wine classics

Wonderfully fragrant, fruity and floral bouquet. The flavour is reminiscent of plums and cherries with a fine vanilla-spicy component and clear, very pleasant acidity and polished tannins. Clear fruit flavours, enormous velvety texture and a long finish emphasise the harmony of this Nobile Riserva. SUPERIORE.DE

"Raspberry-fruity attack with balsamic nuances; elegant style with polish and character, impresses with its balanced texture, finesse and length." Vinum

"A dusting of cocoa and ground cloves gives way to hints of dried black cherries and sawdust as the 2019 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva evolves in the glass. It's round and soft-textured with ripe red and black fruit tones. Tinges of white pepper and allspice settle in toward the close. This leaves a cascade of inner florals and edgy tannins to linger, finishing long and staining with a licorice note that lingers on." Vinous

"A spicy and fragrant red with aromas of pine needles, incense, walnuts and spiced plums. It is full-bodied with ripe, creamy tannins that blend well with the plum and berry fruit. Excellent concentration." James Suckling

Brilliant ruby red colour. Lively nose of small, primary fruity red berries, subtle use of wood and impressive race and complexity for the price. Precise and taut on the palate, showing its origins boldly and decisively. Then a harmoniously balanced mix of tobacco, leather, cedar and, of course, cherry and plum. The finely balanced tannins carry this powerful and impressive Riserva into a long final. Impressive! SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine is absolutely delicious. An arpeggio of sweet, unashamedly ripe, red berry and violet-coloured fruit that floats through the glass. Unbridled freshness. The fruit is the flutist of the vineyard. Unabashed in terms of fruit, but at the same time not obtrusively "fruity". It is complex. The tannins are silky, but have a finely powdered chalky grip. There's spice, a little liquorice bark and a hint of foliage - that kind of green-purple, velvety bloom of wild violets. And the purity of the fruit fills every molecule of the long finish. Bravo!" Jancis Robinson

"This is bright and focused, with aromas of cherries, dried oranges and hints of hibiscus and mild spices. Medium-bodied, crunchy and fresh on the palate, with very fine tannins. Polished, with mineral notes of crushed stones and citrusy nuances at the end. Shows freshness and balance." James Suckling

"Offers cherry and plum fruit, framed by flavours of earth, minerals and wild herbs. This red wine oscillates between elegance and power and is wonderfully balanced. Dusty tannins support the fruit on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Riserva Il Grigio da San Felice 2021 is a dark, dense and rather sombre wine. Black cherry, leather, tobacco, incense and dried herbs reinforce this first impression. The 2021 is a Riserva with substance and power and has a lot to offer. It is a particularly beautiful edition of Il Grigio." Vinous

Avignonesi's aromatic classic has a lean to medium body, seamless tannins and a delicious flavour profile. Intense ruby red with garnet-coloured reflections. On the nose, aromas of red berries, cherry, eucalyptus and pomegranate and the unmistakable scent of violets so typical of the Sangiovese grape, with a hint of vanilla and Mediterranean herbal spice in the background. Well-balanced on the palate, with beautiful primary notes of ripe cherry and plum. The warm, ethereal body is embedded in a dense tannin structure and leads into a long, persistent finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Nobile opens in the glass like a basket of fresh berries complemented by hints of cinnamon sticks. Soft and enveloping, this possesses a solid core of ripe wild berries. It's more sapid and potent than your average 2020, with a core of brisk acidity maintaining lovely freshness. This finishes with a cascade of rosy inner florals and a tinge of licorice. It's just medium in length yet wonderfully fresh." Vinous

"A bright and lively Vino Nobile with aromas of cherry, violet and hibiscus and hints of peach and lemon that continue through to a medium body. Fine and integrated tannins and a lively finish with plenty of energy. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Vegan. Needs another year or two to show its true excellence, but is already a beautiful and straightforward wine." James Suckling

