Wines from Lombardy

The Cuvée dei Frati is composed of classic Lugana grapes and ten per cent Chardonnay to round it off. After 24 months of ageing on the lees in the bottle, this fine sparkling wine is created with aromas of biscuit, hay and dried tobacco leaves. The moderate carbonic acidity makes it glide over the palate like silk. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw yellow with hints of greenish gold and a fine perlage. Delicately fragrant on the nose, with hints of fresh white bread and tropical fruit on the finish. A very juicy mousse on the palate, with crisp acidity and good length." Falstaff

Very fine perlage, noble fragrance of light fruits, aromatic herbs and vanilla, elegant on the palate. The high-quality Cuvée Imperiale is full-fruity, stimulating, soft and persistent on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

Olivini's Metodo Classico made from 100% Trebbiano is in a class of its own. A multi-layered and rich bouquet, exotic and complex on the palate, with fine flavours of dried apple and peach. The velvety perlage and delicate acid wire elegance and finesse. Complex and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, radiant light gold colour with persistent perlage. Smells delicately of yellow peach, fresh honey, yellow flowers and a little cold smoke on the nose. Very fresh and crisp on the palate, with a delicate and light-footed perlage, juicy, delicately bitter, animating final." Falstaff

Classic Franciacorta made from Chardonnay with aromas of ripe, tropical fruit and a hint of brioche. Fresh, dry and delicately sparkling on the palate, the ideal aperitif. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with a fine perlage. Inviting and subtly spicy on the nose, with flavours of juicy apple, meadow herbs and a hint of brioche and honey. Creamy mousse on the palate, very juicy and with invigorating acidity through to the finish." Falstaff

"The Brut Franciacorta Cuvée Real offers a captivating bouquet of crushed flowers, stone dust, lemon oil and young pears. The palate is supple and round, with a delicate bead of bubbles. A balanced sweetness intertwines with hints of tart citrus, while white pit fruits give way to an almondy richness towards the close. Subtle notes of brown spice linger as inner florals add complexity to the remarkably fresh finale." Vinous

"Tight nose, but a complex wine. Strawberries, complemented by cheese notes, acacia honey and roasted walnuts. The mousse is fine and long with crisp acidity and a lean body. Long, savoury finish with citrus fruits and chalk." James Suckling

Seduction in pale, delicate pink with fine, very persistent pearls. The fruity flavours are long-lasting and broad. A very graceful, fresh, fruity and dry sparkling wine from Lake Garda. SUPERIORE.DE

This cuvée is a traditional blend of grapes from the region and harmoniously combines the fruitiness of Merlot with the elegance of Cabernet Franc and the richness of Carménère grapes. The Cabernet Sauvignon provides backbone, structure and stability as well as good ageing potential. Dark ruby-garnet in colour, the nose has an inviting aroma of blackberries and cherries with a sweet hint of spices. Lively, powerful fruit and juicy tannins on the palate, already beautifully balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

Straw yellow with delicate golden reflections, fine and very rich, persistent perlage in the glass. Well-proportioned bouquet of yellow fruit, yeast and pastry flavours. Intense and decisive on the palate, very clear and precisely focussed with perfect, energetic acidity and compelling purity and clarity. This is a razor-sharp spumante with a lot of personality and great finesse with zero grams of dosage/residual sugar. SUPERIORE.DE

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.

Tavernetto is the third cru of the estate, named after the 1.71-hectare vineyard where the grapes develop splendidly at an altitude of 250 to 325 metres and with a south-southeast exposure. It is considered the most balanced of the Tenuta's vineyards, with the most evenly positive results. The calcareous subsoil of the single vineyard is ideal for Pinot Nero, resulting in a top wine of great personality.

Intense ruby-garnet colour. Fruity on the nose with elegant, fresh notes, yet the incipient depth and complexity of this Pinot Noir can already be sensed today. Full, round and fruity on the palate, the silky tannins flank its fine flavour through to the elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A well-composed, textured and serious pinot nero with aromas of berries, warm herbs and mild spices. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Refined texture here with control and poise and a flavorful finish." James Suckling

High-quality Rosato Spumante made from 100% Pinot Nero. Old pink, almost onion-coloured and with interesting copper reflections. Fine perlage and a fine, creamy foam. The bouquet has a delicate aroma of roses, grapefruit, small red fruits and a hint of yeast. Dry, full, fresh and elegant on the palate. Hints of blackcurrants and wild strawberries, then a consistent tang and a beguiling silkiness. A great alternative to the famous neighbouring region of Franciacorta and a real insider tip for Pinot Noir sparkling lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pale sparkling rosé that has aromas of pomegranate, strawberry and apple pastry. It’s medium-bodied, silky and balanced with fine bubbles and a dry finish." James Suckling

