VINOUS

"The Barbera d'Alba DOC is a typical wine of our region. Thanks to careful selection, excellent locations and low yields, we obtain very high quality grapes that produce complex wines. We have decided to vinify it only in steel to emphasise its fruity notes." Franco Massolino

The Barbera d'Alba from Massolino is all about the fresh and juicy fruit. Interesting bouquet with beautifully integrated aromas of forest floor and mushrooms. Fresh and lively on the palate, very accessible and with an impressive drinking flow. Exotic and forward, it brings a lot of fun to the glass - a fresh, sincere and finely balanced expression of the Barbera grape! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Barbera d'Alba is a boisterous, juicy wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Vinification and aging in a combination of cement and steel keeps the red-toned fruit wonderfully vibrant. Lifted floral notes linger on the close." 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Light ruby red colour. Bric del Salto interprets the famous Piedmontese grape variety in a direct and classic way. A fruity bouquet is combined with the spiciness typical of Neive. The palate is again clear, with precise fruit, the right dose of fine tannins - and an inspiring freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Dolcetto d'Alba Bric del Salto jumps out of the glass with an exotic mélange of blueberry, spice, graphite and game. The flavor profile is very much Dolcetto, with just a touch of reduction, but the structural feel is very much Nebbiolo-like. What a jewel of a wine. It spent three weeks on the skins and aging in tank." Vinous

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

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

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

Amber-coloured red. Finesse-rich notes of game, tobacco and undergrowth frame the sour cherry on the nose. Soft and ripe on the palate, very precise and pure, with medium pressure and well-proportioned tannins that flank a wonderfully long finish. 100% Sangiovese from the Marche, 100% performance from Bisci! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Rosso Villa Castiglioni 2018 begins with a dusty and delicate bouquet of dried roses, chalk dust and blackcurrants. It is silky-soft and round on the palate. Juicy acidity and peppery wild berry fruit accompany it. The wine finishes with a lovely inner sweetness and a surprising length, leaving a slight hint of fine tannin. Very beautifully made. On the palate and in the finish, the 2018 exceeds all expectations." Vinous

"This 100% Sangiovese, fermented in stainless steel, aged in used tonneaux and refined in concrete, has aromas of wild strawberries and flowers, with a hint of plum. In the mouth, it shows cherry fruit and firm tannins. Earthy, ripe and concentrated, with a long, fresh finish." Decanter

Medium ruby red colour. Fine, red berry bouquet with hints of blackcurrant, black cherry, sage and smoky notes. Firm and expressive on the palate; multi-layered flavours of ripe wild berries, spices and a delicate almond note are flanked by velvety tannins. Ciampoleto has impressive depth and structure for a Rosso, and the respectable finish leaves a soft cherry note with traces of liquorice and a salty vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with cherry-red edges. Dark forest berries and nutmeg on the nose, subtle hints of vanilla and roasted almonds. Juicy on the palate, with fine-grained tannins, creamy fruit flavours and animating tension, with a slightly bitter final." Falstaff

"The 2022 Rosso di Montalcino Ciampoleto is wonderfully unique, savory, nearly smoky and mineral in character with a burst of grilled herbs, crushed rocks and dried black cherries. This is surprisingly lifted and spry with vividly ripe wild berry fruits and sweet spices that swirl throughout. It leaves a pleasantly chewy concentration to linger on as rosy inner florals and licorice cascade across a bed of edgy tannins." Vinous

"Graceful nose of liquorice root, restrained raspberries and pressed violets. The attack is firm and crisp, as you'd expect from Sangiovese, but with supple cherries and ripe tannins. The finish is chewy and chalky, but dynamic." James Suckling