Wines from Lombardy

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

"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

The "Sassorosso" vineyard is located on a rocky promontory that is separated from the rest of the mountain and has been almost completely eroded by the glacier over the centuries. It is visually distinguished by the unmistakable red colour of the ferruginous inclusions in the rock. The overlying shallow soil layer consists of clay and sand and lies on friable, metamorphic rock into which the roots can penetrate. The unmistakably elegant and mineral character of the terroir is thus particularly strongly expressed in this Nebbiolo.

Bright, transparent ruby red with a fine garnet hue. On the nose, small red fruits such as blackberry, redcurrant, cherry and raspberry complemented by fresh, floral notes of violets and roses. The palate is dense with a very tasty attack, silky tannins and a seemingly endless finish. A wine of great austerity and purity with considerable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of cut plum, red liquorice, roasted thyme and hibiscus. Medium-bodied with velvety tannins. Straightforward with real freshness and juicy red fruits." James Suckling

"The 2019 Grumello Sassorosso is a potent wine laced with strong mineral and savory notes that lend nuance as well as energy. Sweet dried cherry, crushed rocks, sage, mint and pipe tobacco open in the bouquet, but the Sassorosso remains a bit stern and unyielding in feel." Vinous

"Spicy at first, with notes of tarry smoke, loamy earth and grilled herbs evolving into a more subtle thread that winds through flavours of plum sauce, cherry reduction, anise and graphite. Long and slightly juicy overall, with a creamy edge to the otherwise chewy tannins that firm up the spicy finish." Wine Spectator

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

Radiant rosé with golden reflections. Fine, refined perlage with a dynamic foam. Its generous aromas are characterised by fragrant nuances of white Mediterranean flowers that harmonise with ripe citrus fruits. This is followed by fresh and intense notes of yellow fruit, nectarine and lychee with generous accents of red berries, pomegranate and pink elderflower. In between, there are delicate notes of white chocolate, cocoa, almonds and marzipan. The flavour corresponds perfectly with the nose and is subtle, silky, seductive and persistent. The fine structure reveals a unique lightness. Long lasting persistence. We are delighted by its crystalline freshness and linearity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale onion skin colour with fine perlage. Nose of fresh orange, some tangerine, wet stone, delicate, light blossom on the finish, inviting. Beautiful precision on the palate, very restrained fruit, pure, very dry." Falstaff

This smooth and exceptionally polished Valtellina Superiore comes from Sassella, one of the most famous villages in the Valtellina appellation on the north bank of the River Adda. Bright ruby red in colour. Camphor, wild roses, wild berries and hints of graphite and vanilla are the main characters in this fragrant red wine. Straightforward and elegantly structured, it reveals red cherry, pomegranate and liquorice on the palate, accompanied by present but fine tannins. The lively acidity provides the necessary drive, including further ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A well-balanced Nebbiolo with notes of red berries, bark and forest floor. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Velvety with a juicy core of red berries. Fresh and delightful." 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

"Freshly sliced green apples, mint and sweet smoke emanate from the NV Franciacorta Non-Dosato Grande Cuvée Alma. It washes over the palate with mineral bubbles accompanied by juicy, ripe fruit. It refreshes the senses, is crisp and has an astonishing length, while a salty note contrasts with lime zest and sweet spices slowly fade away." 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

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

100% white vinified Pinot Nero with complex aromas, beautiful body, persistence and impressive elegance. Intense yellow with a delicate copper hue. Powerful on the palate with fine, persistent perlage and foam. With just 3 g of residual sugar, a very precise and racy Franciacorta in a class of its own. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with persistent perlage. In the nose with delicate smoky notes, of blood oranges and red berries as well as candied pear, fine sea salt in the aftertaste. Seems very pure on the palate, almost austere, very straightforward and with great juice, bone dry, lingers very long." Falstaff

The 46th edition of Ca' del Bosco's classic consists of 76% vintage wine 2021, 21% reserve wine 2020 and 3% reserve wine 2019. The consistently award-winning Cuvée Prestige is a perfect archetype of its DOC: elegant, fresh, full, with a continuous perlage, elegant creaminess and a beautiful body. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, rich straw yellow with gold, long-lasting perlage. Orange blossom, candied orange, dried pineapple and delicate flavours of blood orange on the nose. Great juiciness on the palate, pleasant mouthfeel thanks to the finely organised perlage, light, salty and finesse-rich finish." Falstaff

