Wine Enthusiast

The Monferrato Rosso Il Bacialè is a blend of Barbera, Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Merlot. Black cherry, gravel, chocolate, liquorice and dried herbs give this powerful, lush Monferrato red wine a lot of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Monferrato Rosso Il Bacialè 2019 is a blend of Barbera, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It offers a beguiling blend of Barbera fruit and the spicy notes typical of Cabernet Sauvignon. Leather, menthol, cedar wood and earthy undertones open up beautifully. This powerful, heady red wine from Monferrato is full of character." Vinous

"Dark ruby red with brightening edges. Ripe blackberries and plums as well as spicy notes and cinnamon on the nose. Medium intensity and structure on the palate, with a warm and elegant final." Falstaff

"Roasted black fruits, peppers and oak spice dominate the inviting and pleasurable aromatic profile. The lush palate exhibits a pronounced herbal character that complements notes of roasted plums, figs and an abundance of oak spice. Fine tannins and lingering licorice notes add depth." Wine Enthusiast

"Dried cherries, burnt orange peel, notes of chocolate, dried flowers and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied, compact and a little chewy with velvety tannins and juicy acidity. Intensely flavoured and long-lasting." James Suckling

Pio Cesares Gavi, an elite white wine from Piedmont, enchants with its light and lively fruit character, is fresh, juicy and has an excellent, delicate flavour. Excellent for light summer cuisine, with fish and rice dishes and white meat, but also a real pleasure to drink on its own. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delightfully light and breezy, with hints of almond flower, almond, and unripe peach intermingling with crisp apple notes. Rounded and textured, it boasts a well-structured profile, underscored by mineral notes and a subtle salinity. Tangy orchard fruit flavors with a touch of citrus rind add to its refreshing character." Wine Enthusiast

Beautiful, single-varietal white from Carricante from Planeta's Etna Dependence. A youthful, exuberant growth full of freshness, energy and minerality. Grown under exclusive conditions on volcanic soils and at an altitude of 870 metres, this wine is an exceptional pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm light yellow; openly fruity, pronounced, appealing; sweet, full-fruity, ripe pear, concentrated, dense, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Contrada Taccione is seductively fresh and displays an herbaceous bouquet of lime, peach and mint. It opens with a pleasant inner sweetness, while a burst of zesty acidity enlivens the tart orchard fruit. The 2022 rejuvenates crisply, with a hint of salinity and an inner smoky sensation." Vinous

"The nose is light, fresh and gentle, with coherent but compelling aromas of citrus, yellow apple and white flowers. The palate is lemon-driven, but a hint of salt brings out a honey-nut element and a lingering apple note." Wine Enthusiast

"A bright, fragrant, mineral white wine with delicate notes of broom and pine. With flavours of nectarine, persimmon, blanched almonds and ground ginger, it shows good linear power, yet is harmonious and approachable, unfolding on the palate through the creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"A multifaceted, polished white Etna showing restrained citrus notes, stony minerality, green apples, apricots and almonds. Medium-bodied and bone-dry with a silky texture, this has crisp, long, vibrant acidity and a citrusy floral aftertaste." James Suckling

Tefra (Greek word for ash) is a 100% Nerello Mascalese and comes from a parcel in the Contrada Rampante on the northern slopes of Etna between the municipalities of Randazzo and Castiglione di Sicilia. Bright pink colour. Delicate and very clear nose of raspberries and wild strawberries, oranges and herbs. Fresh, juicy and vibrant in the mouth, very tasty racy acidity, finishes with good cool length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Rosato Etna Tefra is remarkably beautiful with its platinum pink colour. It offers a perfumed, floral bouquet. The palate is energetic, with tangy acidity and mineral tones, while crisp fruit flows through the nose. The finish is of medium length. A young strawberry and salty note slowly fade away." Vinous

"Notes of ripe nectarines and pink cherries with dried flowers and citrus peel leading to a medium body with juicy acidity. Crisp and easy to drink." James Suckling

"The pale pink of the glass belies the intense aromatics and rich mouthfeel of this rosé. Wild strawberries and peach candy on the nose give way to more berries and stone fruit on the palate, with a bit of blood orange and lime and a lick of quartz on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

