Wine

Maximo is a Sauvignon Bianco made from grapes grafted with Botrytis cinerea and smells and tastes incredibly complex. Golden with amber highlights, distinct aromas of honey, apricot and peach, followed by notes of ripe figs and candied citrus. Rich and balanced with crisp fresh persistence and wonderful length. SUPERIORE.DE

The Barbera d'Alba Bricco dei Merli is characterised by the balance and harmony that we also find in Elvio Cogno's other wines. Barbera can sometimes take on exaggerated flavours, but Cogno's Barbera offers a beautiful intensity of dark fruit without ever being heavy or too rich. Full of vibrant freshness and good energy as it progresses. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of sour cherries and redcurrants with citrus peel and floral undertones. Juicy and flavoursome with a medium body and crisp red berry character. Lively finish." James Suckling

"This Barbera lifts from the glass with fresh aromas of mixed berries, sweet spices, wild herbs and underbrush. The juicy palate gives notes of black cherries, raspberries and tea finishing with bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Sparkling, medium ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Subtle notes of ripe blackberries and plums on the nose, with a slightly leathery aftertaste of dried rose petals. Fresh and juicy on the palate, well-balanced, with a medium-long finish." Falstaff

"The Barbera d'Alba Bricco dei Merli 2021 shows a wonderfully fruity, almost juicy personality that paints an authentic portrait of this grape variety. The winemaking team at Congo has worked out its approach to elegant wines. This Barbera shows none of the exaggerations, such as acidity or too much acidity, that sometimes characterise Barbera when it is made in less capable hands." Wine Advocate

Elegant, exotic-looking Etna Bianco with wonderfully broad flavours of tropical fruit, blossom and peach. Beautifully juicy, balanced and long in flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"A blend from 5 contrade. Extremely aromatic, expansive, sexy bouquet with white peach and spices. This successful cuvée captivates with its multi-layered hints of mountain and flower meadows, paired with light exotic fruits. Melting on the palate with white fruits, mineral notes and a salty finish." Weinwisser

"The 2022 Etna Bianco rises from the glass with a savoury blend of dried flowers, stone dust and freshly cut nectarine. It shows ripe stone fruit and a feeling of liquid stone accompanied by fresh acidity. The 2022 finishes crisp and long, with a tart concentration of citrus that tickles the cheeks and keeps the taster reaching for the glass." Vinous

"It has notes of lemon, camomile and sweet basil. It is bright and fruity, with a medium body and a fresh, creamy finish." James Suckling

"A blend of Carricante from various Contradas in Castiglione di Sicilia on the north side of Mount Etna. This undried Bianco is bright and cheerful, full of white peach, white flowers, apricot skin, cream, pink grapefruit and hay. Its long, floral finish is delightful, juicy and stony." Decanter

Bachmann is a marvellous Pinot Nero Riserva in the best South Tyrolean style. Elegant and dense, with the fine flavour of Pinot Noir. Beautiful ripe fruit on the palate, charming and well-integrated tannins, powerful and long on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

Since the 2020 vintage, Haberle has been called Versalto and is certified organic. Diversity as a focus: Versalto is characterised by geological, microclimatic and cultural contrasts. Its grapes come from the Haberlehof farm in Buchholz on the eastern side of the Adige Valley and from the opposite vineyards in Penon above Margreid. Both vineyards are located at an altitude of around 500 metres and guarantee optimal conditions for the variety.

Bright light yellow colour. Fine, distinctly fruity apple and peach bouquet with a very subtle hint of wood. Clean, elegant flavour, balanced structure and harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a highly versatile wine both in terms of its approachable drinking style and its affordable price tag. The 2022 Pinot Bianco Versalto shows crisp aromas of unripe pear and orchard-fresh apple. The primary fruit is followed by tea biscuit and macadamia nut. Versalto reveals a very crisp and direct personality, thanks to lees aging in stainless steel and oak barrel. This release definitely showcases that luminous and crisp Dolomitic quality that you want to see in an Alto Adige white." Wine Advocate

