VINOUS

In 1991, Luca and Valeria Orsini gave up their work in Milan to produce wine in Tuscany. Their winery comprises 10 hectares of south-east facing vineyards in Panzano and the wines have been certified organic since 2000. This outstanding Annata opens discreetly on the nose with subtle scents of cherry blossom, heather and roses. On the palate, it is decidedly red-fruited with redcurrants and raspberries, embraced by finely structured, powdery and persistent tannins. It has a beautiful energy and above all lets the true charm of Sangiovese shine through. A real high-flyer in terms of authenticity every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, vivid and crunchy Chianti Classico expressing aromas of strawberries, raspberries and mild spices, following through to a medium body with fine tannins. Succulent and crisp with sour cherry character in the mouthwatering finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is a fabulous introduction to the Le Cinciole range. Lively acidity and tannins give the 2021 its shape and plenty of energy. Expressive floral and spicy overtones give it a lot of character. The 2021 was vinified in cement and matured in barrels for one year, followed by one year in cement. This medium-bodied Chianti Classico is a winner." Vinous

Precise Rosso from a good house. Beautiful texture of juicy berries with a hint of plum and orange peel. Good tannin structure, polished finish and good length. A success! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Appealing nose of cherries and wild strawberries, some cocoa butter, candle wax and a subtle hint of sealing wax. Juicy on the palate with creamy fruit melting, clear, tightly woven tannins with a fine grip, subtle wood flavours, good tension on the final and minimal after-drying." Falstaff

"The 2022 Rosso di Montalcino is perfumed and exotic, with pretty rose tones and sour citrus fruit complicating the tart cherry fruit. It is silky smooth and supple with ripe wild berries and autumnal spices playing around it. The finish is long and leaves traces of liquorice and sage." Vinous

A Quo is the entry into the sensual world of Montepeloso. A fresh, daring wine from younger vineyards. Round and velvety, clean and fruity, this blend of five grape varieties combines the virtues of Montepeloso and Fabio Chiarelotto's high standards to the finest. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 A Quo is a fabulous introduction to these wines. Bright, punchy and vibrant, the 2021 offers up an exciting mix of red fruit, blood orange, rose petal, mint and cinnamon. Montepeloso's entry-level estate offering is a winner." Vinous

"The 2021 A Quo, made mainly from Sangiovese and smaller proportions of Malvasia Nera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano, Marselan and Alicante Bouschet, offers intense scents ranging from blackberry to dark rose - like one of those deep purple flowers you see in a flower shop. It has a dense texture and a solid structure." Wine Advocate

"A firm and silky red wine with blackberry and blueberry character and a hint of cream. Medium-bodied with polished tannins and a fresh finish. Racy and refined on the finish." James Suckling

Le Redini Rosso consists mainly of Merlot and a small proportion of Alicante. The wine opens with dark intensity and a velvety texture with lots of fresh blackberry, plum, earth and wild rose. Pure red fruit on the palate, very supple, the delicate wood note well integrated. The refined notes of a Merlot from the Conca d'Oro come across wonderfully. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh and pure expression of red plums, cherries, crushed strawberries, fresh mushrooms and minerals. Superficial red fruits on the medium-bodied palate with fresh tannins and fresh, crunchy plums and red cherries on the medium-long finish. Fruit-emphasised, dry and structured. There is certainly nothing superfluous here." James Suckling

"The 2021 Le Redini is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Alicante from a site with loose soils rich in schistose Galestro. What stands out most is the soft and gentle texture of the wine, which nestles close to the palate. There are no rough edges and the finish is characterised by dark cherries, spices and baking chocolate." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Le Redini is a beautiful, beguiling wine composed primarily of Merlot with a dash of Alicante, a blend that is unique to the Chianti Classico estate. Le Redini is a wine with aromatic presence and nuance, presenting a compelling blend of ripe red cherries, wild herbs, mint, rose petals and cinnamon. A little new oak still needs to be integrated. Otherwise, the 2021 is a very good wine." Vinous

Castello della Sala, located not far from Orvieto at an altitude of 500 metres, produces excellent wines without exception, as the inexpensive "entry-level wine" San Giovanni della Sala proves. The wine is produced in the vineyards of the ancient castle of Castello della Sala from the combination of the indigenous grape varieties Grechetto and Procanico with Pinot Bianco and Viognier and interprets the Orvieto Classico in a new style. Its freshness, richness and balance are remarkable, with notes of yellow flowers, green apple, sage and ginger. On the palate, an incredibly silky texture and juicy acidity guide this juicy white wine into a beautiful, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Well-integrated acidity defines the aromas and flavours of white peach, pomelo, spring herbs and white flowers in this light, supple white wine with a salty finish." Wine Spectator