Lively ruby red colour. Dried cherry, small red berries, fresh eucalyptus, pepper and terracotta on the complex nose. Dry on the palate, very straightforward, pretty elegance on the mid-palate, beautiful herbaceous fruit, then some tangy acidity and well-proportioned tannins, leaving a crisp and very interesting overall impression. SUPERIORE.DE

"A medley of aromas rises from the glass, with notes of red berries accented by delicate floral notes and an abundance of spice. Tobacco and cedar intertwine with earthy undertones, creating a complex blend of aromas and flavours that build on the palate and nose like a wave that will break on the shore, while soft tannins accompany the journey." Wine Enthusiast

The Colline di Rovereto have always been considered the historic Gavi Grand Cru of the municipality of Gavi; the microclimate prevailing there is unique due to the influence of the sea winds and the proximity of the Apennines. Straw yellow in colour with light green reflections. Exotic citrus fruits and elegant acidity on the palate paired with minerality and an unusually soft finish. An exciting, complex wine of rare intensity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate scents of jasmine and honeysuckle mingle on the nose with the tangy fragrance of fresh citrus fruits. The palate is equally enticing, with a vibrancy that brightens with notes of lemon oil and zest, while a savoury hint of green almond adds depth. And just when you think it can't get any better, a tart, mineral finish arrives like a cool breeze on a hot day, leaving you refreshed and ready for more." Wine Enthusiast

Fantastic Barbera from a world-famous vineyard, complex aromas of dark red, plump, juicy cherries, the finest spices and black forest berries on the nose. In the mouth, polished, dense, enormous amounts of glycerine and sweetish fruit, present but silky tannins, finely enveloped by the fruit, rich in finesse, persistent, first-class acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear, firm, slightly tobacco-like, delicately smoky and ethereal aroma of ripe red and black berries with cherry nuances, dried floral tones and restrained woody spice. Polished, juicy, rather tart, ripe fruit, very fine, youthful tannin and delicate bite, persistent on the palate, herbal-ethereal spice and a hint of pepper, persistent on the palate, certain alcohol warmth, but still elegance, salt in the background, smoky nuances and a hint of dark chocolate and coffee, very good, again polished, juicy and finely spicy finish with clear ethereality." Wein-Plus

"Shimmering ruby red with violet reflections. Plum, blackberry and liquorice on the nose, with a hint of sealing wax on the finish. Dancing acidity on the palate, paired with youthful tannins and rich plum fruit, warming alcohol." Falstaff

"Attractive, chocolaty character with ripe dark cherries, red plums and sweet spices. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and smooth, with a velvety texture. Long-lasting and beautifully fruity." James Suckling

"An ecstatic wine that leaps from the glass with the speed of an Olympic sprinter. Vibrant aromas of sliced Bing cherries, crushed raspberries, wild roses and a hint of bay leaf dominate the nose. A delicious freshness unfolds on the palate with a blend of red berries that shine as brightly as if they had just been picked. Subtle earthy notes balance the wine on the crisp and lively finish." Wine Enthusiast

Intense ruby red colour. Opulent in the glass with notes of dark fruit flesh, flowers and liquorice. Very smooth and seductive on the palate with a very precise fruit-acid balance for the noble Nice denomination and a remarkable freshness. Complex and long in the further course, beautiful potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Vanilla and cream mingle with black cherry and sweet spices in this forward leaning nose reminiscent of a luscious cherry pie. Soft, fine tannins and a hint of acidity on the finish make this wine a luscious, creamy treat for those who like to indulge." Wine Enthusiast

Bright straw yellow in colour. Elegant, highly complex Vermentino di Gallura Superiore with an intensely floral, fruit-accentuated bouquet of beautifully articulated tropical fruit flavours. Wide and expansive on the palate, lots of fruit, fine, fresh acidity and a long, powerful and mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"On the nose, aromas of daffodils, lime and freshly sliced green apple swirl together to create a sweet, floral crispness, which persists on the palate even in the face of a potent salinity and searing acid." Wine Enthusiast

