Wine

Bright ruby red colour, typical of Sangiovese. Intense aroma of blackcurrants, cherries and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, it immediately shows great freshness and minerality, good tannins and structure, a very long finish that shows that Sangiovese from the Montalcino region possesses wonderful elegance, complexity and depth even when aged in stainless steel. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red colour. Delicate and delicately scented on the nose of blueberries, violets and a touch of roasted coffee on the finish. Flattering and soft on entry, then with gripping tannins, subtly fruity and bitter on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 vintage has given the Toscana Sangiovese a darker and richer profile. Dried black cherries and autumnal spices combine with sage aromas. The wine shows a wonderful inner sweetness and ripe red and blue fruits, while a steely minerality defines the finish. It finishes with a tension on the palate that frames the experience well and leaves a tart blackberry note." Vinous

Uccelliera's Rosso di Montalcino slowly comes to life with a beguiling blend of mentholated herbs, pine shavings and dried strawberries. It glides over the palate with a texture of pure silk, caressing everything it touches with ripe red fruits and rosy flowers accompanied by a lively acidity. The final is structured, powerful and long - as always, it far exceeds its weight class and is a top-class Rosso di Montalcino. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Rosso di Montalcino is remarkably pretty, captivating with exotic notes of wildflowers, blood orange and stone dust before transitioning into crushed black cherries. This wine is soft and round, but still shows its minerality up front, with a saline note emphasising the ripe wild berry fruit. It finishes with excellent length and gentle tannins that leave a concentration of red plums. It is an absolute pleasure to taste." Vinous

"An intense and fragrant wine with notes of violets, blood orange, red cherries and pepper. The attack is soft, with a medium body, velvety tannins, crisp acidity and a savoury finish. Juicy and delicious." James Suckling

Grave di Stecca is Nino Franco's exposed single vineyard on the slopes of the Prealpi. The south-facing vineyard is planted exclusively with the Prosecco grape Glera. Brilliantly shiny white gold, gently emerging perlage, a bouquet of sage with a fresh fruit scent. Very pleasantly dry on the palate, silky and long - the undisputed great top growth of the renowned Prosecco forge. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful bright lemon yellow with green accents. Distinctive aroma of delicate herbs (thyme), ripe pineapple and passion fruit, plus fine brioche notes and nut butter. Builds up richly, fills the entire palate, delicate and multi-layered in the drink, coherent, also complex and long-lasting in the finish." Falstaff

"Lush aromas of glazed apples and baked nectarines are well defined by a bright, lively acid structure in this elegant example. The texture is soft and creamy, with fragrant notes of lime zest, Earl Grey tea and graphite in the mid-palate and finish, with a hint of fleur de sel melting on the finish." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, a rich blend of cider apple, yuzu and hints of green tea and almond. Very fruity on the palate too, with a medium fizz and a tasty, spicy finish. Lots of character." James Suckling

"The 2016 Brut Grave di Stecca displays a brilliant golden colour in the glass, with a stunning bouquet of peach jam and sweetly spiced flowers, contrasted by wild herbs and crushed stone. The texture is creamy yet edgy, with zesty acidity that pinches the cheeks, but also an abundance of ripe fruit trees and floral scents that arch across the palate. It leaves a hint of ginger and a bitter hint of roasted hazelnuts, but the finish is one of cleansing freshness. The 2016 is not about power or fruit, but delicacy and graceful impact. I love it. Grave di Stecca is a single vineyard in the hills of Valdobbiadene with old Glera vines." Vinous

"Light and airy, this lovely sparkling wine has inviting aromas of ripe white stone fruit, spring flowers and baking spices. On the dry, foamy palate, elegant perlage and fresh acidity accompany ripe yellow apples, Bartlett pear, vanilla cake cream and a hint of white almond." Wine Enthusiast

"Grave di Stecca represents both the best of Prosecco – specifically Valdobbiadene – and the best of what is not ‘Prosecco’; the authorities refused to certify it as DOCG due to its atypical style, so to this day Nino Franco bottles it as a vino spumante in protest. The grapes are sourced from the walled Grave di Stecca vineyard, the site of the family residence, purchased by Franco in 1991. Super-aromatic and exotically scented, with passion fruit and ripe banana, in the mouth it’s very mineral and earthy, intense and rich but well sculpted. Tropical and spicy, it’s slightly creamy – almost mushroomy – with a lip-smacking saline finish. This wine can age well thanks to extended lees ageing of the base wines then long maturation in bottle before release." Decanter

Gioia del Colle is an Italian municipality near Bari and probably the most famous DOC for Primitivo wines. The wines from this appellation embody a straightforward, fresh style and are far removed from the usual jammy suspects. The vines here grow at altitudes of up to 450 metres above sea level, the nights are cooler here than elsewhere in Apulia and the wines have a racier, tighter style and more structure than their namesakes.