"Lemon zest and crushed green apples come together with a whiff of spring flowers as the 2023 Orvieto Classico Superiore San Giovanni della Sala blossoms in the glass. It opens with a pleasant inner sweetness matched by masses of citrus-tinged orchard fruits, all balanced by a core of saline minerals and juicy acidity. The 2023 cleans up beautifully, both long and potent yet remarkably fresh. Sour melon hints slowly fade." Vinous

Fresh, bright ruby colour. The Syrah impresses with its intense and ripe bouquet with hints of figs, redcurrants, preserved cherries, blueberries, spices and vanilla. Velvety, elegant tannins accompany the opulent and lively structure through to the lingering final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Maroccoli, is dark and floral. In the glass, it reveals a smoky mix of grilled herbs, dried violets and crushed blackberries. It is wonderfully fresh and light, with bright wild berries and a juicy acidity that retains a fantastic energy. It finishes with a pleasantly bitter feel that tapers off with medium length and a spicy hint." Vinous

"This is rich, mellow and nicely filled with fruit, offering dark cherries, plums, mild spices and hints of cedar and nutmeg on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with velvety, rather supple tannins and impressive volume and length. A smooth and fruity aftertaste." James Suckling

Deep ruby red with garnet-coloured reflections. Dense and intense aroma of red fruits with notes of leather, earth, spices and minerals, with a hint of vanilla and sandalwood. Full-bodied on the palate, well-defined tannins supported by a dense structure, leading to a long-lasting and very smooth final. A Bordeaux blend in a class of its own! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Burdese is a straightforward expression of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and Cabernet Franc (30%) that doesn't impose. The wine is soft on the palate with medium-bodied layers of ripe cherry, plum, soft earth and leather. The tannins are immediate and soft." Wine Advocate

"This Bordeaux blend shows berries, fresh herbs such as parsley and a hint of vanilla. It has a medium to full body with medium round tannins and a juicy finish. Very enjoyable now, but it will be much better in two or three years." James Suckling

"Dusty dried flowers, crushed rock, graphite and red plums form a dark, seductive bouquet when the 2018 Burdese reveals itself in the glass. The palate is lapped by soft textures contrasted by a core of tart wild berries. Mineral tones slowly saturate. A web of fine tannins lends it youthful composure, nicely balanced by a hint of sour citrus, while the 2018 tapers off for a long time and yet displays wonderful balance." Vinous

"The nose is dark and rich, yet also layered and subtle, with both heavy aromas of petrol and tar and juicier notes of blackberries, figs and dark chocolate. The figs and chocolate carry the palate, though wild herbs and bitter orange give buoyancy. Tannins are unyielding, while acid is more discreet but still perceptible." Wine Enthusiast

A modern, single-varietal Chardonnay that does not deny its terroir with an almost Burgundian style. Elegant, complex and full of character, the aromatically fragrant Jalé has a balanced, long flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, clear golden yellow colour. On the nose, clearly roasted hazelnuts, apricot jam, a little nut butter, followed by pineapple yoghurt and a little banana. The palate opens juicy with dancing acidity, some citrus. Salty, medium-long final. Good with grilled fish!" Falstaff

"The 2022 Jalè is a single varietal Chardonnay with a blend of vanilla custard, sweet spices and yellow apples. It feels silky, almost creamy, with a balance of mineral fruit and a hint of sour citrus. The 2022 is long and powerful, but also remarkably fresh. Lime zest and tart notes of green apples round off the finish." Vinous

This sparkling wine is named after the minimum 36 months of bottle fermentation it has to undergo. The result is impressive: light ruby red with garnet reflections. Sour cherry, blackcurrant and wild rose on the nose, rounded off with candied cherry and traces of light smoke. On the palate, it is powerful, complex, round and creamy in texture, with well-dosed candied fruit, juicy, clear and with a full-bodied, long finish. Trentasei combines the tradition of the region with a visionary reinterpretation of a Sorbara sparkling wine that remains in the memory even after the bottle has been emptied far too quickly. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate cherry red with pink reflections. The nose has hints of wild berries and caramelised rhubarb. Some marzipan and white pepper on the finish. Surprisingly sweet and fruity on the palate with lively acidity. Great fun." Falstaff

