Wine

Rose petals, spices and red-coloured fruit float in the glass, supported by fine, racy tannins. On the palate, the typical, medium-bodied characteristics of Bricco delle Viole are evident, while the contours are soft and the wine's personality demands the next sip. Vajra fans should give it a few more years to mature, despite its current accessibility. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impressive berry nose, spiced up with balsamic aromas; elegant yet powerful structure, the tannins are well integrated, has character and a seductively fresh finish." Vinum

"Modern nose with still noticeable wood influence, dark red berries, slightly gelled. Behind this, however, it becomes exciting with earthy mineral notes and red and violet flowers. Juicy and dense with a melting texture, very elaborate, sweet tannin texture, berry, rich final with a fine tannic attack on the finish." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby colour with garnet shimmer. Appealing nose with rich notes of plums, raspberries and roses. Juicy and appealing attack and finish, grippy tannins in many fine layers, fine melting on the final." Falstaff

"Wonderful roundness after a light animal scent. A ballet dancer with muscles - and a certain tenderness." Jancis Robinson

"Historically, the Bricco delle Viole is the highest Barolo and remains the highest of the Vajra bottlings. The vines from 1931, 1949 and 1968 have a round shape and early ripeness. Smoky violets and crushed slate characterise the aromas. On the palate, dried strawberries and purple plum flesh offer fruitiness, followed by minerality and lift from crushed red stones, and mace and clove provide a sweet spice on the finish." Decanter

"Rose petals, racy plums and cherries with subtle white pepper spice and minerals. The taut, full-bodied palate is gripped by fine, mineral-structured tannins. Powerful, rich and vertical in the centre before a long, mineral finish. It's a pleasure to taste now, but it will be even better in two to three years." James Suckling

"The Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2020, Vajra's flagship wine, is very good. Dark cherry, cherry, blood orange, spice and lavender are nicely amplified. The 2020 is graceful and elegant, but its youthful Nebbiolo tannins will need some time to settle down. The 2020 is another wine that piques my keen interest with its sublime balance." Vinous

"The nose of this Barolo is intoxicating, with spiced cherries, plums and warm violets in bloom. Notes of leather, truffle and forest floor give it a depth that oozes from the glass. On the palate, the cherry reveals itself in all its splendour: fresh, macerated, preserved, everything is there. This is joined by sweet tea with cola and sassafras, leading to supple tannins that give the wine the necessary structure without overpowering it, and a lively acidity that keeps every sip pure and fresh and ensures that the bottle empties too quickly." Wine Enthusiast

"Elegant and graceful, with a silky texture, this red wine evokes aromas and flavours of strawberries, cherries, roses, mint and minerals. Firmly structured and lively, with balance and a resonant, energetic finish. It shows excellent harmony, finesse and length." Wine Spectator

Barbera d'Alba Superiore Fides from the famous Mosconi vineyard offers a very nuanced bouquet characterised by blackberry, black cherry, cassis and plum on the one hand and pronounced mineral notes on the other. Fides offers a dark concentration and a soft, intense texture. Lavender, mint and sweet floral notes give it additional vigour and make it one of the best single-vineyard Barberas in Piedmont every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fruit for this wine is sourced from an excellent site in Monforte d'Alba. The Pio Cesare 2021 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Vigna Mosconi Fides is dark in color and rich and concentration. The wine offers a soft texture with plenty of dark fruit and blackberry. Those bleed nicely into sweet spice and light toast over a full-bodied finish." Wine Advocate

Dark garnet red with ruby red reflections. Complex bouquet of wild berries, underlaid with a hint of spice and cocoa. Dark fruit again on the palate, some smoke and tar, the fine-meshed tannins lend a wonderful structure, with a delicate woody spice on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barolo DOCG Margheria comes from the calcareous soil with a slightly higher proportion of sand than in our other sub-areas, which has a strong influence on its character. It was produced for the first time in 1985 and has great ageing potential. The grapes come from our vineyard in the MGA Margheria in Serralunga d'Alba." Franco Massolino

Barolo Margheria is very refined and elegant, but also classically austere, like so many top wines of the 2019 vintage. Bright red berry fruits, wild flowers, mint, blood orange, rose petals and cinnamon adorn this very beautiful, nuanced Barolo. Margheria is medium-bodied, and despite its austerity, it is very pretty, not to mention incredibly inviting. It will be even better in a few years when the tannins soften. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich garnet red colour with a fine shimmer. Presents itself on the nose with notes of graphite and salt varnish, then rose petals and raspberry. Full-bodied and dense on the palate, expands powerfully, then a little rough on the final." Falstaff

