5-Grappoli Wines Bibenda

Very bright red with lively, persistent foam. Fragrant of wild strawberries, cherries, pomegranate juice, wild flowers and aromatic herbs. Fresh and fruity on the palate, taut and elegant. Beautiful length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, fresh pink; red fruity notes, also some yeast; fine foamy, discreet fruit, practically dry, drinky, pleases." (JLF) Merum

Barbera Sovrana is a fruity, full-bodied and very appealing wine with a deep ruby colour and a powerful nose of ripe cherries and earthy tones. The palate is balanced and of medium length with silky tannins and fresh acid wire. SUPERIORE.DE

Il Nero fascinates with intense, multi-layered aromas of dark cherries, leather, liquorice and tobacco in an elegant, almost delicate frame, typical of an authentic Sangiovese. Fruity on the palate and with silky tannins at its core, the finish is long and pleasantly perfumed. SUPERIORE.DE

"Vibrant wild strawberries and ripe cherry tomatoes give way to savory aromas of grilled meat, mushrooms and balsamic vinegar on the nose before the palate returns to the strawberries and gives them a pop of acidity and firm tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Opulent, savoury fruit, plus sage, ginger and thyme. Very soft and rich on the palate, fresh and agile as it progresses until it finally reaches its persistent and mineral final. A terroir wine full of character and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Colli di Lapio 2022 Fiano di Avellino shows good freshness and fruit quality in a challenging and very hot vintage and is beautiful on both the nose and the palate. It opens with creamy citrus, golden apple and yellow papaya flavours. Mineral tones are gently woven in. The secret of this wine lies in the vineyard's high altitude, with vines planted at a cool 530 metres above sea level on volcanic soils." Wine Advocate

"A fine expression from a warmer year. Peach, raw almond, apricot kernel and a noble quinine bitterness embrace an inherent ripeness. An engaging column of saltiness and a stream of gentle, maritime freshness. Perfect balance, the result. In such vintages, there is always a tendency towards excess. The winners are those who avoid this. Here is an example." James Suckling

"Bright and juicy, with pineapple, peach, blood orange sorbet, pink grapefruit granita, anise hyssop and honeysuckle flavors. Silky on the palate and well-knit, sculpted by lively acidity and a nice push of minerality that shines on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Traces of camomile complement sweet flowers and crushed yellow apples when the Fiano di Avellino 2022 opens in the glass. It is tangy and fresh, with a slightly effervescent feel. Salty mineral tones provide an echo of excitement. Young peach and sage notes linger as the 2022 finishes crisp." Vinous

Sparkling garnet red colour. Pronounced aroma of berries and spices. Dense and full flavour with a fascinating balance between fruit and tannin. A complex red with a gentle but persistent finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich, fresh red, with a fragrant entry of tar, singed sage and loamy earth hints, this transitions to underscore plum pudding and dried raspberry flavors. Shows a supple frame, thanks to fine, chalky tannins, and the aromatic profile lingers on the sculpted finish." Wine Spectator

"This is a flavoursome and smooth red wine with an array of sour cherry, mushroom, nutmeg and white pepper on the nose. Medium to full-bodied with well-integrated tannins and a flavoursome, spicy finish." James Suckling

"The Carignano Riserva di Santadi is very original and unpredictable and a wine that should be drunk at least once in a lifetime. A multi-faceted bouquet, notes of pomegranate, with nuances of wild myrtle, paprika and dandelion. Crisp and taut on the palate, with excellent density and a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

Soave Monte Carbonare is a beautiful, rich and mineral white wine. Complex aromas of apricot, citrus and orange, structured, expansive and fresh in flavour. Good ageing potential and highly drinky - ideally aerate sufficiently before drinking! SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, bright straw yellow colour with gold. Elegant, delicate citrus scent on the nose, fine flowers, green apple and a hint of tropical fruit, appears cool. Balanced on the palate, with great tension and beautiful play, stony, sparse and with great length." Falstaff