The Villa di Chiesa from Vermentino and Chardonnay is very distinctive. It is aged for about eight months in barriques. Smelling of ripe fruit and a delicate vanilla note, the taste is characterised by power and elegance, velvety, spicy and long-lasting. SUPERIORE.DE

Donnafugata's impressive declaration of love to Etna, currently the hottest wine hotspot, began with the Sul Vulcano line. Light ruby red in colour, with a bouquet of wild strawberry and delicate hints of black cherry, cinnamon and nutmeg. The corresponding, fresh flavour and subtle elegance lead to a harmonious and energetic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Open-hearted bouquet with delicate oxidation, lilac, juniper and tobacco. Earthy and mineral on the palate with fine tannins and spicy notes." Weinwisser

"Medium, bright garnet red with a brightening rim. Fine aromas of strawberries and raspberries and a hint of cherry syrup on the nose. Crisp, fresh and juicy on the palate with a fruity finish and fine-grained tannins." Falstaff

"It impresses with its ripe core of black cherry and plum and offers pretty accents of violets, aniseed and dried herbs. This red wine is light-footed, with taut tannins that round off the mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"A soft and open red with plum and spice character as well as floral undertones. Some fresh herbs too. Medium body. Lightly chewy." James Suckling

"Hints of sweet spice and dusty rose give way to crushed cherries and cloves as the 2021 Etna Rosso Sul Vulcano blossoms in the glass. On the palate, it displays a texture of pure silk with ripe red fruits accompanied by lively acidity, while floral notes unfold on the inside. Fine tannins and a primary concentration saturate towards the end, while the 2021 finishes long. Traces of liquorice fade towards the end. This is a fantastic offering, especially at this price point." Vinous

Occhipintis Bianco has been one of Sicily's craziest and at the same time most independent white wines for years. Made from equal parts Moscato and Albanello, it exudes the scent of peaches and flowers, with a subtle smoky note on the nose. Delicately bitter on the palate, yet bone-dry and with wonderfully fruity hints of lychee, lime and apricot. With half an hour of aeration and at a moderate 12°C drinking temperature, you will be completely mesmerised by the sophistication and drinkability of this exceptional wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Bianco SP68 is distinctly savory, as wild herbs and wet concrete give way to crushed nectarines. This is soothingly round and supple with a spicy tinge of ginger up front, leading to tart orchard fruits and a cascade of salty minerals. The 2023 finishes vividly fresh yet still potent, leaving hints of green melon and lime zest that linger on and on. Allow the Bianco SP68 some time to open in the bottle to express its aromatics properly." Vinous

The SP68 cuvée of Frappato and Nero d'Avola is wonderfully fresh, dynamic, individual and modern. Generous flavours, solidly structured and equipped with mild tannins and fine spice. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Rosso SP68 is pretty and perfumed, with a blend of crushed roses and violets accentuating blackberries, white smoke and wet stones. It washes across the palate with a liquid floral concentration and tart wild berry fruits, all guided by a core of brisk acidity. The 2023 leaves the mouth salivating as a tart cranberry crunchiness resonates and hints of blood orange slowly fade." Vinous

Maldafrica denotes an "inner longing for a distant land" and is not love at first sight, but it is one of the most interesting wines of Sicily. It is very subtle and nuanced at first and it opens up gradually on its own timetable, but then: spontaneously fermented in amphorae, Maldafrica overwhelms the senses with dark fruits, spices, chopped herbs, salty notes, sulphur, leather and damp tobacco. Its mouthfeel is over a minute long and its acidity provides the perfect amount of astringency to refresh the senses for all its opulence. A quiet monument that sets standards throughout the wine region and leaves a lasting impression for all its longing. SUPERIORE.DE

Nestri Bianco is a single varietal Chardonnay that showcases its varietal aromatics with great elegance. Bright straw yellow colour. Ripe and nuanced bouquet of yellow fruits, yeasty pastries and fresh mountain air. On the palate, Nestri reveals energy and concentration in a mineral-salty style that is deeply flavoured while avoiding any sense of heaviness. An all-round harmonious white from the small family-run winery with cult status. SUPERIORE.DE