"Intense floral nose with flavours of nuts, pears and stone fruit. Large, supple bubbles with a medium body, refreshing, brilliant acidity and good length." James Suckling

"The Extra Brut Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige 46 Edizione from the 2021 vintage exudes a bouquet in the glass that combines richness with an airy quality that inspires the senses. Exotic flowers, tropical citrus fruits and young peach resonate. The wine is round and soothing, with a creamy wave of soothing bubbles carried by a lively acidity. It finishes savoury and long, leaving a hint of candied lemon and floral scents lingering on the palate." Vinous

The "Ca' Guicciardi" vineyard takes its name from the farmhouse that lies at its centre. The single vineyard is characterised by small, very steep valleys. Impressive rock faces alternate with terraces supported by some of the highest dry stone walls in Valtellina. The special colour of the rock, which tends towards a quartz-like white, considerably enhances the power of the sun and leads to higher temperatures and more light here than in other parts of the valley.

Vigna Ca' Guicciardi has an intense, bright ruby red colour, pronounced aromas of ripe red fruit with predominant notes of black cherry, blackcurrant and spices, with hints of liquorice, cloves and cinnamon in the background. Soft and full on the palate, without appearing broad or denying its Alpine origins. You can't help but compare it to a complex Burgundy, its round tannins and wonderful depth and length round off the experience in a well-proportioned and highly elegant way. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Valtellina Superiore Inferno Ca' Guicciardi shows a little more ripeness, just a little, which is expressed with strawberry jam, wilted blue flowers, crushed slate and spicy pepper. The Inferno sub-region is known for its warmth, hence the name "Inferno". The mouthfeel is polished, lean and soft." Wine Advocate

"A lovely, harmonious red, expanding with silky finesse on the palate to reveal flavors of cherry coulis, warm fig and red licorice, with a sanguine thread of iron, smoke and spices. Long and supple, with good focus, though only medium-bodied in weight. Lightly chewy on the fragrant, herb-laced finish." Wine Spectator

The "Fracia" vineyard has belonged to Nino Negri since it was founded in 1897. It lies at the confluence of several alpine valleys and the vegetation in this area is almost Mediterranean with lavender and rosemary. The result is a wine that is flavoursome and flowery with a characteristic, spicy aroma.

Intense ruby red colour with garnet reflections. Complex aromas of dog rose and violets on the nose, which develop into spicy notes such as rosemary and lavender. Dense, rich and with well-structured tannins on the palate. The well-balanced and fresh acidity leads to a long, very flavoursome finish. An alpine red that is already a pleasure to drink, but its complexity and power will really come to the fore with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour. Elegant hints of honey, rosehip and strawberries on the nose, some sage, peach, cold smoke. Beautifully polished and fresh on the palate, elegant, slightly creamy fruit, delicately flowing, fine pressure on the finish." Falstaff

"Raspberries, damp earth, herbs and orange peel on the nose. Medium-bodied with dusty tannins and an attractive minerality. Firm and persistent. Drink or store." James Suckling

"The Nino Negri 2019 Valtellina Superiore Valgella Vigna Fracia shows a bright ruby red colour, and although the bouquet is not as expressive as some of its peers, it opens slowly with notes of cassis, dried orange peel and sweet nectarine. The bouquet is characterised by red berries, fruit and a hint of wild roses and mountain flowers. It is delicate and light in texture. This wine is packaged in a bottle with a greenish-grey label that reflects the slate soils of Valgella. Give it a little more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

"Firm and chewy, this compact red opens in the glass, offering a tarry undertow, with flavors of baked cherry, medicinal herbs and white pepper, plus a touch of black licorice. Long and minerally on the finish." Wine Spectator

Pale straw yellow, creamy foam with a fine, persistent perlage. Fragrant and quickly present on the nose with floral and fruity notes reminiscent of apple and white peach. On the palate, it is characterised by liveliness and freshness combined with good balance and unusual elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