Fresh, wonderfully floral bouquet, fine perlage on the palate and a strong yet creamy texture. The harmoniously integrated acidity forms the fresh basis for the complex flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate old rose colour with a fine perlage. Delicate on the nose, with fine cherry, some stone fruit, white flowers and a touch of graphite. Spreads wide on the palate, present and precise, with beautiful tension and a long finish." Falstaff

Mattia Vezzola's top wine demonstrates the heights that the indigenous Groppello grape variety can reach. Sweet dark cherries, herbs, liquorice and tar are just some of the nuances that emerge from this plush, deep red wine. Maim impresses with its extraordinary intensity and richness - from the first sip to the end of the bottle. And it is not only because of its exceptionally fine texture and almost endless finish that it is without question a jewel of a wine and a flagship of the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

Pale straw yellow colour. Fine, fruity bouquet with hints of yeast. Fine bubbles, fresh and deep on the palate, with a subtle creaminess and excellent acidity. Delicate citrus notes and a fresh minerality on the long finish, giving it a unique finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

Cuvée Royale has a light yellow colour, a creamy foam and a fine, long perlage. The nose reveals pleasant notes of white peach, which are well balanced by hints of bread crust and yeast. Yeast. It is harmonious on the palate and fully expresses the vibrancy of a good Franciacorta brut. SUPERIORE.DE

"Telltale Franciacorta for its stone-fruit character enhanced by broom flowers and lemon zest. Medium-bodied with fine mousse, this has crisp, long acidity and a tight grapefruit-flavored finish." James Suckling

Berlucchi's 61 Satèn is a soft, creamy Franciacorta. In the glass, it has an intense straw-yellow colour with a fine, even perlage and delicate foam. Smells of bread dough, apple pie and lemon zest, very aromatic and well-structured on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, bright straw yellow with persistent perlage. A fragrant nose of apricot and white peach, lemon balm and jasmine blossom. Good acidity structure and fruity core on the palate, with a slight almond flavour on the finish." Falstaff

"The softly effervescent and creamy mousse caresses the palate, carrying flavors of Asian pear, baked melon, marzipan, honeycomb and fleur de sel. Light notes of spices and smoke linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

Light to medium pale pink colour. Complex, fragrant and lively bouquet with pronounced notes of berries and ripe fruit, with clear hints of Pinot Nero as it progresses, very elegant, round and with a fine melt. Long-lasting mousse and remarkable depth. SUPERIORE.DE

Essenza is a classic Valtellina Superiore that draws its fruit from the terraced high mountain vineyards in one of the northernmost corners of Italy. Ruby red with garnet-coloured inclusions. Wonderful aromas of dried strawberries, mushrooms and flowers that open up into pure fruit. It is medium-bodied on the palate with appealing depth and intensity. The fine and complex tannins are polished and flattering. Essenza magically balances power and elegance, gaining much of its straightforwardness and focus from the lingering mineral notes of crushed slate or granite that add salty notes to the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A poised Nebbiolo with plenty of raspberries, strawberries, sweet spices and mixed herbs. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins. Velvety and elegant with a harmonious, succulent finish." James Suckling

Cherry pink in colour with a brilliant core. The bouquet is delicate and lightly toasted, of hazelnuts and cherries, forest fruits, delicate tea nuances. Very fruity on the palate, opens on ripe raspberry, draws a fine bow with crisp melting, dry, powerful final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light salmon pink with a fine perlage. Raspberries and strawberries on the nose, accompanied by orange blossom and a fine bread crust flavour. Very fresh on the palate with a fine melt, dancing fruit, a delicate finish and a fruity-sweet final." Falstaff

"A sleek and refreshing sparkling rosé in the aperitif style, offering a delicate frame of crisp acidity and lacy texture layered with notes of wild strawberry, pink grapefruit granita, ground ginger and spring blossoms." Wine Spectator

"Quite a raw profile with grapefruit flavours, peppery and floral. The taut palate has zesty acidity, a lean body, redcurrant and strawberry flavours and a polished finish." James Suckling

Franciacorta Millesimato brut perfectly combines the elegance of Chardonnay and the aristocracy of Pinot Nero. A rich bouquet with hints of apple, jasmine blossom, camomile and sea salt. Round and aromatic on the palate, with a very fine, persistent perlage and creamy foam. This Brut accompanies starters or the entire menu. Perfect! SUPERIORE.DE

