Wine Spectator

Dievole's new Chianti Classico Casanova, just released with the debut 2020 vintage, is the result of a quest to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. The Casanova grapes come from a vineyard at an altitude of about 400 metres, with an ideal south-west to south-east exposure and composed mainly of sandstone rocks Macigno del Chianti. The result is a Chianti Classico that is very immediate and direct, with a beautiful acidity to boot. It has the elegance and freshness and the bright, radiant fruit of Chianti Classico "as it used to be".

Bright, luminous ruby red. On the nose, classic aromas of the grape variety with notes of small red fruits such as cherries and sour cherries alternating with spicy notes. On the palate, it is soft, carried by a dense tannin structure and a spicy, velvety finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sour cherries, raspberries, olives and tomato leaves on the nose. Dense and tasty with medium body and still slightly chewy tannins. Rustic and light-hearted." James Suckling

"Packaged with the dark green label, this is a new submission from Dievole. The organic 2020 Chianti Classico Casanova is all Sangiovese from a site with typical sandstone soils, locally called Macigno del Chianti, that formed 30 million years ago. These conditions help to underline the aromatic finesse of Sangiovese, and indeed, this wine offers a pretty medley of wild fruits, mint and blue flower." Wine Advocate

"Infused with black cherries and blackberries, this red wine starts elegantly and firms up on the textured finish. Iron, tar and wild herbs are evident on the long, tobacco-driven finish." Wine Spectator

The Morellino Riserva has a ripe and intense nose of black fruits, raspberries and notes of violets. Wonderful texture on the palate, beautiful fruit, very harmonious flavour. An extremely elegant wine, with lovely tannins and a final that combines freshness and depth. Very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Multifaceted nose, raspberry-scented with balsamic nuances; linear on the palate, perfectly integrated compact tannins, the acidity lively, then again a beautiful persistent fruit." Vinum

"The 2021 Morellino di Scansano Riserva is dark and imposing. A blast of dark cherry, plum, leather, licorice, scorched earth and tobacco adds to the wine’s virile personality. I would prefer to drink this somber Riserva over the coming few years." Vinous

"Notes of tomato leaf, eucalyptus and laurel mingle with flavours of plum, blackberry and iron in this dense, powerful red wine. A beam of acidity drives the savoury finish, with a firm grip of tannins." Wine Spectator

"This wine is very straightforward and dense with a fine and slightly muscular structure that extends over the entire length of the wine and continues to progress. Medium-bodied, fresh and lively. Firm, structured, cool and long." James Suckling

Dievoles Chianti Classico Petrignano is the result of the endeavour to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. Petrignano is the name of a characteristic area with a soil rich in minerals and stones. At an altitude of around 330 metres, rocks protrude from the ground that are typical of the geological formation of Monte Morello. The abundance of stones, the depth of the roots and the low growth of the vines result in an expressive and lush wine from this characteristic and authentic cru site.

Intense ruby red colour. Very appealing bouquet dominated by ripe fruit, cherry and blackberry flavours. Juicy, full and rich on the palate, with flavours of blackberries and ripe fruit. Warm and velvety finish with fine and soft tannins that are very accentuated and interwoven with the fine acidity structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange reflections. Lively cherry nose with some signs of development and hints of tobacco leaf and sweet spice. Flavoursome, juicy cherry fruit and crisp tannins. More energetic on the palate than on the nose, and that's where it hits the spot." Jancis Robinson

"Dark forest fruit with an earthy character offers great appeal. High acidity and tannins with very good length." Decanter

"This is a new addition to the Dievole portfolio with a cool retro-style label. The Chianti Classico Petrignano 2020 from organic farming is made from 100% Sangiovese, fermented in cement tulips and aged for 12 months in large oak barrels. The winemaking process is simple and to the point. The results show a vibrant freshness and a beautiful purity of fruit with a concentrated finish." Wine Advocate

"A supple red, imbued with a ray of cherry and strawberry fruit, with a texture that is silky at first, only to be overtaken by firm, dusty tannins. The finish reveals almond, earth and herbal notes that linger for a long time. Give it time for the two halves to come together." Wine Spectator

