Bibenda

Intense and elegant Ribolla Gialla, floral and fruity aromas in the surprisingly filigree bouquet, notes of green apple on the palate. A well-structured, appetisingly fresh and varietally typical white with potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Powerful ruby colour. Beautiful interplay between earthy notes, tobacco and dark berry fruit on the nose, finely characterised. Juicy on the palate and on the palate, flows calmly, grippy, well-integrated tannins, fine drinking flow. A harmonious all-rounder with a certain sophistication. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very dark ruby red colour with an almost black core. Ripe plum and black elderberry on the nose, with black tea flavours and leather in the background. The dark fruit dominates the palate, with a pleasant freshness and tightly woven tannins on the final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Umbria Rosso Battito is a beautiful and easy to love blend. It opens with cooling mint and stone dust, then gives way to dried strawberries in a delicate but very attractive bouquet. It impresses with its soft yet juicy texture and vibrant ripe red and blue fruits complemented by violet florals on the inside. The finish is savoury and of medium length. Significantly fresher and airier than expected, but still powerful. This wine has been labelled Villa Barbi in previous vintages." Vinous

"Cherry pits, tomatoes, peppercorns and raspberries on the nose. It is fresh, spicy and peppery, with fine and well-integrated tannins and a medium body. Smooth finish." James Suckling

Fontanabianca has created an elegant and densely packed Barbera. It shows the exuberance and potential of the grape, yet with appropriate restraint. It is neither jammy nor too fruity, but indulges with a fine dose of dried cherry, blackberry and plum aromas, plus some Spanish cedar with a fine citrus note. A balanced drop with a beautiful final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A taut, black cherry– and plum-flavored red, with accents of earth and spices. Reveals a firm, tactile edge to the light tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The Fontanabianca 2021 Barbera d'Alba Superiore is very rich and extracted with a heavy fruit quality reminiscent of dried blackberries, plums, spices and dried tobacco leaves. The finish shows soft, earthy notes and a full-bodied texture. This Barbera is on the bigger and bolder side of the spectrum." Wine Advocate

"This wine is fruit-driven and chocolaty with blue flowers and an undertone of liquorice. Medium to full-bodied, juicy and taut with polished tannins and a tasty, savoury finish." James Suckling

Taglio del Tralcio is a highly aromatic drop from the Aglianico grape. It smells of dark forest berries, with delicate hints of leather and rosemary. Warm and gentle, it shows a beguiling fruit and persistence on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"This has aromas of oreo biscuits, walnuts, baked plums, stewed strawberries and dried spices. Full-bodied, chewy and firm, with a rich, ripe and nutty finish. Persistent." James Suckling

The intense red-violet Dolcetto from the Augenta vineyard has an open, fruity aroma, very complex and deep on the palate, characterised by tannins, acidity and alcohol in wonderful balance and a delicately bitter aftertaste typical of Dolcetto. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Dolcetto d'Alba Augenta is another outstanding wine in this series from Giorgio Pelissero. Rich, lush and enveloping, the 2022 offers generous dark red fruit, spice, leather and liquorice, all enhanced by a short period of ageing in wood. The 2022 has enough complexity and structure to harmonise with almost anything at dinner. I loved it." Vinous

"Floral aromas, chalky, with hints of sweet spice and bramble fruit. Shows cherry and red berries, high acidity, high alcohol, and good concentration. Expressive with good intensity and ripeness and a good finish." Decanter

Pure Corvina from the Classico core zone with extraordinary substance and a full flavour of blueberry, blackberry, violet and mint. The juicy, spicy flavour with a beautiful fruity sweetness, dense tannins and fresh acidity makes it a pleasure to drink. Concentrated, complex and very juicy. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso Regolo 2020 is unobtrusive in the glass and exudes nuances of dusty rose, cinnamon and black cherry. It is soft and round, with a fine texture and crisp red and blue fruit flavours. It finishes with a hint of orange and a spicy herbal flavour. Gently grippy tannins linger on." Vinous

"On the nose, the red fruits are characterised by a smoky oak note, which also characterises the medium-bodied palate and the lingering finish. But the fruit is nicely packaged and the tannins are well placed." James Suckling

