Decanter

The eruption of 1614 is legendary in the history of Etna, as it lasted ten years, making it the longest recorded eruption of the active volcano to date. A very impressive and fitting name for Planeta's Etna series of equally impressive wines.

It could hardly be more autochthonous: this excellent wine from the Nerello Mascalese grape comes from the hotspot on the east coast of Sicily, from the slopes of Mount Etna. Bright cherry red in colour, a fine aroma of raspberry and blood orange, gripping, taut acidity, silky tannins and a lively elegance with beautiful minerality. Great, long and unique! SUPERIORE.DE

"This is still very much a wine of Etna, despite being just outside the official boundary of the Etna DOC zone. Airy and textured, light red and black cherries and raspberry mingle with balsam, spice and earth. A poised red which trades complexity for freshness and drinkability." Decanter

"Pure Nerello Mascalese of great finesse, from the Cru Sciaranuova, matured for 12 months in oak barrels, very multi-faceted nose, redcurrant, notes of bay leaf, nutmeg and wild mint. Savoury and spicy on the palate, with a fruity, oily finish." Luca Gardini

"The 2019 Nerello Mascalese Eruzione 1614 is delicate and floral in the glass, with pretty rose tones and spice notes that complement dusty black cherry. It washes over the palate with lightness, soft and juicy in flavour, with tactile mineral tones that linger towards the end. A layer of fine tannins lingers as the 2019 finishes remarkably fresh yet youthfully structured. It will take some time to fully develop." Vinous

"Flavours of sliced strawberries, red cherries and grated nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied with fine, slightly taut tannins. Lively and acidic on the palate, with plenty of white pepper as a stimulus. Accompanied by notes of wet stone and sage. Well-structured and multi-layered. Best after 2024." James Suckling

The eruption of 1614 is legendary in the history of Etna, as it lasted ten years, making it the longest recorded eruption of the active volcano to date. A very impressive and fitting name for Planeta's Etna series of equally impressive wines.

Carricante from Planeta's Etna vineyard is an exceptional wine full of freshness, energy and minerality. This noble grape variety thrives in exclusive conditions, on volcanic soils and at altitudes of 870 metres. A wonderfully complex pleasure that is only ever released for sale two years after the harvest. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Carricante Eruzione 1614 combines richness with vibrancy: ripe peach and melon are complemented by floral honey notes and hazelnut. It is soft and supple, but with a core of zesty acidity that balances tropical citrus tones under a hint of exotic flowers. The 2020 finishes clean and mineral, with hints of lime and fresh mint. The Eruzione 1614 Carricante always stands out in my tastings, which makes sense, as its 10% Riesling Renano content gives it unexpected energy." Vinous

"This white wine, made exclusively from steel, comes from Contrada Sciaranuova on the north side of Mount Etna and is made from 100% Carricante (previous vintages contained around 10% Riesling). Flinty, earthy and smoky, it has aromas of green and yellow fruit and an intense, juicy palate with plenty of succulence and freshness." Decanter

"Wild oregano and seaweed (with lemon and brine) combine on the nose to create a perfect marriage of volcano and gulf that dominate the space in which it is produced. Roasted herbs and seawater-washed slate are found on the palate, as well as stone fruit that is bursting with citrus and acidity and seemingly never-ending." Wine Enthusiast

"Intense nose with notes of oatmeal, seeds, white nuts and minerals to the stewed lemons and apples. Fresh, tangy and attractively savoury on the palate with bright, zesty acidity and a nice phenolic kick at the end. Excellent concentration and salinity." James Suckling

Dievoles Chianti Classico Petrignano is the result of the effort to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. Petrignano is the name of a characteristic area with a soil rich in minerals and stones. At an altitude of about 330 metres, rocks protrude from the ground, typical of the geological formation of Monte Morello. The abundance of stones, the depth of the roots and the low growth of the vines result in an expressive and lush wine from this characteristic and authentic cru site.

