Wine

Maglen, the Pinot Noir Riserva, has class. Full-bodied, persistent and full of tension, it delights with its forest berry flavour and beautiful herbal spice in the nose and mouth. Very elegant and polished on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pinot Noir Riserva Maglen begins with dark fruits, plums and blackcurrants, followed by wet slate. The wine is concise, clear and bright. It also shows a subtle hint of something smoked. However, the mouthfeel is lean and light." Wine Advocate

"A cool, elegant Pinot Noir with lots of berries, grapefruit and hints of vanilla spice, Earl Grey and stones. Juicy and structured on the palate with a medium to full body, impressive tension and mineral drive on the berry-accentuated finish." James Suckling

Attractive, juicy Riserva with classic flavours of sour cherries, sour cherries, dark forest fruits and a subtle hint of liquorice. Elegant fruit and delicate structure on the palate, compact, well-integrated tannins. It walks the fine line between elegance and power, with the firm structure and lively acidity ensuring that it is concentrated and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby colour with a dark core. Dark and multi-layered on the nose, black cherry, saddle leather, roasted flavours, also balsamic notes. On the palate with present, tightly woven tannins, compact fruit, lively acidity, complex and long, great." Falstaff

"Deep, dark ruby red colour. Brooding, concentrated sweet cherry fruit nose. Lots of juicy, concentrated cherry fruit with layers of enveloping tannins. Animating, tannic and tangy." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is a classic Brancaia wine. Dark, resonant and multi-layered in the glass, the 2021 shows remarkable depth of style. Hints of mocha, new leather and brown spices come together in this decidedly lush, structured Riserva." Vinous

"Clean and polished, the 2021 opens with mocha-coloured notes of red cherry, cedar and balsamic wood. The palate reveals darker fruit tones with a hint of truffle. The bright fruit character matches the soft tannins, while a creamy texture is countered by crisp acidity. Beautiful structure for medium-term ageing." Decanter

"In the bottle with the wine-red label, the Brancaia 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva from organic cultivation is subtle at first glance with spicy aromas of dried fruit, black cherries and floral earth. I have the feeling that this sample doesn't quite realise its full potential, but that could be because it needs more time in the bottle. A mild, medium-bodied mouthfeel is topped with balanced acidity." Wine Advocate

"A blend of black cherry, blackberry and floral flavours is underlined by a firm structure in this fleshy red wine. Intense and balanced, with a lingering mineral aftertaste. The finish feels crisp and offers a light tactile sensation on the palate." Wine Spectator

"Very attractive interplay of dark berries, chocolate and roasted spices with good concentration and depth. Bright, focussed and very juicy, with medium body and consistent acidity. Flavourful and crisp." James Suckling

Altesino's Vin Santo presents candied fruit, caramel, toasted almonds, cloves, dried flowers and liquorice in a rich, dark amber colour, supported by a considerable richness that leads to an impeccable, creamy finish. The level of detail, clarity and precision are first class. SUPERIORE.DE

Pian del Ciampolo is a graceful and very aromatic Sangiovese with small amounts of Canaiolo and Colorino - very much in the style of Montevertine. It has a powerful personality on the nose with lots of tart cherry, raspberry and wild plum, followed by a beautiful herbal flavour on the palate. Its elegant structure and the wonderful interplay of acidity and tannin ensure a beguiling drinking flow and a terrific length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pian del Ciampolo 2022 is soft, juicy and ready to go. The harvestwill find a lot of immediacy in this red wine made from Sangiovese. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, spice, rose petals and earthy notes are pushed forward nicely. The 2022 is a fine Pian del Ciampolo." Vinous

"The Montevertine 2022 Pian del Ciampolo is shy at first and needs some time to open up. You can recognise notes of wild berries, redcurrants, peat moss and tin cans. It has a soft texture with silky tannins." Wine Advocate

"A crunchy and fresh red with strawberry, orange peel and cedar aromas and flavors. It’s medium- to light-bodied with a vivid finish. Drink and enjoy." James Suckling

Fleur is the family winery's second top white wine and a single-varietal Petite Arvine from the Vigna Devin Ros vineyard: bright light yellow in colour with an elegant, floral-mineral bouquet and notes of ripe apples and apricots. Clear, balanced flavour, refined body and harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Chamomile, sliced apples, wild herbs and oyster shells on the nose. Fresh, dense and beautifully structured, with a full body and excellent density. Minerality of gravel on the finish." James Suckling

In the mysterious Etruscan caves under the hill of Decugnano, a sparkling wine matures at a constant 13° Celsius, which is only produced in extremely limited quantities. Claudio Barbi produced this Metodo Classico in 1978 as the first bottle fermenter in Umbria. At that time, it was still made from Procanico and Verdello grapes. Over the years, it has developed into something even more special by using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and extending the ageing period on the lees to 4 years. The entire production process is artisanal: riddling and disgorging are still done manually and are carried out with noticeable care and passion.

