Wine

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

Ben Ryé - the great naturally sweet and world-famous white wine from Donnafugata. The grapes are harvested in mid-August and left to dry naturally for 20 to 30 days. In September, the later ripening grapes are harvested and freshly processed. The hand-picked raisined berries are added to the must in several stages during fermentation. Light orange yellow in colour. Overwhelming aromas of apricot, peach and orange peel. Creamy notes of passion fruit and peach on the palate with an impressive elegance and length. For us, one of the best sweet wines in Italy every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"An icon of sweet Sicily: notes of honey, figs, mint and orange zest; perfectly balanced in the mouth, pleasantly salty with a long bitter-honey finish." Vinum

"Bright amber with copper-coloured reflections. Distinct aroma of dried apricots and figs, stewed peaches, acacia honey, orange blossom and some ginger on the nose, very complex. Very balanced and round on the palate with a great balance of freshness and sweetness, the tannins are well integrated, ending with a long finish of dried fruit." Falstaff

"A beautiful sweet with a fragrant orange blossom nose, with a tantalising array of glazed mandarin, apricot, dried mint and candied ginger, as well as rich hints of graham cracker, vanilla and white chocolate. Long and slightly mouth-coating, with tangy blood orange peel acidity accentuating the juicy finish." Wine Spectator

"Burnt blood orange, autumnal spices, candied ginger, dried nectarines and a hint of mint form a kaleidoscopic bouquet as the 2022 Ben Ryé blossoms in the glass. It feels heavy and velvety, yet remarkably fresh, flooding the palate with an abundance of tropical citrus, mango and papaya supported by a core of zesty acidity. The 2022 finishes with dramatic length and concentration. The finish of peach nectar and savoury spices is long lasting. The 2022 is sure to join the ranks of Ben Ryé's best vintages." Vinous

"Gorgeous flavours of sun-ripened peach, bitter orange peel and dried figs, infused with luxurious flowers that shine through the supple texture and wonderful caress of refreshing acidity. Very engaging and rich, with an unbroken length." Decanter

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

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

The single-varietal Merlot Focus beguiles with its elegant aroma of red fruits and warm, balsamic tones. The fresh taste is characterised by the typical spiciness and the lively tannins of a high-quality and rare Merlot from the Colli Orientali. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep ruby. Cool climate Merlot aromas and flavors with flinty red berries, wet stones, fresh herbs, with only minimal notes of coffee and cocoa. Vibrant and long on the juicy finish. A 22 years old, single vineyard Merlot from Prepotto." Vinous

"A soft and beautiful wine with hazelnut, coffee and chocolate aromas and flavors. Mint and eucalyptus notes, too. Full to medium body. Round and soft tannins. Complex and long." James Suckling

Brilliant golden yellow colour. The nose opens with yellow fruit, summer-ripened peach, pear and honeydew melon, as well as hints of mineral tones, ash and crushed flint. On the palate, Golden Delicious, pear and a certain creaminess, which in turn is flanked by salty notes. The acidity is very well integrated, all in all a wonderful white wine with impressive depth and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is fresh with notes of nectarine, pear drops, acacia and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, chalky and mineral with white flowers and mineral undertones. Piquant on the finish." James Suckling

Pinot Grigio Unterebner is an exceptional wine: golden yellow in colour, elegant aromas of blossom honey, lavender and tropical fruit. Delicate buttery notes, very balanced and charismatic, long and powerful on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright straw yellow colour. Restrained on the nose, peach, pear, hints of apricot. Powerful and exciting on the palate, wood noticeable, but the fruit is in the foreground, warming but well-integrated alcohol, long final with wood underpinning." Falstaff

"The 2022 Pinot Grigio Unterebner is unobtrusive with a nuanced blend of dusty dried flowers and freshly sliced green apples. It's racy, with a pleasant inner sweetness and a cooling acidity that drives the crisp orchard fruit. A saline note lingers as the 2022 rejuvenates with seductive freshness and citrusy concentration." Vinous

