Wines from Veneto

The first year of production of the single-varietal Merlot Clos Roareti dates back to 2004. The grapes are harvested from the 2 hectare historic Rovereti vineyard in Negrar. In this 100-year-old vineyard, which is surrounded by equally old walls, Merlot has been cultivated since the 1990s and is perfectly adapted to the climate and the red clay soil. The palate is rich and full-bodied with complex and very aromatic notes. Maturation in oak barrels gives this wine its special flavour and certain opulence. SUPERIORE.DE

"Some dried berries, plums, baking spices, dark earth and peppercorn funk. Fluid and dense with some graininess on the palate, followed by a slightly gamey finish." James Suckling

"Sage and rosemary combine with wild blueberries and a hint of undergrowth when the 2020 Rosso Clos Roareti blossoms in the glass. On the palate, it is silky and supple, with mineral-tinged red and blue fruits accentuated by a hint of mocha towards the end. The finish is structured, long and lingers on balsamic herbs and tobacco." Vinous

Strong, bright straw yellow colour. Characterful, youthful and rich bouquet of dried nectarines, peach, yellow apple, mint and a fresh hint of almonds. The depth of its texture is in perfect contrast to the savoury acids, minerals and notes of sour apples, but a feeling of balanced ripeness always remains. The finish is long and structured and seems to melt slowly on the palate, leaving savoury spices and a fine tannin behind. It already has a lot to offer today, but should mature a little more in the bottle for more structure and elegance. A wonderfully exciting interpretation of Garganega from a small single vineyard in the Carbonare region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, light golden yellow colour. Elegant, multi-layered bouquet with notes of ripe pear, lime and yellow pepper, with a hint of flint on the finish. Beautifully harmonious on the palate with a compact fruit centre, invigorating acidity and fine juiciness on the lingering finish." Falstaff

"Notes of spiced quince, lemon peel, camphor and salted almonds. Salty wines are all the rage, and this wine has plenty of phenolic saltiness and a distinct acidity. The long and convincing finish is carried by a hint of energy. A brilliant Soave. A true mountain wine." James Suckling

An accessible, fruit-accentuated classic at a high level. A clear aroma of wild berries and flowers, with a mix of dark berry notes, fine spices and light tannins on the palate. Flavour and depth give this noble Valpolicella its wonderful drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a fine, brightening rim. Intense on the nose, cranberry compote, juniper and leather on the finish. Silky texture on the palate, with lots of ripe fruit, slightly spicy and with well-integrated tannins, long presence." Falstaff

"Aromas of dried fruit and nuts follow through to a medium-bodied palate with a dense bead of bright fruit and fine, slightly drying tannins. Very direct and concentrated with good forward acidity. Give this wine a little more time for the tannins to resolve further." James Suckling

"The 2020 Valpolicella Superiore Maternigo is wickedly fresh and floral, wafting up with suggestions of violet and lavender before giving way to crushed blackberries. This is a soft-textured mix of savory and sweet, with saline minerals complicating its tart wild berry fruits. It tapers off with tension, leaving a pleasantly tense sensation and hints of sour orange that pucker the cheeks. Don’t be afraid to lose the 2020 Maternigo in the cellar for a number of years." Vinous

La Grola is the eponymous, historic vineyard where Corvina, the indigenous grape of Valpolicella, is believed to have originated. The replanting of the vineyard by Giovanni Allegrini triggered an agronomic revolution and laid the foundations for the success of this wine-growing region, which today stands for convincing, great red wines from north-east Italy.

Dense, dark ruby red in colour, very rich and powerful on the nose with notes of wild and overripe berries. The rich fullness of coffee to black cherries is underlined by present, pleasant tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby colour with a dark core and fine garnet-red rim. Multi-layered bouquet of dark chocolate, cassis, underpinned by fine spice. Velvety texture on the palate, harmonious and round, concentrated fruit and pronounced length." Falstaff

"Bright cherry red. Quite a reticent nose but masses of flavour on the palate with attractive bitterness after dried cherry fruit and a hint of charcoal. Quite a bit of texture here and a chewy, long finish. I wouldn't recommend drinking it without food. It's quite a statement!" Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 La Grola shows ripe fruit, some herbal notes in the background, liquorice, tar and gentle spices. This simple red wine has a slightly wild side with fresh acidity and a whistling, clean finish. La Grola paints a more concentrated picture of Corvina, a grape usually used in traditional Amarone blends." Wine Advocate

