Wine

The profound Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, made from 100 per cent Sangiovese from the small Campo ai Peri vineyard, exudes a pleasantly warm aroma of red berries, flowers, spices and liquorice. Intense fruitiness on the palate with a charming, fine texture, fresh acidity and a great balance of extract sweetness, acidity and tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright cherry flavours, floral notes, very lively on the nose. Deep wine with striking minerality, compact and structured, fresh acidity, taut tannins, underpinned by juicy fruit sweetness, has tension and a stony character, still a little restrained." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby colour with a slightly brightening rim. Opens with notes of blackberries and ripe plums, some liquorice and pepper. Clear on the palate with full-bodied tannins, builds for a long time, somewhat metallic on the final, dries out, still needs longer ageing." Falstaff

"Intriguing blackberry and dried flower flavours, also leather notes; the attack is full-bodied with a perfectly balanced tannin-acid structure, the finish finely chiselled with stone fruit aromas, also tobacco notes. To wild duck with polenta." Vinum

"Aromas of cherry chocolate, red plums, mild spices and hazelnuts. Medium to full-bodied, structured and velvety with crisp and delicate fruit and polished tannins. Floral and mineral on the finish." James Suckling

"The nose reveals intensely spicy aromas of old leather, balsamic and damp earth, enlivened by a hint of cherry syrup. This fruit element explodes on the palate with a cornucopia of berries, but the earthiness lingers as an undertone before a synthesising final finish. The acidity floods a valley of fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi Campo ai Peri 2019 from Le Cinciole is an exquisite wine that is immediately seductive. More than anything, I admire its purity and delineation. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, rose petals and dried herbs are finely chiselled in this chiselled, vibrant Gran Selezione. Le Cinciole sets the standard. What a great wine this is." Vinous

"The aromas of tarragon, jasmine and camomile slowly unfold against a background of pulverised stone. The palate is youthful and shows a sinewy substance. It blends in evenly and lands with mineral vigour. Distinct accents of bitter orange underpin the firm, chiselled tannins, and there is no lack of lively acidity." Decanter

Benanti's new red comes 100% from the Monte Serra vineyard (Contrada) and from 13-100 year old Nerello Mascalese vines. The maximum production per year is just 6,000 bottles. It delights with its lively flavour and silky texture with beautiful cassis notes, enormous energy and terrificminerality and ends with a wonderfully long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine comes from the historic vineyard around the very attractive winery. It is very complex with graphite nuances, ripe red berries, raspberry pulp, redcurrants and delicate floral notes. It is strikingly reminiscent of a Barolo with its earthy and dense character." Weinwisser

"Clear, more red than black berry nose with nutty aromas, some dried flowers, a hint of tobacco, hints of tar and tomato essence. Ripe, tart, juicy, firm, yet transparent fruit, restrained nutty flavours, some cocoa and pepper, herbal nuances, a certain acid bite and ripe, fine, quite present tannins, persistent on the palate, lots of salt, tobacco and smoky nuances, very good, firm finish." Wein-Plus

"A slightly chewy, medium-bodied red wine with notes of sun-dried cherries, rich loamy earth, grilled herbs and mocha finely interwoven with silky tannins. There are hints of tar and spice accents on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra 2021 is dusty, floral and yet delicate. It smells of red fruits and spices with hints of rose. It flows easily over the palate, soft and round, gaining traction through a core of mineral, tart cherry and strawberry flavours. A crisp cranberry lingers along with edgy tannins and a hint of residual acidity that provides a lovely freshness. This is a beautiful interpretation of Monte Serra." Vinous

"The Benanti 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra (with fruit from the Viagrande side of the volcano) shows a floral and slightly more fragrant side of Nerello Mascalese. It is packed with red berries and small background details reminiscent of volcanic rock, mountain herbs and dried lavender. On the palate, the wine is straightforward and linear with very fine and dusty tannins." Wine Advocate

"Fine garnet red colour. Animating, elegant aroma of cherry and redcurrant, fresh herbs, spicy aftertaste. Strong structure on the palate, noticeable acidity and present tannins, powerful, fruity final." Falstaff

"Aromas of strawberries and cherries emerge first on the nose, but savoury notes of herbs, spices, earth and stone soon follow. The savoury elements unfold on the palate, which is built on a foundation of salty, fleshy flavours, but a citrus tone underlines the fruit of the nose, while the acidity escalates on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"It has a nice acidity, with chocolaty red fruits in the mouth, accompanied by lots of spice, leading to a long woody, balsamic finish." Decanter

