Wine

Badia a Passignano is always one of the many highlights in the Antinori range and is probably the estate's most refined and elegant Sangiovese. Its character is medium-bodied and supple, but with plenty of fruit intensity, which is typical of the vineyard of the same name. It skilfully strikes a balance between richness and finesse, captivating from the very first sip. Lavender, mint, blue-purple fruit and liquorice are beautifully brought out. It is a very traditional and noble expression of the Tuscan grape that is hard to resist. SUPERIORE.DE

"The classic Gran Selezione of the Antinori family from vineyards around the Abbey of Passignano: Intriguing Sangiovese nose with aromas of red berries and flowers; finesse-rich structure, the tightly woven tannins and acidity in balance, persistent final." Vinum

"Dark, shiny, ruby-red centre with a fine rim. Dense, inviting bouquet of juicy blackberries and cherries, plus tobacco, leather and a hint of thyme. Powerful and very juicy on the palate, firm, well-integrated tannins with fresh acidity, subtle saltiness on the long final." Falstaff

"A deep well of cherry, pomegranate, iron, tobacco and wild herb aromas and flavours underscore this intense red wine, while a dense layer of tannins provides grip. Lively acidity drives the lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and herbal notes." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Badia a Passignano has developed well and has successfully shed its oak signature. What you get now is a beautiful mouthful of rich, ripe black fruit with background notes of green spices and smoked bacon. A hint of fragrant rose comes through beautifully after a few minutes at a certain point. Overall, this wine from San Donato in Poggio UGA offers bright and lively fruit. With its long winemaking tradition and its first production in 1988, this wine is, so to speak, the control sample against which the three new UGA expressions are measured." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 has some notes of green herbs as well as bitter cherry, orange peel and sweet vanilla. There is a hint of forest green and a balsamic note as well as spicy black pepper. On the palate, the tannins are firm, upright and assertive, but always refined. The texture and weight are beautifully soft and enveloping, and the acidity gives the wine a pleasant freshness on the finish. At the moment it is still a little characterised by oak, but it is still young and needs time. A beautifully crafted wine that expresses a strong identity." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano is one of the best editions of this wine I've ever tasted. Ripe blue fruit, spice, chocolate, leather and liquorice fill out the layers in a lush, full-bodied Gran Selezione. Again, the winemaking and ageing changes have resulted in a wine that combines sophistication with textural resonance. Outstanding." Vinous

Every year, Coltassala is a red wine that offers all the essentials - and in impeccable style. On the nose, black fruits, spices and ploughed earth. All the flavours are dark and spicy, but the wine remains fresh, dense, lively and very linear. The ageing in new oak gives it a modern touch without overpowering it. Coltassala 2020 is noble and refined from start to finish, and it is one of the great Chianti Classico Gran Selezione! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with garnet-red rim brightening. Dense nose, characterised by wood ageing, lots of cigar box and tobacco, with fully ripe plums behind it. Lively and balanced on the palate, dark minerality, reminiscent of grated pencil, ripe tannins and a long, salty final." Falstaff

"A fresh, herbal yet earthy nose draws a slight sweetness from notable cherry undertones, accented on the palate by a creamy swirl of orange and vanilla, but the slightly metallic, medicinal herbal note works with polished tannins and lively acidity to create a streamlined, balanced feel." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala 2020 is a slender, elegant wine. Silky contours and sweet floral notes lend finesse to this very beautiful, nuanced Gran Selezione. All elements are very well balanced. Notes of black cherry, plum, liquorice and leather give it a dark note." Vinous

"Great energy, delicate violet and rose notes with intense ethereal fleshiness with fragrant red berries and cherries, fresh and flavoursome!" Decanter

"The Volpaia 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala is very balanced overall, offering an earthy side that gives a nice context to wild berries and wild cherries. There are also floral notes, especially violets and iris, and the wine maintains a firm, medium-bodied texture on the palate." Wine Advocate

"Saturated with aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry, iron and wild herbs, this red wine is firmly structured and shows fine harmony even in its youth. The supple texture is balanced by well-integrated, dusty tannins, while the fruit lingers on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Very attractive with ripe cherries, red plums, dark chocolate and spices with a hint of dried lavender and citrus peel. Medium-bodied with plenty of energy and tension. The tannins are polished and well integrated into the wine. Very complete and balanced. Crisp and long." James Suckling

