VINOUS

High-quality Trebbiano Superiore with structure and a beautiful correspondence between aroma and flavour. Convincing with fresh, spicy to sweet flavours and a crisp, fresh finish, this organically produced white wine is a joy to drink! SUPERIORE.DE

"Lush, bright gold colour. A nose of squeezed lemon and lemon pieces as well as fresh pineapple, reminiscent of fresh resin, plus sea salt and rosemary. Juicy on the palate, with pronounced fruit and well-integrated acidity, savoury, spans a beautiful arc, also slightly floral in the middle section, dry, slightly phenolic finish." Falstaff

"A dusting of autumnal spice, raw almonds and musky dried apricots create an inviting bouquet as the 2021 Trebbiano d'Abruzzo Riserva Spelt opens in the glass. There's a pretty inner sweetness up front complicated by saline minerals and tart orchard fruits. This finishes crisp and with admirable length, leaving tropical inner florals." Vinous

"An impressive Trebbiano, also from organic cultivation. Yellow plum on the nose, with a hint of wild sage and hawthorn, crisp and salty on the finish, with balsamic and fruity notes, a clear snapshot of the area's great potential." Luca Gardini

Dark ruby red colour. Dense bouquet of blackcurrant flavours, cocoa and a floral note of mild herbs. Full-bodied and fruity on the palate. The well-balanced components make the wine appear like velvet and silk. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweetly enticing, the 2022 Cannonau di Sardegna Sincaru opens with a seductive blend of blueberries, cream, cola and violet pastille. It’s soft and enveloping with juicy acidity contrasted with tart red and blue fruits. This finishes crunchy in feel, leaving a coating of tarry blackberry to mingle with silty tannins through the long and lightly structured finale." Vinous

Seductive cuvée of Carignano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Sweet violets, lavender and cloves with black raspberries in the glass. Silky and supple on the palate, with masses of ripe red and black fruit flowing over a core of vibrant acidity. Montessu maintains a fabulous balance and finishes long and powerful, yet fresh with a hint of macerated plums that won't quit. Very nice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of dark cherries, blackberries and baking spices. Medium body with fine tannins and bright acidity. Fresh and crunchy at the center with red fruits on the palate and a lively, powdery finish." James Suckling

"A sleek, elegant red, finely knit and harmonious, with a bright thread of citrus peel acidity and a fragrant skein of ground spices and incense winding through flavors of raspberry ganache and plumped cherry fruit. Reveals hints of loamy earth and wild sage, which add a savory edge that lingers on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Dusty dried violets and lavender give way to citrus-tinged blackberries as the remarkably pretty 2021 Montessu blossoms in the glass. This is a soft and savory effort with a core of dark red fruits and salty mineral tones that slowly saturate. The 2021 finishes impressively long and staining, leaving grippy tannins that tug at the cheeks as hints of licorice fade. The Montessu is typically intended for early consumption, yet I’d recommend further cellaring to let all the pieces come together." Vinous

There are no fixed rules at Zýmē, only the pursuit of experimentation to offer a unique and honest experience that also conveys the character of each individual vintage. Il Bianco From Black to White (sealed with a glass cork) opens with a golden colour and a whitish sheen typical of grapes that have no skin contact. The predominant grape variety is Rondinella Bianca, a mutation that was only discovered by chance in the vineyards of Zýmē and is unique in Italy.

The fresh bouquet has aromas of citrus fruits, honeydew melon, star jasmine and sour grapefruit. The palate is uniquely different, but silky and very flavoursome with a medium body, while ripe apples and nectarines are stimulated by juicy acidity and a hint of green citrus fruit. The tension builds with each successive glass, a slightly tropical note is added in the final, together with salty minerals and lingering spice, From Black to White also clearly expresses its deserved place in Celestino Gaspari's exceptional portfolio, because it is a white gem full of character and purity! SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich straw yellow with green reflections. Seductive, intense aroma of mandarins and jasmine on the nose, with some rose and elderflower in the background. Clear and precise on the palate, harmonious, animating, well-integrated acidity, some fleur de sal on the lingering final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Il Bianco From Black to White wafts up, sweetly floral with candied citrus, raw almond and vanilla bean. It soothes with a soft textural wave of ripe orchard fruits as lime zest adds a reverberation of tension. The 2020 tapers off spicy and crisp, leaving cooling mineral tones and an almost crunchy sensation. Always unique and consistently one of the best values from the Zymé portfolio." Vinous

"Lime and lemon peel on the nose, with notes of white flowers and wet stones. Medium-bodied with plenty of fresh flavour extension and good length. A very flavoursome white this year." James Suckling

