Wine

The grapes for Roberto's "entry-level Barolo" come from four of his best vineyards, which are harvested a few weeks earlier than those reserved for his Grand Crus. It is also the most balanced of his Barolo wines, even if the fruit and acidity are anything but restrained, but the proportions are just right here. The structure is great, its length and elegance inspiring - the refined layered components such as raspberry, cherry and its subtle salty vein make it without doubt one of the most serious wines of the entire appellation - a real Voerzio for comparatively little money. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of plum, strawberry, orange peel, and loam with hints of cedar and hazelnut. Flowers, too. Full body, juicy fruit and a tangy finish. A combination of ripeness and pure fruit. Flavorful at the end." James Suckling

Chiara Boschi's Cannubi 2020 beguiles on the nose with layers of fragrant fruit. A sensual Barolo and yet quite typical in its vineyard character. Soft, silky tannins frame the long finish. A wonderful wine, characterised by its balance and above all by the sweetness of its tannins. Very full-bodied, focussed and with great length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exciting attack of stone fruit, dried flowers and herbs; powerful texture, combines character and polish, has length and ends on complex notes of forest fruits and spices." Vinum

"Sparkling, rich ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Initially of tea and rose petals, then blackberry and wild raspberry, some graphite in the background. Lots of red berry fruit, especially black cherry, then gripping tannin, gives the wine depth, savoury and long." Falstaff

"The Barolo Cannubi 2020 is elegant, silky and nuanced. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, cinnamon and orange peel give this medium-bodied, restrained Barolo a remarkable aromatic presence. All elements are beautifully balanced throughout. The 2020 is a lovely wine, but a lighter style even for Cannubi. The lighter body makes the tannins seem a little austere. It will be interesting to see how it develops." Vinous

"The talented Chiara Boschis has created a jewel from this cru in 2020. Pure mint and liquorice scents with deep notes of dried cherries, leather and blood orange. Very elegant with great persistence and a classic finish." Decanter

"A well of pure cherry bubbles up in this red, complemented by rose, strawberry, mineral, wet pine and underbrush aromas and flavors. Though exuding finesse, this is layered with chalky tannins, yet still extends with a kaleidoscope of red fruit, mineral and savory notes on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Nervous and complex nose with excellent depth. Oranges, nutmeg, steel, minerals and a hint of white pepper and oyster shells. Broad and expansive on the palate with very structured, chalky tannins that expand into a long, mineral finish. Long and youthful." James Suckling

"Chiara Boschi's 2020 Barolo Cannubi is a fine and delicate wine, even if it is a little more pithy and rich in this warm vintage. The quality of the fruit is exceptional, especially the crisp ripeness. Dark cherry, blackcurrant, rose petal, pink pepper and white limestone add considerable notes. The freshness is great and the fruit remains juicy, leading to a long, elegant finish. Only 4,000 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"A wine of density, tension and crispness. On the nose, notes of cranberry, hints of blood orange and liquorice root, with a powerful finish of wild mint. Salty, juicy tannins on the palate, with a return of small red fruits and mentholated notes." Luca Gardini

Paleo Rosso - unmistakable Cabernet Franc and one of Bolgheri's most important wines, full of elegance and class. The name is unspectacularly derived from a weed that has long since been removed from the vineyards of Le Macchiole. Rich ruby red colour with violet reflections. Mint, white pepper, blackberry fruit and a hint of pomegranate on the nose. Finely melting on the palate with hints of tobacco and poppy seeds. Wonderfully structured and with a long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich bouquet, characterised by hints of iron, which combine with ethereal medicinal notes to create a recognisable signature. Tobacco, fir wood and dark herbs characterise the distinctive expression of this top wine. On the palate, it is gripping with an elegant structure, emphasising an expressive yet subtle spiciness, a real spicy orgy of exotic spices, cardamom, cloves and slightly smoky peppers. Cabernet Franc at its finest, eternally salty and savoury aftertaste. Great cinema." Weinwisser