"Red cherry on the nose, myrtle notes, then hints of wild mint. Salty mouthfeel, with hints of red fruit and menthol. Aftertaste of great persistence." Luca Gardini

Initially, the wines from Etna led a rather shadowy existence; the great potential of the wines, some of which were produced in very small quantities, usually only delighted connoisseurs. Even today, many of the winegrowers are still so-called insider tips, as the wines produced in small quantities hardly appear on the international markets, or only in very homeopathic quantities. Like us here at SUPERIORE.DE, Angelo Gaja recognised the incomparable elegance and class, the minerality and the purist style of the Nerello and Carricante grapes early on and therefore entered into a joint venture with Alberto Graci a few years ago.

The great prestige and undisputed high value of the vineyards, which are up to 100 years old and divided into small parcels at an altitude of up to 1,000 metres, led to the purchase of land on the south-west side of the volcano, which was launched on the market in 2017/2019 with the red/white debut vintage. The project is called "Idda" - the local name for the Etna volcano, which the locals thus assign a clearly feminine character. Idda Bianco 2022 is now the fourth vintage from complex, iron- and copper-rich soils at 630 to 820 metres above sea level. Incidentally, these are - how could it be otherwise - among the oldest in the still young Etna DOC region.

What we immediately like about Idda Bianco is the authentic Sicilian character of its cheerful bouquet. This marvellous Carricante-based white opens with cedar wood, citrus fruits, orange peel and cherries. The fruit is never heavy, but instead offers an elegant aromatic intensity, followed by pistachio and perhaps a hint of wild fennel. The wine's volcanic identity comes into its own with ashy and salty mineral hints. Our unreserved enthusiasm for its creamy texture, length and energy! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Bianco convinces with the combination of the velvety quality of the vineyards in the south of the volcano and the salty-mineral character of the soils, its precise nose and length." Vinum

"It has a fine, smoky, flinty nose with hints of peach, mango and white flowers. In the mouth it is intense and vertical, with juicy succulence and great acidity that defines its edges. It is finely structured and tangy, with flavours of peach, citrus peel, honey, lime juice and white flowers, finishing with a gentle stoniness." Decanter

"A fresh, minerally white, with a finely meshed range of poached pear and persimmon fruit flavors, plus notes of Meyer lemon peel, almond blossoms, beeswax and chamomile. Reveals a pleasing, buoyant vibrancy to the integration of the fine china–like acidity and racy streak of salinity." Wine Spectator

"Sparkling and bright with green pear and lemon slices. Honeysuckle. Medium body with brightness and intensity of fruit. A hint of sea salt." James Suckling

"The 2022 Bianco is pleasing in many ways. It captivates with its unexpected richness of fruit, combining young peaches and apricots with white flowers and almond paste. It is round and smooth, but with an amazing mix of candied lime and salty minerals in the foreground, creating a contrast. Sweet florals on the inside complement the ripe stone fruits. The 2022 cleans beautifully, long and with a saline flair, while finishing crisp, full of tension yet delicious." Vinous

Etna Rosso with a light ruby colour and a fine bouquet of raspberries, herbs, orange peel and flint. Firm, straightforward flavour. Mineral notes in keeping with the terroir. Silky tannins and a fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light red; fresh, red-fruity, raspberry jam, very inviting; red fruit already at the beginning, lots of tannin, subtly tart, very nice wine, long." Merum

"There's a slight hint of farmyard among the pure cherry fruit and orange peel aromas, while in the mouth it's intense and bright with a saline and balsamic character; vertical and sapid. Chalky tannins and fresh acidity provide structure to this sturdy, ageable red." Decanter

"A beautiful blend of red fruits and spices on the nose, along with a hint of tea. Medium to full-bodied with very fine tannins. Creamy. A beautiful depth of fruit carried effortlessly by the elegant tannin structure. Long lasting finish. Delicious. Best after 2025." James Suckling