Intense ruby red. Very appealing bouquet dominated by ripe fruit, cherry and blackberry aromas. Juicy, full and rich on the palate, with blackberry and ripe fruit flavours. Warm and velvety finish with fine and soft tannins that are very accentuated interwoven with the fine acid structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange reflections. Lively cherry nose with some signs of development and hints of tobacco leaf and sweet spice. Spicy, juicy cherry fruit and crisp tannins. More energetic on the palate than on the nose, and that's where it hits the spot." Jancis Robinson

"Dark forest fruit with an earthy character offers plenty of appeal. High acidity and tannins with very good length." Decanter

"This is a new addition to the Dievole portfolio with a cool, retro-styled label. The organic 2020 Chianti Classico Petrignano is 100% Sangiovese fermented in cement tulips and aged in large oak casks over 12 months. Winemaking is simple and to the point. These results show vibrant freshness and pretty fruit purity with a focused delivery." Wine Advocate

"A supple red, infused with a beam of cherry and strawberry fruit, with a texture that is silky at first, then overtaken by firm, dusty tannins. The finish reveals almond, earth and herbal notes that linger long. Give it time for the two halves to meld together." Wine Spectator

"A delicious, crisp red with very fine tannins and a pretty and delicate finish. Very tasty and with a creamy texture. Fresh finish." James Suckling

L'America is the old name of a place where there was already a small vineyard and a shelter for animals in the 1950s. It was located on one of the outer borders of the winery, so the name L'America still embodies seclusion and great ambition at the same time. The plot is 300 metres above sea level, in terrain with rich and deep skeletal soils. Protected from winds, the scents of the woods are preserved here and the plants benefit from softened sunlight. This constellation gives the fresh and herb-accentuated Rosso a low pH value, a beautiful acid structure, a radiantly bright colour and a comparatively high tannin content. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale ruby. Fragrant and elegant nose with spicy hints. Savoury minerality (‘that is the year’). And then brooding raspberry. Lots of freshness and fine tannic bite. Transparent. Refreshing." Jancis Robinson

"Close to the water in a sheltered spot protected from the wind at 300m above sea level, L'America experiences less diurnal temperature difference than the estate's other plots. Vinified and matured in stainless steel, it has subtle fresh cherry aromas accompanied by fine, grainy and chocolatey tannins. Fresh and herbal, there's some mid-palate red fruit tanginess with some darker hedgerow fruits, leading to an almost-blueberry note on the finish." Decanter

Fine traditional brut from the Lunelli family, who work tirelessly on the authenticity of their Trentino sparkling wines. A wide range of aromas and an elegant flavour with a good structure offer first-class enjoyment. SUPERIORE.DE

"A hint of nuttiness that underlines the flavours of preserved lemon and pear. Redcurrant richness, creamy, rich and round, with impressive mousse and tangy red apple bite. The well-formed and well-integrated bubbles give the wine a creamy texture that melds with the richness of the fruit. Sweet spices and nougat cream on the finish. Great stuff." Decanter

"The Brut Trento opens with a blend of dusty dried flowers, cardamom and freshly sliced pears. It fills the palate with a silky pearl of fine bubbles and takes on a savoury to sweet sensation, while tactile mineral tones mingle with ripe fruit trees. It finishes with admirable length and candied citrus fruits that taper off remarkably fresh. I love the balance and complexity of this wine, especially for a non-vintage brut." Vinous

"A refined and expressive sparkler in an aperitif style, this is bright and buoyant on the palate, with the fine, lacy mousse carrying a mouthwatering range of pineapple, mandarin orange peel and white cherry fruit, accented by ground ginger, white blossoms and fleur de sel." Wine Spectator

Giuseppe Russo produces just 5,000 bottles of this extremely elegant rosato every year. Fine, complex aromas of red fruit and mineral stone on the youthfully fresh nose. The energetic and very precise impressions on the palate correspond beautifully with the flavour. Delicate melting, fine minerality, harmonious and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet roses, stone dust and orange sherbet make the 2022 Etna Rosato a real delight on the nose. Soothingly round and with a pleasant inner sweetness, it flows across the palate with crisp, mineral-tinged orchard fruits punctuated by a hint of sour citrus. The 2022 finishes intensely mineral and leaves a pleasant mouthfeel as the notes of sour melon gradually fade away." Vinous

"Hints of white peach and green and red fruit aromas accompany some spice and minerals in the mouth, with a touch of creaminess in the background. Fresh, succulent strawberry and raspberry flavours linger on a saline finish." Decanter

"The Etna Rosato 2022 has a floral bouquet with wild flowers, peach blossom and a hint of zagara, the Sicilian lemon blossom. It offers subtle support in the background thanks to a particularly fine and crisp mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"This wine shows subtle notes of pink cherry, peach skin, dried orange peel and dried flowers. Medium-bodied, delicate and supple, with freshness and crisp acidity. Delicious with a structured, polished finish." James Suckling