"Intensely reflective ruby-purple colour. Opens on the nose with pronounced spicy notes of graphite and cedar, then black cherry, dark currants and white pepper. Grippy, gripping tannins characterise the palate, dark fruit components, with an emphatically spicy final." Falstaff

"Precise, with accents of herbs and peppers in the blackcurrant, black olive, iron and tobacco flavours. Shows subliminal vanilla and spice elements from the discreet use of new oak, which unfold with harmony and finesse on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Lots of black berries and black olives with blackcurrants and rosemary. Full-bodied, chewy and rich with intense tannins and a long, powerful finish. Muscular and taut." James Suckling

"Its aroma is a heady combination of leafy and cedar scents, saturated with vibrant graphite minerality, citrus fruit and liquorice depth. On the palate, this is supported by tremendous extraction and power, with firm, oaky tannins and a graphite aftertaste of astonishing elegance." Decanter

"The Le Macchiole 2020 Paleo is one of the best Cabernet Francs in Italy. It is very dense and richly concentrated, with an amount of dark fruit that can only be broken down by slow maturation in the cellar. Paleo is always a wine for the long haul. The oak needs time to integrate and focus. Even at this young stage, the quality of the tannins and the precise ripeness of the fruit are convincing. A hint of sweet cherry, exotic spice and dark chocolate ensure a long finish." Wine Advocate

"The Paleo Rosso 2020 is noble, elegant and wonderfully polished. Crushed flowers, spices and blood orange lend it brightness. The Paleo Rosso impresses with its medium-bodied structure and offers great depth. It has performed very well in the past. I assume that this will also be the case here, as the 2020 radiates balance from start to finish. The 2020 matured for 18 months in 100% French oak and 5% of the wine was aged in amphorae." Vinous

"A firework of pepper lights up the nose, from black pepper to green peppercorns and hot chilli. Undertones of flint and leather intensify the spiciness, while flavours of raspberry jam and vanilla provide balance. On the palate, the spiciness remains, with biting, assertive acidity, but a sweetness lingers, and a finish of chilli and chocolate ties it all together. Transcendent." Wine Enthusiast

After a year's break, the new edition of the long-awaited Brunello Annata comes onto the market with the outstanding 2019 vintage. Initially restrained on the nose, with a little coaxing in the glass it reveals a beautiful blend of fragrant black cherries, mentholated spices, wild herbs, white smoke and a hint of leather. On the palate, silky, enveloping textures, contrasted by cool red and black fruits, plus lively acids that emphasise the spicier and sweeter side of the wine and glide endlessly on the final with fine tannins and minerals. We can already recognise a harmony here that makes us eagerly anticipate the further development of this wonderful wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Valdicava was rewarded in 2019 with both quality and quantity. Rather than racing out of the gate, this expresses methodically. Fresh berries are offset by dried florals, tea, tobacco and cedar. Perfumes of orange oil and rose build on the palate, bestowing brightness and a more youthful mien. Tannins are fine-grained yet firm, accentuated by steely acidity. Overall elegant in flow." Decanter

"This displays a mix of fruity and savory flavors, with notes of cherry, raspberry, rose hip, leather and earth. Pliable tannins emerge on the finish, yet this is balanced and long overall, with freshness and elegance." Wine Spectator

"Aromatic with black cherries, oranges and cedar. Very perfumed. Medium to full body. Firm tannins. The wood is showing a bit now but will come through nicely. This is a structured and toned red. Give this three or four years more in bottle." James Suckling

If you stumble across a vineyard qua fate, then you might as well move on. Luca Roagna, however, did what he had to do. He inherited this old vineyard, which was completely planted with Timorasso, and since it immediately became clear to him to do something useful with it, and he did not know anything about this historic grape variety, he asked Walter Massa, who has been dedicated to this rare variety for decades, without further ado. And so, after a few years, he succeeded in making a wine from it that can more than compete with those of his teacher!

