Wine Spectator

The combination of two such different personalities as Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend brilliantly in Grifi, giving this wine a unique character. The Cabernet gives the wine an extra kick of depth in the mid-palate as well as a tannic backbone that gives the wine plenty of persistence and energy.

Dark ruby red with violet reflections. The nose opens with hints of blueberries, blackberries and incense through to sandalwood and graphite. Dense and complex on the palate with hints of blackberry jam and cinnamon. On the palate, it develops like a balsamic explosion, supported by good acidity. The lively tannin accompanies the savoury and persistent, very linear finish. Grifi is a wonderfully sophisticated and elegant pleasure from the best vineyards around Montepulciano and Cortona. SUPERIORE.DE

"An elegant red, featuring a gleam of pure cherry, currant and strawberry fruit. This is also intense and firmly built, with a layer of dense tannins guarding the finish. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"Excellent purity and ripeness in the fruit-accentuated nose, but also a certain complexity. Some violets, graphite and spices to the fresh blue fruits and slate. On the palate, I like the texture with fresh, fine-grained tannins and a cool finish. Long, fresh and juicy." James Suckling

Since the 2012 vintage, a small and strictly selected part of the Sangiovese at Istine has been vinified separately according to the origin of the vineyard in order to emphasise and bring to life the specific characteristics of the site, the soil and the altitude. Since then, the best grapes from the estate's own vineyards Istine, Casanova dell'Aia and Cavarchione have been vinified separately, resulting in three now highly sought-after cru wines, of which just 3,000 bottles are sold in specialised shops and restaurants every year.

Vigna Istine is marvellous. Dark cherry, spices, leather and tobacco unfold in the glass. An incredibly creamy personality and breadth on the palate. With its flavour profile of lavender, spices, leather, menthol and liquorice, Vigna Istine has an indescribable richness of facets. The high-altitude vineyard, planted between 480 and 550 metres above sea level, provides freshness, aromatic intensity, mineral notes and exciting ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"This red is infused with fresh cherry, strawberry, rose hip and iron flavors aligned to a streamlined profile. Subtle, yet persists on the finish, delivering harmony and the potential to evolve another decade, maybe two." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Vigna Istine 2020 is a wine with understatement and class. The translucent finesse of the Radda comes through loud and clear. Crushed stones, mint, chalk and white pepper add a striking, brilliant note. The 2020 is simply magnificent." Vinous

Intoxicating flavours of yellow fruits, pineapple, nutmeg and the faint memory of clove. An almost magical, bright sweetness on the palate, very complex and long. A great and extremely exciting Gewürztraminer from the registered single vineyard Vigna Kolbenhof. SUPERIORE.DE

"This fragrant version shows notes of rose petals and chai tea spices and is nicely cut by a strong acidity. It offers a broad mix of pink grapefruit granita, candied papaya, honeycomb and grated ginger, underscored by a hint of smoky minerality on the long, savoury finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Gewurztraminer Vigna Kolbenhof blossoms with a rich blend of wildflowers, peaches and wet stone. This opens with a lovely inner sweetness perfectly contrasted by brilliant acidity as perfumed white pit fruits and minty herbal tones swirl throughout. The 2021 leaves the palate completely refreshed, leaving a salty flourish and hints of tropical citrus. It’s stunning today, yet it has the balance for a long evolution." Vinous

Since the 2012 vintage, a small and strictly selected part of the Sangiovese at Istine has been vinified separately according to the origin of the vineyard in order to emphasise and bring to life the specific characteristics of the site, the soil and the altitude. Since then, the best grapes from the estate's own vineyards Istine, Casanova dell'Aia and Cavarchione have been vinified separately, resulting in three now highly sought-after cru wines, of which just 3,000 bottles are sold in specialised shops and restaurants every year.