The result? An elegant, fresh sparkling wine with a fine and persistent perlage that continues to set standards, and not just in Umbria. Delicate golden colour, lively and long-lasting perlage. Complex, rich and convincing on the palate, with notes of tropical fruit, ginger, candied citrus fruit and a delicate vegetal flavour. Closes precisely and razor-sharp. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep ruby red colour. Intense aroma of raspberry, red cherry, violets and spices. Sweet, spicy and yet light-footed, it convinces with a great inner energy that gives the red fruits, herbs and mineral flavours an impressive expression. In the never-ending finish, Nerobaronj is vibrant and with striking tannins, which lend additional emphasis. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smoke, balsamic blackberries and baked black cherries on the nose. Rich and medium- to full-bodied on the palate with supportive, fine tannins and a lengthy, coated finish. Really fine-grained." James Suckling

"Depths of black cherry, plum sauce, sage and clove are grounded by animal musk as the 2019 NeroBaronj smolders up from the glass. It flows across the palate like pure silk, refined and seamless in feel, with ripe wild berry fruits and exotic citrus tones that add contrast toward the close. The 2019 finishes long yet closes in upon itself with youthful poise, allowing fine tannins to resonate. Sour cherry notes stick around for a bit. This is elegance personified." Vinous

Elegant, full and soft Merlot Siebeneich with a slightly balsamic, earthy and meaty bouquet. Firm and multi-layered on the palate with flavours of small dark berries and herbs, gentle tannins and good length. Very delicate and with great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, intense ruby red with violet reflections. Ripe nose with hints of plum, blackberry and dark chocolate. Slightly vegetal on the palate with fine tannins, balanced and lingering on the finish." Falstaff

Great Prosecco Cartizze from the top vineyard of the same name with creamy aromas of pineapple and citrus fruit. Round, supple and expressive with wonderful fruit flavours on the palate. It also offers a delicate complexity with beautiful floral flavours, offset by grated lemon peel and white minerals. The finish is compact and fine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light lemon yellow with silver reflections and a persistent, fine perlage. Ripe Williams pear, white peach, acacia blossom, light herbal notes and orange zest on the nose. Beautiful juiciness and minerality on the palate, well-balanced, elegant and with a lovely flow, citrus zest and well-integrated perlage in the long final." Falstaff

"A fresh and elegant sparkling wine with lemon, peach, green apple and a hint of honey on the nose, followed by a light to medium body on the palate and soft bubbles." James Suckling

Le Cupole offers excellent value every year. You get a glass full of sunny Tuscany and rich intensity at an affordable price. The wine is packed with black fruits, spices and leather, resulting in a classic bouquet, especially for a warm corner of Tuscany, off the beaten track, in Sarteano. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, dark ruby colour with a fine rim. Intense and elegant on the nose, ripe cherries, cedar wood, leather and cloves on the finish. The palate reveals savoury, sweet fruit, velvety tannins, fresh and juicy with a lingering finish." Falstaff

"This blend of 57% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot has gorgeous dark berry aromas with pretty floral overtones. In the mouth it's focussed and vertical, with crunchy red and black berries and a balsamic overtone, finishing with plenty of spice and a long, bright line of acidity." Decanter

"A fresh and vivid young Tuscan red with currant and mineral aromas that follow through to a medium to full body with crunchy tannins and a vivid finish. Creamy texture. A little tight at the end. Second wine of Trinoro. Give it time to open. Best after 2026." James Suckling

Rive Alte Sauvignon Blanc Piere is the lighter coloured of the estate's two Sauvignons, but both wines are beautiful in their own right. Piere shows earthy notes of green olive, garden tomato leaf and sage on the palate, rounded off with lively and zesty flavours of citrus orange peel and some crushed mineral and white pepper. All the elements are in the right place and, like all Vie di Romans whites, Piere needs time in the glass to find its centre and minerality. And if you have the patience to give it this, then it's great. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, open and fresh, with juicy flavours of white peach and grapefruit sorbet, enriched with notes of lime peel, ground white pepper, smoke and herbs. Creamy and aromatic on the lively finish." Wine Spectator

