose follow through to a medium to full body with fine, silky tannins rounding out the bittersweet fruit. Spicy and quite long with a fine, spicy chocolate powder finish. An excellent Negroamaro." James Suckling

Delicate salmon pink colour. Fragrant notes of citrus, rose petals and strawberries on the nose. On the palate, it has a lovely minerality, crisp tanginess and freshness. A good dose of acidity and its complexity make it a characterful and racy accompaniment to aromatic fish and vegetable dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright cherry pink with a sparkling centre. Opens up to crisp grapefruit on the nose, with notes of sour cherry and lavender. Compact fruit sweetness on the palate, present, with medium acidity and length." Falstaff

"A fresh blend of camomile, wild strawberries and spices wafts from the 2023 Rosé di Morgante. It has a soft texture, juicy acidity and crisp orchard fruit. The finish is long and full of savoury tension, leaving a noticeable mineral note and a hint of lemon peel." Vinous

"A fruity rosé that has pomegranate, rose hip and cherry aromas. It’s medium- to full-bodied, ripe and juicy. Tasty finish." James Suckling

Sabazio, a ruby red Rosso di Montepulciano, smells of sweet aromas of black cherries mixed with notes of undergrowth. Medium-bodied on the palate with lively acidity, good freshness and a beautiful structure and harmony. Clear, clean enjoyment. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red with a cherry-red rim. Fresh plum and coffee on the nose, some vegetal notes, black olive and fine spice on the finish. Raw, juicy on the palate, with fine pressure and broad tannins." Falstaff

"The 2022 Rosso di Montepulciano Sabazio opens with an inviting bouquet of roses, crushed raspberries and spices. It is a soft and enveloping effort. Vibrant wild berry fruit and lively acidity provide a lovely energy. Liquorice and cloves mingle with a hint of sour cherry as the 2022 finishes wonderfully fresh and with admirable length." Vinous

The country dance (controdanza) is a typical dance in which man and woman face each other and unite in graceful movements - depending on their gender, the dancers interpret the music in their own way. This wine is exactly the same: Nero d'Aola and Merlot - opposites attract and, with the right sensitivity, can harmonise and contrast wonderfully.

Strong purple colour. Mulberry and plum contrast with incense and balsamic notes. The grapes all come from chalky soils, which in turn creates a bridge and makes this young wine balanced and harmonious. Soft tannins and a beautifully integrated, delicate acidity carry Controdanza into a supple, medium-length finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby colour with garnet-red reflections. Inviting on the nose, fruity flavours of cherry and wild berries, underpinned by spicy notes. Full fruit on the palate, dense tannins, mouth-filling, juicy with a lingering final." Falstaff

"Fragrant, with floral, spicy and mineral accents, this wine displays a creamy palette of plump cherry and warm fig fruit flavours, enveloping slightly chewy tannins. Fresh, long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of baked cherries, mushrooms, basil and grated nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied with fine tannins. Beautifully ripe red fruits on the palate, with a subtle savoury character. Finishes with vanilla." James Suckling

"The nose starts with a balanced blend of vanilla and herbs, then becomes a little sharper, but remains balanced with flavours of pepper, pencil shavings and black cherries. On the palate, the tension between fruit and earth continues, with the cherries hovering over herbal, umami undertones. The acidity dances past the chewy tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Controdanza opens with a burst of wild berries and spices, complicated by chalk dust and hints of crushed violet candies. This is juicy and lively on the palate with vivid wild blueberry fruit and purple/blue inner florals that amass toward the close. It finishes classically dry with a pleasantly bitter tinge, leaving notes of licorice and sage to slowly fade." Vinous

This still Muscat, which was conceived as the "little brother" of Torcolato and Acininobili, is a masterpiece and proves once again that Fausto Maculan is one of the world's best producers of dessert wines. Dindarello enchants with a marvellous blend of peach sorbet, kiwi and fresh mint. These aromas accompany the wonderfully full flavour right through to the finish. Its perfect balance between sweetness and acidity will ennoble any meal. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Dindarello is wildly spicy and fresh, with a burst of candied lime and minty herbs giving way to kiwi and green melon. It opens with a pleasant inner sweetness and weighty textures energized by cooling acidity, as ripe tropical fruits swirl throughout. The Dindarello finishes long and potent, leaving hints of mango and lemon custard to linger on and on. The pleasure dial is turned up to the max on this gorgeous Moscato." Vinous

