Wine

Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Volpaia is a dark, powerful wine. Black cherry, smoke, liquorice, incense, mocha, menthol, lavender and leather give this virile, brooding Riserva plenty of character. The palate is very aromatic with sweet red cherries, cedar wood and nuances of blood orange, yet very powerful and multi-layered with terrific depth and structure. A dream for Sangiovese lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour with delicate rim brightening. Magnificent, complex nose, lots of small red berries, raspberry and wild strawberry, violets, subtly leathery. Elegant and very juicy on the palate, beautiful tension to peppery-spicy notes, ripe cherry fruit, vibrant acidity on the finish, powerful tannins in the background." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is terrific. Macerated dark cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, dried flowers and underbrush are some of the many notes that grace this super-expressive Riserva. The 2020 is a touch somber, but that only adds to its considerable allure." Vinous

"In the bottle with the black label, the organic 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva offers ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone. Achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season such as this. This wine is characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes it over the palate with good momentum." Wine Advocate

"Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones, following through to a medium to full body with compact tannins that are firm and finely grained. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish." James Suckling

Here comes the new archaic form of Franciacorta - hardly any residual sugar, no dosage, but purism in its purest form. Fresh and direct on the nose, yet finely polished and not exuberant. Extremely elegant on the palate with a fine perlage and plenty of agility. For all its vivacity, it is always sensual, almost distinguished and discreetly subtle and of the greatest harmony. A fresh and crisp fine sparkling wine from the best house and one of the most characterful representatives of its kind at the moment. SUPERIORE.DE,

"Bright straw yellow with persistent perlage. Precise nose of grapefruit, lemon, some wild strawberry, sea salt, intense and appealing, with fine notes of fresh cream on the finish. Juicy, precise, clear on the palate, with a beautiful drive and fine perlage, balanced and harmonious." Falstaff

"The Franciacorta Alma Grande Cuvée Non Dosato is remarkably fresh. A whiff of white smoke gives way to hints of dried flowers, crusty brioche and ginger-spiked apples. This opens with a pretty inner sweetness offset by saline mineral tones and tart orchard fruits. It finishes long and full of tension, leaving a salty flourish savory spice nuances." Vinous

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 Chardonnay grapes for Rio delle Rose come are over 80 years old. Fine, exotic and noticeably mineral bouquet of pome fruit, apple, citrus peel, white flowers, some flint and a hint of banana and pineapple. On the palate driven forward, with nice pressure and juicy draw, then as it progresses this fine minerality again and in the long, complex finish a very delicate, never-ending melt. Very balanced and big - with its subtle restraint and great personality, Rio delle Rose is for us one of the best Chardonnays from Friuli! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense nose with ripe pome fruit, light flowers, herbal spice and fresh herbs, pink grapefruit, lime zest, fine wood, plus ethereal notes. Powerful in the mouth, yet very balanced thanks to the juicy train, shows itself stoffig with a lot of inner density, remains sharply contoured, enormously juicy, wonderfully dry, very classic without exuberant melting. Rather compact with a cool style." Weinwisser

"Fragrant on the nose, juicy pears, red apple, honeydew melon, lemon zest, hazelnut, meadow herbs. On the palate juicy fruit, spice, fine tannin, creamy core with lively acidity. Pleasantly salty finish, nice length." Falstaff

"An impressively concentrated Chardonnay with excellent structure and lively acidity that makes it seem lighter than it actually is. Wonderful peach fruit and delicate vanilla oak combine with fine tannins in exemplary fashion on the long, crisp and saline finish." James Suckling

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

"Fresh and floral in aroma, this medium-bodied wine offers charming rose petal, orange rind and rooibos tea aromas followed by tangy raspberries, citrus and red cherry tones with good depth and length on the finish." James Suckling

The cherry-fruity Nieddera interpretation by Paolo Contini shows itself in a strong ruby red and with the typical aroma of ripe plum and black cherry. Barrile is a splendid wine in Riserva quality and of great richness, soft and warm, yet fresh, structured with a sweet wood spice and an impressive final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich and dense red with aromas of walnuts, olives, coffee and mushrooms. Full-bodied, toasty and flavorful, with firm yet integrated tannins. Meaty and intense." James Suckling

The combination of two such different personalities as Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend brilliantly in Grifi, giving this wine a unique character. The Cabernet gives the wine an extra kick of depth in the mid-palate as well as a tannic backbone that gives the wine plenty of persistence and energy.