Colpo di Zappa is a beautifully articulated Primitivo that brings out the fruity richness of Puglia and the intensity of the dark fruit, but all with appropriate intensity. This is no easy task for a region where the ripening of the grapes is never a problem. The trick is to allow the ripening to proceed slowly in order to preserve the wine's more subtle nuances. Dark fruit with earthy tones of dusty terracotta and beetroot in the background, plus aromas of tar and liquorice. Solid and firm on the palate with flavours of dark cherries, wild roses and cassis. A terrificexample of Primitivo off the beaten track and anything but undemanding. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sliced oranges, figs and strawberries on the nose, as well as molasses. It’s full-bodied, soft and ripe with a juicy finish. Nicely done." James Suckling

Racy and rich, the Dolcetto d'Alba Falletto from Serralunga near Giacosa's excellent Barolo sites. Its powerful style, dark, rich and ripe expression, firmly packed with fruit - a very special wine with beautiful potential. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes are harvested at the end of August when they are well ripe and then dried in 5 kg crates at 23⁰C in the fruit cellar. After about 40 days, when half of their weight has been lost, the grapes are pressed and the resulting must, which is particularly rich in sugar, ferments slowly at 18°C for over a month in stainless steel vats, where it remains until bottling.

Light golden yellow, fine bouquet of orange blossom, some quince, apricot and peach. Sparkling on the palate with surprisingly lively acidity, spreads nicely, in the long final again orange peel and some grapefruit. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweetly seductive, the 2020 Passito di Noto captivates with a rich blend of spiced blood orange and lemon curd complicated by savory herbal tones and white smoke. This soothes with its weighty, silken textures while mixing sweet and sour through a blend of saline-tinged acids, sour citrus and sweet tropical melon. While long and potent, the 2020 remains impossibly fresh, leaving candied lime and Sour Patch green apple to linger on and on." Vinous

The grapes for Poggio Anticos Rosso have always come from 100% Brunello vineyards and the wine is a real insider tip for Montalcino lovers. Several of the vineyards have been certified organic since 2022. After some aeration, it beguiles the nose with an overwhelming bouquet of spices, ripe red cherries and fine leather notes. Full, firm and fleshy on the palate, the structure is very polished and balanced. A Rosso that could easily be a Brunello with a little patience and further bottle ageing: precise, delicious and with a beautiful, long final full of depth and a delightful aftertaste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Gentle expression on the nose, of redcurrant and blackberry, some hay, earthy notes on the finish. Juicy palate entry with precise acidity, dark fruit and a certain pressure on the palate, juicy." Falstaff

"Pretty, youthful purple-ruby red colour. Still quite closed and brooding on the nose, with fresh fruit and electrifying acidity on the palate. Cranberry and raspberry on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The 2022 Rosso di Montalcino is a spice box. It blends cloves with allspice, dried citrus peels, sage and cedar. Racy yet potent, it possesses a core of ripe wild berry fruit guided by zesty acidity. The 2022 doesn't miss a beat, finishing with a subtle tannic crunch and last licorice tones that carry on." Vinous

"Fragrant and full on the nose. The palate is bright and lively, very forward and intense, but in a juicy, fun way. It has energy and drive, a wonderfully filling wine with lots of sour strawberry and fleshy strawberry elements. Pairs beautifully with food and is a lovely wine for this price. It feels very natural and well-crafted without trying too hard and without its fruity nature being compromised by high acidity. Clean and crisp." Decanter

"This powerful red wine is infused with cherry and iron flavours, accompanied by a strong acidity. Balanced and long, with an aftertaste that picks up on salty mineral and wild herb notes." Wine Spectator

Straw yellow with delicate golden reflections, fine and very rich, persistent perlage in the glass. Well-proportioned bouquet of yellow fruit, yeast and pastry flavours. Intense and decisive on the palate, very clear and precisely focussed with perfect, energetic acidity and compelling purity and clarity. This is a razor-sharp spumante with a lot of personality and great finesse with zero grams of dosage/residual sugar. SUPERIORE.DE

After almost two centuries, it is time to erect a "monument" to the enthusiastic grape grower Philip Mazzei (1730-1816). In the form of this single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, this succeeds extraordinarily well. Elegant, deep dark colour, classic aromas, complex, fruity and spicy flavour, well-proportioned tannins and acidity, taut, structured and persistent. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Philip 2021, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, is a fine achievement from the Mazzei family. Dried herbs, lavender, sage, mint and liquorice play with a core of blue and purple fruit. There's a lot to like - that's for sure." Vinous

"The Mazzei 2021 Philip is soft and richly textured with all sorts of blackberry and black fruit aromas packed inside. These come through with special intensity in this balanced vintage. The wine style is contemporary and easily accessible for an international palate." Wine Advocate