"Greenish-yellow with silver reflections. Fresh butter, citrus fruits and herbs on the nose. Creamy note, very clear flavour, floral nuances, very pleasant and linear. Long, balsamic finish." Falstaff

"The 2018 Brut Franciacorta Essence opens with an airy blend of crushed apples, raw almonds and white flowers. It’s chiseled within, striking deeply with mineral-tinged bubbles that slowly round out and sweeten as this travels across the palate. Custard and baked pear hints linger as the 2018 finishes with medium-length and crisply refreshing." Vinous

"Fresh ripe peaches reveal a sorbet-like, soft and round texture on the palate. Gently nutty and toasty with a lot of fruit." James Suckling

Corte del Lupo Bianco celebrated its debut with the 2017 vintage and is the successor to the classic Curtefranca Bianco, which has been popular for decades. The grapes come from 11 historic vineyards planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco. They are well over 30 years old. Bright straw yellow in colour, with a fresh apricot aroma, fine woody notes and a structured, balanced flavour. Spicy and round on the palate, with a fine acidity and a mineral note on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for Carluccio "Carlo" Negri, named after the winery's authoritative pioneer, come from vineyards in the DOC and DOCG areas of Valtellina on the slopes of the Rhaetian Alps along the right bank of the Adda River. The sfursat, world-famous for the region, is produced by the natural drying of the grapes, favoured by the cool and dry winds from the mountains. In the "fruttaio", the fruit shed, they lose almost 30% of their weight during this process. The result is therefore a unique Nebbiolo: rich and intense, with the typical mineral and fresh character of Alpine wines.

Medium ruby red. Concentrated, complex bouquet with notes of ripe berry fruits, cyclamen and spices like black pepper and cinnamon. Dry on the palate, with beautiful dark primary fruit with firm tannins that are tart when young. Further on, full-bodied, persistent, with a long finish and subtle hints of cloves and liquorice. Harmonious, too, its fresh acidity, which will make it vibrant and exciting, especially after further years of ageing, one of the best wines of the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"A energetic Valtellina with cherry and floral aromas and flavors that are highlighted with hints of vanilla and bitter citrus. Full-bodied with round tannins that are soft and velvety and plenty of ripe fruit that remains fresh, focused and intense." James Suckling

"Pronounced straw yellow colour with golden nuances and fine perlage. Finely drawn bouquet of juicy grapefruit, yeasty notes, backed by herbal spice. Dust-dry on the palate with taut acidity, elegant mousseux and a lingering finish." Falstaff

Alma Gran Cuvée brut - a Franciacorta in the classic Bellavista style, modern yet very elegant and complex. Aromatic bouquet, fine perlage, wonderfully integrated fruit on the palate with a delicate mellowness, plus well-balanced acidity, harmoniously long and deep. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright green-yellow with golden reflections and persistent perlage. Finely characterised nose of apple and citrus fruit, also reminiscent of candle wax, with a subtle hint of marzipan on the final. Crisp on the palate, with airy perlage and a clear fruit centre, stretches across the palate with light pressure and shows fine wood spice, balanced in the final." Falstaff

"An aromatic bouquet of floral, green melon and sweet spice aromas introduces the NV Brut Franciacorta Alma Grande Cuvée. This is seamlessly silken and round with brilliant acidity and crisp orchard fruits complicated by a tinge of ground ginger toward the close. A saline sensation lingers along with hints of lime as this finishes with an intense, crunchy character. Very nice." Vinous

"Aromas of acacia honey, white pepper, green apples and lemon pulp with fresh pastry. Strong acidity with a lean body, but a fine, creamy mousse. Good finish." James Suckling

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. The grapes for the winery's top crus are grown at an altitude of 400 metres, and the high temperature fluctuations between day and night ensure a complexity, precision and elegance that is rarely found even in Burgundy.

Brilliant ruby red colour. Delicately fruity nose of small red berries, coffee and hints of damp forest floor. Subtle and precise fruit on the palate, extremely fine tannins and a long, never-ending mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

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

Pernice comes from the single vineyard of the same name and fascinates with its fine fragrance and elegance. Intense ruby red with garnet reflections. Complex and rich bouquet of violet notes and small red fruits, some roasted coffee and cocoa. On the palate elegant, full-bodied, with present fruit, yet 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 the beginning to the end. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; inviting Pinot fruit; also in the mouth fruit, length, fine tannin" (JLF)." Merum

"An elegant red, with delicate notes of woodsy spices, dried flowers and wild herbs serving as an enticing thread that winds through macerated black cherry and dried fig flavors. Long and fresh, with creamy tannins providing fine definition through the minerally finish." Wine Spectator