Wine

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 Casanova dell'Aia is airy, weightless and graceful in flavour. Crushed flowers, sweet red berries, mint, chalk and white pepper rise from the glass in this very beautiful, incredibly nuanced Chianti Classico. Arguably the most ethereal wine in the high-class Istine collection, flavours of red berries and cherries are flanked by a fine, almost silky tannin on the palate and lead into an elegant, flowing finish with remarkable memorable potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A succulent red highlighted by beautifully defined cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors. Solidly built, suggesting this will develop further. Boasts excellent balance, with leafy underbrush and wild herb notes on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico 2020 Vigna Casanova dell'Aia shows a darker, richer side of the Sangiovese from Radda. Black cherry, sage, lavender, menthol, liquorice and tobacco blend together. The Casanova dell'Aia is a wine of great presence and real stature that is fabulous. It just needs time to mellow a little." Vinous

"The 2020 is as beautiful as it is precise. Pronounced raspberry, pomegranate and blood orange meld with floral scents of cherry blossom. It is characterised by a generosity of flavours, a graceful structure of powdery tannins and appetising acidity. A real citrus tone of pink grapefruit emphasises the palate, and the finish is even slightly salty." Decanter

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 Cavarchione from the single vineyard of the same name in Gaiole is powerful, juicy and creamy, as befits a wine from this part of the appellation. Overripe red cherry fruit, mint, dried flowers and spices blend together in a sensual, inviting Chianti Classico that is characterised by its richness and suppleness. This highly distinctive and terrific masterpiece finishes with a lovely lace of sweet raspberry contrasting with the sour cherry. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lush, yet with an edge of dusty tannins framing cherry, strawberry, rose and earth flavors. Shows strong grip on the finish, along with a beam of vibrant acidity and a lingering aftertaste of red fruit. Leans to the elegant side." Wine Spectator

"It is not lacking in ripeness, it is downright lush, but also juicy and light-footed. It smells of dark plum, damp earth, rosehip and violets. On the palate, it is rather red-fruity: sour cherry meets tamarind and bitter liquorice root. The fine-grained tannins are just as persistent as the piquant acidity. Absolutely flavourful." Decanter

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Vigna Cavarchione is stellar in 2020. Lush and rich, but with plenty of classic Istinism, the Cavarchione has the potential to be one of the wines of this very young vintage. All the elements come together effortlessly. Black cherry, plum, sage, lavender, liquorice and incense develop over time and fill out the layers beautifully. The complexity of this wine is simply incredible." Vinous

Fantastic Etna crescendo from vines up to 60 years old from a small single vineyard with wonderfully balanced iodine and citrus flavours. Softly flowing on the palate, profound in flavour, the fine acidity, inner sweetness and delicate woody notes are well integrated into the overall concept designed for a long ageing period. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of honeysuckle and cut lemon with some crushed stone. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture and focused phenolics that add nice texture and length. Some flint on the finish." James Suckling

"This cru bottling from vines in Randazzo is youthfully creamy and offers little flavour other than that of the wood in which it has rested, along with stony patches of mango and peach. This Carricante is full, concentrated and highly acidic. It has enough earthy yellow fruit - such as pineapple, nectarine and yellow plum - to underpin its stony and acidic backbone; a vertical yet full style that will gain power and weight with age. Impressive." Decanter

"With a bouquet like chiseling through sheer limestone with all of the smoky and flinty nuances that come with it, the 2022 Etna Bianco Le Vigne Niche Calderara Sottana is impossible to ignore. It’s silky upon entry yet quickly builds with mineral tension. A savory, sweet interplay of citrus and spice offsets ripe nectarines and apricots. The 2022 leaves the palate reeling with youthful tension and watering for more as it finishes with outstanding freshness. This may not be the longest-lived Calderara Sottana Bianco, yet there’s no rush. It’s a total charmer." Vinous

