Wine

The porphyry-rich steep slopes on the Ritten above Bolzano offer first-class conditions for producing a Sauvignon Bianco with unique fruit, minerality, elegance and depth. Straw yellow in colour with greenish reflections. Precise fruity flavours of gooseberry, elderflower, herbs, yeast and a fine woody note. Harmonious flavour with very well-integrated acidity, an accentuated body and an elegant mineral note. Long and deep on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow colour. Lots of redcurrant on the nose, some herbs and a hint of lemon zest. Powerful, powerful, pleasantly astringent on the palate, again lots of redcurrant, some nettle, long finish." Falstaff

IbBianco is a blend of Vermentino and Grechetto and smells wonderfully of candied apricot and peach. Elegance and finesse in the powerful fruity and complex taste, which lasts long and with a certain coolness and pleasant freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

Good, full red colour. Captivating aromas and flavours of ripe red cherry, spicy herbs and blackcurrant jelly are interwoven with bright liquorice and blood orange nuances. An exceptional Rosso that combines richness and vibrancy in a remarkably harmonious way. Closes creamy yet refined. Wow, this is more than the little brother of Brunello di Montalcino! SUPERIORE.DE

"A burst of crushed raspberry and sweet smoke comes together with cloves, cinnamon sticks and hints of worn leather as the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino opens in the glass. This is softly textured yet lifted in feel with ripe red fruits propelled by juicy acidity, as rosy inner florals add further depth. The 2021 tapers off structured and long, leaving the mouth watering even as grippy tannins resonate. The 2021 found excellent balance in this warm vintage." Vinous

"Here comes an intense and fruit-expressive Rosso di Montalcino that delivers excellent richness and freshness on the nose. Mineral, ripe strawberries, red plums and walnuts to the nose follow through to a tight, medium- to full-bodied palate. Quite vertical and structured with lots of tannins that give a comfortably grippy closure to the long, tight finish. A serious, outstanding Rosso di Montalcino." James Suckling

Unmistakable interpretation of the Chianti Classico: sparkling ruby colour with a pronounced garnet hue. Very inviting aroma of cherries and delicate meadow herbs, with a nutty touch. Medium-bodied on the palate, again wonderfully juicy fruit, cool, mineral style, very finely structured and balanced, with lively animo, lingers quite long and makes you want the next glass. The perfect accompaniment to Italian dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby colour. Opens with notes of graphite, then exciting dark cherry, some plum, also cold smoke, cinnamon. Shows beautiful play on the palate, lots of sweet fruit flavours, cherry and blackberry, polished tannins, juicy and spicy on the finish." Falstaff

"Healthy medium ruby red colour. Complex, balsamic cherry nose, somewhat rich and with a slight hint of cardamom. Beautiful, juicy palate with a core of cherry fruit and polished, chewy tannins that linger on the finish. Great precision." Jancis Robinson

"Toasted spices, smoky cedar, walnuts and ripe red and dark berries on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, structured and chewy with firm tannins and juicy acidity. Long and velvety." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico 2021, 100% Sangiovese from Radda, is magnificent. Aromatic and clearly defined, with incredible energy, the 2021 floats out of the glass. Dark cherry fruit, lavender, spices, liquorice and new leather come to life in the glass. Maturation took place in various vessels with the aim of increasing the complexity of the final blend. It is an exceptional wine in every way." Vinous

"With a blend of fruit from different sites, this is a classic expression of Sangiovese that offers a good amount of varietal character. That's all you could want from a wine like the Tenuta di Carleone 2021 Chianti Classico. What's more, you get to enjoy a rather funky (I mean that in the "cool" sense) interpretation from one of Italy's most traditional wine-growing regions. The wine was aged in stainless steel, cement and neutral oak, and the quality of the fruit is extremely bright with lots of red berry fruit and plump cherry. There are delicate notes of crushed rock and rosemary oil, like running your hand over the plant. I love that tart acidity on the finish." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 is another beautiful wine: it combines floral scents of rose and lilac with savoury herbs and summer berries. On the palate, the plump cherries drip with juiciness. Then chalky tannins assert themselves, allowing the wine to finish with a savoury length. Very satisfying." Decanter

Lagrein Riserva "Furggl" comes from rather clayey soils in the area around Auer/Ora and is a spicy, elegant wine with an intense aroma of violets and wild berries. Clean, fruity and rich flavour with sweet tannins, precisely calibrated acidity and a well articulated finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Top-class Pinot Bianco from the South Tyrolean Wine Road, more precisely from the exposed Sirmian hillside, where the Pinot Bianco finds its ideal location and an optimal microclimate. Every year it is of remarkable quality. Clear and sparkling straw yellow in the glass, with an intense bouquet of light flowers, green apple, redcurrants and a hint of sage and nutmeg. Harmonious, powerful and persistent on the palate, with a full flavour typical of the grape variety and a beautiful melting, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, light golden yellow colour. Intense on the nose with notes of meadow herbs, juicy vineyard peach, very subtle hints of white bread. Slightly creamy on the palate, lively, supportive acidity, very pleasantly persistent." Falstaff

