Wine

Owner Leonardo Pinzolo cultivates 52 hectares of biodynamically certified vineyards on his family farms in Popoli and Capestrano. The soils here differ from those in the rest of Abruzzo. Combined with the higher altitude of the vineyards and the proximity to the Gran Sasso mountains, these wines have a decidedly cooler expression than is usually found in Abruzzo. In the winery, fermentations are spontaneous and without temperature control. With the exception of a few single-vineyard wines, most of the wines are matured in stainless steel.

Brilliant medium carmine red colour. Initially somewhat reductively closed on the nose, Leonardo explains: "It's better if the wine is a little reduced when it comes into the bottle because it ages better that way." After a little air, a fine exotic flavour, lots of red fruit and notes of flowers. The surprise on the palate: a beautifully compact, juicy and transparent red fruit and lots of fine tannins, plus notes of liquorice and sweet cinnamon. A fresh, straightforward wine with the typical cool Valle-Reale profile and anything but arbitrary. SUPERIORE.DE

This is a light-weight wine that is still rather fresh and cheerful when young, but which will develop into a highly complex and more than serious white wine over the years. In the still youthful, fresh bouquet, we already find a lot of minerality and fine yellow fruit notes, then on the palate a texture and depth that comes to the fore more and more at 2° higher drinking temperature and appropriate aeration. It will be even better in a few years - guaranteed! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Timorasso is gorgeous. Graphite, pear, chamomile, sage and dried herbs are delineated in this super-expressive white. As always, Timorasso is a white that emphasizes strong mineral and savory notes, while the fruit is in the background." Vinous

Occhetti is a round, elegant and powerful Nebbiolo Cru from Prunotto. Intense crimson red with garnet reflections, a hint of raspberry and diverse other aromas on the nose, dense and harmonious on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

Wonderfully fragrant, fruity and floral bouquet. The flavour is reminiscent of plums and cherries with a fine vanilla-spicy component and clear, very pleasant acidity and polished tannins. Clear fruit flavours, enormous velvety texture and a long finish emphasise the harmony of this Nobile Riserva. SUPERIORE.DE

"Raspberry-fruity attack with balsamic nuances; elegant style with polish and character, impresses with its balanced texture, finesse and length." Vinum

"A dusting of cocoa and ground cloves gives way to hints of dried black cherries and sawdust as the 2019 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva evolves in the glass. It's round and soft-textured with ripe red and black fruit tones. Tinges of white pepper and allspice settle in toward the close. This leaves a cascade of inner florals and edgy tannins to linger, finishing long and staining with a licorice note that lingers on." Vinous

"A spicy and fragrant red with aromas of pine needles, incense, walnuts and spiced plums. It is full-bodied with ripe, creamy tannins that blend well with the plum and berry fruit. Excellent concentration." James Suckling

Bright, straw-yellow colour with greenish reflections. Pronounced, rich, somewhat smoky varietal aroma, fine woody spice. Clean, fruity, powerful flavour. Round, full-bodied flavour. Fresh final with a long, spicy aftertaste. For us, one of the most fascinating Pinot Gris wines in South Tyrol every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"A very spicy and intense pinot grigio with thyme, lemon leaves, peonies, salt and minerals on the nose. Light-bodied with crisp acidity and a tight, polished finish." James Suckling

Pale straw yellow with green nuances. Warm notes of cloves and fennel, fine lychee flavours. Finely characterised on the palate, good interplay between fullness and finesse, shows plenty of spice here too, lovely final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Strong, shiny golden yellow with a beautiful lustre. Clearly orange blossom and candied fruit on the elegant nose, followed by rose water and floral elements. Very pleasant on the palate with a melting texture, medium palate pressure, retronasal light herbal note, slightly salty final." Falstaff

"A fragrant white that has aromas of rose petals, melon, citrus blossoms and lychees. It’s full-bodied, tropical and floral, oily in texture, yet not overdone and with excellent balance. Long and flavorful." James Suckling

Eppan-Berg-Schulthaus at the foot of the Gantkofel is probably the most historic Pinot Blanc vineyard in Eppan. The grapes for the Riserva come from the oldest plots, are matured in large wooden barrels and produce a mineral, structured Pinot Blanc with great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with green reflections. Clean, clear nose, yellow-fruity aromas of red lager apples, peach and hints of citrus. Harmonious and round on the palate with clearly perceptible acidity and a medium-long finish." Falstaff