Dark ruby red with elegant shimmer. Intense and appealing nose with delicate spicy notes, opens up after some time and then dark notes of wild berries and some undergrowth predominate. Very dense, with continuation of the spicy notes already found in the nose, well integrated with lots of fruit, which lets the wine rest weightily with a long final on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby. Opens on the nose with balsamic notes of eucalyptus, lots of blackberry, some clove. Full-bodied and soft on the nose, unfolds with lots of savoury tannin over the course." Falstaff

"The nose on this wine has the quiet elegance and confidence that usually takes more age to realize. It gives aromas of leather, graphite, sandalwood and pepper before nutmeg, dried currants and other spices and dried fruits come through. The palate is energized with an iron-rich current of raw meat and bricks, lifted by a sizzle of acid and heat." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of plums, black cherries, blackberries, tomato leaf, dried herb and spice box. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. Rich and fleshy on the palate with a lots of black fruit. Flavorful finish." 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

Deep, rich ruby colour. Impressive nose of ripe berries, ripe cherries and delicate graphite nuances. Aromatic and extremely flavoursome on the palate, with a spicy, animating arc. A true Tuscan insider tip with a great value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with violet reflections. Elegant aromas of garnet, blackcurrant, leather and pepper on the nose. Powerful on the palate with an animating acidity structure, fine tannins, balanced and persistent on the finish." Falstaff

"A medium-bodied red wine with notes of cherries, blackcurrants, dried herbs and baking spices. Fine tannins. Well balanced with a gentle structure that frames the palate until the lively finish." James Suckling

"The nose is metallic, salty and almost fizzy, like a can of Coke on a fishing boat, but a touch of fruit comes from a latent black cherry element. The palate deftly manages to both stick with that umami saltiness and bolster the fruit notes, while acid crackles around tannins that are polished yet dense, like magnets." Wine Enthusiast

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

The Barbera d'Alba Bricco dei Merli is characterised by the balance and harmony that we also find in Elvio Cogno's other wines. Barbera can sometimes take on exaggerated flavours, but Cogno's Barbera offers a beautiful intensity of dark fruit without ever being heavy or too rich. Full of vibrant freshness and good energy as it progresses. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of sour cherries and redcurrants with citrus peel and floral undertones. Juicy and flavoursome with a medium body and crisp red berry character. Lively finish." James Suckling

"This Barbera lifts from the glass with fresh aromas of mixed berries, sweet spices, wild herbs and underbrush. The juicy palate gives notes of black cherries, raspberries and tea finishing with bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Sparkling, medium ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Subtle notes of ripe blackberries and plums on the nose, with a slightly leathery aftertaste of dried rose petals. Fresh and juicy on the palate, well-balanced, with a medium-long finish." Falstaff

"The Barbera d'Alba Bricco dei Merli 2021 shows a wonderfully fruity, almost juicy personality that paints an authentic portrait of this grape variety. The winemaking team at Congo has worked out its approach to elegant wines. This Barbera shows none of the exaggerations, such as acidity or too much acidity, that sometimes characterise Barbera when it is made in less capable hands." Wine Advocate

Dense with complex fruit flavours, lots of extract, soft, mouth-filling, unusually velvety and enveloped in gentle tannins. Matured in small barriques of old and new oak and in traditional Tuscan wooden barrels. Riecine has been producing one of the most subtle Chianti Classico wines for years - a marvellous wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a dark shimmer. Elegant on the nose, dark fruit of cherry and some blackberry, with juniper and sealing wax. Silky fruit melting on the palate, crisp tannins, supported by dancing acidity, very good drinking flow." Falstaff

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Perfumed, concentrated cherry nose with a hint of spice. Juicy and concentrated fruit, with fine, firm tannins, while the acidity becomes slightly tart on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Exuberantly fragrant, with pomegranate, watermelon and a hint of rose. Fleshy berries fill out the core, but remain crisp and crunchy. It has a lovely clarity and plenty of zesty acidity. Light yet taut tannins create a clean frame." Decanter

