wine classics

The world-famous Caiarossa is an extremely exciting blend of the Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Alicante varieties, with the rich, dark fruit flavours of the Cabernet grapes taking centre stage. On the nose, a beautiful first wave of dark fruits that never appear too ripe, which greatly benefits the elegance of the wine. The palate is very balanced and focussed with blackberries, cassis and slight hints of salty or rusty minerals. Caiarossa displays a good degree of elegance, not least due to its fine and taut tannins, and despite its density and complexity never comes across as opulent or even overloaded. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, rich colour. Sweet, intense and savoury, the Caiarossa 2020 has a deep and generous aroma, with lots of Cabernet character and a little Syrah fragrance. Rich, sweet, raisiny style. Melting, round and velvety in the mouth, its dense tannins remain present for a long time, as it does not have the aromatic richness of the past two years. It seems a little hollow in the centre, yet it has a lovely texture on the tongue, is long and spicy, racy and has lively acidity. Due to its great diversity of grape varieties, it has an extraordinary complexity, yet it is somewhat less rich and sweet than expected. Still has room for improvement!" Weinwisser

"Dark ruby red colour with fine violet reflections. Fine spice on the nose, cheese rind, cassis, blackberry, some mint, plus fine earthy tones and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate with a creamy entry and progression, dense and tightly meshed, shows juicy tannins, spans a wide arc, comes back again and again juicy and powerful, long." Falstaff

"Very dark, impenetrable purple red colour. Elevated nose of black forest fruits with a pinch of oak and a hint of damson plum. Supple black forest fruits and raspberries and just enough acidity to keep the overall tension. More medium-bodied than full-bodied. Long, fine-grained tannins that are a little bitter and noticeable on the finish, but this will improve with further bottle age." Jancis Robinson

"Offers a combination of blackcurrant, blackberry and clay flavours, with hints of iron and tobacco, supported by dense tannins that leave a burr on the finish." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, dark fruits and berries are balanced with the fresh lightness of white pepper, mint and eucalyptus. On the palate, notes of vanilla and dark chocolate emphasise the juicy breadth of the fruit, but a sharp, peppery finish provides a thought-provoking contrast and leads to a meditative finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The Caiarossa 2020 Caiarossa is one of the Italian wines closest to Bordeaux both in DNA (the estate is French-owned) and winemaking. This is a full-bodied red with a bold and very exuberant personality. There is balance and depth with plenty of purple and black fruits, spice and oak toast to add dimension and complexity." Wine Advocate

"Fragrant herbs and warm, sun-kissed black fruit on the nose - no wonder, as it was the warmest summer since 1800, but with plenty of rain in June and late August, which allowed the grapes to ripen well. It smells of baked blackcurrants and roses. It is supple and rich, generous and filling, with wonderfully plump but also quite defined tannins that give it structure and tension. The fruit is tangy and ripe, and the acidity creates a tension between sharpness and ripeness. The wine is round, direct and forward, it has energy and structure, and I love the freshness that lingers on the tongue. Well executed with plenty of perfume and a mineral, stony grip on the finish alongside dried herbs and liquorice spice. A delicious Tuscan wine with a French flair." Decanter

"Aromatic with dried cherries and plum skins as well as spiced chocolate, lilac, walnut shell and nutmeg. Also some wet stones. The palate is full, structured and broad with super-fine tannins. It is powerful but not heavy with freshness and crispness. It shows intensity and richness. Give it time." James Suckling

"The 2020 Caiarossa is the best wine I've tasted from this estate in some time, perhaps ever. Rich, deep and yet not at all heavy, the 2020 offers an exotic blend of dark cherry/plum fruit, mocha, liquorice, new leather and incense. All the elements are so beautifully balanced." Vinous

