VINOUS

This genuine Aglianico speciality from 70-year-old vines is aged in terracotta amphorae for 18 months, giving it greater juiciness, freshness and depth. Intense ruby red in colour with garnet hues. Spicy hints of pepper and fruit jam, blackcurrant and tobacco on the cautiously reductive nose. Great structure, complexity and a certain originality on the palate, which, together with a fine minerality, makes it an exceptionally drinkyred. SUPERIORE.DE

"A spicy, sanguine nose features notes of pepper, metal and olives, but violet and black-cherry undertones provide levity. The palate leans into the sanguine, meaty notes of earth and fire, while the fruit also turns darker and deeper, before ultimately plunging into a dark-chocolate finish, which is structured by polished yet firm tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Amphora's 2021 Aglianico del Vulture Titolo is peppery and perfumed with a mentholated herbal nuance that segues into musky blackcurrant and exotic spice. Silky and enveloping, it calms down with a wave of polished red and black fruits, ideally lifted by a cooling acidity, while a minty freshness builds towards the end. The final is structured and long, leaving a layer of crystalline tannins that linger with a hint of fresh rosemary. The Titolo By Amphora shows wonderfully soft contours and vibrant fruit that make it a pleasure to drink despite its youthful state." Vinous

"The 2021 Elena Fucci Aglianico del Vulture from Amphora's organic vineyard has a ripe and fleshy personality with plenty of added texture and richness. On the mid-palate, this wine is full, almost heavy, with blackberries, dried blackcurrants, dusty ash, black liquorice and the blackened crust of toasted bread. As the name of the wine suggests, clay amphorae are used in the winemaking process, so you really experience the dark intensity of the primary fruit. This is a precious and limited edition of 1,800 bottles." Wine Advocate

Since the 2018 vintage, a small amount of Merlot has been vinified separately at Rampolla, named after the mother Donna Liù. The unfiltered wine was matured for 12 months in terracotta amphorae and fermented to almost 0 g/l residual sugar. Very elegant, fresh nose of sour cherry, laurel and cassis. Fresh on the palate and without the sometimes exuberant opulence of some other Tuscan Merlots, with a precise cherry fruit and salty-minty component. A finely chiselled Merlot that is hard to beat in terms of freshness, clarity and personality. It bridges the gap wonderfully between the Chianti Classico and the two flagships of the house, Sammarco and d'Alceo. Needs a few more years in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, sparkling ruby colour with a pronounced violet hue. Open and accessible nose of blackberries and fresh plums, delicate spicy notes in the background, some cigar box. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, fine, delicate tannins, savoury." Falstaff

"Lots of crushed blackberries and blueberries with flowers follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a bright, tangy finish. Needs a couple of years to open." James Suckling

"The 2020 Merlot Liu' bristles with extreme purity. Aging in 3/4 cement and 1/4 amphora helps preserve tremendous purity of fruit. Blueberry, spice, lavender, chocolate and licorice are all dialed up. Sweet floral and spice notes add brightness throughout." Vinous

"Vinified in cement and in amphorae made of cocciopesto, a mixture that includes ground up tiles, stone fragments and sand, this savory Merlot is simply delicious. Smooth and polished, it boasts juicy black cherry, blackberry, orange zest and star anise before a minty finish. Lithe tannins give a silky mouthfeel while fresh acidity keeps it bright." Wine Enthusiast

"Now in its third vintage, the Castello dei Rampolla 2020 Liù is a fine and impeccably detailed wine. You taste bright fruit, cherry and dusty limestone with incredible focus, as if these things were under a microscope. That dusty mineral note of pencil shaving or chalkboard is especially beautiful. The finish is lean, or mid-weight, and there are hints of dried mint and black olive on the close. The bouquet is beautifully nuanced and the mouthfeel is more compact." Wine Advocate

The Nerello grapes (100% Mascalese) come from the northern slope of Etna from plots in the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the Rovittello district. Opens in a delicate ruby red colour, then fine, heady, spicy on the nose, revealing a pretty basket of red fruits after a few minutes of aeration. Initially closed on the palate, only gradually revealing its flavour facets, then medium pressure in the middle, with a very fine structure and almost Burgundian finesse and elegance. The finish is harmonious and of excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, shiny garnet red with an orange rim. Redcurrant, orange zest and pomegranate on the nose, with hints of herbs. On the palate, great fruit melting and appealing juiciness, balanced and with grippy, fine tannins." Falstaff