"A delicious, crisp red with very fine tannins and a lovely, delicate finish. Very tasty and with a creamy texture. Fresh finish." James Suckling

"From soils with a great limestone component, in particular Alberese, a pure Sangiovese with a blackberry aroma, hints of citron thyme and orange zest, then a finish with floral notes. Compact and dense palate, citrus-officinal return." Luca Gardini

Light yellow-green colour, very inviting aroma of pear fruit, melon and delicate grapefruit. Juicy and powerful on the palate, the flavours are reminiscent of white fruit, racy acidity, elegant and mineral. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow colour. Peach, hints of elderflower and camomile, pear on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate, with good pressure and lovely juiciness, finishing on fresh mint, solid." Falstaff

"A textbook Pinot Grigio if you're looking for freshness and simplicity. Green apples, star fruit and a hint of chalk follow through to a clean, crisp palate. Tangy and tangy finish. Drink now." James Suckling

"This bright white is light- to medium-bodied, with a creamy density to the well-meshed flavors of apricot and mango fruit, blood orange peel, salted almond, anise and white blossoms. Lip-smacking and vivacious through the mineral-laced finish." Wine Spectator

Dievole's new Chianti Classico Catignano, just released with the debut 2020 vintage, is the result of the effort to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. Catignano is a plateau at 370 metres above sea level, with vineyards of different ages and a large proportion of Alberese. The exposure is west and southeast, which means plenty of sun during the day, but also cold temperatures at night, with a good temperature range that favours the aromatic development of the grapes.

On the nose, notes of red fruits, then a tertiary complexity of tobacco leather, graphite and liquorice. Warm and juicy on the palate, with notes of ripe red fruits. A juicy, sun-drenched cru. SUPERIORE.DE

"Made with 100% organic Sangiovese, the 2020 Chianti Classico Catignano sees fruit from a plateau of vines that are fully exposed to the bright luminosity of the Tuscan sun. This wine offers more fruit weight as a result, with dark cherry aromas, wet stone and dusty mineral." Wine Advocate

"A balanced red with a perfumed nose of cherries, red currants, wafers and dried flowers. Also lemon peel. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins and fresh acidity. Balanced and lively with a flattering texture. A fresh and flavourful long finish." James Suckling

"A round red with aromas of cherry, raspberry, iron and tobacco. Firm and dense, also compact on the finish, but still needs time to fully develop. All the elements are there, so be patient." Wine Spectator

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

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

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

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

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

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

This red wine in Riserva quality is dedicated to Bettino Ricasoli, who wrote down the grape variety mix of today's Chianti back in 1872. But he was much more than that: twice Prime Minister of the united Italy (1861 and 1866), founder of the daily newspaper "La Nazione", agricultural researcher and "father" of the first Chianti product specification. The creation of this wine interprets his tireless determination to create an independent Chianti style that is both traditional and contemporary to this day.

Chianti Classico Brolio Bettino captivates with a hauntingruby red colour. The intense and inviting aroma of dark fruit is underpinned with fine balsamic notes. The refined flavour is flawless and polished with well-proportioned acidity and perfectly integrated tannins, powerful and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barone Ricasoli 2021 Chianti Classico Brolio Bettino offers medium concentration and a slightly darker garnet-red colour for a 100% Sangiovese. Instead of high-toned cherry or floral notes, this wine produces an even bouquet that takes a more horizontal or integrated approach overall. On the palate, the wine expands with dark fruit nuances that combine with roasted spices and slate-like mineral notes." Wine Advocate

"A serious, well-crafted and spicy Chianti Classico. The nose shows aromas of cherries, wild currants, dried herbs and peppercorns. It is medium to full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. It is very concentrated and balanced. The lively, spicy character gives it energy and length on the final." James Suckling

"There's a beautiful expression of fruit in this well-defined red, revealing cherry, pomegranate, earth and iron notes, with a hint of Tuscan scrub. Verges on rich yet is underscored by vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Shows terrific balance and length." Wine Spectator