"This elegant white wine is lively and well-structured, with fine flavours of poached pear, almond slivers and mandarin oranges, as well as accents of white flowers and vanilla. Creamy and long with a mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"An attractive Pinot Grigio, showing a creamy and mineral layer on its slightly neutral white fruit. Textural and gastronomic, with intense flavours in the mid-palate and a fairly long, taut finish. A subtle flint emerges at the end. This is always an excellent expression." James Suckling

Passobianco is simply marvellous every year. It rises with a sweet burst of white flowers and candied lime, then pulls the taster back to earth with wet stone and savoury herbs. It's smooth and round with pure fruit flavours that make it creamy as it warms on the palate. Finishes with medium length, is crisp and refreshing and leaves a lingering baked apple note. A single-varietal Chardonnay that is expertly balanced and should develop superbly over several years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with green reflections. Slightly smoky nose of honeydew melon, broom blossom and a hint of vanilla. Creamy on the palate with savoury notes, spicy and very persistent." Falstaff

"The 2022 Passobianco wafts up with a pretty and lifted air of wildflowers, chalk dust and a gentle tinge of spice. This opens with a lovely inner sweetness and ripe orchard fruits as traces of salty minerals and a bump of brisk acidity add balance. It tapers off long and potent, with a lingering confectionery note contrasted by a saline tinge. The 2022 shows the dry warmth of the year through its vividly ripe fruit, but it finds balance in the end." Vinous

Proud single-vineyard Sicilian in a small edition made from 100% Carricante. Fine bouquet of citrus fruits and apricots. Wonderfully juicy fruit on the palate paired with good structure, balanced acidity, fine minerality and appealing length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shows beautiful fruit on the nose with young stone fruit, light peach, sage, sweet herbs and mineral notes. In the mouth with a soft, almost silky texture, citrus fruit and herbs, rather round with balanced acidity." Weinwisser

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Calderara opens slowly with a nuanced blend of young peaches, grated sage, stone dust and sweet spices, keeping the glass constantly moving. The medium body is silky smooth, revealing mineral fruit lifted by a hint of sour citrus. The 2022 finishes long and youthfully tense. A tart finish of lime and savoury herbs rounds off the whole." Vinous

"A delicious Etna Bianco full of succulent and zesty citrus fruits, with a saline core. Notes of orange and lemon peel, apple and white flowers, plus a touch of wood." Decanter

Rosso delle Fontane from the single vineyard of the same name beguiles with its light ruby red colour and subtle scent of dark cherries, followed on the palate by redcurrant, hints of tar, suede and a well-measured amount of Amarena cherry. Salty-mineralic, never-ending finish. Highly elegant in its entirety and packaged with COS's own noble restraint. Burgundian greatness and a beacon of the Vittoria DOC appellation! SUPERIORE.DE

"Wild herbs and dried strawberries come together with hints of shaved cedar as the 2018 Vittoria Rosso Fontane opens in the glass. Soft and supple, this begins with a burst of zesty acidity and saline minerals that complicate its tart wild berry fruits. It finishes long, staining and with a bitter tinge, leaving a subtle layer of fine tannin to linger." Vinous

"Once part of the Cerasuolo di Vittoria appellation, the 2018 Vittoria Delle Fontane is now a representative of the relatively new Vittoria appellation. This organic blend of 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Frappato shows lovely tertiary definition with spice and toasted anise framing a core of dried cherry and plum. Drinking this wine now, you will notice the beautiful transition from primary fruit to something more complex and ethereal. There is, however, some acidity that reflects the cooler and wetter conditions of the vintage." Wine Advocate