"Beautiful shiny medium ruby red colour. Firm, serious, mineral bouquet, cherry with notes of oatmeal and iodine. Multi-layered. Juicy, compact cherry with spectacular, crunchy tannins. Great, tactile fruit finish and fantastically balanced." Jancis Robinson

"The Barolo Margheria 2020 is a very beautiful wine that shows the softer side of the year. Dried herbs, menthol, incense, new leather and liquorice take shape in the glass. The 2020 is a soft, atypically open Margheria that will drink well with only minimal cellaring time." Vinous

"This Barolo from Margheria is a stunning expression of elegance, with captivating, high-toned fruit and delicate hints of strawberry. The palate is refined and graceful, with fine-grained tannins and delicious acidity enhancing the pure, precise flavours. This wine is a true embodiment of finesse and an outstanding example of the potential of this cru." Wine Enthusiast

"A ripe style, this red features cherry, raspberry, plum and eucalyptus flavors, with hints of licorice and iron. Firms up midpalate, leaving a compact yet complex finish that echoes the fruity and savory notes." Wine Spectator

"I like the freshness and lively red-fruity character. Medium-bodied with firm, slightly chewy tannins. It is compact and structured with an exciting and lively aftertaste. Vibrant and bright, with hibiscus undertones in the orange and berry flavours. Try it from 2027, but it's already very nice now." James Suckling

This Riserva is only made available each year in very small quantities to hand-picked specialist retailers and top restaurants. Brilliant ruby red colour. Fine raspberry and floral notes dominate the spicy nose. Very juicy on the palate, tannins and acidity are well integrated. Riecines Riserva has length and suppleness right through to the long fruity finish. The elegance and fine melting texture are impressive. Once again, this is Sangiovese at the top level that Riecine is known for! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with garnet-red reflections. A savoury nose with ripe fruit of cranberries and blackberries. Fruity-sweet and juicy on the palate, opens up with a wide arc, powerful, right into the slightly salty final." Falstaff

"A pure cherry note graces this juicy red, with accents of rose, strawberry, earth and Mediterranean herbs. This turns more linear as it focuses on the mineral-infused aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Cinnamon and balsamic notes permeate redcurrant with a core of pomegranate and cranberry on the palate. The tannins are quite compact and the acidity is lively, giving an edgy expression in the moment." Decanter

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is a real stunner with its remarkable depth and textural resonance. Black cherry, spices, mocha and dried herbs are some of the many notes that unfold in the glass. A wine with substance and presence, the 2020 offers plenty of intensity, but is by no means over the top." Vinous

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva has notes of cherry liqueur and sweet crème de cassis on the nose, and the mouthfeel reflects some of the viscous nature of these descriptions. However, this pretty wine also shows depth and varietal clarity, supported by a medium structure." Wine Advocate

"Sandalwood and cherry with some orange peel. Medium body. Fine tannins. Crisp and bright. Lively and delicious. A hint of orange peel and brightness on the finish." James Suckling

"Riserva di Riecine, from a selection of the estate's best plots, clay-limestone soils and pure Sangiovese. On the nose, notes of red cherries, mentholated notes and nutmeg, with hints of eucalyptus. Juicy mouthfeel, with iodised tannins, a fruity, mentholated finish and persistence." Luca Gardini

The grapes for Le Ripi's top Brunello come from a 4-hectare vineyard near Castelnuovo dell'Abate on the eastern side of Montalcino, not far from the Lupi e Sirene vineyard. Amore e Magia first impresses with its beauty in the glass: deep ruby with violet, fuchsia-coloured accents. The nose then reveals a very clear, concise bouquet with a disarming openness that is immediately captivating. We discover candied fruit, raspberries, roasted nuts and Christmas spices, then notes of leather. The first impression on the palate is rather silky and floral, the fine salinity and wonderfully integrated acidity provide vital freshness and the solidly woven tannin builds up with energy and flanks every sip right through to the multi-layered final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Noble, elegant nose, delicate flavours of raspberries, dried tomatoes, undergrowth, ripe cherry on the finish. Very elegant in the mouth, with polished tannins and creamy fruit, well-balanced, keeps coming back, beautiful length and precision, good pressure and fine salt on the finish." Falstaff