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

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

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

The grapes come exclusively from the single vineyard San Pietro; since the 2018 vintage, part of the wine has been matured in amphorae. Berries, liquorice and deep red fruit on the nose. Finely woven and very precise structure, personality and class on the palate. Sheer elegance and Clerico enjoyment without waiting for further ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour, sparkling. Beautiful expression on the nose, of geraniums, cold smoke and raspberries, with a finish of crisp, red-cheeked apple. Juicy and savoury on the palate, with a radiant fruit core, shows muscular tannins throughout, firm pressure on the finish, can still mature for a long time." Falstaff

"A pretty red, reminiscent of strawberry, cherry, floral and aniseed flavours. It is light and taut on the finish, but above all it is elegant and supple." Wine Spectator

"This is a fun and easy-going wine with beautiful primary fruit reminiscent of wild berries and cassis. The Domenico Clerico 2022 Langhe Nebbiolo Capisme-e is characterised by its brightness and freshness, which are easy to drink. It's all about transparency and energy." Wine Advocate

A solid wine that excels every year is the exciting Nobile from Poliziano, which smells of dark red cherries, blackberries and roasted notes. Juicy, compact and polished on the palate, soft and balanced with silky tannins and a long, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark fruity perfume of black cherries and plums, peppery notes; pithy on the palate, robust tannins, beautiful character and good length." Vinum

"Rich and dense, this red wine shows flavours of black cherries, blackberries and blueberries, accentuated by earth and iron. All of this is supported by a lively acidity and strong tannins that are fresh and long-lasting on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A modern Vino Nobile with dark chocolate and some lush spices. Flavours of plums, roasted red peppers, berries and pine cones follow through to a dense, medium to full-bodied palate. It is firm and long." James Suckling

Rich, beautifully balanced bouquet with notes of kumquats. Yellow stone fruit, graphite, minerals and a delicate vanilla note on the palate. This fresh and incredibly charming Chardonnay is already elegant, balanced, full-bodied and persistent on the palate, and further bottle ageing will round it off perfectly. SUPERIORE.DE

"A hint of roasted nuts on the nose enriches the vibrant palette of soaked apricot, tangerine peel, pastry cream and chamomile notes on the palate. The racy acidity lends fine definition to the complex profile and carries it into the well-spiced finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2023 is toasty and slightly tropical, with a mineral, stony quality running through the core and lovely bright acidity. It finishes with a zesty lemon zest and Mediterranean herbs. Beautifully balanced and very fresh." Decanter

"The Bramìto della Sala 2023 is youthfully shy in the glass, opening with fleeting aromas of raw almonds, white flowers, vanilla pods and spices. On the palate, it is much more enticing, silky and round, with a core of zesty acidity for contrast. Ripe fruit trees and minty herbal notes swirl together. Crisp mineral notes and sour citrus fruit characterise the finish. The 2023 finishes long and delicious, leaving a lingering aftertaste of lemon custard. Aromatically, it still needs time to develop, but with such wonderful balance on the inside, it will be time well spent." Vinous

Donnafugata's impressive declaration of love to Etna, currently the hottest wine hotspot, began with the Sul Vulcano line. Carricante is one of the most exciting grape varieties in southern Italy, capable of complexity and terroir-driven expression in the right soils. The vines for Donnafugata's only white wine from Etna grow on volcanic soils rich in minerals at an altitude of 700-750 metres. The wine is fermented in steel tanks before maturing partly in concrete tanks and partly in second and third choice barriques for 10 months and then a further nine months in the bottle.

Straw yellow with golden reflections. Bouquet of white flowers and notes of wild herbs and citrus. On the palate, it is full, fresh and flavoursome and finishes with impressive freshness, elegance and an exciting mineral vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose reveals chiselled notes of pink grapefruit, herbs and citrus blossom. In the mouth, it is tightly woven, with a very fine woody touch, melting contours, mineral and salty." Weinwisser

"Straw yellow in colour. Attractive nose of fresh lemon peel, but still somewhat restrained. Mineral lemon fruit with salty hints on the finish. Can mature." Jancis Robinson

