VINOUS

Zisola, from the Mazzei family winery of the same name in Sicily, is an exceptionally good single-varietal Nero d'Avola. Elegant, bright ruby red in colour with a delicately brightening rim. Ripe wild berries and rose hips on the flattering fruity bouquet, slightly reminiscent of blood orange with a hint of cocoa. Juicy and clear on the palate with savoury red fruit, powerful and soft on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red with a brightening rim. Intense nose of juicy black cherry, plum, undergrowth, followed by Mediterranean herbs and cold smoke. Fresh attack with crisp fruit on tightly woven tannins, persistent." Falstaff

"The 2022 Zisola wafts up with a pretty blend of dusty rose, clove and wild strawberry. This is juicy and lifted in style, with pure wild berry fruits and a gentle tinge of blood orange toward the close. It finishes with admirable length and youthful tension, leaving behind grippy tannins that frame the experience nicely without slowing its momentum." Vinous

Taurasini Donna Chiara is a sunny, juicy Aglianico with a beautiful variety of flavours of dark berries and cut flowers. The compact flavour is harmoniously round with a wonderful spiciness and well-integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Taurasini Donna Chiara 2021 has a deep purple colour in the glass. It shows a dusty bouquet of dried violets, blackberries and menthol. Its texture is soft yet supple, with crisp red and black fruits carried by citrus-infused acidity. The 2021 tapers off with a hint of bitterness but retains a lovely energy and freshness. It would pair best with a savoury meal." Vinous

"A tangy, briary red, with generous fragrant Mediterranean macchia and fresh earth aromatics layered with ripe, tangy red currant and black plum fruit flavors. Mineral-driven and bright, showing citrusy acidity, with chewy tannins firming the finish." Wine Spectator

Pietranera is intensely spicy and perfumed with a floral bouquet that blends roses and sage with vibrant black cherry. The palate is soft, round and juicy to the core, with stimulating acidity that drives the tart wild berry fruit and adds a balanced inner sweetness towards the end. Fresh and full of character on the finish with strong raspberry and liquorice notes. Wonderful value! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Pietranera, a zesty blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Franc, opens with a darkly alluring blend of dried flowers and citrus-tinged wild berries. Silky-smooth, it washes across the palate with a fresh mélange of herbaceous red and blue berries guided by vibrant acidity. This leaves a staining of blackberry and hints of orange, finishing fresh with unexpected length. The Pietranera is the real value score of the Piaggia portfolio." Vinous

Rich, dark shimmering ruby colour. Open-hearted, dense bouquet of blackberry, plums and a delicate hint of clove in the background. Juicy flavour, shows supple tannins, spreads out beautifully. A great Chianti Classico every year with an exemplary price/quality ratio. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very clear flavour with crisp cherries, blackberries and sour cherries. Animating with good freshness, raspberry notes, polished tannins, precise, lean, vertical style." Weinwisser

"Brilliant ruby red with brightening edges. Animating aroma of cherry and blackberry, with a slight spiciness behind it. Juicy on the palate with stimulating acidity and length." Falstaff

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is a flavoursome, fruit-driven wine that can be drunk now and over the next few years. Juicy red cherries, spices, leather, tobacco, cedar and mint are beautifully brought to the fore. The 2022 has a lot of charm." Vinous

"The Barone Ricasoli 2022 Chianti Classico Brolio is a bright, perfumed wine where the primary fruit takes centre stage. There is a strong cherry theme that adds verve and accessibility to the bouquet. This beautiful wine also benefits from an elegant mineral tone that frames the light fruit. A small percentage of Colorino is added to this red wine made from Sangiovese." Wine Advocate

"A burst of pure cherry in both aroma and flavour underlines this elegant red wine, while pink and mineral notes add detail along with a subtle hint of white pepper. Charming and long on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A textbook Chianti Classico, offering a fragrant juxtaposition of damp earth and spring flowers on a well-padded background of redcurrants, cranberries and sour cherries. Tightly knit with an elegant frame of light, powdery tannins and firm, steely acidity. Very impressive indeed." Decanter

"Lively and floral nose with lots of berries, Mediterranean herbs and red flowers. Juicy and well-balanced, with a medium body and light, crisp tannins. Really fresh, pure and beautiful. This wine is medium-bodied, drinkable, and a little more length on the finish would certainly take it to the next level. Enjoy now." James Suckling

