Wine

Polissena shows the typical signature of Il Borro: the wines are made as typical of the grape variety as possible and therefore come into the glass as authentically and transparently as possible - particularly recognisable here with Sangiovese. The nose has a fine cherry flavour with hints of wild berries, forest floor, herbs and a little plum. On the palate, the typical acidity is paired with delicate fruit, a firm centre and a taut final. The 12-month maturation in used and almost neutral barriques is very conducive to the freshness and straightforwardness of the Polissena. Great drinking pleasure and stylistically comparable to a Brunello! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a sparkling centre. Candied cherries, oranges, some pomegranate on the nose, fine leather spice, tobacco, fine precious wood and graphite on the finish. Very powerful on the palate, with good length and tension, keeps coming back." Falstaff

"Exquisite nose with herbs, spices and red fruits. Vanilla and dill notes mingle with nuances of cherries and orange peel." Decanter

"The 2019 Valdarno di Sopra Sangiovese Vigna Polissena from Il Borro has undergone a 30-day fermentation and is aged for 18 months in neutral barriques. It offers a silky and gentle character with very direct fruit, which is softened by the oak spice. A nice mineral note rounds things off." Wine Advocate

"The nose is sunny and wild, with aromas of warm tar and brick dust, then Bing cherries and blood orange, then packed earth, crushed sage and wild fennel that roll onto a round and lush palate of strawberries, cherries, bitter orange and wild herbs. A hint of acidity and a growing peppery spiciness on the back palate linger into a lingering finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Flavours of cedar, salted caramel, fresh flowers and cherries follow through to a medium body with ultra-fine tannins that integrate beautifully with the wine. A hint of wood at the end, but a lovely finish." James Suckling

Deep garnet red, in the fruity bouquet notes of red berries, wild herbs, cherries, plums and a hint of undergrowth and figs. Beautiful structure and elegance, spicy, dense, round, smooth tannins and a subtle vanilla note. A charming Merlot that spoils the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

Franciacorta Millesimato brut perfectly combines the elegance of Chardonnay and the aristocracy of Pinot Nero. A rich bouquet with hints of apple, jasmine blossom, camomile and sea salt. Round and aromatic on the palate, with a very fine, persistent perlage and creamy foam. This Brut accompanies starters or the entire menu. Perfect! SUPERIORE.DE

"Greenish-yellow with silver reflections. Fresh butter, citrus fruits and herbs on the nose. Creamy note, very clear flavour, floral nuances, very pleasant and linear. Long, balsamic finish." Falstaff

"The 2018 Brut Franciacorta Essence opens with an airy blend of crushed apples, raw almonds and white flowers. It’s chiseled within, striking deeply with mineral-tinged bubbles that slowly round out and sweeten as this travels across the palate. Custard and baked pear hints linger as the 2018 finishes with medium-length and crisply refreshing." Vinous

"Fresh ripe peaches reveal a sorbet-like, soft and round texture on the palate. Gently nutty and toasty with a lot of fruit." James Suckling

Nero has been one of Puglia's most interesting and sophisticated wines for many years: this dark ruby red wine is full of cherry and blackberry flavours with a hint of vanilla and tobacco. On the palate, it is spicy with elegant tannins and good structure and impresses with its extraordinary depth and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich and warming red with aromas of orange rind, mulberries, hot chocolate and spiced cherries. Full-bodied, ripe and mellow, with velvety tannins and a caressing finish." James Suckling

Medium cherry red colour. Tobacco, leather and liquorice on the nose, with a beautiful cherry aroma on the palate, supported by a good acidity and tannin structure. An excellent interpretation of Sangiovese with a great value. SUPERIORE.DE

"A soft red whose core of dark cherry is accentuated by wood smoke and clay flavours. Balanced and fresh, this wine flows through to the long-lasting finish, in which the smoky note lingers." Wine Spectator

"Nose of fresh red berries, citrus peel and a hint of hibiscus. Medium-bodied, bright and refreshing, with dusty tannins and a crisp aftertaste." James Suckling

This wine bears the small print name Viola delle Viole, although its fruit comes from the Bricco delle Viole and Bricco Bertone vineyards, two sites with different soil types, one of which provides structure and the other aromatic purity. Vajra's Barbera d'Alba Superiore opens with a dark, almost impenetrable appearance. Powerful aromas of blackberry jam and preserved cherries unfold on the nose. You can feel its warmth and richness and there is no way around it. It is a super-sized Barbera that goes one better in terms of extraction and intensity. The finish is almost sweet, followed by good acidity. It shows great aromatic perfection, length and a very accentuated style. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2022 is a rich, intoxicating and powerful wine. Dark red and purple fruits run through this dense, muscular wine. You will find a distinctive Barbera of unusual depth, structure and complexity." Vinous