Cerasuolo di Vittoria - an established local red with a great tradition and just as much character. Typical aroma of the wines from Vittoria: Aromas of red berries, cherries, prickly pear, ginger and fruit sweets. Flavoursome, extremely complex, fresh, lively and yet balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a violet shimmer. The bouquet has an intense aroma of ripe raspberries, followed by a spicy flavour with a hint of dark chocolate. Clear and precise on the palate with finesse and elegance, espresso retronasal, well-integrated and fine-grained tannins, medium-long finish." Falstaff

"Notes of juicy cherries and boysenberries are underscored by tar, smoke and grilled herbs in this lively, light to medium-bodied red wine that finishes silky and savoury." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, there are aromas of cherry blossom, raspberry and blood orange, as well as spicy notes of pencil shavings and black tea. On the palate, cherries and raspberries macerate, but the sanguine, almost chalky bitterness of the tea leaves lingers before a salted chocolate finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The peppery and floral Cerasuolo di Vittoria 2022 smells of a spicy blend of crushed wild berries and savoury herbs. It opens with a lovely inner sweetness and crisp red and blue fruits. A tantalising acidity refreshes the palate towards the end. It finishes classically dry, but fresh and floral, leaving a violet finish." Vinous

Just the thing for fans of mineral and drinkable white wines: bright straw yellow with a golden shimmer. On the nose, the Frammento (formerly Villa Barbi) opens with green melon, candied lime, fresh mint and wet stone. Streamlined and vertical on the palate, with salty tones flanked by yellow stone fruit. Finishes fresh, with good acidity, medium length and a cheeky salty-spicy note. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Frammento, previously known as the Villa Barbi Bianco, opens with a delicate blend of crushed stones, apricots and hints of fermented ginger. It’s soft and round with a pretty inner sweetness, mixing candied lime with green apples to form a display of contrasts. The 2022 tapers off potent and long yet still relatively fresh. A green melon note sticks around." Vinous

"Aromas of green apples, Meyer lemons and a hint of golden kiwi, followed by peppery green herbs. Hints of rocket and wet stones. Medium body with refreshing, crisp acidity. Tangy, savoury and chalky finish." James Suckling

This traditional cuvée is already inspiring in its youth. Made from outstanding grapes, you can taste the ripe fruit and richness of the three classic vineyards. Deep ruby-garnet colour with violet reflections. Full bouquet of ripe cherries, some plum, herbs and orange zest. Juicy and complex on the finish, very long finish with a fine salt vein and subtle fruit sweetness. Drinkable! SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose of this fresh Valpolicella is characterised by pretty and superficially fresh floral notes, followed by tangy notes of red berries and a hint of tobacco. On the palate, fresh cherries, mixed herbs and undergrowth - all well balanced - give the wine a lightness and at the same time a complexity that keeps you coming back for more." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2022 Valpolicella Classico exudes a sweet bouquet of dusty violets and roses that fades into spiced confectionery and crushed cherries. It is juicy, with crunchy wild berries and minty herbal notes accelerated by a juicy acidity. The finish is long and perfumed, with a layer of soft tannin giving it a lovely punctuation. The 2022 is a beautiful, refined Valpolicella." Vinous

"A classic blend from a dry vintage, among the driest on record, competing with 2003. Yet the ripeness is beautifully balanced by an underlying freshness due to savvy canopy management. Sappy red to dark fruit allusions, fennel seeds and violets. The tannins, a gritty sheath of cocoa powder with a fleck of leafiness. Despite the juicy mid-weighted feel, this boasts a winning freshness. Poised, versatile and very easy to drink. A very good classico." James Suckling

Intense, immediate Rosso di Montepulciano with flavours of cherries, blackberries and spices. Juicy and expressive on the palate, the tannins are well integrated. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Rosso di Montepulciano 2022 is delicate in the glass with a nuanced blend of candied citrus, sweet smoke and sugared cherries. It is juicy and has a soft texture with a depth of ripe red berry fruit and spice. It leaves a youthful tension that leaves you wanting more and finishes with medium length and freshness. The Rosso is a blend of 85% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile), 8% Canaiolo and 7% Merlot." Vinous

Caprais Montefalco Rosso is an attractive red made predominantly from Sangiovese with small amounts of Sagrantino and Merlot. The aroma is unmistakably of black cherries and violets. Juicy and playful on the palate, with balanced acidity that enlivens the crisp red berry fruit, which leaves a slight mineral touch towards the end. Plenty of power and freshness, good structure, elegant on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with a light, purple rim. Fragrant, fresh and fruity nose of crisp blackberries and blueberries, with savoury notes behind. On the palate with a sweet, fruity flavour and firm, spicy tannins, above-average length." Falstaff