"Dark, brooding and complex, the 2020 La Grola tantalises the imagination with notes of spiced blood orange, cloves, dark chocolate and dried black cherries. It has a soft texture and more verve than expected, with lively acidity and a wave of tart wild berries that slowly saturate. The wine finishes with tension, with a primary concentration of fine-grained tannins that linger. The 2020 is an intense La Grola that will require patience." Vinous

"An elegant red wine with fine tannins that blend seamlessly with the ripe flavours of black and red cherries. Accents of smoked tobacco, rosehip, cocoa powder and aniseed run through the fruit profile, and a subtle, mineral hint of fresh earth and iron lingers on the finish." Wine Spectator

"La Grola has been an integral part of the Allegrini family since 1989. This blend of 90% Corvina and 10% Oseleta opens with aromas of black plums, preserved black cherries, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper and violets. As the wine progresses, notes of cedar, cigar box and tobacco develop. On the palate, rich, black-coloured fruit dances with taut, well-structured tannins, while savoury and earthy notes add to the fascination." Wine Enthusiast

"A single vineyard whose fruit comes from a historically important site that is quite steep and calcareous and slopes down towards the Adige. No dried grapes. The tannins of the Oseleta are hard, firm and powerful on the attack. However, the mid-palate is round and energetic, softening any impression of stiffness as it expands aniseed, mint, leather varnish and dark, saturated berry fruit. This is a very good wine made for the cellar." James Suckling

"Podere La Grola, Sant'Ambrogio in Valpolicella, Corvina with a small proportion of Oseleta, which undergoes malolactic fermentation and matures in barriques. Liquorice, blackberry jam and lime on the nose, salty-sweet on the palate, with a fruity finish and slightly iodised final." Luca Gardini

"This wine comes from my family's historic vineyard. It is a wine that is the result of long reflection, study and experimentation, where nothing has been left to chance: Monte Grande is to be my great Soave wine." Graziano Prà

Monte Grande is the white cru of the house and a blend of 70% Garganega and 30% Trebbiano di Soave of great complexity with ideal ageing potential. Deep bouquet of exotic fruits and rocks with a fine citrus note. Multi-layered and spicy on the palate, intense and sharply focussed, with mineral notes and a pretty salty core. Beautifully crafted acidity, with notes of orange zest and almonds on the long finish. A terrificmasterpiece! SUPERIORE.DE

"A riper iteration, suggestive of dried or later harvested fruit. Tangerines, kumquats and salted quince. There is ample poise, avoiding excess by virtue of a streak of saline freshness and a ripple of volcanic energy. A fine, mid-weighted Soave, showing drinkability over weight and ripeness. A welcome choice." James Suckling

"Opening with aromas of jasmine and white tea that lead to fresh, crisp apples and roasted almonds, this Soave is a wine that is hard to move past the nose. Mouthwatering acidity and a honeyed texture define the wine's palate as roasted orchard fruits, flint and pressed yellow flowers all weave in and out of focus. It is a complex and compelling wine that shows the greatness of this region in full." Wine Enthusiast

The aromas of citrus fruit, almonds and exotic fruit are impressive in Le Rive. Its flavour is soft and powerful, with a wonderful freshness right into the long finish. A wonderful, elegant wine that once again puts the three sisters at the forefront of their region. SUPERIORE.DE

"The oldest vines of the estate at 85-years-old. The warmest site, south-facing. While palpably dry, the fruit becomes intuitively tropical of nature by virtue of the site's proclivity for later harvesting. Thus, the 'Vendemmia Tardiva' nomenclature. The only wine at this address that sees oak (large, neutral French), handled beautifully as a buttress for the teeming fruit, laced with gingery spice across a long, bolshy finish." James Suckling

Already the famous Italian wine critic Veronelli rated the Colli Berici together with Bolgheri as one of the best growing areas for the Bordelais grape varieties. This rare Merlot is dedicated to its creator Alfredo Lazzarini, whose vineyards Inama recently acquired, and it represents the history of the Colli Berici. Dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, delicate watery rim. Spicy nuances of black cherries, ripe plums, forest floor, some jasmine and a pleasant touch of precious wood. Juicy on the palate, with good complexity and a chocolaty texture, round tannins and a discreet extract sweetness on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Foscarino from vines over 40 years old is matured for 12 months on the fine lees in used barrique barrels and stainless steel and is probably one of the most complex Soave Classico wines we have ever tasted. Bright straw yellow in colour with golden reflections. Elegant, inviting bouquet of light honey, dried citrus fruit, exotic flowers and a hint of ginger. Juicy and straightforward on the palate of layered stone fruit, precise and with piquant acidity, all proportions are impressively right here. Complex and multi-layered, it reveals new impressions with every glass and increasing aeration and ends in a salty finish, very exciting! SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw yellow colour with greenish-gold reflections. Elegant and inviting on the nose of ripe stone fruit, with notes of camomile and fine fumé. Almost creamy on entry, glides gently over the palate with a juicy fruit centre and great harmony on the long finish." Falstaff