Radiant, clear stagnant yellow. In the nose quince, citrus and a potpourri of yellow fruits. On the palate, this saltiness is paired with a well-dosed wood spice. The long maceration time gives this great white wine power and endurance. Fine astringency is paired with a pressure that gives this wine - paired with well-dosed acidity and always very present fruit - the uniqueness that makes it at least equal to the great whites of the Loire or Burgundy, even in direct comparison. And yet it bears the individual Roagna signature: a style that cannot be found in France or in other Piedmont vineyards. And that really means something, since the white wines of this noble Italian region are getting better from year to year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino is ethereal and light on its feet. More importantly, Luca Roagna coaxes a level of textural finesse that is not common with Timorasso, all while retaining the grape's phenolic feel. Mint, dried lemon peel, almond, sage, lime and yellow flavors all develop in this savory, vibrant dry white." Vinous

Once upon a time, there was a vineyard that was particularly spoilt by the Montalcino sun; it still bears the name Vigna Loreto to this day. Only in the best vintages does a Brunello come from this exposed site that is bursting with richness, complexity and assertiveness. It possesses a textural depth and balance that is captivating. Fruit, spice and very unique nuances such as savoury herbs, liquorice, tobacco and a firm tannin make this impressive wine monument linger on the palate and in the memory for a long time. With every sip, it opens up further layers and you might almost sink into it, such is the shift in the boundaries of what is comparable. The 2019 Vigna Loreto is not only extremely elegant, but also profound and almost outrageously juicy. SUPERIORE.DE

"Opulent nose with woody spice, backed by ripe red and blue fruits (redcurrants, wild berries) with ethereal herbal aromas, also floral notes such as lavender. Rich palate with intense fruit, ripe and taut, framed by grippy, polished tannins and supporting freshness." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby-garnet colour with a brightening rim. Opens with notes of smoke and tobacco, then lots of pomegranate and plum, light mineral components. Present tannin on the palate, which is very well integrated over the course, firm pressure, lots of juicy fruit." Falstaff

"Overlooking the River Orcia, the south-east-facing Loreto vineyard rises 400 metres above sea level. Tasted alongside the estate's Brunello, it definitely shows a greater stage presence. Intense plum and cherry flavours intertwine with exotic spices, chinotto and sweet herbs. The inner flavours of the vintage are in the foreground and emphasise the compact fruit. The gravelly tannins support the whole, but are more elegant than powerful. The wine finishes with a hint of liquorice." Decanter

"Blackberries, menthol, sage, stone dust and cloves characterise the youthful, restrained 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto. It flows lightly across the palate, silky with depths of ripe raspberries and sour cherries, while fine-grained tannins saturate the finish. The finish is savoury and long, structured yet lively and stimulates the imagination with its future potential. Hints of cocoa, lavender and topical leaf linger and seem to last well over a minute. I am impressed." Vinous

"This wine shows cracked white pepper and wet slate, giving you a clear sense of place. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto is precise and well-defined, but as the wine opens up, you get interludes of ripe fruit, blackcurrant and oak spice. The wine is multi-faceted with many layers and angles. The palate is bright cherry with good length that leads into fine, chalky tannins. This wine offers an authentic flavour of Montalcino." Wine Advocate

"A soil with tufa prevalence that gives this Brunello great tension. Red mulberry, notes of lemon thyme and peony. Salty tannins on the palate finish with thyme and floral notes." Luca Gardini

Bricco della Bigotta smells of cherries, cinnamon, black pepper and a hint of tobacco. On the palate, great finesse and harmonious balance between acidity and alcohol. Lingers long with character and class. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby with a slight violet shimmer. Very intense and deep nose of dark wild raspberries and black cherries, in the background cinnamon and some red beet. Round and mouth-filling on the palate, showing lots of ripe cherry fruit, embedded in fine melting, unfolds elegantly and with persistence." Falstaff