Corte del Lupo Bianco celebrated its debut with the 2017 vintage and is the successor to the classic Curtefranca Bianco, which has been popular for decades. The grapes come from 11 historic vineyards planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco. They are well over 30 years old. Bright straw yellow in colour, with a fresh apricot aroma, fine woody notes and a structured, balanced flavour. Spicy and round on the palate, with a fine acidity and a mineral note on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Fine Nobile Riserva with spicy notes of clove and cinnamon on a clear fruit base of wild berries, black cherries and savoury spice notes. Soft on the palate, with a delicate fruit centre and polished tannins, well supported by the fine use of wood. Finishes long and dynamic. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark and brooding in the glass, the 2019 Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva slowly opens with an array of medicinal blackberries and cherries complicated by sage and sweet smoke suggestions. This soothes with its silky textures contrasted by a tart tinge of wild berry fruit. Sour citrus notes mingle with grippy tannins toward the close. The 2019 leaves a resonance of balsamic spice, finishing structured, long and youthfully tense. " Vinous

"Piquant spices with dried plums, cherries and hints of sweet spices, white chocolate and iron. Juicy and firm on the palate with dusty tannins and a lingering finish. Sangiovese. From organically grown grapes. Sustainable. Drink or store." James Suckling

"Black cherry and raspberry on the nose, with an herbal, medicinal component expressed in a final flavour of salted black liquorice. On the palate, it remains earthy and herbal, but brings dark chocolate and a peppery spiciness with grippy tannins." Wine Enthusiast

The grapes for the new L'Aja Bruciata Vermentino Maremma from Rocca delle Macìe come from a single vineyard of 5 hectares on the Casamaria estate on soils with a sandy loam structure and quartz sandstone at an average altitude of 135 to 150 metres above sea level. The name L'Aja Bruciata is taken from an old cadastral map and is the old place name of this location from which the grapes come. Only 1,800 bottles were produced in the first 2021 vintage.

The marvellous richness and complexity of this exceptional Vermentino is the result of 6 months of development in cement on the lees with regular battonage, with part of the fine lees (approx. 5%) maturing in barrique barrels and finally a few months in the bottle.

Golden in the glass with notes of citrus fruit and ripe pear, fresh on the palate with an enormous density. The intense fruit flavours are perfectly complemented by the soft texture, with sweet honey notes and hints of white flowers on the finish. An incredibly complex Vermentino, the like of which there are not many on the market - an extremely successful project with which Andrea Zingarelli has opened a new chapter at Rocca delle Macíe and brought what is probably the first single-vineyard Vermentino into the bottle! SUPERIORE.DE

"A new single-vineyard Vermentino from here, with sliced pear and lemon aromas and flavors. Medium body with fresh, crunchy and honeyed character. Honeysuckle, too. Drink now and enjoy." James Suckling

Intense ruby garnet colour. Powerful nose of savoury cherries, spicy notes, light leather, orange and plum. Equally powerful, juicy and multi-layered on the palate, with finely characterised fruit and present, fine-grained tannins. The tension of this polished wine extends into the long, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Slightly developed, quite clearly tobacco-like aroma of predominantly dark berries with somewhat roasted barrel tones, fleshy and earthy notes, hints of butter and a hint of wild mushrooms. Ripe, again slightly developed fruit, noticeably gaining juice with air, with clear, smoky and somewhat tobacco-like oak notes and lots of sandy, still somewhat drying tannins, persistent on the palate, earthy, dried-vegetable to herbaceous and undergrowth notes, a hint of butter, dark ethereal spice, certain minerality, meaty tones, very good, only slightly drying and woody finish with some milk chocolate, which also becomes firmer and juicier with time." Wein-Plus

"Refreshing bouquet of fresh stone fruit and lavender; the attack is fresh, the acidity well integrated and in balance with the powerful tannins, the finish is spicy and fruity. Reliable style." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby colour with a pronounced garnet rim. Fragrant nose, presents itself with notes of blackberry and dark cherry, very clear, some cardamom in the background. Fine-meshed, grippy tannins on the palate, unfolds beautifully over the course, firm pressure on the final, savoury, still needs some time." Falstaff

In 2012, the Pecchenino family started to invest in the small but fine sparkling wine DOCG Alta Langa. The altitudes and soil conditions are ideal for fresh and fragrant sparkling wines that are not only very rare but also highly sought after internationally. Psea is named after the small village of Pezzea, where the winery's Chardonnay and Pinot Nero sites are located.