"This wine is very intense with electric acidity. Dried apples, lemons and minerals with a salty undertone. Full-bodied, with phenolic tension and an extremely long finish. Hints of oysters. It needs another two or three years to show its greatness, but it's already fantastic." James Suckling

straw yellow with golden reflections. Epoca Prestige is the distilled essence of fine vinous aromas and fragrances, then aged for 4 years in selected used oak barrels, making this grappa graceful, spicy-soft and elegant. SUPERIORE.DE

A very elegant Recioto di Soave with an intense golden yellow colour. The fresh citrus bouquet and the delicately herbaceous-lovely taste form a ravishing symbiosis. A dessert wine full of character that lingers long. SUPERIORE.DE

In 2017, Stefano Pola was proposed to plant a vineyard in the heart of the beautiful area of the Belluno Dolomites, more precisely about 9 hectares in the Valbelluna area on a well-exposed high plateau at about 650 metres above sea level. The soil here is medium-heavy with calcareous deposits typical of mountain regions. Some layers contain solidified sands that form sandstone, and in other areas marls, i.e. old clays, are exposed. The soil structure is very stony, which provides good drainage and aeration conditions. The high lime content gives the wines a distinct olfactory finesse.

This new project centres on four grape varieties that are completely different from those in Stefano Pola's core business in Valdobbiadene: Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, Gewürztraminer and
Rheinriesling. After several years of research and experimentation, the first labels are now being launched on the market, expressing one thing straight away: Stefano's passion for precise and authentic wines!

With its soft, light and delicate pink colour, Alture Rosato, made from Pinot Nero according to the classic method, has an elegant appearance with a creamy and enveloping perlage. The nose reveals all the finesse that the chalky soils of dolomitic origin can impart: Notes of freshly picked red fruits, wild strawberries and raspberries accompany flower petals and citrus notes. In the background, fresh almond, hints of bread crust and sweet spices. On the palate, the wine is rich, incisive and flavoursome, with a consistently dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep, dark red, fresh, vegetal notes on the nose, delicate smoky aromas and red berry fruit. The flavour is elegant and dense. A wonderfully juicy cuvée for sophisticated drinking pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, dark ruby red colour. Initially ripe cherry fruit on the nose, then leather, pepper spice, cassis. On the palate with pithy tannins, rich pressure and beautiful juiciness, shows a full-bodied, long finish, turns in the middle section, then slightly drying on the finish." Falstaff

"Classic bold aromas of dark plums, macerated cherries laced with star anise and clove lift from the glass of this Bordeaux Blend, with Italian style. Well structured with fine tannins, the sublime palate balances between concentrated fruits and savory earthiness." Wine Enthusiast

"This is showing aromas of olives, dried herbs, walnuts, sour cherries and cedar. Spicy, chewy and tasty, with a medium body and firm, fine-grained tannins. Excellent balance." James Suckling

This rare extra virgin olive oil comes from Veneto, the trees of the Grignano variety grow around Fittà near Soave. The fruit for this pure and certified organic olive oil is hand-picked and gently cold-pressed. It flows out of the bottle in a rich, golden yellow colour with light green reflections. The nose is delicately fruity and very fragrant, with notes of lemon leaves and white flowers. On the palate, it has a slight sharpness and the pleasant flavour of almonds and citrus fruits. SUPERIORE.DE

Generous, seductive and very complex bouquet of cherries, plums, spices and other flavours. The flavour of the "Vigneti Vallata di Marano" is particularly impressive due to its elegance and length. A wonderful Amarone in which power and concentration go hand in hand. SUPERIORE.DE

"A classically rich Amarone that has aromas of walnuts, dates, dried cherries and spice box. Full-bodied and powerful yet tangy and stylish, with chewy layers of dried fruit and spices." James Suckling