Misco, the estate's second top white product and a Verdicchio matured in stainless steel, exudes an elegant bouquet of floral and aniseed notes. On the palate, it is a magnificent interplay of juice and vigour, spicy tension, fresh citrus notes and aromatic firmness. It is one of the best in its denomination every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, pale straw yellow with white-golden tendencies. Restrained on the nose, reminiscent of summer rain on hot stone, with white flowers and stone fruit. Soft fruit centre on the palate, beautiful fresh, juicy and salty notes on an above-average long finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Misco is intense, with hints of chalk dust and dried flowers that dissolve to reveal yellow apples and ginger spice. It is pleasantly round and enveloping, with an oily note that lingers over the palate with a wave of lime-flavoured nectarines. The 2022 finishes crisp and concentrated, leaving a hint of minerality and herbs." Vinous

Valpolicella Superiore Case Vecie is made mainly from Corvina and Corvinone grapes. It takes its name from the vineyard of the same name in Grezzana, where the ripening of the grapes is subject to strong temperature fluctuations between day and night: a climatic peculiarity that gives the wine a special spiciness on the nose and a completely unique polyphenol profile. Bright ruby red in colour with notes of cherries, vanilla and spices. Beautiful fruit and acidity on the palate, wonderfully balanced body. Juicy and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium carmine red colour. A little Amarone-like with dried dark cherries, as if it had walked over the skins of Amarone. A hint of dried fruit. Peppery and with a hint of oak. No doubt, we are in Valpolicella. Smooth and generous without being heavy. Such a pleasant wine." Jancis Robinson

"The Valpolicella Superiore Case Vecie 2021 is particularly floral and airy, with a lively bouquet of dusty roses, dried strawberries and a hint of sour orange. It is a paragon of purity, with crisp red berry fruit and tactile mineral notes accompanied by juicy acidity. The 2021 finishes incredibly fresh, revealing a pleasant, crisp tannin as the tart cherry notes slowly fade away. The Valpolicella Superiore Case Vecie from a single vineyard is simply stunning and is produced without the appassimento process." Vinous

"This producer is one of the best of the region, opting for a more traditional approach. This ups the ante. Exotic notes of orange peel, cloves, tamarind, cardamom and sweet red currants, with some hints of partially dehydrated grapes. Good, sappy length." James Suckling

"This Valpolicella rises from the glass with fresh aromas of wild cherries and red plums that give way to violets, rosemary and fresh earth. The palate is bright with ripe red berries, allspice, vanilla, black tea and sweet and savoury spices, finishing with an electric acidity that refreshes the palate after every sip." Wine Enthusiast

Here is one of the most beautiful interpretations of the white Carricante grape variety, matured for six months on the fine lees. A fresh, dynamic wine from Etna with a multi-faceted aroma of citrus, white peach, yeast, flint and smoke. Cool grapefruit and passion fruit, taut acidity and impressive mineral notes on the dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A cool nose with Burgundian finesse and pressure, fine reduction, mineral notes, salted lemon, light flowers, pear. Extremely fresh and gripping on the palate, elegant and spicy, with yellow-coloured spice, saline minerality and powerful, elegant freshness." Weinwisser

"Bright green-yellow in colour. Delicately smoky, stony on the nose, with subtle hints of salted lemon and some white flowers. Vibrant, salty on the palate, with noble citrus fruit." Falstaff

"This lively white wine offers a nice counterbalance to the creamy texture with aromatic accents of dried mint and grapefruit peel to the flavours of apricot, chopped almonds and poached pear. Salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Bianco 2022 is remarkably fresh and exudes an herb-accentuated bouquet, in which wet stone and a hint of smoke mingle with crushed almonds and pears. The palate is washed by a mineral wave of ripe fruit, accompanied by a hint of sour lime. The finish is crisp, refreshing and long, with a hint of delicious acidity that calls the drinker back to the glass." Vinous

"The nose is characterised by light, floral aromas of yellow apples, pears, lemons and white flowers, while warm, stony undertones provide balance. The palate is characterised by citrus fruits, with tree fruits not neglected, before a slightly nutty, salty finish supported by a gentle acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Notes of ripe apples and pears with spices, camomile and a stony minerality. Medium-bodied, supple and polished with juicy acidity and delicious fruit. Complex and full of character." James Suckling

"From the districts of Verzella and Pietramarina, a pure Carricante grown between 600 and 750 metres above sea level and then aged for four months in steel tanks. Notes of lychee on the nose, with a hint of lemon thyme and white melon, with hints of lemon and wild mint. Salty-orange on the palate, with a fruity, citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

