Wine

The pioneer of Riesling on Italian soil is Aldo Vajra. Already fascinated by the variety as a student, he planted the first vines of the White Riesling variety in the Langa. Very light yellow-green in colour when young, developing into a strong straw yellow. The flavours of the noble Pètracine also take a varied course. Starting with peach and apricot, delicate floral and citrus notes follow in the middle, while minerality takes centre stage as the wine matures. Harmonious and precisely structured on the palate, almost austere, fascinatingly complex and long. Great ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

This wine - the name "Effe Emme" stands for the initials of Filippo Mazzei - represents a new chapter for Mazzei's Zisola winery and for all of Sicily. Very few producers on the island make a pure Petit Verdot. The Alberello vines are planted on highly calcareous soils. Effe Emme shows a dark fruit intensity with subtle background notes of chalk and crushed minerals. Powerful and full-bodied on the palate, juicy and firmly structured. Only 4,000 bottles are bottled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red. Spicy, dark berry nose with hints of chestnut honey, black tea and some leather. On the palate with elegant, resinous undertones, very polished with lots of juice and slightly salty tannin, spans a great arc, grippy earthy final." Falstaff

"Made with Petit Verdot, the 2019 Sicilia Effe Emme is a very different wine compared to the previous vintage that I tasted at the same time. This expression from 2019 is much richer, with a velvety texture, and it is void of that bitterness we saw in the 2018. Blackcurrant and dried blackberry cede to smoke, tar and exotic spice." Wine Advocate

"Lots of clove and green peppercorn character with blackberries and blackcurrants on the nose and palate. Full-bodied and complex with lots of flavour on the palate and a long, flavourful finish. Shows how well Petit Verdot thrives in Noto." James Suckling

Essence Rosé Millesimato Brut offers an exciting bouquet of almonds and white bread crust. The palate is characterised by precise fruit, elegant complexity and a balanced structure. The perlage is persistent and fine, firm body, polished mousseux, with a harmonious, fresh and long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant medium orange colour with a fine and persistent perlage. Very complex nose of blood orange, peach, almond flavour and light floral notes. On the palate with a powerful perlage, beautiful fruit flavours and a salty, juicy final." Falstaff

"Rose petals and lavender give way to citrus-kissed peach as the 2019 Brut Rosé Franciacorta Essence evolves in the glass. Silken and round, this displays ripe wild berry fruits lifted by juicy acidity as a mineral tinge forms toward the close. The 2019 tapers off fresh yet long, leaving a tinge of licorice and spice, while the mouth is left watering for more." Vinous

"Pronounced straw yellow colour with golden nuances and fine perlage. Finely drawn bouquet of juicy grapefruit, yeasty notes, backed by herbal spice. Dust-dry on the palate with taut acidity, elegant mousseux and a lingering finish." Falstaff

With Kyè, Vajra has not only recognised the potential of the Freisa grape, but redefined it. The freshness of the grape variety is somewhat reminiscent of Barbera and has a similar structure to the Nebbiolo grape. An explosive wine with dark fruits, violets, minerals, menthol and spices. Insanely beautiful and multi-dimensional, the fruit remains primary and the tannins are firm. Elegance all along the line and at the same time completely Freisa, only without the old-fashioned rusticity of this indigenous variety. SUPERIORE.DE

Friulano Dolée is another impressive Vie di Romans flagship. Bright straw yellow in colour. Clean, fresh aromas of honey, citrus fruit and pear, complemented by ripe banana. On the palate, its soft texture forms an ideal sounding board for the beautifully layered fruit basket of peach, melon, quince and fresh pear. A ripe, finesse-rich wine that finishes long and with an excellent acid-fruit balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Friulano Dolèe springs from the glass with an intense mix of crushed grapefruit, sage, lemon curd and dusty slate. It is soothingly round and supple with a lovely inner sweetness contrasted by a lash of acidic citrus and green melon. The saline minerality provides a crisp feel as the 2022 cleans up beautifully, mouthwatering yet precise, and a savoury herbal note still lingers. This is a seductive Dolèe with a balance and tension that will reward cellaring." Vinous