Brilliant ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Sublime, almost aromatic cherry fruit on the nose with hints of gingerbread and caraway. Lush cherry fruit on the palate, interspersed with plenty of tangy acidity and crisp tannins. Long, juicy cherry flavour with plenty of fullness on the finish. A well-made wine from an excellent vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a garnet-red rim. Dense nose of cold smoke, cherry, juniper berries, cloves and pickled violets. Silky on the palate, juicy and with invigorating acidity, firm tannins, persistent into the fruity-fresh final, with a racy acidity at the end." Falstaff

"A medium- to full-bodied, savory and chewy red that has aromas and flavors of mint, sour cherries, walnuts, cloves and tomato leaves. Plenty of tannin, but nicely integrated." James Suckling

Brilliant ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Impressive aroma of red berries, smoke, roasted almonds and dark spices. Taut, straightforward and expressive on the palate, with a beautiful and slightly savoury length. With its classic understatement, Boscarelli's Nobile di Montepulciano is a wonderfully precise example of its growing region every year. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for the Villa Antinori Riserva come from four different municipalities in Chianti Classico: San Casciano, Gaiole, Castellina and Greve. The current edition is multi-layered with a wonderful bouquet of dark fruit, gravel and beautiful spices. On the palate, the wine has a velvety attack that is savoury, complex and persistent, with spicy notes of sweet tobacco and dark chocolate. This Riserva has a balance and length that will delight any Tuscany fan. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby colour with shine. Restrained, subtle nose of fig, redcurrants, followed by black bread bark and some leather. Precise on the palate with a clear fruit centre and grippy tannins, harmonious mouthfeel with an elegant final and good drinkability." Falstaff

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Villa Antinori is not married to a particular subzone of the appellation, as it is intended to reflect a house style rather than a vineyard identity. Aged in tonneaux and partly in barriques, the wine is rich and persistent. It remains elegant on the palate, with fine tannins and a good fruit tension with cherry and blue flowers." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Villa Antinori is infused with black cherry, plum, new leather, liquorice and spice. Generous and expansive in flavour, the 2021 is wonderfully generous, not to mention incredibly delicious. The fruit comes from some of the most sought-after sites in the appellation." Vinous

"The spicy, lush nose presents aromas of cloves, cardamom, bergamot, dried cherries and vanilla, while the palate is based on citrus fruits, cherries and vanilla. The acidity plays around imposing, solid tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Pergolaia consists mainly of Sangiovese with smaller proportions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine opens with a medium-bodied attack and a bright bouquet characterised by notes of cherry, wild plum, ploughed earth and pressed blue flowers. This very Mediterranean-style red with a strong personality envelops the palate with a delicate, silky intensity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive red fruit character with orange peel, cured meat and wet stones on offer. Medium to full-bodied, firm and straightforward with fine tannins and juicy acidity that gives it freshness and crispness. Bright and velvety finish." James Suckling

"Aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, black olive tapenade, violets and cedar dominate this red wine, which is characterised by purity and precision, while densely woven tannins contribute to a velvety texture. Balanced and long." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, aromas of rose petals soften a bold, tart fruitiness, while savoury notes of earth and ash lead to a palate that starts fleshy and spicy before a gentle, tempering sweetness emerges, providing a sense of comfort. Intentional and satisfying." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Pergolaia, the winery's Sangiovese blend, is a beautiful, exotic wine. Ripe red cherry fruit, white pepper, mint, rose petals and cinnamon bring out the racy side of the Sangiovese. Small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon round off the blend. All the elements are so beautifully balanced." Vinous

Here is one of the most serious and at the same time most exciting sparkling wines that can be made from the Sorbara variety! Pale to dusky pink in colour with a fine foam and accentuated, persistent perlage. The bouquet is almost magical and yet very distinguished, with hints of raspberry and wild strawberry, which is what makes a top-class Lambrusco, but still seems to be an unattainable goal for many local winegrowers. A fine acidity on the palate, with delicate, dry bitter notes and an exciting brightening of fruity tones of wild strawberry and pomegranate. The overall impression is bone-dry and the bottled dream of a Lambrusco produced using the champagne method, which is unrivalled in the wine landscape. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pale pink in the glass, the 2018 Rosé Lambrusco opens with a whiff of white strawberries, stems and all, followed by hints of wildflowers and spices. It opens with a tinge of sour citrus as silken bubbles soothe and tart orchard fruits cascade throughout. Nuances of raw almonds add richness over a twang of tart lime. The 2018 cleans up beautifully, full of mouth-watering tension." Vinous