Straw yellow with copper reflections. Intense bouquet of bread crust, yeast, hazelnut and biscuits, accompanied by floral hints. Very firm and structured on the palate, creamy, fresh and of impressive persistence and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pecchenino's PSEA Pas Dosé is a bright and vibrant example of Alta Langa. A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, the wine shines with bright notes of lemon, tangerine and a touch of yeast. The wine is light on the palate with vibrant acidity - a great option for an apertivo." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of ripe apples and pears with leafy herbs, lemon rind and bread crust. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a round texture. Lively and energetic with a polished, chalky finish." James Suckling

The "Griesfeld" site in Neumarkt is one of the best and warmest Lagrein sites in South Tyrol. Strong purple red. Spicy bouquet with hints of blackberry, plum and cherry juice. Firmly packed on the palate, full-bodied with good freshness and primary fruit, vinous and delicately spicy; the warm tannins flank through to the very harmonious and deep final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby red. Fine spicy nose, lots of sour cherry and blackberry, a hint of ripe elderflower. On the palate some cardamom, already very open, fresh, juicy, vibrating acidity, ripe tannin, medium finish." Falstaff

"This is spicy and racy with crushed dark berries, toasted cloves and nut shell with moist earth undertones. Medium- to full-bodied, textured and chalky with a racy dark fruited character and hints of dried orange peel at the end. Polished tannins and juicy acidity. Lingering finish." James Suckling

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

The Chardonnay grapes for Lis Neris' Metodo Classico come from the historic Jurosa vineyard. After the first fermentation in 500-litre barrels, it matures for at least three years in the bottle on the fine lees and develops the nobility and elegance that immediately excited us. On the nose, notes of yeast, light stone fruit, limestone and minerals. In the mouth it is creamy and elegant, blessed with depth and at the same time great freshness, which one would wish for from many a French counterpart. Dom Jurosa is precise, cool and pleasantly dry in its overall appearance, which also makes it an excellent food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

Barbera d'Asti Riserva from the noble DOCG Nizza opens with dark red fruit, followed by smoke, spices and flowers. Dense, intense fruit with a pleasantly salty, mineral note on the palate. Impressive Barbera presentation with a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Selection of the estate's best vineyards: spicy cherry nose, flanked by chocolate notes, herbs and undergrowth; harmonious on the palate with perfectly integrated fine-grained tannins, the acidity is vivid, elegant structure with a beautiful finish, ending on notes of red forest fruits and pepper." Vinum

The new red from Zisola is a 100% Syrah in radiant ruby violet. Spicy bouquet with notes of black cherry, cassis, undergrowth and foliage. Juicy, engaging and balsamic on the palate, with prominent tannins and interesting acidity. Subtle hints of cocoa and smoked bacon on the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Strong ruby red. In the nose of lush raspberries and wild berries, delicate plum, minimal pepper spice, a hint of milk chocolate in the aftertaste. On the palate dense and with grip, juicy and clear on the tongue, exciting course, lingers long." Falstaff

"A relatively new wine, the Zisola 2017 Sicilia Achilles is a pure expression of Syrah. This grape normally delivers especially rich and abundant wines from Sicily; however, this bottle holds back a bit in terms of intensity and concentration. The results are solidly mid-weight, and the wine reveals easy perfumes of dark cherry, cassis, spice and earthy leather. This vintage shows extra roundness and a supple quality to the fruit." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Syrah Achilles captivates the senses with a beguiling bouquet that mixes black fruits, smoke and pepper with sweet violet and lavender notes. It’s silky and round in feel, balanced by a concentration of tart wild berries, savory herbs and a bitter touch of mocha toward the close. There’s a combination of decadence and contrasting sour citrus tension here that I find quite pleasurable, as the Achilles finishes lightly structured and persistent under an air of tar and tobacco. Nicely done." Vinous