Unmistakable interpretation of the Chianti Classico: sparkling ruby colour with a pronounced garnet hue. Very inviting aroma of cherries and delicate meadow herbs, with a nutty touch. Medium-bodied on the palate, again wonderfully juicy fruit, cool, mineral style, very finely structured and balanced, with lively animo, lingers quite long and makes you want the next glass. The perfect accompaniment to Italian dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby colour. Opens with notes of graphite, then exciting dark cherry, some plum, also cold smoke, cinnamon. Shows beautiful play on the palate, lots of sweet fruit flavours, cherry and blackberry, polished tannins, juicy and spicy on the finish." Falstaff

"Healthy medium ruby red colour. Complex, balsamic cherry nose, somewhat rich and with a slight hint of cardamom. Beautiful, juicy palate with a core of cherry fruit and polished, chewy tannins that linger on the finish. Great precision." Jancis Robinson

"Toasted spices, smoky cedar, walnuts and ripe red and dark berries on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, structured and chewy with firm tannins and juicy acidity. Long and velvety." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico, 100% Sangiovese from Radda, is magnificent. Aromatic and clearly defined, with incredible energy, the 2021 floats out of the glass. Dark cherry fruit, lavender, spices, liquorice and new leather come to life in the glass. Maturation took place in various vessels with the aim of increasing the complexity of the final blend. It is an exceptional wine in every way." Vinous

"With a blend of fruit from different sites, this is a classic expression of Sangiovese that offers a good amount of varietal character. That's all you could want from a wine like the Tenuta di Carleone 2021 Chianti Classico. What's more, you get to enjoy a rather funky (I mean that in the "cool" sense) interpretation from one of Italy's most traditional wine-growing regions. The wine was aged in stainless steel, cement and neutral oak, and the quality of the fruit is extremely bright with lots of red berry fruit and plump cherry. There are delicate notes of crushed rock and rosemary oil, like running your hand over the plant. I love that tart acidity on the finish." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 is another beautiful wine: it combines floral scents of rose and lilac with savoury herbs and summer berries. On the palate, the plump cherries drip with juiciness. Then chalky tannins assert themselves, allowing the wine to finish with a savoury length. Very satisfying." Decanter

The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino (of which only 4,000 bottles were made) offers great balance and a very pretty personality, based on bright cherries, some earthiness and crushed flowers on the nose. The wine is very supple and integrated, especially in terms of its polished tannins, and there is of course a wonderfully perky spot of bright acidity at the end. A beautiful wine full of verve and grace with waves of red and black berries over its savoury and mineral core. A rich, grippy tannin accompanies the juicy final, which ends with delicate notes of almonds and roses. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Brunello di Montalcino 2018 shows a medium-dark garnet red colour with a beautiful ruby-red sheen that underlines the careful extraction of the wine, which is neither too light nor too dark. The Sangiovese, with its aromas of wild berries, cherries, blue flowers and earthy roots, is given enough room to breathe and develop. Secondary flavours of spices and tar lend it aromatic weight and complexity. The fresh acidity and taut structure complete the palate. All in all, this is a very neat and compact wine that should develop well with a short period of bottle ageing. Only 4,000 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"Flavours of bark, walnuts, dark berries, cigar box and roasted espresso. Full-bodied with firm tannins. Muscular structure. Dark fruity, dense and brooding at the moment." James Suckling

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino exudes a dusty and incredibly beautiful blend of red plums, dried roses, worn leather and a hint of camphor. The palate is soft and supple, elegant and seamless, with purple-coloured red fruits underscored by salty mineral notes and spice. The finish is powerful, long and structured, with primary concentration mingling with youthful grippy tannins that create a chewy feel on the final." Vinous

"This tiny winery is located in the Sesta area - the wild south-east of Montalcino. The wines of Sesta di Sopra capture the fragrant Mediterranean vegetation and generous warmth - even in 2018. Violet, plum and cinnamon scents give way to exotic forest herbs and even porcini mushroom nuances. It is one of the more voluptuous representatives of the vintage, offering lush fruit framed by firm but seductively structured tannins. An appetising minerality pervades and the lingering juiciness invites you to take another sip." Decanter

Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2018 is unusually open and seductive, as it is normally rather shy and needs time before it shows the full range of its personality. Rose petals, spices and red-coloured fruits float in the glass, supported by fine, racy tannins. In the drink, then, the typical, medium-heavy characteristics of Bricco delle Viole, at the same time the contours are soft and the wine's personality demands the next sip. Vajra fans should give it a few more years of maturity, despite its current accessibility. SUPERIORE.DE

"Appealing bouquet with nuances of wild berries, mushrooms and herbs; pithy attack with fine-grained tannin, the acidity well integrated, lots of melting and juice. Pleases with its compact style." Vinum

"Bright fruits, raspberries and citrus, floral and spicy notes; substantial type with taut acidity and balanced tannins; the bright and at the same time spicy character is also convincing on the palate, fine and focused, timelessly elegant." Weinwisser

"Bright, radiant ruby red with a lightening rim. Expressive on the nose, of wild berries, elderberries, also floral, then eucalyptus, plus noble spice, of black tea on the final. On the palate compact, juicy, with dense tannin, comes in several layers, energetic, salty in the final." Falstaff

"Just mid ruby with the beginning of orange tinges. Concentrated and subtle at the same time with brooding concentration and beautiful depth. Bags of chewy tannins that make their mark on the still-embryonic fruit on the palate. Long, elegant, fresh and still to open up further. Elegant filigree fruit on the finish. Definitely needs more time." Jancis Robinson

"Intense, flavorful Barolo that shows some good, nutty red-fruit character and fine, firm tannin. Medium-bodied and very tight. Needs time to even out." James Suckling

"The 2018 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is finely cut and chiseled, as it so often is. Dried flowers, mint, crushed rocks, pine and red berry fruit all grace this taut, sculpted Barolo. The 2018 has all of the energy of this site, but its signatures are decidedly dialed down." Vinous

"Heady aromas of violet, camphor, leather and tobacco lead the way on this fragrant red. On the palate, tightly knit, fine-grained tannins accompany ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry and licorice. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2018 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is not super intense, but it is balanced in its own way. The wine is subdued but complete with softly yielding tannins to support an elegantly streamlined mouthfeel. Bricco delle Viole is a high and cool growing site in Barolo at 400 to 480 meters in elevation with characteristic Sant'Agata marl soils with fossils. The wine represents a selection of fruit from over seven hectares. With fermentation in steel tank and aging in large Slavonian oak, you are invited to a silky, lifted and beautifully delicate experience with an accessible personality." Wine Advocate

"An elegant version, this red features rose, black currant, cherry, mineral and a hint of eucalyptus aromas and flavors. Linear in profile, this is solidly built on a graceful frame, with finely woven tannins and vibrant acidity." Wine Spectator

"The nervy style of Bricco delle Viole is excited by the lightness of the 2018 vintage. The nose is dominated by leafy lightness and vibrant aromas ranging from cherry kernel to lemon leaf. It could seem to have low complexity but its focused on a sort of austere freshness that's worth discovering. The firm palate with quite aggressive acidity and almost sturdy youth is allied to great fruit concentration. The savoury finish is loaded with dust and chalk." Decanter

It goes without saying, but this is "only" the Altare family's entry-level Barolo from four different vineyards, enhanced this year by the best grapes from Cerretta Vigna Bricco, which was not produced in 2020. Racy and supple, with terrificpurity and fine balance, the 2020 is downright galactic. Red berries, flowers, mint, liquorice and rose petals on the nose. A highly linear personality on the palate with flavours of sour cherry, aniseed, crushed rock and blue flowers. A captivating Barolo as it is written in the book and for us one of the greatest of the vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barolo 2020 is an elegant wine with class that benefits from the addition of the best batches of Cerretta, which was not bottled in 2020. Muscular, incisive tannins envelop a core of dark red fruit, cedar, mint, tobacco and spice. The 2020 is rich and explosive and medium-bodied, a great wine. The vineyard sites are Sarmassa, Pernanno, Bricco Ambrogio and Cerretta. Even after all these years, Altare Barolo remains one of the unheralded stars of Piedmont." Vinous

