Wines from Lombardy

Franciacorta Satèn, made from the best Chardonnay grapes of the vintage, seduces with a complex bouquet of citrus fruit flavours and fresh yeast pastries. Enveloping and creamy on the palate, structured and harmonious, very persistent and with a nutty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Assertive and pure apricots and almonds with fine mousse, medium body and concentration, zesty acidity and a polished finish. There is a lot of vibrancy here." James Suckling

"The 2020 Brut Franciacorta Satèn Essence offers a savory profile, opening with aromas of white smoke, spice and pear. Silky bubbles caress the palate, leading to a core of mineral-laced orchard fruits and subtle mineral notes. The finish is long and refreshing, with a lingering inner sweetness and minty undertones. This is beautifully balanced." Vinous

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

Franciacorta brut nature, made from white Pinot Nero and classic Chardonnay, is made from the best grapes without adding any dosage. The result is this pure, straightforward, almost purist elegance. Delicately scented with lemon and honey, full-bodied, with a very fresh and persistent perlage. Very fine and distinctive with just 1.90 g/l residual sugar - one of our absolute favourites! SUPERIORE.DE

Essence Rosé Millesimato Brut offers an exciting bouquet of almonds and white bread crust. The palate is characterised by precise fruit, elegant complexity and a balanced structure. The perlage is persistent and fine, firm body, polished mousseux, with a harmonious, fresh and long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant medium orange colour with a fine and persistent perlage. Very complex nose of blood orange, peach, almond flavour and light floral notes. On the palate with a powerful perlage, beautiful fruit flavours and a salty, juicy final." Falstaff

"Rose petals and lavender give way to citrus-kissed peach as the 2019 Brut Rosé Franciacorta Essence evolves in the glass. Silken and round, this displays ripe wild berry fruits lifted by juicy acidity as a mineral tinge forms toward the close. The 2019 tapers off fresh yet long, leaving a tinge of licorice and spice, while the mouth is left watering for more." Vinous

"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

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

"An aromatic bouquet of floral, green melon and sweet spice aromas introduces the 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

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

"The Franciacorta Alma Grande Cuvée Non Dosato is remarkably fresh. A whiff of white smoke gives way to hints of dried flowers, crusty brioche and ginger-spiked apples. This opens with a pretty inner sweetness offset by saline mineral tones and tart orchard fruits. It finishes long and full of tension, leaving a salty flourish savory spice nuances." Vinous

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

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 "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 characterised by the unmistakable red colour of the ferrous 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 therefore particularly evident in this Nebbiolo.

Bright, transparent ruby red colour with a fine garnet hue. Small red fruits such as blackberry, redcurrant, cherry and raspberry on the nose, complemented by fresh, floral notes of violets and roses. Dense on the palate with a very flavourful attack, silky tannins and an almost endless finish. A wine of great rigour and purity with considerable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby with garnet-red tendencies. Medium intensity on the nose with hints of wild raspberry and redcurrant, followed by floral and earthy notes. Clearer on the palate with fresh fruit, tightly woven tannins, fresh and juicy through to the finish." Falstaff

"This is minerally and enticing on the nose, but then a burst of ripe black raspberry, cherry and strawberry fruit flavors on the palate offers its own appeal. The creamy tannins provide fine, supple structure, while hints of fig cake, smoke and bay leaf are fragrant and lingering on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Valtellina Superiore Grumello Sassorosso reveals hints of iron ore, rusty nail, redcurrant and pressed rose. This wine reflects the earthy quality of Grumello. There is a brief moment of apricot-like sweetness on the mid-palate that transitions over to a tart flavor of wild plum or blood orange. The vintage warmth is felt in the silky nature of the mouthfeel and the wine's soft tannins. There are no rough spots here, and this has the most determined character among these new releases from Nino Negri." Wine Advocate

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

Light, bright yellow colour, delicate aroma of white fruits and flowers. Fresh, well-balanced flavour with pleasantly lively acidity, a delicate bitter almond note in the aftertaste and a fine mineral vein in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

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