Everything is just right here: Brolio Riserva is classic in its composition, in its ageing, in its overall impression from the label to the last sip. Velvety, dense ruby colour, dense nose with rich fruit, especially blackberry, some elderberry and a beautiful herbal spice. Juicy and supple on the palate, the finish is polished with fine-grained tannins and a long-lasting final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Hints of cherry on the nose and slightly dried fruit in the aftertaste. Balanced on the palate with a medium structure, the acidity lends drinkability, paired with a persistent finish." Falstaff

"Infused with cherry, strawberry, iron and spice flavors, this bright red is also solidly built. Smooth in texture, nimble and intense, finishing with echoes of red fruit and dusty tannins." Wine Spectator

"A cellar selection from parcels throughout Ricasoli’s 235 hectares in Gaiole, this Riserva gives a panoramic view of the Brolio estate. Each plot is fermented separately in stainless steel, matured in diverse types of wood, and assembled after ageing. The nose is focused and forthcoming, and offers a balanced mix of red cherry and violet with whiffs of Mediterranean herbs, tobacco and vanilla. Fine-grained tannins are firmly stitched around the lush plum core, while juicy acidity carries the bitter orange finish." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio has ripe fruit, toasted spice and a hint of scorched earth. Made with all Sangiovese, the wine presents mid-weight intensity with an intense bouquet that is driven by savory notes and a hint of something charred, such as dustings of campfire ash." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio is a gorgeous, complex wine. Dark cherry, plum, leather, licorice, lavender and graphite bring out the darker side of Sangiovese in this mysterious, introspective Riserva. A wine of dynamic energy and substance, the 2021 is very nicely done." Vinous

"Sweet spices, savory plums, cherries, dried citrus and minerals on the nose. Fine-grained on the palate, with a medium to full body and a convincing amount of tannins. Long and fresh." James Suckling

"The nose has both the tang of black cherries and blackberries and the texture of coffee grinds, pepper and earth. The mouthfilling palate stays balanced between tart and sweet berries and tangy, peppery earthiness, all set aflame by fiery acid but held in careful balance by decisive tannins." Decanter

Strong ruby red colour. Clearly defined bouquet with beautiful herbal spice. Deep dark fruit and a very round body in the glass, fine acidity and polished tannins. A classic and characterful representative of the noble Bolgheri appellation with an exceptionally harmonious overall impression. Aeration is essential. SUPERIORE.DE

Classic Franciacorta made from Chardonnay with aromas of ripe, tropical fruit and a hint of brioche. Fresh, dry and fine-sparkling on the palate, the ideal aperitif. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with a fine perlage. Inviting and subtly spicy on the nose, with flavours of juicy apple, meadow herbs and a hint of brioche and honey. Creamy mousse on the palate, very juicy and with invigorating acidity through to the finish." Falstaff

"The NV Brut Franciacorta Cuvée Real impresses with its bouquet of crushed flowers, stone dust, lemon oil and young pears. It is smooth and round on the palate, with a delicate pearl of bubbles. A balanced sweetness combines with tart citrus notes, while the white stone fruit gives way to an almondy richness towards the end. Subtle notes of brown spices linger, while inner flowers add complexity to the remarkably fresh final." Vinous

"Appealing, with a nose of ginger and peach. Ripe stone fruit flavours and crisp acidity complement the silky texture with notes of pear and lemon. Subtle spices and toasted almonds linger on the fresh finish." Decanter

The grapes for this Supertuscan come from the San Giovanni vineyard near San Giovanni a Cerreto. In the church next to the vineyard there is a painting by Rutilo Manetti depicting St John the Baptist (San Giovanni). Deep ruby red, youthful, rich, dark fruit, berry and cassis flavours meld with French oak. On the palate with deep, subtle fruit flavours and an excellent balance of fruit and tannin, plus some smoke, liquorice and tar. A rich but not too heavy red with excellent structure and great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Valdisanti is a bright, punchy wine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc speak with a decidedly Tuscan accent in this vibrant, mid-weight offering. The 2021 is a distinctive wine with much to offer. Crushed rocks, graphite, lavender and plum all build into the resonant finish." Vinous