"The 2021 Soave Classico Monte Carbonare is decidedly savory, displaying notes of crushed rocks and dried flowers that give way to white peach and hints of gingery spice. It sweeps across the palate with a silky, textural wave of liquid florals and ripe pit-fruits, riding along a core of vibrant acidity. Notions of candied lime and saline minerals linger through the long and youthfully tense finale as the 2021 leaves a confectionary air of spice." Vinous

"Charming aromatic profile with a strong fruit centre lined with layers of herbs and nuts. Burgundian, nutty nuances, honey-glazed almonds, lemon curd and a hint of smoke lend the wine charm. Lively, acid-accentuated finish. Beautiful intensity and a great life ahead." Decanter

"Red volcanic iron soils with plenty of black basalt in the centre. Goes well with the later-ripening Garganega, while the screw cap promotes the freshness sought at this address. 6 ha. 60-70 year old vines in cooler sites that are rising to the crème de la crème of top sites as the climate warms. A richer wine than the younger Classico, but without the same cheeky vitality. While the Classico is an unbeatable everyday wine, this is a complex wine that demands food and a little more contemplation. Mirabelle plum, apricot pit, a hint of dried mango and plenty of smoky, sharp mineral grip, with dutiful freshness that has a chewy length. Drinkable now, but best from 2025." James Suckling

"Sixty-year-old plants which, thanks to the soil, in which the presence of black basalt plays an important role, and organic farming, provide a raw material of great crispness. On the nose, notes of lychee, yellow melon, hawthorn and field grass. Iodine-fruity on the palate with a floral finish." Luca Gardini

Medoro's famous top-quality Montepulciano Adrano, which elegantly and typically spreads a fine fruity aroma. The taste is led by a rich fruit that is excellently embedded in a full, deliciously spicy structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Adrano lifts up with an alluring display of crushed black cherries, sweet spices, violet florals and a hint of vanilla bean. This is silky and elegant in texture, contrasted by brisk acids and balsamic-tinged black fruits. Fine tannins linger, framing the expression nicely as the Adrano finishes savory with tart wild berries and minerals." Vinous

"The Villa Medoro 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane Adrano shows a classic aromatic profile with dark fruit tones followed by leather and mild tobacco. This wine ages in oak for 12 months, and the impact of that wood emerges mostly in terms of the rich and slightly dense texture of the mouthfeel. Those contrasts between dark fruit and oak spice are nicely played, and they are perfectly suited to a rib-eye steak." Wine Advocate

Concentrated and superbly structured, Gravello demonstrates true greatness with its complexity. Ripe red fruits and spicy notes on the nose, combined with balsamic tones. Dense, full of substance and tannin on the palate with an extremely elegant, long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. In the nose of ripe forest fruits and strawberries, in the background some spice and rhubarb. Supple and elegant on the palate, with clear red fruit, pressure on the final, a classic." Falstaff

Didyme, named after the ancient name of the island of Salina, is a pure and intensely flavoured Malvasia. Pale straw yellow in colour. Bouquet of herbs, light-coloured flowers, apple and a hint of nutmeg. Juicy fruit, carried by a beautiful, fresh acidity, with a mineral, salty note on the powerful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with delicate greenish reflections. Very fragrant and clear nose of white rose petal, banana, light-coloured honey and apricots, nutmeg. Fruity and clear on the palate, with a pronounced centre coated in crisp acidity, salty at the back, fun!" Falstaff

"The Malvasia Didyme 2022 captivates with a bouquet reminiscent of fresh sea air, with aromas of spring flowers and ripe nectarines. It is silky and smooth with ripe fruit that is skilfully contrasted by a lively acidity and a zesty citrus core. Salty minerals provide a crisp final, while the 2022 rejuvenates with tropical flair, allowing kiwi and candied lime to slowly fade away. Didyme, a grape variety of Malvasia delle Lipari, is an absolute taste sensation." Vinous

"The Didyme from the Aeolian island of Salina is incredibly savoury and full of fresh stone fruit. Notes of citrus peel, yellow plums and green fruits lead to a long and very fresh finish." Decanter

"Initially floral and citrusy on the nose, with orange blossom and jasmine, then salty with oyster shells, with the saltiness becoming the defining feature of the palate and rising to the top with the help of more citrus and plenty of acidity. This is a wonderfully balanced expression of this aromatic grape variety." Wine Enthusiast

