Wine

40 years after acquiring the Montalcino branch Campogiovanni, the Tuscan flagship winery San Felice, which belongs to the Allianz insurance group, has decided on a further expansion called Bell'Aja. In the Bolgheri locality of Le Sondraie, 6 hectares of vineyards with clayey-sandy soils were selected, where mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were planted over 12 years ago. There are only two wines from this new Bell'Aja appellation, Bolgheri Rosso and Bolgheri Rosso Superiore.

Bright purple in colour, the bouquet is full of dark forest berries. The palate is then full of harmony with a delicate acidity and soft, very enveloping tannins. A warm, flattering red with a profile that fully lives up to its noble origins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby colour with purple hues. Intense on the nose, with notes of blackberries and blueberries, dark chocolate, leather and cedar. Powerful and gripping on the palate, with compact fruit, tightly woven tannins and a lingering finish." Falstaff

"A fruity red wine with aromas and flavours of plums, redcurrants and tobacco. A hint of walnuts. It is medium-bodied, creamy and balanced. Excellent drinkability." James Suckling

Orion is a very special Primitivo, always fresh and with remarkable persistence. Dense ruby red with a violet rim, the nose has intense aromas of ripe and fleshy red cherries, followed by spicy notes such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Powerful, smooth and very long in the mouth. Its clearly defined acid wire makes it fresh and pleasantly different from the sweet, jammy Primitivo monotony that is otherwise all too often on offer. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose is simultaneously weighty, fresh and elegant, with aromas of black cherry, blackberry and dark chocolate, along with undertones of orange peel and stone. All of those notes reappear on a palate which is bitter, but friendly, as acid soars overhead." Wine Enthusiast

Vicorosso from Merlot and Cabernet Franc is a great red. Smells of ripe red fruits, roasted coffee, liquorice and spices. Its medium body offers excellent balance and a long, polished finish. SUPERIORE.DE

The anniversary edition of the Novecento opens on the nose with layers of dark fruits, spices, tar and smoke. Then on the palate, there is terrific depth and hints of earth or crushed black rock. Novecento offers a great texture that is velvety and rich without ever seeming heavy or sluggish. Long and crisp on the spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe nose with aromas of maraschino, herbs and leather; the tannins robust, showing character and length, solid finish. Pair with a T-bone steak." Vinum

"The organic Dievole 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Novecento is slow to open and is neutral on first nose. It does eventually show some dark fruit and wild cherry that is nicely intermingled with spice, leather and tar. There is a warm or savory quality to this wine with autumn leaf and forest floor. The blend is 95% Sangiovese, 3% Canaiolo and 2% Colorino. This release celebrates the 30th vintage of this wine." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 vintage was one of the most balanced in recent years in Chianti Classico. Here, as Antonini confessed, there is no intention to make an approachable wine. The colour shines in its ruby red tinge; the nose is intensely fresh, flowery and slightly reductive at first, before an orange vert emerges from the depths to overlay black cherry and creamy strawberry. The attack is firm, crunchy and extracted. Fierce acidity supports a youthful cherry fruit expression with enough concentration and a thick finish. Quite austere for 2019, but amazing considering its ability to age." Decanter

"A tight, tannic version, this red has a strong grip on its currant, cherry and strawberry fruit. Revealing mineral and tar details, this remains succulent and breezy through the lingering aftertaste; just needs to absorb the tannins." Wine Spectator

"This is extremely aromatic, with strawberry and cherry character and hints of orange peel and flowers. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are integrated and polished. Bright acidity at the finish, Made from a mix of parcels from the highest vineyards of Dievole. Beautiful to drink now, but will age will, too." James Suckling

Sparkling yellow-green colour. The elegant, floral-scented Sauvignon Bianco Mantele is irresistible, with beautiful varietal typicity and a pleasingly slender waistline. Fine mineral notes on the palate add playfulness and vibrancy, overall very juicy and fresh. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny golden yellow colour. Pronounced nose of nettle, followed by tropical fruit of pineapple and passion fruit. Velvety on the palate on entry, then with a lot of tension, fresh and fruity until the lingering final." Falstaff

