Wines from Veneto

The Passito I Capitelli is like a delicious sweet, with a lightly mouth-coating and finely knitted palette of flavours that includes fruity notes of papaya, candied watermelon, preserved Meyer lemon and dried fig, with aromatic accents of tea rose, star anise and pickled ginger just above the dryness level. Luscious and juicy, with fresh acidity on the slightly roasted finish, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"A sweet and nutty passito with aromas and flavors of dried peach and apricot. Some floral complexity, too. It’s full and sweet, but contained, without any cloying or syrupy character. All in all, it’s a nimble, balanced and inviting sweet wine." James Suckling

"Silky and lightly mouth-coating, this bright, smooth bonbon offers a core of mandarin sorbet, mango and passion fruit coulis. It offers aromatic accents of candied ginger, jasmine, graham cracker and chive blossom and has a long and creamy finish." Wine Spectator

This grappa is made from the marcs of the famous Bordeaux blend Capo di Stato. Fresh and clear with a slightly peppery bouquet and hints of spices and berries. The aromatic components continue on the palate with finesse until the elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very fruity nose, of cherries and raspberries, wild strawberries, flowers in the finish, very fresh. Opens up in the mouth on pear flavours, melting, slightly sweet, well integrated alcohol, very long finish." Falstaff

The clay content in the forest soils of this incredible, almost untouched area around Oratorio di San Lorenzo gives the wine a unique note. Rich red with blue-violet reflections. Intense on the nose with notes of medicinal herbs, ripe red berries, blood orange, pepper and spices. On the palate then very precise and clear with dark fruits, a delicious spiciness and tannins that are still firm when young. Already seductive today and then elegant and silky with increasing bottle maturity. SUPERIORE.DE

pepnose. Juicy fruit channeled through a dense network of dry, firm, super-spicy tannins. A beautiful lift of dried herbs (sage, rosemary, lavender and oregano) and, a bit like their Cabernet, this lovely savoury-sweet element that is like oven-roasted cherry tomatoes with roasted vine and white pepper. Very gouleyant." Jancis Robinson

"Dark ruby red with a violet core. Scents of thyme and tarragon, black pepper on the nose, paired with blackcurrant and orange zest. On the palate juicy, dense and compact, well-integrated tannins, goes with vigour into the long finish." Falstaff

"The 2019 Carménère Carminium is remarkably floral and fresh, exuding notes of redcurrant, rosemary and ground ginger reminiscent of pepper. It is a model of purity with bright acidity lifting the mineral red fruits while savoury spices swirl through the nose. The 2019 finishes classically dry and lightly textured, leaving tart raspberry notes on the finish. This is an incredibly beautiful vintage for Carminium." Vinous

"It has a complex nose of dried thyme, tobacco, sage, tar and blackberries. Also peppercorns and cloves. It is medium-bodied, with firm tannins. Finely integrated and concentrated, with a firm finish. Better after 2024." James Suckling

Piera Dolza means "gentle stone" and is the name for a very rare, historic dessert wine that was first produced around 1600 in the traditional Prosecco area around Conegliano. It is only thanks to the initiative of 7 small local producers that it is produced again today.

This delicious wine is a blend of three different local grape varieties: Glera (Prosecco), Verdiso and Boschera. The grapes are dried on racks for 6-8 months and are then pressed by hand with a wine press. The resulting concentrated must ferments in barriques for a month and matures there for another three years. As with many other passito wines, tradition dictates that the barriques in which the wine is stored are not completely full. This leads to gradual oxidation and towards the end of the ageing process results in characteristics similar to those of sherry or Marsala.

This gives the final product great longevity, which means that an opened bottle can be enjoyed for several weeks. The wine is amber in colour, very complex on the nose with a bouquet of ripe and dried fruit with notes of apricots, almonds and figs. There are also citrus fruits that are a perfect balance to the sweet spices and vanilla. On the palate, it is a real explosion for the taste buds: residual sweetness and alcohol content make the wine soft and full-bodied, but without being too broad or too sweet. The velvety feel is entwined with a beautiful acidity that refreshes the palate and makes the wine very long. The brilliant final is characterised by notes of citrus fruits, caramel, almond and peach. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, light amber. Shows notes of dried porcini mushrooms, baked apple, plus almonds and baked apple on the nose. Spreads richly on the palate, notes of a basket full of dried fruit, seems almost dry in the final due to a slightly bitter component." Falstaff