"One of the impeccable landmarks of its kind, it is both balanced and complex. The nose opens with aromas of pomegranate, then notes of star anise and sensations of rhubarb. The sip is iodised, with hints of small fruits and nuances of sweet spices, closing with nuances of undergrowth." Luca Gardini

The white Villa Gemma cuvée, made predominantly from Trebbiano, has a pleasant aroma of peach, mint and flowers. Structured and graceful, with a mineral note, the fresh flavour is flattering and long. Excellent value! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Bianco is sweet, floral and fresh, with a pretty mix of chalk dust, raw almonds, spring flowers and sliced pears. It glides across the palate with ease, soft and round, with a saline note up front that frames the ripe orchard fruit well. The 2023 finishes crisp and with a pleasantly bitter hint of spice and lemon peel." Vinous

"A clean and fruity white with notes and fresh apples, lemon rind and citrus blossom. Medium-bodied, sleek and textural with crunchy acidity and a zesty, refreshing aftertaste." James Suckling

At Conterno Fantino, the Dolcetto grape is always processed with great sensitivity. Deep ruby violet colour. Aromas of crème de cassis, smoke, lavender and cloves. Firm on the palate, the typical Dolcetto acidity and a delicately bitter vein accompany this incredibly powerful Dolcetto through to the fresh, fruity and delicate final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Dolcetto d'Alba Bricco Bastia from organic farming is densely packed with sweet blackberries and blackcurrants. The wine is dense and rich with bitter almond and blue flower in the background. There is a lot of varietal character in this wine." Wine Advocate

"The Dolcetto d'Alba Bricco Bastia 2022 is a very nice wine. Crushed blue fruits, menthol, liquorice and baking spices are beautifully highlighted in this delicate, understated Dolcetto. Like so many Dolcettos, the 2022 is more finesse than power." Vinous

"Aromas of ripe blueberries and mulberries with rose petals and peppery undertones. Medium body with a polished texture and fine tannins. Fresh and floral on the finish." James Suckling

Poggio Landis Rosso di Montalcino is a fruit-driven, enjoyable red wine that offers all the prerequisites for great food pairing. It offers juicy freshness, spicy floral scents with a hint of sage, then a balanced, invigorating acidity and mild tannins on the palate. A delicious and energetic red with an excellent value for the noble region. SUPERIORE.DE

"A blend of savory herbs, leather and black cherries wafts up from the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It’s silky in texture, yet with a pronounced acidity that creates a reverberation of tension, as tart red fruits and mineral tones add further contrasts. The 2021 leaves a staining of primary concentration, along with a coating of fine tannins, while finishing with admirable length. Give this zesty Rosso at least a year in the cellar to even out a bit and blossom aromatically, as it has the balance to evolve very nicely." Vinous

Col d'Orcia's Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine every year. Classic aromas of wild berries, camphor and ploughed earth as well as a hint of blue flowers. Full-bodied and savoury on the palate with flavours of marasca cherry, plum and liquorice and taut, fine-grained tannins flanking the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Rosso di Montalcino 2022 is spicy, blending cedar shavings with cloves, spiced oranges and dried strawberries. It glides across the palate with ease, silky smooth and racy, with ripe red berry fruit and sour citrus. The 2022 leaves the senses reeling right into the finish, ripe in style yet fresh and tangy, with a pleasantly bitter hint of ground clove that slowly fades." Vinous

"Fine spices, iron, minerals, fresh berries and grapefruit. Juicy, firm and fluid on the palate, with a medium body and an effortless finish. Well balanced and ready to drink." James Suckling

After a year of ageing in the cellar, Feudi's famous Greco "Cutizzi" is labelled Riserva.

Intense, straw-yellow colour and a complex bouquet in which the aromas of melon and pineapple alternate with spicy notes of camomile, vanilla and nutmeg. On the palate, it is round with a rich texture and the pleasant mineral note so typical of the Tufo region. Elegant, long finish with a delicate almond flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with green reflections. Yellow peach and orange zest on the nose, delicate nuances of dandelion. Yellow-fruity, juicy and fresh on the palate, lively acidity, pleasantly salty on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Greco di Tufo Cutizzi opens with an array of sweet white flowers, chamomile and crushed apples. It balances ripe fruit trees and green melon with salty mineral tones and tantalising acidity. The 2022 finishes with a saline tension and notes of nectarine." Vinous