Vigna Cavarchione from the single vineyard of the same name in Gaiole is powerful, juicy and creamy, as befits a wine from this part of the appellation. Overripe red cherry fruit, mint, dried flowers and spices blend together in a sensual, inviting Chianti Classico that is characterised by its richness and suppleness. This highly distinctive and terrific masterpiece finishes with a lovely lace of sweet raspberry contrasting with the sour cherry. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lush, yet with an edge of dusty tannins framing cherry, strawberry, rose and earth flavors. Shows strong grip on the finish, along with a beam of vibrant acidity and a lingering aftertaste of red fruit. Leans to the elegant side." Wine Spectator

"It is not lacking in ripeness, it is downright lush, but also juicy and light-footed. It smells of dark plum, damp earth, rosehip and violets. On the palate, it is rather red-fruity: sour cherry meets tamarind and bitter liquorice root. The fine-grained tannins are just as persistent as the piquant acidity. Absolutely flavourful." Decanter

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Vigna Cavarchione is stellar in 2020. Lush and rich, but with plenty of classic Istinism, the Cavarchione has the potential to be one of the wines of this very young vintage. All the elements come together effortlessly. Black cherry, plum, sage, lavender, liquorice and incense develop over time and fill out the layers beautifully. The complexity of this wine is simply incredible." Vinous

Since the 2012 vintage, a small and strictly selected part of the Sangiovese at Istine has been vinified separately according to the origin of the vineyard in order to emphasise and bring to life the specific characteristics of the site, the soil and the altitude. Since then, the best grapes from the estate's own vineyards Istine, Casanova dell'Aia and Cavarchione have been vinified separately, resulting in three now highly sought-after cru wines, of which just 3,000 bottles are sold in specialised shops and restaurants every year.

Vigna Casanova dell'Aia is airy, weightless and graceful in flavour. Crushed flowers, sweet red berries, mint, chalk and white pepper rise from the glass in this very beautiful, incredibly nuanced Chianti Classico. Arguably the most ethereal wine in the high-class Istine collection, flavours of red berries and cherries are flanked by a fine, almost silky tannin on the palate and lead into an elegant, flowing finish with remarkable memorable potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A succulent red highlighted by beautifully defined cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors. Solidly built, suggesting this will develop further. Boasts excellent balance, with leafy underbrush and wild herb notes on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico 2020 Vigna Casanova dell'Aia shows a darker, richer side of the Sangiovese from Radda. Black cherry, sage, lavender, menthol, liquorice and tobacco blend together. The Casanova dell'Aia is a wine of great presence and real stature that is fabulous. It just needs time to mellow a little." Vinous

"The 2020 is as beautiful as it is precise. Pronounced raspberry, pomegranate and blood orange meld with floral scents of cherry blossom. It is characterised by a generosity of flavours, a graceful structure of powdery tannins and appetising acidity. A real citrus tone of pink grapefruit emphasises the palate, and the finish is even slightly salty." Decanter

Pale straw yellow with golden reflections. Ripe herbal aromas, tonic, sweet lemon, grapefruit and apricot on the nose. Juicy and penetrating on the palate, with a delightful floral lift and energy that leads seamlessly into the long, complex finish with a savoury bite and pronounced minerality. A beautiful, distinctive single-vineyard Falanghina in a class of its own. SUPERIORE.DE

"This light- to medium-bodied white has a subtle, pleasing fleshiness to it, with mouthwatering acidity sculpting well-knit flavors of melon, persimmon, almond skin, verbena and fleur de sel. Delivers a light, honeyed overtone that lingers on the spiced finish." Wine Spectator

"Green melon, candied lime, freshly sliced Granny Smith apple and crushed stones form a captivating bouquet as the 2022 Falanghina Via del Campo comes to life in the glass. It is soft and supple, with a mineral note at the forefront, enhanced by vibrant acidity, while tart fruit and citrus keep the tension high. The 2022 finishes crisp and refreshing, yet remarkably long with a concentration of sour melon lingering around the cheeks. There is great potential here. The Via del Campo shows the best characteristics of this ripe vintage and a minerality that perfectly balances the expression." Vinous