Dark ruby red with violet reflections. The nose opens with hints of blueberries, blackberries and incense through to sandalwood and graphite. Dense and complex on the palate with hints of blackberry jam and cinnamon. On the palate, it develops like a balsamic explosion, supported by good acidity. The lively tannin accompanies the savoury and persistent, very linear finish. Grifi is a wonderfully sophisticated and elegant pleasure from the best vineyards around Montepulciano and Cortona. SUPERIORE.DE

"An elegant red, featuring a gleam of pure cherry, currant and strawberry fruit. This is also intense and firmly built, with a layer of dense tannins guarding the finish. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"Excellent purity and ripeness in the fruit-accentuated nose, but also a certain complexity. Some violets, graphite and spices to the fresh blue fruits and slate. On the palate, I like the texture with fresh, fine-grained tannins and a cool finish. Long, fresh and juicy." James Suckling

"We are following in the footsteps of great Alsatian Gewürztraminers and breathing new, South Tyrolean life into the venerable tradition of semi-dry wines." Christof Tiefenbrunner

The grapes for this golden yellow late harvest come from chalky gravel soils with moraine deposits. The bouquet has a delicate, seductive aroma of roses, dried fruit and citrus fruits. Surprisingly powerful on the palate with a fine residual sweetness and a lively acid wire that never makes the wine broad or too powerful. The finish is intense, juicy, harmonious and with a mild honey flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

Illivio undoubtedly belongs to the luxury class of white wines. Made from Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Picolit, with a complex flavour of sweet fruit and fresh spices, it reflects the enormous potential of its origin. Its flavour structure, balanced acidity and lingering finish are ideal. SUPERIORE.DE

"A complex and vibrant Collio. Glue, apricots, Mirabelle plums, citrus and beeswax. Medium-bodied with tension and crisp acidity that are well integrated with vibrant peaches in the finish." James Suckling

A 100% Merlot from the Colli Orientali is always special: intense, full thrust of fruit with a wonderfully plush texture and simultaneous definition, although the style remains powerful, ripe and intense. Flowers, spices and liquorice add race and class to this exceptional wine. Great Merlot cinema. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for this exquisite cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, as well as smaller portions of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, grow on sandy soils facing south and southwest in locations between 250 and 500 metres above sea level in a microclimatically very warm area.

"Istante presents itself with dark garnet red and fruity aromas with dried black berries, plums, figs and dates, some green tea and wood bark tones that accompany it during its long life and underline the consistency of this wine. On the palate, the wine is not a muscleman. Rather, it convinces with its multi-layered, juicy structure, with elegance and finesse as well as with complex, compact tannins and a long finish." FRANZ HAAS

This unfiltered rosato, matured in Liters amphorae, is the result of the strictest selection of Syrah grapes from the winery. The spontaneously fermented and Demeter-certified result is just 4,000 bottles, which are sold in selected specialist shops and restaurants. A beguiling, intense bouquet of pink grapefruit, raspberry and cranberry. Taut, juicy and lively on the palate - a perfect harmony of expression, freshness and body. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light cherry red with orange-coloured reflections. A fruity nose of fresh stone fruit, cherries and grapefruit and a flavour of Mediterranean scrub. Well-balanced on the palate, fresh and very juicy, full-bodied and with a long final." Falstaff

"Attractive aromas of pink cherries and peach skins with dried rose petals and pink peppercorns. So sleek and textured with medium to full body and a silky mouthfeel. Very attractive and delicious. Very well-made with tension and a mineral backbone." James Suckling

Dark garnet red with ruby red reflections. Complex bouquet of wild berries, underlaid with a hint of spice and cocoa. Dark fruit again on the palate, some smoke and tar, the fine-meshed tannins lend a wonderful structure, with a delicate woody spice on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, impenetrable purple-red colour. Flattering aromas of dark chocolate, liquorice and stewed plums on the nose. Surprisingly fresh on the palate with soft tannins and a long, chocolaty finish." Falstaff