"Matured for eight months in large oak barrels, the 2022 Pinot Bianco Sirmian has a bright colour and allows plenty of light to shine through. The wine is multi-layered and rich in stone fruit, quince and pear. You get a very nice ensemble with ripe fruit tones, herbal notes on the finish and a pinch of cinnamon spice. This is the 50th vintage." Wine Advocate

"Exciting flavours of grapefruit, freshly cut grass and flowers with a hint of pepper that hugs the lively acidity. Full-bodied and viscous with a luscious lemon liquid that seeps away towards the end. Superb!" Decanter

Castellares Chianti Classico Riserva opens with a bouquet of black cherry, plum, mocha, game, spices, leather and tobacco. A dark, mysterious wine with enormous depth and the potential to develop well for many years to come. This medium-bodied, super-classic Riserva captures the Castellare style beautifully, with plenty of character and a strong personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wood nuances eventually give way to leather and macerated cherry. The fruit is bright and concentrated but pure, and juicy acidity helps brighten the wine, while ripe, polished tannins give way generously. Give this wine another year to digest its oak." Decanter

"A balanced, concentrated and delicious red wine with flavours of baked cherries, cassis and grilled herbs. It is medium-bodied with chewy tannins. Serious, with a juicy mid palate and a solid, compact finish with length." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is a silky, racy wine. With remarkable elegance and finesse, the 2021 is very expressive right from the start. Dark macerated cherry, spice, new leather, liquorice and a kiss of French oak adorn this polished Riserva." Vinous

"A rich, round version, offering plum, cherry, vanilla and iron flavors. There's a solid grip of tannins but also vibrant acidity that focuses this red and propels the finish. The balance tips toward the tannins for now, so give this some time in the bottle." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, notes of Durone de Vignola and peony, then a hint of rhubarb. Spicy tannins on the palate, with hints of dark fruit, flowers and undergrowth." Luca Gardini

The Campo della Pieve vineyard (approx. 380 metres above sea level) faces south-west and has thicker soils and more tufa. The most recent parcel, which was recently acquired, is the highest to date at 400 metres above sea level. The site is more susceptible to wind and has good water retention thanks to the heavier clay soils.

Bright, light golden yellow colour. Delicate nose of fresh yellow apple, some peach, lemon balm, flint in the background. Round and smooth on the palate with a lovely balance between acidity, freshness, citrus and tropical fruit, plus a subtle minerality. In keeping with the characteristics of the Vernaccia grape, the wine is not overly fruity, but displays an exciting spiciness that lends it personality and an additional arc of tension. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pleasant bouquet of apricots and dried roses; the attack is juicy, the acidity well integrated, salty-mineral nuances, pleasing with its timeless style." Vinum

"Bright, radiant straw yellow with light olive green reflections. Fresh and fragrant on the nose, juicy lemons, sage, minimal hints of white peach, elegant spicy notes on the finish. Very fresh on the palate with clear fruit, balanced, with subtle creamy fruit and a long, juicy finish. A great Vernaccia!" Falstaff

"A delicious, balanced and refreshing white wine with notes of stone fruit, yellow plums and a hint of lemon nougat. It has a medium body with fresh acidity and brightness in the centre. Lively and juicy." James Suckling

"Very distinctive, with aromas of herbs, citrus fruits and elderflower. The wine is salty, dynamic and has a great depth of flavour. It comes from a 15-year-old vineyard owned by the Logi family and planted on 1.5 hectares of yellow sand and limestone soils below the Pieve (parish) of San Donato. Spontaneous fermentation and long ageing on fine lees in concrete." Decanter

The steep porphyry slopes at an altitude of up to 650 metres on the Ritten above Bolzano offer ideal conditions for vinifying this powerful yet elegant Chardonnay with outstanding balance, well-integrated acidity and excellent ageing potential. Straw yellow in colour with greenish inclusions. Pure exotic flavours of pineapple, mango and white peach on the nose, underpinned by a delicate vanilla note. Powerful on the palate, the well-integrated acidity keeps it fresh and mineral despite its power and complexity, right through to an almost infinitely long finish. A great Chardonnay from South Tyrol! SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense straw yellow with greenish reflections. Ripe banana, vanilla yoghurt and white flowers on the nose. Additional citrus notes on the palate, full-bodied and creamy, long finish with hints of herbs." Falstaff