"This wine has an exuberant nose of crushed blueberries, spices, cedar and a subtle hint of tile. On the palate it’s full-bodied with compact, precise tannins. There is a balanced and lovely interplay between the vibrant fruit, focused tannins and lively acidity. Sensibly made Barbera." James Suckling

Sweet red cherries, roses and violets, mint and dried herbs on the nose. Fruity, well-balanced and with silky tannins and a wonderful texture. A warm Pinot Nero from central Tuscany with depth, grace and full harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Pinot Nero Il Chiuso, tasted shortly after bottling, has tremendous power. Black cherry, plum, mocha, spice and leather all came through well in this multi-layered, sensual Pinot. The 2021 is still a little closed today, but that should subside with time in the bottle. More than anything, I find the purity of the Pinot fruit simply seductive." Vinous

Sun-kissed Syrah from Etna, with an aroma of dark berries and a pleasant spicy note. The flavour is mineral and has a complex structure. An elegant wine with a harmonious final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Black pepper and ripe cherries on the nose, with a chocolate aftertaste. Juicy and well-balanced on the palate, with fine-grained tannins and a long, spicy final." Falstaff

Pure naturalness from Trebbiano di Soave, without dosage and without the addition of foreign sulphites. The Opera Semplice, produced using the classic bottle fermentation method, plays with fruity, yeasty notes, has a complex mineral side, is excellently structured and at the same time fresh and flavoursome. Sparkling wine purists will shout "Bravo"! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Trebbiano Soave Classico Opera Semplice is remarkably pretty, wafting up with honeyed florals, freshly sliced peaches and chamomile. This washes across the palate with a soothing bead of mineral-tinged bubbles as a contrast of tart green apples and sweet spices cascade across the palate. This finishes wickedly fresh yet with a rich note of raw almond as a reverberation of residual acidity maintains marvelous freshness. This is simply stunning. The Zero dosage Opera Semplice is produced using Metodo Classico and without any sulfur." Vinous

Dreamlike Barbera, dedicated to the last work (La Luna e i Falo = Young Moon) by the writer Cesare Pavese. This wine symbolises the connection to the earth and to one's own origins. Dark purple in colour. Complex aromas of dark red, plump, juicy cherries, fine spices, plums and black forest berries on the nose. Polished, dense and very fruity on the palate. Present but silky tannins, finely enveloped by the fruit, rich in finesse and persistent with a first-class acidity structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Intense aromas of light malt and violets on the nose, followed by wild berries and a hint of dark chocolate. Sweet and fruity on the palate with supple tannins, drinky and with a long final." Falstaff

"Opulent bouquet with aromas of maraschino cherries, chocolate, also Mediterranean scrub; invigorating start, then a lot of melting with perfectly integrated tannins, the finish spicy-fruity and of great length." Vinum

"Bright cherry fruit on the nose with plums, mulberries and dark chocolate. Juicy and fruity, with a medium to full body, soft tannins and bright acidity." James Suckling

Fumin epitomises the soul of alpine wine with a peppery palette of sage, rosemary and mint giving way to rose petals and a hint of camphor. It is refined yet full of life, with red berries reminiscent of citrus and a core of minerals and vibrant acidity. Finishes remarkably clean yet perfumed, with a lingering tension of sour berries. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright violet colour with a brightening rim. Forest fruit flavours of blueberry, raspberry and blackberry on the nose, underlaid with a fine leather note. Fleshy on the palate with gripping and rustic tannins, final with dark fruit on the final." Falstaff

"Lareale" - the "true, genuine" Chianti Classico Riserva from Lamole di Lamole offers attractive aromas of black cherries and spices. The palate has plenty of depth; a slender body, velvety tannins and a beautiful texture right into the long, clean finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with a slightly light rim. Compact nose with notes of juicy, dark cherries, blood oranges and rose petals in the background. Fine, sweet fruit on the palate, well-integrated, round tannins, with a plum final." Falstaff

"A serious, firm and focused riserva showing notes of dark cherries, dried herbs and sweet spices, following though to a medium to full body with fine, firm tannins. Well built and solid, with a textural core of berries funneling through to the compact, focused yet juicy finish." James Suckling

"This broad red's cherry, strawberry, mineral and eucalyptus flavors ride a wave of juicy acidity, keeping this fresh and focused. Earth, iron and tobacco accents grace the moderately gripping, salty finish." Wine Spectator