Verdicchio Riserva in a rich, sensual style with plenty of dynamism in the glass. Ripe peaches, flowers, sweet herbs, orange peel and minerals in a complex yet typical varietal bouquet. First-class impressions on the palate and already easy to drink today, but with good potential for the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here is a pretty white wine that delivers on both fronts: aromatic complexity and mouthfeel. The Monacesca 2020 Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva Mirum sees fruit from a three-hectare site on heavier clay soils. This unoaked Riserva starts off with a decisively mineral-driven bouquet with dustings of crushed stone and powdered terracotta. A swell of primary fruit appears on second nose with candied lemon, Darjeeling tea and waxy fruit." Wine Advocate

Puer Apuliae (engl.: Son of Apulia) is what the De Coratos call their elegant and qualitatively outstanding drop made from 100% Nero di Troia. The flagship in the cellar delights with its balsamic fragrance, in which there is room for spices, plums, pickled nuts and black sour cherries. The taste is very concentrated and yet juicy, of great substance and density, also equipped with a long finish with a nice hint of cranberries and tobacco. SUPERIORE.DE

"A spice-forward, macerated-berry blend on the nose of this wine is countered with graphite and a final hint of capsicum. The palate is more strawberries, raspberries and cherries, with black and fresh peppercorns. Tannins cling and acid sings." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright, dark ruby red with brightening rim. Fine nose with a light vegetal touch, smelling of blackcurrant and blueberry, plus a light smoky note and hints of bitter chocolate. Firm, fine-grained tannin on the palate, accompanied by lively freshness, with fine spice in the lingering finish." Falstaff

"Fresh, dark earth and hints of peppercorns and anise season the dark cherries and game. Spicy and very fine-grained on the palate with juicy plums and tightly wound, silky tannins and a long, bright finish." James Suckling

Brilliant, rich yellow with silver-green reflections. The bouquet has pronounced smoky, mineral notes, full flavours of mango, citrus fruit, sage and asparagus. It shows its true class on the palate: wonderfully complex structure, lots of naturally sweet flavour, refreshing acidity and a juiciness, strength and length that can only be achieved through long contact with the lees and simultaneous agitation. Very convincing, downright captivating! SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense straw yellow with a green tinge. Aromatic nose, lots of gooseberry and nettle, some passion fruit in the background. Straightforward and precise on the palate, animating, mouthwatering, delicately melting, lingering, salty final." Falstaff

"Cooked lemons, savory herbs, pepper and hints of flinty minerality on the nose. Medium-bodied, juicy and citrusy with vivid acidity and a flavorful finish." James Suckling

"Spicy and wickedly fresh, the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Picol bursts from the glass with masses of nectarine, rosemary and sage, offset by candied lime. This is packed full of zesty tension with sharp yellow citrus and salty mineral tones that pepper the senses. Its brilliant acidity is the show's real highlight, as the Picol tapers off long and potent with a mix of sour melon and young kiwi begs the taster back to the glass." Vinous

Complex and rich bouquet of citrus fruit and sage flavours. Excellently structured and consistent on the palate with a fresh acid wire. This wonderful Sauvignon offers multi-layered fruit notes and great harmony with a delightful grapefruit flavour on the long finish. Good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Sauvignon Zuc di Volpe blossoms slowly in the glass with a lovely blend of nectarine and wildflowers complicated by tangerine zest. This opens with a pretty inner sweetness as tart orchard fruits and ginger hints sweep across the palate. Residual acidity maintains a gorgeous balance as the 2022 finishes spicy and wickedly fresh, leaving the mouth watering for more. The combination of energy, vividly ripe fruit and power is stunning and promises many years of positive evolution." Vinous

"A very pure and chalky Sauvignon blanc, tangy but not herbaceous. Mineral, green apples and very gastronomic style. Ripe green apples, wet stones and nice and dry. Strict, but not demanding. Straightforward, quite long and mineral." James Suckling