Salealto consists of equal parts Insolia, Zibibbo and Grillo and was aged for about 10 months on the fine lees in stainless steel. Strong golden yellow with green reflections. Open nose with hints of beeswax, yellow flowers, acacia, red apple and green pepper. Very refreshing on the palate, low acidity, fine saltiness and a wonderful fruit exoticism. In the deep finish, herbal spice and expansive fruit with beautiful freshness - definitely aerate. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Salealto takes its time opening in the glass, as nuances of ginger-spiced apples, hints of tangerine and a zest of lime form its understated yet incredibly pretty bouquet. This impresses with its silky textures offset by saline-tinged acid and mineral tones that give way to savory spices and orchard fruits. The 2019 tapers off surprisingly fresh yet long, leaving hints of tangerine and yellow curry. This is so unique yet also equally enjoyable." Vinous

"Lemon-cream pie with some straw and lime undertones on the nose. Honeysuckle flowers, too. It’s full-bodied with tangy and focused acidity and a long, flavorful finish. So much lemon zest and cream at the finish." James Suckling

"A three-way blend of Inzolia, Zibibbo and Grillo from vineyards in the area of Piana degli Albanesi near Palermo, grown at altitudes of between 700 and 800 metres. A short maceration is followed by fermentation in stainless steel. The various components are blended and matured for around 10 months on the lees, followed by further time in bottle. Rounded yet light on its feet, this is very pure in its vivid fruits and clean acidity. Fragrant floral notes are accompanied by scents and flavours of white peach, yellow plum, apricot skin and orange peel. Intense and delicious." Decanter

Beautiful white from Carricante that captures the energy of Etna and reflects its essence. Sparkling lemon yellow with a drop of gold. Yellow stone fruit, mint, flowers and spice aromas on the nose. Complex flavour, full fruit and subtle minerality on the palate. Racy, delicately flavoured and sophisticated. SUPERIORE.DE

"A zippy white, with salty tang supporting flavors of crunchy pear, grated ginger, Meyer lemon peel, pastry cream and blanched almond." Wine Spectator

"A savoury nose that stands out from tar and stones, with spices and nuts overlaying tart citrus fruits such as bergamot and pithy lemon. On the palate, the juicy lemonade lingers and is complemented by a peppery finish. Coherent and substantial, with a taut acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2022 Etna Bianco is delicate and floral with a nuanced blend of nectarine and wet stones. It is soft and enveloping with a pretty inner sweetness up front and zesty acidity enlivening its core of citrusy apples. The finish is long, colouring but still fresh, with notes of sour lime and zesty spice." Vinous

"Aromas of exotic flowers, yellow plums and beautiful citrus peel. Mineral and racy, very crisp and firm, steely and citrus-accentuated. Bright acidity with a firm, steely structure." Decanter

The small, museum-like island of Mozia in the Marsala lagoon is a production site of unrivalled uniqueness. It is a marine ecosystem that has always been linked to the vineyard. The English, who came to Marsala at the beginning of the 19th century and recognised its great potential, initiated the first planting. The vines are cultivated naturally using the Gobelet system with natural irrigation. The grapes are harvested in crates, brought to the mainland in flat-bottomed boats and then transported to the Regaleali winery in air-conditioned lorries to guarantee their aromatic integrity.

Since 2007, when the Tasca family was entrusted by the Whitaker Foundation with the implementation of a project to promote and revitalise historic Grillo vineyards, they have been looking after 12 hectares of vineyards in Mozia. This is where the best Grillo in Sicily comes from, which is unrivalled in terms of concentration and razor-sharp precision.

Pale straw yellow in colour. Tantalising, very refined aromas of nectarine, yellow flowers, lime and mint herbs. Then fresh, juicy and dense, with wonderful clarity and a flavour palate of aromas such as pome fruit and white stone fruit and a lively, harmonious acidity. Its impressive finish is long and mineral. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, light golden yellow in colour. Pronounced nose of apricots, yellow peach, meadow herbs and subtle spice. Smooth on the palate, with a precise fruit centre, fine acidity and a hint of iodine on the finish." Falstaff

"Grapefruit and thyme with a sweet note of lemon curd and a hint of eraser on the nose open up to a palate of mixed citrus and toasted almonds, with a rich mouthfeel balanced by the salty, acidic finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Spicy herbs, fresh lemons, green apples and gooseberries on the nose, medium body and smooth texture. Dry and crisp with a refreshing finish and some herbal notes at the end." James Suckling

"Mozia is sourced from Grillo grown on the small, breezy island of San Pantaleo in the Marsala lagoon, where the soils are sand and limestone. The grapes are picked just before full maturity to retain freshness, and after vinification the wine ages in stainless steel on its lees for around five months. A light lemon scent invites you to take a sip, delivering a fresh, pithy and saline mouthful of bright lemon and orange peel flavours, finishing with a touch of grapefruit." Decanter