"Aromas of baked plum, baking spice and mocha emerge from the glass. The bold, full-bodied palate offers cherry marinated in spirits, white pepper and cocoa alongside smooth tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Like all the Barberas from Braida in this flight, the alcohol content is recorded at a hefty 15.5% here, but the 2018 Barbera d'Asti Bricco della Bigotta shows a lot more ripeness, sweetness and rich concentration across the board. This expression is just heavier and denser. You sink your teeth into this red wine. There is oak spice and toasted cinnamon, and the wine carries extra fruit weight." Wine Advocate

50 & 50 - Tuscan cult wine made from 50 per cent Merlot from Avignonesi and 50 per cent Sangiovese from Capannelle. Bright ruby colour with a fine garnet rim. Elegant, very elegant nose with clear notes of ripe cherries, some blackberry, wonderfully balanced. Full-bodied on the palate, shows plenty of fruit, then develops a densely structured tannin, long final with subtle tobacco and pomegranate notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of red fruit, cedar, mushrooms and bark follow through to a full body with layers of tannins and a fruity and crunchy finish. Medium- to full-bodied. Dense and layered with lots going on. A blend of 50% merlot (Avignonese) and 50% sangiovese (Capannelle)This needs three or four years to come together." James Suckling

Scarrone Vigna Vecchia" has been certified organic since the 2019 vintage. Multi-layered aroma with notes of wild berries, chocolate and mint, lots of power, fruit and fullness on the palate, spicy-opulent final. A Barbera that can and should mature. The small edition of this exquisite extract from just under 1.4 hectares of vineyard is usually sold out in no time at all. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wow, this wine is all about concentration and power. This is due to several factors, including firstly the hot vintage and secondly the great age of these precious vines. Just remember that they were planted in 1918, during the final offensive of the First World War. The Vietti 2020 Barbera d'Alba Scarrone Vigna Vecchia has a deep black appearance and is certainly not shy about its thickness and density. The wine coats the palate with baked fruit and blackberry jam. This is an extreme expression of Barbera, but considering the nuances, the wine also shows very careful balance." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Barbera d'Alba Scarrone Vigna Vecchia captures all the magic of the old vines in this cru from Castiglione Falletto. Black cherry, plum, liquorice, incense, melted road tar and spices combine in a Barbera of unusual complexity, power and elegance. Again, the purity of the flavours is downright compelling." Vinous

"Concentrated aromas of black cherry, cinnamon, black tea and rosebud are found in the glass. The palate is a study in both richness of fruit and lifted elegance as the lush cherry and blackberry flavors set the stage but are then bolstered by the vibrant acidity and sweet and savory spices. It's well-balanced and supremely structured." Wine Enthusiast

Granato has been an exceptional Teroldego for years: It convinces in the bouquet with its rich balsamic scent of sour cherries and red currants. Extract-rich and intense, powerful and extremely precise on the palate. A great wine that reflects the long-standing consistency and competence of this winemaker. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Teroldego Granato is so youthful yet so beautiful, rising from the glass with an infectiously spicy bouquet that is at times autumnal, at times savoury, mingling with dark red fruits. The palate is flooded with a wave of intense raspberries and wild berries that quickly saturate, but with a hint of sour citrus for a nice balance. A pretty inner sweetness lingers as it finishes structured and remarkably long with a refreshing hint of inner rose and wild strawberry that lingers on. It's powerful but also elegant and perfectly balanced for a long evolution." Vinous

"This wine shows deep red and dark berries with peppery notes, dark chocolate, hibiscus and grapefruit peel. Just a hint of cedar and smoked herbs. Full and concentrated, so stable and dense with lively, finely honed tannins and vibrant acidity giving the wine power and highlighting the savoury fruit and minerality. Very long and tense." James Suckling