"The 2021 Alto Adige Chardonnay Riserva Stegher opens to a generous bouquet with peach cream, apricot, almond biscuit and softly delivered baking spice. It shows volume and brightness over a medium-plus mouthfeel. That almond theme returns on the close, adding a hint of pretty tartness." Wine Advocate

Deep, dark ruby red colour. Full, deep and explosive bouquet reminiscent of dark berries, tobacco and liquorice. Illuminati's single-vineyard classic Zanna, with its elegant, very complex flavour and delicate oak spice, leaves nothing to be desired every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Colline Teramane Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Zanna is quite backward today, dark and brooding. Exotic spice and black currants form its understated bouquet. This is a more lifted and fresh style for Zanna, with round, supple textures and ripe citrus-tinged black fruits. Edgy tannins linger through the mentholated finale as hints of spiced cherry fade slowly." Vinous

On the nose, noble, typically Tuscan notes of cherries, blackberries, violets and spices. Exceptionally complex, multi-layered and excellently structured on the palate. Gripping tannins, intense fruit and pleasant acidity are already in perfect harmony. The drinking pleasure builds nicely and increases in the long final. For us, it has been the attractive alternative to Antinori's famous Tignanello for years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of dried cherries, bark, mahogany and porcini mushrooms. Lemons and herbs, too. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and tangy acidity. Juicy, savory and supple." James Suckling

"This blended red is Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon in a supporting role. The Poggio Bonelli 2018 Poggiassai is velvety, saturated and rich with dark fruit, cherry liqueur, barbecue spice and grilled herb. The wine shows a pretty dark color and thick concentration to complete what is ultimately a very contemporary winemaking style." Wine Advocate

With his flagship Poggio al Lupo from the Magliano winery of the same name, Antonio Moretti has created an extremely varietal Cabernet Sauvignon. Its full bouquet of red fruits and spices is already delicious. On the palate, there is a lot of pressure and an equally generous variety of aromas of blackberries, dried cherries and young leather. Enveloped by a finely woven tannin, this typical Maremma wine goes gently and long into a very attractive finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red. In the nose of ripe blackberries, cassis and rum pot, slightly vegetal note in the reverberation. On the palate fruity, juicy, with soft tannin, harmonious, has train, long final." Falstaff

"A fruity cab with an attractive structure of firm, polished tannins and a juicy finish. Medium-bodied, linear and bright." James Suckling

Rare Metodo Classico made from 100% Falanghina grapes. No sugar is added with the dosage during the final disgorgement. Lively straw yellow. Fresh and persistent bouquet of bergamot, lime, green apple and fine flowers. In addition mineral notes, which later change into hints of bread crust, yeast and lemon cream. Fresh, lively, harmonious and balanced on the palate. The velvety, long finish is clean and elegant. SUPERIORE.DE

Mattia Vezzola's top wine demonstrates the heights that the indigenous Groppello grape variety can reach. Sweet dark cherries, herbs, liquorice and tar are just some of the nuances that emerge from this plush, deep red wine. Maim impresses with its extraordinary intensity and richness - from the first sip to the end of the bottle. And it is not only because of its exceptionally fine texture and almost endless finish that it is without question a jewel of a wine and a flagship of the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Oudeis" has its origins in the Greek name "Odysseus" and means "nobody". And indeed, no one but the outstanding terroir of the Alta Langa is responsible for the complexity of Enrico Serafino's sparkling wines.

Bright, rich straw yellow colour. The fragrant nose seduces with a salty minerality, a potpourri of country flowers, lime, blood orange and ripe peach. The palate is exciting, fresh and extremely flavoursome, with well-integrated perlage and precisely measured intensity and a texture that is never too heavy or too flat. Oudeis Brut has a very energetic arc of tension and convinces in the remarkable final with a refined interplay of fruit and acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"This Alta Langa opens with a mix of lemon and orange peel, baked apples, yellow flowers and cake batter. On the palate, it is round with a vinous note that emphasises the character of the Pinot Noir, with cherry and flowers and a mineral finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Alta Langa's Brut Oudeis 2019 is remarkably pretty, with a delicate blend of peaches and young mango accompanied by hints of incense and spice. It shows a round, smooth texture and juicy acidity with a core of tart fruit that creates a nice tension towards the end. The finish is of medium length, leaving a hint of sour citrus and a steely minerality that gives it a tactile edge. The 2019 is beautifully made and shows incredible balance. Well done." Vinous

"Limpid and creamy nose with brioche, lemons, sliced pears and chalk. Restrained but generous, with crisp, fine beads on the medium-bodied palate. Tangy and lightly saline in the finish." James Suckling

"An elegant sparkling wine with a fine mousseux. It offers well-defined acidity and a savoury undertone interwoven with a beautiful palette of yellow peach, grapefruit granita, crushed lemon thyme and notes of white flowers." Wine Spectator