Brilliant ruby red colour. Diciasettesalme offers a wonderful bouquet of dark fruit flavours, some flint and Cuban cigar tobacco. Balanced, elegant, full-bodied and salty fresh on the palate. Stylistically and qualitatively very successful. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-light red; reductive-barrelled, plum cake, quite deep, arouses curiosity; dense, sweetness, depth of fruit, lots of beautiful tannin, length." Merum

"Brilliant ruby red colour. On the nose, hints of mustard seeds, dried rose petals, raspberries, ripe cherries and delicately resinous tones, reminiscent of plaster on the finish. Hearty on the palate with tightly woven tannins, powerful, stony, with a polished red fruit final, currently still somewhat unbalanced." Falstaff

"It is very perfumed, full of violets, summer meadow and potpourri, with an earthy tone and some flavours of wild strawberries and cherries. In the mouth, it shows vibrant and juicy red fruits with some spice and creaminess in the background, supported by grippy, grainy tannins." Decanter

"A flavoursome and lively red wine with notes of tapenade, sun-dried tomatoes, raspberries and cherry stones. Taut and firm, with a medium body and firm tannins. Excellent focus." James Suckling

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Diciassettesalme shows dusty minerals and dried fruit flavours. This wine generally has more muscle and dark fruit compared to the Zottorinoto, which tends to be floral and more delicate in character. The Diciassettesalme is fresh and straightforward and delivers all the fundamentals of Nerello Mascalese from this mighty Sicilian volcano. The vineyard is located directly below the Cottanera winery at 780 metres above sea level and is planted on light or grey lava rock. The soils are unique for this location." Wine Advocate

Brilliant ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Impressive aroma of red berries, smoke, roasted almonds and dark spices. Taut, straightforward, expressive and beautifully long on the palate. With its classic understatement, Boscarelli's Nobile di Montepulciano is a wonderfully precise example of its growing region every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling ruby red with a brightening rim. Fine spice and cherry on the nose, with a woody aftertaste. Beautiful juiciness and clear, fresh fruit on the palate, compact, noble, classic in the best sense of the word, with a fine salty finish." Falstaff

"Aromas are shy and discreet, taking time to reveal pretty scents of cherry blossom and plum. This midweight contender boasts ample freshness, its bright acidity and elegant sandy tannins supporting a core of ripe red cherry and blood orange. Gracefully composed, it exhibits lovely balance and is one of the vintage’s more immediately approachable offerings." Decanter

Crognolo is a wonderfully balanced wine that offers the tangy freshness and acidity of Sangiovese, which is balanced and softened by the small proportion of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine smells of cherry, blackberry and plum. Its primary intensity is bright and cheerful. The finish shows a nice density, extraction and well-integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Crognolo 2021 is a great entry-level wine from Sette Ponti. An explosion of red/purple fruits, blood orange, spices and rose petals race across the palate, lifted by bright acids that add energy. All elements are very well balanced. This is a very inviting wine." Vinous

"Dusty, perfumed aromas of spiced plums with sour cherries and dried cherries are followed in the mouth by a vertical palate full of fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity and juicy fruit. It feels balanced and upright, ready to spring into action as soon as the cork is pulled. Vibrant red and black fruits intermingle, punctuated by a certain saltiness and supported by those tannins. The finish is long, juicy and flavoursome and leaves you wanting another sip." Decanter

"This young red wine shows all its components in the right place, but needs time to integrate. It offers flavours of cherry, violet, earth, iron and mint, which fade into powerful tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Bright ruby violet colour. Expressive flavours of blackberries and rich cherries, with fine spicy components in the background. Compact, concentrated on the palate, with grippy tannins that also become juicy, salty on the finish." Falstaff

"The wine shows dark concentration, certainly more than you'd expect from Sangiovese, with lots of cherry, spice and blue flower that ties directly into the Merlot. It offers a medium to full-bodied texture with fine, chalky tannins." Wine Advocate

"Ultra-fresh, juicy cherries with more delicate aromas of violets and rose petals on the nose roll onto a palate rich with more cherries and berries balanced by earthy, tart notes of earth, branches and roots and a finish of bitter cocoa and aniseed." Wine Enthusiast

"The purity of the fruit in this wine is impressive, with redcurrants, orange peel, peaches and lemon on the nose and palate. Full-bodied yet compressed and agile. Tasty finish. Restrained now, but given a year or two it will come into its own." James Suckling