"Showing bright fruit freshness and energy, the Elio Altare 2020 Barolo is packed with cherry, wild currant, dried apricot and orange peel. The wine offers volume and texture, more so than your standard Barolo, with soft layers and pretty accessibility. There is a hint of butter biscuit too. The tannins are almost resolved, and you don't need to wait long to open one." Wine Advocate

The estate's top wine, named after the owner, is the result of many years of work in the vineyard and dates back to the year 2000, when the winery began to replant many of its own plots with Sangiovese. To this day, Sergio Zingarelli pursues the goal of interpreting his existing terroir as authentically as possible. The result is the highest classification Gran Selezione, which is confirmed every year by the consortium and is only awarded to the best wines in the appellation.

Rich ruby colour. Concentrated nose of herbs, black cherry, chocolate, earthy notes and oak spice. Juicy and soft fruit on the palate, refined tannins, glides dynamically and spicy into a respectable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, elegantly shining ruby colour. Opens on the nose on notes of black tea, incense, sage, then a little fumé, ripe cherry, wild berries. Dense, taut, very full-bodied on the palate, opens with many layers and tightly woven tannins, warm and clear fruit, with a lot of pressure on the finish." Falstaff

"Closed nose, needs air and/or time. Fragrant, clear floral nose, violets, menthol. Ripe fruit on the palate, cherry, strawberry, a little cocoa powder. Delicate, yet powerful, clearly structured. Offers great pleasure now, is fun, but has the substance for further maturation. Finishes long." Vinum

"Vibrant cherry, plum and chocolate flavours are balanced by loamy earth, sage and sanguine notes in this tasty red, which has considerable depth and intensity, though it is restrained and closed at this stage." Wine Spectator

"The Rocca delle Macìe 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sergio Zingarelli is the top wine in this winery's portfolio. A dark and beautifully concentrated expression that shows lots of dark fruit and plums." Wine Advocate

"Beautiful sweet fruit with plums and cherries as well as some walnut and smoky character. Fine, polished tannins. It's medium to full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins and a fruity finish. Delicious now, but will improve with age." James Suckling

Le Difese is the freshest and most accessible of the three wines from Tenuta San Guido. For us, it is one of the most beautiful price-quality wonders of Tuscany. Magnificent, sweetly perfumed fruit aromas in the opulent bouquet, equally generous and broad in the long-lasting flavour of dark cherries, wild strawberries and tangy rosehips. Le Difese shows the great class of the winery in a more playful way. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, transparent garnet colour. Juicy, accessible nose. Quite a charmer with a little Sangiovese bite on the finish for the short term. Decent, medium finish." Jancis Robinson

"Bright and appealing flavours of raspberry and cranberry with some cedar follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Fresh and crisp." James Suckling

"Bright red and violet scents with a creamy background and herbal notes lead to a soft and structured palate full of fresh, tangy cherries and dark hedgerow berries. Ripe, precise and flavoursome with a long, airy, balsamic finish, Le Difese should be enjoyed over the next ten years." Decanter

"The 2022 Le Difese is full-bodied, juicy and expressive, making it a good choice to drink now and over the next few years. Crushed flowers, juicy red cherry fruit, mint, spice and blood oranges race across the palate. This exuberant yet medium-bodied Tuscan coastal red wine is a true delight. The 2022 is a particularly beautiful edition. It benefits from a warm year, an earlier bottling and an earlier selection." Vinous

The years of the COVID-19 pandemic were particularly fruitful for Giovanni Manetti, you could call them an epiphany. He had time to reflect and walked through his vineyards in the Conca d'Oro in Panzano in Chianti, an amphitheatre of postcard-perfect vines, and decided it was time to expand his portfolio. In particular, he was looking for a way to better articulate the concept of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, which is essentially a perfect vehicle for a grand cru winemaking philosophy. His existing Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is a flagship for this highest category of appellation, but unfortunately it only represents a single vineyard site. The fruit comes from an area with a higher proportion of schistose galestro for dark fruit, etched mineral notes and pencil shavings. Now this wine can be seen in context.