"The Tolaini 2021 Valdisanti is a lush expression with a big, upfront delivery of bold black fruit. On the palate, that intensity tapers off somewhat to reveal a silky and elegant mid to full-bodied approach. It shows great length and a softer texture than you might expect given the first impact of the bouquet. You get lingering notes of pencil shaving and toasted oak, but the wine is ready to drink now." Wine Advocate

"Focused like a laser, this racy red features black currant, black cherry, cedar, licorice and graphite aromas and flavors. A balanced version, with a light dusting of tannins shoring up the finish. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"Clove, vanilla, restrained cherry, milk chocolate and balsamic aromas. The attack is soft and velvety, with dense tannins, a savory character, a full body and crisp, refreshing acidity. Great mid-palate extraction and details. Embracing finish, long and consistent." James Suckling

Generous, seductive and very complex bouquet of cherries, plums, spices and other flavours. The flavour of the "Vigneti Vallata di Marano" is particularly impressive due to its elegance and length. A wonderful Amarone in which power and concentration go hand in hand. SUPERIORE.DE

"A classically rich Amarone that has aromas of walnuts, dates, dried cherries and spice box. Full-bodied and powerful yet tangy and stylish, with chewy layers of dried fruit and spices." James Suckling

Straw yellow with delicate golden reflections, fine and very rich, persistent perlage in the glass. Well-proportioned bouquet of yellow fruit, yeast and pastry flavours. Intense and decisive on the palate, very clear and precisely focussed with perfect, energetic acidity and compelling purity and clarity. This is a razor-sharp spumante with a lot of personality and great finesse with zero grams of dosage/residual sugar. SUPERIORE.DE

A subtle, delicate aroma of bread crust and white peach, with hints of almond and beautiful citrus notes. The fresh, clear flavour is long and precise - Berlucchi's affordable classic is now available as an extra brut with less dosage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with silver reflections and a fine perlage. Yellow apple and pear, brioche and acacia blossom on the nose. Animating acidity on the palate, salty and agrum notes on the final." Falstaff

"This fresh Franciacorta is lightly chalky and fine in texture, with an aromatic apple blossom overtone to its well-meshed mix of white cherry, nectarine, pink grapefruit peel and salted almond. Very sippable." Wine Spectator

"Clean and straightforward, with a dense nose of green apples and lime blossom. Large but soft bubbles, refreshing acidity and a lean body with a fruity finish." James Suckling

The Barolo from Batasiolo is a wonderful and very serious, solid creature. Clear, shimmering garnet red colour with light red accents. Sophisticated aromas of leather and liquorice, plums, dried flowers and undergrowth. Straightforward and taut, the round, aromatic flavour follows its path into the persistent final with good length. This is a lot of Barolo for comparatively little money. SUPERIORE.DE

Maurizia di Napoli Rampolla and her brother Luca describe their strategy of natural viticulture in Panzano as "gentle farming". The very successful Chianti Classico with its clean fruit bouquet, precise flavour, firm tannins and beautiful texture and depth is a delightful wine that is unfortunately very limited in quantity each year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Chianti Classico 2021 is an elegant, graceful wine. Crushed flowers, bright red fruits, tobacco, cinnamon and dried flowers take shape in a decidedly delicate, restrained wine from Rampolla. The 2021 is a model of elegance and finesse and is at its best today." Vinous

"Maraschino cherry, pomegranate, smoked meat, earth and rosemary flavors highlight this sleek red, which is defined by vivid acidity and solid tannins, with a dry, sinewy finish." Wine Spectator

"A dense, velvety and delicious Chianti Classico with aromas of sour cherries, wild berries and dried flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Lots of texture, with a core of berries coming through. Aromatic finish." James Suckling