This Riserva is only made available each year in very small quantities to hand-picked specialist retailers and top restaurants. Brilliant ruby red colour. Fine raspberry and floral notes dominate the spicy nose. Very juicy on the palate, tannins and acidity are well integrated. Riecines Riserva has length and suppleness right through to the long fruity finish. The elegance and fine melting texture are impressive. Once again, this is Sangiovese at the top level that Riecine is known for! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby colour. Elegant bouquet of ripe blackberry and ribes, with some cloves and white pepper behind it, complex. Harmonious on the palate, beautiful alternation of lively acidity, fine-grained tannin and precise fruit, long." Falstaff

"Youthful carmine red colour. Beautiful, mineral, stony nose with notes of leather and brooding fruit. Juicy, compact and fruity on the palate, with finely chiselled tannins. A very appealing whole that still deserves plenty of time." Jancis Robinson

"The nose is herbaceous, savoury and floral with aromas of earth, moss and wild strawberries. A cascade of berries crashes across the palate, while edgy tannins and ample acidity accentuate undertones of dark chocolate and salt, with a latent heat blazing in the background." Wine Enthusiast

"A refined, balanced and seductive red wine with flavours of cherries, dried flowers, wild herbs and exotic spices. It is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Refined texture with focus and a juicy core of wild berries that brings vitality and freshness to the flavourful finish." James Suckling

"In the bottle with the copper-coloured wax capsule, the Bio-Riecine 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva shows rich or almost crunchy red fruit. The mouthfeel of the wine is much improved thanks to its medium weight and silky tannins. The wine has a slight stiffness, which is good for it now, especially when served with red meat, and which also makes it suitable for ageing in the cellar. Riecine is one of the most representative wineries in the Gaiole subzone." Wine Advocate

"It already shows an exquisite clarity of wild strawberries, raspberries, coriander and mint blossom, and although it comes across as slender, it has sufficient concentration. It captivates with its vibrancy and graceful flow; the structure blends insidiously with a structured tannin train. Very nice." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is a dark, brooding wine. Sour cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, menthol, liquorice and dried herbs are enhanced in this powerful, strong Gaiole Riserva. Bright mineral notes round off the whole in style. Give this wine a year or two to develop." Vinous

"From the usual, careful selection of the farm's best plots. On the nose, notes of redcurrant, with a hint of eucalyptus and cinnamon and nuances of laurel. On the palate, it is juicy, with spicy tannins, a return of small red fruits and balsamic flavours." Luca Gardini

The "Vigna" classification guarantees and designates the origin of a single-vineyard wine in South Tyrol. The Pinot Bianco from the single vineyard San Michele from the Barthenau winery has a strong personality that fully unfolds after an additional year of ageing in the bottle. It has a rich bouquet of green apple and banana, a full-bodied flavour with plenty of fruit, a medium, finely balanced acidity and a long mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Neromaccarj comes from a low-lying vineyard facing the sea and shows the ripe and juicy side of Nero d'Avola. The wine opens with a deep dark appearance and flavours that are dense and broad, forming a high wall of black plum fruit. The wine is very immediate and impressive, and you don't have to look far to recognise all these wide-ranging aromas on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate with multi-layered fruit and fine tannins. 6,500 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried plums, mussels, dark cherries, figs and warm cinnamon spices on the nose. Quite flavorful and juicy on the palate with tight yet silky tannins that grow on the palate. Quite ripe but refined, with a long, intense finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 NeroMaccarj tempts the imagination as dark depths of black cherry and brown spice evolve into an array of minty herbs, clove and crushed raspberries. This is soft and supple on the palate, with tart red berries and exotic spice motivated by brisk acidity. It tapers off with a bitter tinge of wild berry concentration and only lightly structured, ending with blood orange and rosy dark chocolate. The 2019 is very pretty today, yet holding its power in reserve." Vinous

The first 1,850 Pinot Noir vines were brought to Italy from Burgundy by Count Vistarino back in 1865. Since then, the vinification of this demanding grape variety has been continuously refined over the generations. Today, the Pinot Noirs from the winegrowing dynasty can even outshine much more expensive Pinot Noirs from Burgundy at international tastings.