This is how the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Terrazze San Leolino was created. It comes from a vineyard in Panzano, not too far from Vigna del Sorbo. However, this small parcel near the San Leolino chapel is characterised by calcareous Alberese, which produces fresh wines with a less dark character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Noble, shiny ruby red colour with a fine rim. Deep in the nose, slightly peppery with a juicy cherry fruit centre, ebony, hints of marzipan and tobacco. Flows over the palate with gentle pressure, fine fruit sweetness and silky texture, on firm tannins with a very long finish." Falstaff

"With flavours of cherry, pomegranate, flowers, iron and resin, this bright, elegant red wine tightens on the finish, yet remains balanced and silky, with a beautiful finish." Wine Spectator

"This is a beautifully crafted Chianti Classico with a very fine texture, silky tannins, bright fruit and crisp acidity. It is medium-bodied and lingers for minutes at the end. Very attractive now, but even better in two or three years and beyond." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano Terrazze San Leonlino, now bearing the Panzano UGA on the label, is a magnificent wine and a relatively new addition to a portfolio that excels in a classic vintage like 2021. The wine benefits from the new regulations that give identity to the subzones of the appellation (or UGAs) and exudes the depth, richness and sunshine for which the fruit of Panzano is renowned. The bouquet is characterised by generous black fruits, pencil shavings and light spices, but the wine is ultimately characterised by its triple balance between fruit, acidity and oak spice." Wine Advocate

Here is another outstanding 2019 Brunello from a winery that is still considered an insider tip given its small size and limited annual production. Medium, bright ruby red colour. Exotic aromas of minerals and citrus fruits, reminiscent of red cherries, blood oranges and Asian spices, with a floral nuance that gains strength with air. The palate is supple and expansive, with sweet flavours of red cherries and dark plums carried by a powerful acidity. Densely packed, at once fleshy and broad, but also lively and precise. On the strikingly long finish, it shows excellent power and cut, characterised by youthful, dusty tannins and a hint of candied violets. As is so often the case, this is one of the best Brunellos of the vintage and still completely under the radar of many Sangiovese lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense fruity bouquet, ripe red fruit, coffee. Juicy, creamy, dense, modern, intense, concentrated, creamy frame, warm final." Weinwisser

"The Brunello is made from the oldest vines, a single vineyard of one hectare planted in 1992. The warmth of south-east Montalcino is perceived in the aromas of Mediterranean shrubs and macerated cherries. A hint of nutmeg and iron gives the wine an added flavour. A full, shapely and enveloping Brunello that finds balance and lightness in its generous proportions. On the palate, it reveals a wonderful purity of black and redcurrants, and the compact, powdery tannins leave a clean finish. The final shows intense orange flavours." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is simply stunning. It rises from the glass with a bouquet that combines minty herbs and hints of cocoa with sweet spices and blackberries. The palate is lapped by a texture of pure silk, introducing waves of polished red fruits and oranges, while rosy, floral notes build towards the finish. Although tannic and classically dry, the 2019 retains a lovely inner freshness, leaving a pleasant bitter tang and salty liquorice notes that slowly fade away. This is a fabulous result from Sesta di Sopra and an excellent representation of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate terroir." Vinous

"Subtle and refined on the nose with fresh flowers, sweet berries, orange peel and red cherries. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Racy and focused with finesse and drive." James Suckling