"A youthful and juicy red showing aromas of black cherries, vanilla, chocolate and orange. It’s medium- to full-bodied with creamy and broad tannins." James Suckling

Felsina's Nero di Nubi is a brilliant, unspoilt expression of this delicate Burgundian grape variety with plenty of power and a typical Tuscan attitude. On the nose, wild berries and candied cherry with orange peel and violets. To finish, there is some powdered earth with dried Mediterranean herbs. Fabulous! SUPERIORE.DE

This Sangiovese rarity, bottled without the addition of sulphites, is only produced in the best vintages and matures for 16 months in cocciopesto, a container made from ground brick, fine stone, sand and natural fibre binder. This mixture can then be moulded into containers that are watertight but still allow micro-oxygenation. The real peculiarity of Cocciopesto wine containers lies in the material itself, which is characterised by a high thermal inertia and a certain permeability that makes it ideal for all phases, from vinification to ageing.

Compact colour, fruity, slightly animal bouquet of strawberry, cherry, caramel and brown bread. Very juicy on the palate, with sufficient aeration a puristic and at the same time extraordinarily flavoursome pleasure. The production quantity is just 2,400 bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Sangiovese di S. Lucia is a bold, racy wine. Ripe red cherry fruit, licorice, leather, rose petal and sweet spice are nicely amplified. The Sangiovese is done in amphora, so it has the combination of fruit purity and intensely savory aromatics that are common for wines done in this style, which is on the eccentric side." Vinous

"Orange blossom with fresh cherries and dried flowers with some dried flower stems, following through to a medium body with tangy fruit and hints of spices. No sulfites added." James Suckling

"Sporting a very punchy and vibrant personality, the Castello dei Rampolla 2021 Sangiovese di S. Lucia offers an authentic and nearly transparent expression of Sangiovese from one of the most beautiful corners on the planet. With cocciopesto amphorae aging, you taste the skins of the grapes with plum and blackcurrant. There is bitter almond and lovely iris or violet-like aromas over a delicate, mid-weight delivery." Wine Advocate

Rich and elegant cuvée made from 60% Sangiovese and 40% Pinot Noir, matured on the lees for 48 months. Intense straw yellow in the glass with golden reflections, the perlage is fine and persistent. Rich notes of citrus and red fruits on the nose, with subtle hints of sweet spices and melted butter in the background. Creamy and balanced on the palate, with an impressive balance between freshness and depth. Refined and long on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

The approx. 35-year-old Pinot Nero vines stand near the village of Rodel-Pianezzi at an altitude of approx. 500 m. Ruby-red wine with aubergine reflections. Frank, clean scent of wild strawberry, raspberry and delicious notes of tobacco. On the palate, a very well-balanced extract-tannin ratio, yet complex, soft and with a spicy-salty vein. The well-dosed use of wood and the finely meshed tannin create a good framework for further development at absolute Riserva level. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Pinot Nero Rodel Pianezzi lifts from the glass with an inviting blend of dried black cherries, dusty sage and clove. This is round and soothing on the palate, with sweet spices giving way to ripe strawberry and minty herbal tones that add a lovely lift toward the close. It finishes lightly structured and incredibly long, leaving licorice and cinnamon stick notes to taper off slowly." Vinous

Intoxicating flavours of yellow fruits, pineapple, nutmeg and the faint memory of clove. An almost magical, bright sweetness on the palate, very complex and long. A great and extremely exciting Gewürztraminer from the registered single vineyard Vigna Kolbenhof. SUPERIORE.DE

"This fragrant version shows notes of rose petals and chai tea spices and is nicely cut by a strong acidity. It offers a broad mix of pink grapefruit granita, candied papaya, honeycomb and grated ginger, underscored by a hint of smoky minerality on the long, savoury finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Gewurztraminer Vigna Kolbenhof blossoms with a rich blend of wildflowers, peaches and wet stone. This opens with a lovely inner sweetness perfectly contrasted by brilliant acidity as perfumed white pit fruits and minty herbal tones swirl throughout. The 2021 leaves the palate completely refreshed, leaving a salty flourish and hints of tropical citrus. It’s stunning today, yet it has the balance for a long evolution." Vinous

Since the 2012 vintage, a small and strictly selected part of the Sangiovese at Istine has been vinified separately according to the origin of the vineyard in order to emphasise and bring to life the specific characteristics of the site, the soil and the altitude. Since then, the best grapes from the estate's own vineyards Istine, Casanova dell'Aia and Cavarchione have been vinified separately, resulting in three now highly sought-after cru wines, of which just 3,000 bottles are sold in specialised shops and restaurants every year.