"Lareale is a blend of two vineyards: on Lamole’s classic Macigno (sandstone) soil, Il Prato includes a portion of bush vines planted in 1945, whereas Le Masse is a steep, stony, terraced site soaring upwards from 600 metres. The merger makes for a mineral-inflected mouthful. It's a suitable step up in depth and structure for its category, while still demonstrating Lamole’s slender frame. Flint and juniper notes lead, and the vintage’s warmth gives a generosity to the red berry palate. Nuanced by alpine herbs and stones, its sandy-textured tannins give traction." Falstaff

Sauvignon Bianco combines the intense flavour of Sauvignon with the heady and rich style of Meroi. Lemon oils and wild herbal tones combine with a hint of ground ginger. It is round in texture but with a lively acid balance that conveys elegance with green citrus and penetrating spice. The finish is long and colourful, leaving a hint of lime and a residual acidity that keeps the expression fresh. Exciting contrast of savoury and sweet. The 2023 is a large-format Sauvignon Blanc that maintains its balance at all times. SUPERIORE.DE

The De Ferrari brothers select their Riserva from the oldest vines on the estate's best plots. Ruby red in colour with a garnet hue. The wine opens discreetly with subtle but captivating hints of sage, leather and allspice. On the palate, it is supple and agile and feels confidently extracted, with firm, straightforward tannins, but not overdone. The wood supports rather than imposes on the wine, and the vibrant acidity of the vintage comes through nicely. Long, seductive and delicately spicy on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, sparkling ruby red colour. Hints of leather and ripe fruit on the nose, followed by notes of wood and marzipan. Elegant tannins on the palate with a slightly ethereal finish." Falstaff

"Charismatic aromas of red berries, tobacco and leather; elegant, balanced, the tannins perfectly integrated and supported by a lively acidity, convincing with its classic style." Vinum

"Dusty cedar spice box and dried flower notes give way to hints of black cherry and white smoke as the 2020 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva slowly blossoms in the glass. It washes across the palate with ripe red and blue fruit tones, a core of saline minerality and brisk acidity that creates a push and pull of tension. The 2020 finishes long and staining, with silty tannins and a bitter blackberry and licorice concentration that lingers on." Vinous

"A slightly viscous Vino Nobile with the character of berries, bark and dried mushrooms. Full-bodied with some fresh acidity under the tannin backbone." James Suckling

"Mint and eucalyptus shade the cherry and strawberry fruit in this lean but solid red wine, which has an underlying minerality. Balanced, this wine needs time to fully integrate all the elements, but there is still a very positive energy that drives the long finish." Wine Spectator

Chiarandà is a graceful and elegant Chardonnay. It combines potency and gentle accessibility. Aromas of white pear, banana, vanilla and white chocolate. Strong, multi-layered and slightly buttery flavour, then perfect balance on the palate with a fine saline vein. A creamy, powerful white wine with a great finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A classic, complex chardonnay with aromas of butter, restrained toastiness and pink grapefruit. Medium-bodied, it shows weight, a silky texture, crisp acidity and a long finish, with assertive yet well balanced cedar and toast flavors." James Suckling

Antonio Bragato, born in Germany but with an absolute Friulian identity, joined forces 20 years ago with Gianni Maccari, who was cellar master at Livio Felluga for many years and founded his own winery Ronco della Rocca at the beginning of the millennium. Maccari, who has a degree in agronomy and Oenologist, is considered one of the best-trained viticultural experts in Friuli. The profound knowledge of his own 12 hectares of vineyards as well as the leased plots and the radical precision in the execution of every operation characterise the clear style and the reliable quality of the wines that Antonio Bragato creates there together with him.

From the 2019 vintage, Antonio Bragato's wine experiment enters a new era. Since then, the team has relied on an even more rigorous selection of the oldest vines from the coolest and best sites. The results of the "New Edition" can truly be seen and tasted. They are even more radical in complexity and finesse. We are pleased to be able to offer our customers the smallest editions of these wines, which confirm the many years of work and experience of the two quality fanatics!

The vines from which the Sauvignon Bianco grapes for this delicious wine come are over 30 years old. In the open-hearted bouquet, initially elderflower, white peach, cassis, menthol and gooseberry, then in the background a cool, mineral-smoky note. On the nose, it is taut, precise, dense and juicy to the point, with a cool, very elegant drinking flow as it progresses. The overall experience is flanked by a well-portioned acidity and carried on and on. In the long, full-bodied final, a wonderful aroma and a delicate melting. Beguiling and highly convincing! SUPERIORE.DE

"A floral, intense, slightly spicy aroma, a hint of paprika, but also yellow fruit and wax. In the mouth, a smoothly grounded wine with a slightly phenolic extract filling and a firm acid structure is revealed. The wine has freshness and tension with good density and medium length, it seems made for table use." Falstaff