To fall in love with this delicate pink with bright, copper-coloured reflections, the even, persistent perlage, the fine fragrance, the elegance and freshness. A thoroughly sensual drinking pleasure. The pure Pinot Nero brut shines with an elegant aroma of strawberries, cranberries and raspberries, which also characterise the lingering taste. SUPERIORE.DE

Fine Franciacorta brut in light yellow gold with a delicate mousse. Very complex and intense on the nose, characterised by fine ripe yeast notes, brioche, delicately spiced, juicy yellow fruit, some peach and citrus. Complex and powerful on the palate, juicy fruit, with a fresh structure, a seductive, minimal extract sweetness on the finish and fine red berry nuances on the taut final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with light golden reflections and persistent perlage. Toast on the nose, yellow peach, ripe yellow apple, iodine, cold candle wax in the aftertaste. Juicy on the palate, with clear, radiant fruit, well balanced, citrus notes of sugared grapefruit on the final, grippy finish." Falstaff

"Intoxicating nose with lush fruit, toast and floral notes; dried herbs, camomile and lemon brioche on the finish." Decanter

"Rich opening notes of apricot tart, marzipan and vanilla-infused pastry cream expand on the finely detailed mousse, animated by a well-honed frame of Meyer lemon peel acidity. Lavish yet focused and nicely trimmed, with ripe fruit, smoke and toast elements echoing on the clean-cut finish." Wine Spectator

"Elegant nose with subtle lemon curd, lime, acacia honey and pastries. Full-bodied on the palate with piquant acidity, fine mousseux, medium body and great length." James Suckling

Brut Nature is Guido Berlucchi's vintage Franciacorta, which does not require any dosage (zero) and thus perfectly rounds off the top end of the 61 collection. The "61" line stands for the year of birth of the first Franciacorta, which was created in 1961 in the centuries-old Berlucchi vineyards. The grapes come from four vineyards between Corte Franca and Provaglio d'Iseo. In its purity, the cuvée perfectly embodies the expression of the terroir and shows the fascination of Chardonnay. Despite its 0 grams of residual sugar, it is rich and full-bodied on the palate. Very big! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, brilliant straw yellow with a fine perlage. Light yeasty notes on the nose, brioche and baked apple, with candied lemon and roasted almonds in the background. Powerful perlage on the palate, beautiful acidity and a long, bone-dry final." Falstaff

"This brut nature opens with green herbs and white peach on the nose, flinty and clean. Exceptional fruit concentration is refreshed by fine perlage and smoky acidity. The finish shows integrated developing tertiary notes, demonstrating complexity and promise for further ageing." Decanter

"Sliced pears, lemons, green apples and biscuits on the nose. It’s crisp, clean and medium-bodied, with fine bubbles and restrained fruit. Dry and focused, with a sharp and mouthwatering finish." James Suckling

"A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Nero, the Guido Berlucchi 2016 Franciacorta '61 Nature Dosaggio Zero sees the finest lots of fruit in oak barrel for six months followed by a minimum five years in bottle. The bouquet emits a mix of dried lemon and baked apple with softly toasted notes to flesh out the mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"This exciting wine is full of energy and vibrancy. The blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir has compelling aromas of tart apples, candied citrus zest, fresh pastry dough and wild herbs. The palate is dry and leads off with lemon zest, green pear, thyme and marjoram, finishing with roasted almonds and minerality." Wine Enthusiast

Delicately yeasty and opulent tropical fruit flavour. Outstanding personality, elegant, full-bodied and with a great balance between fruity softness and structure. Oenologist Mattia Vezzola and Bellavista also set standards in terms of complexity and depth with their Satèn. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium straw yellow colour. Fine aromas of citrus zest and ripe yellow apple on the nose, accompanied by elegant yeast notes and a hint of nuts. Fine foam caresses the palate, while the refreshing acidity and creamy, mineral texture glide gently over the tongue. The finish is characterised by an invigorating freshness that allows the floral accents to linger for a long time. Young and dynamic with plenty of potential for maturity." Falstaff

"Bright and crisp fruit flavours, accompanied by lemon peel, flow from the glass. Light yeasty notes add complexity, while crisp acidity provides freshness. The wine is fruit-driven, with a slight minerality and a hint of yellow flowers." Wine Enthusiast