The Verdicchio Podium has a strong personality with its aroma of citrus fruits, broom and lime blossom, tropical fruits and almonds. The flavour is perfectly structured, balanced and dynamic in its various components, spicy, mineral and with an unbeatably harmonious, spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale straw yellow with green-gold nuances. Salty, mineral bouquet with notes of salt lemon, almond blossom and a touch of fumé. Silky texture on the palate, with tart fruit, very juicy and a subtle mineral finish." Falstaff

"A vibrant white, with pleasing buoyancy to the fine frame of acidity as it boosts flavors of Canary melon, white peach, almond blossoms and grated ginger. Sleek and well-meshed on the lingering, saline-laced finish." Wine Spectator

"The Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Podium 2021 is delicate and restrained, it needs to be coaxed to reveal its pretty bouquet of young peach, raw almond and sweet smoke. It is elegant, with a silky texture and admirable weight, but retains its wonderful energy. Fresh acidity and saline minerals enliven its rich, ripe nectarine and pear centre. The 2021 finishes long and colourful, leaving a youthful tension as vanilla custard and candied citrus fade away. Even though it is very pleasant to drink today, this is a vintage for the cellar. It's worth noting that the Podium is made without oak, just stainless steel and cement, so we taste the pure fruit." Vinous

Nero di Lupo is - in contrast to many other single-varietal Nero d'Avola - a fresh and rather light wine, but no less interesting. Intense aroma of sour cherries and herbs, the bright, friendly taste is exceedingly fruity, lively and silky. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Nero di Lupo impresses with its savory blend of grilled sage, flinty crushed rocks and citrus-tinged red currants. It’s round in feel with lively acids to balance, as sour cherry mixed with hints of tangerine gives way to saline-mineral tones toward the close. A bitter trace and nuances of plum skins linger through the long and spicy finale. The Nero di Lupo is a zesty, varietal Nero d'Avola that will excel at the dinner table." Vinous

Pèppoli is an entertaining, very relaxed red wine with a firm fan base. A sparkling, intense ruby colour with a slight garnet hue. The Pèppoli expresses its strong personality through its bouquet of ripe fruit with light mineral accents. The flavour spreads gently yet powerfully on the palate with lively tannins and a long finish. Very easy to drink, very classic and, incidentally, excellent value! SUPERIORE.DE

"Graceful and familiar, Pèppoli is like a cheerful postcard from the Chianti region. It enchants with shiny cherries, cinnamon and chopped basil. Accents of leather and smoky toast are appropriately restrained. On the palate, the fruit takes centre stage: stewed plums and blackberries meld effortlessly with light, supple tannins that bring just a hint of dust. Juicy on the finish." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Pèppoli 2022, Antinori's entry-level offering, is a fine start to the year that shows just how compelling this vintage can be. The 2022 is bright, floral and beautifully lifted and has class. The understated, refreshing style is so compelling." Vinous

"Balanced and moderately long, this bright, fruity red offers cherry, strawberry and light earth flavors in a charming, approachable profile." Wine Spectator

Al Passo is named after the small forest on the highest hill of Tolaini - a magical place with a breathtaking view of the countryside and the sunsets over the towers of Siena. The wine is as unique as the forest, showcasing the natural affinity of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich garnet with ruby colour. Intense and enticing bouquet of ripe fruit, orange zest and spicy oak notes, on the palate with ripe fruit and fresh acidity, balanced, medium body, long final with a fine salty vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of cassis, meat, leather and earth. Firm acidity and tannins with a chalky texture, full body and supple fruit that balances the structure. Tart on the finish." James Suckling

"An intense red that evokes flavours of cherries, raspberries, pomegranates, minerals, tobacco and wild herbs. Silky and juicy, with fine-grained tannins that linger on the finish. Overall, it shows finesse." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Al Passo is a very beautiful and expressive wine. Dried cherry, tobacco, cedar wood, liquorice and incense give it remarkable aromatic nuances. This blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon has a lot to offer. Bright acids round off the whole thing in style." Vinous

Castellares Chianti Classico with refined aromas reminiscent of juicy sweet cherries, flowers and spices such as mint. Silky and polished on the palate, the final is long and creamy. A radiant, seductive wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling ruby red colour. Fragrant, appealing nose, very floral, then plum juice, fine spice, inviting. Great presence and freshness on the palate, compact tannins, pithy, accessible, with a finish of ripe cherry fruit." Falstaff

"A mix of cherry, rose hip, earth, tar and Mediterranean scrub notes highlight this rich yet firm red, which is broad on the palate, ending with earthy and salty flavors." Wine Spectator