The world-famous Caiarossa is an extremely exciting blend of the Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese and Grenache varieties, with the rich, dark fruit flavours of the Cabernet grapes taking centre stage. On the nose, a beautiful first wave of dark fruits that never appear too ripe, which greatly benefits the elegance of the wine. The palate is very balanced and focussed with blackberries, cassis and slight hints of salty or rusty minerals. Caiarossa displays a good degree of elegance, not least due to its fine and taut tannins, and despite its density and complexity never comes across as opulent or even overloaded. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense purple red colour. Finely drawn nose of violets, marzipan, liquorice, wild berry jam, with a hint of iodine and clove behind it, multi-layered. Velvety in texture, juicy and fruity-sweet on firm tannins, round and with gentle pressure, very persistent." Falstaff

"The Caiarossa 2021 is an elegant, refined red wine. The attack reveals crushed flowers, spices, blood orange and pomegranate. Supple and medium-bodied, with great energy, the 2021 has a lot to offer. Its energy and persistence are remarkable. Bright savoury notes support the lively finish." Vinous

"The medium saturated ruby red colour hints at an extremely distinctive bouquet, where nutmeg and spicy herbs combine with iron-rich blackcurrants, red roses, pine resin, liquorice and cocoa powder. Luscious blackcurrants take centre stage on the palate, while slightly tart tannins and a hint of bitter orange provide lift. Garrigue, cedar and salty minerals linger on the long and youthfully dusty finish." Decanter

"This dense and concentrated red is packed with blackcurrant, blackberry and plum fruit, while notes of iron, wild herbs and oak spice add further detail. Assertive tannins and lively acidity support it and give it an overall sense of balance. The dark fruit flavours have lovely depth and a great aftertaste that really lingers. Shows power and grace." Wine Spectator

"Violet reflections in the glass. Aromas of cloves, abundant blackberries and dried eucalyptus. The attack is firm and dense, with a full body and velvety tannins of great extraction on the mid-palate and a refreshing natural acidity. Good integration of oak on the finish. It has potential for the long haul, but will be drinkable in one to two years." James Suckling

Capitel Monte Olmi 2017 takes things to another level. It coats the glass with a deep purple glow and exudes a dark and seductive bouquet of redcurrants, sultanas, black liquorice and a hint of spiced citrus. The deep, velvety texture is complemented by juicy acids and tart red fruits that drench everything they touch, leaving a complex layer of savoury spices, minerals and fine tannins. This wine is structured, long and full of character, but with a balance that will carry it for many years in the cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby red with garnet reflections. Very intense aromas of blueberry, black elderberry, ripe plum, sandalwood, chocolate and tobacco leaf on the nose. Powerful and very fruity on the palate, delicately spicy and dense, with fine tannins, very balanced final with great drinking pleasure." Falstaff

"Blackberry pie, sweet and savoury spices, woody herbs and violets swirl in the glass. In the mouth, it's lush and creamy, with cooked plums and black cherries on the mid-palate accompanied by anise, clove and pepper, finishing with fine tannins and bright acidity. The wine shows the 2017 vintage with its concentrated richness, but there is enough acidity to hold the wine together." Wine Enthusiast

"Restrained and deep nose of black pepper, earth, blackberries, blueberries and bay leaves. The attack is lush, dense and velvety, with a full body, refined tannins, firm acidity and great balance. Long, amazing finish with notes of dark chocolate." James Suckling

"The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Capitel Monte Olmi is youthfully shy, slowly unfurling notes of cocoa, cloves, lavender and dried black cherries as it swirls. Creamy and seamlessly silky, it soothes the palate with its cooling acidity as the masses of ripe red and blue fruits slowly saturate. A bitter hint of dark chocolate lingers along with a tart berry concentration framed by crisp tannins. For this warm and dry vintage, this is an excellent performance. Its balance is just right." Vinous

