Wine

Cinquanta+ (fifty+) or in this case rather fifty/fifty, because it consists of equal parts of Primitivo and Negroamaro. Concentrated ruby garnet, opulent scent of overripe dark fruits and sweet oak barrel, very substantial texture on the palate. There is nothing subtle in this drop; simply full throttle from start to finish. And a powerful drinking pleasure! SUPERIORE.DE

Bright, radiant straw yellow colour. Great, expressive nose of crisp citrus fruit, green apple and vineyard peach. Delicately gingery on the finish, floral and fragrant. Juicy and very clear on the palate, with racy acidity and pronounced fruit, a sparkling clean and remarkably long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw yellow colour. Clear nose of yellow stone fruit with slight hints of herbs. Citrus and candied fruit on the palate, light salinity, medium-bodied, round, harmonious and delicately spicy finish." Falstaff

Altesino's Rosso di Montalcino, matured for eight months in Slavonian oak barrels, offers a persistent bouquet of fresh fruit, wild berries and young leather. Harmonious on the palate with cherry and plum flavours and a beautiful length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and dense, with flavours of cherry, pomegranate, earth and eucalyptus. Broad tannins girdle the finish, while its eucalyptus and underbrush accents linger." Wine Spectator

"Depths of black cherry, cedar, cloves, mint and worn leather form a classic bouquet as the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino comes to life in the glass. This is silky-smooth and polished in feel, with racy red and black fruits that flow across a stream of vibrant acidity. It firms up nicely through the finish, gently tannic and classically dry. Licorice and spice notes linger on." Vinous

"Spiced cherries, dried berries and touches of red dates and white pepper. Nicely generous and lightly chewy on the palate, with more ripe fruit and savoriness in the finish." James Suckling

Light copper pink colour. Delicate aromas of rose petals, candied cherry, citrus and traces of roses and damp earth. On the palate, complex flavours of cherry, redcurrant and white pepper. Everything is underpinned by a beautiful minerality and crisp acidity. The interesting finish brings out notes of orange and ginger. All in all, a serious rosato with a highly engaging character. SUPERIORE.DE

Andrian's Pinot Noir is a young and very fresh expression from the Italian Alps and shows lavender, violets, spices and lots of wild berries. The wine is fresh and easily accessible, for us it is a Pinot Noir in its most original form with beautiful tannins and a powerful, bright final. SUPERIORE.DE

Dark ruby red colour. La Bandina is a parade Valpolicella from a single vineyard with a very complex, nuanced bouquet of small wild berries, cherries, liquorice and tobacco. The palate is fresh, balsamic and warm-hearted with a dark bouquet of forest fruits, chocolate, coffee and plum. The long finish has a very balanced acidity-tannin structure and impressive depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is delicious! The tannins are like silk; there are wonderfully harmonious threads of oak subtly and deeply woven into the fabric of the wine, bringing flecks of spice and long, dark lines of liquorice and hints of dark chocolate to contour the lush, juicy dark red cherry fruit; the finish is minty, peppery and cool. There is so much to explore here, but the heartbeat of this wine is the soaring, deliciously fresh fruit. The fruit is mesmerising. This is how Valpolicella should taste." Jancis Robinson

"I like the hint of green cardamom to the ripe red fruit on the nose, which carries through to the medium-bodied palate that brings in a hint of fruit toffee. Quite low tannin, so you can enjoy this Valpo now." James Suckling

"The 2020 Valpolicella Superiore La Bandina exudes a tantalising blend of crushed wild berries, lavender, chalk dust and a hint of roasted meat. It is a model of purity, with crunchy wild berries underlined by salty minerals and accompanied by a savoury acidity. It finishes long and savoury, leaving rosy, floral notes and a layer of fine tannins that frame the experience without slowing its momentum." Vinous

Villa Gemma Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore has a light ruby red colour and exudes a pretty bouquet of wild strawberries, roses and sweet smoke. The flavour is soft and round, with a stimulating acidity and a sweet-tart tension. The finish is long and structured and ends with a delicious final with hints of spiced citrus fruits. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, radiant cherry red colour. Inviting nose of juicy cherry, cassis and juniper berries. Very present on the palate, linear and direct in the drinking flow, invigoratingly fresh through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

"The 2023 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore Villa Gemma is a fine, delicately fruity, delicate wine. Raspberry, mint, sweet lavender, crushed rock and round, ripe red berry fruit run throughout the core. Refined and polished, this is a gorgeous Cerasuolo that reflects the beauty of the style. The 2023 has what it takes to improve with bottle age, as evidenced by an extremely fine structure and fine tannins that are still hidden behind the pure fruit concentration at the moment. Marvellous." Vinous

"A focused, tactile and delicious Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo with notes of redcurrants, forest berries and fresh raspberries. Medium-bodied with a well-driven, lively center-palate and a flavorful finish with excellent length." James Suckling

