Wine

"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

The grapes for the Majé come mainly from the Garaxin hill above the village of Pogli at an altitude of around 250 metres. The vineyard is terraced and laid out with stone walls (known as Majé in Ligurian dialect) and the clayey soil is rich in fossilised micro- and macrofauna. Bright straw yellow colour with greenish reflections. Intense yet delicate varietal bouquet of flowers, yellow peach and notes of aromatic Mediterranean maquis. Majé is characterised by elegance, freshness and a wonderful minerality. SUPERIORE.DE

Wonderfully juicy and open Sangiovese from the Brunello winery Sesta di Sopra. Black cherries and plums blend with sweet spices and liquorice in an enjoyable wine that shows a lighter, but by no means banal side of the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

As always, the Chianti Classico La Selvanella Riserva presents itself as an exemplary wine. Deep, dark ruby red in colour. Complex aromas of ripe plums, raspberries, candied orange zest and hints of spice harmonise perfectly. Well-articulated and rich flavour with polished tannins, full-bodied and progressive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear aroma of ripe black berries and rose hips with dried floral and slightly herbal aromas, a hint of leather, some dark ethereal spice, tobacco ash and hints of herbs. Ripe, clear and firm, tart-juicy fruit, present, yet quite fine tannins, some smoke and toast on the palate, a certain acid bite, dried-vegetable to herbaceous tones, good persistence. Has power, but still a certain coolness, very good, firm finish with oregano." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Smells of graphite, dark berry fruit and fine earthy tones on the nose. Polished on the palate, with a juicy core and a clear fruit flavour, the tannins remain subtly in the background." Falstaff

"Dried cherries, dates, oak, leather, wet leaves and French toast. Good fruit concentration, a smooth mouthfeel, vibrant acidity and a long finish. Robust tannins need some time to resolve." Decanter

"A fragrant red with a shy nose of blue fruits, dried herbs and some crushed rocks and raspberries. Tightly wound and medium to full-bodied with delicate red fruit flavours. Very compact, with an elegant stiffness that is very appealing. Pure Sangiovese from a single vineyard in Radda in Chianti, one of the highest villages in Chianti Classico. It is already drinkable now, but I would like to taste it again in a few years." James Suckling

Bright, lively yellow. On the nose pear, fresh citrus fruits, menthol and a hint of spices and herbs. Juicy, bright and surprisingly complex on the palate, the long contact with the skins gives this white a unique structure and complexity. A crisp and characterful wine, which convinces completely with its long and very lively finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Wonderful cuvée of Greco and Fiano. An opulent potpourri of passion fruit, peach and honeydew melon on the nose. Not too heavy on the palate, but rather prancing and elegant with a wonderfully fresh structure. Beautiful balance, complex and full-bodied finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here's a fun and versatile non-carbonated white wine to bring chilled to an al fresco lunch. A blend of equal parts Fiano and Greco, the Montevetrano 2022 Core Bianco has a lean approach with enough texture to support fragrant apples, honey and white currants. The wine's flavour palette is very nice, and the best part is the salty or mineral end note that adds a spark of energy." Wine Advocate

"A beautiful blend of Fiano and Greco, offering rich flavours of ripe fruit salad as well as notes of pressed flowers and minerals. Medium-bodied with an intense palate, including a phenolic note that gives it a structured feel." James Suckling

"The 2022 Bianco Core wafts up from the glass with a rich blend of peach preserves and confectionary spice, complicated by a hint of candied lime. This is soothingly round with a core of saline minerality to balance, as a core of zesty acidity enlivens tart orchard fruits. The 2022 tapers off with a tart lemon-pith concentration yet is also remarkably fresh, leaving nuances of mint to fade slowly." Vinous

Fiore di Campo, based on Friulano, is no more and no less than the self-proclaimed "family wine" of the Lis Neris house, and that is entirely justified: pretty straw yellow with green-gold reflections. Enticing mineral and citrus nose with notes of peach, jasmine, almonds and liquorice. Firm, fresh and crisp on the palate of apricot and green apple, plus a lovely creamy texture. Its full body and gentle complexity marry in a final with considerable freshness and high drinkability. Perfect entry into the world of Lis Neris' terrific white wines. SUPERIORE.DE

Castellares Chianti Classico with refined aromas reminiscent of juicy sweet cherries, flowers and spices such as mint. Silky and polished on the palate, the final is long and creamy with a ripe cherry flavour. A radiant, seductive wine. SUPERIORE.DE