"Elegant, fresh and dense, with a delicious acidity and a chalky base note that frames flavours of ripe mirabelle plums and nectarines, blanched almonds, aniseed, hyssop and preserved lemon." Wine Spectator

"This is a fine Greco. It's savoury, almondy, quinine, bitter and spicy, while subtly moving into stone fruit territory without going over the top. A tremor of mineral tension and shotgun acidity finds a nervous meeting with a stiff upper lip of richness. Convincing." James Suckling

"The Feudi di San Gregorio 2022 Greco di Tufo Cutizzi is just the thing for a plate of raw fish with spicy wasabi sauce or tuna tartare. Aged exclusively in stainless steel, it has the subtle power and firmness to support generous flavours of pear, quince and honeydew melon. The mineral signature of the wine is very pronounced." Wine Advocate

"Floral, zesty and peachy, it has good intensity allied to lovely freshness and a very saline finish. Still very youthful, it deserves the chance to gain some more bottle age before opening; wait and you'll be rewarded." Decanter

After a year of bottle ageing in the cellar, Feudi's famous Fiano "Pietracalda" is labelled Riserva.

A particularly high-quality Fiano di Avellino from Campania with a bouquet of light-coloured stone fruit, nuts and honey. On the palate, its fruity character, aromatic herbal notes and clean structure and minerality make it extremely stimulating. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Fiano di Avellino Pietracalda wafts up with a delicate blend of white flowers, young peach and crushed stone. It flows across the palate with silken textures offset by tactile mineral tones as a core of ripe pit fruits and inner florals amass toward the close. A youthful tension lingers as the Pietracalda finishes classically dry and lightly structured. Today, the 2022 is coy, yet it possesses the balance for medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"That's good. Taut and fresh. It relies on a chewy lattice of salted lemon pith, as well as a distinct acidity. Taut and medium-bodied, with dabs of pistachio, fennel, tonic and jasmine. Long and complex." James Suckling

"The Fiano di Avellino Pietracalda 2022 is another very approachable and drinkable white wine from Feudi di San Gregorio. It is fresh and lively, both on the nose and in the mouth, with lots of flavours of white melon, pear, almond and gravel." Wine Advocate

Vibrant, radiant colour, rich in green-golden reflections. The rich fragrance of this Moscato d'Allessandria (Zibibbo) is floral of white roses and acacia, followed by mineral notes, peach and orange blossom, to finish with candied citrus fruits and a hint of honey. On the palate, the olfactory impressions of mineral origin and the fresh structure are confirmed, savoury and enveloping. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow colour. The nose is characterised by lychee, peach and elderflower. Lots of fruity sweetness on the palate, fresh, invigorating and very juicy, with a lingering finish." Falstaff

"The 2023 Lighea is a beautiful and refined dry Zibibbo. It exudes an exotic bouquet that blends tropical citrus and melon with minty herbs and candied lime. On the inside, it is soothingly round and perfumed, with a wave of ripe citrus and cooling acidity, maintaining its fantastic energy throughout. The 2023 tapers off with medium length and a savoury note that lingers with a hint of kiwi." Vinous

Sweet cherries, flowers, spices and a hint of mint on the nose. Firm yet harmonious tannin in the lively, very intense flavour, which never feels heavy but elegant until the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Etna Rosso Erse keeps me returning to the glass to take in its vibrant and spicy bouquet, where sour cherries complement dried roses, cloves and a hint of fresh mint. This wine is round and juicy, yet pure, with mineral red berries that saturate, while the lively acidity maintains a fantastic freshness. A subtle coating of fine tannins and a salty note define the final, while the 2020 tapers off smoothly and grippily under a hint of red flowers. This is an excellent entry-level Etna Rosso." Vinous

"The entry-level Tenuta di Fessina 2020 Etna Rosso Erse is elegant and lean with a fun set of aromas that recall white pepper, wild berry, blue flower and candied orange peel. I like this fresh, snappy style and you get great value." Wine Advocate

Top Italian rosé made from selected Montepulciano grapes. Rich, full-bodied and typical of the variety with an intense aroma and fruity, dry flavour, a slender acid wire and a clear, energetic and full-bodied final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium bright orange with reddish reflections. Aromas of garden herbs, wild raspberries and a hint of citrus on the nose. Beautiful fruity sweetness of morello cherries and redcurrants on the palate. Noticeably well-integrated phenolic notes and a pleasant flow." Falstaff