Vigna Istine is marvellous. Dark cherry, spices, leather and tobacco unfold in the glass. An incredibly creamy personality and breadth on the palate. With its flavour profile of lavender, spices, leather, menthol and liquorice, Vigna Istine has an indescribable richness of facets. The high-altitude vineyard, planted between 480 and 550 metres above sea level, provides freshness, aromatic intensity, mineral notes and exciting ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"This red is infused with fresh cherry, strawberry, rose hip and iron flavors aligned to a streamlined profile. Subtle, yet persists on the finish, delivering harmony and the potential to evolve another decade, maybe two." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Vigna Istine 2020 is a wine with understatement and class. The translucent finesse of the Radda comes through loud and clear. Crushed stones, mint, chalk and white pepper add a striking, brilliant note. The 2020 is simply magnificent." Vinous

Felsina's Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2016 has a dark amber colour with shiny golden reflections. The wine is soft and creamy in texture, but not too viscous. It glides smoothly over the palate and exudes flavours of candied fruit, honey, almonds and marron glacé. Perfectly balanced, with fine complexity and a long, resonant aftertaste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Firmer and deeper, more complex, oxidative, somewhat nutty, spicy and dried herbs as well as candied yellow fruit aromas with a hint of orange blossom, nutmeg and honey. Concentrated fruit with somewhat smoky and spicy wood notes as well as nuances reminiscent of hazelnut and almond brittle, very fine acidity, has a grip of ripe tannin, dense and persistent, mocha and wild mushrooms in the background, oxidative tones again, good depth, long, complex finish with concentrated juice and a hint of bread spice." Wein-Plus

Lagrein Urban, named after the Urbanhof farm, where the grapes grow in excellent vineyards. Bright, dark ruby in colour, with a bouquet of spicy notes, dark fruit and fine chocolate. Very juicy and dense, with balanced roasted flavours and fine tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

Finely nuanced Chardonnay from the barrique. Bright yellow with a green tinge. Perfumed scents of citrus peel, banana and nuts. Firmly built and supple, with ripe acidity and underlying fresh herbal notes that consolidate the sweet citrus and oak flavours. The finish is precise and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Chardonnay is wonderfully refined with a pleasurable whiff of reduction that blows off to reveal vivid yellow apples, crushed almonds and vanilla custard. This is soft textured and built on purity. A cooling minerality lifts a lovely inner sweetness and crisp orchard fruits. The 2022 finishes remarkably fresh yet long, leaving pretty inner florals and hints of confectionary spice lingering." Vinous

An impenetrably dense ruby red colour, the nose is dominated by a variety of ripe fruit aromas of sour cherry and black berries. The herbal flavours typical of the Negroamaro variety, its lively acidity and sweet tannins are well interwoven. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with brightening edges. Intense aroma of ripe plums, blackberries and sweet tobacco, cloves. Medium structure on the palate, fine fruit flavour and well-integrated tannins, lingering, fruity final." Falstaff

"The nose balances aromas of rich, dark berries with a fresh, medicinal herbaceousness, while overtones of pepper and cola provide sparkle. The interplay between fruit and herbs continues on the palate, before a chocolatey finish that's framed by firm but round tannins and a strong ripple of acid." Wine Enthusiast

Millesimato Metodo Classico Brut 2018 - carefully matured using the Metodo Classico method - is juicy, floral and creamy, with a lovely acidity. Flavours of peach and stone fruit take centre stage, with delicate mineral tones and a lovely hint of baked bread. Silky and delicate, this is the stuff of dreams. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and complex on the nose, with glazed lemons, pears and hints of almonds and pralines. Juicy and mouth-filing, with a medium to full body and a creamy texture. Minerally, slightly saltine character at the end." James Suckling