"This is an intense wine focused on herbs, tomato leaves, grapefruit and white peaches. Smooth and silky on the palate, with a medium body, crisp acidity and a savory, fruited finish." James Suckling

Alma Gran Cuvée brut - a Franciacorta in the classic Bellavista style, modern yet very elegant and complex. Aromatic bouquet, fine perlage, wonderfully integrated fruit on the palate with a delicate mellowness, plus well-balanced acidity, harmoniously long and deep. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright green-yellow with golden reflections and persistent perlage. Finely characterised nose of apple and citrus fruit, also reminiscent of candle wax, with a subtle hint of marzipan on the final. Crisp on the palate, with airy perlage and a clear fruit centre, stretches across the palate with light pressure and shows fine wood spice, balanced in the final." Falstaff

"An aromatic bouquet of floral, green melon and sweet spice aromas introduces the NV Brut Franciacorta Alma Grande Cuvée. This is seamlessly silken and round with brilliant acidity and crisp orchard fruits complicated by a tinge of ground ginger toward the close. A saline sensation lingers along with hints of lime as this finishes with an intense, crunchy character. Very nice." Vinous

"Aromas of acacia honey, white pepper, green apples and lemon pulp with fresh pastry. Strong acidity with a lean body, but a fine, creamy mousse. Good finish." James Suckling

This single-vineyard Carricante comes from the small Montalto vineyard on the southern slope of Etna at an altitude of around 950 metres. It is the most balanced and at the same time most exciting of all Etna Bianco from Terre Nere in terms of its overall impression and flavour; the whole Etna package is present here in exactly the right dose: Minerality, salinity, fruitiness and a perfect hint of orange peel and flint on the nose. On the palate, it is vibrant and fine, with an almost Burgundian dimension, full of finesse and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lovely dried apple and lemon with some mineral and stone character both on the nose and palate. It also shows some pumice. Medium body. Crisp and multi-layered." James Suckling

"It is soft, fleshy and peachy in flavour, yet with excellent acidity. Notes of stone and pineapple add vibrancy to this delicious, flavoursome white wine with no alcohol content." Decanter

"Spicy and full of tension, the 2022 Etna Bianco Le Vigne Niche Montalto bursts from the glass with a blend of lemon zest, minty herbs, young peaches and crushed rocks. This opens with a pretty inner sweetness and crisp minerality, rushing the palate with ripe orchard fruits elevated by candied citrus. The Montalto finishes with fantastic length and potency, lightly structured and tactile. This gorgeous Etna Bianco is drinking beautifully today yet with the balance to promote medium-term cellaring." Vinous

This intense and long-lasting Marsala matures for 5 years according to the soleras method in barrels of 50-100 hl. These lie on top of each other, as in sherry production, and the contents of the different barrels and vintages sorted by tiers are regularly blended together. In this way, the older Marsala gives the younger one its softness and maturity, while the younger portion adds freshness and fruitiness.

The result presents itself in deep gold with copper reflections. On the nose, a broad aroma of roasted hazelnuts and pine nuts mixed with pleasant notes of orange peel and honey. In the drink very round, warm and tasty, very spicy in the long finish. At a temperature of 16-18°C, it is ideal with sesame biscuits or dark chocolate. If you want to enjoy it cooler, then you should try it with fish specialities or even oysters. SUPERIORE.DE

The elegant blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot surprises with its aroma full of purity and intensely aromatic fruit flavour. Elegance and finesse trump muscle in Turpino, a wine that is always light on its feet. Fermentation in wooden barrels and ageing in barriques lend the spicy, balsamic notes of the grape blend a softness, a fine frame and a beguilingly long finish on the palate. With its tangy acidity balancing the ripe fruit, Turpino manages to be generous and restrained at the same time, making it a great accompaniment to Mediterranean meat dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, dark ruby red colour. Captivating nose with aromas of black cherry, tobacco and ebony, also some iodine. On the palate, with a good length, young but fine tannins, lots of chocolate, still needs time, lots of potential." Falstaff