Very graceful and dry version of the Sicilian Moscato: Light golden yellow, floral notes and hints of peach and pear on the nose with a touch of orange blossom. Aromatic on the palate with good, medium pressure, some elegance and a very nice finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Medium-deep straw yellow colour with a fresh sheen. Fragrant, lively bouquet of lime, orange oil, stone and tropical fruits and sweet spices. The palate is lively and light, with a fine salty component that gives this fresh, delicious white wine its unmistakable character and lovely flow. The finish is very Mediterranean with a creamy hint of exoticism. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale straw yellow with a green tinge. Elegantly restrained on the nose, some candied apricots, orange zest and a hint of camomile. Balanced on the palate, delicate melting, moderate acidity, animating final." Falstaff

"It is flavoursome and zesty with notes of lemons, sliced pears and white flowers. Lively and crisp with a medium body and a fresh, citrusy finish." James Suckling

"The citrusy, springy nose features a glimmer of lemon flashing around tulips, honey, grass and a handful of salted almonds. The palate breeds consistency, as the notes of honey, lemon, grass and salt all persist to create a round fullness, but acid keeps everyone accountable." Wine Enthusiast

Falerno del Massico Bianco is a young, single-varietal Falanghina with a lively bouquet and has always been a classic of the region. Full-bodied and cheerful on the palate, finely balanced and with a dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Bright salmon pink and fresh bouquet with notes of pineapple and peach, juicy, persistent. This elegant and delicate organic rosato made mainly from Sangiovese has the necessary melting, a very animating freshness and a cheerful soul that, with the last sip, makes you look forward to the new day immeasurably. SUPERIORE.DE

Rich and dense ruby red colour, open and accessible aroma with beautiful blackberry fruit and light tea notes in the background. The flavour is also beautifully fruity, reminiscent of ripe, dark cherries, followed by hearty tannins and a round finish. More classic Vino Nobile for this price is simply not possible. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red colour with brightening edges. Accessible on the nose, ripe berry fruit, sour cherry, dried violets, some coconut on the finish. On the palate with a certain light-footedness, ripe fruit tannin, juicy, subtly vegetal on the final." Falstaff

"The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Silìneo 2020 opens with hints of white pepper, chalk and dried blueberries. It is silky and plush with tart forest fruits that give it tension. A salty, mineral core provides a savoury character. Wild herbs and liquid stone characterise the finish, while the 2020 ends with a light structure and medium length." Vinous

A high-class Valpolicella, fine and haunting spicy aroma with a full and fleshy fruit development of blackberries and cherries, a wonderfully pleasant bitter note in the long finish. The harmony between aroma and taste is inspiring. SUPERIORE.DE

"Plenty of black-fruit and pot-pourri aromas here. Medium- to full-bodied with good intensity and a firm tannin structure. The fruit is more like crushed blackcurrants on the palate. This finishes a bit chewy for now, but another year in bottle will even it out. Delicious fruit." James Suckling

Ruby red colour, appealing, slightly reductive aroma of ripe blackberries and elderberries, quite dense on the palate, certain fruit sweetness, good harmony between juicy acidity and velvety tannins, elegant finish with traces of cassis. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Tenuta Regaleali Tasca d'Almerita 2020 Sicilia Nero d'Avola Lamùri opens with a dark colour and a rich concentration of pressed blackberries, Mediterranean herbs, black olives and scorched earth. You can feel the fruit concentration of a hot and sunny vintage." Wine Advocate

"The Nero d'Avola Lamuri 2020 opens slowly in the glass, dusty and floral with floral undergrowth and smouldering ash stone forming its bouquet. It is soft and pure in style, with mineral-tinged red and black fruits accompanied by a lively acidity. On the finish, tart notes of wild berries and citrus fruits leave a bitter aftertaste." Vinous

"On the nose, this wine develops rich floral and fruity aromas of black cherry, violet and rose petals as well as stony notes of cobblestones and gravel. On the palate, it shows its best side. A savoury blend of spices, earth and a hint of balsamic vinegar meets more berries. The tannins are strong and chewy, and the acidity is restrained." Wine Enthusiast

"It's a Nero of striking density and intensity but with excellent balance. Earthy dark fruit aromas complement the sticky, spicy palate, with streaks of chocolate, salt and fresh herbs." Decanter