"After aeration with a fine Sauvignon nose, passion fruit, green chilli pepper, cassis leaves, grass clippings, Granny Smith. Finely woven, profound, generous. Minerality on the palate, tweaks the edge of the tongue, vital, taut acidity." Vinum

"Aromas of gooseberries, lemon leaves and subtle tomato leaves. Light- to medium-bodied with weight and texture, yet it has sharp acidity, savory citrus notes and a gently leafy aftertaste." James Suckling

Pleasant bouquet of plums, cedar wood and small red berries. Beautiful primary fruit on the palate, plus some violets, dark chocolate and vanilla, flanked by firm but not astringent tannins. The fruit remains dominant as the wine progresses, leading this clean and extremely flavourful Riserva into a medium-long finish. Good potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Wonderful Pinot Gris Riserva from selected individual vineyards on the valley floor around the village centre of Kurtinig an der Weinstraße. Giatl matures in small wooden barrels for 12 months on the lees, which gives it complexity and finesse. Straw to golden yellow in the glass, with a powerful bouquet of ripe yellow fruit, strong, balanced and slightly salty in flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright light gold colour with a sparkling reflection. Fragrant nose, rich and open, full of meadow herbs, dried banana pieces, plus some peach, then very elegant and polished on the palate, rich and multidimensional, comes in several layers, enormous length, very well done." Falstaff

Lots of fullness and personality in the elegant aroma of lush fruit with spicy, toasty accents, notes of cherry, plum, herbs and undergrowth. The flavour is rich in contrast and full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins, well-balanced acidity and a fruity, berry finish. This powerful Morellino Riserva still needs some time to show its best side. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright cherry red with a ruby red centre. Intense aroma of violets, raspberries and strawberries, reminiscent of mandarin mint on the finish. Spans the palate with gentle pressure, showing juicy berry fruit and fine herbal notes, with a beautiful acidity and fine tannins on the final." Falstaff

"Promising raspberry bouquet, fine spice and violet notes; flawlessly built with tightly woven tannins, invigorating acidity, finishes on flavours of forest fruits and spices. With game birds." Vinum

A Pinot Nero from Franz Haas is a textbook expression every year and a benchmark throughout South Tyrol, with bright aromas of blueberries, violets and lavender rising gracefully from the bouquet. This is pure cool climate in the glass. On the palate, it is taut and silky and always beautifully polished and streamlined in a positive sense. This is a beautiful, complex and exceptional Pinot Nero from a master hand. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with cherry-red reflections. Stubborn expression on the nose, reminiscent of ripe wild berries, elderberries, bay leaf and spruce resin. Emphatically juicy on the palate, with precise fruit and tightly woven tannins, animating bitter notes and a lingering finish, still appears somewhat young." Falstaff

"This elegant Pinot Nero is finely meshed, with a fine, raw-silky grain of tannins supporting a refreshing palette of chopped cherries, roasted figs, blood orange peel and wild sage. Long and creamy on the savoury finish." Wine Spectator

"This is a light-coloured, fruit-driven Pinot with fresh plums, cherries and rosehips on the nose. The palate is crisp and medium-bodied. Excellent tension." James Suckling

High-quality Rosato Spumante made from 100% Pinot Nero. Old pink, almost onion-coloured and with interesting copper reflections. Fine perlage and a fine, creamy foam. The bouquet has a delicate aroma of roses, grapefruit, small red fruits and a hint of yeast. Dry, full, fresh and elegant on the palate. Hints of blackcurrants and wild strawberries, then a consistent tang and a beguiling silkiness. A great alternative to the famous neighbouring region of Franciacorta and a real insider tip for Pinot Noir sparkling lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pale sparkling rosé that has aromas of pomegranate, strawberry and apple pastry. It’s medium-bodied, silky and balanced with fine bubbles and a dry finish." James Suckling