"The wildly fresh 2022 Montefalco Rosso rises from the glass with a fragrant blend of wet stones, incense and lavender-flavoured blackberries. It is silky-smooth yet airy, with a texture of pure silk and ripe wild berries accompanied by cooling acidity. Chalky mineral tones and savoury spice linger as the 2022 finishes with powerful length, yet clean and precise. This is a wonderful introduction to the style of Arnaldo Caprai." Vinous

"Intense wine with aromas of blackberries, herbs and camphor. On the palate, it shows good fruit concentration, a medium body and fleshy, chewy tannins with a fairly dry finish, but good acidity." James Suckling

Delicate rosé, aromatic vinous fragrance with notes of roses, violets and undergrowth. Fresh on the palate with fine acidity, soft and a slightly salty note. An Aglianico Rosato that does not conceal its volcanic origins and is not easily forgotten. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh apples, pink cherries and sliced strawberries with crisp mineral notes. Medium-bodied and crunchy with a saltine undertone. Juicy and mouthwatering." James Suckling

"Wild strawberries, mint leaf and wet stone form an inviting bouquet as the 2023 Rosato Lacrimarosa blossoms in the glass. This is crisp, fresh and wonderfully perfumed, with a tinge of sour citrus that offsets its core of ripe orchard fruits. It tapers off remarkably fresh, leaving a reverberation of zesty tension as hints of licorice fade. This is Aglianico Rosato at its very best." Vinous

Bisci not only produces excellent Verdicchio, but also very appealing Rosso, which is now made from 100% Merlot. With the best value wine in the Marche winery's range, it has achieved a great success: Fascinating aromas of red berries, precious wood and herbs, with a subtle, smoky component in the background. Precise and taut on the palate, with a wonderful primary fruity core, framed by liquorice and a dried bouquet of Mediterranean herbs. A warm red for the unusual days of the week. SUPERIORE.DE

"An enticing blend of wild blueberries, sage, lavender and white smoke makes the 2020 Merlot impossible to ignore. This is soft-textured and round with brisk acidity that enlivens its tart wild berry fruits. Chalky minerals form toward the finish. It fades with youthful tension and lightly tannic, leaving tart blackberry hints to fade." Vinous

"This is an unoaked 100% Merlot from one of the leading producers of Verdicchio in Le Marche. Vinified in stainless steel and matured in cement, it is fragrant in character with Parma violet-infused black berries, some stalky, balsamic notes and peppery spice. Sweet, ripe fruit is supported by an elegantly weighted and velvety palate, with grippy tannins, fresh acidity and a black berry and blackcurrant leaf finish." Decanter

Taglio del Tralcio is a highly aromatic wine made from Aglianico grapes. It has an aroma of dark wild berries with delicate hints of leather and rosemary. Warm and gentle on the palate, it has a beguiling fruitiness and persistence. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Aglianico del Vulture Taglio del Tralcio mixes violet florals, exotic spices and crushed blackberries to form its inviting bouquet. This washes across the palate with silky textures and ripe wild berry fruits, displaying fantastic energy as crunchy mineral tones form toward the close. It leaves a resonance of lavender and sugar-dusted plums while finishing with medium length and only gently tannic." Vinous

"It has flavours of Oreo biscuits, walnuts, baked plums, strawberry compote and dried spices. Full-bodied, chewy and firm, with a rich, ripe and nutty finish. Lingering." James Suckling

Powerful ruby colour. Beautiful interplay between earthy notes, tobacco and dark berry fruit on the nose, finely characterised. Juicy on the palate and on the palate, flows calmly, grippy, well-integrated tannins, fine drinking flow. Much fresher and airier than expected, but still powerful. A harmonious all-rounder with ambition. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, impenetrable ruby red colour. The nose has a strawberry jam aroma, followed by leather, tobacco, mocha, sage and caramel, with a rum pot aftertaste. Youthful tannins with seductive fruit on the palate. A pithy, juicy finish on the palate, with minimal dryness on the final." Falstaff

"Crushed wild berries, white pepper, rose petals and lavender form a convincing bouquet when the Rosso Battito 2021 blossoms in the glass. Round yet cool to the touch, it glides across the palate with ease, revealing ripe red and blue fruits and violet pastilles. The 2021 leaves a stain of primary concentration and a web of fine tannins while remaining juicy and fresh. It is both classically dry and lively. This wine offers fantastic value for money from vintage to vintage." Vinous