"Aromas of strawberries, raspberries and dried orange peel, with light notes of cocoa and almonds. Medium-bodied, very polished and fine, with a seamless and even texture. Very attractive and full of character. Well made." James Suckling

"Deep purple in the glass, the 2023 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Spelt is a superfine rosé with an engaging, beguiling nose. Purple flowers and blood-orange citrus tones meet a core of savoury minerality and layers of salinity and earthiness. The 45-year-old vines give this wine remarkable complexity. Wonderfully balanced, with ample acidity and a gentle train of phenolics, this is a serious Cerasuolo." Vinous

Mediterra with its inviting aromas of paprika, redcurrant, elderberry, sage and black pepper is round and harmonious on the palate with beautiful fruit and spice. With its well-proportioned tannins and well-balanced acidity, Mediterra is a perfect accompaniment to food. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, dark ruby red colour. Aromas of dark plum, blueberries and black pepper on the nose. Soft and mouth-filling on the palate, with a noticeable woody note, slightly drying tannins, juicy fruit flavours and a hint of bitter almond." Falstaff

"This red is signaled by intense aromas of wild blackberry, black pepper, black olive and eucalyptus. Showing earth and underbrush accents that augment the fruity flavors, this firms up on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Mediterra is bright, effusive and wonderfully inviting. Crushed flowers, herbs, tobacco, spice and leather meld into a core of juicy dark blue/purplish fruit. The Mediterra offers all of the immediacy of Bolgheri but with tons of freshness more than opulence. It is a hugely appealing style, especially at this level, where wines are typically intended to be drunk essentially on release." Vinous

"Dark chocolate, toasted walnuts, mocha and ripe dark berries on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied and structured with firm but very fine tannins. Shows notes of toasted cedar and bitter spices yet very delicate with integration and balance. Smooth and polished finish." James Suckling

The Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Bosco di Gica Brut is tangy and taut with sharp flavours of lemon, green apple and crisp white peach. The wine is delicate and bright with sharp, tiny bubbles that build beautifully to create lovely foam and lively effervescence. This is one of the most edgy and straightforward of Franco Adami's great sparkling wines. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with a persistent, airy perlage. Very fragrant on the nose, floral, white flowers, elderberry, white rose, some white stone fruit, citrus, very fresh. Balanced on the palate in terms of fruit and perlage, very round, right from front to back, good length, very fine!" Falstaff

"The Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Bosco di Gica entices with a bouquet that’s more savory than sweet. A note of green apple mixes with mint leaf and wet stone hints. It impresses further with its mix of tension and elegance. Brisk acidity and tart orchard fruits contrast its creamy wave of fine bubbles. A saline tinge lingers on along with a Granny Smith resonance that keeps the senses salivating as this finishes with excellent length and freshness. This is a fantastic value." Vinous

The almost 10,000 bottles of Rosato di Toscana from Rocca di Montegrossi are exemplary and perfect. Clean aromas of cherry and strawberry on the nose, lively, elegant and balanced on the palate with a lovely freshness, fresh, vibrant and long-lasting aftertaste of berries and spices. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Rosato is incredibly full of energy, like a horse waiting to jump out of the starting blocks. Ripe pineapple, pear and spiced citrus form the foundation on which the tangy, lively acidity flutters. The balance is admirable and beautifully rounded, showing a lovely inner sweetness. This bottle could empty quickly." Vinous

"Bright pink-red colour with sparkling reflections. Delicate nose of wild strawberries, tangerine peel, some honey, then citrus fruit and raspberries. Balanced and clear on the palate, with lively acidity and savoury fruit, finishing on fine citrus notes." Falstaff

Subtle rose bouquet with hints of musk, dried peaches and apricots. Juicy flavour with wonderful flanking acidity that gives it freshness and effervescence. The Sangiovese grape adds the necessary dose of tannin and structure, making it an excellent accompaniment to food. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Il Rosé di Casanova is exotic and unmistakable. Almost Sauvignon Blanc-like in character, it develops notes of kiwi, gooseberry, grapefruit, thyme and tomato leaves. Bright, fleshy and slightly grippy, it leaves an absolutely dry, bitter flavour in the mouth (in a good way) that demands another sip. A tropical hint of mango and papaya lingers on the finish." Vinous

"This has a peach-pink color, with stone fruit, dried orange and dried flower aromas and flavors. Crunchy and minerally on the palate, with a medium body and attractive salinity at the end." James Suckling

