wine classics

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

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. Dark berries on the nose, fine, spicy notes with a blood orange aftertaste. Medium structure on the palate, polished, present tannins, fresh acidity, lingering finish." Falstaff

"This Chianti Classico is a savoury version with aromas of green olive, tomato leaf, iron and tobacco clustered around a core of macerated cherry fruit. Although lean and sinewy, it is also intense and focused, with a lingering aftertaste that feels the pull of both the savoury and fruity sides." Wine Spectator

"A firm and fresh Chianti Classico with a light to medium body, sour cherries, orange peel and hints of sandalwood. Crunchy finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio is a dark, brooding wine. Black cherry, licorice, sage, tobacco, incense and leather fill out the layers as this strapping Riserva shows off its imposing personality. This is nicely done." Vinous

"In the bottle with the black label, this is a very pretty, relatable and well-priced wine from Tuscany. Made with 100% Sangiovese, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio offers blueberry, plum and sweet spice thanks to 18 months of tonneaux aging. I especially appreciate the wine's pronounced mineral signature that gives the wine a salty or savory side, which is perfect for food pairing." Wine Advocate

"Its versatile aroma is reminiscent of redcurrants, Mediterranean maquis, peony and pepper leaf. Sip with powerful tannins, tension and juiciness, finish with a fruity-floral return." Luca Gardini

Monica Raspi produces her Riserva from a single vineyard with the oldest vines of the winery, planted in 2000. The east-facing vineyard lies at an altitude of 350 metres and the soil is poor and stony with many limestone deposits. With its subtle bouquet, it slowly but surely seduces with aromas of raspberries, cherries and thyme flowers. The palate is wonderfully elegant, with a stony minerality and a tangy, appetising backbone. Terracotta-like tannins sneak up and envelop the fruit rather than undermine it. This is how pristine and good Chianti Classico Riserva goes! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Pomona is bursting with wild cherry, smoke, licorice, tobacco, game, incense and mocha. This somber, potent Riserva packs tons of intensity into its full-bodied frame. Graphite, lavender, sage and dried flowers linger on the imposing finish. I would give this a year or two in bottle." Vinous

"A concentrated red wine with aromas of cherry, plum, iron, eucalyptus and resin. Straightforward and taut, with refined tannins for support. Complex and lively, with a firm, long finish." Wine Spectator

"The oak remains very much in the background, allowing the fruit to come through fully. It's beautifully weighted with red and blackcurrants wrapped in terracotta-like tannins and balanced by lively, crisp acidity. Damp earth, green herbs and stony minerals slowly emerge. With time, this wine will show more of its generous side." Decanter

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

"Tight nose, but a complex wine. Strawberries, complemented by cheese notes, acacia honey and roasted walnuts. The mousse is fine and long with crisp acidity and a lean body. Long, savoury finish with citrus fruits and chalk." James Suckling

Cultus is a modern-style Chianti Classico Riserva and a dark, elaborate interpretation of the terroir of the somewhat cooler and wilder municipality of Gaiole in Chianti. It delights with a generous mineral and graphite-tinged berry bouquet, tones of tobacco, dark spice and a soft, juicy, primary fruity flavour. The fine tannins and well-proportioned acidity give this Riserva a harmonious grip and an undisputed class for this price. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe red berries with hints of dried orange peel, cocoa and mild spices on the nose. Medium-bodied, juicy and nicely filled with fruit and fine, smooth tannins. Tense and racy on the palate, with a spiced, zesty aftertaste." James Suckling

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

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, almost opulent red with outstanding structure and great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"An intense red with aromas of graphite, spice and tar complementing concentrated flavours of blackberries, blueberries, wild rosemary and minerals. The wine shows powerful tannins that are assertive but not overly astringent at this youthful stage. Compact finish." Wine Spectator

"A medium-bodied red wine with flavours of currants, berries and sandalwood. It is easy to chew, but shows glamour and tension." James Suckling

"An undertone of Bing cherries provides pop on an otherwise earthy, metallic nose. Orange zest brings out the cherries' subtle sourness on the palate, while strong acid and heat keep things lively until a structured, tannic finish." Wine Enthusiast

"This is a particularly intense and soft red blend that shows impressive and seamless integration. You get the dark intensity of the two grapes used in the blend, framed by the sweet spice and toast of French oak ageing. This vintage has particularly broad shoulders and is especially rich." Wine Advocate

"The Valdisanti 2020 is outstanding in this vintage. Rich, dark and lush, this blend is seductive from the start. Deep dark fruits, grilled herbs, leather, new oak, liquorice and mocha are nicely turned up. The 2020 is opulent, but by no means heavy. The 2020 is a great Valdisanti." Vinous

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

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

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

Barolo Paesi Tuoi was named after Cesare Pavese's 1941 novel "Among Peasants". Dark, bright ruby red colour. Wide, warm aroma of sour cherries, wild berries, leather, rose petals and mint. The expressive flavour is harmoniously engaging with clear fruit of black cherry, star anise and clove, framed by fine-grained tannins. A cleanly vinified, mature Barolo with potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red with slightly brightening edges. Compact, ripe fruit notes on the nose, with tobacco spice and ethereal hints behind. Elegant and juicy on the palate, harmonious, refreshing acidity structure, fine-grained tannins, spicy, lingering final." Falstaff

"Aromas of spicy red fruit, dried citrus rind and oyster shell follow though to a medium-bodied palate with firm but not chewy tannins. The flavors remain bright and focused through the finish." James Suckling

Typical Barbaresco: light ruby red colour, fine bouquet of berries, undergrowth and coffee. Powerful on the palate with fine, yet noticeable tannins, a soft centre with full-bodied substance and a long, fruit-driven finish. Very good value. 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

Deep ruby red colour, as expected from a good traditionally and organically produced wine. A wonderful, elegant and open-hearted aroma spectrum between sour cherry and nutmeg. Clear and savoury on the palate, beautifully balanced and with plenty of youthful freshness and minerality on the long finish. This medium-bodied Riserva is already drinking well today, but also has enough energy to develop positively in the bottle for at least a handful of years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive red-fruity character with notes of walnuts, dried leaves, ground cloves and crushed stones. Medium body with polished tannins and chalky texture. Firm and straightforward with lively acidity." James Suckling

"Cherry, plum, leather, iron, sanguine and eucalyptus aromas and flavors mingle in this firm, linear red, which unfolds nicely on the palate, with fine staying power. Just a bit crisp on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The key is the territory. This winery creates a very authentic and clean expression of Gaiole in Chianti, one of the wildest corners of the appellation with winding roads that lead through dense forests. This wild character is reproduced here with flavours of forest fruits, spices and earth." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 is beautiful and lively and enchants with evocative aromas of hibiscus, coriander and orange zest. Medium-bodied with slender, graceful fruit, it offers crunchy redcurrants and raspberries carried by juicy acidity. A fine, subtle framework of chalky tannins provides elegant support for the next six to seven years - but it is also very enjoyable now." Decanter

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

Light ruby red with orange reflections. Fine bouquet of violets, forest floor, cherries and a balsamic camphor note. Marasca cherry, some raspberry, liquorice and a hint of mint on the palate. An animating acidity and the right amount of powdery tannins round off the lively and long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, deep red berry flavours, dark cherries, firmly framed by grippy tannins, still slightly porous in texture, rather a head of character that still needs to round off a little." Weinwisser

"This is a bright and perfumed Barbaresco that shows potpourri, rosehips, dried strawberries and orange peel on the nose. It is medium-bodied, tangy and lively, with firm tannins and crisp acidity." James Suckling

"A lively mix of candied and fresh red fruits, bay leaf, and green herbs, with a whisper of cinchona bark and blooming rose. Dried cherry leads the palate in a tangy, mouthwatering dance with a playful herbal twist. Elegant tannins frame the entire palate as notes of crushed stone and earth finish the wine." Wine Enthusiast

Wonderful, finesse-rich selection of the estate's best Sangiovese grapes. The nose is impressive with its richness: red fruits, dark flowers, fine tar and vegetal notes, traces of blackberry jam. Full-bodied on the palate with subtle extract sweetness, powerful and juicy at the same time, the well-proportioned tannins come into play very well and glide this red elegantly into a long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Selvapiana 2020 Chianti Rufina Riserva Vigneto Bucerchiale is beautifully balanced with lots of fresh fruit, sour cherry, candied watermelon and crushed rose. The impact of this 100% Sangiovese is beautiful and balanced. This is one of the finest Chianti Rufina wines in this vintage. The tannins are dry and powdery, the mouthfeel is medium weight." Wine Advocate

"Sweet, ripe cherry, plum, earth, smoke and woodsy underbrush aromas and flavors mark this fluid, expressive red, which picks up spice and tobacco elements on the long aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Spicy and complex nose with fleshy, earthy notes of orange peel, iron, baking spices, leather and ripe plums. Juicy and firm on the palate with medium to full body and ample, mealy tannins. Long and flattering finish." James Suckling

"Restrained raspberry flavours, enveloped by delicate herbal notes, balanced, still youthful texture with fullness and elegance, long cherry finish. Will give a lot of pleasure with maturity." Vinum

The anniversary edition of the Novecento opens on the nose with layers of dark fruits, spices, tar and smoke. Then on the palate, there is terrific depth and hints of earth or crushed black rock. Novecento offers a great texture that is velvety and rich without ever seeming heavy or sluggish. Long and crisp on the spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe nose with aromas of maraschino, herbs and leather; the tannins robust, showing character and length, solid finish. Pair with a T-bone steak." Vinum

"The organic Dievole 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Novecento is slow to open and is neutral on first nose. It does eventually show some dark fruit and wild cherry that is nicely intermingled with spice, leather and tar. There is a warm or savory quality to this wine with autumn leaf and forest floor. The blend is 95% Sangiovese, 3% Canaiolo and 2% Colorino. This release celebrates the 30th vintage of this wine." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 vintage was one of the most balanced in recent years in Chianti Classico. Here, as Antonini confessed, there is no intention to make an approachable wine. The colour shines in its ruby red tinge; the nose is intensely fresh, flowery and slightly reductive at first, before an orange vert emerges from the depths to overlay black cherry and creamy strawberry. The attack is firm, crunchy and extracted. Fierce acidity supports a youthful cherry fruit expression with enough concentration and a thick finish. Quite austere for 2019, but amazing considering its ability to age." Decanter

"A tight, tannic version, this red has a strong grip on its currant, cherry and strawberry fruit. Revealing mineral and tar details, this remains succulent and breezy through the lingering aftertaste; just needs to absorb the tannins." Wine Spectator

"This is extremely aromatic, with strawberry and cherry character and hints of orange peel and flowers. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are integrated and polished. Bright acidity at the finish, Made from a mix of parcels from the highest vineyards of Dievole. Beautiful to drink now, but will age will, too." James Suckling

Castello di Monsanto's Chianti Classico Riserva is a fabulous wine that punches well above its weight. Dark cherry, plum, liquorice, spice, leather, lavender and tobacco run through this wonderfully nuanced and vibrant Riserva. It is surprisingly expressive and open even at a young age and will continue to drink well for over 15 years. Sweet floral notes extend the finish of this medium-bodied, graceful and well-structured wine. Interesting Storage potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Opens with inviting, dense cherry fruit, underpinned by juniper, clove and a subtle medicinal note. Concentrated and precise fruit core on the palate, elegant tannins and supporting acidity, juicy and persistent." Falstaff

"Concentrated medium ruby red colour. Balsamic, cherry and crushed raspberry on the nose with a hint of eucalyptus. Juicy fruit with sandy tannins on the palate. Fresh, elegant and long. Great balance and style in this not easy to handle vintage." Jancis Robinson

"A dense red wine with well-defined aromas and flavours of black cherries and blackberries, underpinned by graphite, eucalyptus and cumin. Balanced, though still tightly wound, with a lingering fruity, spicy and mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"It shows a medium-dark concentration with typical flavours of wild cherry, peat moss, blue flower and light spice. This winery offers consistently well-made and convincing wines at a favourable price." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 that has just been bottled is magnificent. It offers a beguiling blend of dense fruit supported by a core of vibrant acidity. Striking aromatics, remarkable depth and exceptional balance make the Riserva a winner. This is such a great and compelling wine." Vinous

"This wine is complex and flavoursome with red and dark berries, dried orange peel, nutshells and roasted spices. Also a hint of walnut and crushed stones. Medium to full-bodied with super-polished tannins and juicy acidity. Delicious fruit character with a firm mineral backbone. Complete and concentrated." James Suckling

"Bing cherry and blood orange, floral earth, graphite and then wild herbs - especially sage - appear on the nose, before a hint of vanilla and cedar. The palate is juicy and fresh, with vanilla, chocolate and cherry, while herbs reappear on the back palate. A rare example of a wine with great refinement that is also an undeniable crowd favourite." Wine Enthusiast

"Opening slowly, this reveals strawberry blossom, coriander and hints of tobacco. The palate is remarkably perfumed, with an undercurrent of rose and pepper running through the dark brambly berries. Firmly structured, ripe tannins wield an assertive grip, and the zesty acidity has a citrussy, blood orange ring that draws out the finish. Lots of life here." Decanter

"Wild strawberries, then nuances of white pepper and eucalyptus. It is powerful on the palate, ending with a fruity-balsamic return, long flavour." Luca Gardini

Pleasant bouquet of plums, cedar wood and small red berries. Beautiful primary fruit on the palate, plus some violets, dark chocolate and vanilla, flanked by firm but not astringent tannins. The fruit remains dominant as the wine progresses, leading this clean and extremely flavourful Riserva into a medium-long finish. Good potential. SUPERIORE.DE

A Lambrusco with almost zero (!) grams of residual sweetness seems like an insurmountable contradiction. But far from it, the Lambrusco benchmark Cantina della Volta delivers a sparkling wine here that can keep up with the best rosé champagnes of the noble region of France.

Delicate pale pink with an impressively fine perlage in the glass. In addition to the classics raspberry and wild strawberry, the bouquet opens with wonderfully floral notes that make it seem downright lovely despite its lack of sugar. On the palate, then, of indescribable finesse, creaminess and "dry sweetness", which makes us refill without much hesitation and draws us fully into the glass. La Prima Volta is a spumante with just the right balance of class, drinkability and mineral freshness, just as we would like to enjoy a sparkling wine today and tomorrow. Never too heavy, but still with an irresistible depth and far from any arbitrariness. SUPERIORE.DE