"Showing maturing notes of mushroom and woodsy underbrush, this red also reveals ripe cherry, strawberry, almond, iron and sanguine flavors. Firm enough yet approachable, with fine overall balance and length." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Amore e Magia reminds me more of an exotic herbal tea than wine, as notes of incense and jasmine give way to spiced blood orange. This wine soothes with its silky texture and cool acidity. Ripe wild berries flatter the palate, contrasted by a hint of orange towards the end. On the finish, the tannins are grippy and edgy, providing a classic dry feel, while the tart cranberries fade beneath the rosy florals within. Patience is needed; this is a tight, young Brunello that shows off its southern roots." Vinous

The uncompromisingly selected grapes come from the oldest vineyards of the winery. Dark and powerful, yet highly elegant aromas of wild cherries, spices, liquorice, cassis and leather with exceptional balance and purity. A radiant, cosmopolitan Italian. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. Fruity nose, red berry, freshly baked bread, some graphite, sealing wax, still very youthful. On the palate with a hearty attack and course, nobly embedded in the wood, punchy, clear, expressive, will age well, put away." Falstaff

"Delicate and perfumed with cherries and forest fruits as well as strawberries. A touch of coffee. Medium-bodied with crunchy fruit and fine tannins that give a silky texture and lovely length. Fruit with earth and spice. Some raw meat. Enticing now but will be even better in two or three years. Some whole berry and whole cluster fermentation with the sangiovese. Precise." James Suckling

"The 2021 Nardo is elegant, finessed and classy to the core. White pepper, chalk, mint, blood orange, dried flowers and cedar give the 2021 striking aromatic presence and energy. I don’t remember a Nardo with much translucent energy. Readers will want to cellar this for at least a few years." Vinous

This Riserva is only made available each year in very small quantities to hand-picked specialist retailers and top restaurants. Brilliant ruby red colour. Fine raspberry and floral notes dominate the spicy nose. Very juicy on the palate, tannins and acidity are well integrated. Riecines Riserva has length and suppleness right through to the long fruity finish. The elegance and fine melting texture are impressive. Once again, this is Sangiovese at the top level that Riecine is known for! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby colour. Elegant bouquet of ripe blackberry and ribes, with some cloves and white pepper behind it, complex. Harmonious on the palate, beautiful alternation of lively acidity, fine-grained tannin and precise fruit, long." Falstaff

"Youthful carmine red colour. Beautiful, mineral, stony nose with notes of leather and brooding fruit. Juicy, compact and fruity on the palate, with finely chiselled tannins. A very appealing whole that still deserves plenty of time." Jancis Robinson

"The nose is herbaceous, savoury and floral with aromas of earth, moss and wild strawberries. A cascade of berries crashes across the palate, while edgy tannins and ample acidity accentuate undertones of dark chocolate and salt, with a latent heat blazing in the background." Wine Enthusiast

"A refined, balanced and seductive red wine with flavours of cherries, dried flowers, wild herbs and exotic spices. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Refined texture with focus and a juicy core of wild berries that brings vitality and freshness to the flavourful finish." James Suckling

"In the bottle with the copper-coloured wax capsule, the Bio-Riecine 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva shows rich or almost crunchy red fruit. The mouthfeel of the wine is much improved thanks to its medium weight and silky tannins. The wine has a slight stiffness, which is good for it now, especially when served with red meat, and which also makes it suitable for ageing in the cellar. Riecine is one of the most representative wineries in the Gaiole subzone." Wine Advocate

"It already shows an exquisite clarity of wild strawberries, raspberries, coriander and mint blossom, and although it comes across as slender, it has sufficient concentration. It captivates with its vibrancy and graceful flow; the structure blends insidiously with a structured tannin train. Very nice." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is a dark, brooding wine. Sour cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, menthol, liquorice and dried herbs are enhanced in this powerful, strong Gaiole Riserva. Bright mineral notes round off the whole in style. Give this wine a year or two to develop." Vinous

"From the usual, careful selection of the farm's best plots. On the nose, notes of redcurrant, with a hint of eucalyptus and cinnamon and nuances of laurel. On the palate, it is juicy, with spicy tannins, a return of small red fruits and balsamic flavours." Luca Gardini