"One of the most traditional wineries in Valpolicella, ancient wisdom combined with modern intuition. A Riserva made from Corvina, Rondinone, Rondinella and other red grapes, taut on the nose with notes of laurel and eucalyptus, fresh, dense and deep on the palate, with a spicy-salty finish." Luca Gardini

A few years ago, six leading DOCG wineries joined forces to form the "nobile alliance": Salcheto, Poliziano, La Braccesca, Dei, Boscarelli and Avignonesi. They pursue the ambitious goal of bringing Montepulciano's terroir to perfection in the bottle. Leading this project are Ashleigh Seymour and Matteo Giustiniani, the winemakers of Avignonesi. They not only monitor the quality of the Sangiovese grapes, which all grow in the Poggetto di Sopra vineyard, but are also responsible for the vinification in the cellar.

Poggetto di Sopra comes from a single plot of vines planted in 1978. The alkaline clay soil of the single vineyard Poggetto di Sopra is crossed by a vein of blue sodium clay. It is rich in silt, limestone and prehistoric marine sediments. All of this creates a tension in the wine that is as delicate as it is intense.

Sparkling ruby with garnet reflections. Impressive aromas of blueberry, cherry, clove and thyme on the nose. Dense and multi-layered on the palate, yet powerfully forward, with a clear focus on ripe fruit, minerality and with a tightly woven, soft tannin like velvet and silk. This archetype of an energetic Nobile spans a wide arc, revealing its noble origins with every sip. Beautiful potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Subtle roasted spices are chiselled to the pomegranate and grapefruit notes with some savory berries, sage and crushed stones. The taut and transparent center palate is followed by a long and minerally ethereal finish. Beguilingly light in form, but intense with flavors. “Pinot” finesse here." James Suckling

"From the very first moments of fermentation of this wine, we realise every year that we are dealing with a very high expression of Nebbiolo. The MGA Albesani is a very beautiful vineyard in the municipality of Neive with ideal exposure and perfect altitude. From there comes a rich, elegant, sometimes austere wine that combines its great appeal with excellent ageing potential." Franco Massolino

Barbaresco Albesani shows all the breadth and resonance so typical of this famous hillside vineyard in Neive. Red-purple fruits, spices, rose petals, lavender, menthol and liquorice develop with a little time in the glass. Bright acids and lively tannins give this classic, inviting Barbaresco from Massolino plenty of energy and stamina. SUPERIORE.DE

"Freshly mown hay and green tea accents frame cherry, strawberry and white pepper flavors in this sleek yet dense red. Overall, this remains balanced and elegant, with a beam of fruit persisting on the aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Exciting and racy red fruits with dried herbs and hibiscus with undertones of nutshells. Clean and lively on the palate with medium body and compact, ripe tannins that give the wine a firm and long mouthfeel. Velvety finish. Attractive already, but even better from 2025." James Suckling

"The Massolino 2020 Barbaresco Albesani from the village of Neive shows more balance at this young age than the winery's classic Barbaresco. This single-vineyard wine also has more depth with nuances of dark berries, cassis, blue flowers and crushed limestone. The floral aromas emerge with beautiful intensity. The wine's tannins are very fine and silky." Wine Advocate

"The Barbaresco Albesani 2020 has more substance and depth than the pure Barbaresco. The differences between the two wines are not so pronounced at first, but that comes with aeration. With time, macerated cherries, plums, spices, lavender, rose petals and sage develop in the glass. All the richness and power of the Albesani come out. For harvestwho want to understand what makes Albesani tick, this is the wine for you!" Vinous

"Very restrained on the nose, with smoky forest notes, preserved flowers and chocolate, wrapped in a fresh, elegant currant fruit. Very tasty on the palate, with fresh acidity and velvety, chewy, youthful tannins that are very precise and woven into the finish. Given its firm structure, this is not an easy wine to drink now, but it shows a quality in terms of texture and liquorice length that will keep it interesting for a long time." Decanter

