cult wines

Winkl is the winery's second cult wine after the South Tyrolean Sauvignon icon Quarz. Wonderfully accentuated wine. Sauvignon Winkl smells of lime, tangerines and mint with a hint of apricot, the bouquet is also reminiscent of crushed rock. Full of character on the palate with a fine acid wire, complex, aroma-rich and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh and juicy Sauvignon with lime slices, gunpowder and pumice on the nose and palate. Medium body. Medium fruitiness and a delicious finish." James Suckling

"Clear, bright greenish yellow. Freshly cut grass and lemon juice on the nose, minimal hints of iced candy and elderflower. On the palate juicy, clear, with swinging verve and good drinking flow, final clear and with well-integrated acidity." Falstaff

"A delicious white wine with lively acidity highlighting flavours of pineapple, pink grapefruit granita and hints of fresh tarragon, fleur de sel and almond blossom. Well structured and stylish, with a range of flavours that linger into the long finish." Wine Spectator

Anniversary edition: High-class Pinot Blanc from the South Tyrolean Wine Route, or more precisely from the exposed altitude of Sirmian, where the Pinot Bianco finds its ideal location and an optimal microclimate. This is why it is of remarkable quality every year. Clear and straw-yellow sparkling in the glass, intense bouquet of light blossoms, green apple, red currants and a hint of sage and nutmeg. Harmonious, powerful and persistent on the palate, with a full flavour typical of the grape variety and a beautiful melt, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pinot Bianco Sirmian 2021 has a bouquet of sweet floral scents, freshly cut green apples and ginger. The palate is round and soothing, with lively acidity and lime nuances that enliven the ripe fruit of the orchard. The 2021 is wonderfully fresh and balanced, finishing with commendable length and subtle spice." Vinous

"Bright, intense straw yellow. Opens on the nose to ripe apple, plus melon, underpinned by spicy notes of meadow herbs and hay. Mouth-filling, with nice pressure on the palate, rich fruit into the long finish." Falstaff

"It's chewy with dried apple and mango and some lemon zest. Also dried peaches. Full body with layered fruit and fresh acidity. Also some yoghurt character." James Suckling

"This bottle bears a special 50th anniversary label, making it one of the oldest representatives of this grape variety in the region. The Nals Margreid 2021 Alto Adige Pinot Bianco Sirmian draws its fruit from over 15 hectares in high altitude vineyards where this grape variety shows its best results. A beautiful expression with a mouthful so precise and sharp that the wine tastes almost spicy. Grapefruit, Granny Smith apple and crisp pear are offset by a light spice and saffron. There's also a hint of white peppercorn." Wine Advocate

"Creamy and supple with rich lemon zest, nutty baked apple, ripe apricot and saffron, underlined by the emerging strong minerality and focused saline finish." Decanter

"One of the clearest Pinot Blancs in South Tyrol, spiced with the crisp craftsmanship that is at home in Nalles. Vineyards at the foot of the winery, 7 months in barrel and steel tank, cedar peel and hawthorn on the nose. On the palate very tight, lively, spicy and with an excellent finish." Luca Gardini

Pagus Cerbaia refers to a prime small plot of sedimentary soils. This is where the small quantities of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon come from, which are partially fermented in amphorae and oak barrels after the harvest. Bottled in only a few hundred bottles, the "Selection Rosato" offers an intense floral aroma and beguiles the palate in a lively, cheerful way with a lingering spicy note and a wonderfully complex finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is very layered and beautiful with sliced-strawberry, lemon and peach character. Medium-bodied, it shows finesse and balance with beautiful fruit and focus. Crisp and dry. Fermented 50 per cent in barrel and 50 per cent in amphora." James Suckling

The vineyards of the five grape varieties are located at altitudes between 350 and 800 metres above sea level and face southwest. The vines grow on dolomite, porphyry, sand and marl soils.

As a young wine, Manna has golden yellow hues, after a few years of ageing they turn into strong golden tones. Manna is very special: complex, multi-layered with the bouquet of elderberry, pistachio, apricot, nutmeg and delicate rose petals. Concentrated, voluminous and at the same time elegant and complex on the palate. A racy wine that can be discovered from different perspectives in the course of its development and unfolds its character more and more. Even the young wine changes in the glass and surprises again and again. SUPERIORE.DE

"A blend of sweet spices and flowers complements notes of candied lime and crushed apple as the 2021 Bianco Manna opens in the glass. On the palate, it unfolds with a stunning blend of zesty acidity and ripe citrus under a hint of tropical florals. The 2021 leaves a salty aftertaste and leaves you wanting more as the Granny Smith apples slowly fade away." Vinous