"Aromas of fresh plums, peaches and nectarines with some lemon blossom. Some caramel. Full-bodied yet unobtrusive with wonderfully finely structured tannins that spread openly across the palate. Oranges at the end with some candied lemons." James Suckling

The Barbera d'Alba Piani is pleasantly fresh and complex. A remarkable concentration in its aroma of dark fruits and sweet flavours of toasted oak. The palate is full, full-bodied, silky-textured tannins and harmonious all round. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Barbera d'Alba Piani is a knock-out. Creamy and ample, with striking depth, the 2021 has a ton to offer. Succulent red/purplish fruit, cedar, spice, new leather and a kiss of sweet French oak all build in this effortless, engaging Barbera." Vinous

This complex and radiant Bianco comes from the stony, chalky soils around Margreid. Bright golden yellow in colour with silver highlights. Intense bouquet of candied fruit, exotic spices and a hint of vanilla. Full-bodied on the palate, with good acidity and a savoury final, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, bright light golden yellow colour. Appealing nose with notes of bergamot, lime, fresh peach and some saffron. Playful notes on the nose, some fresh tree resin, plus lime and apricot, firm pressure, salty final." Falstaff

"A finely meshed white, silky in texture and framed by well-cut acidity and a lightly chalky texture, with a skein of cardamom, clove and white pepper spices winding through a delicate mesh of poached apricot, mandarin orange peel, dried mint and sweet smoke notes that linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

Pin is dedicated to Giuseppe, the father of the Rivetti siblings Carlo, Bruno, Giorgio and Giovanna. It is a blend of Nebbiolo and Barbera. The Barbera comes from the Bionzo vineyard, while the Nebbiolo is a selection from old vines in Castagnole Lanze. This is a beautiful blend of Piedmont's great red grapes that deliver freshness and bright intensity. Expansive and persistent aromas of blueberries, redcurrants and blackberries. Strong cherry and cassis rise to the top, followed by light spice and smoke from barrel ageing. The harmonious balance between these two grape varieties, one of which provides exuberance and the other elegance, is simply marvellous. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Monferrato Rosso Pin is terrific. This is one of the best recent vintages I can recall tasting. The blend of 65% Nebbiolo (from Barbaresco) and 35% Barbera d'Asti Bionzo. Floral overtones, refined tannins and a restrained oak imprint elevate the Pin. Crushed flowers, cinnamon and blood orange play off a core of red-toned fruit. These Nebbiolo/Barbera blends are rare these days. This is about as good as it gets." Vinous

Satta's almost black-violet Syrah with an extraordinary bouquet of blueberry and blackberry liqueur, tar and graphite shines with richness and intensity. Not a flatterer, but not an edgy representative either - a sensational wine for today and the years to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, brightening ruby red colour. Fragrant, appealing and clear nose of fresh cherries, ripe raspberries, some wild strawberries, rose hips and blood oranges, very fragrant, with elegant floral notes. On the palate with a savoury melt and great freshness, very lively and with a great nerve, accessible, best enjoyed a few degrees cooler, very elegant." Falstaff

"The Michele Satta 2021 Syrah shows some of the almost rusty qualities that the grape can produce, but also has hints of peppercorns and spice. It is lean for a Syrah from Tuscany, and this is a welcome characteristic. It offers delicate flavours of dusty rose, spice and powdery tannins. This expression is elegant and restrained. Only 3,300 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"A subtle and friendly syrah with green tobacco, graphite, dried earth, spices and dark fruit. Medium-bodied, refined and flavorful with a firm and bright finish. Chewy at the end." James Suckling

Since the 2018 vintage, a small amount of Merlot has been vinified separately at Rampolla, named after the mother Donna Liù. The unfiltered wine was matured for 12 months in terracotta amphorae and fermented to almost 0 g/l residual sugar. Very elegant, fresh nose of sour cherry, laurel and cassis. Fresh on the palate and without the sometimes exuberant opulence of some other Tuscan Merlots, with a precise cherry fruit and salty-minty component. A finely chiselled Merlot that is hard to beat in terms of freshness, clarity and personality. It bridges the gap wonderfully between the Chianti Classico and the two flagships of the house, Sammarco and d'Alceo. Needs a few more years in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, sparkling ruby colour with a pronounced violet hue. Open and accessible nose of blackberries and fresh plums, delicate spicy notes in the background, some cigar box. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, fine, delicate tannins, savoury." Falstaff

"Lots of crushed blackberries and blueberries with flowers follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a bright, tangy finish. Needs a couple of years to open." James Suckling

