Wine

The pure Nero d'Avola is bursting with dark aromas of berries, black cherry, liquorice and tobacco. Lush and distinctive on the palate with wonderful spicy notes of mint, aniseed and espresso. Juicy tannins, good length, fine pressure. A really great wine of impressive intensity at a still very reasonable price, incidentally certified organic since the 2020 vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet edges. Fine spicy notes on the nose, ripe plum and forest floor. Balanced on the palate with a fine tannin structure, fresh and fruity core, medium length." Falstaff

"The Saia 2021 exudes a captivating blend of crushed violets, lavender, blackberries and wet stones. A powerful core of ripe red and blue fruits forms the framework, while a juicy acidity provides freshness. A pleasantly bitter hint of tangerine develops towards the end. The 2021 is spotty and long, finishing with a layer of fine tannins and a saturation of primary concentration that creates a slight chewy sensation towards the end. This is a fantastic and energetic interpretation of Saia, a Nero d'Avola grape variety that I suspect will age very well." Vinous

"Lots of blackberries, mushrooms, bark and a hint of pumice. A hint of smoke. Mussel shells. Blue fruits. Medium-bodied with fine and silky tannins that add tension and focus. Black fruits on the finish with a hint of orange peel. Crisp and fruity with structure." James Suckling

The vineyards are located around Margreid on a gentle slope between 220 and 350 m above sea level with a south-southeast orientation. The white, deep limestone gravel soil has a high humus content. Radiant dark ruby red. Complex aroma of cherries, blackberries and liquorice. The taste is firm, yet very warm and round, the silky tannins excellently proportioned. Finishes with a fine melt, very long and full. SUPERIORE.DE

Successful, straightforward interpretation of the French grape variety, the signature of the Pecorari family is also clearly identifiable here. In a medium-bodied style, it convinces with a buoyant lightness and a refined, mineral taste of bananas and tropical fruits. Aromatic complexity also in the finish, yet it never loses its precision and personality. The 8-month yeast storage gives it depth, length and good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Straw-yellow Chardonnay with the scent of bananas and white flowers, a fresh, savoury taste, crisp, tropical fruitiness and beautiful length. One of the great white wines of Tuscany! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Chardonnay I Sistri is a pretty, understated wine. Pear, white peach, flowers and a kiss of French oak all grace this layered, super-expressive white." Vinous

"This white has an enticing smoky aroma, along with notes of vanilla and lanolin, followed by flavors of apple, lemon and baking spices. This is sleek and leaves a mouthwatering finish." Wine Spectator

"Rich and waxy nose with notes of cooked peaches, dried pineapple, beeswax and caramel. Full-bodied, broad, succulent and nicely filled with tropical fruit and a lot of nutty and spicy nuances. Deep, intense and characterful, with a lingering finish." James Suckling

Sparkling light yellow colour with green reflections. Clear, very broad aroma of apple, citrus, meadow herbs and pear fruit, rich on the palate and with the powerful, taut freshness and invigorating fruit acidity typical of the high altitudes of the Venosta Valley. SUPERIORE.DE

"A smoky and complex wine with aromas of citrus, Mirabelle plums and a touch of peat. Soft palate with refreshing acidity and a medium body. Precise and smoky in the finish." James Suckling

"Delicate, aromatic bouquet of white flowers and stone fruit; pronounced acidity on the palate, apple, pear and lemon peel." Decanter

Opulent, savoury fruit, plus sage, ginger and thyme. Very soft and rich on the palate, fresh and agile as it progresses until it finally reaches its persistent and mineral final. A terroir wine full of character and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lemon peel, kumquats, sage and fresh pineapple on the nose, followed by a very fresh, medium-bodied and subtly spicy palate." James Suckling

South of Margreid lies the "15er" vineyard, which is characterised by deposits from the Fenner stream and the Adige river and has been planted largely with Merlot vines since 1957. Its location enjoys particularly good aeration thanks to the warm wind from Lake Garda, the Ora, which gives the wine a delicate structure and great finesse. Cherry red in colour with a ruby red sheen. Impressive bouquet of concentrated fruit, pepper and vegetal notes. The body is pleasantly medium-bodied, precise and balanced, with a fine bittersweet flavour and convincing freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Strong ruby red with light violet reflections. Rich nose with notes of sour cherry, blackberry jam, liquorice and Mediterranean maquis. Soft, supple and balanced on the palate between freshness, juiciness and well-integrated tannins." Falstaff