Pure naturalness from Trebbiano di Soave, without dosage and without the addition of foreign sulphites. The Opera Semplice, produced using the classic bottle fermentation method, plays with fruity, yeasty notes, has a complex mineral side, is excellently structured and at the same time fresh and flavoursome. Sparkling wine purists will shout "Bravo"! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Trebbiano Soave Classico Opera Semplice is remarkably pretty, wafting up with honeyed florals, freshly sliced peaches and chamomile. This washes across the palate with a soothing bead of mineral-tinged bubbles as a contrast of tart green apples and sweet spices cascade across the palate. This finishes wickedly fresh yet with a rich note of raw almond as a reverberation of residual acidity maintains marvelous freshness. This is simply stunning. The Zero dosage Opera Semplice is produced using Metodo Classico and without any sulfur." Vinous

The Andreola family business in Col San Martino was founded in 1984 by Nazzareno Pola in the heart of the Valdobbiadene wine-growing region. In his honour, a wonderful Prosecco Superiore is produced here every year in small batches, which has now received the highest award in Gambero Rosso for the first time with the 2023 vintage. For Stefano Pola, the Etichetta del Fondatore represents the highest expression of finesse and olfactory elegance that the Glera grape can give in the core zone of Prosecco Superiore - combined with the verticality and juiciness that the soils give it, without ever losing its lightness and drinkability.

Bright, sparkling straw yellow with delicate reflections. Jasmine, crisp apple and fresh peach on the nose, with subtle hints of citrus fruit and incense, very inviting. Very harmonious on the palate with an airy perlage, crystalline in the middle, with pronounced fruit, elegantly floating, sparkling clean, with a long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling straw yellow colour. Fragrant and distinctive on the nose of juicy pear, ice candy and elderflower, with hints of jasmine and a subtle mineral note on the finish. Soft and with a fine mousse on the palate, elegant balance of fresh acidity and sweet fruit." Falstaff

Brilliant golden yellow colour. Complex notes of light peach, fresh pineapple and poached apricot on the nose. Rich and creamy on the palate with accents of smoke and toasted almonds. The finish is long-lasting, mineral and herb-accentuated. This very focussed and complex white paints a beautiful portrait of the refined side of the Trebbiano di Lugana grape, which is becoming increasingly popular. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, bright straw yellow with a golden centre. Complex nose with notes of pickled peach and camomile, delicate smoky notes in the background. Taut on the palate, ripe fruit and crisp acidity, unfortunately a noticeable use of wood on the final, still needs to age." Falstaff

"Aromas of toast and pineapple fruit. The attack is soft and smooth, with a silky texture, a glycerine layer, refreshing acidity and a light to medium body. Cedar that is lean on the finish. Drinkable now, but it has potential for aging." James Suckling

"Rich flavors of toasted hazelnut, patisserie apple and pear, lemon curd and vanilla are chiseled by well-honed acidity and a streak of salinity in this white, which shows focus and tension. Tightly meshed today, this will unfurl nicely with some bottle age or in the glass." Wine Spectator

Bright silver-grey with a persistent, finesse-rich perlage. A wonderful nose of white flowers and light-coloured fruit. Full, broad and creamy elegance on the palate, supported by a delicate acidity. A very expressive and sensual Prodecco Superiore from the top Cartizze vineyard. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow colour with a slight perlage. Fresh pineapple and peach on the nose, with a white rose petal aftertaste. Fruity-sweet entry on the palate, well balanced by acidity and perlage, finishes fruity and clean." Falstaff

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

"Bright ruby red with brightening edges. Lots of mocha and pepper on the nose, with a cassis and blueberry aftertaste. Precise fruit on the palate with racy acidity, tightly woven tannins with good drinking pleasure. Great fun!" Falstaff

"This shows aromas of dark cherries, white pepper and touches of tile and stemmy herbs. Juicy, with succulent fruit intersected by fresh acidity and chalky tannins. Very enjoyable." James Suckling

Great Prosecco Cartizze from the top vineyard of the same name with creamy aromas of pineapple and citrus fruit. Round, supple and expressive with wonderful fruit flavours on the palate. It also offers a delicate complexity with beautiful floral flavours, offset by grated lemon peel and white minerals. The finish is compact and fine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light lemon yellow with silver reflections and a persistent, fine perlage. Ripe Williams pear, white peach, acacia blossom, light herbal notes and orange zest on the nose. Beautiful juiciness and minerality on the palate, well-balanced, elegant and with a lovely flow, citrus zest and well-integrated perlage in the long final." Falstaff

"A fresh and elegant sparkling wine with lemon, peach, green apple and a hint of honey on the nose, followed by a light to medium body on the palate and soft bubbles." James Suckling

The name says it all: Marne means marl soil, on which the vines for this marvellous Amarone grow. They are over 20 years old and lie in an ideal 180° direction, from south-west to south-east. Rich, shiny ruby red colour, compact bouquet with intense aromas of plum, black cherry, green tea and tobacco, with a fine chocolate note in the background. The body, coated in fine berry fruit, develops a dynamic flavour experience on the palate with a sweet fruit melt, firm tannins and a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, bright ruby red with garnet reflections. A complex nose of dried red fruits, liquorice and forest floor, with a balsamic finish. Powerful on the palate with intense fruit and length as well as a fine tannin structure." Falstaff