50 years of Grande Annata! The Grande Annata by Mattia Vezzola seduces you with a beautiful blend of ripe apples, pears, candied ginger and subtle nuances of blood oranges. This outstanding Metodo Classico from Lake Garda is both round and perfectly structured as well as vibrant with its bright acidity and salty minerals clearly taking centre stage. A hint of raw almonds and sour apples lingers on the final, along with a subtle hint of lime that literally tickles the cheeks. Every year, Grande Annata brut is a top sparkling wine of great complexity and with a wonderful arc of tension! SUPERIORE.DE

Brut Nature is Guido Berlucchi's vintage Franciacorta, which does not require any dosage (zero) and thus perfectly rounds off the top end of the 61 collection. The "61" line stands for the year of birth of the first Franciacorta, which was created in 1961 in the centuries-old Berlucchi vineyards. The grapes come from four vineyards between Corte Franca and Provaglio d'Iseo. In its purity, the cuvée perfectly embodies the expression of the terroir and shows the fascination of Chardonnay. Despite its 0 grams of residual sugar, it is rich and full-bodied on the palate. Very big! SUPERIORE.DE

Pinot Nero and Chardonnay give this exceptional Franciacorta a delicate salmon red colour with an orange touch. Strawberry fruit, a hint of blackcurrant and fine floral nuances on the nose. Freshly structured on the palate, with a lively mousse and delicate red berry flavours with citrus undertones. A light-footed character with elegance, character and grace right through to the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense orange-pink with copper reflections. Clear and fragrant on the nose, candle wax, raspberries, subtle hint of salted caramel, some incense on the finish. Balanced and precise on the palate, with fine playfulness and clear fruit, final on a fine vanilla note with a slightly phenolic finish." Falstaff

"Notes of strawberry, cranberry and fresh rose make for a lively and vibrant flavour profile. The wine has a hint of blood orange peel and ends with crisp acidity, a lively perlage and a long-lasting finish." Wine Enthusiast

"A blend with a light proportion of Chardonnay, but with a strong proportion of Pinot Noir, with partial use of oak during vinification and ageing. Very balsamic nose, with notes of redcurrant, thyme and iodised notes." Luca Gardini

Pinot Nero and Chardonnay give this exceptional Franciacorta a delicate salmon red colour with an orange touch. Strawberry fruit, a hint of blackcurrant and fine floral nuances on the nose. Freshly structured on the palate, with a lively mousse and a delicate red berry flavour with citrus undertones. A light-footed character with elegance, character and grace right through to the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a project with which I am still celebrating the beginning of my adventure as a winemaker, which is why this Riserva bears my name. Valgella is the region where my exciting journey began, and this wine not only bears my signature, but also pays tribute to the steep slopes from which we have wrested its fruit with its elegant shyness."

Bright garnet red colour. Fine and subtle on the nose, where the initial iron-rich mineral notes are replaced by articulate aromas of spices, red rum fruit and coffee. Full-bodied and expansive on the palate, ethereal, with a present, sand-blasted tannin structure. Long and juicy on the finish. Certainly needs at least two more years for the tannins and oak to integrate perfectly. We are certain that, with a little patience, it will reach radiant perfection; it is a wine that rightly bears the winemaker's name! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby red colour. Great, open-hearted nose of rose hips, peaches, raspberries, some mint and smoky notes. Medium-bodied on the palate, very juicy, very fruit-accentuated, prancing, shines magnificently on the tongue, straightforward and precise right through to the fine finish." Falstaff

"Dark wild berries, savory spices and roasted earth aromas define the nose of this brooding wine made from Nebbiolo. Ripe black cherries open the palate giving way to more floral, herbal and mineral notes on the long and deep finish." Wine Enthusiast

50 years of Grande Annata! The eye is greeted by a very fine perlage of unusual persistence with well-distributed strings of pearls that form a dense head. In the nose a beguilingly delicate aroma of white smoke, peach peel and a hint of savoury spice. Elegant and structured on the palate - it initially soothes the senses with its silky perlage, only to immediately tantalise them with a mixture of lively acidity and minerals. The finish is clean and elegant; lively notes of melon, green apple, ginger and crushed oyster shells ensure that this Metodo Classico Rosé brut will be remembered for a long time to come ... SUPERIORE.DE