"The 2018 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Centovie rises from the glass with a wild and exotic blend of crushed rose petals, sweet herbs, wet stone and strawberries. It fills the palate with a soft, almost fleshy texture held together by a lively acidity that enlivens the tart wild berries within. The 2018 is long-lasting, just lightly textured with a hint of sour citrus that contrasts nicely." Vinous

"This is an organic wine whose fruit comes exclusively from the Umani Ronchi vineyards. The 2018 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Centovie represents some of the fruit from two hills facing each other. The wine shows beautiful dark fruit and rich concentration with soft layers of black cherry, plum, spice and leather. The 2018 vintage offers plenty of freshness to cleanse the palate." Wine Advocate

Forcole is produced in a surprisingly small quantity for a Chianti Classico - just 15,000 bottles. The bouquet begins with a slender texture and aromas of wild berries, sour cherries, pressed violets and sweet earth. Supple, generous and inviting on the palate, it captures all the natural intensity of the vintage. Its attractive silky tannins and the rather darker and crispy-cool Sangiovese flavour profile of the Panzano region make it a great soloist as well as food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of ripe cherries and kirsch with dried flowers, pomegranate and tree bark. Some wet stones, too. Medium- to full-bodied, fine and polished with depth and intensity to the fruit. Some clove and vanilla undertones." James Suckling

"Made with 100% Sangiovese, the Tenuta degli Dei 2021 Chianti Classico Forcole shows tart cherry and cassis with potting soil, blue flower and grilled rosemary over a mid-weight finish. This is a classic expression of the grape from sunny Panzano in Chianti." Wine Advocate

Classic Barbera from the house of Vajra. Garnet red colour, very pleasant nose with light cherry notes and aromas of fine spices. The flavour is rich with the typical effervescence of a traditional and sophisticated wine from the Alba region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, rich purple colour. Initially slightly phenolic notes and green tannins on the nose, later inviting of ripe blackberries and dark chocolate, juicy, fragrant of flowering violets, great nose. Balanced and clear on the palate, confirms the dark berry notes, medium pressure and great drinkability." Falstaff

"The 2023 Barbera d'Alba is packed with succulent dark red fruit. Plush, silky contours add to its immediacy and overall appeal. Plum, mocha and cedar build into the soft, succulent finish." Vinous

The name Da-Di is derived from the Chinese and means earth/soil. DA-DI bianco was born from the intuition of the owner Virginie Saverys to rediscover the vocation of the Cortona area for the production of great white wines from indigenous grapes, and summarises all of Avignonesi's love of experimentation.

It opens intensely in the glass with floral notes of wisteria and lime, white peach and gooseberry. On the palate, the attack is precise and straightforward. Lemon peel, mint and the complexity of wildflower honey come to the fore. The pronounced acidity makes it long and elegant. Hints of flint bring back mineral notes in the aftertaste. An exciting wine with a distinct and fresh personality. Around 2,000 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Bianco Da-Di rises from the glass with a tangy blend of crushed nectarine, lime zest and fermented ginger. It is juicy and crisply refreshing with a hint of sour citrus and brilliant acidity enlivening its core of sour green melon and a hint of apricot. The finish is remarkably fresh, while tropical florals linger inside, leaving the mouth wanting more. It's almost impossible to stop at just one glass." Vinous

"Somewhat reductive on the nose, with notes of sliced pears, apples and honeysuckle that carry through to a medium body. Dried lemons and sliced green apples with a crisp and creamy texture. 70% fermented in Tava porcelain vats with some skin contact." James Suckling

In the Ligurian dialect, bansigu means vigour, verve and could not describe the character of this lively, typically Mediterranean red better. It is primarily made from Granaccia, an autochthonous grape that, together with Rossese, Barbera and Cinsault, ensures great juiciness and freshness.

Light cherry red in colour with ruby reflections. Intense and fascinating nose with notes of dog rose, strawberries, plums and raspberries. Lively and light on the palate with a very interesting arc of tension, the final is fruity with invigorating acidity and a salty Mediterranean vein. SUPERIORE.DE

Marjun presents itself in a ruby to garnet red colour and develops a harmonious aroma of wild berries, plums and cherries in the glass, underpinned by a spicy herbal note. This fruity and juicy Pinot Noir, which impresses with its delicate structure and soft tannins, is cool and firm on the palate. The profile of the Marjun is rounded off by a refreshing acidity, which is indicative of the high altitudes of its vineyards. On the finish, this elegant Pinot Noir impresses with its juicy fruitiness and lingering flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

Sangiovese in its purest form: bright ruby colour with a broad garnet rim. Rich in fruity and floral aromas, multi-layered, herbal, deep and well-polished with further development potential. A full-bodied and harmonious Chianti Classico with a highly authentic and very inviting style. SUPERIORE.DE