"Iconic wine, one of the expressive peaks of Teroldego. Fermentation in open oak vats, ageing in acacia and cement casks, great freshness on the nose, redcurrants, touches of wild mint and rhubarb, on the palate it is dense-sweet, with a fruity-balsamic return and a finish on underbrush notes." Luca Gardini

Luce Brunello is dark and impenetrable, as always in its more international style. On the palate, it delivers ripe and round fruit flavours of blackberries and plums with plenty of opulence, power and breed. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and full-bodied, this juicy red shows aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and Mediterranean scrub, with hints of graphite, underpinned by muscular tannins that come through on the finish. Very balanced overall." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is generous and open in personality. It shows sweet cherries, dried raspberries, spices and fragrant roses." Wine Advocate

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Quite restrained on the nose, then opens up with notes of rose petals and tea, rich spicy components in the background. Firm and grippy on the palate, shows plenty of grippy tannin, substantial and structured, but still needs longer ageing." Falstaff

"A finely structured and concentrated Brunello with a complex palette of cherries, blackberries, dried roses, bark, liquorice and a hint of praline. Also iodine and oyster shells. Medium to full body with firm, very fine tannins. Nice texture and balance. Remains fresh and fine until the end. To be tasted from 2025." James Suckling

Franchetti Rosso is Passopisciaro's flagship and a breathtakingly perfect wine. The grapes come from vineyards 1000 metres above sea level in the north of Etna, where the soils consist of ash and pumice. Franchetti is a ripe, exotic wine that envelops the palate with dark fruit flavours. Refined tannins support the fruit, while an intense inner sweetness lends elegance and finesse. A thoroughly outstanding wine with wonderful development potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, impenetrable ruby colour, deep dark. Shows rich notes of blueberry and mulberry on the nose, also some cassis, cloves and smoke in the background. Lots of dark fruit on the palate too, then opens up with fine tannins, builds for a long time, pithy and with firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Purplish in the glass, this wine displays restrained black fruit with blueberries and soft pepperiness. The palate is very savory, with generous but fresh fruitiness, chewy tannins and refreshing acidity. Very crunchy overall, with a medium body and a warming finish." James Suckling

"The 2022 Franchetti is dark and brooding in the glass as mentholated herbs and white smoke give way to dried blackberries, earth tones and a hint of white pepper. This is velvety and supple, enveloping the palate with a cloak of ripe red and black fruits as a growing tension develops beneath the surface, mixing salty minerals with fine tannins. Brilliant acidity maintains fantastic balance as the 2022 finishes spicy and long. There’s a classic feel to its structural components, closing with an air of violet inner florals. In 2022, the Franchetti is a blend of 70% Petit Verdot and 30% Cesanese d’Affile." Vinous

"From Petit Verdot and Cesanese d'Affile grown in contrada Guardiola, Franchetti 2022 has such a complex aroma, consisting of damp earth, wild mint, rose, lavender, dark chocolate, dark cherry and strawberry jam. In the mouth it's tightly coiled and full of energy, with fine tannins and succulent fleshy red and blue berries contained within its vertical profile, just waiting to burst free. There's a lovely rolling wave of acidity which persists on the blackcurrant and spice finish." Decanter

Coltassala Gran Selezione is an impeccable representative of the royal class in Chianti Classico. The immensely fragrant bouquet shows black fruits, spices and ploughed earth. All the aromas are on the dark and spicy side, but the wine always remains fresh, dense, buoyant and very linear. Shows rich volume and a strong personality and precision. SUPERIORE.DE

"As always at this young stage, the wood notes accompany the fine and bright fruit; the strengths lie in the inner tension, the elegance, the solid style of the fine tannin and the eternal length. Confirms the upward trend of this great classic, which has been organically farmed since 2000." Weinwisser

"Charismatic attack of cherries and black pepper, delicately tinged with liquorice notes; the tannins youthful, the acidity perfectly integrated, plenty of richness and power through to the long complex final." Vinum