"It has tropical, fragrant aromas of lemongrass, fresh herbs, gooseberries, guava and acacia. It is medium-bodied, creamy and slightly oily, with delicious ripe fruit and a long, bright finish." James Suckling

"Bright, rich straw yellow with a sparkling core. In the nose first fine toast, then rich yellow fruit, some nutmeg, candied lemon, white pepper, grapefruit. On the palate with a hearty entry, racy acidity and compact fruit core, exotic, shows plenty of juice in the finish and can certainly store for a long time." Falstaff

"Franz' blend, refined, elegant and spirited. Rhine Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Kerner and Sauvignon from different altitudes and processed separately. On the nose, notes of white melon, hints of sage, elderflower and white pepper. Salty and fruity on the nose, length." Luca Gardini

Sauvignon Sanct Valentin is probably the best-known white wine from the St. Michael-Eppan winery. It has been vinified from carefully selected single vineyards at the foot of the Mendelstock since 1989. Yellow-green in colour, dense bouquet of yellow fruit, gooseberry, elderflower and ripe redcurrant, smooth on the palate with elegant, floral fullness and crisp acidity. A great and very savoury top wine and probably the most award-winning white from the internationally highly respected winegrowers' cooperative. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, pale straw yellow with greenish reflections. Intense aromas of fresh elderflower and gooseberry on the nose, with hints of sage and citrus fruit on the finish. Very juicy on the palate, with a pleasant acidity structure, drinky, long finish." Falstaff

"An elegant white, light-bodied and lithe, with delicate hints of chive blossoms, Thai basil and pink grapefruit zest accenting flavors of melon and gooseberry, stone, ground ginger and white pepper. Creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"Powerful Sauvignon nose with lots of gooseberry, guava, white asparagus and stones. Fresh and medium-bodied on the palate with intense flavour and length. Crisp, salted green apples on a medium-long finish." James Suckling

Ben Ryé - the great naturally sweet and world-famous white wine from Donnafugata. The grapes are harvested in mid-August and left to dry naturally for 20 to 30 days. In September, the later ripening grapes are harvested and freshly processed. During fermentation, the hand-picked raisined berries are added to the must in several passes. Bright orange yellow. Overwhelming aromas of apricot, peach and orange peel. Creamy notes of passion fruit and peach on the palate with impressive elegance and length. For us, one of the best sweet wines in Italy every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex aromas of sultanas, caramel, honey, iced tea, peaches and vanilla. Creamy on the palate, with a zesty acidity." Decanter

"The 2021 Ben Ryé is a total pleasure, seducing with a bouquet that mixes sweet smoke with tangerine, mint leaf and clove. Like pure nectar on the palate, this envelopes all it touches in texturally ripe orchard fruits and tropical melon. Sweet spices and sour citrus add contrast toward the close. It finishes spicy and long, leaving a dusty inner floral sensation and hints of candied ginger and lime. Ben Ryé is always a total pleasure and, in my opinion, one of the top dessert wines produced in Italy. This varietal Zibibbo finishes at 197 grams of residual sugar per liter." Vinous

"Shiny orange with golden reflections, noble. Enormous scent of peaches and peach tea, honey, honeycomb, plus fine nutmeg notes, dried apricots, bergamots, oranges. Wonderfully balanced on the palate, creamy oily texture, with clear bright peach fruit, well balanced play between sugar and acidity, comes in many layers endlessly, on dried figs in the final." Falstaff

Aged on the lees for six months, Sauvignon Andrius is a lively, well-structured white with great varietal typicity. Ripe peaches, dried apricots, juicy honeydew melon, candied almonds, flowers and a hint of mint and white pepper combine with the elegant style to create a remarkable overall picture. Great class! SUPERIORE.DE

"Vibrant citrus and stony mineral characters with a juicy, ripe gooseberry texture, fresh acidity and a leafy finish." Decanter

"Well-cut and fresh, almost statuesque but with a sense of balance and grace, while flavours of kiwi, lime granita, melon rind and chive blossom accompany the slightly chalky texture, along with delicious acidity and a hint of saltiness." Wine Spectator

"Bright straw yellow with sparkling reflections. Slightly reductive and restrained on the nose, after a little time shows notes of juicy lemons, meadow herbs and cold smoke, as well as fine wet stone. On the palate racy and precise, the fruit stays in the background, builds up materially and stays on the palate for a long time, will age well." Falstaff