"Clean floral aromas with notes of yellow peach and apple and a hint of almond. Medium-bodied with a salty freshness on the palate and a long finish with more lemon peel and zest dressing the firm, dry-mineral texture. A Falanghina of the highest calibre." James Suckling

"From the vineyard of the same name in Piana dei Greci, in Mirabella Eclano, partially vinified and fully matured in French oak barriques, this is a sophisticated, multi-layered and complex wine. White melon, a hint of lemon peel and sage on the nose, crisp and savoury mouthfeel, with a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

"A wine like this makes us appreciate a working grape like Falanghina anew. In the right hands, this indigenous grape variety with roots in antiquity can produce marvellous results with surprising nuance and elegance. This is what you get with the Quintodecimo 2022 Irpinia Falanghina Via del Campo. The wine shows a good texture and a slightly waxy note with hints of dried tropical fruit and grapefruit flavours coming from the grape skins. A third of the wine is aged in oak, which also contributes to the flavour and texture of this wine. On the scale of Falanghina wines, it shows much more fruit weight and depth." Wine Advocate

Chianti Classico Vallenuova has the potential to become a favourite wine. It is an archetypal expression of Sangiovese from a single vineyard that could not be more typical and authentic. Vibrant, sparkling ruby in colour, with a hint of cedar wood and small wild berries on the nose, along with spices, beetroot and white pepper. Leather, tobacco and a hint of citrus fruit on the palate, the final is pleasantly lean with a convincing, drinkyfreshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, rich ruby colour. Appealing and finely characterised nose of blackberry, fresh plums and soot. Juicy and clear on the palate, shows beautifully worked out fruit, fine-meshed tannin, salty, with a hint of graphite on the finish." Falstaff

"The Tolaini 2021 Chianti Classico Vallenuova is a simple wine with lots of dark cherry fruit, soft lines and medium texture." Wine Advocate

"The nose vacillates between spicy aromas of hot tar and earth and sweet notes of vanilla and cherry. On the palate, an orange peel element adds texture to this sweetness, while bright acidity and dusty tannins fan the flames of a lingering, savoury earthiness." Wine Enthusiast

"Dried flowers, tobacco and sweet red fruits. Smooth, chewy tannins. Rich and concentrated. Plums, baking spice, woodsmoke, toast and leather. A lingering finish." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Vallenuova offers a tantalising blend of macerated red cherry, plum, liquorice, new leather and blood orange. The 2021 is lush and vibrant, with striking energy, an excellent example of the vintage. All the elements are very well balanced." Vinous

"Rich and expressive on the attack, with flavours of sweet cherry, raspberry, mint, rosemary, iron and spice. This supple, luscious red wine firms up, with fine tannins on the long, delicious finish." Wine Spectator

"Fresh character of red and blue fruits with violets, cocoa and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with very polished but velvety and mouth-filling tannins and lively acidity that gives the fruit tension and juiciness. Broad and structured. Long finish." James Suckling

"Our Barolo (Classico) has been a successful synthesis of the various characteristics of the Massolino vineyards for over 70 years. Thanks to traditional ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels, we preserve its pure and unadulterated identity and its complex flavours." Franco Massolino

Traditionally vinified Barolo from the estate's best vineyards. Brilliant ruby red colour. Complex, spicy bouquet of liquorice, tobacco, dried flowers, violets and damp leaves. Very emphatic, firm and full-bodied on the palate. Its racy and forward style is flanked by tangible, robust tannins. Finishes with a fine sweetness, elegant and long. The already undisputed high level will continue to develop in full beauty over the next few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby-red colour with rim brightening. Phenolic nose with eucalyptus, light mint, followed by redcurrants and sweetish elements. Complex, structured palate, full-bodied and juicy with phenolic spice and freshness, retronasal again eucalyptus, beautiful drinkability with firm tannins, long final." Falstaff

"Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Rich fruit on the nose with a hint of gingerbread. A spicy cherry unfolds with air, albeit still a little restrained. Smooth, soft cherry fruit with super-fine, long, crisp tannins. A beautiful wine." Jancis Robinson

"Opens with aromas of crushed red fruits and a bouquet of laurel, balsam and sandalwood that slowly rise from the glass. On the palate, it is round and beautifully soft, the tannins making it immediately accessible. A savoury backbone is brightened by hints of orange peel and clove, creating an approachable yet complex profile that can be enjoyed now." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright and vibrant red fruit character with dried flowers, stones and a hint of tree resin. Medium-bodied, clean and concentrated on the palate, with fine tannins and a linear finish. Shows freshness and balance. Polished. Best from 2027, but already a pleasure to drink now." James Suckling

"Showing elegant richness and a velvety consistency, the Massolino 2020 Barolo ages in large oak botti for 30 months. Elegance is underlined in this wine that shows wild berry, dried blueberry and a sweet touch of lilac over a medium-dark finish. The wine's texture manages to be direct and linear but generous at the same time." Wine Advocate

Vigna Il Poggiale, a full-bodied Riserva from the single vineyard of the same name, is an extroverted class wine. Dark fruit, flowers, smoke and liquorice in the complex, differentiated bouquet. The juicy flavour, interwoven with silky tannins, is admirably harmonious. SUPERIORE.DE

"Menthol, cherry, plum, iron and wild herb aromas and flavors are embedded in this supple, well-balanced red. Firm, refined tannins line the finish, where the fruit and macchia notes linger." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggiale 2021 is a dense, powerful offering from Castellare. Black cherry, liquorice, new leather, spices and dried flowers rise from the glass. These vines, which are more than 40 years old, produce a particularly muscular, virile Riserva." Vinous

"A concentrated, flavourful and structured red wine with notes of cherries, dark plums, dried oregano, roasted meat and baking spices. It is medium to full-bodied with plush tannins. Dense fruit core on the palate with serious character. Focused and flavourful, with a long, compact finish." James Suckling

"The nose begins with notes of wood, then laurel, tobacco and undergrowth. The mouthfeel is savoury, with a hint of fruity sensations and a return of notes of officinal and undergrowth." Luca Gardini

"Il Sigillo" - "The Seal". Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti's wines recall his father's notarial world with their names.

Aglianico del Vulture of enormous beauty. Dark and impenetrable, it lies in the glass, from which opulent tones of dark fruits, spices and stony nuances emerge. Seamless and massive on the palate, structural richness, tannic sweetness, fine fresh acidity. A soulful, very promising drop with a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark and creamy, with chocolate-covered cherry flavors, accents of dried rosemary, spiced orange peel and a base note of minerally iron and smoke. Delivers dense, plush tannins, which are wrapped in the juicy flavor profile and emerge to firm the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2015 Aglianico del Vulture Il Sigillo is a beast. It slowly opens in the glass, at first peppery and herbal, focused on earth tones and hints of musk. With time, a more perfumed mix comes to the fore, as nuances of mint give way to tart cherry, incense and smoke. Within, I’m finding texturally elegant waves of dark red and black fruits, washing across the senses with prominence, boasting full-bodied heft, yet expertly balanced by a vibrant core of acidity. There are depths here yet unseen, as a kaleidoscopic mix of dark chocolate, licorice, and cloves battle for supremacy against a coating of fine tannins throughout the finale. The 2015 is just a baby today, yet full of potential. Il Sigillo is made through a partial drying of late harvested grapes, similar to Amarone. It’s refined for 24 months in a combination of barriques and tonneaux." Vinous

Guardiola, a cru from Nerello Mascalese, shows the typical elegant flavour of volcanic soils. Fine raspberry fruit, gentle acidity and silky tannins, full and ripe, but never too full-bodied. A modern wine from a traditional vine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Spectacular vineyard with steep terraces. Extraordinarily deep and multi-faceted, highly elegant and full of finesse with finely honed red berry fruit, extraordinarily precise and puristic, a true mountain wine with Burgundian finesse. Bravo Diego!" Weinwisser

"A mineral version that starts with hints of tar, smoke and iron, then segues into flavours of black plum, dried rosemary, resin and sandalwood. It shows fine-grained tannins that firm up the lively finish." Wine Spectator

"A dusty mixture of balsamic herbs, menthol, dark chocolate and dried black cherries characterise the 2019 Etna Rosso Guardiola. It is surprisingly soft and enveloping, but quickly gains tension. Salty minerals and exotic spices complicate the tart red berry fruits. The finish is still a little chewy and tannic, with a residual acidity that balances while a bitter balsamic hint fades. Patience is required." Vinous

"A pretty serious expression from Guardiola, showing a unique peppery flavour with lots of dark minerals, sweet spices and tar. Also savoury berries and dried orange peel. Full-bodied on the palate with flattering, integrated tannins that give it a full, dense body. Long and spicy finish." James Suckling

"The nose starts with sweet, bright aromas of strawberries and raspberries, then turns savoury and wild with notes of tar, earth and herbs. On the palate, a gentle floral note makes the fruit elements sweeter and more delicate, but the earthy tones linger while the acidity pushes against a curtain of refined tannins." Decanter

"It shows fragrant red fruits, black cherry and earth, with some peppery spice. Dense, flavoursome and grippy with fresh acidity, the palate shows some lovely dark fruits and a chewy finish lifted by its inherent freshness." Decanter

"A pure Nerello Mascalese, with notes of undergrowth alternating with a crisp freshness. Blackcurrant on the nose, with a hint of pepper leaf, taut on the palate, spicy, with great length on the palate, with a fruity-official return." Luca Gardini

Beautifully weighted, the 2019 edition is full yet agile with enough structure to carry it over the next decade. Above all, it emphasises the freshness and balance of the vintage: the aromas unfold slowly, but are very floral, with cherry and thyme blossoms underscored by peppery notes. Crisp red plums and juicy cherries dominate the palate, with the youthful, grippy tannins needing a little time to integrate perfectly. SUPERIORE.DE

"It opens with a fruity flavour of red and blue fruits, with spicy notes reminiscent of cinnamon and cardamom. Dense and creamy in the mouth, very juicy, still a little grippy in the tannins, a modern Brunello that should be ready to drink in 1 to 2 years." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red colour. Ripe blackberries, some undergrowth, dried oregano and loam on the nose. Great tension on the palate, juicy, dark fruit, tightly woven tannins and a precise final with pressure." Falstaff

"Deep to dark ruby red in colour. Deep, brooding and backward on the nose, but with real precision. Lots of juicy red fruit and impressive, fine-grained tannins. Still a little embryonic, but already hard to resist. Pure class." Jancis Robinson

"Pure and refined wine with lively raspberries, red cherries, rosehips and a hint of citrus blossom. Medium to full-bodied with firm but silky tannins. Excellent acid backbone. Enjoyable now, but give it another two to three years to develop." James Suckling

"Deep notes of dried black cherries meet cedar shavings and worn leather as the seductive Brunello di Montalcino 2019 slowly unfolds in the glass. It is surprisingly juicy and energising, with a pure blend of red fruits and inner flowers accompanied by fresh acidity. Fine tannins assert themselves on the finish as the 2019 takes on a youthful tension and pinches the cheeks, while tart cranberry notes fade into a youthful, crisp final." Vinous

"The certified organic Col d'Orcia 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows ripe fruit, blackberry, earthy notes, liquorice and, generally speaking, a much bigger and riper fruit profile compared to its peers. It offers a full-bodied Brunello opulence that can be enjoyed in the short or medium term, and the wine delivers flavours of dried fruit such as plum and fig to finish. The tannins are velvety and contribute to the richness of the rather forward and immediate mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 is immediately inviting and expressive. It seduces with lovely tones of red rose, cherry and sweet thyme. Expansive and spacious, the palate unfolds fluidly with layers of delicious red plum and pomegranate. Hibiscus, rosewater and orange hide in every crevice. A brilliant demonstration of the flavourful juiciness of Sangiovese. Deceptively gentle at the start, fine sandy tannins build in a worthy crescendo." Decanter

"This densely packed version is resonant and persistent, with fine integration of all its components, though today it is compact and austere, revealing flavours of cherry, raspberry, rose, earth and minerals. Give it the benefit of the doubt." Wine Spectator

"Notes of marasca, geranium and eucalyptus on the nose. Juicy tannins on the palate, balsamic and floral notes, compact flavour and crispness." Luca Gardini

The area around the small town of Milo is the only vineyard site on Etna where an Etna Bianco is allowed to be bottled as Superiore - and for good reason: only Carricante may be planted on the steep vineyard, which consists of dozens of small terraces. The vines are trained like a small tree on poles made of chestnut wood. The eastern exposure and the proximity of the sea allow the grapes to ripen late, resulting in very consistent acidity levels and a white wine with an aromatic finesse and freshness that is unrivalled even on Etna.

This historic site, called Milo, with its old vines, is virtually predestined for the Etna Bianco Superiore, which Terre Nere is now bringing to market for the first time as a single-vineyard Bianco "Salice". More floral and citrus-scented on the nose than the normal Carricante, the Superiore also has a little more body, acidity, depth and finesse. The elegant acidity makes it vibrantly fresh and long and ensures an exciting drinking flow and good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A delicious white with a well-cut, fine acidity and a lovely palette of notes of mirabelle plums, pink grapefruit pith, raw almonds and chamomile on the mineral, savoury finish." Wine Spectator

"This super white wine is very focused, with a linear line of savoury fruit and undertones of apples and limes. Full but dense, it has great length and presence." James Suckling

Dark ruby red in colour. The bouquet is a furious indication of what this opulent long-distance runner is capable of: full-flavoured heart cherry fruit, blue flowers, damp forest soil, elegant spice and a well-dosed use of wood alternate impressively. The attack is just as complex and multi-layered, followed by beguiling wild berries, precisely polished tannins and an extraordinarily elegant long final. Wow, this is pure fruit! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with light garnet-coloured reflections. Violets, blood orange and candied mandarin orange on the nose, with an ethereal finish reminiscent of sage and cough drops. Precise on the palate with stimulating acidity and a brisk, slightly sugary mouthfeel." Falstaff

"The 2019 Valpolicella Classico Superiore wafts up with a sweetly scented bouquet that blends shavings of cedar and dried roses with mocha-tinged black cherries. This is a model of purity, displaying silky textures and vividly ripe red and blue fruits energized by brisk acidity. A tactile mineral tinge adds traction toward the close. Crunchy tannins frame the experience well, as the 2019 finishes long and full of youthful tension. While already enjoyable today, there's no shame in losing a few bottles in the cellar for three to five years." Vinous

"Plump cherry and wild strawberry fruit is framed by vivid tangerine peel acidity and light, fine tannins in this plush, medium-bodied red. Rich hints of rooibos tea, cocoa powder, smoke and vanilla linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The wines from this excellent producer offer pinpoint attention to detail, judicious rather than excessive fruit and impressive tension as a result. Pithy red and black cherries, amaro liqueur, aniseed, verdant garden herbs and hints of camphor, orange zest and leather varnish. The finish is smooth and firm rather than sweet. A very good Classico Superiore." James Suckling

Beautiful red Etna, reminiscent of raspberry tea, lilac, rose petals and cherry blossom. Medium-bodied but deep in flavours, ranging from herbs to orange peel, supported by a firm but velvety and fine-grained structure. Lasting pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby garnet colour with a sparkling core. A nose of sealing wax with fine earthy notes, ripe cranberries, wet stone, smoky aftertaste. Stony feel on the palate, dark and spicy, restrained fruit, but with a lovely salinity on the medium-long final." Falstaff