"The organic Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala 2019 is 95% Sangiovese with a tiny 5% Mammolo. The production is 9,000 bottles in this vintage. The wine shows medium fruit weight with a nice blend of creamy black fruits, Christmas spices and crushed stone or granite. The wine is both fruity and contemporary." Wine Advocate

"Bright ruby red. In the nose initially fine mint, some fruit tea, also fine liquorice, in the aftertaste of ripe blackberries and cardamom. On the palate with clear, radiant fruit, tense powerful tannin, also on the palate with ripe berry fruit, in the final with delicate earthy-spicy nuances, grippy." Falstaff

"Aromas of black cherries and citrus fruits with some graphite and smoke. Medium-bodied with firm, juicy tannins that are still chewy now but will soften with age. Racy and long on the finish. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"Lovely cherry, raspberry and floral aromas and flavours take centre stage in this graceful red wine. Lively and elegant, with well-integrated tannins and a long, supple, mineral finish. In about 5 to 6 years, this wine will be truly charming." Wine Spectator

"An exceptional Gran Selezione from Volpaia, sourced from the winery's historic vines and clones. On the nose, red raspberry, hints of rhubarb and juniper, then balsamic eucalyptus. Salty-sweet on the palate, with a fruity finish and balsamic notes, very long lasting." Luca Gardini

Villa dei Misteri - a wine with historical roots and forward-looking flavours: this Pompeiano Rosso is vinified from the limited Piedirosso grapes that now grow in the ruins of the Pompeii archaeological site. Generous, bright and fruity aromas of raspberries, spices and a hint of pepper. Concentrated and persistent flavour with fine tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

If you stumble across a vineyard by fate, then you might as well keep going. Luca Roagna, however, did what he had to do. He inherited this old vineyard, which was planted entirely with Timorasso, and as he immediately realised that he wanted to do something useful with it and was unfamiliar with this historic grape variety, he quickly asked Walter Massa, who had been dedicated to this rare variety for decades. And so, after just a few years, he succeeded in making a wine from it that more than rivalled those of his teacher!

Brilliant, clear straw yellow colour. Quince, citrus and a potpourri of yellow fruit on the nose. On the palate, this salinity is paired with a well-dosed woody flavour. The long maceration time gives this great white wine strength and persistence. Fine astringency is combined with a pressure that gives this wine - paired with well-dosed acidity and always very present fruit - the uniqueness that makes it at least equal to the great whites of the Loire or Burgundy, even in direct comparison. And yet it bears the individual Roagna signature: a style that cannot be found either in France or in other Piedmont vineyards. And that is really saying something, as the white wines from this noble Italian region are improving from year to year. SUPERIORE.DE

"This savory white features malt, honey, earth and bitter grapefruit flavors, all surrounding a core of peach fruit. Both tangy, courtesy of the acidity, and salty, with a long, mineral aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino from Luca Roagna is a wonderful, exotic white wine. Notes of lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers and herbs develop wonderfully over time. Attractive floral hints and silky contours lend this creamy, multi-layered Timorasso remarkable finesse." Vinous

Vigna San Marcellino Gran Selezione is both youthfully fresh and ripe and complexly muscular. It contains a healthy dose of the deeply coloured Pugnitello grape, and on the nose liquorice, tarragon and broom mingle with lush plum and subtle roasted aromas that are highly seductive in their complexity. Deep, taut and lively on the palate, loaded with black cherry and rich, velvety tannins. The texture is silky, while subtle chalky notes and a salty minerality give it plenty of energy and lead it into a juicy, refreshing finish. Vigna San Marcellino is a convincing wine with enormous ageing potential every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby red colour. Clearly sweet blood orange, sour cherries and black pepper on the nose, followed by an aroma of dark chocolate. Juicy, ripe cherry fruit on the palate, pleasant acidity with soft tannins, elegant and long finish." Falstaff