Magnificent, single-varietal Fiano and the white star from Planeta - and almost a legend. Complex flavour of flowers and yellow fruit. On the palate, this white wine is as refined as it is powerful. It expands with plenty of fruit, soft and very long. A fantastic wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive aromas of white nectarines, sliced lemons, orchid blossom and crushed stones. Spicy and slightly phenolic with medium body and crisp acidity. Clean and fresh with a delicate texture." James Suckling

"A layered melon element defines the nose, with a lemon undercurrent highlighting the fruit's subtle tartness, while a handful of raw hazelnuts in the background adds some weight. On the sophisticated, thoughtful palate, the flavors sweeten, but in a measured, admirable way." Wine Enthusiast

The grapes for this exceptional dessert wine are harvested at the end of November at the earliest, when the night temperatures drop below zero degrees and a late harvest of the noble rotten fruit of correspondingly high quality is possible. Straw yellow with golden reflections. Opulent bouquet of peach, melon, redcurrant and tropical fruits with the elegance that comes from the noble rot of the very late harvested grapes. The taste is fresh, full-bodied, highly aromatic and with a well-dosed sweetness. An excellent meditation wine or also ideal with spicy blue cheese, foie gras terrine or dry desserts. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep dark ruby red. Full, deep and explosive bouquet reminiscent of dark berries, tobacco and liquorice. Illuminati's single-vineyard classic Zanna, with its elegant, very complex taste and delicate oak spice, leaves nothing to be desired every year. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep, dark Riserva with a powerful berry bouquet and intense spicy notes and hints of damp forest floor. Taut on the palate, crisp fruit, solid tannins, good length. Lots of energy, nice spice and great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Very intense and inviting nose, flavours of raspberries, cherry jam and hazelnut biscuits. Firm tannins dominate the palate, lots of damson." Falstaff

"On the nose, the sweetness of cherry and vanilla is balanced by the gentle bitterness of orange zest and herbs. On the palate, a rush of chocolate invigorates the fruit element, but balance is maintained by an earthiness that's drawn out by chalky, clingy tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 is a blend of Sangiovese (90%) with smaller proportions of Merlot and Colorino. It shows a dark, saturated appearance and a heavy aromatic load of black fruits, ripe cherries, plums, spices and sweet floral earth. The wine finishes with medium concentration, herbal notes and the natural freshness of Sangiovese." Wine Advocate

"There's a good balance of fruit and oak here, with red berries and fine oak giving off a hint of vanilla. Medium to full-bodied with well-integrated fruit and oak tannins and a sort of plump feel on the palate. The finish is medium length at the moment but should lengthen with time in the bottle. Try it from mid-2024." James Suckling

Deep dark ruby red. On the nose, complex aromas of dark fruits, espresso, liquorice and herbal notes. Very classically taut on the palate, with finely honed tannins and a fresh, bright acid wire. An Apulian classic as it is written in the textbook. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich hints of tarry smoke and toast on the nose underscore baked strawberry and plum fruit flavors in this robust, full-bodied red. Tightly-knit and fresh, a stemmy touch of dried herb lingers on the grippy finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of nicely baked berries, dark plums, dried leaves and a twist of red dates and fine, savory cocoa beans. Full-bodied and lightly spicy with very compact, powdery tannins. Slightly bittersweet and savory in finish. Very tight now, but shows impressive tannin quantity and quality." James Suckling

Don Luigi Riserva, a solid, powerful red from Montepulciano and Aglianico has an intense, complex bouquet of sour cherries preserved in alcohol and a rich, delicately woody flavour with a long, warm finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Toasted hazelnuts, chocolate cherries, dark berries, bay leaves and walnuts on the nose. Full-bodied with a rich, ripe core of dark fruits framed by firm and muscular tannins. Salty undertones. Big and delicious." James Suckling

"The 2017 Don Luigi Riserva smolders up with a darkly alluring mix of musky black currants, sweet sage and crushed ashen stones. This is full-bodied and nearly creamy in feel. Depths of ripe dark fruits and exotic spices swirl throughout. There isn’t a hard edge in sight, while the 2017 blends brisk acidity with lingering notes of red plum and cedar. Just a touch of grippy tannin lurks beneath the surface. The balance here is stunning, yet some cellaring may be required to unlock further aromatic depth. That said, this is a beautiful rendition of Don Luigi Riserva." Vinous