"A tight-knit version that offers a core of chalky tannins interwoven with chopped cherries and wild strawberries, aromatic lavender, thyme and woody spices. It's focused and gives a broad-shouldered feel without being heavy." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo has a dark and deep red colour, with an inviting bouquet of dried roses, ash, redcurrants and orange zest. It is silky smooth, elegant and refined, with a soothing wave of ripe red and blue fruits energised by a core of zesty acidity. It leaves a crisp, tart cranberry concentration that finishes with a layer of fine-grained tannins. The Dafara Galluzzo has an underlying power and complexity that will only unfold with time." Vinous

"A well-made Etna, very fresh and lively with orange peel and strawberry flavours. Medium-bodied, with fine, vertical tannins and a slightly chewy finish. Beautifully structured." James Suckling

"The wine opens with delicate strawberry and floral aromas, evolving into more spicy notes with hints of clove. The strawberries are carried through on the palate and play wonderfully with the more resinous, earthy notes that appear over time. A touch of iron adds intrigue. With good acidity and slightly chewy tannins, this wine has the structure to age beautifully." Decanter

Feudo di Mezzo Il Quadro Delle Rose smells of roses and small red berries. It is a heavy, tannic wine that requires a little patience, but finds its balance with time. A wine of exceptional finesse and great intellect. SUPERIORE.DE

"The rose-coloured and perfumed 2022 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo opens with a lovely bouquet that blends dried flowers with crushed strawberries and a hint of lavender. It displays textures of pure silk with an elevated and refined feel. Tart wild berries give it a beautiful inner tension. A web of fine-grained tannins frames the experience as the 2022 tapers off with a pickling length and a tart cranberry concentration." Vinous

"This is really structured with plenty of muscular tannins that flex, giving you fruit underneath. Seemingly born fully formed from dark and brooding soil, it goes on for minutes." James Suckling

Here is a fairly new single-vineyard wine, similar in style to Santo Spirito, but with an "autumnal" component. Light ruby red in colour, with a nose of gravel, vanilla and a subtle hint of mint, plus some cranberry, cherry, nutmeg and mocha. Fresh and exciting on the palate with a sweet and sour component and a delicately bitter vein. Compact tannin that certainly deserves a few more years in the bottle. The final is herbaceous, spicy and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Etna Rosso Moganazzi is floral and airy, with hints of candy spices and chalk dust that fade into dried black cherries. The wine is round and supple, with a lavender-coloured mix of red and blue fruits, all lapped up by lively acidity. The grippy tannins emerge on the final as the 2022 tapers long and perfumed. A hint of violet candy emphasises the experience wonderfully." Vinous

"This 2022, has a wonderful perfume of lavender and Parma violets, with ripe, fresh hedgerow berries, a pinch of white pepper and zingy acidity. Structural tannins cradle the fruit, which lingers on the finish with an emergent orange peel note." Decanter

"So perfumed and dreamy with flowers, citrus and a hint of stone. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and beautiful fruit in the flattering centre of the palate. The fresh, lively finish ends with some power." James Suckling

Santo Spirito is a wonderfully complex wine that always remains in balance. It combines firmness, strength, structure and density with the flavours of dark cherries, pomegranate, blood oranges and spicy herbal notes and concludes with a furiously long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Opening like a basket of wild berries with dusty flowers and sweet lavender, the 2022 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito is a real treat on the nose. The style is bright and pure, with ripe raspberries and blueberries mingling over a core of vibrant acidity. It is long and structured, yet remarkably fresh, leaving a subtle coating of primary concentration and fine tannins that slowly fade away. The Santo Spirito remains one of the most appealing wines in Terre Nere's portfolio, offering beautiful depth, concentration and structure in a beautifully balanced package." Vinous

"This has dark fruits, sliced mushrooms and crushed stone with terra-cotta and red-earth character in both the nose and palate. Deep citrus turns very perfumed and intense. Full and powerful with chewy tannins that extend to the finish. Needs time to soften." James Suckling

San Zuan is an attractive, well-proportioned white wine made from 100% Friulano grapes. Complex, savoury bouquet of white peaches and pears, flowers, crushed rocks and a subtle earthiness with notes of ginger and flint. Full and balanced on the palate, yet elegant, with a certain salty minerality, a hint of candied lemon, great length and beautiful ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines from Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best produced in Friuli today. The choice is vast, as the transparency of the terroir is paramount here. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnays or Friulano wines, but the differences between the individual hills, the individual sites and the age of the individual vineyards create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

When you stand on the hill on which this vineyard is located and look out over the Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important for the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles, rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine how fascinated a winemaker would be by each of these unique sites. If you make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