Fine late harvest from the house of Antinori: Complex fragrance and silky taste with aromas of sweet, juicy peaches, ripe pears, jasmine, caramel and honey. Muffato della Sala is one of Italy's most famous and delicious sweet wines. SUPERIORE.DE

The 45th edition of Ca' del Bosco's classic consists of 68% vintage wine 2020, 29% reserve wine 2019 and 3% reserve wine 2018. The consistently award-winning Cuvée Prestige is a perfect archetype of its DOC: elegant, fresh, full, with a continuous perlage, elegant creaminess and a beautiful body. SUPERIORE.DE

"Celebrating a big anniversary, the Ca' del Bosco NV Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige Extra Brut 45 Edizione. Aroma of rich lemon and freshly baked pie crust. The beading is visibly very light and delicate, and the palate is too. This is a very gentle sparkler with medium-plus freshness." Wine Advocate

"Medium straw yellow with golden reflections and fine perlage. Baked apple, brioche, ripe pineapple and orange zest on the nose, with a delicate peach flavour on the finish. Fresh and juicy on the palate, with a fruity core and a very long final characterised by fruit and saltiness." Falstaff

"This perennial classic always seems to impress. The 45th vintage opens with aromas of baked apple, brioche, baking spices, crème fraîche, lemon zest and ginger. On the palate, it is characterised by ripe fruit, lemon curd and lingering minerality and finishes with lively acidity." Wine Enthusiast

Franz and Bernadette Pratzner planted their first Riesling grapes more than 30 years ago. The small plot yields just 1,500 bottles per year. The primary rock soil, the dry warmth during the day and the cool nights provide excellent conditions for Vinschgau Riesling to thrive on a steep southern slope between 550 and 900 metres.

Brilliant golden yellow. Aromas of peach and apple combine in the bouquet with a well-dosed portion of minerality. Complex and multi-layered on the palate with yellow fruits, spices and lime. The harmonious overall picture of this exceptional wine is framed by a vibrant acidity and wonderful freshness, which will ensure a long life and further refinement in the bottle. Happy the one who can get hold of a few bottles of it! SUPERIORE.DE

Piodilei has been the winery's white flagship since 1985. The grapes come from the single vineyard Il Bricco, which also produces the award-winning Barbaresco Crus every year. From the outset, Pio's aim with this white wine was to create a wine with the same complexity and ageing Storage potential as the great red wines of this region. Sparkling straw yellow colour. Complex bouquet of herbal spice, delicate buttery notes, flint, pear and sweet yellow fruit. Impressive freshness in the glass with a finely integrated oak spice and notes of pineapple and chestnut. A fresh, complex and serious white wine that is unrivalled in the region. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pio Cesare 2021 Langhe Chardonnay Piodilei is a terrific white wine, and honestly speaking, it's one of the most consistent expressions of the French grape made in Piedmont. Granted, the wine is out of context, considering the heavily red wine-focused identity of its surroundings, but it absolutely delivers on freshness of fruit, depth and carefully measured toasted oak nuances." Wine Advocate

"Love the aromas of cooked apples with nougat, honeysuckle and hints of wood. Full-bodied and very flavorful with a phenolic tension and focus that runs through the wine. Hints of pie crust and vanilla bean with crushed stone." James Suckling

Terre Brune is a Carignano, with a small proportion of Bovaleddu, of seductive balance and fruitiness and one of the best reds in Sardinia every year. Matured in barriques, it has a fresh but ripe fruit on the nose with a slight hint of cocoa. On the palate, it has a beautiful depth with present tannins. An exemplary wine vinified with love and full of regional typicity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, dense ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Ripe aromas of blackberry and blueberry, herbal flavours and hints of liquorice on the nose. Dense and fruity on the palate, very fine tannins and a long, balanced final." Falstaff

"I love the flavours of liquorice and herbs alongside chocolate cherries and plums. There's also a hint of vanilla and praline. It's creamy, slightly chewy and full-bodied, with berry-like tannins and a long and wonderfully smooth finish. Makes you want more." James Suckling

Elegant Sangiovese, refined with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Deeply dark and with a terrificbouquet, strongly fruity, concentrated and at the same time soft on the palate with slightly spicy and vegetal hints. The brilliant final of this hearty and juicy Maremma classic is highly individual and thrilling every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Avvoltore is a very pretty, polished wine, perhaps a bit less opulent than it can be, but not in a bad way. The lighter style of the year allows the Sangiovese to come through nicely. Dark fruit, leather, licorice and spice build nicely, growing in persistence all the way through to the long finish. This is beautifully done." Vinous