"Infused with plum, cherry and blackberry fruit, this well-balanced red wine is soft in texture. Hints of Mediterranean scrub, iron, earth and tobacco complete the flavour profile. The finish is fresh and long." Wine Spectator

"Lots of black liquorice and aniseed with blackberries and blueberries. Medium-bodied with very refined and polished tannins that run the length of the wine. Crisp, firm and juicy. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot. Needs time to mellow, but is very nice." James Suckling

"The Turpino 2020, which I tasted from the barrel last year, has developed wonderfully. The 2020 is rich, multi-layered and expansive and captivates from the very first sip. The blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot is very well done. The Syrah contains some whole bunches (50%), another good choice that works very well. All the elements are very harmonious. This is another fabulous wine from Querciabella." Vinous

Picolit is the king grape of Friuli. Noble sweet Spätlese with a bright clear and golden yellow colour that tends towards amber with increasing maturity. Opulent nose of honey, candied fruits and apricot jam. Its residual sugar is never broad, but plays in an aristocratic way with the well-integrated acidity and makes this fine dessert wine seem delicate, even feminine. A wine for meditation, but just as good with selected desserts or foie gras. SUPERIORE.DE

Don Antonio Riserva is the best selection from the Morgante vineyards, where only Nero d'Avola grows. Concentrated and hauntingaromas, very typical of the variety, ripe fruit accompanied by mineral and balsamic notes. Lively and elegant on the palate. The flagship of the winery and a prime example of the "Taste of Sicily". SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with purple reflections. Dense and dark on the nose, of sweet black cherry, dark chocolate, liquorice, toast and bacon. With sweet, savoury fruit on the palate, powerful and with a lot of pressure, on tightly woven tannins, with a long finish." Falstaff

"Intense ripe dark fruits mixed with leather flavours, powerful and bright with a sweet, oaky finish." Decanter

"The 2020 Nero d'Avola Riserva Don Antonio rises from the glass with a mentholated blend of grilled herbs, dried black cherries and balsamic spice. This is an elegant and refined wine with a polished wave of ripe red and blue fruit accented by hints of spiced orange. Fine-grained tannins rise towards the finish, leaving it long and structured, yet remarkably fresh. Notes of cherry and dark chocolate linger on the final. The 2020 is a fantastic edition of the Don Antonio with a perfectly integrated hint of new oak. It should only need a short stay in the cellar before it reaches a long and wide drinking window." Vinous

The grapes for this sparkling wine, produced using the classic Champagne method, come from vineyards around Contessa Entellina. Fine, intense bouquet of bread crust and some dried fruit. Elegant, fresh and balanced flavour and a wonderful length. SUPERIORE.DE

Lagrein Sanct Valentin is the extremely popular mountain wine of South Tyrol in excellent Riserva quality. Deep dark red, complex aromas of coffee, cocoa and wild berries, full-bodied taste, strong and chocolaty. A dense, robust red wine with fine extract sweetness and good length. SUPERIORE.DE

100% Nero d'Avola yields a dense ruby-violet colour and a fresh bouquet with rich fruity notes of dark cherries, honey and some grenadine. Doppiozeta unfolds explosively and finesse-rich on the palate, with a velvety tannin and very appealing length. SUPERIORE.DE

"With fruit from old bush-trained vines, the 2018 Sicilia Noto Rosso Doppiozeta is sweet and slightly jammy with blackberry preserves and black cherry confit. The wine spreads heavily over the palate with thick fruit weight and substantial texture. " Wine Advocate

"This harmonious red is bright and stylish, with a dark and juicy blend of ripe blackberries and fragrant accents of ground pepper, dried sage, ground coffee and iron. Silky tannins show through on the mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Rosso Doppiozeta is dark and seductive. It opens with balsamic herbs, tobacco and a hint of mocha before moving into the depths of blackcurrant and plum skin. It glides across the palate with ease, guided by bright acidity as it throws around citrus and savoury spices. Fine tannins linger along with a bitter hint of blood orange and a touch of sage. The 2018 has a finesse that already makes it extremely attractive. However, I don't think that's why it will be so long-lived." Vinous