"The nose is dominated by red fruits and flowers, but herbs and other savoury notes also make themselves known. In contrast, the palate is full of cherries and berries, creating a bright, exuberant feel that is enhanced by ample acidity, with dense, chalky tannins keeping things in check." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico 2022 from Riecine is fabulous. It is followed by an explosion of red cherries, blood oranges and fragrant floral notes that give it freshness and brightness. The purity of the fruit is ravishing. This lively, savoury Chianti Classico is an absolute stunner. It is one of the outstanding wines of the year." Vinous

"A round, juicy and lively Chianti Classico with cherries, candied raspberries and mild spices on the nose, leading into a medium body with fine tannins and bright acidity. Lively character, with a juicy and lively finish." James Suckling,

"Red raspberries on the nose, with hints of wild mint and lime, lashes of bloodroot and cloves. The mouthfeel is fruity, with a hint of menthol. It closes with notes of citrus." Luca Gardini

The eruption of 1614 is legendary in the history of Etna, as it lasted ten years, making it the longest recorded eruption of the active volcano to date. A very impressive and fitting name for Planeta's Etna series of equally impressive wines.

It could hardly be more autochthonous: this excellent wine from the Nerello Mascalese grape comes from the hotspot on the east coast of Sicily, from the slopes of Mount Etna. Bright cherry red in colour, a fine aroma of raspberry and blood orange, gripping, taut acidity, silky tannins and a lively elegance with beautiful minerality. Great, long and unique! SUPERIORE.DE

"Impressive aromas of mulberries and flowers; juicy on the palate, beautifully polished, balanced and elegant through to the final, red berry flavours, soft, honey notes and yet the acidity is in balance. A lovely accompaniment to food." Vinum

"Burgundy-inspired bouquet with red berries, light strawberries, red cherries and balsamic notes, sage. Well-structured on the palate with gripping red berry fruit, sandy tannins and a savoury, peppery acidity structure that lingers into the final." Weinwisser

"It shows aromas of ripe cherries and grilled plums, with fragrant flavours of cigar box spices, broom and wild rosemary that linger on the fine, taut finish." Wine Spectator

"Cherries and cranberries with some candied watermelon both on the nose and on the palate. Medium body, creamy tannins and a tangy finish. Juicy." James Suckling

"The 2020 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese Eruzione 1614 opens in a medium dark ruby red colour with lively primary fruit. Wild berries and cassis are underpinned by gently rendered oak tones of cinnamon and campfire ash. Although technically outside the DOC area (just a few metres), this is one of the finest sites on Etna. The tannins are firm but silky, which means you can drink this bottle straight away without ageing." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 is decidedly savoury, exuding hints of grilled rosemary and sage, ashen stones and crushed blackberries. On the palate, it is characterised by juicy forest fruits, underscored by a hint of blood orange and zesty acidity. It tapers off long and gently tannic, closing on a pleasantly bitter note as the minty herbal tones fade. Wow." Vinous

"The nose begins spicy and herbaceous with notes of stone, salt, pepper, oregano and fennel before lighter flavours of cherry blossom, hibiscus and strawberry emerge. On the palate, the cherry and strawberry flavours sparkle, while a lingering, salty stoniness balances a silky smooth texture with an intense, salty freshness." Wine Enthusiast

Strong, bright straw yellow colour. Characterful, youthful and rich bouquet of dried nectarines, peach, yellow apple, mint and a fresh hint of almonds. The depth of its texture is in perfect contrast to the savoury acids, minerals and notes of sour apples, but a feeling of balanced ripeness always remains. The finish is long and structured and seems to melt slowly on the palate, leaving savoury spices and a fine tannin behind. It already has a lot to offer today, but should mature a little more in the bottle for more structure and elegance. A wonderfully exciting interpretation of Garganega from a small single vineyard in the Carbonare region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, pale golden yellow in colour. Elegant, multi-layered bouquet with notes of ripe pear, lime and yellow pepper, with a hint of flint on the finish. Beautifully harmonious on the palate with a compact fruit centre, invigorating acidity and fine juiciness on the lingering finish." Falstaff

"Notes of spiced quince, lemon peel, camphor and salted almonds. Salty wines are all the rage, and this wine has plenty of phenolic saltiness and a distinct acidity. The long and convincing finish is carried by a hint of energy. A brilliant Soave. A true mountain wine." James Suckling