The organically grown Castel del Monte Trentangeli is a "super Apulian" blend of 70% Aglianico, 20% Cabernet and 10% Syrah. A compelling and captivating wine with beautiful tones of damp earth and terracotta, followed by luscious ripe fruit, spices, bacon, blackberry jam, candied plums, rum cake and Indian spices. The wine shows an international flavour with lovely layers of oak that are well integrated. On the final, stately, soft tannins and a considerable length with a fine spicy note. Great! SUPERIORE.DE

"An elegant, round red wine with a medium body and a juicy blend of plump cherry, raspberry pulp, orange peel acidity and accents of graphite and garrigue. The finish is tightened by supple tannins." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Trentangeli is dusty and floral in the glass with a dark mix of crushed wild berries and violette pastilles. It is soft and round with a tantalising, balancing acidity. Crisp red and black fruits spill over a core of savoury minerals. It leaves a web of fine-grained tannins that envelop the palate with youthful serenity. Tart red plums and a hint of sour citrus fruit mingle on the finish. The Trentangeli is very beautiful." Vinous

Massifitti is a great white wine, without question! It is so fine and silky that you can sense beautiful ashy flint notes and crushed minerals on the finish. The Trebbiano di Soave Massifitti is soft and supple with a generous bouquet that exudes citrus, peach and honeydew melon. It shows its clear definition and dimension here, and the Tessari sisters from Suavia have created a wine in a class of its own. Vinification takes place in stainless steel with 15 months maturation on the lees. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive notes of ripe white peaches, sliced apples and white roses. Juicy and vivid on the palate, with bright acidity and a medium body. Clean and minerally with a crisp finish." James Suckling

Feudi's new premium Rosato San Greg flows from the glass with a beautiful blend of sweet melon and white flowers. It presents a beguiling balance of ripe stone fruit, candied citrus and a cooling acidity. The finish is of medium length and leaves a tart hint of lime and steely mineral notes. Made from 100% Aglianico, San Greg is a very sophisticated rosé and an absolute delight. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, pale pink with a sparkling centre. On the nose with notes of vanilla and some blood orange, then white pepper. Fresh on the palate, with light pressure and delicate tannins, somewhat narrow fruit, but good drinking flow." Falstaff

"A fresh and fruity rosé with strawberry and grapefruit aromas, medium body and a bright, clean and dry finish." James Suckling

Monica Raspi's Cabernet Sauvignon is a fresh, supple wine that can be drunk now and over the next few years. In the glass, it has beautiful, vibrant red berry fruit and floral notes. A hint of mocha and spice gives it an appealing complexity on the finish. A wine not only for every day, but also a very serious accompaniment to food. Only 1,000 bottles of this lovely wine are produced each year. SUPERIORE.DE

Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico Dorilli is named after the Dorilla vineyard from which the grapes come, which in turn is named after the nearby Dirillo river. Fine and elegant with light wood tones from the ageing process, juicy and fresh until the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here is a delicious, balanced and focused cerasuolo with aromas of dark cherries, blueberries, dried herbs and mild spices following through to a medium body with fine tannins. Refined, with brightness at the center and a refreshing, pulpy finish." James Suckling

Blackberries, raspberries, tomato leaves, lemon peel and bark on the nose. Also some tar and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with fine, slightly chunky tannins. Beautiful character of rose petals. Fresh and mineral on the finish, very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Youthful nose of raspberry, cassis and mint, with a tobacco and smoky aftertaste. Surprisingly dense on the palate with chocolaty nuances, juicy, pleasant tannins, persistent fruit." Falstaff

"Brilliant carmine red colour. Concentrated and deep cherry nose and luscious, tangy cherry palate, with a helping of firm tannins on the finish to give grip. Immediately, a little rich and delicious. Just a tiny bit of spiciness on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Here is an easy-drinking entry-level wine from a winery that maintains a classic approach to all of its fine wines. The Castello di Monsanto 2022 Chianti Classico offers very bright and vibrant fruit with forest-fresh raspberries and blueberries giving this wine a particularly charming profile. It shows a primary intensity with sweet fruit and without being affected by excessive ageing." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is forward, juicy and very easy to like. A burst of dark red fruit, spice, cedar and leather makes a strong statement at the start. Although the 2022 doesn't offer the nuance of most vintages, it makes up for it with its charming, inviting personality." Vinous