"The 2022 Friulano San Zuan wafts up with a sweetly scented bouquet of smoky peaches and pears elevated by mint hints. This is pleasantly ripe in style with silky textures and a glycerol feel, giving way to masses of green melon and spices. The 2022 finishes long and potent yet still remarkably fresh, leaving a tinge of candied lime." Vinous

The grapes for the Chardonnay Corrado di Manzano come from a small parcel of the Manzano vineyard. This delicious white is rich, atmospheric and full of character. It blossoms with baked apple, floral notes, hints of brown spices and vanilla pods. A sense of opulence sets in as its seamless, velvety texture slowly reveals ripe fruit trees and hints of custard. However, the vibrant acids keep the balance and slowly build up a tension that continues through to the final, framing everything beautifully. A hint of citrus and minerals lingers for a long time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lifted and refined, the 2022 Chardonnay Corrado di Manzano blossoms in the glass with a mix of crushed rocks and ripe peach accentuated by mint aromas. Soothingly round yet saline in character, this reverberates with tension from start to finish, coming across as more savory than sweet while leaving flinty minerals to saturate slowly. The 2022 finishes lightly structured and with medium length and a minty freshness." Vinous

The vines of this fascinating cuvée grow on deep, loose moraine soil. Dark garnet red to the eye. Intense bouquet of flowers and black berries. The body of this cuvée is well structured, with blackberry, blackcurrant, a little tobacco and a hint of tar. Fine tannins lead into a long and juicy finish. Great ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a dark core and fine rim. Elegant, dark bouquet of blackcurrant, with a hint of paprika and fine wood spice. Velvety on the palate, firm tannins, precise fruit and a long finish." Falstaff

"This is a creamy and spicy red blend that has plums, vanilla, chocolate, oranges and mint on the nose, as well as some smoked paprika. It is medium to full-bodied, rich yet bright, with powdery tannins." James Suckling

"The 2021 Linticlarus Cuvèe Riserva is unobtrusive and restrained. A bouquet slowly rises from the glass, combining sage and orange shavings with redcurrants and a hint of white smoke. This juicy and round wine has a core of lively acidity that perfectly balances the depth of ripe raspberry and blueberry fruit, while silty tannins gather towards the end. On the long and structured final, the 2021 leaves behind a primary concentration as a bitter hint of tart blackberry fades." Vinous

Brut Nature is Guido Berlucchi's vintage Franciacorta, which does not require any dosage (zero) and thus perfectly rounds off the top end of the 61 collection. The "61" line stands for the year of birth of the first Franciacorta, which was created in 1961 in the centuries-old Berlucchi vineyards. The grapes come from four vineyards between Corte Franca and Provaglio d'Iseo. In its purity, the cuvée perfectly embodies the expression of the terroir and shows the fascination of Chardonnay. Despite its 0 grams of residual sugar, the palate is rich and full of soul. Very big! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, pale golden yellow with persistent, fine bubbles. Inviting bouquet with notes of fully ripe Golden Delicious, baguette, hazelnut and candied fruit. Harmonious on the palate with a svelteperlage and elegant acidity structure through to the lingering, mineral final." Falstaff

"A classic with a beguiling citrus and pear nose; the acidity balances the structure well, the vibrant finish combines fruity and floral nuances with minerality." Vinum

"A rich blend of dried flowers, crushed almonds, brioche and baked pears wafts up from the 2017 '61 Nature. This is seductively creamy and enveloping upon entry, with a stimulating blend of zesty acidity and crispy mineral tones that pave the way for hints of ripe orchard fruit and ginger. It finishes long and potent, leaving nuances of brown spice and an air of caramelized sugar while maintaining fantastic freshness. The 2017 is intense and quite substantial on the palate. While I can’t imagine drinking it with abandon, each glass is a delicacy in itself." Vinous

Deep ruby red in colour. Pinot Nero Case Via exudes a typical varietal bouquet of wild berries and pipe tobacco, which blends harmoniously with the barrel spice. The soft, characterful flavour is based on the strength of the tannins and the excellent aromatic structure of Pinot Noir. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Pinot Nero Case Via is impressive. Rich and layered, with plenty of Panzano textural intensity. Dark red/purple fruits, rose petals and sweet spices are enhanced, with a hint of spice from the 20% whole bunches adding dimension." Vinous

The Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba is the most accessible of Luigi Baudana's three Baroli. Precise fruit with wonderful tones of black cherry, plum and cassis. The intensity of the characteristic Nebbiolo liquorice and cola takes a back seat in this wine as the dark fruit is the leading force. This vintage has the acidity and natural structure to carry the wine for 10 years or more. And so it is not surprising that this Barolo still needs a few years to develop its full class and finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of spices, smoked wood and dried red flowers with dried raspberries and cocoa. Medium-bodied with finely polished tannins and juicy acidity that comes through. Polished and chalky on the finish." James Suckling

"It contains a core of cherry, raspberry, floral and iron flavours wrapped in a dense tannic matrix. This red wine is lean and concentrated, with lively acidity and dusty tannins." Wine Spectator

"The Luigi Baudana 2019 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba shows the firmness and structure for which this village is known, with beautiful scents of rose, rusty nail, autumnal foliage, liquorice and tar. " Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba shows the full range of Serralunga, but in the somewhat austere style that runs through all of this year's wines. Dark red fruits, sage, mint, leather and spices effortlessly fill out the layers. The Serralunga Barolo is rich and voluptuous, yet super-classic and hits all the right notes. It could well be the hidden gem of the entire Vajra range." Vinous

"Aromas of mixed berry fruits, both fresh and preserved, along with notes of orange citrus, create an elegant and pure expression on the palate. The wine achieves a beautiful balance between fruit and savory elements with notes of cherry, rosebud, bay leaf and allspice. Super pretty and polished tannins make it enjoyable now." Wine Enthusiast

The single-vineyard Sauvignon Bianco Lozeta is the result of the avant-garde planting system, which, in contrast to the cultivation method previously practised in Friuli, not only means a higher planting density, but also the intelligent use of clones and biotypes that have been married with French offshoots. It is a further uncompromising and consistent step towards complexity and personality, with optimal utilisation and expression of the existing terroir and microclimate.

Only since the 2019 vintage has the wine found the balance and complexity that enabled Christian Patat to present it to the public in a small edition alongside the famous classics Peri, Sol and Salici. SUPERIORE.DE

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines from Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best produced in Friuli today. The choice is vast, as the transparency of the terroir is paramount here. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnays or Friulano wines, but the differences between the individual hills, the individual sites and the age of the individual vineyards create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

When you stand on the hill on which this vineyard is located and look out over the Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important for the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles, rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine how fascinated a winemaker would be by each of these unique sites. If you make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

"The 2022 Sauvignon Lozeta lifts from the glass with an herbal thrust mixed with lemon rind shavings and crushed green apples. This is cool-toned in feel, with lime-tinged acids and mineral tones giving way to crunchy orchard fruits. The 2022 takes on a bit of a tropical flair of florals and citrus through the finale, leaving sour melon to pinch at the cheeks as a salty flourish resonates and a pleasantly bitter tinge adds a lovely punctuation." Vinous

The single-varietal Chardonnay Ronco Basso perfectly embodies the style of the estate and its terroir. The grapes come from a small parcel in the Rosazzo hills. Lively but deep aromas of fine straw and smoke notes, crushed almonds, young peach and exotic fruits. The flavour is elegant and perfectly balanced with sweet spice and a pleasant citrus and mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines from Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best produced in Friuli today. The choice is vast, as the transparency of the terroir is paramount here. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnays or Friulano wines, but the differences between the individual hills, the individual sites and the age of the individual vineyards create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

When you stand on the hill on which this vineyard is located and look out over the Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important for the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles, rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine how fascinated a winemaker would be by each of these unique sites. If you make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

"The 2022 Chardonnay Ronco Basso is understated with a delicate bouquet that blends lime zest with nectarines and hints of vanilla bean. Luxuriously round and supple, this excels through a core of salty minerals and brisk acidity as crisp orchard fruits give way to gingery spice. Full of tension and youthfully coiled, the 2022 finishes long with a bitter tinge that should level out perfectly with maturity." Vinous

In the highly harmonious 2019 vintage, Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte walks a straight line between opulence and elegance. Full, inviting nose with notes of rosewood and ripe cherries, lots of blackberry. On the palate with a beautiful, juicy attack: wrapped in a supple texture, there is a beautifully fanned-out sequence of aromas of wild berries, sour cherries, spices, liquorice and a little balsamic herb. Finely woven tannins and a perfectly balanced, stabilising Sangiovese acidity flank the long finish to an elegant, warm finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid to deep ruby. Subdued but complex cherry nose and with the merest hint of cigar box. Juicy, tangy cherry that at the same time is concentrated and with ripe, deep, chewy tannins. Great balance and length." Jancis Robinson