Barolo Paesi Tuoi was named after Cesare Pavese's 1941 novel "Among Peasants". Dark, bright ruby red colour. Wide, warm aroma of sour cherries, wild berries, leather, rose petals and mint. The expressive flavour is harmoniously engaging with clear fruit of black cherry, star anise and clove, framed by fine-grained tannins. A cleanly vinified, mature Barolo with potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Ripe and savoury nose of cherries and plums, underlaid with tobacco leaf. Very fresh on the palate, with some spice, the tannins are still slightly drying on the finish." Falstaff

"On the nose, the wine hints at red berry fruit, suggesting a high-toned and concentrated bouquet, but also hinting at greater depth waiting to be unleashed. The palate is embraced by firm, gripping tannins - an indication of its youth and development potential. A wine that needs time to mature and develop its full range of flavours." Wine Enthusiast

Quercegobbe with a sparkling, rich ruby violet colour. Clear and memorable nose with notes of blackberries, raspberries and ripe cherries. Full-bodied attack, opens up with supple tannins. Sweet melting texture on the finish, fresh and clear, powerful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep ruby red colour, as expected from a good traditionally and organically produced wine. A wonderful, elegant and open-hearted aroma spectrum between sour cherry and nutmeg. Clear and savoury on the palate, beautifully balanced and with plenty of youthful freshness and minerality on the long finish. This medium-bodied Riserva is already drinking well today, but also has enough energy to develop positively in the bottle for at least a handful of years. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is complete and balanced with good fruit concentration, freshness and vibrancy. Red berries, spices and dried orange peel, with a medium to full body, tense acidity and compact but nicely ripened tannins. Lingering finish." James Suckling

This archetypal Etna Rosso presents itself with great grace and beautiful varietal typicity. The bouquet has aromas of strawberry and cherry, the palate has medium-bodied fruit, slightly salty notes and spicy nuances in the beautiful final. It shows the specific volcanic character and is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, which is harvested at 600 to 700 metres above sea level on ashy volcanic soils. SUPERIORE.DE

"Berry bouquet with ripe red fruits such as red cherries, pomegranate, orange peel, plus bloody iodised notes. Dense and elegantly woven on the palate, concentrated mid-palate with small red berries, framed by a peppery, savoury acidity structure, fine tannins and a racy final. Wow, and this is the entry-level red!" Weinwisser

"Tightly wound at the core, with bright, creamy, fleshy black cherry and damson, overlaid with herbs and supported by gently mouthcoating tannins. The quality is evident and it's one of the most appealing Etna Rossos for an immediately pleasurable sip thanks to its contrast between freshness and depth of dark fruits." Decanter

"This energetic red Etna has a well-filled nose of blood orange, violets, geranium, black pepper and assertive pomegranate. Full-bodied with a soft, supple attack, crisp acidity and velvety tannins. It has very good fruit concentration, a crisp finish and good balance. It is drinkable now, but will continue to develop and gain in integration and complexity." James Suckling

Capezzana's Trebbiano blossoms in the glass with a sweet floral bouquet of crushed yellow apples, peaches, aniseed, sweet sage and dusty stone. It is round and supple, with a depth of ripe white stone fruit perfectly contrasted by salty minerals and a hint of spice. The fresh acidity provides a nice balance. The finish is long, classically dry and youthfully tense. Already wonderful today, but still needs further bottle ageing to fully develop. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Trebbiano Capezzana is youthfully coy, mixing hints of ginger with wildflowers and lime. It's round and supple with a whiplash of zesty acidity and a saline flourish offsetting nearly oily textures and depths of ripe nectarine. It finishes tense and incredibly long, tapering off with a cheek-puckering lemony concentration. The 2023 is painfully young today but full of potential." Vinous

The "I Giganti" line, with its three wines, represents Contini's top collection. In white, rosé and red, they pay homage to the large statues that were discovered in the 1970s in the archaeological site of Mont'e Prama, just 2 km from the Cabras pond. They were farmers working the fields with their ploughs, bringing to light the precious treasures of the past. These sandstone figures were called "giants" because of their considerable size. They represent brave warriors, symbols of strength and courage.