"Lots of Sangiovese with some Pugnitello from the vineyard of the same name: engaging bouquet of black cherries and lilac, spicy notes; the lively acidity and the excellent, still youthful tannins are well balanced, the finish is long on notes of redcurrants and minerality." Vinum

"Beautiful complexity and spice, with walnuts, grilled citrus, plums and sweet spices. Full-bodied yet quite restrained, with fine, dusty tannins and a long finish. Polished." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto San Marcellino 2019 is a dark, brooding wine. Black cherry, leather, smoke, incense and tobacco contribute to an impression of seriousness and pure power. This is a particularly dark, virile edition of San Marcellino. Give it a few years to mature." Vinous

"Aromas and flavours of violets, blackcurrants and black cherries take centre stage in this supple, energetic yet elegant red wine. Vibrant and straightforward, with a firm line of tannins and great length on the iron-rich finish. It ends with fruity, mineral and spicy notes and shows solid grip." Wine Spectator

Just 3,500 bottles are produced from the oldest vines of the Salco vineyard and are only sold in the best vintages. In the glass, we are delighted by an extremely elegant Sangiovese with a very harmonious texture and very classic, earthy-spicy notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cherries and chocolate jump off the nose before earthy aromas take over, from mushrooms to dirt to underbrush and moss. The palate echoes these notes, carrying them through a long mocha-infused finish with rigid, durable tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The haunting dark and floral 2019 Nobile di Montepulciano Vecchie Viti del Salco combines exotic spices with crushed dried flowers, spiced cherries and ginger nuances. It is extremely silky, with no hard edges in sight. A polished wave of ripe red berries washes over the palate, leaving a hint of minerality and fine tannins. The 2019 is powerful and incredibly long, with a primary concentration that lasts until the long and structured final. Made from 100% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) from thirty-five year old vines, it's a real stunner." Vinous

Poggio Rosso Gran Selezione has an enormous abundance of fruit that is beautifully layered. A very beautiful interpretation of the Sangiovese grape with a dense core and plenty of padding around it. Rich ruby-garnet colour, very fine texture and structure on the palate, which only reveals itself fully with the necessary time in the glass. It is full of tension and power in its youth, the acidity and the well-built tannins are programmed for development, as it will only develop its full elegance and greatness in a few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Playful nose of small forest fruits and flowers; precise structure, acidity and tightly woven tannins well integrated, beautiful polish, persistent finish. Convinces with its elegance." Vinum

"Sour cherries, cigars, walnuts and a hint of aniseed on the nose, followed by a medium to full-bodied and flavourful palate. Beautifully framed by fine tannins. I like the spiciness on the long, delicious finish." James Suckling

"One of the highlights of a very reliable winery, comes from a careful selection of the vineyard of the same name. On the nose, nuances of blackberry, followed by cinnamon, laurel and rhubarb. The palate is savoury, with hints of fruit and spices." Luca Gardini

Cepparello is one of the great varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Brilliant ruby red colour. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed, enveloping flavour, which provides a perfectly measured acidity framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and full of finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Starts with a lot of esprit on warm-scented berry and flower flavours; complex attack, the acidity and the fine-grained tannins in perfect balance, salty-mineral nuances, the final opulent and yet full of elegance. Should be left for a few more years." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby colour of medium density. Finely characterised nose, with notes of raspberry and dark cherries, plus some eucalyptus. Juicy from the beginning to the end, shows plump cherry fruit, some blackberry, present tannin in many fine layers, pomegranate on the final." Falstaff

"Despite its medium-weight structure, the Cepparello 2021 is a restrained, tight-knit wine. Today, the 2021 still seems quite nervous and lean, even for a young Cepparello. It will be interesting to see how it develops with a little more time in the bottle. I really like the energy of this wine." Vinous