"The Graci 2020 Etna Rosso Arcurìa is a very different wine to the Feudo di Mezzo. It has more fruit and a spicy character with blackcurrants, tea leaves, tobacco and perhaps a hint of exotic spices. The tannins are more pronounced here and the concentration of the wine is definitely a notch or two higher in terms of intensity. Contrada Arcurìa is located at an altitude of 650 metres above sea level. Only 5,300 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"Dusty and floral, the Etna Rosso Arcuria 2020 opens slowly with hints of chalk dust and sage that fade into violet pastilles and crushed blackberries. This is pure elegance, silky and refined, with a beautiful inner sweetness and cooling acidity that soothes and invigorates the palate. It finishes savoury and tannic with admirable length, with pretty inner flowers and a hint of bitterness slowly fading. It will take years for the Arcuria to come into its full bloom, but it will be time well spent." Vinous

Outstandingly clear and typical in its aroma of ripe fruit, notes of smoke, liquorice and tar. Always reveals new nuances of its personality on the palate. Elegant and refined in every respect. SUPERIORE.DE

"A cedary twist to the typical notes of black olives, tobacco, paprika and black fruit. Medium- to full-bodied with prominent, fine-grained tannins and fruit. Long, demure and tight. Needs at least one more year to soften and open up." James Suckling

Dut' un is a full-bodied cuvée of Chardonnay and Sauvignon with generous texture, built high with layers of orchard fruit, lime, apricot, cooked pear, spice, custard and lemon mousse. It is a great wine that relies on its geographical provenance and the vineyard's well-draining limestone-clay soils for its flavour intensity and purity. The 8-month maturation on the lees gives it its creamy character and firm structure. For all its fruitiness and complexity, it has a distinct minerality and freshness that will allow it to mature wonderfully. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, shiny light gold colour. Great nose of ripe pineapple, citrus fruit, some tangerine, flint, wet stone. On the palate with great juiciness and a compact core, acidity and fruit are well balanced, powerful, slightly phenolic finish, can age for a long time." Falstaff

"An intense and complex wine with notes of cotton candy, Mirabelle plums, straw and candied citrus. It has a medium body, crisp acidity and a velvety texture due to both weight and structure." James Suckling

This impressive Sangiovese comes from the single vineyard "Vitticciana", which was specially created for a pure Sangiovese wine by the "Godfather of Carmignano" Ugo Contini Bonacossi due to its perfect orientation. It is only produced in the best years, when it presents itself as a multi-layered wine with fine fruit and fine-grained tannins. After a few years of ageing in the bottle, it can easily hold its own with some of the best Brunello di Montalcino. SUPERIORE.DE

"From Sangiovese grapes from the Viticciana vineyard, the wine matures for at least 18 months in barriques: surprisingly fresh raspberry nose, flowers, also fine spicy nuances; silky texture, but then also a lot of pressure up to the opulent fruit finish." Vinum

"Bright, brightening ruby-garnet colour. Opens with notes of mint, then lots of ripe cherry, some pomegranate, dried orange. Well-ripened fruit in the attack, spreads out well, savoury, gripping tannin." Falstaff

"A seductive, juicy yet serious sangiovese with aromas of cherries, dried herbs, bark and peppercorns. It’s full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Compact and well built with attractive fruit at the center and a characterful finish." James Suckling

60 months bottle fermentation: The quintessence of Franciacorta and the winery's top product - full-bodied, elegant and extremely fine. The optimally developed bouquet of tropical fruit and dried fruit is manifold, the terroir and the winery's signature are unmistakable. Powerful and fresh on the palate, the taste is an explosion of nuanced flavours, the length and depth are impressive. Only 7,000 bottles of this Riserva are produced each year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with a delicate copper tinge and finest perlage. In the nose beeswax, light honey, quince, a little baked apple, blueberries and candied fruits in the aftertaste. On the palate with great melting and crisp fruit, shows itself very vertical and purposeful, in the final firm pressure." Falstaff

"Over 100 months on the lees, a Chardonnay 4/5 Pinot Noir 1/5 blend. Yellow plum at the nose, then jasmine and bergamot in the background. The mouthfeel is salty, fragrant and crunchy, enhanced by a fruity return and long-lasting finish." Luca Gardini