"The 2020 Merlot Liu' bristles with extreme purity. Aging in 3/4 cement and 1/4 amphora helps preserve tremendous purity of fruit. Blueberry, spice, lavender, chocolate and licorice are all dialed up. Sweet floral and spice notes add brightness throughout." Vinous

"Vinified in cement and in amphorae made of cocciopesto, a mixture that includes ground up tiles, stone fragments and sand, this savory Merlot is simply delicious. Smooth and polished, it boasts juicy black cherry, blackberry, orange zest and star anise before a minty finish. Lithe tannins give a silky mouthfeel while fresh acidity keeps it bright." Wine Enthusiast

"Now in its third vintage, the Castello dei Rampolla 2020 Liù is a fine and impeccably detailed wine. You taste bright fruit, cherry and dusty limestone with incredible focus, as if these things were under a microscope. That dusty mineral note of pencil shaving or chalkboard is especially beautiful. The finish is lean, or mid-weight, and there are hints of dried mint and black olive on the close. The bouquet is beautifully nuanced and the mouthfeel is more compact." Wine Advocate

This genuine Aglianico speciality from 70-year-old vines is aged in terracotta amphorae for 18 months, giving it greater juiciness, freshness and depth. Intense ruby red in colour with garnet hues. Spicy hints of pepper and fruit jam, blackcurrant and tobacco on the cautiously reductive nose. Great structure, complexity and a certain originality on the palate, which, together with a fine minerality, makes it an exceptionally drinkyred. SUPERIORE.DE

"A spicy, sanguine nose features notes of pepper, metal and olives, but violet and black-cherry undertones provide levity. The palate leans into the sanguine, meaty notes of earth and fire, while the fruit also turns darker and deeper, before ultimately plunging into a dark-chocolate finish, which is structured by polished yet firm tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Amphora's 2021 Aglianico del Vulture Titolo is peppery and perfumed with a mentholated herbal nuance that segues into musky blackcurrant and exotic spice. Silky and enveloping, it calms down with a wave of polished red and black fruits, ideally lifted by a cooling acidity, while a minty freshness builds towards the end. The final is structured and long, leaving a layer of crystalline tannins that linger with a hint of fresh rosemary. The Titolo By Amphora shows wonderfully soft contours and vibrant fruit that make it a pleasure to drink despite its youthful state." Vinous

"The 2021 Elena Fucci Aglianico del Vulture from Amphora's organic vineyard has a ripe and fleshy personality with plenty of added texture and richness. On the mid-palate, this wine is full, almost heavy, with blackberries, dried blackcurrants, dusty ash, black liquorice and the blackened crust of toasted bread. As the name of the wine suggests, clay amphorae are used in the winemaking process, so you really experience the dark intensity of the primary fruit. This is a precious and limited edition of 1,800 bottles." Wine Advocate

Deep red colour. Captivating aromas of sweet cherry, crushed rock and violet. Juicy, supple and perfumed, it shows excellent vinosity in the complex, very precise flavours of plums, sour cherries and dried herbs. Fine-grained tannins and a beautiful, persistent aromatic flavour characterise the long, very pure finish. Firm tannins form the backbone of this finely modelled, chiselled Nerello Mascalese and spicy notes frame the bright, powerful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep bouquet with ripe, delicately gelled wild berries, wild cherries and redcurrants, with a hint of floral notes. There are also earthy and floral notes reminiscent of rose bush. A wonderful, elegant, concentrated wine with a clear character of origin." Weinwisser

"Aromas of cherries, oranges and flowers with a hint of smoke. Medium to full-bodied with plush, open and velvety tannins that caress the palate. It is juicy and full of flavour. Tantalising to taste even as a young wine, but it will be even better in two or three years." James Suckling

"From the most recent acquisition of the winery in the municipality of Castiglione, on the northern slope of Mount Etna, a Nerello Mascalese of great freshness and verticality. Notes of cranberry on the nose, hints of laurel, then Mediterranean scrub and nutmeg, salty and savoury on the palate, with a fruity and oily finish." Luca Gardini

Rich, deep dark ruby colour with a fine violet sheen. Compact and appealing nose, showing crisp fruit, especially blackcurrants and mulberries, underpinned by fine chocolate tones. Extremely precise on the palate too: ripe, fresh fruit, opens with firm, tightly woven tannins, develops rich pressure, then juicy and long-lasting on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Fragrant on the nose, of precious wood, graphite, a hint of stone fruit, delicate floral tones and some candle wax on the finish. Polished on the palate, with clear fruit and well-integrated tannins, savoury, has a certain light-footedness in the finish without being ponderous, a striking wine that invites you to drink it." Falstaff