"A well-dried white wine with lush vanilla, baking spice and lime blossom accents to the flavours of glazed apple and tangerine fruit. The mouthwatering acidity is well integrated, providing definition and carrying the rich flavours through the lingering, slightly salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Bianco Sul Vulcano 2021 is intense, with a blend of flint, sweet mint, apricot and a hint of sage. It is soft and round, with a lively acidity and mineral fruit that pours over the palate and takes on a hint of sour citrus towards the end. The Sul Vulcano is a fantastic option for an entry-level Etna Bianco, and having tasted the 2016 in parallel, I can confirm that it will age beautifully." Vinous

"Juicy fruit character, delicate white flowers, ripe melon and pineapple, elegant and mineral with generous fruit." Decanter

"A gourmet wine with structure. Intense and smoky, this shows jasmine, green apples and yellow peaches. The palate is vibrant, electric and fresh with an almost tannic texture. Zesty and mineral, it’s just a bit leaner on the finish." 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

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

Benantis Etna Bianco from 100% Carricante is a delicately perfumed expression of Carricante with gentle mineral notes, white flowers and light flavours of peach or nectarine. The true protagonist, however, are the carefully dosed volcanic tones of ash and smoke. The bouquet will become even more refined with a year or more of ageing in the bottle. Fresh and round on the palate, great acidity and a saline vein, with a subtle sweetness on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This lean, minerally white is well cut and refreshing, with flavours of plump white cherry, lemon oil, spun honey and chamomile spreading across the palate, underscored by lingering notes of mineral smoke and salt on the savoury finish." Wine Spectator

"Expressive and robust, showing powerful elegance and great textural appeal, this is a Carricante that balances classicism and modernity. Green apple, quince, and white grapefruit at the core with an elegant top layer of lemon balm, white roses and linden. Very long on the palate with focus and a delicious chalky grip that makes it linger on the palate. Lingering notes of grapefruit pith, preserved lemon and pear peel." Decanter

Beautiful white from Carricante that captures the energy of Etna and reflects its essence. Sparkling lemon yellow with a drop of gold. Yellow stone fruit, mint, flowers and spice aromas on the nose. Complex flavour, full fruit and subtle minerality on the palate. Racy, delicately flavoured and sophisticated. SUPERIORE.DE

"A zippy white, with salty tang supporting flavors of crunchy pear, grated ginger, Meyer lemon peel, pastry cream and blanched almond." Wine Spectator

"A savoury nose that stands out from tar and stones, with spices and nuts overlaying tart citrus fruits such as bergamot and pithy lemon. On the palate, the juicy lemonade lingers and is complemented by a peppery finish. Coherent and substantial, with a taut acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2022 Etna Bianco is delicate and floral with a nuanced blend of nectarine and wet stones. It is soft and enveloping with a pretty inner sweetness up front and zesty acidity enlivening its core of citrusy apples. The finish is long, colouring but still fresh, with notes of sour lime and zesty spice." Vinous

"Aromas of exotic flowers, yellow plums and beautiful citrus peel. Mineral and racy, very crisp and firm, steely and citrus-accentuated. Bright acidity with a firm, steely structure." Decanter

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

"Smells of small stone fruit, tobacco and blossoms; fresh attack, vivid acidity, compact structure with melting, juice and length. Convinces with its fresh and elegant style." Vinum

"Bright, sparkling ruby red with a brightening rim. Fine spice and cherry on the nose, with a woody aftertaste. Beautiful juiciness and clear, fresh fruit on the palate, compact, noble, classic in the best sense of the word, with a fine salty finish." Falstaff

"The aromas are shy and discreet, taking their time to reveal beautiful scents of cherry blossom and plum. This medium-bodied candidate offers plenty of freshness, its bright acidity and elegant sandy tannins supporting a core of ripe red cherries and blood oranges. Gracefully composed, it shows lovely balance and is one of the more immediately approachable offerings of the vintage." Decanter

"This red wine offers purity with aromas and flavours of cherry, pomegranate, earth and iron while remaining lively, supported by a dense tannic matrix. Balanced, with a finish of bitter almond, it needs a few years to integrate." Wine Spectator

"This wine has depth and seriousness with cedar, sandalwood, lavender, cherries and citrus. Medium body with fine tannins that pull on the finish. Racy and polished. Give this wine two or three years to develop." James Suckling

La Grola is the eponymous, historic vineyard where Corvina, the indigenous grape of Valpolicella, is believed to have originated. The replanting of the vineyard by Giovanni Allegrini triggered an agronomic revolution and laid the foundations for the success of this wine-growing region, which today stands for convincing, great red wines from north-east Italy.