This is the debut vintage of the single-varietal white "sister" of the famous Sondraia Rosso - Sondraia Viognier Bianco 2019. Kaleidoscopic bouquet with scents of orange blossom, jasmine, yellow fruits, citrus fruits and herbs. Captivating structure and precision on the palate, with a juicy texture that shows off the crisp, layered fruit to good effect. Restrained sweet tannins, fresh acidity and great elegance round off this exceptional white wine from Bolgheri and lead into a full, mineral finish. Be sure to aerate! SUPERIORE.DE

"Jasmine, honeysuckle, apricot, peach and hazelnut on the nose. It's full-bodied with oily, floral layers. Smooth, caressing and delicious." James Suckling

From the Contrada Arcuria in Passopisciaro on the north side of Mount Etna at an altitude of 600-700 metres, this 100% Carricante is vinified partly in cement tanks and partly in large oak barrels. The result is a fresh white wine from old vines with an invigorating citrus scent and notes of mint, rich in tropical fruit, taut and firm, with an elegant mineral note on the palate, with a fine finish and high complexity. 4,000 bottles are bottled per vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wickedly fresh 2022 Etna Bianco Arcuria lifts from the glass with an airy blend of dried flowers, crushed stones and nectarines. It displays silky textures and ripe orchard fruits motivated by cooling acidity as hints of gingery spice amass toward the close. A chalky sensation settles in through the finish as a bump of zesty acidity maintains fantastic energy. Sour citrus tones slowly taper." Vinous

"Ripe tropical fruits such as persimmon and mango, followed by flavours of golden apple and honeysuckle. Rich and creamy on the palate, with a phenolic aftertaste. Long and complex." James Suckling

Francesco Ricasoli, the likeable and ambitious owner of Castello di Brolio, brings out the elegance and finesse as well as a marvellous depth of fruit in his wines. Rocca Guicciarda Riserva is a soft, silky wine. Dark ruby in colour, it has a rich, open bouquet of cherry and pomegranate, with a fine almond and tobacco note. A wine whose juiciness makes it a pleasure to drink early on, but whose flavour complexity increases enormously as it matures. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lightly cooked plums and sliced oranges with some caramel on the nose. Medium body, fine and silky tannins and a delicious finish. Polished and ready." James Suckling

Only 2,500 bottles of the debut vintage were filled. Eós, named after the Greek goddess of dawn, is the result of a selection of the best Erbaluce grapes from our own vineyards on the volcanic porphyry soils of Boca. The grapes were pressed slowly with a vertical press (torchio) without being crushed or destemmed (whole bunch press). The juice was then poured into large Slavonian oak barrels, where it was aged on the lees for a year. This was followed by a further year of refinement in the barrel and in the bottle. Eós is rich, complex, creamy, with a long mineral finish and a fresh acidity that keeps it in marvellous harmony. One of the very great and rare white wines of Alto Piemonte. SUPERIORE.DE

Oro di Caiarossa is a 100% Petit Manseng, the grapes are harvested by hand at the end of October. Dark golden yellow, almost amber-coloured in the glass. Flavours of passion fruit, mango and honey are softened by citrus fruits and floral elements. Subtly sweet on the palate with graceful flavours of candied citrus and tropical fruit. A fine hint of tannin and a reasonable length on the finish. This already fascinating dessert wine has both warmth and freshness and will gain in concentration as it matures. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried mangoes and apricots with hints of tangerines and exotic spices. Full-bodied, sleek, polished and moderately sweet. It shows freshness and focus. Easy to drink." James Suckling

Passopisciaro's Contrada C is an exquisite red with a dark sensual fruit bouquet. Stylistically like a great Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo, of remarkable intensity on the palate until the lingering final. A muscular and weightless wine at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright shining cherry red with ruby. Small strawberries, redcurrants, juniper berries, slightly loamy, leather spice and black tea on the nose. Builds up lively, with nice pressure, finely woven tannin, very finesse, nevertheless gripping in the back, tactile mineral notes, finishes on a fine salty character." Falstaff