"A juicy, complex red wine with plums, cherries and hints of slate and pumice. Also some rosemary and thyme. Full body, soft and creamy tannins and a subtle, beautiful finish." James Suckling

Beautiful interpretation of the grape variety: Herbaceous and minty notes on the nose, plus lavender and sage. Then very tasty and complex on the palate of dark fruits, dried cherries, complemented by tones of undergrowth and tobacco. A touch of fine tannins, minerals and traces of rosemary and liquorice lead this medium-bodied red seductively into a sophisticated final. SUPERIORE.DE

Vibrant, golden straw yellow in colour. The floral and spicy nose offers ripe pear, cinnamon, chamomile, white peach and grapefruit with subtle hints of ginger. Rich and racy, with multi-layered flavours of orchard and tropical fruit and a subtle spiciness that lingers beautifully on the rich, luscious finish. Its excellent salinity and a very juicy, fresh cut accompany the tropical and spicy fruit flavours on the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pretty notes of honeysuckle and jasmine play on the nose of this graceful white. Focused by bright, well-meshed acidity, offering flavors of ripe apple and pineapple, tangerine zest and macadamia nut, with a subtle touch of beeswax." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Bianco Flors di Uis is unobtrusive yet beautifully refined. With its pretty blend of lime sherbet, chamomile, spring flowers and white smoke, it keeps the drinker coming back to the glass. It flows across the palate with a sensation of liquid stone and minerals, lifted by a vibrant acidity, while a candied lemon core is contrasted by tart green apple fruit. The 2022 finishes with a lingering concentration and a tart bitterness of citrus pith that leaves the palate wanting more. In its youth, harvestwill find it hard to put down, but I would advise patience. This Flors di Uis is still a baby in its development and has developed wonderfully with further bottle ageing. A fantastic performance." Vinous

Camigliano's Brunello di Montalcino 2019 shows impressive balance and integrity. It contrasts the delicate sweetness of the fruit beautifully with the ethereal and liquorice-like aromas that simply come automatically to Sangiovese when it is grown on the south side of the spectacular Montalcino appellation. Blood orange, redcurrant and wild blueberry on the nose, with a hint of salt and herbaceous notes in the background. On the palate, it impresses with its balanced intensity and lively tannins. The harmonious, very juicy finish surprises with playful notes of warm cherry sweetness, the footprint of Camigliano's wine identity, complemented by a fine mineral vein. This is a highly respectable Camigliano wine from a wonderful vintage, in which the winery is able to fully capitalise on the perfect climate of the vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino exudes a pretty bouquet of dried roses and strawberries accompanied by Tuscan dust. It is silky-smooth and polished, with ripe red berries flowing over a stream of vibrant acidity. Orange and cedar notes linger as the 2019 finishes with soft tannins and a pleasantly bitter note." Vinous

"Layers of juicy red cherries, spice and woody aromas, filled with dark red fruits and firm tannin." Decanter

"Lots of dried fruit, such as figs, dried plums and savoury herbs, followed by lingering dried meat notes and sweet and sour undertones. Medium-bodied with polished tannins. A slightly nutty aftertaste." James Suckling

"The Camigliano 2019 Brunello di Montalcino offers a combination of dark fruits, ripe blackberries and roasted cardamom or cumin from 24 months of ageing in large oak barrels. This organically grown wine shows a rich concentration and oak-driven intensity that fits into the context of classic Brunello. Ultimately, the wine reflects a warm growing area with a mixture of clay, sand and rocky soils. It offers a light texture on the mid-palate with chalky tannins." Wine Advocate

"The fruit is rather dark for the vintage, reminiscent of black cherry, blackberry and dark plum, while earth and wild herb accents add detail. Tightly woven tannins mingle quickly and leave a compact, powdery sensation on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The beautiful label of a sustainable project, that of the Ghezzi family, which focuses on the manic care of farm labour. Notes of wild strawberries on the nose, a hint of rosehip and ginger, then lemon sage. Iodised, salty tannins on the palate, with floral notes." Luca Gardini