"A juicy, velvety and seductive red with cherries, wild redcurrants and bay leaves. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Silky core of juicy berries in the centre and a soothing, soft finish with a slightly crisp character." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is a good introduction to the Castellare range. Silky, aromatic and light on its feet, this is a wine of great appeal. The 2022 is rather fruity, but its balance is impeccable. Notes of spice, leather and citrus linger on the medium-bodied finish." Vinous

"Sangiovese, with a small proportion of Colorino, opens on the nose with fine notes of redcurrant, then marjoram, wild iris and liquorice root. Spicy tannins on the palate, with officinal return and small fruits." Luca Gardini

Deep dark Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva with a beguiling aroma of dark red cherries and berries, earthy notes, grilled hazelnuts, spices and liquorice. "A mouthful of wine" in an incredibly appealing style. Spelt has remarkable concentration and outstanding length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Nose of graphite, ripe cherries, wild berries, a hint of dried rose petal and rubber. Clear on the palate, with clear fruit and beautiful juiciness, shows compact tannins, drinks even better slightly chilled." Falstaff

"The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Spelt is dark and earthy in the glass, with undergrowth and crushed stones giving way to black cherries and spice. This is round and silky in feel, with ripe wild berry fruits and spices that cascade throughout. Plum and medicinal blackberry linger as the 2020 tapers off long, lightly structured, yet relatively fresh. Well done." Vinous

"Very cedary on the nose at first, so give it a swirl to allow the rich red fruit and floral notes to give you a proper introduction to this full-bodied and solid red. The cedary element is present throughout, but there’s plenty of fruit to counter it. Firm tannins kick in midway and give some astringency to finish, which will smoothen with some more time in bottle." James Suckling

Dark ruby red colour. La Bandina is a parade Valpolicella from a single vineyard with a very complex, nuanced bouquet of small wild berries, cherries, liquorice and tobacco. The palate is fresh, balsamic and warm-hearted with a dark bouquet of forest fruits, chocolate, coffee and plum. The long finish has a very balanced acidity-tannin structure and impressive depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is delicious! The tannins are like silk; there are wonderfully harmonious threads of oak subtly and deeply woven into the fabric of the wine, bringing flecks of spice and long, dark lines of liquorice and hints of dark chocolate to contour the lush, juicy dark red cherry fruit; the finish is minty, peppery and cool. There is so much to explore here, but the heartbeat of this wine is the soaring, deliciously fresh fruit. The fruit is mesmerising. This is how Valpolicella should taste." Jancis Robinson

"I like the hint of green cardamom to the ripe red fruit on the nose, which carries through to the medium-bodied palate that brings in a hint of fruit toffee. Quite low tannin, so you can enjoy this Valpo now." James Suckling

"The 2020 Valpolicella Superiore La Bandina exudes a tantalising blend of crushed wild berries, lavender, chalk dust and a hint of roasted meat. It is a model of purity, with crunchy wild berries underlined by salty minerals and accompanied by a savoury acidity. It finishes long and savoury, leaving rosy, floral notes and a layer of fine tannins that frame the experience without slowing its momentum." Vinous

Altesino's Rosso di Montalcino, matured for eight months in Slavonian oak barrels, offers a persistent bouquet of fresh fruit, wild berries and young leather. Harmonious on the palate with cherry and plum flavours and a beautiful length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and dense, with flavours of cherry, pomegranate, earth and eucalyptus. Broad tannins girdle the finish, while its eucalyptus and underbrush accents linger." Wine Spectator

"Depths of black cherry, cedar, cloves, mint and worn leather form a classic bouquet as the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino comes to life in the glass. This is silky-smooth and polished in feel, with racy red and black fruits that flow across a stream of vibrant acidity. It firms up nicely through the finish, gently tannic and classically dry. Licorice and spice notes linger on." Vinous

"Spiced cherries, dried berries and touches of red dates and white pepper. Nicely generous and lightly chewy on the palate, with more ripe fruit and savoriness in the finish." James Suckling

Classic Chianti Classico from stainless steel tanks with a rich and intense bouquet of black cherries, fresh plums, menthol and liquorice. Full-bodied but not voluminous on the palate, very typical of Sangiovese. Clearly structured, pure in texture and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Noble, shiny ruby colour with a delicate garnet-red hue. Fine, dark nose of cherries clothed in chocolate, with a hint of clove and the scent of roses. Silky on entry, opens up nicely, fine tannins, precise fruit, fresh, persistent." Falstaff

"A hint of vanilla and nutmeg on the attack, plus a reductive flinty note. Strawberries and fleshy red cherries emerge on the palate; clean and good-natured with a cheerful juiciness and discreet tannins." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is a beautiful, open wine that can be drunk now and over the next few years. Crushed flowers, bright red fruit, chalk, mint and rose petals are some of the notes that adorn this breezy, medium-bodied Chianti Classico from Brancaia." Vinous