"Dried flowers, plums, red berries, beautifully combined with leather, oak, figs and dates, lively freshness with a beautiful tannin structure." Decanter

"The wines from this reliable producer are consistently delicious, in a modern style without ever slipping too far into excess. Cherry, alpine spruce, candied orange zest, violets and camphor. The oak combines with the refined tannins of the grapes, condensing the fruit with a welcome restraint. The vintage has a hint of sweetness. The age and accompanying complexity will serve this wine well. Lasting." James Suckling

"The 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Marne 180 is wonderfully floral, with dusty, dried roses and violets accompanied by notes of crushed chalk and spiced blackberries. It has a silky texture and a pleasant inner sweetness with crisp forest fruits contrasted by candied orange notes. The Marne 180 finishes structured and remarkably fresh with a hint of dark chocolate that lingers. It is fantastic." Vinous

Dark ruby red. The bouquet gives a furious hint of what this opulent long-distance runner is capable of: full heart of cherry fruit, blue flowers, damp forest floor, noble spice and a well-dosed use of wood impressively alternate. Just as complex and multi-layered on the nose, the wine goes on to show beguiling wild berries, precisely polished tannins and an extraordinarily elegant long final. Wow! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with very light garnet reflections. Notes of ripe cherries, wild berries, sweet spices and some hints of cocoa and dried flowers. Velvety, soft, persistent, spicy flavour with excellent extract richness." Falstaff

"Crushed berries and a layer of mahogany on the nose. Full-to medium-bodied with a very refined, polished feel and intense flavor. Firm tannins push the length. Very solid, but exuding finesse." James Suckling

"The 2018 Valpolicella Classico Superiore seduces with a dusting of confectionery spice and sweet smoke complementing its bright cherry profile. This is juicy and round with vivid ripe red berries and minty herbs, along with violet and lavender florals. The finish is long and staining with round tannins that linger. For all of its sweet spice, the Valpolicella Classico Superiore is matured entirely in large Slavonian oak - what you smell is fruit." Vinous

This desirable brandy is made from the marcs of the famous Bordeaux blend Capo di Stato. After 60 months of ageing in the barriques of the eponymous wine, this grappa riserva takes on a beautiful dark amber colour with copper-red reflections. Distinctly spicy notes of cocoa, leather, liquorice and red fruits such as cherry and blackcurrant give the palate the softness and elegance that only long ageing can provide. It is rounded off by the pure oak aftertaste that confirms the olfactory impressions. Full-bodied, spicy and endowed with great power. Excellent with a fine cigar and dark chocolate. SUPERIORE.DE

Noble grappa and successor of the extremely popular Sarpa Riserva with a rich aroma of vanilla, exotic fruits, candied lemon peel and liquorice. Soft, warm body with a long, harmonious finish. Sarpa Oro matures for 4 years in French oak barrels' which have a capacity of 225 Liters. With its elegance and spiciness, this grappa represents the history and passion of the Poli family like no other. SUPERIORE.DE

Straw yellow with greenish reflections. An exciting bouquet of white flowers, roses and a hint of acacia honey. Spicy and taut on the palate, with a very aristocratic perlage, flavours of bread crust, yeast and a hint of liquorice. One of the few outstanding Metodo Classico from the Veneto made from 100% Pinot Nero. Very great class! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Vino Spumante Rosé Dosaggio Zero 2018 is floral, exotic, slightly tropical and yet very refined as it exudes a bouquet of fresh roses, dusty peach and dried strawberries. It has a soft body and feel, with a savoury core that drives the ripe red berries and sweet spice across the palate. It is bone dry and yet so fruity and refined. The mouth remains watery while the 2018 finishes mineral. This is a single-varietal Pinot Noir made according to the Metodo Classico method." Vinous

The latest addition to the Guerrieri Rizzardi Amarone family comes from three cru vineyards in the municipality of Negrar, including their best vineyard, Calcarole. The grapes are dried in the Pojega drying rooms for 3-5 months without any technical aids. 3 Cru is available a little earlier than Villa Rizzardi or Calcarole and offers complex dark fruit flavours with a very pleasant sweet spiciness on the palate. Fresh and lively, it glides into a respectable finish with plenty of character. SUPERIORE.DE