Brilliant ruby red colour. Lively nose of small, primary fruity red berries, subtle use of wood and impressive race and complexity for the price. Precise and taut on the palate, showing its origins boldly and decisively. Then a harmoniously balanced mix of tobacco, leather, cedar and, of course, cherry and plum. The finely balanced tannins carry this powerful and impressive Riserva into a long final. Impressive! SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine is absolutely delicious. An arpeggio of sweet, unashamedly ripe, red berry and violet-coloured fruit that floats through the glass. Unbridled freshness. The fruit is the flutist of the vineyard. Unabashed in terms of fruit, but at the same time not obtrusively "fruity". It is complex. The tannins are silky, but have a finely powdered chalky grip. There's spice, a little liquorice bark and a hint of foliage - that kind of green-purple, velvety bloom of wild violets. And the purity of the fruit fills every molecule of the long finish. Bravo!" Jancis Robinson

"This is bright and focused, with aromas of cherries, dried oranges and hints of hibiscus and mild spices. Medium-bodied, crunchy and fresh on the palate, with very fine tannins. Polished, with mineral notes of crushed stones and citrusy nuances at the end. Shows freshness and balance." James Suckling

"Offers cherry and plum fruit, framed by flavours of earth, minerals and wild herbs. This red wine oscillates between elegance and power and is wonderfully balanced. Dusty tannins support the fruit on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Riserva Il Grigio da San Felice 2021 is a dark, dense and rather sombre wine. Black cherry, leather, tobacco, incense and dried herbs reinforce this first impression. The 2021 is a Riserva with substance and power and has a lot to offer. It is a particularly beautiful edition of Il Grigio." Vinous

This white dessert wine with DOCG status is made from 100% Garganega grapes from selected volcanic plots in the Costeggiola vineyard in Soave, where the grapes are predestined for drying due to the advanced age of the vines (22 to 50 years) and the resulting very manageable yield. This takes place for three to five months in the "fruttaio", after which the wine is matured for 30 months in stainless steel tanks and 5 hl wooden barrels.

Very concentrated nose of stone fruit, lemon zest and honey. Opulent on the palate with a good balance of sweetness and acidity - overall, this dessert wine is very fresh and well-rounded, making it an excellent accompaniment to not-too-sweet desserts and perfectly matured soft cheeses. Just 2,666 numbered bottles go on sale with each vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, sparkling red gold colour. Inviting nose with notes of apricot jam, ripe pears and slightly resinous components that add playfulness. Lots of sweet, ripe fruit on the palate at first, again apricot, but also honeydew melon, then quite pronounced bitter components on the final, alternating between sweet and bitter." Falstaff

Donnafugata's impressive declaration of love to Etna, currently the hottest wine hotspot, began with the Sul Vulcano line. Carricante is one of the most exciting grape varieties in southern Italy, capable of complexity and terroir-driven expression in the right soils. The vines for Donnafugata's only white wine from Etna grow on volcanic soils rich in minerals at an altitude of 700-750 metres. The wine is fermented in steel tanks before maturing partly in concrete tanks and partly in second and third choice barriques for 10 months and then a further nine months in the bottle.

Straw yellow with golden reflections. Bouquet of white flowers and notes of wild herbs and citrus. On the palate, it is full, fresh and flavoursome and finishes with impressive freshness, elegance and an exciting mineral vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose reveals chiselled notes of pink grapefruit, herbs and citrus blossom. In the mouth, it is tightly woven, with a very fine woody touch, melting contours, mineral and salty." Weinwisser

"Straw yellow in colour. Attractive nose of fresh lemon peel, but still somewhat restrained. Mineral lemon fruit with salty hints on the finish. Can mature." Jancis Robinson

"A well-dried white wine with lush vanilla, baking spice and lime blossom accents to the flavours of glazed apple and tangerine fruit. The mouthwatering acidity is well integrated, providing definition and carrying the rich flavours through the lingering, slightly salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Bianco Sul Vulcano 2021 is intense, with a blend of flint, sweet mint, apricot and a hint of sage. It is soft and round, with a lively acidity and mineral fruit that pours over the palate and takes on a hint of sour citrus towards the end. The Sul Vulcano is a fantastic option for an entry-level Etna Bianco, and having tasted the 2016 in parallel, I can confirm that it will age beautifully." Vinous

"Juicy fruit character, delicate white flowers, ripe melon and pineapple, elegant and mineral with generous fruit." Decanter

"A gourmet wine with structure. Intense and smoky, this shows jasmine, green apples and yellow peaches. The palate is vibrant, electric and fresh with an almost tannic texture. Zesty and mineral, it’s just a bit leaner on the finish." James Suckling

This Vermentino cru is the result of a study project in the vineyard and in the winery and comes from two clones each from Corsica and Sardinia. "Belguardo V" (formerly "Codice V") displays the most distinctive characteristics of Tyrrhenian Vermentino and thus epitomises the typical Vermentino as the Mazzei family understands it. Fresh and bright citrus flavours with white flowers, honeysuckle and cut grass. Sunny, savoury and very mineral on the palate with the typical Vermentino structure. Taut on the final and with promising ageing potential. 30% of the wine is matured on the fine lees in amphorae. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, light golden yellow colour. Smoky on the nose with notes of melted butter, ripe citrus fruit and a hint of cinchona bark. Very juicy on the palate with a velvety texture, rich fruit on fresh acidity and good length." Falstaff