Barolo Cerretta is a dense, concentrated and energetic expression of Nebbiolo. Red and purple fruit flavours of cassis, dried cranberries and cherries set beautiful accents, but there is also plenty of room for the equally beautiful aromas of liquorice, campfire ash and candied orange peel that play such a deft supporting role. On the palate, it is a brilliant, polished wine with enough tannin to allow it to mature in the cellar for another 10 or 20 years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Classic, delicate colour with an orange rim. It has a youthful nose, fragrant and delicate, with some marzipan and nutty sweetness, less intense than in 2018. With a beautiful juicy style, it presents itself dense and clear on the palate, broad, very harmonious and classically tannic, less fruity than expected. Rather, it appears like a masculine Serralunga with a firm handshake and shows a dense tannic flavour on the finish, very long and balanced." Weinwisser

"Concentrated and delicately perfumed at the same time. Raspberry fruit with a hint of orange. Juicy raspberry fruit on the palate with plenty of supple acidity and beautiful, enveloping tannins that absorb the lush fruit. Complete." Jancis Robinson

"Bright ruby-garnet colour with a shiny core. Deep nose, earth and iron, delicate herbal notes, very subtle hints of raspberry, appears cool, like cold wax. Very full-bodied on the palate, with pronounced, tightly woven tannins, present, long final, juicy on candied oranges." Falstaff

"The Barolo Cerretta 2019 is soft, delicate and noble. Dried rose petals, cinnamon, blood orange, mint and dried flowers complete the layers. This effortless, multi-layered Barolo opens up beautifully with a little time in the glass. It has a wonderful resonance and plenty of class." Vinous

"Baked strawberries and pink flowers on the nose, scented fruity, floral and herbal - lifted and full of aromatic intensity. Supple and charming from the start, intensely juicy - the acidity adds a tangy, sharp note to the cherries and raspberries, while the tannins coat the mouth with a fine powder and support the red berry fruit. Round, generous, bright and really well delineated, you can feel the sinew of this wine, it has muscle but is soft and moulded. A core of savoury minerality, wet stones and olives give the wine a spicy balance and add complexity and interest. A beautiful, elegant glass of wine with nuance." Decanter

Feudo di Mezzo Il Quadro Delle Rose smells of roses and small red berries. It is a heavy, tannic wine that requires a little patience but finds its balance with time. A wine of exceptional finesse with great intellect. SUPERIORE.DE

"This charming red is well-balanced and fresh, firmed by fine-grained tannins and displaying a deftly woven range of wild strawberry and black raspberry, Earl Grey tea, rosehip, minerally stone and spice. Chewy finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo impresses with a dark and rich bouquet that pulls you close with notes of sugar-dusted plums, cloves, spiced citrus peels and hints of pine. It fleshes out across the palate with a salty mix of red berries and wild herbs, more lifted than anticipated yet potent. Grippy tannins mount toward the close. For all of its underlying power, the 2019 tapers off amazingly fresh, yet also structured, with a mix of inner violet and rose. Feudo di Mezzo combines both vivid fruit and the vertical build for a long and steady maturation." Vinous

"Dark spice, new leather, wild berry and eucalyptus are some of the aromas you'll find on this lovely red. Sleek and sultry, the elegant palate offers Marasca cherry, raspberry, cedar and star anise alongside lithe, fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2029." Wine Enthusiast

"A powerful Etna red with plenty of black-cherry and licorice character, plus a robust tannin structure. However, it also has a very exciting, cool and bright side, which comes out ever more clearly at the long, racy finish." James Suckling

Batàr is undoubtedly reminiscent of Burgundy, but with unmistakable Tuscan authenticity. Vintage after vintage, Querciabella's forward-thinking winemaking has evolved beyond the hedonistic idea of growing foreign, albeit noble, white grapes in a stronghold of red wines to focus on expressing a particular sense of place. The Batàr's inherent vitality and classic minerality clearly come from the high-altitude vineyards of Ruffoli and the Galestro soils typical of the best sites in Chianti Classico.

Batàr's legendary ability to defy age and improve over time requires a careful combination of hand-picked Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco grapes, punctual micro-vinification and patient ageing in barrels. The long period on the lees in high-quality French barriques allows the individual batches to develop their best expression. The final assemblage is only put together through extensive sampling once the optimal maturation process has been completed. Further maturation in the bottle before release seals the multi-layered texture that characterises the proverbial mouthfeel of Batàr.