Sparkling ruby red colour, fine aroma of honey, pickled cherries, gingerbread spices and plums. Full-bodied and dense on the palate, with lots of ripe fruit, a rich flavour, noticeable tannin on the finish - and great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Great, memorable aroma of ripe peach, rich wild berries and rich cherries on the nose, subtle hints of pear, pomegranate, fine cedar wood and some smoke. Elegant entry and progression on the palate, on Assam tea, with beautiful juiciness, but also grippy tannins on the finish." Falstaff

"A dark and restrained wine. The nose focuses on forest floor and wild blackberries, with smoky depth. The palate is firm, with a noticeable tannic structure, refreshing acidity and a medium body. Slightly bitter-chocolaty finish." James Suckling

Cresasso - an exquisite, single-varietal Corvina. Intense aromas of dark fruit, rose petals and spices. Rich, concentrated fruit on the palate, silky, with a remarkable inner sweetness. Distinctive and sensual. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of plum sauce and raspberry ripple across the palate, underscored by loamy earth and mineral accents in this medium-bodied red, which is firmed by lightly chewy tannins. A well-meshed version, with hints of warm spices, cocoa powder and medicinal herbs on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Dark and intense, the 2018 Corvina Veronese Cresasso smolders up with an array of crushed ashen stone, dried flowers, licorice and dusty black currants. It sweeps across the palate with textures of pure silk, elegant and refined, as a wave of polished red and black fruits washes across. A collection of crunchy minerals amasses toward the close. Violet inner florals and hints of lavender drive the finish, as a tinge of sour citrus adds contrast and sweet tannins resonate. I expect the 2018 Cresasso to enjoy a long and broad drinking window. Bravo." Vinous

Amarone Classico is made from grapes grown in the vineyards of the classic Valpolicella area at the entrance to the Marano Valley. The drying process of the carefully selected grapes takes around 120 days. After fermentation, the wine matures for at least 3 years in wooden barrels.

Dark cherries, plums, smoke, mint, liquorice, sweet herbs and crushed rose petals swirl around in the glass as the wine gradually opens up. Lively and lively, it is characterised by an expressive and well-defined personality and seriousness. For all its depth, it is an almost weightless Amarone, built on finesse and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Fine wood on the nose, sweet cherry, juicy citrus fruit, very inviting and with fine floral nuances on the finish. Medium-bodied on the palate, shows good juiciness, violet flavour, surprisingly light-footed." Falstaff

"Inviting aromas of cherry jam, exotic spices, dried violets and cocoa powder swirl in the glass of this well-crafted Amarone. Rich and lush ,the wine is mouth filling but the tart red-berry and sour-plum flavors balance the wine along with crunchy acidity that leads to a savory and earthy finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of dried berries and pressed flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate with a relaxed, fruity mouthfeel at first. Then some solid tannins firm up the finish." James Suckling

"The 2018 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico opens slowly with a blend of dried cherries, wild herbs and crushed ashen stone. Its textures are silky and pure, with mineral underpinnings that excite the senses as spicy red fruits cascade across the palate. A salty flourish creates a distinctly savory style through the finish, as grippy tannins add youthful poise." Vinous

Impeccable Amarone from the Valpantena subzone with a promising bouquet of dark cherries, sweet spices, rose petals and a certain earthiness. Continuous and complex on the palate with an elegant, delicately bitter finish. SUPERIORE.DE

This grappa gets its unmistakable character from a harmonious blend of grape varieties that 'belong to the same family' but differ in origin, time of harvest and pressing method. This grappa starts tangy and fresh, then develops depth and fruity warmth with strong spicy notes. A very appealing grappa with a fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Zenato's Amarone is all about elegance, with ripe fruit at the centre of the inviting bouquet with light notes of aromatic herbs. Powerful, sparkling ruby colour. Very appealing and multi-layered nose of plum, black cherry and a hint of leather. The palate reveals its overripe power, fine tannins and warm, expansive flavour, very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright garnet red colour with a brightening rim. Intense aroma of ripe, dark cherries, pickled sultanas, orange zest and wild raspberries on the nose. Compact on the palate with a melting texture, pleasant tannin structure and a long, fruit-driven finish." Falstaff

"Potpourri and fresh herbs on the nose. Palate shows alcohol-soaked Morello cherry, leafy, tobacco, dark chocolate, and coffee. Dense and lush with evolving spice and a hint of woodsmoke. Good typicity." Decanter

"A soft red wine whose lush texture carries finely tuned flavours of stuffed cherries and baked raspberries. It offers accents of loamy earth, orange peel, medicinal herbs and rosehip. Long and flowing, with good tension through the well-seasoned, lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Very complex nose of bay leaves, dried plums and blackberry jam, complemented by leather and some restrained chocolate. Velvety tannins flow on the palate, with a full body, zesty and cleansing acidity and a savoury finish of roasted black pepper and chocolate." James Suckling