Dense, dark ruby red in colour, very rich and powerful on the nose with notes of wild and overripe berries. The rich fullness of coffee to black cherries is underlined by present, pleasant tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby colour with a dark core and fine garnet-red rim. Multi-layered bouquet of dark chocolate, cassis, underpinned by fine spice. Velvety texture on the palate, harmonious and round, concentrated fruit and pronounced length." Falstaff

"Bright cherry red. Quite a reticent nose but masses of flavour on the palate with attractive bitterness after dried cherry fruit and a hint of charcoal. Quite a bit of texture here and a chewy, long finish. I wouldn't recommend drinking it without food. It's quite a statement!" Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 La Grola shows ripe fruit, some herbal notes in the background, liquorice, tar and gentle spices. This simple red wine has a slightly wild side with fresh acidity and a whistling, clean finish. La Grola paints a more concentrated picture of Corvina, a grape usually used in traditional Amarone blends." Wine Advocate

"Dark, brooding and complex, the 2020 La Grola tantalises the imagination with notes of spiced blood orange, cloves, dark chocolate and dried black cherries. It has a soft texture and more verve than expected, with lively acidity and a wave of tart wild berries that slowly saturate. The wine finishes with tension, with a primary concentration of fine-grained tannins that linger. The 2020 is an intense La Grola that will require patience." Vinous

"An elegant red wine with fine tannins that blend seamlessly with the ripe flavours of black and red cherries. Accents of smoked tobacco, rosehip, cocoa powder and aniseed run through the fruit profile, and a subtle, mineral hint of fresh earth and iron lingers on the finish." Wine Spectator

"La Grola has been an integral part of the Allegrini family since 1989. This blend of 90% Corvina and 10% Oseleta opens with aromas of black plums, preserved black cherries, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper and violets. As the wine progresses, notes of cedar, cigar box and tobacco develop. On the palate, rich, black-coloured fruit dances with taut, well-structured tannins, while savoury and earthy notes add to the fascination." Wine Enthusiast

"A single vineyard whose fruit comes from a historically important site that is quite steep and calcareous and slopes down towards the Adige. No dried grapes. The tannins of the Oseleta are hard, firm and powerful on the attack. However, the mid-palate is round and energetic, softening any impression of stiffness as it expands aniseed, mint, leather varnish and dark, saturated berry fruit. This is a very good wine made for the cellar." James Suckling

"Podere La Grola, Sant'Ambrogio in Valpolicella, Corvina with a small proportion of Oseleta, which undergoes malolactic fermentation and matures in barriques. Liquorice, blackberry jam and lime on the nose, salty-sweet on the palate, with a fruity finish and slightly iodised final." Luca Gardini

Purple-red colour with black-violet reflections. Wonderfully concentrated and extracted Barbera with the right blend of power, fruit and juiciness. Some plum jam, black chocolate and spices combine to create a dark fruity firework of flavours, framed by finely polished tannins and accompanied by a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Simultaneously lush and fluid, with flavours of black cherry, blackcurrant, earth and toasted spice that blend seamlessly. Balanced, with a firm, juicy finish that defines the fruit and oak accents." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Pairolero is a heady, explosive wine. Black cherry, new leather, licorice, cloves and gravel infuse the Barbera with so much flavor intensity. Bright acids lend quite a bit of energy throughout. The 2021 is incredibly promising." Vinous

Fórra, an elegant small-batch white wine, is made purely from Manzoni Bianco and has an interesting history and an exciting development. Lageder's project with this grape variety began several years ago and resulted in the crossing of Rhine Riesling and Pinot Bianco. Traditional methods were used in the cellar to ensure freshness and vibrancy. Contact with the skins over several days sharpens the profile of the wine. After spontaneous fermentation, Fórra remains on its lees in wooden barrels for several months. Fórra exudes all this passion and love, all this experience and craftsmanship - a wonderful, great pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"This distinctive, medium-bodied white wine feels soft and silky. A tangy salinity and a slight chalkiness do more than the soft orange peel acidity to create a lively balance to the flavours of baked melon and pear, dried thyme, ground nutmeg, walnut skin and honeycomb." Wine Spectator

