VINOUS

The grapes for this Pinot Noir come from three sites at an altitude of up to 980 metres. Different soils of moraine deposits, limestone gravel and sand give this ruby red wine its unmistakable character. On the nose, blackberries, raspberries and cherries. On the palate, it delights with power and finesse, its harmony and elegance thrilling us all the way to the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A blend of wild herbs, flowery underbrush and freshly picked strawberries introduces the 2021 Pinot Noir Turmhof. This is a juicy and pure effort with pretty red fruits accentuated by brisk acidity. It finishes remarkably fresh and with medium length. Rosy inner florals slowly fade." Vinous

The pure Nero d'Avola is bursting with dark aromas of berries, black cherry, liquorice and tobacco. Lush and distinctive on the palate with wonderful spicy notes of mint, aniseed and espresso. Juicy tannins, good length, fine pressure. A really great wine of impressive intensity at a still very reasonable price, incidentally certified organic since the 2020 vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet edges. Fine spicy notes on the nose, ripe plum and forest floor. Balanced on the palate with a fine tannin structure, fresh and fruity core, medium length." Falstaff

"The Saia 2021 exudes a captivating blend of crushed violets, lavender, blackberries and wet stones. A powerful core of ripe red and blue fruits forms the framework, while a juicy acidity provides freshness. A pleasantly bitter hint of tangerine develops towards the end. The 2021 is spotty and long, finishing with a layer of fine tannins and a saturation of primary concentration that creates a slight chewy sensation towards the end. This is a fantastic and energetic interpretation of Saia, a Nero d'Avola grape variety that I suspect will age very well." Vinous

"Lots of blackberries, mushrooms, bark and a hint of pumice. A hint of smoke. Mussel shells. Blue fruits. Medium-bodied with fine and silky tannins that add tension and focus. Black fruits on the finish with a hint of orange peel. Crisp and fruity with structure." James Suckling

"Strong ruby red with light violet reflections. Rich nose with notes of sour cherry, blackberry jam, liquorice and Mediterranean maquis. Soft, supple and balanced on the palate between freshness, juiciness and well-integrated tannins." Falstaff

"The 2018 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Centovie rises from the glass with a wild and exotic blend of crushed rose petals, sweet herbs, wet stone and strawberries. It fills the palate with a soft, almost fleshy texture held together by a lively acidity that enlivens the tart wild berries within. The 2018 is long-lasting, just lightly textured with a hint of sour citrus that contrasts nicely." Vinous

"This is an organic wine whose fruit comes exclusively from the Umani Ronchi vineyards. The 2018 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Centovie represents some of the fruit from two hills facing each other. The wine shows beautiful dark fruit and rich concentration with soft layers of black cherry, plum, spice and leather. The 2018 vintage offers plenty of freshness to cleanse the palate." Wine Advocate

Classic Barbera from the house of Vajra. Garnet red colour, very pleasant nose with light cherry notes and aromas of fine spices. The flavour is rich with the typical effervescence of a traditional and sophisticated wine from the Alba region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, rich purple colour. Initially slightly phenolic notes and green tannins on the nose, later inviting of ripe blackberries and dark chocolate, juicy, fragrant of flowering violets, great nose. Balanced and clear on the palate, confirms the dark berry notes, medium pressure and great drinkability." Falstaff

"The 2023 Barbera d'Alba is packed with succulent dark red fruit. Plush, silky contours add to its immediacy and overall appeal. Plum, mocha and cedar build into the soft, succulent finish." Vinous

Dark and initially a little brooding, Sceg shimmers from the glass with a rich and earthy blend of plum sauce, brown spices and crushed autumn leaves. The wine is silky smooth and balanced by vibrant acidity, while a contrasting wave of black fruit with citrus flavours washes over the senses. Smoky nuances and hints of ash resonate. Yet it finishes remarkably fresh, leaving a subtle hint of mineral tannins that remind Basilicata connoisseurs that this is a young Aglianico in its purest form. The grapes for Sceg come from several small plots with old vines in Barile. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried black fruit with some herbs and spices. Ripe but also juicy and fresh, with simple flavors and a tasty, lightly peppery finish. Slightly simple but quite well balanced." James Suckling

"A fresh red wine with notes of black raspberry, plum skin, singed orange peel and dried herbs that combine with dense, fine tannins. Notes of liquorice, minerals and spices emerge on the finish, but it still needs some time in the cellar to reveal its secrets." Wine Spectator

"The Aglianico del Vulture SCEG 2022 blossoms in the glass with a dark mix of dried violets, crushed stones and blackberries with citrus notes. It flows across the palate, savoury yet cool, with depths of dark red fruit and tactile minerality that emerges towards the end. The finish is grippy and long but still fresh, leaving notes of tangerine and a hint of tobacco and ash." Vinous

Open-hearted, very appealing bouquet of tart berry fruit, forest floor, bitter almond, blue flowers and grilled herbs. The palate has the typical Sangiovese profile of bright red berries, with wonderfully integrated acidity and freshness. A classic from Castellina in Chianti, rich in finesse every year and unbeatable with white meat dishes and sugos. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby colour with a brightening rim. Pronounced, savoury bouquet of fully ripe cherry, black pepper, a hint of coffee and rose petal. Velvety tannins on the palate, fresh fruit, lively acidity and a persistent finish." Falstaff

"The Mazzei 2022 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is always a solid choice on the wine list, offering fresh cherries and blueberries along with varietal tones of sweet earth and orris root. The wine is 90% Sangiovese with smaller proportions of Malvasia Nera and Colorino. It matures for 12 months in oak. This medium-bodied red wine shows good intensity and silky tannins." Wine Advocate

"The 2022 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is a great, elegant wine - one of the best 2022s I've tasted. Silky, layered and super-expressive, it's class from start to finish. The ripeness of the year is evident, but the 2022 retains a good amount of freshness to play off its overt dark red/purple-coloured fruit. It is impeccably made." Vinous

"A lively, juicy and composed Chianti Classico with aromas of wild berries, dried flowers, thyme and warm spices with a slightly dry tone. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins and fresh acidity. Bright and agile, with a lively centre on the palate and a tactile, driving finish." James Suckling

Sangiovese in its purest form: bright ruby colour with a broad garnet rim. Rich in fruity and floral aromas, multi-layered, herbal, deep and well-polished with further development potential. A full-bodied and harmonious Chianti Classico with a highly authentic and very inviting style. SUPERIORE.DE

"Walking a fine line between cherry and berry flavours and notes of earth and iron, this red wine is bright and juicy in the middle of the palate and firms up on the long finish. Balanced overall, it needs a year to come together." Wine Spectator

"At the south-eastern end of the Chianti Classico, the Fèlsina vineyard extends into the Chianti Colli Senesi area, where on a clear day you can see as far as Siena, just 15 kilometres away. In its sun-drenched surroundings, the 2022 is immediate and exuberant in its charm. Reminiscent of maritime pine, Mediterranean scrub and wild yellow broom, it gains concentration as it glides smoothly across the palate, where stony minerals meet ripe strawberries. Lively, if a little lively on the finish." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Berardenga 2022 is magnificent. Rich and deep, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Black cherry, leather, spice, tobacco, menthol and dried herbs characterise this powerful, classic Chianti Classico. It is beautifully made, especially for this year." Vinous

"A balanced, seductive and lively red wine with flavours of wild berries, red currants, warm herbs and some crushed peppercorns. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. A juicy berry character with a hint of spice brings energy and vitality to the palate and tactile finish." James Suckling

Medoro's famous top-quality Montepulciano Adrano, which elegantly and typically spreads a fine fruity aroma. The taste is led by a rich fruit that is excellently embedded in a full, deliciously spicy structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Adrano lifts up with an alluring display of crushed black cherries, sweet spices, violet florals and a hint of vanilla bean. This is silky and elegant in texture, contrasted by brisk acids and balsamic-tinged black fruits. Fine tannins linger, framing the expression nicely as the Adrano finishes savory with tart wild berries and minerals." Vinous

"The Villa Medoro 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane Adrano shows a classic aromatic profile with dark fruit tones followed by leather and mild tobacco. This wine ages in oak for 12 months, and the impact of that wood emerges mostly in terms of the rich and slightly dense texture of the mouthfeel. Those contrasts between dark fruit and oak spice are nicely played, and they are perfectly suited to a rib-eye steak." Wine Advocate

Straw-yellow Chardonnay with the scent of bananas and white flowers, a fresh, savoury taste, crisp, tropical fruitiness and beautiful length. One of the great white wines of Tuscany! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Chardonnay I Sistri is a pretty, understated wine. Pear, white peach, flowers and a kiss of French oak all grace this layered, super-expressive white." Vinous

"This white has an enticing smoky aroma, along with notes of vanilla and lanolin, followed by flavors of apple, lemon and baking spices. This is sleek and leaves a mouthwatering finish." Wine Spectator

"Rich and waxy nose with notes of cooked peaches, dried pineapple, beeswax and caramel. Full-bodied, broad, succulent and nicely filled with tropical fruit and a lot of nutty and spicy nuances. Deep, intense and characterful, with a lingering finish." James Suckling

Every year, Istine's Chianti Classico is one of the most racy and authentic representatives of its genre. Its weightlessness and at the same time precision make up a large part of its appeal. A finely knit bouquet of red berries, flowers, chalk and white pepper. Medium-bodied on the palate, its fine fruit, creamy tannins and plenty of personality come to light with further aeration. A red wine that takes hearts by storm with its lively, dancing and extremely fine nerve! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, lustrous crimson. Brooding cherry with minerally hints. Great purity on the nose. Energetic, tangy fruit layered with grainy tannins. The fruit is light of touch yet very long." Jancis Robinson

"A dense, taut red, whose cherry, strawberry and rose flavors are lifted by lively acidity and dusty tannins. This linear version flirts with elegance and will get there if the tannins integrate nicely." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Chianti Classico is juicy, forward and delightful. A burst of sweet red cherry fruit, rose petal, spice and orange peel gives the 2022 tons of immediacy. The 2022 looks to be an early-drinking wine." Vinous

Broad and rich, with aromas and flavours of plums, blackberries, clay and spices. La Braccescas Nobile di Montepulciano is a finely balanced, beautiful wine with all the elements in the right place. It is aromatically persistent, complex and nuanced in its balance. The winemaking team has done everything right here. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano opens with a mentholated freshness, blending cedar shavings with dried herbs and black cherries. This is elegant, nearly velvety in feel, with medium-bodied weight and polished red and black fruits. It tapers off with a pleasantly bitter tinge and is slightly chewy, leaving a coating of sweet tannins to frame the experience quite nicely." Vinous

"In the far east of the Vino Nobile zone, the La Braccesca vineyard borders Umbria. The vineyards extend over 340 hectares and reach as far as the neighbouring municipality of Cortona. Expressive aromas combine subtle oak spice with the scent of lavender and orange against a background of dark red cherry. On the palate, it is round, rich and velvety and is carried by a juicy acidity. The sandy tannins give the wine its shape and show a strong spiciness on the finish. Clean and well-defined." Decanter

"Aromas of ripe mulberries and blackberries with dark spices, burnt orange peel and earth. Full and structured with a deep core of ripe dark fruit and firm, chalky tannins. Long lasting finish." James Suckling

Il Randagio (the stray) is wonderfully complex and nuanced. Initially quite closed, the delicately spicy nose creeps up with increasing aeration and opens further into a wonderfully complex bouquet of dark red to black berries. Rising floral, savoury and spicy accents point to a wine that says more about the style of the house than anything else. The palate is wide-ranging with delicate wild berry flavours, perfectly polished tannins and a fresh, very invigorating acid wire that uninhibitedly enhances the drinkability of this once again typically different red. The best days of this wine still lie in the future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with violet shimmer. Opens with notes of dark smoke, then lots of blackberry and elderberry. Firm tannins, spicy and savoury, crisp fruit, still a little rough on the final." Falstaff

"A very juicy and drinkable Toscana, with fresh red berries, cherries, chopped herbs and subtle dark earth funk to encourage drinking. Fluid and bright, with lively strawberry fruit and chunky tannins. Firm, juicy and quite relaxed." James Suckling

"The 2022 Il Randagio, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is fabulous. Bright acids and floral nuances adorn this exquisite, nuanced red wine. The 2022 spent four months on the skins in cement tanks and open vats. Above all, the freshness and purity of this wine stand out. What a great wine this is." Vinous

"The Tenuta di Carleone 2022 Il Randagio is a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc and comes in a screw-top bottle with a drawing of a one-eyed bulldog on the label, which is surely the alter ego of Sean O'Callaghan. He experiments with long maceration times and alternative cement containers. There's a lot of creative spirit in a wine like this, which reveals fresh, bright berry tones. The style is full of energy. This is a good value red wine that I'm happy to recommend, especially if you're looking for a casual but spirited expression." Wine Advocate

Fresh rosato with a flavour of dark berries and a hint of lavender. Clear fruit on the palate, with elegant suppleness, a fine mineral note and, last but not least, an appealing palatability. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Etna Rosato smells of wild strawberries, dusty rose and crushed stone. Round and juicy in character, it presents ripe stone fruit, green melon and a hint of candied citrus. The 2023 leaves a crisp and refreshed palate and finishes with medium length and a hint of minerality." Vinous

"Very perfumed with sliced apples, peaches and hints of citrus. Medium-bodied, this has bright acidity and a long, flavorful finish. Vibrant." James Suckling

Bright light red colour. Bouquet of red cherries, aromatic herbs and some tobacco. Big and powerful on the palate in typical Campogiovanni style, with lush red cherries and aromatic herbal flavours that echo for a long time on the soft, slightly warm finish. A Rosso that gives a good foretaste of the more persistent and multi-layered Brunello. Very successful and charming and accessible even at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Campogiovanni 2021 Rosso di Montalcino has a dark ruby colour and immediately shows powerful fruit flavours and plenty of dark cherry. This is a nicely saturated Sangiovese with enough texture on the mid-palate to pair with a savoury bean soup or roast pork. The fresh acidity rounds it out. This is a good value proposition." Wine Advocate

"Earthy berries, oranges and a hint of dried bark on the nose. Juicy and beautifully flavoursome on the palate with a medium body and firm tannins." James Suckling

"Black raspberries, exotic spices, sage and cloves make the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino a total pleasure on the nose. It's silky and refined with cooling mineral tones and ripe red and blue fruits that easily wash across the palate. This takes on a savory edge through the finish, with tart raspberry and brown spice that linger through the lightly structured finale. I love the contrasts and early appeal of this darkly alluring Rosso." Vinous

Chianti Classico Rubiolo shows its delicately spicy side on the nose with cloves, cinnamon, lavender, wild dark cherries and blackberries that are beautifully ripe but not overripe. There are also floral hints. The fruit for this extremely good value wine comes from Castellina and Panzano, whereby the fullness and richness of the Panzano region are clearly noticeable. The finish is soft and velvety. It is the exceptional balance of the wine that really sets it apart. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep carmine red colour. Concentrated, full yet cool nose of cherry fruit. Spicy cherry fruit with a layer of grainy tannins. Great balance and length." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Rubiolo 2021 is a soft, fruity wine that should be drunk now and over the next few years as long as the flavours remain vibrant. Juicy red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint and white flowers burst from the glass. This exuberant, juicy Chianti Classico is a delight." Vinous

"Aromas of ripe red fruit, liquorice, spices and pink peppercorns. Medium to full-bodied, juicy and exciting with lively acidity and polished tannins. Notes of walnuts and savoury herbs on the finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Rubiolo from organic farming is a wine with an excellent value. The wine is made exclusively from Sangiovese from three vineyards in Castellina, Panzano and Badia a Passignano. The wine has a dark ruby red colour, and although the aromatic intensity is not very pronounced, there are delicately fragrant notes of cherry, raspberry and blood orange that are powerful and bright to the touch. There are also beautiful floral notes." Wine Advocate

"The idea of drinkability and home freshness, without sacrificing complexity. The nose is faceted, red currant with touches of wild mint and nuances of carnation. The mouthfeel is savory, with hints of small red fruits and a balsamic-floral return." Luca Gardini

Grosso Agontano Riserva rises dark, floral and earthy from the glass, with notes of undergrowth and tobacco that fade into blackberry and crushed stone. Its velvety texture leads to a sophisticated presentation of red and black fruits, underpinned by cool herbal notes, while the fine tannins slowly saturate towards the end. The finish is long, youthfully structured and with a pleasant inner sweetness, while nuances of tangerine and sour cherry linger under a hint of violet blossom.

Agontano is a 100% Montepulciano that is refined in barriques in the second passage. It is a very attractive interpretation of the grape variety and still needs some time in the cellar to show its best side. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark shiny purple red colour, fine rim. Spicy bouquet of juniper and sweet cherries, followed by leather and a hint of espresso in the finish. Silky texture on the palate, savoury fruit clothed in chocolate, with firm tannins and gentle pressure." Falstaff

"The Conero Riserva Agontano 2020 is dark and intense. A cascade of violet flowers and lavender gives way to crushed blackberries accompanied by hints of cocoa and camphor. The wine is soft and enveloping, with polished red and black fruits accompanied by lively acidity. Fine tannins build slowly towards the end. The Agontano leaves behind chalky mineral tones and a bitter espresso note that lingers until the long and structured final. The 2020 is complex and beautifully balanced, but also very young. We will have to be patient." Vinous

Bright light greenish yellow, fragrant bouquet of meadow flowers, a hint of apple, acacia honey and biscuits. Fine on the palate and very complex with its fine, fresh fruit flavours and a delicate, salty note on the full finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny silver-grey with olive-green reflections and numerous fine pearls. Initially somewhat shy on the nose, then opens up to yellow apple, light almond notes and subtle floral nuances. On the palate with a fine-grained perlage and a certain juiciness, underpinned by a slight bitter note, appears very yellow-fruity." Falstaff

"An intriguing fruity-floral odeur characterises this excellent single-vineyard wine; a creamy texture, carried by the rich acidity, juicy and harmonious until the long final." Vinum

"The 2023 Valdobbiadene Vigneto Giardino Rive di Colbertaldo Asciutto is delicate yet remarkably pretty, wafting up with a cascade of floral perfumes and hints of sweet spice, peach sorbet and nectarine. It floods the palate with a creamy bead of fine bubbles and ripe orchard fruits, all guided by brilliant acidity as a nuance of candied citrus informs the close. Notes of green apple, melon and a sensation of liquid stone appear as the 2023 finishes with amazing length and complexity. This is fantastic." Vinous

Montegrossi's Chianti Classico remains true to the estate's style every year with its deep violet colour and initially youthful, reductive nose. On the palate, it shows its potential with a fascinating build-up of tension and fresh fruit of black cherries and blackberries. The supple tannins are refined and polished, but it's the juicy, savoury notes and tangy acidity that really make the wine sing. An energetic classic of the appellation, whose average it surpasses every year. Great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Chianti Classico is fabulous - one of the best of the year. A burst of dark red/purple fruit, lavender, spice, rose petals and mint race across the palate. Deep, complex and wonderfully sexy - the 2022 is simply irresistible." Vinous

"A rich, dense style with flavours of cherries, raspberries and blackberries, with a hint of black pepper, while assertive tannins and lively acidity support the wine. It's balanced, if a little extracted, with a nice length." Wine Spectator

"This juicy, well-balanced Chianti Classico delivers fresh, vibrant red berry and cherry fruit with touches of white pepper and hibiscus. Quite firm and juicy, with nicely chewy tannins and a dainty, succulent finish. Effortlessly drinkable, but will also hold well for the next few years." James Suckling

Excellent Langhe Nebbiolo. Garnet red colour, pronounced aroma of ripe cherries, raspberries, dried rose petals and wild berries. The very juicy yet cool and elegant flavour shows silky yet solid flanking tannins and harmonious acidity. A profound red with plenty of vigour at an excellent price. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo is a tasty entry-level offering Vajra. Crushed flowers, sweet red cherry fruit, cedar and pipe tobacco give this open-knit, mid-weight Langhe Nebbiolo tons of charm." Vinous

Medium straw yellow with silver reflections. Nuances of light peach, yellow pear and salted lemon on the nose, with a background of lime blossom. Great freshness, juiciness and good length on the palate, with a mineral final. SUPERIORE.DE

"As the 2023 Etna Bianco Contrade Nuove opens in the glass, a whiff of sweet spice gives way to freshly sliced yellow apples and pears. This flows across the palate like liquid stone, mixing ripe orchard fruits and melon tones across a stream of cooling acidity. It leaves a coating of tactile minerality and shavings of lime while finishing with staining length and a cheek-puckering citrus twang. The 2023 turns the pleasure dials to the max." Vinous

Dolcetto d'Alba Coste & Fossati is one of the most sought-after wines in the appellation every year. A very dark violet-coloured wine with a bouquet of roasted almonds, cherries, tar and chocolate. Voluminous, long and rich on the palate, velvety and juicy with a subtle sweetness and an impressive, gripping texture. Already a pleasure today and undoubtedly a great experience in a few years' time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Coste & Fossati, Vajra's top Dolcetto, takes the notes of the grape variety and amplifies them, adding remarkable richness and body in the mid-palate, in part through a super-classic winemaking process that involves maceration under water. Iron, dried flowers, mint, plum, sage and tobacco make up this deep, multi-layered Dolcetto. I love its dynamic energy and overall complexity." Vinous