"This ripe and concentrated Sauvignon blanc is so elegant and finely tuned that it draws you inexorably under its spell. With its aromas of cassis and grapefruit peel and a hint of flint, it is reminiscent of the Loire. Mouth-filling, but so graceful and precise until the long finish with wet stones." James Suckling

Sagana, an impressively varietal and at the same time very fresh Nero d'Avola of dark colour, intensely scented of sour cherries, undergrowth, iodine and graphite. Very powerful and full-bodied on the palate, velvety tannins and a long, slightly nutty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, almost impenetrable ruby red. In the nose rich chocolate notes, ripe cassis, Amarena cherries and slightly vegetal. Gripping and powerful on the palate, spreads out widely, opens up on pithy wide-meshed tannin, hearty on the final." Falstaff

"A deep coloured, purple Nero d'Avola with medium to full body and aromas of soaked blackberries, iron, eucalyptus and violets. Fresh and concentrated, with creamy tannins that show through on the slightly spicy finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of blackberries, stones and fresh mushrooms transition to a medium body with firm tannins and a fresh, juicy finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Sàgana is intense, dark and earthy in nature, with hints of smoke and camphor that bring out blackcurrant, tobacco and ash. It has a deep texture, feels almost creamy and is very tasty, with plum sauce, sage and a core of salty minerality that gives it gravitas. A layer of fine tannins finishes the wine with an echo of black fruit and a bitter aftertaste. Sàgana is a serious Nero d'Avola that needs a year or two in the cellar to show its best side." Vinous

"The 2019 Sicilia Sàgana is made from Nero d'Avola from the 12 hectare Vigneto del Torrone Bianco Tenuta San Giacomo and is very rich and concentrated with dark, dark fruit and a full-bodied presentation. The wine is lush, structured and very modern with a good blend of blackberry fruit and oak spice." Wine Advocate

"This Nero d'Avola from a single vineyard of Cusumano's Tenuta San Giacomo estate, located on the limestone cliff of Butera in southern Sicily, is a great wine. It is fresh and has great mid-palate tension combined with structured tannins. Aromatic black cherry aromas and flavours accompany intense dark chocolate, spices and herbs." Decanter

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

Deep golden yellow in colour. Sweet, spicy aromas of acacia honey, burnt sugar, mango and liquorice on the lush nose. The palate is also multi-layered and rich with opulent flavours of grapefruit, passion fruit, acacia honey and cinnamon, and more than enough acidity to keep it from being broad. The finish is long and beguilingly sweet. Roen is hardly less complex than its more famous "big brother" Terminum and is certainly a spectacular sweet wine. Here, residual sugar, acidity and alcohol content are in marvellous harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

The Andreola family business in Col San Martino was founded in 1984 by Nazzareno Pola in the heart of the Valdobbiadene wine-growing region. In his honour, a wonderful Prosecco Superiore is produced here every year in small batches, which has now received the highest award in Gambero Rosso for the first time with the 2023 vintage. For Stefano Pola, the Etichetta del Fondatore represents the highest expression of finesse and olfactory elegance that the Glera grape can give in the core zone of Prosecco Superiore - combined with the verticality and juiciness that the soils give it, without ever losing its lightness and drinkability.

Bright, sparkling straw yellow with delicate reflections. Jasmine, crisp apple and fresh peach on the nose, with subtle hints of citrus fruit and incense, very inviting. Very harmonious on the palate with an airy perlage, crystalline in the middle, with pronounced fruit, elegantly floating, sparkling clean, with a long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling straw yellow colour. Fragrant and distinctive on the nose of juicy pear, ice candy and elderflower, with hints of jasmine and a subtle mineral note on the finish. Soft and with a fine mousse on the palate, elegant balance of fresh acidity and sweet fruit." Falstaff

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines of Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best made in Friuli today. There is a lot to choose from here, because the transparency of the terroir is paramount. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnay or Friulano wines, but the differences between each hill, each site and the age of each vineyard create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

Standing on the hill where this winery is located, looking out over Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important to the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine a winemaker's fascination with each of these unique sites. If you were to make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

Iris presents itself in a delicate and restrained style. Bright straw green, on the nose hints of apricots, lime zest and a subtle tropical vein. Wonderful fruit-acid interplay on the palate, not quite as wild as its counterpart, but just as mineral and tension-filled. A skilful example of why it is sometimes good to vinify different terroirs separately and skilfully bring out the characteristics. Great Sauvignon cinema from a master hand! SUPERIORE.DE

"The bouquet of the Sauvignon Blanc Iris 2020 has a candied quality that is perfectly balanced by earthy notes of wet stone and freshly cut pear. The texture is soft, with pleasant ripe peach flavours and floral notes developing towards the finish. The finish is a little shorter than expected, but leaves a pleasant refreshment on the palate. Very nice." Vinous