"Manzoni bianco is a super fresh grape variety, a valuable resource in view of the rising temperatures in this era of climate change. Aromas of pears, white peaches, lime peel and lemon leaves. It’s soft on the palate, with a silky texture, sharp acidity, peach flavors and a polished finish in spite of its citrus peel aftertaste." James Suckling

Crognolo is a wonderfully balanced wine that offers the tangy freshness and acidity of Sangiovese, which is balanced and softened by the small proportion of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine smells of cherry, blackberry and plum. Its primary intensity is bright and cheerful. The finish shows a nice density, extraction and well-integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Crognolo 2021 is a great entry-level wine from Sette Ponti. An explosion of red/purple fruits, blood orange, spices and rose petals race across the palate, lifted by bright acids that add energy. All elements are very well balanced. This is a very inviting wine." Vinous

"Dusty, perfumed aromas of spiced plums with sour cherries and dried cherries are followed in the mouth by a vertical palate full of fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity and juicy fruit. It feels balanced and upright, ready to spring into action as soon as the cork is pulled. Vibrant red and black fruits intermingle, punctuated by a certain saltiness and supported by those tannins. The finish is long, juicy and flavoursome and leaves you wanting another sip." Decanter

"This young red wine shows all its components in the right place, but needs time to integrate. It offers flavours of cherry, violet, earth, iron and mint, which fade into powerful tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Bright ruby violet colour. Expressive flavours of blackberries and rich cherries, with fine spicy components in the background. Compact, concentrated on the palate, with grippy tannins that also become juicy, salty on the finish." Falstaff

"The wine shows dark concentration, certainly more than you'd expect from Sangiovese, with lots of cherry, spice and blue flower that ties directly into the Merlot. It offers a medium to full-bodied texture with fine, chalky tannins." Wine Advocate

"Ultra-fresh, juicy cherries with more delicate aromas of violets and rose petals on the nose roll onto a palate rich with more cherries and berries balanced by earthy, tart notes of earth, branches and roots and a finish of bitter cocoa and aniseed." Wine Enthusiast

"The purity of the fruit in this wine is impressive, with redcurrants, orange peel, peaches and lemon on the nose and palate. Full-bodied yet compressed and agile. Tasty finish. Restrained now, but given a year or two it will come into its own." James Suckling

Bright ruby red colour and the typical vinous, slightly grassy bouquet of Pinot Noir. The flavour is elegant and refined, pleasantly full-bodied and balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

"An elegant, light- to medium-bodied red, with a core of juicy cherry, cranberry and raspberry fruit flavors trimmed by light, taut tannins. This is refreshing and balanced, with a mix of smoke, dried thyme and milled pepper notes adding fine detail to the finish." Wine Spectator

With the Vignota, vinified from five different vineyards, the winery also proves that a great deal of excitement is possible even in the so-called entry-level range. Thanks to the marl and limestone soils, this wine offers plenty of natural intensity. Delicious bouquet of cherry jam, mint and rose petals. Very densely woven on the palate, with a juiciness, freshness and subtle fruit sweetness that makes this wine an irresistible accompaniment to food. SUPERIORE.DE

"This rich Barbera is full of black cherries, blackberries and plums and shows a slight hint of toasted oak on the finish. Well integrated and long." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Barbera d'Alba Vignota is a beautiful expression with elegant fruit, dried blueberries, blackcurrants and a dusty mineral note framing the whole with clean and crisp lines. It has a medium fullness of fruit and an alcohol level of 15%, which is picked up by the wine's dense texture. Nevertheless, this is by no means a heavy wine." Wine Advocate

"A red with ripe berries, strawberries and hints of orange peel. Medium- to full-bodied with juicy tannins. Round and slightly crunchy." James Suckling