"A very solid and beautiful red with blackberries, asphalt and violets. Underneath it all is a berry compote. Medium to full body, chewy tannins and a juicy finish." James Suckling

Deep red colour, the nose is dominated by the scent of ripe cherries with hints of spices, plums and tobacco. On the palate, the same powerful aroma play, extract-rich, powerful and with juicy soft tannins. An organic wine in a class of its own! SUPERIORE.DE

Subtle ruby red colour with light reflections. Warm, well-dosed bouquet of wild berries, cherries and some smoke. Fine tannins on the palate, with plenty of juice and fruit at the core, floral and spicy notes, compact. A fine salty vein in the harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby dark red; peppery notes, arouses curiosity; juicy, sweetness, balanced, length, drinky, pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Very typical, elegant, with polished tannins and full of fruity charm, sour cherry, some chocolate, sweet fruit melting, round." Weinwisser

"Pleasing nose of black cherries, flanked by plum notes and tobacco; polished attack, finely chiselled acidity, fruity and mineral finish." Vinum

"Medium ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Leather, ripe cherry and some undergrowth on the nose, then slightly spicy and balsamic. Grippy on the palate, with gripping, somewhat rustic tannins, then beautifully juicy on the finish. To savoury Tuscan dishes." Falstaff

"One of the best-balanced 2020s, Gracciano della Seta's Vino Nobile is discreetly padded with an abundance of dark, fleshy cherry, yet remains straightforward and sculptural. The tannins are slightly steely but yield smoothly, while zesty, citrusy acidity provides graceful support. Nuances of forest, leather and mint interweave with notes of orange that linger." Decanter

"This spicy red wine contains notes of dried herbs and olive pits, which mingle with cherries and blood oranges. It is medium-bodied, juicy and beautifully balanced. Fine tannins. Fresh and flavoursome finish." James Suckling

This Moscato from Molise is exceptional and rich in aromas. Delightful bouquet of figs, apricots and candied citrus fruits, finely creamy on the palate, with well-dosed sweetness and a touch of tingling acidity. Long and dense on the finish, leaving a mouth-flattering but lively mouthfeel. SUPERIORE.DE

Bright ruby colour, vinous aromas and an appetisingly fresh scent of red cherries. Juicy and fruity on the palate, with velvety tannins, harmonious with fine minerality and good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"From old vines grown on gravel and porphyry soils. The fruit is fermented in stainless steel before ageing for a further six or seven months in large oak barrels. Perfumed and subtle, with notes of strawberry and liquorice, this is fresh and juicy on the palate. Flavours of luscious red fruits are held in check by a smoky firmness, while good acidity contributes to its excellent overall balance. Real finesse and poise." Decanter

Clear, bright ruby, the nose has the scent of red fruits, freshly cut herbs and fine wood spice. Harmonious and balanced on the palate, medium-bodied and very relaxed in its acidity and tannin components. Perfect with not too heavy, Mediterranean meat and vegetable dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of crushed mint mingle with scorched earth and new leather. The straightforward, elegantly structured palate shows dried cherry, menthol and star anise interplaying with taut, fine-grained tannins. It closes on a note of coffee beans." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2017 Sangiovese Superiore Riserva Romagna Torre di Ceparano opens slowly, dusty and floral, with hints of dried black cherry and exotic spice that grow in volume with each swirl of the glass. This is elegant and silky throughout, coasting ripe red and black fruits across a saline-mineral core as vibrant acidity provides a lovely fresh impression. Its tannins come forward through the finale, pinching at the cheeks, and yet the mouth is left watering for more as licorice and sour citrus nuances fade. Give the Torre di Ceparano another year of cellaring to settle down a bit; it will be worth the wait. This is mostly Sangiovese with a splash of Merlot." Vinous

Nocera - this noble vine is only grown on a few hectares in the province of Messina, on a spectacular vineyard surrounded by the sea. Bright garnet red in colour, with an original aroma of white pepper, cherries, geranium and summer fruits. The typical fresh and fruity flavour of this old Sicilian grape is convincing. A fine salty vein in the spicy final. An unforgettable experience from Planeta's Capo Milazzo branch on the coast north of Mount Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark berries with lemon peel and mineral flavours. Medium-bodied with firm acidity and a solid mouthfeel that gives this wine energy and focus. Straightforward and racy." James Suckling