Gallule is the flagship of the compelling Chianti Classico range and is extremely finely balanced and precise. The Sangiovese grapes are harvested from an old terraced vineyard in Castellina in Chianti. It offers depth and a long sequence of delicate nuances with dark fruits, balsamic herbs, liquorice and freshly ploughed potting soil. This Gran Selezione is a complete and beautiful wine, executed in a very classic style to boot. Gallule is all about the little details, which reveal themselves with each sip. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet oak on the nose with tobacco and mocha. The palate is clean, elegant, with good tannins and a long finish." Decanter

"Straightforward bouquet of raspberries and dried flowers, also leather and tobacco; punchy attack with buxom tannins, stimulating acidity and a multi-layered finish." Vinum

"Very fine tannins frame this energetic and bright Chianti Classico with red fruits like cherries. It is medium-bodied with bright acidity and a crisp finish. A post-modern Gran Selezione." James Suckling

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gallule is a 100% Sangiovese from the terraced vineyards of the original estate in Castellina. The 2019 is bright and powerful, with lively acids and is already very expressive today. Nevertheless, it still needs a few years in the bottle to develop. The purity of the fruit is striking. Red and purple fruits, spices, mint and blood orange are beautifully brought out. This is the first year that barrels were introduced. The larger oak format seems to give the wine more finesse and freshness. There is so much to admire here." Vinous

"The organic Gagliole 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gallule comes from a vineyard in Castellina in Chianti with 20 to 50 year old vines. Only 2,438 bottles were produced. The Gallule shows more texture and fruit weight, but also structure, with black fruit tones of plum and blackberry. Despite its larger size, the wine has a graceful side with roses, lilac and sweet floral earth. Ultimately, this vintage will be remembered for its concentration and power." Wine Advocate

Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Volpaia is a dark, powerful wine. Black cherry, smoke, liquorice, incense, mocha, menthol, lavender and leather give this virile, brooding Riserva plenty of character. The palate is very aromatic with sweet red cherries, cedar wood and nuances of blood orange, yet very powerful and multi-layered with terrific depth and structure. A dream for Sangiovese lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour with delicate rim brightening. Magnificent, complex nose, lots of small red berries, raspberry and wild strawberry, violets, subtly leathery. Elegant and very juicy on the palate, beautiful tension to peppery-spicy notes, ripe cherry fruit, vibrant acidity on the finish, powerful tannins in the background." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is terrific. Macerated dark cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, dried flowers and underbrush are some of the many notes that grace this super-expressive Riserva. The 2020 is a touch somber, but that only adds to its considerable allure." Vinous

"In the bottle with the black label, the organic 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva offers ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone. Achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season such as this. This wine is characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes it over the palate with good momentum." Wine Advocate

"Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones, following through to a medium to full body with compact tannins that are firm and finely grained. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish." James Suckling

"The Sesta di Sopra 2020 Brunello di Montalcino offers a fresh fruit profile, with cherry and plum taking centre stage. There is a large fruit component here and an equally large oak component. It matures in 30-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels. The wine has warm fruit and oak tannins that give the wine a bold and edgy profile. Around 4,000 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is profound, tantalising the senses with a blend of black cherries, wild berries and savoury herbs before evolving with hints of Tuscan dust and dried flowers. It is vibrant, bright and tangy, with brilliant acidity and a wave of bright red berry fruit that pours over the palate, leaving a hint of minerality towards the finish. A hint of liquorice mingles with blood orange and exotic spices as the 2020 finishes long and powerful, yet remarkably fresh." Vinous

"Fresh style with lively red cherries and violets as well as liquorice, tar and some blood orange. Graceful, full-bodied palate with velvety tannins and integrated, refreshing acidity. Very good fruit concentration. Elegance and grace. Already ready to drink and with potential for further ageing." James Suckling