Exudes elegant aromas of jasmine, peach and sweet tropical fruit and a lively minerality. Batàr secures its many admirers with great finesse and opulent diversity and has undoubtedly been one of the best white wines in Italy for decades! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Batàr is airy, fresh and nuanced. Hints of tangerine oil, mint, lemon peel, almond and dried flowers are all nicely lifted in this aromatic, refreshing white. The style continues to move in the direction of energy and vibrancy. These days, there's minimal lees-stirring and just a hint of new oak, a response to changing climate conditions and stylistic preferences. This is beautifully done and also quite expressive, especially for a wine that was just bottled." Vinous

"The Barolo DOCG Parafada is perfect for long ageing and surprising development. Elegant, refined, austere. Vinified in vats, matured in large barrels. Made with Nebbiolo grapes from our vineyard in the MGA Parafada in Serralunga d'Alba." Franco Massolino

Barolo Parafada is fabulous. The natural richness of this site blends with transparency and class to produce a weightless yet powerful, highly nuanced Barolo that hits all the right notes. On the nose, dark cherry, lavender, spices, mint, rose petals and liquorice. And on the palate, it is the interplay of richness and lightness that elevates the Parafada to the realm of the truly sublime. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barolo Parafada 2020 is a delicate, concentrated wine. Bright red fruits, mint, white pepper and crushed herbs are all nicely delineated. This medium-bodied Barolo has class and is very approachable now, but it needs time to show its best side." Vinous

"This Barolo enchants with a captivating blend of herbal notes that include dried thyme, rosemary and a hint of mint. Tart red fruits, such as sour cherry and redcurrant, intertwine with tantalising spices such as cinnamon and clove. The palate is generous and round, offering ample flavours of ripe red berries, fresh herbs and a subtle earthiness reminiscent of damp forest floor. Pleasant, well-integrated tannins provide structure, while the harmonious balance between herbal elements, fruit and earth creates a truly beautiful expression of Nebbiolo." Wine Enthusiast

"A blend of bright cherry and raspberry fruit, eucalyptus, menthol, iron and tobacco heralds this structured yet juicy red wine. Expressive, with the potential to mature. Shows fine balance, complexity and length." Wine Spectator

"Notes of dried raspberries, cherries, dried orange peel and ground spices. Some tar. Medium-bodied, structured and firm, with polished tannins. I like the energy and length of this wine. Round and refined with a bright finish. Very well made." James Suckling

"For the Barolo DOCG Parussi, we left the confines of Serralunga and opted for a vineyard in Castiglione Falletto. Thanks to the characteristics of Nebbiolo, which is perfectly capable of capturing the differences in microclimate and soil composition and translating them into sensations, the result amazed us. Structured, important, austere. Made with Nebbiolo grapes from our vineyard in the MGA Parussi in Castiglione Falletto." Franco Massolino

Parussi is the most open-hearted and fruity Barolo in Massolino's collection. It has a striking immediacy and sweetness in the mid-palate. Juicy red and violet berries, spices and mint combine in the glass. On the palate, Parussi is silky, floral and medium-bodied, displaying all the sensuality typical of Castiglione Falletto's Barolos. Best of all, Parussi can be drunk much earlier than the wines from Serralunga. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby-garnet colour. Very appealing and open nose with notes of pomegranate, cherries and raspberries. Grippy tannins enveloped by fine melting, builds up very well over the course, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Still quite closed and more spicy than fruity. The palate is much more open with lush, supple, fresh fruit and gripping tannins on the finish. Pretty great." Jancis Robinson

"A lively bouquet of tart red cherries, juicy raspberries and delicate purple petals greets your senses when you discover this Barolo. On the palate, a solid fruit core is complemented by well-structured tannins that promise a fascinating development. This harmonious interplay of lively acidity and depth demonstrates the fascination of Nebbiolo." Wine Enthusiast

"The Barolo Parussi 2020 is an elegant, nuanced wine. It shows lovely textural depth and resonance, but in the mid-weight style of the year. Dark red cherry, lavender, rose petal, mint and spice all build beautifully and fill out the layers effortlessly. The 2020 is weightless and elegant, with the understated textural depth that is so typical of this vintage." Vinous

"Vibrant red fruit with subtle floral and citrus notes and a hint of crushed stones. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. Structured and focused with a lingering, expanding aftertaste. Impressive density. Taste after two to three years." James Suckling

Massimo Piccin is living the dream of giving new expression to Bordeaux growths from Bolgheri and producing wines that combine power, elegance and longevity. And so the Sapaio offers its full, vital and tannin-rich style magnificently and allows plenty of time for the finish. Once again, some of the grapes come from Bibbona, i.e. outside the Bolgheri DOC, so that this great wine can only bear the addition Toscana IGT.