"In a delightful strawberry-red hue, this wine exudes wild raspberry aromas, hints of dried leaves, and warmed rosebud jam. Its light and zippy palate offers crushed currant and sour cherry flavors, culminating in an intriguing savory finish that lingers and requests a board of salumi or cured meat." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2015 Brut Metodo Classico Lambrusco di Sorbara Trentasei is a deep translucent red with a seductive bouquet that blends sweet spices with violet florals and wild strawberries. It’s soothingly round with a silken bead of fine bubbles and crisp orchard fruits, as hints of candied citrus add lovely contrast toward the close. The 2015 tapers off on a note of refinement, classically dry and crisp, as the slight hint of sour cherry slowly fades. This is next-level Lambrusco." Vinous

The rare Titolo Rosato is not only a feast for the eyes, but also makes a first-class impression with its fresh and spicy bouquet of mandarins, cherries, sage and sweet smoke. On the palate, this freshness is again combined with a taut yet silky texture, followed by tart, lemony notes and a lovely saltiness that provide plenty of excitement and drinking flow. This rosato is anything but banal and ends in an exciting finish with green apple and exotic spices. Put it away for a year, because it is an Aglianico. Very well done! SUPERIORE.DE

"A deep cherry-colored rosé that has notes of dried strawberries, plums, cassis and dried flowers. It’s rich and fruity with medium to full body and a light tannin grip." James Suckling

"The 2023 Titolo Pink Edition is another fantastic achievement, boasting a gorgeous bouquet of wild strawberries, spice, lavender and wet stone. It is silky smooth with a mineral note balancing ripe red and blue fruits and zesty acidity. The final leaves a grippy sensation while sour citrus notes water the mouth and a lingering finish of sour cherries lingers." Vinous

This highly convincing red from Vietti is a stylish Langhe with an elegant bouquet and a powerful palate. Bright ruby red in the glass, it has tell-tale Nebbiolo aromas of rosehip and orange peel. The strawberry fruit is accompanied by firm, polished tannins, crisp acidity and an amazing rhubarb flavour that carries through the finish. It comes from a selection of grapes grown in both Barolo and Barbaresco, mostly on the classic combination of limestone and clay. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco is a particularly vibrant edition of the Perbacco, the result of a significant presence of Monforte fruit in the blend. Notes of red fruit, orange peel and white pepper characterise the 2021, which finishes with remarkable tension." Vinous

"This wine opens with an expressive bouquet that exudes macerated red cherries, dried roses and sweet and savoury spices. On the palate, a round and lush fullness of cherries unfolds, with well-integrated tannins creating a harmonious structure and offering a pleasant and balanced profile." Wine Enthusiast

"The Vietti 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco is a spicy wine that is quite pronounced in its aromatic intensity. It is a better expression of the grape variety, softened by oak, spices and well-ripened fruit. The wine has a velvety quality that helps to envelop the palate, and you get plenty of stuffing here in terms of texture and lingering fruit flavours. The fruit that is not used directly for Barolo Castiglione goes into this wine instead." Wine Advocate

Intense and enveloping aromas of blackberry, dark fruit and cocoa. Memorable, full-bodied fruit and firm tannins on the palate, which give this Merlot its unique elegance. Pleasantly round, long and with traces of mint on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose starts sweet and wild with aromas of blueberries, raspberries and a hint of vanilla, before spicy notes of leather, herbs and pepper make themselves known. On the palate, flavours of cherry, vanilla and milk chocolate support the berry element before a lingering, herbaceous and stony finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Sito dell'Ulmo is remarkably pretty, wafting up with a blend of wild blueberries, sage, dusty dried violets and hints of tobacco. It's round and supple, possessing cooling acidity and crisp wild berry fruits that cascade across the palate as rosy inner florals form toward the close. The 2019 tapers off gently tannic yet wildly fresh, finishing with notes of lavender and crushed blackberry. Stunning." Vinous

Donnafugata's impressive declaration of love to Etna, currently the hottest wine hotspot, began with the Sul Vulcano line. Light ruby red in colour, with a bouquet of wild strawberry and delicate hints of black cherry, cinnamon and nutmeg. The corresponding, fresh flavour and subtle elegance lead to a harmonious and energetic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Open-hearted bouquet with delicate oxidation, lilac, juniper and tobacco. Earthy and mineral on the palate with fine tannins and spicy notes." Weinwisser

"Medium, bright garnet red with a brightening rim. Fine aromas of strawberries and raspberries and a hint of cherry syrup on the nose. Crisp, fresh and juicy on the palate with a fruity finish and fine-grained tannins." Falstaff

"It impresses with its ripe core of black cherry and plum and offers pretty accents of violets, aniseed and dried herbs. This red wine is light-footed, with taut tannins that round off the mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"A soft and open red with plum and spice character as well as floral undertones. Some fresh herbs too. Medium body. Lightly chewy." James Suckling