"On the nose, there are mainly earthy, spicy aromas of stones and herbs, but also notes of cherry, strawberry and bergamot, which provide balance. The palate is rather fruit-orientated, with a pinch of salt as a nuance, while the acidity hovers over finely balanced tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"This vibrant red has a creamy nappa consistency as flavours of dried raspberries and reduced cherries glide over and coat the palate, ensnared by biting acidity and chalky tannins. There's a tarry undertone and a pretty overtone of dried flowers, red liquorice, saffron and pink peppercorns that linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Powerful black cherry, plum and baked red fruit flavours are accompanied by fine, ripe tannins that linger. Dense and quite closed at the moment, it needs time to reveal its full colours." Decanter

"A hint of tequila-like herbal freshness with minerals, dried roses, white pepper, graphite and grapefruit. Taut and juicy on the palate with assertive, dusty tannins. Fine-grained and long." James Suckling

Intense garnet red colour with black-violet hues. Open, very complex aroma of blackcurrant, raspberry, blackberry, cherry and plum, accompanied by a hint of pepper and cinnamon. On the palate, it is an elegant, dry wine that leads into the remarkable Riserva-level finish with its extract sweetness, tannins and a fine liquorice note. SUPERIORE.DE

"Firm and quite deep aroma of ripe, predominantly black berries with floral nuances, a little Mediterranean herbs, restrained barrel notes and a hint of pepper and juniper. Taut, tart, juicy dark fruit, slightly smoky notes, relatively present, yet very fine and rather crumbly tannins, persistent on the palate, some nutty and a hint of tobacco wood spice, hints of liquorice in the background, elegant style despite its power, fine peppery and juniper tones, mineral notes, very good, firm, tart, juicy and finely spicy finish." Wein-plus

"A beguiling blend of black raspberries, peppery herbs, cedar and exotic spices makes the 2018 Rosso Faye impossible to ignore. It's soft and supple, with bracing acidity that gives an energised feel, even as masses of ripe red and blue fruit flood the palate with youthful concentration. Sweet tannins frame the finish, which tapers off surprisingly juicy and fresh with a saline note and a lingering hint of lavender. This expressive vintage of Rosso Faye may not be as long-lived as the great vintages, but it will offer a broad and open drinking window." Vinous

"A vivid red, bright on the palate and with good concentration to the flavors of ripe black and red currant fruit, with fragrant notes of oolong tea, bay leaf and sassafras. Shows taut tannins enmeshed in the detailed flavor profile, while a zesty streak of milled pepper drives the finish." Wine Spectator

"A classic from the promising Faedo winery. Cru Paradisot, 50 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Lagrein. Small black fruits on the nose, blueberry and blackberry, a hint of thyme and nutmeg, balsamic finish. Dense mouthfeel, iodised tannins, lingering finish." Luca Gardini

The "Sassorosso" vineyard is located on a rocky promontory that is separated from the rest of the mountain and has been almost completely eroded by the glacier over the centuries. It is visually characterised by the unmistakable red colour of the ferrous inclusions in the rock. The overlying shallow soil layer consists of clay and sand and lies on friable, metamorphic rock into which the roots can penetrate. The unmistakably elegant and mineral character of the terroir is therefore particularly evident in this Nebbiolo.

Bright, transparent ruby red colour with a fine garnet hue. Small red fruits such as blackberry, redcurrant, cherry and raspberry on the nose, complemented by fresh, floral notes of violets and roses. Dense on the palate with a very flavourful attack, silky tannins and an almost endless finish. A wine of great rigour and purity with considerable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby with garnet-red tendencies. Medium intensity on the nose with hints of wild raspberry and redcurrant, followed by floral and earthy notes. Clearer on the palate with fresh fruit, tightly woven tannins, fresh and juicy through to the finish." Falstaff

"This is minerally and enticing on the nose, but then a burst of ripe black raspberry, cherry and strawberry fruit flavors on the palate offers its own appeal. The creamy tannins provide fine, supple structure, while hints of fig cake, smoke and bay leaf are fragrant and lingering on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Valtellina Superiore Grumello Sassorosso reveals hints of iron ore, rusty nail, redcurrant and pressed rose. This wine reflects the earthy quality of Grumello. There is a brief moment of apricot-like sweetness on the mid-palate that transitions over to a tart flavor of wild plum or blood orange. The vintage warmth is felt in the silky nature of the mouthfeel and the wine's soft tannins. There are no rough spots here, and this has the most determined character among these new releases from Nino Negri." Wine Advocate