"Cloves, dark fruit, leather and savoury complexity. Youthful, velvety tannins with crisp acidity, a full body and a spicy finish full of blond tobacco and coffee grounds." James Suckling

The grapes for the rare St. Ursula Pinot Nero come from a small plot of land known in dialect as "Urschele Egg". This is where the house chapel of St Ursula originally stood. This spontaneously fermented and unfiltered Pinot Noir delights with elegant, delicate cherry flavours, subtle hints of raspberry and a lovely lingering freshness and acidity on the remarkable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

The perfect introduction to the impressive craft of a young winemaker who has already come a long way on her way to the top. Here Nebbiolo comes into the glass in purezza, the ageing partly in 500 Liters tonneaux and stainless steel interprets it - according to Giulia Negri's vision - unadulterated and without distractions. Bright ruby red in colour, with a bouquet of small red berries, damp forest floor and a subtle hint of violets. Impressively elegant and supple on the palate, the Nebbiolo always remains taut and cool. In the final, the dark fruit beguiles with a freshness and juiciness that never seems opulent, but carries the tension into the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Tantalising aromas of tart plums, boysenberries and wildflowers rise from the glass of this energetic and unique Barbera. The fleshy palate is fuelled by tart blue and black fruits, with a mix of spice and mouth-watering acidity on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense purple-red colour with a dark core. Inviting, fruit-accentuated bouquet, blackberries and blueberries, with a hint of violets and some cloves. Very soft and generous on the palate, firm tannins and a lingering, juicy finish." Falstaff

"An opulent style that combines a velvety texture with rich flavours of plum, black cherry, boysenberry and vanilla. Harmonious and lively, with a light touch of tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Barbera d'Alba is packed with ripe red cherry/plum fruit. Mocha, spice, cedar and leather add layers of nuance. This succulent, forward Barbera is an absolute delight." Vinous

The first 1,850 Pinot Noir vines were brought to Italy from Burgundy by Count Vistarino back in 1865. Since then, the vinification of this demanding grape variety has been continuously refined over the generations. Today, the Pinot Noirs from the winegrowing dynasty can even outshine much more expensive Pinot Noirs from Burgundy at international tastings.

Tavernetto is the third cru of the estate, named after the 1.71-hectare vineyard where the grapes develop splendidly at an altitude of 250 to 325 metres and with a south-southeast exposure. It is considered the most balanced of the Tenuta's vineyards, with the most evenly positive results. The calcareous subsoil of the single vineyard is ideal for Pinot Nero, resulting in a top wine of great personality.

Intense ruby-garnet colour. Fruity on the nose with elegant, fresh notes, yet the incipient depth and complexity of this Pinot Noir can already be sensed today. Full, round and fruity on the palate, the silky tannins flank its fine flavour through to the elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A well-composed, textured and serious pinot nero with aromas of berries, warm herbs and mild spices. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Refined texture here with control and poise and a flavorful finish." James Suckling

Pure Cabernet Sauvignon from Barbara Widmer's Maremma estate. Deep, dark ruby red in colour, with an animating aroma of dark berries, coffee, cocoa, eucalyptus and spices on the nose. Notes of green pepper, fine sweetness and juiciness on the palate. The tannins are polished and pave the way for a long, racy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, very dense ruby colour with a light sheen. Open nose with black cherry, plum jam, followed by some undergrowth and leather. Full-bodied palate, wide-ranging acidity, taut tannins. Good palate pressure with tension, retronasal sour cherry, long-lasting, slightly acidic finish." Falstaff

"This wine is very pure and delicious, with notes of dark and blue fruits, crushed stones and spice box. Medium-bodied with firm but very fine tannins and a juicy mid-palate. Already very attractive. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"The 2022 No. 2 is packed with blackberries, chocolate, cloves, liquorice and espresso. This friendly, racy Maremma red wine has a lot of appeal to offer. Soft contours round it off. " Vinous

Typical Barbaresco: light ruby red colour, fine bouquet of berries, undergrowth and coffee. Powerful on the palate with fine, yet noticeable tannins, a soft centre with full-bodied substance and a long, fruit-driven finish. Very good value. SUPERIORE.DE

Brilliant ruby red colour. Plum, redcurrant, dried cherry and leather on the nose. Full of juice and power on the palate, wonderfully harmonious flavours of small red fruits, Mediterranean spices and a taut tannin structure. A wonderful and well-balanced representative from Bolgheri, which also boasts an impressively long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

This cuvée is a traditional blend of grapes from the region and harmoniously combines the fruitiness of Merlot with the elegance of Cabernet Franc and the richness of Carménère grapes. The Cabernet Sauvignon provides backbone, structure and stability as well as good ageing potential. Dark ruby-garnet in colour, the nose has an inviting aroma of blackberries and cherries with a sweet hint of spices. Lively, powerful fruit and juicy tannins on the palate, already beautifully balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Palistorti" means "crooked stakes" in Italian - and the name is no coincidence. At the beginning of their winemaking career, Laura and Moreno found many limestone boulders in the vineyards, which caused the freshly driven stakes to become crooked and crooked when planted. And that's how this exciting second wine got its name, the estate owners reveal in conversation.