"Walking a fine line between cherry and berry flavours and notes of earth and iron, this red wine is bright and juicy in the middle of the palate and firms up on the long finish. Balanced overall, it needs a year to come together." Wine Spectator

"At the south-eastern end of the Chianti Classico, the Fèlsina vineyard extends into the Chianti Colli Senesi area, where on a clear day you can see as far as Siena, just 15 kilometres away. In its sun-drenched surroundings, the 2022 is immediate and exuberant in its charm. Reminiscent of maritime pine, Mediterranean scrub and wild yellow broom, it gains concentration as it glides smoothly across the palate, where stony minerals meet ripe strawberries. Lively, if a little lively on the finish." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Berardenga 2022 is magnificent. Rich and deep, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Black cherry, leather, spice, tobacco, menthol and dried herbs characterise this powerful, classic Chianti Classico. It is beautifully made, especially for this year." Vinous

"A balanced, seductive and lively red wine with flavours of wild berries, red currants, warm herbs and some crushed peppercorns. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. A juicy berry character with a hint of spice brings energy and vitality to the palate and tactile finish." James Suckling

Fantastic Barbera from a world-famous vineyard, complex aromas of dark red, plump, juicy cherries, the finest spices and black forest berries on the nose. In the mouth, polished, dense, enormous amounts of glycerine and sweetish fruit, present but silky tannins, finely enveloped by the fruit, rich in finesse, persistent, first-class acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear, firm, slightly tobacco-like, delicately smoky and ethereal aroma of ripe red and black berries with cherry nuances, dried floral tones and restrained woody spice. Polished, juicy, rather tart, ripe fruit, very fine, youthful tannin and delicate bite, persistent on the palate, herbal-ethereal spice and a hint of pepper, persistent on the palate, certain alcohol warmth, but still elegance, salt in the background, smoky nuances and a hint of dark chocolate and coffee, very good, again polished, juicy and finely spicy finish with clear ethereality." Wein-Plus

"Shimmering ruby red with violet reflections. Plum, blackberry and liquorice on the nose, with a hint of sealing wax on the finish. Dancing acidity on the palate, paired with youthful tannins and rich plum fruit, warming alcohol." Falstaff

"Attractive, chocolaty character with ripe dark cherries, red plums and sweet spices. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and smooth, with a velvety texture. Long-lasting and beautifully fruity." James Suckling

"An ecstatic wine that leaps from the glass with the speed of an Olympic sprinter. Vibrant aromas of sliced Bing cherries, crushed raspberries, wild roses and a hint of bay leaf dominate the nose. A delicious freshness unfolds on the palate with a blend of red berries that shine as brightly as if they had just been picked. Subtle earthy notes balance the wine on the crisp and lively finish." Wine Enthusiast

The vines for Pinot Grigio Punggl thrive on soils with a high clay content south of Margreid. Bright straw yellow in colour with a brilliant core. Spicy, fruity aromas with notes of nuts, honey and fresh flowers lend it elegance and charm. Full-bodied and mineral flavour with a juicy structure and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense golden yellow colour. Inviting bouquet of juicy Kaiser pear, forest honey and a hint of jasmine. Silky on the palate with a beautiful fruit melt, carried by animating acidity, very subtle phenolics, very harmonious." Falstaff

"The Pinot Grigio Punggl 2022 is savoury with a mineral bouquet of flint and citrus fruit. On the palate, the Pinot Grigio Punggl is exciting and savoury to the core. Crisp fruit trees complement the savoury character. The 2022 finishes with medium length and a salty sensation that keeps the taster coming back to the glass for more." Vinous

"A complex wine with apples, dried flowers, salty minerality and restrained cedar notes. It shows a tingling, medium-bodied palate with weight and savory, slightly toasted length, balance and concentration." James Suckling

Medoro's famous top-quality Montepulciano Adrano, which elegantly and typically spreads a fine fruity aroma. The taste is led by a rich fruit that is excellently embedded in a full, deliciously spicy structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Adrano lifts up with an alluring display of crushed black cherries, sweet spices, violet florals and a hint of vanilla bean. This is silky and elegant in texture, contrasted by brisk acids and balsamic-tinged black fruits. Fine tannins linger, framing the expression nicely as the Adrano finishes savory with tart wild berries and minerals." Vinous

"The Villa Medoro 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane Adrano shows a classic aromatic profile with dark fruit tones followed by leather and mild tobacco. This wine ages in oak for 12 months, and the impact of that wood emerges mostly in terms of the rich and slightly dense texture of the mouthfeel. Those contrasts between dark fruit and oak spice are nicely played, and they are perfectly suited to a rib-eye steak." Wine Advocate

Every year, Cùmaro is one of the great Montepulciano wines from the Conero cliffs, which dip into the Adriatic Sea on a small headland, where the sun and sea breeze caress the vines. Radiant in a rich, dark garnet red colour. The expressive bouquet is dark berry with cassis, blueberry and ripe wild raspberry. Opens up on the palate with grippy tannins, juicy, powerful, multi-layered and with a savoury, spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A chewy and firm red showing black cherries, nutmeg, cedar, coffee beans and orange peel on the nose. It’s full-bodied and compact, with a sturdy tannin frame. A little woody for now, but long and with potential." James Suckling

Montegrilli, a pure Nebbiolo, exudes wonderful, powerful fruit flavours in its aroma and on the palate, with a hint of rose petals and a hint of vanilla. A delicious wine between tradition and modernity with the typical elegance of Cogno wines. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, almost transparent ruby red colour. Elegant bouquet of mulberries and ripe cherries, with a hint of roses and roasted almonds. Soft on the palate with sweet, melting fruit, velvety tannins, round structure and beautiful length." Falstaff

"The Elvio Cogno 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo Montegrilli has a fun bouquet, showing cooked pears with cloves embedded in the skin, Christmas spice, cinnamon and dark fruit. The aromas are quite intense, but the wine is lean and fresh in terms of mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

Open-hearted, very appealing bouquet of tart berry fruit, forest floor, bitter almond, blue flowers and grilled herbs. The palate has the typical Sangiovese profile of bright red berries, with wonderfully integrated acidity and freshness. A classic from Castellina in Chianti, rich in finesse every year and unbeatable with white meat dishes and sugos. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby colour with a brightening rim. Pronounced, savoury bouquet of fully ripe cherry, black pepper, a hint of coffee and rose petal. Velvety tannins on the palate, fresh fruit, lively acidity and a persistent finish." Falstaff

"The Mazzei 2022 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is always a solid choice on the wine list, offering fresh cherries and blueberries along with varietal tones of sweet earth and orris root. The wine is 90% Sangiovese with smaller proportions of Malvasia Nera and Colorino. It matures for 12 months in oak. This medium-bodied red wine shows good intensity and silky tannins." Wine Advocate

"The 2022 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is a great, elegant wine - one of the best 2022s I've tasted. Silky, layered and super-expressive, it's class from start to finish. The ripeness of the year is evident, but the 2022 retains a good amount of freshness to play off its overt dark red/purple-coloured fruit. It is impeccably made." Vinous

"A lively, juicy and composed Chianti Classico with aromas of wild berries, dried flowers, thyme and warm spices with a slightly dry tone. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins and fresh acidity. Bright and agile, with a lively centre on the palate and a tactile, driving finish." James Suckling

Pio Cesare's Barbera is absolutely delicious every year. With a racy aroma of red cherries, some chocolate and plums, it has a supple texture on the palate, plays skilfully with its well-proportioned acidity and, with its body, strength and length, is an excellent accompaniment to rich dark meat dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

Bright ruby red with violet reflections and intensely fragrant, very clear, the Ca' di Pian shows ripe dark cherry and black currant. Beautifully juicy on the palate, it develops with power, but always remains elegant. A hint of mint in the precise finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Pratto is a wonderfully complex cuvée of Turbiana, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Bianco. Sweet floral notes on the nose, elegant, fruity and creamy on the palate with a mineral note. A full-bodied, round wine that will tempt you to the next glass ... SUPERIORE.DE

Every year, Istine's Chianti Classico is one of the most racy and authentic representatives of its genre. Its weightlessness and at the same time precision make up a large part of its appeal. A finely knit bouquet of red berries, flowers, chalk and white pepper. Medium-bodied on the palate, its fine fruit, creamy tannins and plenty of personality come to light with further aeration. A red wine that takes hearts by storm with its lively, dancing and extremely fine nerve! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, lustrous crimson. Brooding cherry with minerally hints. Great purity on the nose. Energetic, tangy fruit layered with grainy tannins. The fruit is light of touch yet very long." Jancis Robinson

"A dense, taut red, whose cherry, strawberry and rose flavors are lifted by lively acidity and dusty tannins. This linear version flirts with elegance and will get there if the tannins integrate nicely." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Chianti Classico is juicy, forward and delightful. A burst of sweet red cherry fruit, rose petal, spice and orange peel gives the 2022 tons of immediacy. The 2022 looks to be an early-drinking wine." Vinous