"Scarce medium ruby red. Peppery nose of red fruits, cherry, rhubarb and raspberry with a spicy undertone and hints of oak and tobacco leaf. Wonderful depth and concentration on the palate, with a layer of fine-grained tannins. Real intensity on the finish. A cool climate spirit, despite its 15% alcohol." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Contrada Chiappemacine (C) exudes a dark blend of black cherry and shaved cedar in a hint of ashy smoke. It is round and soothingly textured, with cooling acidity enlivening the mineral red berries and a hint of brown spice. The finish has a mentholated freshness, while the silty tannins linger, leaving the mouth wanting more. It will need minimal ageing to be at its best. The Chiappemacine site is at an altitude of 550 metres and consists of a thin layer of volcanic soils over a limestone bed." Vinous

"Fragrant spice and cedar notes waft from the glass of this graceful red wine, accentuating the finely knit flavours of pureed raspberry, rose and liquorice, matched by slightly chalky tannins that firm up the mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"The Vini Franchetti 2019 Contrada C shows a sweet side with wild cherry and raspberry. Those primary notes are framed by ashy volcanic notes, crushed stone and wildflower. You also get hints of grilled rosemary and dried lavender. Compared to the other single-vineyard wines in this series, Contrada C has a sweeter, slightly more accessible personality. But the tight tannins and streamlined fruit weight promise good aging potential." Wine Advocate

"Weightless, concentrated and delicious, with aromas of camphor, wild berries, rose and wet stone. The full-bodied palate offers crushed raspberries, wild strawberries, cinnamon and star anise before an almost salty finish. Supple tannins provide finesse and polished grip." Wine Enthusiast

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family has for the first time vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione to reflect the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiòla.

Vicoregio 36 is the successor to the ambitious Mix 36 and, since 2017, a true Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. As a result of 50 years of research, 36 biotypes of the Sangiovese grape were planted on a sunny plateau near Castelnuova Berardenga, from which this extremely interesting and independent wine was created a few years ago. The overall impression is very balanced and straightforward with hints of red cherries, spices, dried blueberries and tobacco. It is the warmest and most balanced of the three Gran Selezione wines. Its intensity, richness of colour and precise fruit instantly captivate the Sangiovese lover. SUPERIORE.DE

"Raspberry-scented seducer with floral and herbal notes; flattering on the palate, silky tannin, embedded in fine acidity, ends long and fresh. Pleases with its elegance and no-frills style. Among the best cuts of Viennese beef cuisine." Vinum

"Bright ruby red. In the nose initially marked by rich noble wood, then after blood orange and fresh raspberries, pink roses in the finish. Compact and with clear fruit on the palate, shows itself polished and radiant, pithy, minimal afterdrying in the final." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red with orange reflections. Brooding and with the faintest suggestion of gingerbread and sweet oak. In this youthful state, the palate is similar to that of the Castello di Fonterutoli Gran Selezione of the same vintage, but this is slightly richer and with firmer, if polished, tannins. Enormous length. Monumental and far from finished." Jancis Robinson

"Mazzei's expression of the Vagliagli commune comes from a vineyard planted with 36 different Sangiovese biotypes, the result of 50 years of research. At an altitude of 350 metres, it is the lowest of the winery's three Gran Selezione sites and also the most expansive and supple. It leads with mocha, dried cherry and balsam wood and wears its oak well. The purity of the red berries shows on the palate with toasty flavours. This wine is full yet gracefully structured, with appetisingly integrated acidity." Decanter

"This classy red boasts a core of ripe, juicy plum, cherry and blackberry fruit framed by a subtle touch of new oak and a mineral underpinning. Reveals refined tannins, which should come into the fold over the next five to seven years as this integrates fully. Shows terrific balance and length, with finesse and complexity." Wine Spectator

"This is the third vintage in which this wine has the Gran Selezione designation. The fruit comes from an experimental vineyard at an altitude of 350 metres with compact clay soils (with some stones for loosening), good aeration and a dominant southern exposure. The property is 12.5 hectares and was acquired in 1997. Following the graceful 2018 vintage, the Mazzei 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Fonterutoli Vicoregio 36 shows medium-bodied concentration and sweet tannins with plenty of dark fruit, spice, scrub and wild mint." Wine Advocate

"A very straightforward and fine Chianti Classico with crisp cherry fruit and a hint of minerals. Medium body. Crisp and lively finish. Closed and dense on the mid palate." James Suckling

The annual production of this boutique winery on Etna is just 9,000 bottles. At an altitude of 950 metres above sea level, the one and a half hectares of vines are divided into eight tiny plots and have been gradually bought up by the well-known Oenologist. The area is planted with Nerello Mascalese bush vines, which have been spared the phylloxera phylloxera and make their way through the lava-covered terraces.