Conte Vistarino's Pinot Nero Pernice, which is great every year, comes from the single vineyard of the same name and fascinates with its fine fragrance and elegance. Intense ruby red colour with garnet reflections. The bouquet is complex and rich with notes of violets and small red fruits, some roasted coffee and cocoa. Elegant, full-bodied on the palate, with present fruit, very balanced with a pleasant minerality and a long, spicy finish. The harmonious tannins make this wine elegant and give it a good backbone from start to finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; Pinot fruit, also spicy, inviting; sweet, intense fruit, distant roast, fine, pleasant tartness, very nice." Merum

"Floral and inviting, with spicy aromas leading to a palate of earthy strawberries, graphite, red fruits and supple tannins." Decanter

"Chocolate orange, cherry, raspberry and nutmeg on the nose of this juicy and pretty pinot. It’s medium-bodied with powdery tannins and attractive sweet-spice undertones." James Suckling

Subtle ruby red colour with light reflections. Warm, well-dosed bouquet of wild berries, cherries and some smoke. Fine tannins on the palate, with plenty of juice and fruit at the core, floral and spicy notes, compact. A fine salty vein in the harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby dark red; peppery notes, arouses curiosity; juicy, sweetness, balanced, length, drinky, pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Very typical, elegant, with polished tannins and full of fruity charm, sour cherry, some chocolate, sweet fruit melting, round." Weinwisser

"Pleasing nose of black cherries, flanked by plum notes and tobacco; polished attack, finely chiselled acidity, fruity and mineral finish." Vinum

"Medium ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Leather, ripe cherry and some undergrowth on the nose, then slightly spicy and balsamic. Grippy on the palate, with gripping, somewhat rustic tannins, then beautifully juicy on the finish. To savoury Tuscan dishes." Falstaff

"One of the best-balanced 2020s, Gracciano della Seta's Vino Nobile is discreetly padded with an abundance of dark, fleshy cherry, yet remains straightforward and sculptural. The tannins are slightly steely but yield smoothly, while zesty, citrusy acidity provides graceful support. Nuances of forest, leather and mint interweave with notes of orange that linger." Decanter

"This spicy red wine contains notes of dried herbs and olive pits, which mingle with cherries and blood oranges. It is medium-bodied, juicy and beautifully balanced. Fine tannins. Fresh and flavoursome finish." James Suckling

Strong and warm red wine in Riserva quality with pronounced dark blackberry flavours and a fine smoky wood note. The full flavour is beautifully balanced with a remarkable finish. Vigna Steinraffler comes from the single vineyard of the same name and is undisputedly one of the region's Lagrein elite. SUPERIORE.DE

This wine is literally on fire. Flammante comes from the Inferno (hell), an area where the fruit of this fiery, warm and full-bodied wine comes from the hardness of the Rhaetian rock. With all the vigour in every sip, it is a wine of extreme grace and elegance that makes you think and marvel. Ruby red colour tending towards garnet. A beguiling bouquet of Mediterranean spices and herbs, then strawberry, wild rose, dried earth and minerals. Complex and full of character on the palate with a beautiful fruit centre and animating freshness that makes you long for the next glass. SUPERIORE.DE

"Creme de cassis, berries, mushrooms and some herbs on the nose. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. Balanced and flavorful with bright acidity and a focused finish with excellent length." James Suckling

Rich and fruity is the well-made Dolcetto from Chiara Boschis. Violet red, on the nose blackberry, candied cherries and some plum compote. On the palate a soft fullness with wonderfully fresh acidity, its medium face makes it an indispensable companion to light meat dishes and pasta. SUPERIORE.DE

Noblesse is the very first and still extremely rare bottle-fermented sparkling wine made from Carricante, the noble indigenous white grape of the Etna volcano. The grapes come from 20-60 year old vines that are planted both in the traditional bush vine (albarello) and in rows using the Guyot training system. Pale straw yellow in colour with light greenish reflections. Very delicate and persistent perlage, fine foam. Intense on the nose, with a delicate aroma of orange and lemon blossom and ripe apple. Wonderfully fresh and dry on the palate, elegant, with pleasant acidity and a lovely aromatic, delicately yeasty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Our Barolo (Classico) has been a successful synthesis of the various characteristics of the Massolino vineyards for over 70 years. Thanks to traditional ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels, we preserve its pure and unadulterated identity and its complex flavours." Franco Massolino