Rustico is Nino Franco's bestseller. Brilliant silver-green colour. Fresh aroma of apple, white flowers and cut grass, with a tart coolness and well nuanced fruit on the palate and a delicate melting texture. A stylish and very sociable all-rounder at a high level! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright olive green with straw yellow colour. Initially fine floral notes on the nose, with some candied lemon zest, orange peel and white rose petal. Beautiful depth and well-developed fruit on the palate, crisp, airy, shows a fine arc of tension, good length." Falstaff

"The alpine flavours are strong and compact, without the cold fermentation notes that so many have. Excellent prosecco." James Suckling

"The NV Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rustico delights the nose with chamomile and mint, leading to candied apples and sweet melon. It feels silken and creamy, with a pretty inner sweetness and cooling acidity that adds a lovely lift. It tapers off perfumed, leaving a hint of confectionary lime that lingers." Vinous

"This wine exudes fragrant aromas of green apple, pear and a hint of citrus fruit. On the palate, it has a refreshing character with vibrant fruit flavours and a lively, invigorating acidity that transports you to an orchard surrounded by the sweet scents of ripening fruit." Wine Enthusiast

Characteristic bouquet of kiwi, lime blossom and honeydew melon. A very pleasant creamy texture on the palate, rich and soft. Fresh, mineral and long on the palate, showing its maritime origins and a structural density that makes it ideal as a food companion. A wonderful interpretation of the Tuscan Vermentino grape! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Vermentino Perlato del Bosco is bright, vibrant and finely cut. Citrus and floral notes abound in this steely coastal white. Bracing minerality extends the saline finish. Drink it over the next year or two." Vinous

"Orange blossom, flint and pears with a hint of apples. It has a medium body with a creamy texture and a smooth finish. Pretty minerals and flowers at the end, with a hint of bitter lemons." James Suckling

Brigaldara's Ripasso is created by the secondary fermentation of Valpolicella wine on the pomace of Amarone della Valpolicella. The contact between the Valpolicella wine and the Amarone marc, which is still rich in sugar, triggers a new fermentation. Bright ruby red colour. Bright and cheerful with aromas reminiscent of dried cherry, plum, pear and apricot. This wine shows plenty of bright fruit definition with subtle hints of tobacco, spice and rose petal. The finish is smooth, polished and soft in tannin structure. Very structured and balanced, gaining complexity with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso impresses with its remarkable freshness, as steeped plums come together with sweet spices, wildflowers and tangerine zest. This is surprisingly juicy and lifted in style yet still quite deep, with masses of tart wild berry fruits and saline mineral tones guided by bright acidity. It tapers off with a lively tension and a tart orange twist that keeps the mouth watering for more. This is a gorgeous Ripasso that finishes at just 0.6 grams-per-liter of residual sugar." Vinous

Chianti Classico Vallenuova has the potential to become a favourite wine. It is an archetypal expression of Sangiovese from a single vineyard that could not be more typical and authentic. Vibrant, sparkling ruby in colour, with a hint of cedar wood and small wild berries on the nose, along with spices, beetroot and white pepper. Leather, tobacco and a hint of citrus fruit on the palate, with a pleasantly lean final and a convincing, drinkyfreshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, rich ruby colour. Appealing and finely characterised nose of blackberry, fresh plums and soot. Juicy and clear on the palate, shows beautifully worked out fruit, fine-meshed tannin, salty, with a hint of graphite on the finish." Falstaff

"The Tolaini 2021 Chianti Classico Vallenuova is a simple wine with lots of dark cherry fruit, soft lines and medium texture." Wine Advocate

"The nose vacillates between spicy aromas of hot tar and earth and sweet notes of vanilla and cherry. On the palate, an orange peel element adds texture to this sweetness, while bright acidity and dusty tannins fan the flames of a lingering, savoury earthiness." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Vallenuova offers a tantalising blend of macerated red cherry, plum, liquorice, new leather and blood orange. The 2021 is lush and vibrant, with striking energy, an excellent example of the vintage. All the elements are very well balanced." Vinous

"Rich and expressive on the attack, with flavours of sweet cherry, raspberry, mint, rosemary, iron and spice. This supple, lush red wine firms up, with fine tannins on the long, delicious finish." Wine Spectator

"Fresh character of red and blue fruits with violets, cocoa and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with very polished but velvety and mouth-filling tannins and lively acidity that gives the fruit tension and juiciness. Broad and structured. Long finish." James Suckling