Pagus Camilla comes from a small parcel called "Camilla" near the Sondraia vineyards. Here, the Vermentino grape experiences a higher concentration during ripening with delicate hints of Riesling. This micro-produced "project wine" is a unique example of the grape variety's potential in Bolgheri. Pure, deep and beautiful, citrus aroma, salt, minerality and with full fruit, balanced, long and with very good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Vermentino Solosole Pagus Camilla, is a dense, powerful white - qualities that are accentuated by the warm, dry year. Rich and creamy in the glass, the Pagus Camilla shows the more extroverted side of Vermentino off to great effect. It is a terrific effort for a year that was not easy for whites." Vinous

"Baked apples, mango stones, praline, waxed lemon and chamomile on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with crisp acidity and a waxy texture. Concentrated, complex and textured. Long." James Suckling

"W.... Dreams ... ......" has stood for "Where Dreams can happen" since the 2003 vintage and originates from "Where the Dreams have no end", which was first vinified with the 1987 harvest. The vintages '96 to '02 came along as "Were Dreams now it's just Wine".

Very expressive with aromas of lime blossom, jasmine, incense and warm peach skin, this wine crackles with lively acidity that is finely interwoven with layers of ripe yellow melon and apple fruit, salted almonds and candied ginger. A fine white wine that lingers on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, sparkling straw yellow. A little restrained on the nose, opens with delicate notes of camomile, then full of apricot, banana and lychee. Blooms beautifully on the palate, round and exceedingly supple, shows good pressure, discreet bitter note in the final." Falstaff

"It is attractive and fresh with notes of glazed lemons and apples as well as young hazelnuts, spicy herbs and custard. Some spices too. Full-bodied and complex with consistent acidity giving shape to every detail of the fruit. Some attractive spicy nuances before a mineral finish. A complex but very approachable wine that is already nice to drink but can last a long time." James Suckling

Vintage Tunina is predominantly made from Sauvignon and Chardonnay. There are also small portions of Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Istriana and Picolit. Bright golden yellow, the intense, very elegant bouquet shows notes of honey and meadow flowers. Dry, soft, very fruity taste with excellent persistence, fine spiciness and full body. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling straw yellow with light green nuances. Fragrant, very precise nose of white peach, apricot, some grapefruit and almond in the background. Juicy and well-balanced on the palate, as if from a single mould, fine, sweet fruit melt on the final, lingers long." Falstaff

"A very fresh blend of grape varieties, international and territorial, resulting in a complex, multi-faceted and very successful "white". Rich on the nose, orange blossom, saffron, nectarine and sage, with a nice balsamic note. Tasty mouthfeel, persistent, with a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

"This wine has a very fresh and polished character with sliced pears, white nectarines, crushed stones and citrus leaves. Lots of floral undertones too. Medium to full-bodied. The smooth mouthfeel and consistent acidity add freshness to the fruit and highlight the mineral backbone nicely." James Suckling

Cherry-red Cabernet Sauvignon with a small amount of Petit Verdot, the complex bouquet is reminiscent of blackcurrants; in addition, there are mint aromas and floral notes that are interwoven with the pleasantly balanced wood note. Powerful and dense on the palate; the fine-grained tannins are harmoniously integrated, then an impressive elegance and length in the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Generous dark-fruited character with notes of cassis, spices, dark chocolate and bark. Medium- to full-bodied, polished and refined with firm, velvety tannins and a lingering finish." James Suckling

"On the nose, cigar box spice and smoked tobacco aromas run like a fragrant thread through ripe red and black currants, iron, olive tapenade and notes of dried flowers. The wine is firm and tight-knit, yet has a generous texture and flavour palette that envelops a dense core of chalky tannins. A few years in the cellar or decanting will help this noble drop gain even more expression." Wine Spectator

Capo di Stato has long been a legend thanks to its top quality and history. The cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbech was created by Conte Loredan Gasparini. A finesse-rich wine in the classic Bordeaux style, dense and of excellent structure with aromas of spices and red fruits. Fascinatingly ripe tannins, skilfully integrated the new French barrique in which the wine was aged for two years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, rich ruby red. In the nose a great interplay of spicy aromas, pepper, cassis, leather, tobacco, then again red pepper, liquorice, ending with wild berries. Extremely juicy and balanced on the palate, fruit and acidity are in great balance, with pressure, currently still shows young tannin in the back, already indicates a long life." Falstaff