La Fabriseria comes across as an elegant, medium-bodied Amarone. Its intensity, tannin structure and density are hard to beat in this price range. Very juicy on the palate, full-bodied and soft, with notes of cherries, cardamom and cloves. And always with the elegant seriousness of the Tedeschi family's great flagship of the same name. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very deep ruby red colour. Spicy notes of white pepper and tobacco on the nose, with hints of coffee and small red fruits. Full-bodied and intense in the mouth, soft, with character, personality and pronounced tannins on the finish, lingers for a long time." Falstaff

"Vibrant and fresh aromas of wild cherry and sour plum give way to exotic purple flower aromas and tobacco on the nose. The palate pops with tart red fruit notes followed by a mix of sweet and savory spices finishing with a bright pop of acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"A dense nose of dried fruit, mainly plums and black berries, which opens up a little on the medium-bodied palate, but the fruit is still essentially wrapped in a cocoon of fine, slightly drying tannin. This wine clearly needs more time in bottle to develop, but it shows great promise. Try decanting it now, but best from 2024." James Suckling

"The 2019 Valpolicella Classico Superiore La Fabriseria has sweet cherry syrup or crème de cassis that transitions to a savory side with hints of spice and tarry smoke. The wine presents bright flavors and enough structure to pair next to a heavy meat ragù and homemade pasta." Wine Advocate

"This is a long-standing and favourite Tedeschi production. The 2019 Valpolicella Classico Superiore La Fabriseria has sweet cherry syrup or crème de cassis that fades into a savoury side with hints of spice and tarry smoke." Wine Advocate

"The Valpolicella Superiore La Fabriseria 2019 is a real delight on the nose, with an opulent blend of crushed black cherries complemented by cinnamon, cloves and cocoa. It is silky and supple, with a lively acidity that further enlivens the ripe red fruit and inner spice. The 2019 tapers off with amazing length but also freshness, leaving a subtle train of fine tannins as the raspberry and liquorice notes slowly fade. This is a real crowd favourite." Vinous

"From grapes left to slightly over-ripen on the vine, with a portion of the fruit left uncrushed for fermentation, it has a deep and perfumed blackcurrant aroma with noticeable tannic structure overlaid by incredibly smooth and plush fruit. Despite this, it's light on its feet and well balanced despite the 15.5% alcohol, lifted on the finish by a touch of balsam." Decanter

Grave di Stecca is Nino Franco's exposed single vineyard on the slopes of the Prealpi. The south-facing vineyard is planted exclusively with the Prosecco grape Glera. Brilliantly shiny white gold, gently emerging perlage, a bouquet of sage with a fresh fruit scent. Very pleasantly dry on the palate, silky and long - the undisputed great top growth of the renowned Prosecco forge. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful bright lemon yellow with green accents. Distinctive aroma of delicate herbs (thyme), ripe pineapple and passion fruit, plus fine brioche notes and nut butter. Builds up richly, fills the entire palate, delicate and multi-layered in the drink, coherent, also complex and long-lasting in the finish." Falstaff

"Lush aromas of glazed apples and baked nectarines are well defined by a bright, lively acid structure in this elegant example. The texture is soft and creamy, with fragrant notes of lime zest, Earl Grey tea and graphite in the mid-palate and finish, with a hint of fleur de sel melting on the finish." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, a rich blend of cider apple, yuzu and hints of green tea and almond. Very fruity on the palate too, with a medium fizz and a tasty, spicy finish. Lots of character." James Suckling

"The 2016 Brut Grave di Stecca displays a brilliant golden colour in the glass, with a stunning bouquet of peach jam and sweetly spiced flowers, contrasted by wild herbs and crushed stone. The texture is creamy yet edgy, with zesty acidity that pinches the cheeks, but also an abundance of ripe fruit trees and floral scents that arch across the palate. It leaves a hint of ginger and a bitter hint of roasted hazelnuts, but the finish is one of cleansing freshness. The 2016 is not about power or fruit, but delicacy and graceful impact. I love it. Grave di Stecca is a single vineyard in the hills of Valdobbiadene with old Glera vines." Vinous

"Light and airy, this lovely sparkling wine has inviting aromas of ripe white stone fruit, spring flowers and baking spices. On the dry, foamy palate, elegant perlage and fresh acidity accompany ripe yellow apples, Bartlett pear, vanilla cake cream and a hint of white almond." Wine Enthusiast