"Only the best grapes." adorns the label. Expressive, intense white wine made from the indigenous Grillo grape, which began its quiet and steep career as the exclusive house wine of the Moretti family and is still only available in small quantities today. Strong, bright straw yellow colour. An expansive bouquet of exotic fruits, flowers and flint, fruity and soft with a fresh, mineral note in the long and energetic final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium shiny straw yellow with silver-coloured reflections. Intense aroma of ripe peach, mango and candied citrus fruit on the nose, spicy with a hint of vanilla pod. Juicy and tense on the palate, very balanced and with a slightly noticeable use of wood, final with a citrus flavour." Falstaff

"Fresh aromas of honeysuckle, lemon rind, sea salt and green melon. Medium-bodied, crisp and focused, with notes of apples, honey and minerals. Focused and creamy texture." James Suckling

Bright ruby colour, appealing bouquet of blackberries, orange peel, olives, peppercorns, herbs and oyster shells. Medium-bodied with supple tannins and a crisp, fresh and crunchy palate. Slightly salty. Juicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cinnamon candy dominates the aromas, with vibrant blood oranges, orange peel, raspberries and white pepper. Light- to medium-bodied with lifted acidity and silky tannins that are a bit more biting in the youthful, chewy finish." James Suckling

Well-balanced, well-proportioned Pinot Noir from the best lime-rich, sandy southern sites with multi-layered fruit aromas of wild berries and sour cherries. Ripe fruit on the palate and a harmoniously structured balance between acidity and tannin with well-integrated toasty aromas. A thoroughly honest Pinot Noir. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red with delicate rim brightenings. In the nose delicate fruity notes, strawberries and raspberries, behind some vanilla and forest floor. Filigree on the palate, starts with lots of juice, nice saltiness, refreshing acidity, delicate tannin, spicy final." Falstaff

Blau & Blau is made from Blaufränkisch grapes (Franconia) and Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero). Generous and juicy aromas of blackberry, blueberry, clove, violet and minerals. Elegant, full-bodied, balanced taste. Very unique and special. SUPERIORE.DE

Here comes one of the probably least known charmers from the noble region around Montalcino. An exciting nose of barbecue smoke, onion and paprika. Very juicy and well-structured on the palate, the dark fruit flanked by rosemary and forest floor. Very accessible and yet independent in character and personality. Long and exciting. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour with a rich core. Hints of blackberry and dark cherry on the nose, reminiscent of plaster and candle wax on the finish. Juicy on the palate, flavours of wild berries and iron, firm tannins, balanced final." Falstaff

"Very pure dark- and blue-fruited nose with hints of violets, dried orange peel and graphite. Polished, almost silky on the medium-bodied palate, with very attractive juicy acidity. Savory and spiced at the end." James Suckling

Torcolato is made from botrytised Vespaiola grapes and matures in French oak barrels, a third of which are new. It has been one of the best sweet wines in Italy for decades. Aromas of dried apricots, white truffle, honey and sage on the nose, virtuoso and exotic on the palate. Class and elegance with a great value and outstanding ageing potential. A monument in the Italian wine world every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Silky and sweet, but also delicious and clear, with notes of lemon wax and toasted almonds accenting flavours of baked persimmons, singed orange peel, dried mint and toffee. A tight-knit dessert wine, with well-integrated acidity and light, taut tannins." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Torcolato has a deep golden colour and impresses with a bouquet that combines richness with sophistication. Dried apricots and mangoes meet notes of almond paste, cinnamon and fresh mint, which complement each other. This wine is surprisingly lively and energetic, with a racy acidity and tart fruit balanced by a core of sour citrus and spice. The 2021 leaves you wanting more and finishes dramatically long but incredibly fresh, with notes of green melon and lime slowly fading away. This is dangerously delicious." Vinous

Beautiful Sauvignon Bianco from Maculan's famous Ferrata white wine vineyard on volcanic and tufaceous soils. Clear, fresh bouquet of citrus and gooseberry, then ripe tropical fruit, peach with a hint of saffron. Full and multi-layered on the palate with seductive flavours of lemon, orange blossom and mint. The finish is complex and long - a white full of character with a high recognition value. SUPERIORE.DE