"Baked pear, almond, and white flower aromas lead to a palate of ripe apple and citrus. A quintessential expression, this wine hits all the right notes with unwavering precision. It's a solid performer, delivering exactly what you'd expect from a classic of its kind. This is a wine that you can count on today or tomorrow." Wine Enthusiast

Deep, dark ruby red colour. Black and small red berries on the nose, plus some leather, tobacco and herbal spice. Fine, black-fruity extract sweetness on the palate, rounded off with herbs and spices, the well-built tannins provide a certain pressure and strength, in the finish its multi-layered components combine with fresh acidity to create a very drinkyred that never denies its origin and grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Red cherry and strawberry candy on the nose, with pepper and a delicate vegetal touch. Medium-bodied on the palate, shows beautiful juiciness, still young tannins, with a pithy final." Falstaff

"First tart and bright with dried cranberries, cherries and orange peel on the nose, then aromas of damp earth, mushrooms, old leather and cigar wrapper take over with just a whisper of vanilla bean. The palate offers blackberries, dark chocolate and notes of forest floor ignited by heat and acid." Wine Enthusiast

"From the characteristic clay-limestone soils of Pian delle Vigne comes a red wine that is characterised by juiciness and freshness. On the nose, redcurrants with a hint of thyme and juniper. The palate is taut and savoury, with a fruity finish and a pleasant aftertaste." Luca Gardini

"This wine comes from my family's historic vineyard. It is a wine that is the result of long reflection, study and experimentation, where nothing has been left to chance: Monte Grande is to be my great Soave wine." Graziano Prà

Monte Grande is the white cru of the house and a blend of 70% Garganega and 30% Trebbiano di Soave of great complexity with ideal ageing potential. Deep bouquet of exotic fruits and rocks with a fine citrus note. Multi-layered and spicy on the palate, intense and sharply focussed, with mineral notes and a pretty salty core. Beautifully crafted acidity, with notes of orange zest and almonds on the long finish. A terrificmasterpiece! SUPERIORE.DE

"A riper iteration, suggestive of dried or later harvested fruit. Tangerines, kumquats and salted quince. There is ample poise, avoiding excess by virtue of a streak of saline freshness and a ripple of volcanic energy. A fine, mid-weighted Soave, showing drinkability over weight and ripeness. A welcome choice." James Suckling

"Opening with aromas of jasmine and white tea that lead to fresh, crisp apples and roasted almonds, this Soave is a wine that is hard to move past the nose. Mouthwatering acidity and a honeyed texture define the wine's palate as roasted orchard fruits, flint and pressed yellow flowers all weave in and out of focus. It is a complex and compelling wine that shows the greatness of this region in full." Wine Enthusiast

Schiopetto's Pinot Grigio seduces with a nuanced and noble blend of yellow apples, spring flowers, wet stone and sweet smoke. On the entry, it is soft with an echo of green citrus and salty minerals that add tension, while lively notes of pear and inner flowers build towards the finish. It finishes with a pleasant inner sweetness, while a hint of spice and ginger lingers. This understated beauty is full of character and promises good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich, carpeted ginger-pear wine that starts pretty, perky, floral and green. It spreads out like liquid silk, filling every corner with a kind of golden, silvery sheen that hints at honey and baked puff pastry to come, then returns to sweet peas and sugar snap peas." Jancis Robinson

"Delicate aromas of green apple, citrus, and fresh white flowers mingle in this expressive wine. The palate pops with vibrant flavors of ripe pear and lemon, complemented by a crisp acidity and a refreshing, clean finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2022 Pinot Grigio is remarkably pretty, with hints of sweet spice and white flowers emphasising freshly cut nectarines. The Pinot Grigio is incredibly fresh, with zesty acidity and a hint of green citrus to the ripe fruit. The finish is clean and of medium length, leaving a hint of young peach and chamomile. The balance of this wine is excellent and makes it easy to return to the glass again and again." Vinous

"Aromas of quince fruit, glazed lemons, peaches and a hint of praline. Also some wet stones. Medium to full-bodied with depth and a delicate phenolic note in the texture. Long and taut with a lively, nervy acidity that goes on and on. Lots of crushed stones and spices. Attractive." James Suckling