"The fresh, cool nose features notes of slate, white pepper, crunchy cherries and licorice. On the palate, acid electrifies the cherries and that faint medicinal quality, while firm, austere tannins and a deep, primitive earthiness quietly announce more serious intentions." Wine Enthusiast

Italy connoisseur and wine critic Ian D'Agata writes about the grape variety in his book "Native Wine Grapes of Italy": "Verdicchio is arguably Italy's greatest native white grape variety. This statement may surprise those who have only tasted neutral or watery Verdicchio wines, sometimes even bottled in incredible, amphora-shaped bottles."

Light straw green. Clean and fresh on the nose, lively and buoyant on the palate with an almost laser-like precision in the aromas of citrus, herbs, almonds, shellfish and crushed rock. Its sweet and sour note makes the wine even more attractive and gives it a touch of "drink me now". Everything here is in perfect balance and of natural tension. Already the basic wine of Bisci with 7 months of ageing on the fine lees impressively shows the great class of the winery. SUPERIORE.DE

Brentino, made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, is a great wine at a comparatively low price. Ruby red with garnet reflections, the bouquet is fruity with ripe berries, some hay and liquorice. The complex flavour is full and long-lasting with aromas of cassis and a little vanilla. SUPERIORE.DE

"A lunchtime-style claret. Cheeky freshness, crunchy red fruit and a hint of garden herbs add zest and flavour. Delicious to drink. Best enjoyed with a light chill." James Suckling

"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot Brentino is perfumed and highly aromatic, with a burst of dusty rose and lavender that segues into crushed blackberry and a hint of orange zest. Ripe forest fruits wash over the palate, underscored by salty minerals and a hint of spice, and the wine is seamless and silky. It leaves you wanting more and finishes long and colourful, with a pleasantly bitter aftertaste that keeps me coming back to the glass. The 2021 wants to please." Vinous

"A zesty, medium- to full-bodied red, with generous milled pepper and Mediterranean macchia notes accenting bright black plum and cherry fruit flavors. Reveals supple tannins, which lend a chewy structure and firm the finish." Wine Spectator

Medium ruby red. Sweet and spicy aromas of raspberry, milk chocolate, red cherry, orange zest and violets. Complex and juicy, with very soft tannins, high but harmonious acidity and beautiful generosity and elegance to the red cherry, salty and floral flavours. A deep, rich yet very clear wine with supple tannins that are wonderfully harmonious after a short aeration. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, strong ruby red. In the nose scent of dark berries, herbs and forest floor. On the palate present, fine tannin, light pleasant fruit sweetness and persistent, spicy final." Falstaff

Intense ruby red, persistent, fruity bouquet with notes of wild berries, violets, cloves and cinnamon as well as sweet tobacco flavours. Concentrated, fleshy, tannic, dark fruit flavours on the palate. On the finish, the spicy flavours merge with a pleasant fruity note. An unbeatable wine every year at a very attractive price! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shimmering ruby red colour. Spicy and opulent on the nose, of ripe fruit, liquorice, forest floor and tobacco. Firm tannins and savoury fruit on the palate, carried by fresh acidity, mouth-filling with medium length." Falstaff

"Spicy berries, red plums and cherries are followed by a medium-bodied palate with fresh tannins and a juicy, medium-long finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Montecucco Rosso Riserva is dark and brooding in the glass, with suggestions of rosemary and sage, chalk dust and autumnal spice giving way to red currants. This washes across the palate, elegant and refined, with sleek red and black fruits carried across a core of vibrant acidity. It leaves a coating of fine tannins to linger along with a licorice tinge, as hints of sweet sage and violet inner florals fade." Vinous

"Multi-layered nose of cherries and menthol; pithy in the mouth, lively acidity, fresh, balanced final with an elegant final." Vinum

"Sangiovese, with the participation of Ciliegiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon, for another of the "favourite sons" of the Maremma. Notes of blueberries on the nose, then laurel and undergrowth, finishing with eucalyptus again. Juicy on the palate, iodised tannins, fruity and balsamic notes." Luca Gardini