Bright ruby red colour. Fresh and fragrant of violets and rose petals. Fresh, aromatic berry fruit on the palate, very supple tannins, with a lot of fruit and grace on the finish. Very racy and cheerful at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Frappato Vittoria Bell'Assai wafts up with purity, displaying an array of violets, lavender, crushed blackberries and a complicating whiff of dusty earth. Round and juicy in style, it possesses cooling acidity and crisp wild berry fruits that cascade throughout. The 2022 finishes wickedly fresh and with medium length, leaving a pleasantly crunchy, mouthwatering sensation behind on the close. The Bell'Assai would make an excellent pairing for a wide variety of cuisine." Vinous

"Candied cherries and flowers with some dried orange follow through to a medium body, with watermelon and citrus undertones." James Suckling

"The warm, floral nose shows delicate notes of roses and cherry blossom, but also tantalisingly sweet aromas of strawberries and cream. On the palate, a bitter note is emphasised by a latent earthiness, while the acidity plays around polished, firm tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Brilliant dark orange colour. Subtle aromas and flavours of red cherry and pink flowers, clean and fresh on the palate, very aromatic and balanced taste with a slightly salty-spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The pretty bronze color with orange-peel and lemon aromas follows through to a medium body with creamy texture and a peach and apple aftertaste." James Suckling

Bright stagnant yellow. Clear, intense and varietal aroma of elderflower, fig and tomato leaf with delicate fruity nuances reminiscent of peach, apricot, gooseberry and blackcurrant. Excellent nose-palate correspondence, good complexity and clearly defined personality. SUPERIORE.DE

Bright ruby red, fine notes of cherries and chocolate on the nose and a delicate scent of spices. Balanced, fresh, crisp on the palate and with its fine spicy note a versatile food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

This Venetian is exceptionally rich, concentrated and fresh in character with international appeal. Dried black cherry, plum and star anise are flanked by finely woven tannins and fresh acidity. Impeccable and a paragon of concentration and flavour enhancement. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, deep dark ruby red colour. Opens invitingly on the nose, with lots of savoury fruit, concentrated and spicy, slightly animal on the finish. Soft and flattering on the palate, opulent, with great presence and a long finish." Falstaff

"The Palazzo della Torre 2020, a blend of Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Sangiovese, is lush, dark and extremely modern in style and execution. It is a soft and well-structured expression with layers of ripe fruit, black cherry, spice, dark chocolate and spicy Spanish cedar from the oak ageing. The oak is quite dominant, so be prepared for this particular stylistic approach." Wine Advocate

"A part of this wine undergoes a drying process called appassimento and is then blended with the undried wine. This process gives the wine richness and intensity, while maintaining the freshness necessary for the wine's balance. Aromas of blackberries, cassis, sour cherries, mixed herbs and dried violets emanate from the glass. On the palate, the wine is rich yet balanced, with savoury notes and forest floor intertwining with the densely packed fruit, and a perfectly timed pop of acidity on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Palazzo della Torre impresses with a seductive bouquet of exotic spices, cedar shavings, lavender and dried black cherries. This is soft textured and racy in style, with sleek red and blue fruits that flow across a core of brisk acidity. It leaves a staining of bitter dark chocolate, along with a primary concentration that puckers the cheeks as edgy tannins resonate. The 2020 packs a punch and will require some time to settle down." Vinous

"In the past, all grapes were dried. Today, only the Corvinone is dried due to the large berries and the greater ratio of liquid to solids. While the oak is evident, it is clearly a full-bodied wine built for ageing. In that sense, it serves more as a textural addendum than a shout-out. Notes of dark, saturated cherry, kirsch, liquorice, black olive tapenade and alpine herbs tied to an edgy band of tannin, with an underlying freshness that gives it a juicy, crisp feel and fine length." James Suckling

The aromas of dark cherry, plum, smoke, leather, spices and menthol are supported by wonderfully juicy blackcurrant, clove, tobacco and aniseed on the palate. The refined tannins flank the compact, very straightforward style into a long final, in which we discover fine notes of hazelnuts. An aristocratic wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pecchenino 2021 Dogliani Superiore Sirì d'Jermu is a popular expression of Dolcetto that is often found in local restaurants. It is a rich and savoury wine that goes well with a pizza with spicy sausage. The wine is characterised by ripe blackberries, soft tannins and a hint of bright acidity. The presentation is simple, but perfect for a Dolcetto." Wine Advocate

"Notes of ripe and juicy dark berries with plum skins and spices, followed by a medium body with racy tannins and lively acidity. Fresh and lively with lots of energy. A little salty on the finish. Drink now." James Suckling

"This bright red is infused with violet, cherry and raspberry flavors, plus a flash of wild herbs. Firms up on the finish, where the fruit persists and a chalky sensation lingers. Shows fine balance and length." Wine Spectator

Dolcetto d'Alba Trevìe is a dry and well-balanced wine with great potential. Rich ruby red in colour with a violet hue, it has a pleasant, slightly bitter almond note and is a profound representative of its origin and the popular grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

Citrus yellow with greenish reflections. The nose reveals fresh, floral notes with a constant hint of citrus fruits such as grapefruit and orange peel. Its great minerality, combined with good acidity, provides nice harmony and a stable framework. SUPERIORE.DE