"Plum, cherry and pomegranate fruit are framed by toasted oak and mineral flavours in this lively and juicy red wine that offers plenty of energy, with elements of tar and oak on the lingering finish. It shows good balance, with the dense tannins leaving room for the fruit at the end. Needs time." Wine Spectator

"The Isole e Olena 2021 Cepparello, one of Tuscany's flagship wines, immediately offers ripe fruit flavours that are firm, even crisp, which bodes well for the future development of this classic vintage. The wine is packed with tart fruit flavours, followed by balanced acidity. Compared to previous vintages, which are more extracted and dense, this vintage is delightfully bright and transparent. I appreciate the age-worthy path Cepparello is taking." Wine Advocate

"In this vintage, the Cepparello shows very restrained notes of red cherries, dried violets and plenty of stony minerality. There is a fleshy and spicy character in the depths. Overall very precise and integrated. The palate is dominated by velvety tannins that have a chalky, even dusty texture, with a full body, amazing concentration and very refreshing acidity. The finish is bright and focused on cherry stones. A good wine for longer ageing. Possibly one of the best Cepparello ever." James Suckling

Cherry accentuated bouquet with hints of violet blossoms, clove, cigar box and a pleasant spicy sweetness. Dense and expressive on the palate, it opens vibrantly and multilayered and then reveals a beautiful load of black cherry, exotic spices and a fine salty vein. The perfectly balanced tannin always provides the necessary balance and gives it a racy, very long finish with its exceedingly refined flavour components. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep ruby red. Perfumed, spicy nose with mineral notes. Fine polished fruit that is really fresh. Long, grainy tannins. Lush and fresh at the same time." Jancis Robinson

"The Castiglion del Bosco 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is robust and powerful from the start, showing broad shoulders and plenty of muscle. But at the end of the day, the wine's concentration remains on the medium to medium-bodied side of the spectrum. It remains firmly within the confines of Sangiovese. Dark fruits and blackcurrants segue into savoury notes of toasted spices, black olives, earth and rusty nails." Wine Advocate

"In the far northwest of Montalcino, the sprawling Castiglion del Bosco estate stretches over several hills of varying heights, exposures and textures. From 42 hectares dedicated to Brunello comes this impressive production. The 2018 does not explode with its fragrance, but slowly unfolds its floral aromas. These reach a crescendo on the palate, melding seamlessly with joyful, pure pomegranate and cherry flavours. The supple tannins have a velvety texture. Unrestrained and fluid, it's hard to resist now." Decanter

"Ripe berries and hints of red liquorice and herbs on the nose, medium-bodied on the palate with fine, tightly packed tannins and a taut finish for now. Give it two years to relax a little. Taste from 2025." James Suckling

"The nose puts cherries front and center, intertwined with roses with heavier tar and graphite, before umami flavors of mushroom, balsamic vinegar, seaweed and soy slowly emerge. On the chalky palate, dark chocolate pushes up against the showboating cherries before a kick of spice sets up a long, energetic finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Exuding a dusty blend of cedar spice, mentholated herbs, rose petals and sour cherry, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino feels round and supple, with floral red and black fruits complemented by a subtle hint of sweet spice. The palate leaves a bitter aftertaste of sour berries, while a touch of residual acidity gives the wine a pleasing freshness and a gentle tannin slowly retreats. The 2018 has improved every time I've tasted it over the past five months, and it now shows the robustness of northwestern Montalcino Sangiovese, but in a wonderfully balanced way." Vinous

"Rich at the start, with a touch of glycerine in the texture before civilised tannins take over on the finish. It offers notes of plum, cherry, earth, tobacco and iron that come through, with a firm grip of tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"From a parcel of the Capanna vineyard, one of the most accomplished expressions of the winery run by managing director Simone Pallesi. Pomegranate notes on the nose, with balsamic nuances of eucalyptus and rhubarb. Salty, juicy tannins on the palate, fruity-balsamic finish." Luca Gardini