"Enrico's vision in this revealing Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend from 36 months on the fine lees, giving a clear idea of the terroir, nose with notes of white peach, broom and cedar thyme, taut mouthfeel of beautiful complexity and density, finish with a fruity orchestral return." Luca Gardini

Sparkling, rich ruby colour. Intense aroma of raspberries and cassis, herbal and spicy notes. Smooth, dense, fresh and juicy berry fruit on the palate. Long, voluminous and elegant - and this little masterpiece is a clear buy, and not just because of the price! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim. Fine resinous tones on the nose, followed by juicy cherries, ripe raspberries, a hint of elderberries, delicate black bread crust, dried herbs and fine cold stone. Very juicy on the palate, full-bodied, with tight, youthful tannins and a juicy, salty final." Falstaff

"Blue and black fruits are enveloped by fine, chocolaty tannins with a hint of bitterness - possibly from bottle shock. Juicy and dense, with violet nuances and good acidity that continue into a long finish with blackberry and salinity. Good concentration and elegance at the same time." Decanter

"Ripe berries, citrus, preserved plums and some savoury baking spices lengthen to a medium-bodied palate with fine, juicy tannins and a tight, concentrated finish." James Suckling

"This red wine begins with bright black cherry and raspberry fruits, which take on notes of tobacco, eucalyptus, iron and leaves. Dense tannins emerge on the long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"The La Massa 2020 is a real powerhouse. An onslaught of black cherries, plums, liquorice, incense, chocolate and dried herbs stain the palate. This extravagant, dense wine is packed to the marrow. Give it a few years to mature." Vinous

"The Tenuta La Massa 2020 La Massa offers great value across the board. This is a generous and multi-layered blend. Winemaker Giampaolo Motta breaks the rules by producing Bordeaux-inspired wines in one of the most Sangiovese-orientated areas of Tuscany. But he still adds a little charm and magic to this wine." Wine Advocate

"The nose is a tart mix of dried cherries, cranberries, brick, earth and hibiscus, with a mix of fresh wild herbs providing some warmth. The sanguine fruitiness and earthy notes continue on the palate, but polished tannins and supple acidity provide a round texture." Wine Enthusiast

This beguiling Gewürztraminer is one of the most exciting growths in the wine world and is the favourite of the Italians. Golden yellow with an aroma potpourri of roses, exotic fruits and oriental spices. Powerful and complex on the palate with discreet residual sweetness and a long finish. Gewürztraminer Sanct Valentin is an absolute top growth that promises wonderful drinking pleasure even after many years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Textbook gewurztraminer nose with lots of perfumes and spices. Lychee, cantaloupe, roses, freshly-cut vanilla and cinnamon spices. Mellow, dry and medium- to full-bodied on the palate with low, creamy acidity and a long, flavorful finish full of lychee and white roses." James Suckling

Nerello Cappuccio with dried flowers, cherries and spices on the nose offers elegant pleasure. Medium-bodied, delicate and ethereal on the finish. A fascinating interpretation of the indigenous Etna grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Nerello Cappuccio is dark and brooding in the glass. Hints of sage and balsamic spice complicate dried black cherries on the nose. It’s much more giving on the palate, pleasantly ripe in style with a wave of tart wild berry fruits and saline minerals that saturate, adding tension toward the close. The 2021 tapers off with a staining of primary concentration, gently grippy tannins and a bitter tinge of tart blackberry that lingers on and on." Vinous

"Flavours of watermelon, slightly tart cherries and crushed stones follow through to a medium body, with bright acidity and a creamy and round tannin structure. Delicious now, but even better in a few years." James Suckling

La Villa is a casual, feminine Barbera d'Asti that smells of ripe red fruit, flowers and spices. Round and focussed on the palate with a silky texture, lively acidity and good length. This is what value for money ideally looks like! SUPERIORE.DE

Don Luigi Riserva opens with a dark, seductive blend of musky blackcurrants, sweet sage and crushed ash stones. It is full-bodied and almost creamy in flavour. The palate is lapped up by deep, ripe dark fruit and exotic spices. In between, a lively acidity with lingering notes of red plums and cedar wood. Beneath the surface is a hint of grippy tannin. The balance of this wine is breathtaking and further bottle ageing will improve it even further. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet reflections. Very ripe, sweet fruit notes on the nose, aromas of preserved cherries, plums and liquorice, underlaid with cocoa and a hint of liquorice. A fruity-sweet core on the palate, grippy and rustic tannins, with a hint of liquorice on the finish." Falstaff

"A powerful red wine with flavours of black cherries, plums, dried mint and hazelnuts. It is ripe and full-bodied with firm but creamy tannins. Opulent yet balanced." James Suckling