Davide Rosso's Barolo is a great entry-level wine and provides a good introduction to the distinct flavour profile that the two single-vineyard Barolo Cerretta and Serra also exhibit. Crushed flowers, sweet pipe tobacco, dried cherry and cedar blossom effortlessly from the glass. This medium-bodied, beautifully perfumed Barolo is full of charm and its bright acids give it remarkable drive. Wonderful value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with garnet reflections. Elegant and inviting fruit on the nose of ripe raspberries, strawberries and cherries, underpinned by pencil lead, leather and mint. Very elegant, fruity entry on the palate, with a delicate melting texture and good balance as it progresses, the tightly woven tannins are finely integrated, with plenty of fruit on the long final." Falstaff

"Aromas and flavors of raspberry, cherry, rose, spices and tar highlight this light-bodied yet firmly structured red. Elegant, with a solid line of chalky tannins informing the mouthwatering finish." Wine Spectator

"Bright ruby red in colour, this is a restrained Barolo with aromas of wild strawberries, parma violets, cinnamon and orange peel. The palate is crisp, with dusty tannins, a medium body, a good concentration of blood orange flavours, a dense structure and a polished finish. Due to its balance, it is approachable now but will improve with time." James Suckling

High-quality and rare Vermentino with a straw-yellow colour and a bouquet of white fruit and hazelnut. Fresh and floral on the palate, round and ripe. The well-dosed use of wood gives the wine a fine, creamy texture. A persistent, highly elegant Bolgheri Bianco with fine mineral notes for special occasions. SUPERIORE.DE

"Always a reliable interpretation of Vermentino from Bolgheri: animating bouquet of citrus and apricot, also notes of herbs, flowers and undergrowth; harmonious structure, perfectly integrated acidity, elegant and long. Convinces with its freshness and yet also spiciness." Vinum

"Sparkling light gold colour. Elegant, fragrant bouquet of very juicy limes and grapefruit on sea salt, with delicate hints of rosemary and thyme. Mouth-filling and very juicy on electrifying acidity, with a gentle grip and plenty of tension, it lingers on the palate for a long, salty finish." Falstaff

"Compared to its peers, the organic Grattamacco 2022 Bolgheri Vermentino takes the complexity of this grape up a notch with mineral notes and candied citrus fruit from hot and dry growing conditions. The wine is silky and smooth in texture with a little extra richness in this vintage." Wine Advocate

"A serious Vermentino with powerful and complex flavours of peach, apple, almond, sage and shiso leaves. Firm, dry and salty on the long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"Restrained orange blossom with white peach, white pepper and broom flowers. The attack is crisp and citrus-accentuated, with a crisp acidity, medium body and a polished finish." James Suckling

Cresasso - an exquisite, single-varietal Corvina. Intense aromas of dark fruit, rose petals and spices. Rich, concentrated fruit on the palate, silky, with a remarkable inner sweetness. Distinctive and sensual. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of plum sauce and raspberry ripple across the palate, underscored by loamy earth and mineral accents in this medium-bodied red, which is firmed by lightly chewy tannins. A well-meshed version, with hints of warm spices, cocoa powder and medicinal herbs on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Dark and intense, the 2018 Corvina Veronese Cresasso smolders up with an array of crushed ashen stone, dried flowers, licorice and dusty black currants. It sweeps across the palate with textures of pure silk, elegant and refined, as a wave of polished red and black fruits washes across. A collection of crunchy minerals amasses toward the close. Violet inner florals and hints of lavender drive the finish, as a tinge of sour citrus adds contrast and sweet tannins resonate. I expect the 2018 Cresasso to enjoy a long and broad drinking window. Bravo." Vinous