Aroma of dried black berries with nutty tones, tar, tobacco, candy, dark caramel and a light woody note. Powerful in the mouth, ripe, again partly dried fruit with a little cocoa-spicy wood flavours, slightly compote-like on the palate, dense and persistent, warming alcohol, present, predominantly crumbly tannin, some tar, behind it tobacco and herbs. Wonderful, partly salty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby red, only slightly lighter at the rim. Elegant, powerful nose, pickled plums, black pepper, coffee, subtle sealing wax. Powerful and precise on the palate, well-integrated acidity, rich tannins, builds up, spicy, persistent final." Falstaff

"The Collepiano 2019 is incredibly beautiful, with hints of wild strawberry complemented by chalk dust and sweet tobacco. It is pure class, silky and round, with vibrant acidity driving an elegant wave of ripe red and black fruit. The savoury finish is long, leaving a web of fine-grained tannins that tug at the palate but fail to slow the 2019's momentum. The Collepiano will need a little ageing to show its best side." Vinous

"A plush texture wraps grippy tannins that carry flavours of baked black cherry, blackcurrant and mocha, with fragrant notes of Earl Grey tea leaves and sandalwood. The finish is firm, with accents of spice and tar." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of dark cherries and red plums with dried herbs, spices, bark and nutmeg on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, dry and a little chewy with firm, chalky tannins and juicy dark fruits. Complex and structured." James Suckling

One of the most interesting wines of Puglia: this dark ruby red drop is filled with cherry and blackberry aromas with hints of vanilla and tobacco. On the palate, it presents itself spicy with elegant tannin and good structure and impresses with its extraordinary depth and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep ruby red with garnet reflections. On the nose notes of black and red fruits, spicy tertiary aromas of liquorice, chocolate and vanilla. Harmonious and soft in the mouth, of fine structure, with a persistent finish and well-integrated tannins." Falstaff

"Fresh and minerally with blackberries and dried flowers on the nose. Medium to full body. Very fine, polished tannins and a long, creamy finish. Sophisticated." James Suckling

Sagana, an impressively varietal and at the same time very fresh Nero d'Avola of dark colour, intensely scented of sour cherries, undergrowth, iodine and graphite. Very powerful and full-bodied on the palate, velvety tannins and a long, slightly nutty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, almost impenetrable ruby red. In the nose rich chocolate notes, ripe cassis, Amarena cherries and slightly vegetal. Gripping and powerful on the palate, spreads out widely, opens up on pithy wide-meshed tannin, hearty on the final." Falstaff

"A deep coloured, purple Nero d'Avola with medium to full body and aromas of soaked blackberries, iron, eucalyptus and violets. Fresh and concentrated, with creamy tannins that show through on the slightly spicy finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of blackberries, stones and fresh mushrooms transition to a medium body with firm tannins and a fresh, juicy finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Sàgana is intense, dark and earthy in nature, with hints of smoke and camphor that bring out blackcurrant, tobacco and ash. It has a deep texture, feels almost creamy and is very tasty, with plum sauce, sage and a core of salty minerality that gives it gravitas. A layer of fine tannins finishes the wine with an echo of black fruit and a bitter aftertaste. Sàgana is a serious Nero d'Avola that needs a year or two in the cellar to show its best side." Vinous

"The 2019 Sicilia Sàgana is made from Nero d'Avola from the 12 hectare Vigneto del Torrone Bianco Tenuta San Giacomo and is very rich and concentrated with dark, dark fruit and a full-bodied presentation. The wine is lush, structured and very modern with a good blend of blackberry fruit and oak spice." Wine Advocate

"This Nero d'Avola from a single vineyard of Cusumano's Tenuta San Giacomo estate, located on the limestone cliff of Butera in southern Sicily, is a great wine. It is fresh and has great mid-palate tension combined with structured tannins. Aromatic black cherry aromas and flavours accompany intense dark chocolate, spices and herbs." Decanter