Wonderful, animating bouquet of blackcurrants, blueberries, lavender and a delicate hint of chocolate. Firm on the palate, full-bodied, multi-layered with an attractive sweetness of extract, finely woven but very present tannins and a resting, seamless substance that leaves nothing to be desired right through to the long and flavoursome finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim. Finely characterised nose with notes of blackberries and cassis, some cedar wood, fine spice. Shows a lot of present fruit on the palate, cassis and blackberry, opens up with dense tannins, firm pressure." Falstaff

"Reductive and restrained on the nose, with green pepper, violets and cassis infused with spice, it leads to a full, dense, extracted and fierce palate with almost dusty tannins. The wine is savoury, but above all very fresh, pithy and dynamic. The finish is still a little austere and needs more bottle ageing, but it deserves attention in the long term." Decanter

"Impressive depth with lots of dark cherries, black pepper, cocoa powder, roasted red pepper and grilled herbs on the nose. Full-bodied and intense on the palate with lots of silty tannins that meld with the dark fruits and fine spices. Long-lasting and very fine-grained. This wine should drink well over the next ten years." James Suckling

"The Podere Sapaio 2020 Sapaio needs a few moments in the glass before the wine starts to sing. You get a full bouquet that includes ripe fruit, balanced spices, sweet cinnamon, cloves and an earthy note of minerals or gravel. The fruit generously coats the palate with depth, firm structure, integrated tannins and further layers of dark fruit that unfold over time." Wine Advocate

"Rich, supple and expressive, offering black cherry, blackberry, violet, mineral and spice aromas and flavors. This red builds on the palate to the saturated finish, with lively acidity and civilized tannins. Shows fine balance and length, though this is still a bit compact in the end." Wine Spectator

Every year, Barolo Via Nuova proves anew why the blending of several vineyards was the favoured method of Barolo producers until the 1960s, when the fascination with single-vineyard wines began. Its grapes come from the Liste, Terlo, Baudana, Gabutti, Ravera di Monforte and Mosconi cru sites.

And certainly the old days were not so bad: silky and fragrant and with exceptional balance, Via Nuova is a real eye-catcher. On the palate, it has plenty of volume and power with beautiful mineral tones that stand proudly above the dark fruit, cassis and wild roses. A mineral, salty note on the finish, which together with the wonderful acidity gives it freshness and great potential. Wonderful balance and convincing in every respect! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with a fine garnet rim. Seductive nose with lots of sweet fruit of raspberries and plums, some liquorice in the background. Firm, gripping tannins characterise the palate, juicy and with good tension." Falstaff

"A rich, ripe style, boasting cherry, raspberry, iron, tobacco, herb and spice flavors. This is dense, with aggressive tannins tipping the balance slightly in their favor, yet remains long and full of fruit to the end, with fine length." Wine Spectator

"Barolo Via Nuova 2020 opens with a little more dark fruit and ripe berries in this vintage. The wine is a small package of flavours from all sides. There is orange peel, bright cherries and fragrant spring flowers. There are hints of herbs, tar, violets and chalky minerals. The tannins are finely honed and soft." Wine Advocate

"The Barolo Via Nuova 2020 is outstanding. It clearly benefits from a blend of several vineyard sites. Dark cherry, gravel, spice, menthol, liquorice and dried herbs are all present in this powerful, structured Barolo. As always, the blend includes Paiagallo, Liste, Terlo, Gabutti, Baudana, Ravera di Monforte and Mosconi - an approach that works very well. This is an outstanding achievement by Chiara Boschis." Vinous

"Bright and complex nose with excellent depth and complexity. Expect fresh strawberries, white pepper, stones, fine herbs, chalk and even a hint of mezcal. The palate is broad and savoury with fine, chalky tannins that drive it to a long and luscious finish." James Suckling

"On the nose, notes of sour cherry and liquorice root, complemented by hints of eucalyptus and star anise. The sip returns to black fruits and balsamic notes, with a finish of spicy flavours." Luca Gardini

Korem is a wine that perfectly interprets the Argiolas family philosophy: Innovation with deep respect for Sardinian tradition. A wine born from the desire to enhance and perfect the Bovale vine. Bovale is a low-yielding grape variety, as it requires well-aerated soils with excellent exposure. It is refined in Korem by the addition of Carignano and Cannonau, two other traditional Sardinian grape varieties.