"Fresh and mineral Vermentino with flavours of white fruits, lemons and flowers. Very polished and supple, with a medium body and clean acidity. Silky and structured, but crisp and nervy at the same time. Focussed and balanced." James Suckling

"The Belguardo Mazzei 2022 Maremma Toscana Vermentino Superiore Belguardo V is a terrific expression, with a salty or mineral side that adds tension and freshness. It also offers ample fruit that gives the wine volume and richness. These two contrasting sides make for a very well-balanced and developed expression of Vermentino. It carries the newly minted Vermentino Superiore denomination." Wine Advocate

Fine and elegant, the Barbera d'Alba Pian Romualdo from the vineyard of the same name: purple red, with an elegant scent of cherries, blackberries and spices. Full, harmonious and of beautiful length on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

Nestri Bianco is a single-varietal Chardonnay that showcases its typical varietal flavours with great elegance. Bright straw yellow colour. Ripe and nuanced bouquet of yellow fruit, elderflower, yeast biscuits and fresh mountain air. On the palate, Nestri reveals energy and concentration in a mineral-salty style that is deeply flavoured and at the same time avoids any sense of heaviness. An all-round harmonious white wine from the small family business with cult status. SUPERIORE.DE

Bright straw yellow with golden reflections. Fresh yellow apple, some pear and hay on the nose. Full-bodied and pleasant on the palate, then savoury and with well-dosed acid wire. Wonderfully structured, with a tang that makes you long for the next glass. A great white wine from central Tuscany. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is vibrant and complex, featuring lemon oil, peach, apple, vanilla and toast aromas and flavors. Elegant in profile, this white is charming, harmonious and long." Wine Spectator

"Made with 100% Trebbiano, the organic Dievole 2021 Campinovi shows aromas of citrus, apple, orchard fruit and hints of exotic vanilla. The wine has a slightly waxy or creamy side to its constitution that would work with a pairing of chicken with Moroccan spices." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Campinovi is a gorgeous, understated white. Floral notes meld into a core of green pear, apple, mint, white pepper and tangerine peel. Airy and gracious, this is impeccably done." Vinous

"A pure trebbiano, showing density and freshness. Full and phenolic with excellent length and depth. Drinks well, but will age beautifully." James Suckling

The eruption of 1614 is legendary in the history of Etna, as it lasted ten years, making it the longest recorded eruption of the active volcano to date. A very impressive and fitting name for Planeta's Etna series of equally impressive wines.

It could hardly be more autochthonous: this excellent wine from the Nerello Mascalese grape comes from the hotspot on the east coast of Sicily, from the slopes of Mount Etna. Bright cherry red in colour, a fine aroma of raspberry and blood orange, gripping, taut acidity, silky tannins and a lively elegance with beautiful minerality. Great, long and unique! SUPERIORE.DE

"Impressive aromas of mulberries and flowers; juicy on the palate, beautifully polished, balanced and elegant through to the final, red berry flavours, soft, honey notes and yet the acidity is in balance. A lovely accompaniment to food." Vinum

"Burgundy-inspired bouquet with red berries, light strawberries, red cherries and balsamic notes, sage. Well-structured on the palate with gripping red berry fruit, sandy tannins and a savoury, peppery acidity structure that lingers into the final." Weinwisser

"It shows aromas of ripe cherries and grilled plums, with fragrant flavours of cigar box spices, broom and wild rosemary that linger on the fine, taut finish." Wine Spectator

"Cherries and cranberries with some candied watermelon both on the nose and on the palate. Medium body, creamy tannins and a tangy finish. Juicy." James Suckling

"The 2020 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese Eruzione 1614 opens in a medium dark ruby red colour with lively primary fruit. Wild berries and cassis are underpinned by gently rendered oak tones of cinnamon and campfire ash. Although technically outside the DOC area (just a few metres), this is one of the finest sites on Etna. The tannins are firm but silky, which means you can drink this bottle straight away without ageing." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 is decidedly savoury, exuding hints of grilled rosemary and sage, ashen stones and crushed blackberries. On the palate, it is characterised by juicy forest fruits, underscored by a hint of blood orange and zesty acidity. It tapers off long and gently tannic, closing on a pleasantly bitter note as the minty herbal tones fade. Wow." Vinous

"The nose begins spicy and herbaceous with notes of stone, salt, pepper, oregano and fennel before lighter flavours of cherry blossom, hibiscus and strawberry emerge. On the palate, the cherry and strawberry flavours sparkle, while a lingering, salty stoniness balances a silky smooth texture with an intense, salty freshness." Wine Enthusiast

