Wine

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

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

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

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

Puer Apuliae (son of Apulia) is what the De Coratos call their elegant and outstanding quality wine made from 100% Nero di Troia. The flagship in the cellar delights with its balsamic aroma, in which there is room for spices, plums, pickled nuts and black sultanas. The flavour is very concentrated yet juicy, full-bodied and dense, with a long finish and a lovely hint of cranberries and tobacco. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Eucalyptus, cranberry, redcurrant and orange peel on the nose, with a hint of spice on the finish. Very fresh on the palate, salty and with fine-meshed tannins, cranberry is clearly evident, just as good length with a slight aftertaste. The bottle ageing has done it good." Falstaff

"Mulberries, figs, cinnamon stick, cedar and dried herbs on the nose. Savory, chewy and spicy, full-bodied, with excellent flavor concentration. Firm, dusty tannins." James Suckling

What would Piedmont be without its slightly sparkling red Freisa? Normally, the Piedmontese tend to enjoy these incredibly drinkywines themselves, so that there is hardly any relevant quantity left for export. On the nose, it has an animating aroma of rose petals, cinnamon and cherry, which is also reflected in the flavour. L'Avvenata is a rather slender red that is remotely reminiscent of a Nebbiolo. Its softer tannins and greater fruitiness make it a joyful and very lively companion for all occasions, even when slightly chilled at a young age. 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

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

Maurizia di Napoli Rampolla and her brother Luca describe their strategy of natural viticulture in Panzano as "gentle farming". The very successful Chianti Classico with its clean fruit bouquet, precise flavour, firm tannins and beautiful texture and depth is a delightful wine that is unfortunately very limited in quantity each year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Chianti Classico 2021 is an elegant, graceful wine. Crushed flowers, bright red fruits, tobacco, cinnamon and dried flowers take shape in a decidedly delicate, restrained wine from Rampolla. The 2021 is a model of elegance and finesse and is at its best today." Vinous

"Maraschino cherry, pomegranate, smoked meat, earth and rosemary flavors highlight this sleek red, which is defined by vivid acidity and solid tannins, with a dry, sinewy finish." Wine Spectator

"A dense, velvety and delicious Chianti Classico with aromas of sour cherries, wild berries and dried flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Lots of texture, with a core of berries coming through. Aromatic finish." James Suckling

This successful blend of Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc opens with dark concentration and great density. Fornace offers impressive juiciness and rich flavours of red cherries, blackberries, spices and grilled herbs. Its full body, restrained acidity and silky tannins are perfectly balanced, with balsamic hints accompanying this attractive Supertuscan into a supple and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Interesting blend with lots of Cabernet Franc: Intense yet elegant nose of dark forest fruits, tobacco, also subtle eucalyptus notes; dense and full-bodied in the mouth, the tannins are fine-grained, dark fruity and spicy on the finish. Perfect with game and wild fowl." Vinum

"Though there are still tannins present on the finish, this red is ready to enjoy. Sweet spice notes frame the plum and cherry fruit at the heart of this version, which is fluid and supple, with touches of wild rosemary, thyme and earth on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Notes of ripe cherries, wild berries, dried orange peel, cedar and crushed stones. Dry and tense on the palate, with lightly chewy but very fine tannins. Medium-bodied. It’s concentrated and characterful, with a zesty, minerally aftertaste and some savory, peppery nuances. Really tense and energetic." James Suckling

Exciting, balsamic, white cuvée from Vermentino, Trebbiano and Malvasia - with a handful of Traminer and Riesling. Initially reductive on the nose, then dark yellow fruit, some smoke. Very direct, straightforward and grippingly mineral on the palate, with crisp acidity, citrus zest and fine juicy yellow fruit. Lingers on the palate for a long time and, with its race and alpine freshness, makes you briefly forget that this linear and very concise white wine comes from Tuscany. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow colour. Smells of peach, melon and cucumber, with a hint of fennel seed in the background. Racy acidity characterises the palate, some saffron and peach again, with a salty final." Falstaff

"The Pianvecchio 2023 is a rare, co-fermented Vermentino/Riesling blend from young vines. Pretty floral nuances and a hint of orchard fruits adorn this light-coloured, very expressive white wine. It opens up beautifully with a little time in the glass." Vinous

"A racy and crisp white wine with a medium body, crisp acidity and a chalky texture. Aromas and flavours of fresh lemon, aromatic herbs and citrus blossom. Refreshing and full of flavour. Made from organically grown grapes." James Suckling

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