The Lageder family now only makes one Sauvignon Bianco, and it belongs to the "Compositions" line. It gets its complexity from the wide variety of different clones in the vineyards. The majority of these lie at an altitude of over 400 metres and are based on limestone soil on the one hand and volcanic weathered rock on the other. The different source rocks and the variety of vines gave the Lageders the name of the wine. This is because it consists of fragments from the best organic and biodynamic vineyards, which are married to form a whole. Its salinity and crisp freshness are highly drinkable and make this fresh and sublime South Tyrolean Sauvignon Blanc a very special experience. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes come exclusively from the single vineyard San Pietro; since the 2018 vintage, part of the wine has been matured in amphorae. Berries, liquorice and deep red fruit on the nose. Finely woven and very precise structure, personality and class on the palate. Sheer elegance and Clerico enjoyment without waiting for further ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour, sparkling. Beautiful expression on the nose, of geraniums, cold smoke and raspberries, with a finish of crisp, red-cheeked apple. Juicy and savoury on the palate, with a radiant fruit core, shows muscular tannins throughout, firm pressure on the finish, can still mature for a long time." Falstaff

"A pretty red, reminiscent of strawberry, cherry, floral and aniseed flavours. It is light and taut on the finish, but above all it is elegant and supple." Wine Spectator

"This is a fun and easy-going wine with beautiful primary fruit reminiscent of wild berries and cassis. The Domenico Clerico 2022 Langhe Nebbiolo Capisme-e is characterised by its brightness and freshness, which are easy to drink. It's all about transparency and energy." Wine Advocate

Riesling is the Pratzner family's speciality: bright straw yellow with green reflections. Complex nose of flint, lime, white flowers with salty hints. Precise acidity on the palate, which vibrates delicately on the tongue and then draws the wine taut and fresh into the long, juicy final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pretty flavours of nectarine, peach and mango, with a bright, lively acidity and a pleasant citrus note on the palate." Decanter,

"A very restrained and minerally wine. Slate and gunpowder on the nose are enhanced by white peaches, orange blossoms and slightly peaty notes. Light-bodied on the palate, with zesty acidity and a tense yet balanced finish." James Suckling

The Cuvée dei Frati is composed of classic Lugana grapes and ten per cent Chardonnay to round it off. After 24 months of ageing on the lees in the bottle, this fine sparkling wine is created with aromas of biscuit, hay and dried tobacco leaves. The moderate carbonic acidity makes it glide over the palate like silk. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw yellow with hints of greenish gold and a fine perlage. Delicately fragrant on the nose, with hints of fresh white bread and tropical fruit on the finish. A very juicy mousse on the palate, with crisp acidity and good length." Falstaff

Sparkling ruby red colour, intense and appealing mineral aroma of plums, orange zest, ripe raspberries and a hint of liquorice in the background. Elegant tannins and a delicious fruity flavour on the juicy palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Etna Rosso smells of pink flowers and a hint of juniper berries. It is vividly fruit-driven, with a wave of ripe wild berries and sweet spices flowing over a stream of vibrant acidity. It leaves a hint of primary concentration and slightly grippy tannins that linger as the purple flowers inside slowly fade. Although more extroverted than expected, the 2022 is an absolute pleasure and has fantastic balance." Vinous

The vines, which are over 50 years old, are located outside the Chianti Classico appellation and were planted by Fabrizio Bianchi as a kind of "heart project" back in the 1970s. Inspired by the great white wines from Burgundy, it was initially fermented exclusively in wooden barrels. Since 2000, however, the proportion of grapes fermented in oak has steadily decreased, so that today almost 70% of the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks, which gives the wine freshness and elegance.

Fine fruit, barely perceptible wood. Fresh and medium-bodied on the palate, the Burgundian character and its beautiful structure and length only emerge gradually. A finesse-rich and fruit-accentuated Chardonnay that embodies its grape variety and terroir wonderfully and never comes across as heavy or overloaded. SUPERIORE.DE