"A juicy, medium-bodied red with some nice earthy funk, dark olive and peppercorn notes to the spiced black cherry fruit. Supple palate with firm but silky tannins that complement its fleshy core of dark cherries. Well-mannered. Better from 2024." James Suckling

This beautiful cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from a great vintage presents itself impeccably! Deep, complex fruit bouquet, rounded off by fine sweet spices, tobacco and coffee. Punchy and textured on the palate, blackberry, raspberry and a solidly woven tannin structure in the several-minute final. A wine with great development potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Fratta lifts up with a dark and alluring display of black currants, sweet herbs, rich notes of mocha and savory brown spice. This is cool-toned and spicy, a bit lean, yet with a polished feel, showing tart blackberries offset by hints of sour citrus and toasty oak, as violet-tinged florals form toward the close. Fine tannins make themselves known throughout the finale, as this tapers off lightly structured, with hints of licorice lingering long." Vinous

"Deep, dense aromas of crushed black fruit with notes of charcoal and dried herbs, such as rosemary and thyme. The fruit envelops the lightly firm tannins on the full-bodied palate, creating a dense, velvety and lengthy mouthful. A well-crafted red that’s highly concentrated and bursting with flavor, but it also shows astute balance." James Suckling

"Here's an iconic wine from the Veneto made from a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot. The Maculan 2017 Fratta shows enormous intensity, muscle and brawn. The wine has absorbed every last drop of sunshine, heat and dry weather conditions that characterized the 2017 growing season, and it does so with elegance and poise. The wine is impeccably balanced with dark fruit and spice. It's the kind of big-boned red wine you'll want to pair with a hearty dish of barbecue or marinated beef." Wine Advocate

Since the 2016 vintage, Livio Felluga's top wine Sossò has been maturing in the bottle for an extra year before being released for sale. This Riserva is a beautiful, rich and comforting red wine that is dense on the palate, imparting pretty cherry and dark fruit flavours with plenty of spice and tobacco. The extremely articulate flavour shoulders a convincing tannin portion and yet steers into an intensely fruity final with terrificlength. The wine simply glides forward with its unique feel and a dynamism that is slow and long-lasting. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red colour with a dark core. Pleasant aromas of plums, blackcurrant, blackberry, cloves and cedar on the nose. Fresh fruit on the palate, present fine-meshed tannins and a powerful final." Falstaff

"A medium-bodied red wine with plum and chocolate flavours and an underlying walnut character. Juicy and spicy." James Suckling

The Fontalloro is a pure Sangiovese aged for up to 20 months in new and two-year-old barriques. Brilliant ruby with a light garnet edge, mineral, woody-fruity aroma of cherry, cedar, blueberry and hazelnut. With air intake, the aromas become more complex and the terroir influence very clear. Compact and very present on the palate with fine-grained tannin and classic proportions. Very high ageing potential and every year one of the highest class Sangiovese of central Tuscany. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Fontalloro 2020 is a sensual, enveloping wine. Dark red fruits, sweet spices, tobacco, cedar and mint are all beautifully pronounced. Fontalloro is a pure Sangiovese from vineyards located between the Chianti Classico and Colli Senesi appellations. The duality is very much on display here." Vinous

"Very refined and complex nose with hints of pine cones, botanicals and dark mushrooms to zesty oranges, minerals, subtle musk and plums. Juicy, dry but structured on the palate with stacks of dusty tannins developing on the spicy, full-bodied palate. Long and quite mineral on the finish. Better from 2025." James Suckling

"A vibrant red with fleeting aromas of lavender and wild rosemary mingling with flavours of cherries, orange peel, earth, minerals and tobacco. Despite its youthful vigour, it is elegant, with excellent harmony, refined tannins and a long, complex aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Intriguing entry with notes of ripe stone fruit, red berries, sandalwood, underbrush and fine spice; with aeration, plenty of richness and also pressure without lacking charm, the tannins fine-grained, the finish elongated and with ageing potential." Vinum

"The 2020 Fontalloro, made from a special selection of Sangiovese, is generous and rich, the wine has a medium dark colour and is concentrated. The winemaking team has succeeded in giving this vintage a particularly elegant side. The wine offers pronounced notes of cherry and wild plum with delicate spice in the background. As with the other wines in this portfolio, there is a lovely mineral note that runs like a thread through all these new releases." Wine Advocate

"100% Sangiovese from two parcels located between Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi. A wine that shows hints of black cherry, rhubarb and juniper on the nose, with notes of eucalyptus and wild mint. The sip is taut, with spicy tannins. The finish is deep, the aftertaste fruity and balsamic." Luca Gardini