"This wine is bright and full of flavours of cherries, strawberries, flowers and earth, with a hint of wild herbs. Straightforward profile that firms up on the finish with dusty tannins." Wine Spectator

"A serious, structured and delicious Chianti Classico. The nose reveals notes of spiced cherries, warm herbs and baking spices. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy, with an attractive core of wild berries that brings energy and freshness to the mid-palate and spicy finish." James Suckling

Villa Gemma Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore has a light ruby red colour and exudes a pretty bouquet of wild strawberries, roses and sweet smoke. The flavour is soft and round, with a stimulating acidity and a sweet-tart tension. The finish is long and structured and ends with a delicious final with hints of spiced citrus fruits. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, radiant cherry red colour. Inviting nose of juicy cherry, cassis and juniper berries. Very present on the palate, linear and direct in the drinking flow, invigoratingly fresh through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

"The 2023 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore Villa Gemma is a fine, delicately fruity, delicate wine. Raspberry, mint, sweet lavender, crushed rock and round, ripe red berry fruit run throughout the core. Refined and polished, this is a gorgeous Cerasuolo that reflects the beauty of the style. The 2023 has what it takes to improve with bottle age, as evidenced by an extremely fine structure and fine tannins that are still hidden behind the pure fruit concentration at the moment. Marvellous." Vinous

"A focused, tactile and delicious Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo with notes of redcurrants, forest berries and fresh raspberries. Medium-bodied with a well-driven, lively center-palate and a flavorful finish with excellent length." James Suckling

Bright ruby red colour. Fresh and fragrant of violets and rose petals. Fresh, aromatic berry fruit on the palate, very supple tannins, with a lot of fruit and grace on the finish. Very racy and cheerful at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Frappato Vittoria Bell'Assai wafts up with purity, displaying an array of violets, lavender, crushed blackberries and a complicating whiff of dusty earth. Round and juicy in style, it possesses cooling acidity and crisp wild berry fruits that cascade throughout. The 2022 finishes wickedly fresh and with medium length, leaving a pleasantly crunchy, mouthwatering sensation behind on the close. The Bell'Assai would make an excellent pairing for a wide variety of cuisine." Vinous

"Candied cherries and flowers with some dried orange follow through to a medium body, with watermelon and citrus undertones." James Suckling

"The warm, floral nose shows delicate notes of roses and cherry blossom, but also tantalisingly sweet aromas of strawberries and cream. On the palate, a bitter note is emphasised by a latent earthiness, while the acidity plays around polished, firm tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Rich ruby colour. Elegant cuvée with spicy aromas of black cherry, plum and white pepper as well as an earthy undertone. Clear flavour with hints of blackberry, the fruit always very fine, beautiful spice, including star anise, very rounded. Finishes with plenty of freshness, elegance and a hint of lemon zest. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, fruity and easygoing red with berries, sweet spices and wet bark on the nose. Medium-bodied with velvety tannins. Refreshing and crunchy with a soft finish." James Suckling

"An elegant red that effortlessly integrates its range of flavors - including baked raspberry and plumped cherry, a fragrant hint of cured tobacco, notes of red licorice and minerally accents of iron and stone - with the tang of orange peel acidity and fine-grained tannins that trim the finish." Wine Spectator

"Dark and brooding in the glass, the 2019 Mamertino blends plum sauce with grilled herbs, sweet violets and lavender. It's silky-smooth, with a core of wild berries and plums energized by a wave of cooling acidity. It finishes with a tug of fine tannins and salty mineral tones that penetrate deeply as hints of tart cherry and bitter clove fade." Vinous

Ornello is an open wine with wonderful, inviting aromas of ripe, dark fruit and vegetal notes. Pleasantly fruity and full on the palate with good length and balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"A tightly packed version, with plum, fruitcake and hoisin flavors shaded by menthol and saline elements. Gains support from a dense swath of tannins as this unfolds on the palate. Gives fine length, if on the tannic side now." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Ornello is an attractive wine to drink now and over the next few years, while the fruit remains vibrant. There’s good depth to the dark red fruit, cedar, dried herbs, tobacco and incense flavors. Stylistically, Ornello seems to be done in a fresher style than in the past. A touch of Syrah adds an attractive element of earthiness and spice that distinguishes the Ornello in the range." Vinous

"Attractively fruity and herbal nose of blackberries, stewed cherries, blackcurrant leaves, sage and dried flowers. Medium to full body with sleek tannins and a juicy, ripe palate." James Suckling