Traditionally vinified Barolo from the estate's best vineyards. Brilliant ruby red colour. Complex, spicy bouquet of liquorice, tobacco, dried flowers, violets and damp leaves. Very emphatic, firm and full-bodied on the palate. Its racy and forward style is flanked by tangible, robust tannins. Finishes with a fine sweetness, elegant and long. The already undisputed high level will continue to develop in full beauty over the next few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby-red colour with rim brightening. Phenolic nose with eucalyptus, light mint, followed by redcurrants and sweetish elements. Complex, structured palate, full-bodied and juicy with phenolic spice and freshness, retronasal again eucalyptus, beautiful drinkability with firm tannins, long final." Falstaff

"Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Rich fruit on the nose with a hint of gingerbread. A spicy cherry unfolds with air, albeit still a little restrained. Smooth, soft cherry fruit with super-fine, long, crisp tannins. A beautiful wine." Jancis Robinson

"Opens with aromas of crushed red fruits and a bouquet of laurel, balsam and sandalwood that slowly rise from the glass. On the palate, it is round and beautifully soft, the tannins making it immediately accessible. A savoury backbone is brightened by hints of orange peel and clove, creating an approachable yet complex profile that can be enjoyed now." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright and vibrant red fruit character with dried flowers, stones and a hint of tree resin. Medium-bodied, clean and concentrated on the palate, with fine tannins and a linear finish. Shows freshness and balance. Polished. Best from 2027, but already a pleasure to drink now." James Suckling

Deep purple colour. Spicy Cabernet nose of herbs, fine blackberry notes, ripe cassis, some chocolate and wild raspberries. The pronounced fruit carries this monumental, single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon through to the long, fine final. The tannins provide a stable framework and give this marvellous red a long life. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bitter herbs, bark and savoury spices to the sweet cherries and blackberries on the nose. Full-bodied and slightly chewy on the palate, with grippy tannins and a medium-long finish." James Suckling

"The nose is primarily savoury, with notes of cured meat, topsoil and graphite, but undertones of sour cherries and tart berries add some verve. On the palate, the ebb and flow of earthiness and astringency continues, while hauntingtannins and lively acidity add structure to this interplay." Wine Enthusiast

Feudi di San Gregorio's DUBL project was born in 2004 from an awareness of the great richness of the autochthonous vines of the Irpinia region and the desire to open up new horizons for them: as a Metodo Classico Spumante or by means of the famous Méthode Champenoise. An advisor was quickly found for this - none other than Anselme Selosse, who is known for his champagnes and his feeling for the particularities of the vines and vineyards.

A quarter of the base wines of this top product is aged for 6 months in oak barrels, then the cuvée matures for 3 years in the bottle on the fine lees before it is disgorged. Strong light yellow and a super-fine perlage. On the nose, light fruit, yeasty notes and nuances of fresh bread. On the palate, powerful, fresh, with a nice spiciness and a potpourri of stone fruit, fine honey notes and toasted almonds. This sparkling wine does not need any dosage at all, it is extremely dry with all its aromatic diversity and for us, with its impressive finish, it is one of the very great Spumanti in Italy. SUPERIORE.DE

Wonderfully matured for at least 10 years, this vintage Marsala presents itself in a deep golden hue. In the opulent aroma we find notes of dried fruits and tobacco, mixed with hints of chestnut honey. On the palate, firm, powerful, dry, with a pleasant freshness and a very harmonious, long final. Ideal as a digestif or with mature cheeses, accompanied by lemon or bitter orange marmalade. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light amber; depth, sweet biscuits, inviting; fine attack, then power, long, quite deep, fine, pleases well." Merum