"Grave di Stecca represents both the best of Prosecco – specifically Valdobbiadene – and the best of what is not ‘Prosecco’; the authorities refused to certify it as DOCG due to its atypical style, so to this day Nino Franco bottles it as a vino spumante in protest. The grapes are sourced from the walled Grave di Stecca vineyard, the site of the family residence, purchased by Franco in 1991. Super-aromatic and exotically scented, with passion fruit and ripe banana, in the mouth it’s very mineral and earthy, intense and rich but well sculpted. Tropical and spicy, it’s slightly creamy – almost mushroomy – with a lip-smacking saline finish. This wine can age well thanks to extended lees ageing of the base wines then long maturation in bottle before release." Decanter

The grapes for this graceful Valpolicella Classico come from the Miniere vineyard on the Bertani Villa Novare estate, a south-west-facing site covering just 4 hectares and consisting of two terraces. Bright ruby red in colour, with a very clear nose of fresh fruit, cherry and wild berries, with elegant notes of white pepper. Spicy, juicy and flavoursome on the palate, with remarkable persistence, straightforwardness and great length! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red colour. Delicate fruity notes on the nose, raspberries and cherries, some orange zest and a hint of herbs. Pomegranate on the palate, fresh and straightforward, refreshing acidity, delicate tannins, salty final." Falstaff

Le Rive is a single-varietal Garganega made from grapes harvested late from volcanic soils. On the nose, the aromas of citrus fruit, almonds and exotic fruit are impressive. Its flavour is soft and powerful, with a wonderful freshness right through to the long finish, combined with an ebb and flow of minerals. A wonderful and highly distinctive wine with which the three sisters have once again put themselves at the forefront of their region. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Garganega Le Rive 2021 is a real treat for the nose. A bouquet of honeyed flowers gives way to dried apricots and peaches, embellished by an enriching note of lemon custard. It opens with a balanced inner sweetness that reveals lush, ripe stone fruit and a hint of candied lemon layered over a silky texture. On the long and dramatic final, the 2021 remains coloured in its primary concentration on the palate, lingering with its citrus notes while the mouth demands more. Le Rive is certainly not shy, but the balance is fantastic. Make sure you keep a few bottles in the cellar." Vinous

"This silky white's ripe and juicy flavors of pineapple, melon and guava fruit are well-defined by sleek acidity, with a zesty thread of pink grapefruit peel and ground ginger. Hints of creamed almond and spun honey enrich the fruit profile, while the finish is long and minerally." Wine Spectator

"An 85-year-old parcel opposite Carbonare, harvested late and fermented in tonneaux. The resemblance to a fine white Burgundy is striking. Notes of tangerine, apricot kernel and camomile are underpinned by a racy, stony freshness. A brilliant wine that hints at sweetness but finishes dry, mineral and powerful. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

The Durella grapes for this sparkling wine produced using the Champagne method come from the volcanic soils of the Agno Valley. Brilliant, light straw yellow in colour with a fine, persistent perlage. Salty, fruity notes of citrus fruit and quince on the nose. Powerful and mouth-filling on the palate, lively with striking acidity and a wonderful, bone-dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Energetic and vibrant from the moment the cork pops, this wine opens with citrus, stone fruit and fresh lily aromas. Bright, yet with a cream texture from the elegant perlage that helps the citrus oil, white peach and subtle mineral notes lift on the palate." Wine Enthusiast

"A grape variety with high acidity and optimum ripeness for such a creamy, sparkling and non-dosed sparkling wine. Also very good. Accents of vanilla apples and lemon blossom are brought to a good length by a persistent perlage and juicy acidity." James Suckling

"The Metodo Classico Durella Leon is airy and fresh with a spicy burst of ground ginger that fades into young peach and white smoke. It is savoury and mineral, with a silky bead of fine bubbles and salty fruit that slowly saturates. Notes of lime zest meet sour melon and the finish is long and powerful." Vinous

In 2017, Stefano Pola was proposed to plant a vineyard in the heart of the beautiful area of the Belluno Dolomites, more precisely about 9 hectares in the Valbelluna area on a well-exposed high plateau at about 650 metres above sea level. The soil here is medium-heavy with calcareous deposits typical of mountain regions. Some layers contain solidified sands that form sandstone, and in other areas marls, i.e. old clays, are exposed. The soil structure is very stony, which provides good drainage and aeration conditions. The high lime content gives the wines a distinct olfactory finesse.

This new project centres on four grape varieties that are completely different from those in Stefano Pola's core business in Valdobbiadene: Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, Gewürztraminer and
Rheinriesling. After several years of research and experimentation, the first labels are now being launched on the market, expressing one thing straight away: Stefano's passion for precise and authentic wines!