"The nose starts with a soft-serve swirl of vanilla and milk chocolate, then deepens into the richer sweetness of dark cherry syrup, which is balanced by the crackling sharpness of pepper and graphite." Wine Enthusiast

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto di Campolungo offers an interesting potpourri of ripe fruit, including blackberry, cassis and small wild strawberries, rounded off by a warm woody spice. Modern and polished on the palate, with a beautiful fruity centre, it is multi-layered, with plenty of pressure and length and balanced tannins as it progresses. The vines grow at an altitude of around 500 metres, which gives this cru a wonderful freshness and plenty of drinkability. Should gain in elegance with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright cherry aroma with liquorice and star anise. Smooth texture, firm tannins, shows good typicity with good length." Decanter

"On the nose, the fresh sweetness of cherries and strawberries is balanced by the lightly bitter astringency of orange jam and fennel. The fruit sweetens and deepens on the palate thanks to a rich, full mocha flavor, but strict, imposing tannins and acid preserve order." Wine Enthusiast

"With flavours of black cherry, plum, chocolate and iron, this rich red wine impresses across the board. Fresh and refined, with velvety tannins that support the long-lasting aftertaste, while notes of eucalyptus and tobacco enhance the complex finish." Wine Spectator

"The organically grown Lamole di Lamole 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto di Campolungo draws its fruit from a long row of vineyards stretching from the hill of Lamole towards Greve and orientated towards the sunset. This wine is creamy and medium-bodied with blackberry jam, tarry spice and earthy orris roots." Wine Advocate

It could easily be mistaken for a very high-quality St Emilion from a cooler vintage! A compact and finesse-rich Merlot-Cabernet from old vineyards and vinified according to traditional methods. Deep dark red in colour, with complex, berry aromas on the nose. On the palate, the Cuvée Anticus impresses with pleasantly ripe fruit, velvety tannins and a wonderful texture. Lush and almost endless finish! SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Ripe fruit on the nose, Amarena cherry and blackcurrant, as well as spice and forest floor. Precise fruit and balanced acidity structure on the palate, lingering finish with great spicy notes." Falstaff

"Currant, cigar tobacco and hints of blackberry aromas follow through to a medium to full body, with creamy tannins and a juicy finish. Light velvet. Some tar and black olives as well." James Suckling

Strong dark ruby colour. Pepper and spice accents, aromas of ripe red and dark fruit and a slightly animal note characterise the precise aroma. The perfect balance between tannin, silky elements and acidity guarantee a full-bodied flavour full of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"This red exhibits gamy, bacon fat notes framing the core of plum, blackberry, violet and iron flavors. It has dense, mouthcoating tannins, with breezy acidity and saturated fruit to match. Excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

Rich ruby, very typical nose of sour cherries, red berries and spices. Grip, light tannin on the palate, pithy, very nice fruit, firm and sturdy. A Barbera for connoisseurs! SUPERIORE.DE

The Nerello grapes (100% Mascalese) come from the northern slope of Etna from plots in the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the Rovittello district. Opens in a delicate ruby red colour, then fine, heady, spicy on the nose, revealing a pretty basket of red fruits after a few minutes of aeration. Initially closed on the palate, only gradually revealing its flavour facets, then medium pressure in the middle, with a very fine structure and almost Burgundian finesse and elegance. The finish is harmonious and of excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, shiny garnet red with an orange rim. Redcurrant, orange zest and pomegranate on the nose, with hints of herbs. On the palate, great fruit melting and appealing juiciness, balanced and with grippy, fine tannins." Falstaff

"A tight-knit version that offers a core of chalky tannins interwoven with chopped cherries and wild strawberries, aromatic lavender, thyme and woody spices. It's focused and gives a broad-shouldered feel without being heavy." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo has a dark and deep red colour, with an inviting bouquet of dried roses, ash, redcurrants and orange zest. It is silky smooth, elegant and refined, with a soothing wave of ripe red and blue fruits energised by a core of zesty acidity. It leaves a crisp, tart cranberry concentration that finishes with a layer of fine-grained tannins. The Dafara Galluzzo has an underlying power and complexity that will only unfold with time." Vinous

"A well-made Etna, very fresh and lively with orange peel and strawberry flavours. Medium-bodied, with fine, vertical tannins and a slightly chewy finish. Beautifully structured." James Suckling

"The wine opens with delicate strawberry and floral aromas, evolving into more spicy notes with hints of clove. The strawberries are carried through on the palate and play wonderfully with the more resinous, earthy notes that appear over time. A touch of iron adds intrigue. With good acidity and slightly chewy tannins, this wine has the structure to age beautifully." Decanter