"Ripe and juicy, this red wine begins with flavours of cherries, raspberries and flowers, underlined by iron and wild undergrowth. It firms up on the finish and shows a pleasant astringency." Wine Spectator

"The youthful violet colour suggests a healthy dash of Colorino. Deep red cherries and wild strawberries are infused with fragrant Mediterranean herbs and a distinct note of orange blossom. The palate is richly filled with tangy, tart berries infused with light, grainy tannins that add nuance to the texture. A hint of pepper and a savoury saltiness whet the appetite." Decanter

"Fresh, racy strawberries, red cherries and a hint of pastry and pomegranates on the nose. On the palate, it is firm and expressive, with beautifully chewy tannins and a medium body. Plenty of berry fruit in its elegant, long finish. Drink now or keep." James Suckling

"A cornerstone of the Classico, a label with precise and impeccable workmanship. On the nose, red mulberry, hints of rhubarb and eucalyptus, with a touch of black pepper. The mouthfeel is intense, with ionised tannins. Closes with a hint of undergrowth and balsamic notes. Great length." Luca Gardini

The "I Giganti" line, with its three wines, represents Contini's top collection. In white, rosé and red, they pay homage to the large statues that were discovered in the 1970s in the archaeological site of Mont'e Prama, just 2 km from the Cabras pond. They were farmers working the fields with their ploughs, bringing to light the precious treasures of the past. These sandstone figures were called "giants" because of their considerable size. They represent brave warriors, symbols of strength and courage.

I Giganti Bianco, an exciting cuvée of Vermentino and Vernaccia, is a straw-coloured wine with beautiful golden notes. It is characterised by excellent intensity and finesse, followed by present notes of white spices, some chamomile and Mediterranean scrub. It has a great structure and is also highly appreciated for its freshness and longevity. SUPERIORE.DE

Dense wine with ripe, red fruit on the nose, rich cherry flavour, fine wood and leather notes, spicy. Juicy on the palate with tightly woven tannins, opens up on ripe fruit, slightly salty undertone, long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby colour with a garnet-red rim. Spicy nose of cayenne pepper, sweet cherry and black plum, a touch of leather. Polished on the palate, with a pleasant fruity flavour, rich, balanced and with a good flow." Falstaff

"Pomegranate, tea leaf, chocolate and wet earth on the nose. Juicy, sleek and nicely mellowed, with medium body and a creamy, tasty finish." James Suckling

Valgiano should be experienced if you want to know your way around the world of biodynamic viticulture. Now Mazzapink has been added! Already the design distinguishes it from the other wines of the estate: the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro in Lucca's centre can be found on the label as well as the Valgian-(h)orn, a work of art at the entrance of the winery. The artist Sara Di Giovanni translated the specifications into the form of a comic strip, as Lucca is considered one of the centres of European comic art.

Mazzarosa is a vineyard managed by Valgiano. 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet grow here. The new Valgiano wine is the result of a neighbourly cooperation for the biodynamic cultivation of the vineyards located between San Pietro a Marcigliano and Sant'Andrea. The grapes are crushed with the feet, the spontaneously fermenting must is aged after a few days partly in concrete, partly in wood. The wine presents itself with a lot of fruit and enormously accessible, yet complex and sophisticated, and as always: Just like the classic wines of the estate, the Mazzapink should also reflect its terroir - an entry-level wine of considerable quality! SUPERIORE.DE

"Il Repertorio" - "The Register". The names of Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti's wines are reminiscent of his father's world as a notary.

The Aglianico Il Repertorio is expressive and uninhibited. Dark berries, an herbal bouquet of mint, rosemary, black olive, thyme and sage, plus tones of leather and liquorice. An extremely fascinating and fresh wine from start to finish. Intense and delicate at the same time, elegant and rustic. SUPERIORE.DE

"Licorice, blackberries, black cherries and tobacco on the nose of this fleshy and full-bodied red. It’s firm with slightly rough tannins, but juicy nonetheless." James Suckling

The Capsico Rosso, a single-varietal Cabernet Franc with its immensely concentrated and complex character, offers fullness and meatiness. The hints of red forest berries are harmoniously distributed between nose and palate, integrated tannins and good length round off the picture. SUPERIORE.DE

The Langhe Chardonnay L'Altro has a liveliness and freshness that make it a highly attractive white. It exudes a cornucopia of citrus fruit, peach, honeydew melon and crushed rock flavours, flanked by a well-dosed acid wire and with a very appealing length. A delight with character and one of our favourites for warm summer evenings. SUPERIORE.DE