Straw yellow colour, very bright with golden reflections. The nose reveals all the finesse that the chalky soils of dolomitic origin can impart. Citrus notes and white flowers accompany the classic varietal Chardonnay flavours of honey and ripe fruit. Citrus, light bread crust and sweet spices in the background. Rich, concise and flavoursome on the palate, with a precise and consistently dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for this high-calibre Valpolicella Classico Superiore come from the rather barren, calcareous and terraced vineyards of Tenuta Novare above the Ognisanti church. Wines of greater complexity, perfect structure and higher concentration are produced here than in most other vineyards in Valpolicella. Sparkling ruby-garnet colour. Fragrant nose with wonderful overtones of sour cherry, dried flowers and white pepper. Perfectly balanced on the palate with firm tannins and wonderful spice and depth of fruit thanks to the ageing in wood. A superior, winning wine from the heart of the Valpolicella region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light ruby red colour with edge brightening. Lots of herbs and tobacco on the nose at the start, followed by compact cherry fruit. Lively and refreshing on the palate, harmonious, animating, juicy, ripe tannins and vibrant acidity, lingering final." Falstaff

"There is a palpable energy to this gorgeous expression, distinguishing it from the galumphing standard of so many in the region. Pinot in spades, with a tingle of red mountain berries and orange peel. The taut and pumice-like tannins direct crunchy length. The oak is evident but very subtle. The acidity is palate-whetting and juicy. A delicious wine." James Suckling

Amarone Selezione Antonio Castagnedi delivers high quality for its price every year: bright ruby red with sparkling reflections. A variety of aromas of violets, graphite, black cherries and minerals and a lively, structured, down-to-earth, very present style. Its richness and depth make it the perfect accompaniment to winter cuisine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright, rich ruby red colour. Very fragrant bouquet on the nose, spicy, cinnamon, blood orange, fresh peach, raspberries. Spicy flavours and clear fruit on the palate, balanced, with a juicy tannin finish and beautiful length." Falstaff

"If you've ever had the opportunity to stand in old hand-fired brick drying sheds, three storeys high, filled with hot steam, leaves tied in bundles, stacked up and up and up, you'll know what this wine smells like. It is an extraordinary odour. It smells of steam-soaked red clay bricks, of tobacco leaves, green, yellow, gold, copper-coloured, brown and of earth, spices, dust and oven smoke. It is the smell of a good Amarone. And this one carries its layers of tobacco between layers of dried plums, dried cherries, crushed rosehips, bitter oranges and nutmeg. It is dry, elegant, refined. It is an extraordinary beauty." Jancis Robinson

"Very dense on the nose, so it should be swirled well to emphasise the bright red fruits such as raspberries and red cherries, which are immediately apparent on the palate. Full-bodied and structured, with a youthful feel created by the backbone of fresh tannins. It can be drunk at the dinner table now, but it is made to last and will lie in the cellar for a few more years." James Suckling

"The 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Antonio Castagnedi is a dark, seductive wine with a blend of black cherries and crushed purple candies that fade into a hint of cocoa. The wine is silky smooth, almost creamy, yet full-bodied, with ripe red fruit contrasted by a hint of bitter balsamic spice. It finishes with youthful tension, leaving a layer of grippy tannins that are nicely balanced by a hint of residual acidity. The 2019 has a wonderful balance that makes it an excellent choice for the dinner table, but will also aid its ageing. It also has only 15% alcohol. Beautiful." Vinous

The grapes for this fine Valpolicella come from limestone marl soils in the terraced vineyards of the Novare winery. Similar to the Amarone method, the grapes undergo a second fermentation on the sweetish skins of dried grapes in March after the harvest. Deep ruby red in colour, with warm spicy notes, cherry, black pepper and hints of chocolate on the palate. Animating in the glass with intense fruity flavours, wonderfully soft tannin structure and beautiful persistence. This multi-layered, luxurious wine has nothing to hide behind its big brother! SUPERIORE.DE

"Wild strawberry and cherry fruit is ripe and bright in this elegant red, with a tang of pomegranate seed and tangerine peel. Light on its feet and fresh, with light, chewy tannins showing on the lingering finish of aromatic mineral, spice and Mediterranean macchia notes." Wine Spectator

"If I were forced to choose a series of wines that could lead the anachronistic Ripasso category into a better future, this would be one of the few. A medium-bodied, lean expression with just enough fruit in the bones. Think strawberries, lilacs, Asian plums, cloves and a hint of liquorice. A noble, almost alpine bitterness lifts the finish. Brilliant." James Suckling