Bright ruby red with garnet red reflections. Wild bouquet of red fruits, delicate spice flavours and a hint of tobacco and leather. Taut and elegant at the same time, the tannins are velvety soft, with a well-proportioned fruit centre and harmonious spiciness. A skilfully balanced red with a lingering final and good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for COS' new flagship wine come from vines over 45 years old and are fermented spontaneously on the skins, using only the naturally occurring yeasts. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Cerasuolo di Vittoria Bastonaca 2019 seduces with a delightful, pink-coloured bouquet reminiscent of wild strawberries, cloves and fresh mint. It is soft and gentle, with lively acidity and a core of lively ripe cherries and berries. It leaves a lovely aftertaste of red liquorice and a hint of spice and finishes remarkably fresh. The 2019 is delicious." Vinous über den Jg. 2019

Beautiful Malvasia with a lot of varietal expression and an impressive potpourri of flavours. Jasmine, pear and white peach develop in the glass, with hints of passion fruit, spices and lime on the palate. Soft texture, very good structure and a complexity that opens up new facets with every sip. The finish is deep and long and, as always, the long yeast ageing time ensures promising ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Restrained white pepper and spices dominate the nose, with broom, spring flower, apple and citrus notes. Light-bodied, it shows a silky texture with vibrant acidity and a polished finish." James Suckling

The name Iskra comes from the Slavic language and means "spark". The name emphasises the uniqueness of a pair of wines that are able to seduce from the very first glass. Both Iskra wines have one characteristic in common: they have a great personality and their grapes each come from a single vineyard. With grapes typical of central Italy - Malvasia and Montepulciano from two of Abruzzo's favourite terroirs, Colline Teramane and Colline Pescaresi - both wines stand for their clear identity and origin.

The grapes for Iskra Rosso come from a vineyard in Controguerra in the province of Teramo. With its velvety softness and intense aromas of ripe red fruit, it represents one of the most famous terroirs in Abruzzo. It first matures in French oak barriques and then for a long time in the bottle. Complex and full-bodied with lively notes of blackberries, plums, blueberries and berries. Goes perfectly with roasts, stews or rich and flavoursome dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"On the nose, there is a balance between earthy herbs and fruity undertones of strawberries, candied cherries and dried cranberries. On the palate, dense, taut tannins and impressive acidity provide the framework for a strong, salty bitter chocolate note, but also dried red berries, which provide some lightness on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"This plush red has a round creaminess, although sculpted tannins and balsamico acidity provide fine definition. Offers a ripe profile of plum pudding, blackberry coulis and vanilla elements, with savory notes of iron, Mediterranean macchia and fresh earth." Wine Spectator

"The grapes for the Iskra come from a vineyard in the Colline Teramane. It is aged for 18 months in new barriques, which gives it spicy, tobacco and balsamic undertones on the nose. On the palate, it is structured, with enough softness to smooth out the assertive tannins and good ageing potential." Decanter

"Dark and brooding, the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Iskra 2019 develops slowly. Hints of cloves and mocha complicate the flavours of dried black cherries and sage. It is elegant and refined, with polished red and blue fruits supported by a mineral core, while sweet wood spices emerge towards the finish. The 2019 is structured with fine-grained tannins that saturate as cocoa and balsamic spices slowly fade away. This tight Iskra is made for the cellar." Vinous

Bright silver-grey with a persistent, finesse-rich perlage. A wonderful nose of white flowers and light-coloured fruit. Full, broad and creamy elegance on the palate, supported by a delicate acidity. A very expressive and sensual Prodecco Superiore from the top Cartizze vineyard. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow colour with a slight perlage. Fresh pineapple and peach on the nose, with a white rose petal aftertaste. Fruity-sweet entry on the palate, well balanced by acidity and perlage, finishes fruity and clean." Falstaff