The single vines, which are on average 80 to 100 years old, are cultivated in the traditional, low-bush Alberello style, to which the wine owes its name. Alberelli di Giodo is extremely elegant and flavoursome and represents the minerality and finesse typical of its volcanic growing region to a remarkable degree. SUPERIORE.DE

"From ancient bush trees in high vineyards: finely chiselled aromas of raspberries and blossoms, also balsamic facets; noble texture, the acidity and tannins wonderfully modelled, long, fresh and fruity and yet extremely elegant. Very successful." Vinum

"Bright, light ruby red colour. Intriguing nose, delicate fruity notes, reminiscent of raspberries and cherries, followed by dried herbs and a hint of black truffle. Lively and precise on the palate, starts with a lot of juice, firm tannin structure and dancing acidity, spicy final, good length." Falstaff

"Transparent ruby red colour. Rich and yet with plenty of pace. And some light animal notes." Jancis Robinson

"Cola, tobacco, cinnamon and baked cherries. Freshness and lift from the start, super fresh with a juicy succulence that is so inviting. A clean palate with a gentle flavour drive. Feels well crafted with finesse. Balanced with so much juicy goodness, lovely velvety tannins and sweet strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate fruit on the palate. It will also develop superbly with time in the glass. This wine certainly has power, depth and vigour. A wine to age." Decanter

"A medium-bodied, very dense and precise red wine with focused, firm tannins framing smooth layers of cranberry, blackberry, stone, slate and tobacco. Also a hint of dried fruit. Mineral and stony. The wine has the character of old vines, with plenty of bark and spice on the finish. Try it from 2024 onwards." James Suckling

"The 2020 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese from Carlo Ferrini opens with a beautiful ruby red colour and an elegant, slender appearance. The wine offers tart cherry fruit, cassis, blue flowers, iron ore and orange peel. These different layers come together with balanced intensity. This vintage shows tremendous elegance and tannins that melt slowly and persistently on the palate. This bottle offers a very authentic and classic expression of the Sicilian volcano." Wine Advocate

"It is a pure Nerello Mascalese, preceded by a measured maceration on the skins and then refined in tonneaux. It has notes of black cherry, a hint of rhubarb, a touch of marjoram and black peppercorns. Spicy on the palate, with a fruity, spicy finish and hints of undergrowth." Luca Gardini

Produced in small quantities, Vallocchio clearly stands out from pure Brunello di Montalcino. Darker, deeper and more mystical, it shows notes of ripe blackberries and plums, complemented by exotic brown spices and a hint of lemon confit. Its texture is like velvet stretching across the palate, black-fruited and ripe, underpinned by minerals and cooling herbal notes. It is youthfully monolithic and dense, revealing its austere tannin core only towards the end, where notes of black tea, liquorice and a hint of cocoa emerge. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe, intense, mineral-spicy bouquet with dark cherries, redcurrants, cassis and rose bushes. Juicy, elegant palate with fine-grained tannins, very intense, powerful and engaging on the palate, combining the ripeness with the freshness of the vintage." Weinwisser

"Aromas of raspberries and herbs are pleasing on the nose, the wood is well integrated; compact texture, robust tannins, lively acidity, pleasantly fruity finish." Vinum

"Transparent, firm and quite deep nose with noble red and black berry aromas, some tomato, slightly smoky barrel notes, bacon and dried Mediterranean herbs. Ripe, juicy, dense fruit, still relatively present, somewhat bitter chocolate, smoky and roasted wood spice, youthful, present, yet fine and ripe tannin, a little Mediterranean herbs on the palate, dark ethereal spice, lots of power, but also cooling elements, some coffee grounds in the background, good depth, very good, firm finish with dark juice and spice. Needs to mature." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby garnet colour. Initially restrained on the nose, opens up to pepper, dried kitchen herbs and wild berries, with plum in the background. Inviting on the palate, rich, juicy cherry fruit, savoury, still young in the mid-palate, nicely salty on the final." Falstaff