Korem shines in deep ruby red from the glass. Intense aromas of black cherry, sandalwood and lavender on the nose. Velvety, full-bodied, warm and round in the mouth. A refined top wine that impressively reflects the great potential of the family winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"I love the aromas of blackberries, graphite and walnut with cedar. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine, showing class and sophistication. Creamy and finely textured. Needs three to four years to soften." James Suckling

The classic Habemus with its white label is probably the most famous wine of the exceptional Roman winemaker Emanuele Pangrazi. This may not only be due to its extreme quality, but also to the relatively large production of 9,000 bottles per vintage for the boutique winery, which should ensure a certain distribution at least in international connoisseur circles. Habemus is one of the 100 best wines in Italy every year and, with its style inspired by the great wines of the Rhone, at least casts a small but very bright light on the wine region of Lazio, which is otherwise not particularly conspicuous in terms of exceptional wines.

Intense, almost impenetrable ruby red. In the expansive bouquet aromas of black cherries, blackberries, spices, smoke, tobacco, lavender and crushed stones. The palate is full-bodied and complex with remarkable concentration and depth. Habemus is beautifully balanced with a velvety texture and a wonderful sense of freshness that lasts until the long, expansive finish full of dark fruits and lavender notes. SUPERIORE.DE

This strictly limited Riserva is only bottled in the best years. The bouquet is perfect and profound with aromas of dried fruit, blackberries, white smoke and crushed rock. Wonderfully structured on the palate with exact proportions and an almost weightless elegance that makes it one of the best red wines in southern Italy. Still youthfully intense, it still has plenty of time ahead of it. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Crushed raspberries and sour cherries on the nose with chalky, mineral notes and a hint of cooked rhubarb. Supple raspberry fruit with finely honed, long tannins still making their mark and interspersed with oak. Elegant weight on the palate. Very long with a long oak note. Modern approach." Jancis Robinson

"A rich, focused red with a spicy, sanguine edge to the fruit flavours of crushed cherries, black plums and raspberries. Offers a lively profile that coats the firm, chewy tannins well, while accents of stone, dried thyme and sage, orange peel and pink peppercorns linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, deep fruit notes of dried figs, plums and mulberries both accentuate and push back on dominant aromas of grilled meat and pepper. The fruit brightens on the palate, but an enduring earthy spiciness maintains depth, while strong yet polished tannins glide into an unexpectedly fresh, saline finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Honestly, it's hard to put this glass down. The Aglianico del Vulture Superiore Riserva Titolo 2018 seduces with a bouquet that brings the taster back down to earth, blending musky tones of animals, incense and grilled herbs with mint and spiced oranges. It coats the palate with a texture of pure silk and seems to float with its medium weight. A saturation of citrusy black fruits slowly builds, accented by inner sage and lavender tones. The 2018 feels nervous on the finish, structured and balanced yet full of tension, like a bomb waiting to explode. Sweet spice and liquorice notes slowly fade away. Elena Fucci has taken the Superiore Riserva Titolo to a whole new level. Forty-eight hours later, it still sings. The 2018 is still a baby in terms of development, but it's almost impossible to resist it now." Vinous

Lagrein Sanct Valentin is the extremely popular mountain wine of South Tyrol in excellent Riserva quality. Deep dark red, complex aromas of coffee, cocoa and wild berries, full-bodied taste, strong and chocolaty. A dense, robust red wine with fine extract sweetness and good length. SUPERIORE.DE

Vernaccia di Oristano Antico Gregori Riserva was not only named dessert wine of the year in Gambero Rosso 2021, but was also given a vintage for the first time in this edition. Since this year it was possible to fill a little more than in other years, this year they did without the normally undertaken assemblage of the best vintages of the last century. Nevertheless, or precisely because of this, it became a breathtaking wine that leaves nothing to be desired in terms of intensity, ripeness and depth! SUPERIORE.DE

Ornus dell'Ornellaia, the sweet, golden-coloured late harvest from Petit Manseng, has an extraordinarily complex bouquet with clear notes of ripe tropical fruit, dried apricots and blossom honey. The palate is multi-layered and intense with an impressive balance between suppleness, self-confident fruit and precise, lively acidity. In the endless finish, subtle notes of toasted oak and crème brûlée. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Ornellaia 2021 Ornus dell'Ornellaia is all Petit Manseng. This is an unexpected dessert wine with a note of mossy peat, forest floor or button mushroom that adds an extra layer to the bouquet. Otherwise, you get plenty of dried fruit, honey and candied fruit over a medium-weight finish. The acidity and the residual sugar of the wine are well balanced." Wine Advocate