"There is deep black fruit and black plum on the San Giorgio 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte. although it takes a little patience to get there. The wine is restrained or closed initially, and it's hard to draw anything out for the first 15 minutes or so after the bottle is opened. Once it gets going, you are treated to sweet cherry, redwood, almond biscotti and dried rose potpourri." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte opens with a minty freshness as flint stone and dusty rose give way to crushed cherries. Silky and pliant, this possesses an elegance not often seen, with violet and lavender tones accentuating its polished red and blue fruits. This tapers off with sweet tannins balanced by an orange hint. A structured yet mouth-watering sensation lingers on. What a beauty this is." Vinous

"Cherry and berry aromas with hints of sandalwood follow through to a medium body with integrated tannins that are fine and focused. Silky texture. Delicious finish. Very elegant with nice structure." James Suckling

"Vibrant acidity and refined tannins seep into the fabric of this round red, which is laced with cherry, raspberry and floral aromas and flavors. Mineral and underbrush accents add depth as this plays out on the long, dusty finish." Wine Spectator

"Rich, deep and convincing: Colle Sant'Antonio is a small selection of Garganega that I carefully choose in the vineyard and patiently wait for in the cellar." Graziano Prà

Intense yellow with golden reflections. The complex bouquet is reminiscent of ripe yellow fruit, cinnamon, fresh vanilla, acacia and chestnut honey. Its freshness is in perfect balance with its alcohol content and powerful body. Sweet roasted almonds and candied apricots come to the fore in the terrificfinish. The tertiary aromas created by ageing in French oak barrels contribute to the complexity of the flavour and round off the unique drinking experience perfectly. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, light golden yellow with a clear green colour. Great playfulness on the nose, rich notes of apricot and peach, some sage in the background, plus flint. Sparkling on the palate, rich, ripe fruit, paired with juiciness and mineral freshness, long finish." Falstaff

"This light-footed white wine is both lusciously creamy and well polished, with mouthwatering acidity and a fine textural interplay that carries a beautiful array of flavours of baked white cherries and apricots, candied ginger, dried basil and grilled macadamia nuts. Long and juicy on the finish, with hints of honey, minerals and spice." Wine Spectator

"Golden Delicious apples, pressed yellow flowers, acacia honey and wet stone aromas waft from the glass of this heady Soave. The palate is round and structured, with baked fruit, white peach, roasted citrus and mixed spices leading to the mineral finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The Soave Classico Colle Sant'Antonio 2018 has an intense golden yellow colour and shows a rich bouquet of baked apples and pears in the glass, complemented by a hint of aromatic herbs. It soothes with its soft and enveloping texture, remaining wonderfully perfumed and energetic, while ripe orchard fruits and a hint of green melon settle on the palate. The Colle Sant'Antonio tapers off for a long time, allowing hints of white peach and candied lime to slowly fade away. The balance of this wine is exceptional and promises many years of steady development." Vinous

"The wholesome flagship made using a cordon-cut technique to concentrate the fruit in a fusion of three different top crus into a swirl of mandarin, mango chutney, salted quince and pineapple spice. Medium-bodied, luscious, almost exotic, yet with a hint of quinine bitterness on the finish." James Suckling

Sauvignon Salici is radiantly bright, crisp and extremely nuanced. Traces of crushed rock and mint are beautifully concentrated in the glass. This energetic Sauvignon displays a highly independent and appealing personality. Salici is the essence of Sauvignon Bianco with a Friulian fingerprint from vines over 35 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Sauvignon Salici is delicate and floral, mixing crushed stone with lemon zest and freshly sliced nectarines. Seamless and serene, it flows across the palate with silken textures and ripe orchard fruits elevated by a twang of candied lime. The 2022 folds in upon itself through the finish, tart, intense and lightly structured, just begging for further cellaring to reveal its inner beauty." Vinous

"Rich, bright ruby red colour. Inviting aroma of ripe cherry, plum and spice. Juicy and fruity on the palate, present, fine-meshed tannins, lingering finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 "60 20 20" (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot) pours from the glass with a dark blend of blackcurrants, lavender, chalk dust and fresh tobacco leaves. It is round and supple, with ripe wild berries and sweet spices balanced by zesty acidity. It leaves a layer of fine tannins and finishes with nuances of mocha, savoury herbs and white pepper. The "60 20 20" will need patience to show its best side." Vinous

"A little closed on the nose, but the palate shows a very pure redcurrant and berry character, along with chewy tannins that dominate the finish for now. This wine needs a year or two to open up and mature. It will gain complexity with age." James Suckling