Bright ruby red in colour. Red and black berry flavours dominate the nose. With a little air, increasingly clear cherries and sour cherries and something spicy that cannot be immediately categorised. Somehow fresh and yet Mediterranean, but not like Chianti or Brunello. Is it the little bit of Syrah? Or is it this unique terroir? Wherever this spiciness comes from, in combination with this pronounced fruit, it smells simply marvellous. The palate is full-bodied, very juicy and again this unique combination of fruit and spice makes the wine simply exciting and special. Juicy, finely structured, perfectly balanced, with character and an animating acid bite. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pronounced, bright purple colour with ruby red reflections. Slightly smoky on the nose, with notes of fresh cherry and plum, plus undergrowth. Clear on the palate, with crisp fruit, velvety, gripping tannins and lively acidity." Falstaff

The grapes for this graceful Valpolicella Classico come from the Miniere vineyard on the Bertani Villa Novare estate, a south-west-facing site covering just 4 hectares and consisting of two terraces. Bright ruby red in colour, with a very clear nose of fresh fruit, cherry and wild berries, with elegant notes of white pepper. Spicy, juicy and flavoursome on the palate, with remarkable persistence, straightforwardness and great length! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright red; fresh, fruity, inviting; juicy, balanced, reductive, off-dry." Merum

"Sparkling ruby red colour. Delicate fruity notes on the nose, raspberries and cherries, some orange zest and a hint of herbs. Pomegranate on the palate, fresh and straightforward, refreshing acidity, delicate tannins, salty final." Falstaff

The Barolo from Batasiolo is a wonderful and very serious, solid creature. Clear, shimmering garnet red colour with light red accents. Sophisticated aromas of leather and liquorice, plums, dried flowers and undergrowth. Straightforward and taut, the round, aromatic flavour follows its path into the persistent final with good length. This is a lot of Barolo for comparatively little money. SUPERIORE.DE

Rossofonte impressively bridges the gap between Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello. Only 6,000 bottles of this selection are produced from the estate's best Rosso vineyards at an altitude of around 300 metres above sea level. Fruity aromas of ripe berries with balsamic notes on the nose, plus some brown spices, tobacco and wet stone. Overall, a multi-layered potpourri full of harmony flows from the glass. On the palate, it is very balanced, velvety-soft and the cooling acidity caresses the dark berries, which are rounded off with dried citrus fruits and a hint of mocha. The spicy and very elegant finish is reminiscent of star anise and pink pepper. SUPERIORE.DE

Magnificent, single-varietal Fiano from vines planted on calcareous clay soils and the white star from Planeta - and almost a legend. Complex aromas of flowers, lime sorbet, almond pudding and freshly sliced pears. On the palate, this white wine is as refined as it is powerful. It expands with plenty of fruit, soft and very long. A fantastic wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"A well-composed, textural and delicious fiano. It has notes of citrons, leaves, almond powder and some white peaches. Medium-bodied with a focused, driven and poised composition. Flavorful finish with excellent length." James Suckling

Le Rive is a single-varietal Garganega made from grapes harvested late from volcanic soils. On the nose, the aromas of citrus fruit, almonds and exotic fruit are impressive. Its flavour is soft and powerful, with a wonderful freshness right through to the long finish, combined with an ebb and flow of minerals. A wonderful and highly distinctive wine with which the three sisters have once again put themselves at the forefront of their region. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Garganega Le Rive 2021 is a real treat for the nose. A bouquet of honeyed flowers gives way to dried apricots and peaches, embellished by an enriching note of lemon custard. It opens with a balanced inner sweetness that reveals lush, ripe stone fruit and a hint of candied lemon layered over a silky texture. On the long and dramatic final, the 2021 remains coloured in its primary concentration on the palate, lingering with its citrus notes while the mouth demands more. Le Rive is certainly not shy, but the balance is fantastic. Make sure you keep a few bottles in the cellar." Vinous

"This silky white's ripe and juicy flavors of pineapple, melon and guava fruit are well-defined by sleek acidity, with a zesty thread of pink grapefruit peel and ground ginger. Hints of creamed almond and spun honey enrich the fruit profile, while the finish is long and minerally." Wine Spectator

"An 85-year-old parcel opposite Carbonare, harvested late and fermented in tonneaux. The resemblance to a fine white Burgundy is striking. Notes of tangerine, apricot kernel and camomile are underpinned by a racy, stony freshness. A brilliant wine that hints at sweetness but finishes dry, mineral and powerful. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling