Wine

Markus Prackwieser's Sauvignon vines grow on calcareous moraines with solid quartz porphyry at the foot of the Schlern massif, approx. 400-480 metres above sea level. Sparkling, light straw yellow colour. Very intense, appealing nose of tomato leaves, sage, a little thyme and white asparagus. Salty and freshly vibrant on the palate, densely woven, showing distinctly fragrant components, fine gooseberry, juicy and full of tension. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with green reflections. Razor-sharp, green-aromatic nose of gooseberries and exotic fruits such as mango and papaya. Some fruit sweetness on the palate, taut and clear, good acidity structure, an animating wine with medium length and a finely spicy finish." Falstaff

Beautiful, single-varietal white from Carricante from Planeta's Etna Dependence. A youthful, exuberant growth full of freshness, energy and minerality. Grown under exclusive conditions on volcanic soils and at an altitude of 870 metres, this wine is an exceptional pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

The deep garnet-red Recioto della Valpolicella releases a concentrated, sweet aroma of ripe fruit, caramel and chocolate. Its taste is dense, powerful and determined until the harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

This very typical Sauvignon bianco grows on glacial limestone soils at an altitude of up to 900 metres. Bright lemon yellow colour. Intense, well-articulated nose of gooseberry, kiwi, lemon curd and lilac. Medium pressure on the palate, creamy texture with balanced acid wire, great fruit components with hints of paprika and green papaya. A taut minerality emerges on the finish, ending with flint and dried lemon peel. A typical Sauvignon bianco with everything that delights the heart. Medium-bodied, flavoursome and a bright, fruity finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Syrah and Petit Verdot form the basis for an exciting cuvée with which the Chia family once again demonstrates its great talent for Tuscan wines. Deep dark garnet red colour. An unexpected cornucopia of dark, smoky fruit on the nose, with spicy herbs, complex and deep. Impressive texture and elegance on the palate, with spicy notes of raspberry, a salty vein and invigorating acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red colour. Fine fruity notes of plum, blackberry, violet and light spices on the nose. Great mellowness on the palate, fresh and juicy, drinky, full-bodied final." Falstaff

"A fresh and crunchy red with dark cherries, currants, crushed flowers and a little bit of chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied. So lively and bright with textured, chalky tannins. Attractive juiciness with cherries and red spice undertones. Mineral and savory with some salinity at the end." James Suckling

Grosso Agontano Riserva rises dark, floral and earthy from the glass, with notes of undergrowth and tobacco that fade into blackberry and crushed stone. Its velvety texture leads to a sophisticated presentation of red and black fruits, underpinned by cool herbal notes, while the fine tannins slowly saturate towards the end. The finish is long, youthfully structured and with a pleasant inner sweetness, while nuances of tangerine and sour cherry linger under a hint of violet blossom.

Agontano is a 100% Montepulciano that is refined in barriques in the second passage. It is a very attractive interpretation of the grape variety and still needs some time in the cellar to show its best side. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark shiny purple red colour, fine rim. Spicy bouquet of juniper and sweet cherries, followed by leather and a hint of espresso in the finish. Silky texture on the palate, savoury fruit clothed in chocolate, with firm tannins and gentle pressure." Falstaff

"The Conero Riserva Agontano 2020 is dark and intense. A cascade of violet flowers and lavender gives way to crushed blackberries accompanied by hints of cocoa and camphor. The wine is soft and enveloping, with polished red and black fruits accompanied by lively acidity. Fine tannins build slowly towards the end. The Agontano leaves behind chalky mineral tones and a bitter espresso note that lingers until the long and structured final. The 2020 is complex and beautifully balanced, but also very young. We will have to be patient." Vinous

Bright light greenish yellow, fragrant bouquet of meadow flowers, a hint of apple, acacia honey and biscuits. Fine on the palate and very complex with its fine, fresh fruit flavours and a delicate, salty note on the full finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny silver-grey with olive-green reflections and numerous fine pearls. Initially somewhat shy on the nose, then opens up to yellow apple, light almond notes and subtle floral nuances. On the palate with a fine-grained perlage and a certain juiciness, underpinned by a slight bitter note, appears very yellow-fruity." Falstaff

"An intriguing fruity-floral odeur characterises this excellent single-vineyard wine; a creamy texture, carried by the rich acidity, juicy and harmonious until the long final." Vinum

"The 2023 Valdobbiadene Vigneto Giardino Rive di Colbertaldo Asciutto is delicate yet remarkably pretty, wafting up with a cascade of floral perfumes and hints of sweet spice, peach sorbet and nectarine. It floods the palate with a creamy bead of fine bubbles and ripe orchard fruits, all guided by brilliant acidity as a nuance of candied citrus informs the close. Notes of green apple, melon and a sensation of liquid stone appear as the 2023 finishes with amazing length and complexity. This is fantastic." Vinous

The Ponca stretches from the north-east of Udine to the south of Istria in Croatia. The part closest to the winery, which formed in the northernmost bays of the lagoon, lies on the current border between Italy and Slovenia. More precisely, it is divided between two countries, three provincial governments and four protected designations of origin from the Collio, the Colli Orientali del Friuli, the Brda and the Vipava. Initially, with the help of a few Slovenian friends and colleagues, they only experimented with Merlot grapes, but now the grapes are vinified in their own cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

Montegrossi's Chianti Classico remains true to the estate's style every year with its deep violet colour and initially youthful, reductive nose. On the palate, it shows its potential with a fascinating build-up of tension and fresh fruit of black cherries and blackberries. The supple tannins are refined and polished, but it's the juicy, savoury notes and tangy acidity that really make the wine sing. An energetic classic of the appellation, whose average it surpasses every year. Great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Chianti Classico is fabulous - one of the best of the year. A burst of dark red/purple fruit, lavender, spice, rose petals and mint race across the palate. Deep, complex and wonderfully sexy - the 2022 is simply irresistible." Vinous

"A rich, dense style with flavours of cherries, raspberries and blackberries, with a hint of black pepper, while assertive tannins and lively acidity support the wine. It's balanced, if a little extracted, with a nice length." Wine Spectator

"This juicy, well-balanced Chianti Classico delivers fresh, vibrant red berry and cherry fruit with touches of white pepper and hibiscus. Quite firm and juicy, with nicely chewy tannins and a dainty, succulent finish. Effortlessly drinkable, but will also hold well for the next few years." James Suckling

This Nebbiolo from the Langhe comes from the entire region and from a combination of different soil types. It is fermented in concrete to preserve its freshness before maturing for five months in large oak barrels. On the nose, ripe, vanilla-scented hedgerow fruit with a fresh, crisp flavour of sweet cherries. On the palate, it displays an impressive intensity and plenty of playful acidity. The dark fruit flavours are supported by a supple texture and the spice nuances are fragrant and exotic. An excellent wine for early consumption and of great quality. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo shows a brilliant ruby red colour and offers crisp fruit aromas with blueberry and tart raspberry. The fruit comes from the vineyards throughout the region and the warmer microclimates that are not included in the Barbaresco programme." Wine Advocate

Medium straw yellow with silver reflections. Nuances of light peach, yellow pear and salted lemon on the nose, with a background of lime blossom. Great freshness, juiciness and good length on the palate, with a mineral final. SUPERIORE.DE

"As the 2023 Etna Bianco Contrade Nuove opens in the glass, a whiff of sweet spice gives way to freshly sliced yellow apples and pears. This flows across the palate like liquid stone, mixing ripe orchard fruits and melon tones across a stream of cooling acidity. It leaves a coating of tactile minerality and shavings of lime while finishing with staining length and a cheek-puckering citrus twang. The 2023 turns the pleasure dials to the max." Vinous

Sansonina (Lugana and Merlot) is a strictly limited and very ambitious project by the Zenato family, in which only the best grapes from their own vineyards are used. Only a small number of these are sold in numbered bottles each year.

This spontaneously fermented Lugana from the Sansonina winery is a masterpiece with a broad aroma of exotic fruits. In addition to the intense fruit, there is enough room on the palate for a fine minerality and freshness. It is undisputedly one of the most serious Lugana wines we know. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, light straw yellow colour. Shows some greenish notes of basil and marjoram on the nose, followed by green peach and yeast. Lots of juicy peach fruit on the palate, some apricot, nice bite on the final." Falstaff

Sessantanni (60 years old) comes from vines at least as old and impresses with a deep garnet red colour and visibly high concentration. The bouquet is reminiscent of a rum pot, with beautiful primary and secondary aromas of black fruit and woody spice. The palate is dense, smooth, jammy and gently tannic. Long and sweet on the finish. Unique in its opulence and density and undisputedly one of Puglia's favourite reds. SUPERIORE.DE

"This bold and rich wine has intense aromas of mushrooms, currants, roasted cherries and cinnamon. It’s full-bodied with herbal undertones to the dried-fruit sweetness. Medium-chewy tannins match the flavor intensity." James Suckling

The "Buchholz" valley slopes above Salurn in the South Tyrolean lowlands were already documented in the historical cadastral cartography of 1858. This impressive Chardonnay comes from this terraced area of dolomite sedimentary rock at an altitude of 400 to 800 metres above sea level.

Greenish yellow, with a bouquet of banana and pineapple, sliced apple and wild herbs. Very juicy on the palate, inviting and stimulating to drink with its pretty palette of fruity flavours, fine minerality and a certain herbaceousness. The fullness in the mouth is very pleasant, the personality and length are a lot of fun even at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow, sparkling. Light fumé on the nose, with rich yellow fruit, tropical fruit, precious wood, full-bodied. Rich and full on the palate, with a radiant yellow fruit centre, comes in several layers, long and creamy." Falstaff

"Praline, apricot, lemon curd and mango crumble on the nose. Also some vanilla. It is medium-bodied, creamy and beautiful with sweet stone fruit." James Suckling

Watch out, or even better - don't be afraid of the wolf: Attenti al Lupo is the exciting result of a new project by Podere le Ripi, which is specifically exploring new possibilities in the vineyard and cellar to find solutions to climate change, which is now putting all farmers and winegrowers to the test.

To this end, Sangiovese clones were identified that adapt better to the changing conditions. Vineyards were also selected that are mainly located on alluvial soils, where an earlier harvest tends to be possible. During vinification, carbonic maceration of the whole grapes (with the stems) takes place over 10 days in closed stainless steel tanks, which gives the wine a portion of acidity and crisp flavours even in its youth, giving it a great deal of freshness, dynamism and liveliness.

The result is a bright red and very flavourful wine, slender and straightforward in the mouth, with a very fruity nose that is typical of the type of fermentation. This is followed by a pronounced minerality and an exciting, delicately bitter note in the aftertaste. Ideal with roasted meat, mature cheese and first courses. SUPERIORE.DE

The antithesis of this wine is the grape varieties and their processing. 60% Merlot and 40% Sangiovese from completely different terroirs are blended here to make a wine that is produced using both traditional (Merlot) and modern (Sangiovese) appassimento methods. Part of the Sangiovese grapes are dried before pressing, which makes the wine deeper, more velvety and fruitier.

Deep ruby colour with violet reflections. Spicy aroma with notes of black pepper and tobacco and beautiful, very present cherry fruit. Warm and enveloping on the palate, with good glycerin and great harmony. The fruit centre is enveloped by fresh tannins that give it structure and good ageing potential. A modern wine, but never modernistic in its clearly recognisable Zerbina style. SUPERIORE.DE

With this exceptional Chianti Classico Riserva, the Mazzei family celebrates their famous ancestor Ser Lapo, in whose writings the name "Chianti" is mentioned for the first time. The upper part of the label features a faithful reproduction of one of his writings (from 1398) with beautiful calligraphy. "Don't worry about the cost of this wine, even though it was expensive: its quality will make up for it."

Opens with classic aromas of blackberry, cassis and a fine hint of violet. Warm and full on the palate, a firm core of dark, sweet fruit, smooth tannins, rich and with elegant acidity. Spicy and long, with an unmistakable appetising hint of sage and mint on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Medium expression on the nose, subtle earthy tones, with ripe, shy, cherry fruit. A little wild on the palate, with a slightly animal touch, plenty of tannins and a fine mint flavour, not yet fully integrated, be patient!" Falstaff

"The Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo 2021 is a complex, beguiling wine. It presents a distinctly aromatic, flavourful expression of Sangiovese. Cedar wood, pipe tobacco, crushed autumn leaves and wild red cherries race across the palate, all framed by a lively salty undertone. Once again, Ser Lapo is one of the undiscovered jewels in the Mazzei range." Vinous

Excellent Langhe Nebbiolo. Garnet red colour, pronounced aroma of ripe cherries, raspberries, dried rose petals and wild berries. The very juicy yet cool and elegant flavour shows silky yet solid flanking tannins and harmonious acidity. A profound red with plenty of vigour at an excellent price. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo is a tasty entry-level offering Vajra. Crushed flowers, sweet red cherry fruit, cedar and pipe tobacco give this open-knit, mid-weight Langhe Nebbiolo tons of charm." Vinous

Bright straw yellow with greenish reflections. The nose is fragrant and pronounced with notes of ripe lemon, white peach and a hint of green pepper. Both racy and lean on the palate, with a lovely minerality and pronounced freshness. Beautiful length. SUPERIORE.DE

Dolcetto d'Alba Coste & Fossati is one of the most sought-after wines in the appellation every year. A very dark violet-coloured wine with a bouquet of roasted almonds, cherries, tar and chocolate. Voluminous, long and rich on the palate, velvety and juicy with a subtle sweetness and an impressive, gripping texture. Already a pleasure today and undoubtedly a great experience in a few years' time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Coste & Fossati, Vajra's top Dolcetto, takes the notes of the grape variety and amplifies them, adding remarkable richness and body in the mid-palate, in part through a super-classic winemaking process that involves maceration under water. Iron, dried flowers, mint, plum, sage and tobacco make up this deep, multi-layered Dolcetto. I love its dynamic energy and overall complexity." Vinous

"Its secret is finesse and elegance, almost noblesse. A white wine with a delicate colour and delicate aromas, perfect for festive occasions." Michael Graf Goëss-Enzenberg, Weingut Manincor

Réserve della Contessa" becomes "La Contessa" - the feminine wine. Delicate, shimmering colour with a fresh, elegant bouquet of green apple, ripe apricot and a hint of sage. Dense, long and with a fine melt on the palate. The finish is long, ripe and juicy, with apple and lime. Rare noblesse! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant golden yellow colour. Inviting bouquet with notes of blossom honey, ripe melon and hints of mango and passion fruit. Fresh acidity on the palate, juicy and with a sweet fruit flavour that lingers into the finish." Falstaff

"A tangy white with minerals, pears and lemons. Beautiful acidity and tautness on the palate, with a medium to full body and a delicious finish. Made from biodynamically grown grapes." James Suckling

"Burdigai" is Ligurian dialect and means shrubs of the Mediterranean maquis. From a small and isolated terrace facing west, surrounded by Mediterranean shrubs, comes this truly original Rosato, which should not actually exist. Because the grape variety is unknown, it is alternatively called "Franseise" because it apparently comes from the south of France and not even the owners know the exact origin and age, nor do they know who planted the vines there in the first place. Nevertheless, the vines have been cultivated and cared for over decades and at some point the family council decided to press an independent rosé from them.

Intense coral pink, fine and original bouquet of pink grapefruit, raspberry and strawberry with subtle mineral notes. Very dry in the mouth, floral, with lively acidity and pronounced spiciness. Characteristic is the mineral-chalky impression at the back of the palate, which prolongs the wine's originality and tension. The lasting impression left by this exciting and full-bodied and pleasantly purist Rosato is a blend of elegance, finesse and uncompromisingness that is second to none. SUPERIORE.DE

Etna Rosso comes from the Torreguarino and Pietramarina vineyards on Etna. Bright, sparkling ruby red colour with a transparent core. Fine spicy notes, pepper and small red berries on the nose, notes of ripe raspberries on the palate. Dense, with lots of fruit and compact tannins. Elegant, yet fresh and racy and very authentic. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light tannins are crisp and fine in this bright red that defines a pure note of crushed raspberry with a hint of pomegranate puree, supported by accents of blood orange peel, dried lavender and tarry smoke that ends in a creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"The sunny, floral nose shows aromas of roses, hibiscus, cherries and strawberries, along with balancing undertones of salt and stone. On the palate, a hint of orange peel underlines the cherry and strawberry flavours, while the tannins leave a powerful, invigorating impression." Wine Enthusiast

"The Etna Rosso 2022 presents itself with an airy bouquet of rosy flowers, lavender and exotic spices. It opens with a pretty inner sweetness and soft textures as wild strawberries and blueberries swirl. It tapers off with a hint of crisp minerality and a violet finish, revealing a tart blackberry note towards the end." Vinous

"Vivid and lively, this has aromas of dark cherries, watermelon and a hint of lemons following through to a medium body with integrated tannins and crunchy fruit at the end. Energetic and focused." James Suckling

The extremely elegant Langhe Nebbiolo from Pio Cesare is a nuanced, bright wine. Fruits, orange peel, spices and flowers on the nose. On the palate, beautifully round and full of energy with good potential. SUPERIORE.DE