"Fallwind" is the new name for the Pinot Nero Riserva with a feminine aroma of sweet fruit, flowers, minerals and spices. Slender and delicate on the palate, with great balance. Pinot Noir is a diva with high demands on soil and climate and requires a lot of attention in the cellar. For Riserva quality, the vine must also be at least ten years old and thrive in an excellent location. The Riserva from St. Michael-Eppan does not have to shy away from international price-quality comparisons. SUPERIORE.DE

"A bit layered, with leesy complexity and notes of red fruit, violets and a touch of spices. Firm tannins on the palate, with a light frame, a chalky texture and crisp acidity. Medium-bodied with a savory finish." James Suckling

Bright, straw-yellow colour with a slight greenish tinge. Delicately fruity, fragrant aroma typical of the variety with notes of ripe tropical fruit. Balanced, medium-bodied and clean flavour. Fresh, lively acidity and a marvellous finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A super-light yet elegant wine. Fairly neutral profile on the nose at first, then it has floral, lime tree, winter melon and grapefruit aromas. Light-bodied with a silky, elegant texture, tingling acidity and a lean yet balanced finish showing savory notes." James Suckling

Copper-coloured with light brown reflections. Floral-sweet and complex on the nose. On the palate, its typical Moscato aromas are carried by honey, dried fruit, caramel and a hint of musk. Creamy and dense on the palate with a well-dosed acidity that gives it a lot of freshness, the overall impression for us is that Aestas Passito is a dessert wine that is hard to beat in terms of excitement and specialness and where you can feel with every sip the dedication and certain wine craziness with which it was created. SUPERIORE.DE

Intensely bright golden yellow in colour. An elegant Pinot Grigio with the scent of wild roses and fine, tropical pineapple, apricot, peach and orange flavours. Rich and with a fresh mineral flavour that finishes very harmoniously and elegantly. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pronounced, sparkling golden yellow colour. Inviting bouquet with notes of juicy peaches and nectarines, plus hints of pineapple and mango. On the palate with a silky fruit melt, very juicy and stimulating on vibrant acidity, persistent." Falstaff

"A simple but precise wine with a good finish. Salty and peppery minerality with notes of pear and citrus. Light bodied with a silky texture, crisp acidity and a fruity finish." James Suckling

Beautiful white from Carricante that captures the energy of Etna and reflects its essence. Sparkling lemon yellow with a drop of gold. Yellow stone fruit, mint, flowers and spice aromas on the nose. Complex flavour, full fruit and subtle minerality on the palate. Racy, delicately flavoured and sophisticated. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, light golden yellow colour. Elegant and subtly fragrant bouquet, notes of juicy peach, honeydew melon, lime blossom, some white pepper. Finesse on the palate, silky texture, juicy fruit, invigorating acidity, very harmonious." Falstaff

"Tantalising notes of chamomile and cumin draw you into the glass of this bright and balanced Etna Bianco. Flavours of poached apricot, grainy pear, lemon thyme and beeswax are rounded off by a well-cut acidity that leaves a delicious impression on the mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"A burst of crushed stones, green apples with ginger, fennel and dried flowers creates an invigorating bouquet as the 2023 Etna Bianco explodes from the glass. It is silky and enveloping, with a tart hint of green melon and salty, mineral tones that create tension in the cheeks. The 2023 rejuvenates wickedly fresh yet strong. The concentration of sour citrus fruit remains, while hints of kiwi and fresh mint slowly recede." Vinous

"The flavours of sliced apples, flowers and flint come through clearly here. Medium to full-bodied with a lovely character and vibrancy, this is concentrated and balanced, showing plenty of fruit and a bright finish." James Suckling

"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

Light golden yellow, concise bouquet of lychee and ripe mango, plus aromas of clove and sage. Fine and dry on the palate, playful and juicy, long final. SUPERIORE.DE

Lambda, in physics the wavelength, in mechanics the slenderness ratio ... And so this red comes into our glass, exactly on our wavelength and with a defined slender body. Rich, deep dark ruby violet. Impressive aromatic richness and variety, characterised by spicy nuances, redcurrant and blackberry; smooth but well-proportioned tannins and an attractive, delicately spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby red. Spicy and balsamic, with notes of raspberries, cherries, currants and nuances of white pepper. Soft and compact in the mouth, with good freshness, soft tannins and a spicy finish." Falstaff

Strong golden yellow, the bouquet intensely of fresh apricots, underlaid with a fine honey tone. Juicy on the palate, elegant texture with well-integrated flavours of yellow peach fruit and a delicate acidity. Lemony and slightly bitter nuances in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Perfumed nose with lots of honeyed peaches, stones and chamomile. Textured, broad and full-bodied on the palate with a bone-dry and floral finish." James Suckling