Le Difese is the freshest and most accessible of the three wines from San Guido. For us, it is one of Tuscany's finest price-quality wonders. Magnificent, sweetly perfumed fruit aromas in the opulent bouquet, equally generous and broad in the long-lasting flavour of dark cherries, wild strawberries and tangy rosehips. Le Difese shows the estate's great class in a more playful way. SUPERIORE.DE

"This red delivers cherry, berry and rose flavors shaded by earth and a touch of minerality. Tips to the tannic side on the finish, with fine length." Wine Spectator

"Le Difese 2021 is predominantly Sangiovese (55%), departing from the traditional 70/30 split in favour of Cabernet Sauvignon. The third generation of Tenuta San Guido, Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta, explained that this decision was made to enhance the "local Tuscan" character of the wine and improve its drinkability at an early stage as a "first step into the world of Tenuta San Guido". While the Cabernet is grown on the estate, the Sangiovese is, as always, sourced from long-standing partners in Chianti Rufina. Bright, incredibly vibrant red, black and blue fruits are accompanied by subtle, fine-grained tannins with notes of wood and chocolate. It is simultaneously juicy, tangy and crisp, with good ripeness and great acidity." Decanter

"The 2021 Le Difese smells of crushed red berries, rose petals, lavender, spices and sweet pipe tobacco. The 2021 is medium-bodied, but beautifully complex and impeccably balanced. Even at this early stage, it is a real pleasure. In many vintages, Le Difese is a fruity, forward wine, but the 2021 has a classic flavour that is very appealing. It is one of my favourite vintages of recent years. As has been the case for some time, Le Difese is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate and Sangiovese purchased from various estates in Chianti Classico, with the energy of the Sangiovese coming through very strongly in this vintage." Vinous

"Dark, sparkling ruby red colour. Opens up on the nose to ripe sour cherry and blueberries, followed by notes of sage and wood spice. Flattering on the palate, with pithy tannins and concentrated fruit, pleasant right through to the lingering final." Falstaff

Pithos Rosso was fermented spontaneously in the amphora and is a paragon of vibrancy, freshness and elegance. Dried cherries, some leather and spices on the nose. Young and fresh on the palate, lively and yet extremely fragile. A perfectly crafted, mineral and highly unusual red that epitomises gentle biodynamics 100%. Be sure to aerate sufficiently before drinking! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Pithos Rosso is very fresh and exotic, with spiced citrus and incense developing into dried strawberries and sweet smoke. It washes over the palate with pretty inner sweetness and crisp red and blue berry fruit, all driven by juicy acidity. A cascade of inner flowers and citrus tones echo as the 2021 finishes with gently grippy tannins and remnants of spiced blackberry still lingering. A fantastic Pithos Rosso." Vinous

"It's surely one of the island's finest Nero d'Avola wines: bright and wild, it combines scents of black pepper, cherry, raspberry, pomegranate and fresh herbs. Succulent and with lovely fruit sapidity, it's totally drying in the mouth, leaving a fresh earthy, mineral finish which works for rather than against it. Light on its feet, this is a deliciously refined red from COS." Decanter

Mimmo is a triumvirate of the wonderful autochthonous grape varieties Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Croatina from 100-year-old vineyards on Montalbano and Santuario porphyry soils at an altitude of 500 metres. The Nebbiolo parcels come from the same vineyards as the cult wine Boca and are harvested and processed according to the same quality principles. The division between Boca and Mimmo is made by tasting the lots after two years of ageing in large wooden barrels.

Some lots from the estate's own vineyards in the Boca DOC ripen a little earlier than others, without losing their original character. Together with 30% Croatina, the final result is Mimmo, named after an unforgettable person who has helped to raise the quality level of the Le Piane winery to what it is today. With his approachable manner, he opens the door to the more complex Boca at a more affordable price.