"An elegant white dessert wine that exudes aromas of apricot, orange blossom, honey and caramel. The core flavours are rather grapey, with accents of honey and spices. The lively acidity keeps it fresh and long on the finish, where a hint of orange peel shines through." Wine Spectator

"Dried peach and apricot. A hint of caramel. Lemon peel and orange peel. Medium to full body, very sweet but so energetic with very low pH and lively acidity. Some phenolic flavour. Tension and excitement." James Suckling

"A", as it is called in the winery, represents the qualitative peak of Schiopetto. This wine is made from Chardonnay grapes and a small part of Friulano, which come from a historic single vineyard site of the winery in the Colli Orientali and achieve a unique expression. A perfect synthesis between the expressiveness of Chardonnay and the aromatic complexity of Friulano, this white wine shows the quintessence and full personality of the Friulian territory and is dedicated to Mario Schiopetto. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a very serious chardonnay with subtle aromas of apple pie, flint and lemon curd. Holding back, but enticing you with every scent. Full-bodied with density and energy and lots of flavors, yet it’s dry and racy at the end." James Suckling

Piancornello's Riserva delivers a classic Brunello bouquet, combining earthy elements of leather and potting soil with dark plum fruit. These equally sweet and savoury sides are skilfully interwoven, and the rich, concentrated fruit helps to smooth out the full-bodied flavours. An action that is crowned with success, because as a result the Riserva presents itself with an impressive, enhanced overall intensity. The great interplay aptly reflects the beauty of Brunello. It is a magnificent wine with great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Plum, dried-berry, cherry and rose-stem aromas follow through to a medium body with firm, silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows length and structure, yet a creamy mouth-feel. Lovely craftsmanship to this. Drink in 2024 and onwards." James Suckling

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva pulls you close with a bouquet of fresh tobacco and brown spice that evolves further to let dried cherries, roses and cedar shavings come to the fore. This is dark and youthfully inward, with dense waves of red and black fruits carried across velvety textures. Salty minerals combine with fine-grained tannins, creating tension toward the close, as brisk acids work to maintain balance, giving way to a long and structured yet fresh finale. The 2016 Riserva is a dark beauty of a wine that will require some time to reveal all of its charms." Vinous

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is faithful to Sangiovese with perfumed aromas of crushed flower, ferrous earth, redcurrant and grilled rosemary. This pretty wine is nicely balanced and elegant with a mid-weight approach and a terrific sense of aromatic purity and delivery. That underlying power does continue to the palate, where the wine is tightly stitched together and quite determined in length. The tannins do a good job of keeping the wine tight and focused. This is another impressive effort from Piancornello." Wine Advocate

Since its debut in 1988, Il Blu has been the result of constant striving for perfection. With ultra-fine tannins and a smooth and full finish, this full-bodied wine captivates with its complexity and elegance. Il Blu is made from only the best hand-picked and selected grapes from the two vineyards in the Chianti region. Although Sangiovese plays a leading role in the blend, its influence and signature contribute significantly to the overall identity of this special wine.

Rich, unfathomable ruby red. Explosive aromas of black cherries and blackberries on the nose. The texture is wonderfully balanced, on the palate Il Blu presents itself fresh, persistently powerful and with wonderfully articulated tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with a subtly lightening rim. Spicy, noble nose of ripe sour cherries, blackcurrants and elegant use of wood. Juicy on the palate, with clear, well-developed fruit, with still young tannin, still needs some time, salty and punchy on the final." Falstaff

"This is an organic blend that enjoys near iconic status here in Tuscany. Thanks to its long track record, you can count on this Tuscan blended red to deliver top quality. The Brancaia 2020 Il Blu is a full-bodied red with sweet fruit flavors and a rich, velvety texture." Wine Advocate

"Shows a resinous note from the oak that envelops ripe black cherry, plum, leather, mineral and tobacco flavors. This red just keeps building in intensity and fruit on the palate, ending with a succulent, fruit- and spice-infused aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Il Blu is superb. Dark and mysterious at first, the Blu offers up an exotic mélange of blue fruits, mocha, new leather, licorice and lavender. Bright acids play off some of the more over leanings beautifully. Il Blu has long been one of the most distinctive wines in Chianti Classico. The 2020 is another fine edition of Il Blu." Vinous

"Attractive blueberries, brambles and cherries with spiced orange peel and lilac blossom, as well as some smoky dark spices and cocoa. Full, concentrated and very tense, with tightly packed but very polished and fine tannins. Shows a succulence and vibrancy to the fruit with a mineral, slightly chalky finish." James Suckling