"A minerally wine with struck match, flint, white pepper and lemon peel on the nose. It shows a kind of Loire style with no obvious herbal touch. Light-bodied on the palate, it is silky and zesty but with perfectly woven acidity. Chewy in the finish." James Suckling

"The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Piere is very fresh, with a vibrant blend of crushed nectarine and lime zest, complemented by hints of rosemary and crushed stone. It is silky smooth yet full of savoury tension, with an abundance of mineral green apples and a hint of spice carried by lively acidity. The 2022 leaves the palate with primary concentration, youthful intensity and gentle tannins that leave a savoury sensation that lingers. The balance of this wine is exceptional, as is its drinkability." Vinous

From the highest corner of the Vigna Istine (the name 550 refers to the metres above sea level), surrounded by cool forests, this balanced Merlot is vinified in concrete before spending around 15 months in lightly toasted tonneaux. Due to the cool location, it is - unusually - harvested after the Sangiovese, so that it has more time to mature on the vine. The result is a wine with a fine tannic structure and juicy, ripe blue fruit, with a hint of red fruit and some coffee notes leading to a long, graceful finish. Production is 2,600 bottles per vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 550 is 100% Merlot planted in Vigna Istine, in Radda, at an elevation of 550 meters. Dark and sumptuous in the glass, with terrific energy, the 2021 captures all the pedigree of the year. Blackberry, sage, menthol, licorice and chocolate abound. This sumptuous, decidedly Tuscan Merlot hits all the right notes." Vinous

Soft, silky wine with aromas of ripe apricots and honey that harmonise well with the fleshy richness of the mouthfeel. The expressive and very varietal palate is crowned with plenty of stone fruit, melon and pear. This is a strong performance from one of the winery's flagships. SUPERIORE.DE

"This well-meshed white wine is compact up front and opens up on the palate to reveal layers of melon, grapefruit zest, lentils and chive blossom notes framed by lively acidity. A smoky, mineral underpinning lingers on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Perfumed and delicate, the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Vieris unfolds slowly with dusty white flowers and cracked slate, then morphs into ginger-infused pear and green melon. This wine is cool, with a soothing, round texture, but also energetic, with ripe stone fruit and crisp mineral tones that provide tactile satisfaction towards the end. The 2022 rejuvenates with a floral finish and a long, classically dry and slightly austere finish that requires patience but leaves the palate completely refreshed. Despite the warm vintage, this is a Vieris that will thrive in the cellar." Vinous

"Stony minerality with aromas of tuberose, white peaches and lemon leaves. Medium-bodied, it shows weight, a silky texture, sharp acidity and a poised, balanced finish." James Suckling

Arianna Occhipinti's Il Frappato, which is rare every year, is spicy and elegant on the nose but, as always, needs a little air to show its best side. Captivating aromas of sweet raspberries, rose petals, white pepper and thyme emerge in the glass, hinting at a mouthful of sweet red fruit, complemented by zesty acidity and salty salinity. Seamless tannins caress the long and perfumed finish. Il Frappato embodies a contemporary style that goes well with the healthy dishes we want to eat today, with lots of vegetables and white meat. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Il Frappato is an understated beauty. Blackberries and redcurrants swirl from the glass, accentuated by a hint of incense and grated sage. The palate is soft and supple, with crisp red and black fruits flowing over a core of tangible minerals and savoury spice. A hint of zesty acidity provides an amazing freshness, even as a tart wild berry note pinches the cheeks on the long and tense final. I would enjoy the 2022 with a meal rather than on its own, but I have a feeling that was Arianna Occhipinti's intention." Vinous

"A succulent, precise, bright and lively frappato. The nose shows notes of forest berries, sour cherries, forest floor, pebbles and mild spices. It’s light- to medium-bodied with silky tannins. Polished and vivid with bright acidity. It’s agile, with so much succulence at the center. Mouthwatering and long." James Suckling

Uvaggio is a traditional regional blend of Nebbiolo with smaller proportions of Vespolina and Croatina. Bright ruby in colour. On the nose, morello cherries, small red and black wild berries, mild herbaceous spiciness, some plum. A silky potpourri of red fruits, young leather and complex spicy-earthy notes on the palate. The minerality of the terroir is also clearly evident here, with well-dosed tannins and a fresh acidity flanking the long-lasting red into a furious and spicy final. SUPERIORE.DE

Angialis is a fine Nasco late harvest, which begins its seductive art with a bouquet of apricots, honey and candied fruit, followed by a refined, unobtrusively sweet flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"The intensity of this sweet wine is impressive, with sliced apples, apricots, caramel, honey and bananas. Full-bodied with honey, light syrup and a sweet finish. A fantastic dessert wine." James Suckling

The vines for this complex Sauvignon Bianco grow under Guyot training on hills between 400 and 800 metres above sea level on weathered dolomite rock. Pale straw yellow in colour with green hues. The slightly oriental bouquet convinces with hints of elderflower, white peach and dried fruit. A lively acidity unfolds from the very first sip, surrounded by juicy, fruity notes and mineral nuances. Overall, this beautiful white wine has a fullness and elegance that is only surpassed by the long and animating final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Strong, shiny golden yellow with a beautiful lustre. The first nose after opening is unpleasant, with a little air vegetal green notes, later green mango, some lychee. Slightly sagging on the palate, medium palate pressure, retronasal pear, medium length on the finish, significantly improved overall impression with more air." Falstaff

"Assertive notes of tomato leaves and lemon fruit on the nose and palate. A crisp attack that is balanced by good concentration, a light body and a precise finish." James Suckling

Enchanting Friulano with beautiful roasted aromas and a pleasant scent of biscuit, orange and honey. On the palate powerful, opulent, with ripe tropical fruit and very good acidity structure, which gives the wine a vibrant finesse despite all its complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

Medium-deep ruby red with orange reflections. Wonderful bouquet of fine sour cherry and strawberry compote with restrained oak spice. Multi-layered and juicy on the palate with a potpourri of dark fruits, framed by fine-grained tannins. Well structured, it leads into an interesting, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This red wine is fleshy and shows notes of cherries, strawberries, mint and earth, accompanied by a firm, lively structure. Although this wine sounds rather austere now, it is fresh and has a lingering fruity and spicy aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"This wine is lively and racy with ripe raspberries, blackcurrant leaves, rose petals and bergamot. Also dry earth. Medium to full body with crisp tannins and chalky texture. Structured and a little chewy, yet fresh and red-fruited with a mineral finish." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco Bordini 2020 (with fruit from the village of Neive) shows a medium-bodied density with more texture and structure in this vintage. The Bordini is a little more austere in character and savoury overall. This added richness is accompanied by an open approach that makes this wine approachable in the medium term. Or you can wait if you prefer." Wine Advocate

"Black raspberries, medicinal herbs and spiced tea dominate the aromatic profile. The firm palate reveals that the fruit is at the core, surrounded by sweet and savory spices, including notes of cigar box and worn leather. Mouthwatering acidity adds to its appeal." Wine Enthusiast

A beguilingly fruity Noà made from Nero d'Avola, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a delicious bouquet of ripe red fruit, spices and cocoa and a fresh flavour with silky smooth tannins and a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich and quite heady red with plenty of pine cones, heavily toasted spices, tar and an abundance of black fruits. Full-bodied. With rich, juicy black fruits. The quality of the tannins is good. Very intense in flavour." James Suckling

"The 2020 Noà is dark and floral with a burst of black raspberries, grilled herbs and ashen stone. It splashes across the palate with silken textures motivated by juicy acidity, displaying ripe wild berry fruits and contrasting hints of spice orange. The 2020 leaves stony mineral tones and edgy tannins to linger, tapering off with admirable length and balance." Vinous

Cherry red, fruit scent of plum and cherry, spicy tones of leather, tar and chocolate, floral nuances of violets. Full attack, powerful structure, fleshy body, persistent, fresh-fruity taste with a clear tannic presence, long, fresh finish with earthy tones. SUPERIORE.DE

Ramitello impresses with an immense aroma of intense red fruit flavours and delicate balsamic notes. The taste is warm and full, with rich fruit tones spiced with a hint of tobacco, coffee and liquorice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very dark ruby red with garnet reflections and a violet-coloured core. Very ripe blackberry and blueberry fruit on the nose, followed by earthy notes, eucalyptus and coffee powder. The palate shows great balance and equilibrium, the long final is very fruit-driven, the grippy tannins full of tension." Falstaff

"A concentrated, tasty red wine with aromas and flavours of mulberry, laurel, sage and black bean. It is full-bodied, dark fruity and balanced with medium-bodied tannins." James Suckling