Spicy and distinctive Tharros Rosso from Nieddera vineyards. Clear ruby red in the glass with a fine lustre. Complex and fine nose with Maraska cherry, liquorice and blackcurrant jelly. Very direct on the palate with well-dosed power, accompanied by fine tannins that lead into an impressive finish. Refined and remarkably independent, very well made. SUPERIORE.DE

New world meets old world. Exciting Sauvignon Bianco with lots of exotic fruits such as mango and lemon, plus a noble spiciness and notes of green tomato leaves, white stone and quince. Full-bodied and creamy on the palate with a tangy, electrifying acidity on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Transparent straw yellow with silver reflections. Aromatic nose, gooseberry, grapefruit, elderflower, somewhat reminiscent of drops. Juicy, tangy and salty on the palate, medium-bodied, clear acidity, lively flavour and balanced final." Falstaff

"Subtle flavours of sliced lemons, green melon and hints of stones and dry earth. Medium body with fresh acidity and a crisp and tangy finish. Classic sauvignon blanc. Subtle, bright and clear." James Suckling

Alto, a powerful, voluminous Sangiovese, delights with a deep Maremma-style bouquet. The taste is fully loaded with aromas of dark red cherries and spicy notes. Silky tannins, structured and long, very true. SUPERIORE.DE

Mimmo is a triumvirate of the wonderful autochthonous grape varieties Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Croatina from vines up to 100 years old on Montalbano and Santuario porphyry soils at an altitude of 500 metres. The Nebbiolo parcels come from the same vineyards as the cult wine Boca and are harvested and processed according to the same quality principles. The division between Boca and Mimmo is made by tasting after two years of ageing in large wooden barrels.

Some lots from the estate's own vineyards in the Boca DOC ripen a little earlier than others, without losing their original character. Together with 30% Croatina, the final result is Mimmo, named after an unforgettable person who has helped to raise the quality level of the Le Piane winery to what it is today. With his approachable manner, he opens the door to the more complex Boca at a more affordable price.

Fine, floral bouquet. Great and precise fruit on the palate. Powerful tannins envelop a core of bright red fruits, tobacco, crushed flowers and liquorice. The flavours and supple texture round off beautifully on the deep finish with well-dosed pressure. It is rightly described as the younger brother of the Boca and is a great choice for drinking over the next five years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light carmine red colour. Pretty, with red fruit and citrus flavours. Wild, herbal and inviting. Excellent depth of cherry fruit, soft tannins, excellent balance and delicious length." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Mimmo, is a little more generous than the 2019 and easier to savour in its youth. Juicy dark red cherry, sage, menthol, liquorice and herbs are beautifully enhanced in a wine that combines fruit intensity with structure." Vinous

Fresh, wonderfully floral bouquet, fine perlage on the palate and a strong yet creamy texture. The harmoniously integrated acidity forms the fresh basis for the complex flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate old rose colour with a fine perlage. Delicate on the nose, with fine cherry, some stone fruit, white flowers and a touch of graphite. Spreads wide on the palate, present and precise, with beautiful tension and a long finish." Falstaff

A Lambrusco with almost zero (!) grams of residual sweetness seems like an insurmountable contradiction. But far from it, the Lambrusco benchmark Cantina della Volta delivers a sparkling wine here that can keep up with the best rosé champagnes of the noble region of France.

Delicate pale pink with an impressively fine perlage in the glass. In addition to the classics raspberry and wild strawberry, the bouquet opens with wonderfully floral notes that make it seem downright lovely despite its lack of sugar. On the palate, then, of indescribable finesse, creaminess and "dry sweetness", which makes us refill without much hesitation and draws us fully into the glass. La Prima Volta is a spumante with just the right balance of class, drinkability and mineral freshness, just as we would like to enjoy a sparkling wine today and tomorrow. Never too heavy, but still with an irresistible depth and far from any arbitrariness. SUPERIORE.DE