"Hints of sweet spice and dusty rose give way to crushed cherries and cloves as the 2021 Etna Rosso Sul Vulcano blossoms in the glass. On the palate, it displays a texture of pure silk with ripe red fruits accompanied by lively acidity, while floral notes unfold on the inside. Fine tannins and a primary concentration saturate towards the end, while the 2021 finishes long. Traces of liquorice fade towards the end. This is a fantastic offering, especially at this price point." Vinous

The SP68 cuvée of Frappato and Nero d'Avola is wonderfully fresh, dynamic, individual and modern. Generous flavours, solidly structured and equipped with mild tannins and fine spice. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Rosso SP68 is pretty and perfumed, with a blend of crushed roses and violets accentuating blackberries, white smoke and wet stones. It washes across the palate with a liquid floral concentration and tart wild berry fruits, all guided by a core of brisk acidity. The 2023 leaves the mouth salivating as a tart cranberry crunchiness resonates and hints of blood orange slowly fade." Vinous

Elegant, exotic-looking Etna Bianco with wonderfully broad flavours of tropical fruit, blossom and peach. Beautifully juicy, balanced and long in flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"A blend from 5 contrade. Extremely aromatic, expansive, sexy bouquet with white peach and spices. This successful cuvée captivates with its multi-layered hints of mountain and flower meadows, paired with light exotic fruits. Melting on the palate with white fruits, mineral notes and a salty finish." Weinwisser

"The 2022 Etna Bianco rises from the glass with a savoury blend of dried flowers, stone dust and freshly cut nectarine. It shows ripe stone fruit and a feeling of liquid stone accompanied by fresh acidity. The 2022 finishes crisp and long, with a tart concentration of citrus that tickles the cheeks and keeps the taster reaching for the glass." Vinous

"It has notes of lemon, camomile and sweet basil. It is bright and fruity, with a medium body and a fresh, creamy finish." James Suckling

"A blend of Carricante from various Contradas in Castiglione di Sicilia on the north side of Mount Etna. This undried Bianco is bright and cheerful, full of white peach, white flowers, apricot skin, cream, pink grapefruit and hay. Its long, floral finish is delightful, juicy and stony." Decanter

Torcolato is made from botrytised Vespaiola grapes and matures in French oak barrels, a third of which are new. It has been one of the best sweet wines in Italy for decades. Aromas of dried apricots, white truffle, honey and sage on the nose, virtuoso and exotic on the palate. Class and elegance with a great value and outstanding ageing potential. A monument in the Italian wine world every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Silky and sweet, but also delicious and clear, with notes of lemon wax and toasted almonds accenting flavours of baked persimmons, singed orange peel, dried mint and toffee. A tight-knit dessert wine, with well-integrated acidity and light, taut tannins." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Torcolato has a deep golden colour and impresses with a bouquet that combines richness with sophistication. Dried apricots and mangoes meet notes of almond paste, cinnamon and fresh mint, which complement each other. This wine is surprisingly lively and energetic, with a racy acidity and tart fruit balanced by a core of sour citrus and spice. The 2021 leaves you wanting more and finishes dramatically long but incredibly fresh, with notes of green melon and lime slowly fading away. This is dangerously delicious." Vinous

Occhipintis Bianco has been one of Sicily's craziest and at the same time most independent white wines for years. Made from equal parts Moscato and Albanello, it exudes the scent of peaches and flowers, with a subtle smoky note on the nose. Delicately bitter on the palate, yet bone-dry and with wonderfully fruity hints of lychee, lime and apricot. With half an hour of aeration and at a moderate 12°C drinking temperature, you will be completely mesmerised by the sophistication and drinkability of this exceptional wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Bianco SP68 is distinctly savory, as wild herbs and wet concrete give way to crushed nectarines. This is soothingly round and supple with a spicy tinge of ginger up front, leading to tart orchard fruits and a cascade of salty minerals. The 2023 finishes vividly fresh yet still potent, leaving hints of green melon and lime zest that linger on and on. Allow the Bianco SP68 some time to open in the bottle to express its aromatics properly." Vinous

Sparkling ruby red colour, intense and appealing mineral aroma of plums, orange zest, ripe raspberries and a hint of liquorice in the background. Elegant tannins and a delicious fruity flavour on the juicy palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Etna Rosso smells of pink flowers and a hint of juniper berries. It is vividly fruit-driven, with a wave of ripe wild berries and sweet spices flowing over a stream of vibrant acidity. It leaves a hint of primary concentration and slightly grippy tannins that linger as the purple flowers inside slowly fade. Although more extroverted than expected, the 2022 is an absolute pleasure and has fantastic balance." Vinous