Rich ruby colour. Elegant cuvée with spicy aromas of black cherry, plum and white pepper as well as an earthy undertone. Clear flavour with hints of blackberry, the fruit always very fine, beautiful spice, including star anise, very rounded. Finishes with plenty of freshness, elegance and a hint of lemon zest. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, fruity and easygoing red with berries, sweet spices and wet bark on the nose. Medium-bodied with velvety tannins. Refreshing and crunchy with a soft finish." James Suckling

"An elegant red that effortlessly integrates its range of flavors - including baked raspberry and plumped cherry, a fragrant hint of cured tobacco, notes of red licorice and minerally accents of iron and stone - with the tang of orange peel acidity and fine-grained tannins that trim the finish." Wine Spectator

"Dark and brooding in the glass, the 2019 Mamertino blends plum sauce with grilled herbs, sweet violets and lavender. It's silky-smooth, with a core of wild berries and plums energized by a wave of cooling acidity. It finishes with a tug of fine tannins and salty mineral tones that penetrate deeply as hints of tart cherry and bitter clove fade." Vinous

Ornello is an open wine with wonderful, inviting aromas of ripe, dark fruit and vegetal notes. Pleasantly fruity and full on the palate with good length and balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"A tightly packed version, with plum, fruitcake and hoisin flavors shaded by menthol and saline elements. Gains support from a dense swath of tannins as this unfolds on the palate. Gives fine length, if on the tannic side now." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Ornello is an attractive wine to drink now and over the next few years, while the fruit remains vibrant. There’s good depth to the dark red fruit, cedar, dried herbs, tobacco and incense flavors. Stylistically, Ornello seems to be done in a fresher style than in the past. A touch of Syrah adds an attractive element of earthiness and spice that distinguishes the Ornello in the range." Vinous

"Attractively fruity and herbal nose of blackberries, stewed cherries, blackcurrant leaves, sage and dried flowers. Medium to full body with sleek tannins and a juicy, ripe palate." James Suckling

Rosso Falerno del Massico presents itself with an intense aroma of black raspberries, cloves, rosemary and a hint of camphor. It fills the palate with soft, fleshy textures and ripe red berries, contrasted by salty-mineral tones and nuanced tannins. The finish is long and lightly textured, with a hint of violet-coloured floral notes. This is yet another fine vintage of Villa Matilde's Falerno del Massico Rosso, made mainly from Aglianico with a small proportion of Piedirosso. SUPERIORE.DE

Pure white wine from the old Calabrian variety Mantonico. The grape is of Greek origin and its name goes back to Mantonikos (prophet). Deep straw yellow in colour. Fruity aromas of honey, apricot, baked apples and poached pear. Big, broad and rich, but by no means overloaded, with aromas corresponding to the flavours, good freshness and promising potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine was a challenge for us in the beginning. But in the Langa region, traditionally the home of full-bodied red wines, Chardonnay has now found a second home, bringing out exciting white wines, rich and suitable for long ageing." Franco Massolino

Medium-light straw yellow. Imaginative bouquet of yellow roses, almond blossoms, fruit trees and poached pear. Warm and expansive on the palate, with a minerality full of character and just the right dose of fresh acidity that gives it complexity, length and good ageing potential in the overall impression. SUPERIORE.DE

For over 30 years, Selvarossa has been the top wine of Cantine Due Palme: deep red, sweet tobacco and fruit aromas on the nose, intense and generous on the palate with flavours of dark berries, plums and chocolate, cuddly and fresh at the same time, lots of density and bite also in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Sparkling garnet red colour. Pronounced aroma of berries and spices. Dense and full flavour with a fascinating balance between fruit and tannin. A complex red with a gentle but persistent finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, dark ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Redcurrant and orange peel on the nose, with a hint of cinnamon stick. Juicy on the palate with pleasant acidity and taut tannins, built on fruit in the medium finish." Falstaff

Alta Mora Rosso is a blend of fruit from the Verzella, Solicchiata, Feudo di Mezzo and Guardiola vineyards, which lie between 650 and 900 metres above sea level. Light, bright garnet in colour, very clear bouquet with pronounced fresh fruit notes of berries and rhubarb, elegant on the palate with well-balanced power and supple tannins; juicy, persistent and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, brightening ruby-garnet colour. Open, delicate bouquet of redcurrant jelly, raspberry, followed by some sweet mocha and cocoa. Round and supple on the palate, unfolds with fine-meshed tannins, juicy and stimulating to drink. Long, pleasantly acidic final." Falstaff

"The 2021 Etna Rosso is very beautiful, with a fresh blend of dried roses, black cherries and cloves. It is round and soothing in nature, with lifted textures and crisp wild berry fruit. The 2021 finishes with a nice tension and ends with lingering notes of dried strawberries and citrus." Vinous

"A bright, fresh red with attractive lemongrass and berry character on the nose following through to a medium body nicely integrated with fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Firm and racy." James Suckling