"Grown in the south-east of Montalcino, this wine is customarily ripe and powerful, but balances its components - a powerful body, generous alcohol and a rich structure. Noticeable oak nuances of sweet spice and vanilla are at the forefront, but a foundation of pure cherry and dark plum simmers at the core." Decanter

"Well marked by new oak, this version adds a vanilla note and a layer of tannins to its cherry, floral and iron flavours, all supported by a solid structure. In the end, it finds a nice balance and a sense of elegance." Wine Spectator

"The Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio 2019 is spicy and earthy in the glass, with a beguiling mix of ash stones, undergrowth and a hint of animal musk opening the stage and giving way to mentholated black cherries. It feels velvety and almost creamy on the palate, with a rich blend of ripe red and black fruits emphasised by salty minerals. Grippy tannins are added towards the end. The 2019 finishes structured and impressively long, with a hint of pine shavings and a bitter tang that lingers on and on. It should be stored in the cellar." Vinous

"Flavours of crushed berries and flowers with some bark and mushrooms. Medium to full body with medium, round tannins and fresh acidity. Nice balance and finesse." James Suckling

"The Fanti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio shows a pronounced savoury side with tobacco leaf, roasted chestnut shells, dark plums, honeycomb or honey roasted almonds. The tannins are dissolved, almost silky, and there is plenty of concentrated fruit to develop the rich texture. The alcohol content is 15%, but is well integrated into the dark fruitiness of the wine." Wine Advocate

"A selection from the five most historic vineyards, a mosaic of excellence. Black cherry on the nose, with hints of chinotto and lemon thyme. The mouthfeel is reminiscent of citrus fruits and black cherry, a hint of roasted nuts and ends with official notes." Luca Gardini

The most famous Müller-Thurgau in Italy from a single vineyard at over 1,000 metres above sea level: sublimely sparkling straw yellow, very precise, clean aroma, a potpourri of tropical fruits, a little chamomile and a hint of nutmeg. Amazingly full-bodied on the palate with lots of juicy fruit. An elegant, extra-dry Müller Thurgau from the highest Müller Thurgau vineyard in Europe with an impressive complexity and length for this grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow, shiny. Great aroma on the nose, fine spice, rich yellow fruit, nutmeg, orange blossom, some pine needles, blood oranges and hazelnuts on the finish. Juicy on the palate, initially taut and elegantly flavoured, with fine salty notes, then breaks down slightly at the back." Falstaff

"The 2021 Feldmarschall von Fenner opens with a minty freshness, while savoury herbs and flint give way to yellow apples and cardamom. Skilfully balanced, it soothes with its supple textures, ripe orchard fruits and salty mineral tones, mixed with hints of lime and sour melon to show contrast. The 2021 rejuvenates with a pleasing length and crispness. The notes of lime and nectarine linger for a long time. This wine is simply stunning today and has the balance to evolve beautifully." Vinous

"This is a wonderfully flavoursome expression of Müller-Thurgau. It is full-bodied with hints of fennel and aniseed in the aromas and flavours of pear, peach and melon. Lively, tangy, fleshy and long." James Suckling

"Inviting white peach, citrus fruits and honey apples with plenty of mineral freshness, a lacy texture and a fine pearl of racy acidity. Fabulously long and concentrated." Decanter

The Barbaresco Tulin is a convincing middle ground in Giorgio Pelissero's range. It has the richness normally found in his wines, but also a good dose of freshness. Floral and spicy nuances interweave with a core of red and purple berry fruit, giving it a striking inner flavour and energy. Tulin is an impressive wine that is characterised by its balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of cherry and plum pie with sweet baking spices fill the glass as balsam, cedar and sandalwood emerge with more air. Rounded on the palate with juicy mixed berry preserves combined with licorice and turned earth finishing with fine tannins and a long roasted coffee bean note." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Barbaresco Tulin is a dense, powerful wine that shows an abundance of dark red fruit, spice, mocha and blood orange. It has good depth, but the 2019 feels like it is still emerging. Present tannins give the Tulin a rather darker impression." Vinous

"An expressive Barbaresco with aromas and flavours of cherries, raspberries, flowers, liquorice and menthol. Rich and harmonious, with well-integrated tannins that support the entire wine. Balanced and with a long finish." Wine Spectator