Fine, floral bouquet. Great and precise fruit on the palate. Powerful tannins envelop a core of bright red fruits, tobacco, crushed flowers and liquorice. The flavours and supple texture round off beautifully on the deep finish with well-dosed pressure. It is rightly described as the younger brother of the Boca and is a great choice for drinking over the next five years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light garnet red colour with a brick edge. Peppery, ageing red fruits, with an impression of crushed stones, fragrant but not floral. On the palate, chalky-dry tannins, refined and sinewy at the same time. The tannins still need time, even if they are finely integrated." Jancis Robinson

"The Mimmo 2019 is a deep, powerful wine, despite its medium-weight structure. Crushed rose petals, sage, mint, tobacco and cedar give it a remarkable brightness. Lively acidity and spicy accents round off the whole." Vinous

"Here is a great example of the Le Piane style in terms of complexity via blending, along with notable finesse and immediate drinkability. Aromas of wild strawberry, redcurrant, blood orange and red poppy. Very good acidity and impressive persistence. The finish is fruit-driven with excellent freshness and good persistence. A delight!" Decanter

Monica Raspi produces her Riserva from a single vineyard with the oldest vines of the winery, planted in 2000. The east-facing vineyard lies at an altitude of 350 metres and the soil is poor and stony with many limestone deposits. With its subtle bouquet, it slowly but surely seduces with aromas of raspberries, cherries and thyme flowers. The palate is wonderfully elegant, with a stony minerality and a tangy, appetising backbone. Terracotta-like tannins sneak up and envelop the fruit rather than undermine it. This is how pristine and good Chianti Classico Riserva goes! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Pomona is bursting with wild cherry, smoke, licorice, tobacco, game, incense and mocha. This somber, potent Riserva packs tons of intensity into its full-bodied frame. Graphite, lavender, sage and dried flowers linger on the imposing finish. I would give this a year or two in bottle." Vinous

"A concentrated red wine with aromas of cherry, plum, iron, eucalyptus and resin. Straightforward and taut, with refined tannins for support. Complex and lively, with a firm, long finish." Wine Spectator

"The oak remains very much in the background, allowing the fruit to come through fully. It's beautifully weighted with red and blackcurrants wrapped in terracotta-like tannins and balanced by lively, crisp acidity. Damp earth, green herbs and stony minerals slowly emerge. With time, this wine will show more of its generous side." 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 porphyry-rich steep slopes on the Ritten above Bolzano offer first-class conditions for producing a Sauvignon Bianco with unique fruit, minerality, elegance and depth. Straw yellow in colour with greenish reflections. Precise fruity flavours of gooseberry, elderflower, herbs, yeast and a fine woody note. Harmonious flavour with very well-integrated acidity, an accentuated body and an elegant mineral note. Long and deep on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Subtle aromas of grass and citrus with a hint of roasted nuts; racy and crisp with a finish of candied lemon." Decanter

"Bright, intense straw yellow colour. Initially restrained on the nose, with mineral and spicy notes, as well as subtle fruit and floral aromas. Hints of tropical fruit, but above all crisp and powerful on the palate with very well-integrated acidity and an elegant final." Falstaff

"Brilliant deep straw. Unmistakable old-school Italian Sauvignon Blanc, gooseberry and kiwi. Minerally, salty hints, too, while the oak is hardly discernible. Much more distinctive and characterful on the palate, with gooseberry fruit and lemon peel. Refreshing and elegant, medium weight. Will disappoint no one." Jancis Robinson

"The Cantina Produttori Bolzano 2020 Alto Adige Sauvignon Riserva Greel is a bright wine with flavours of green papaya, guava, tomato leaf and passion fruit. This wine is bright and fragrant. This oak barrel-fermented white wine is lean and tangy, with plenty of lingering freshness. Green apple and crushed stone give it personality." Wine Advocate

"This is a flavourful Sauvignon with fragrant aromas of white and blackcurrant, tomato leaf and guava. Undertones of salted caramel and liquorice. Long, layered and full-bodied, with bright acidity and salty freshness to wake you up." James Suckling

In 1773, a rich and resourceful merchant named John happened to land on the Marsala Coast. He was the first to produce the classic Marsala known to this day by adding brandy, refining it so that he could take it back to England without the risk of early spoilage. Intense amber colour. On the nose notes of apricot and carob, some thyme and black pepper. Full and warm on the palate with a fine apricot touch and candied fruit notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light amber; sea, fruit ripeness, candied, caramelised orange peel, deep, beautiful nose; not too sweet, round, bittersweet, dates, depth and extended length." Merum

"If you aren't familiar with Marsala, this medium-dry wine would be a good place to start, with intense caramelized-nut, candied-orange and bitter-chocolate character, plus a restrained touch of sweetness. The tannins in Marsala can make the aftertaste bitter, but here they really help to balance the sweetness." James Suckling

"Cantine Pellegrino is a historical producer active since 1880 that has over 150 hectares in different parts of Sicily and on the Island of Pantelleria. This Marsala is bright amber. The nose is pleasant and fresh, with straightforward notes of apricot, hints of carob and thyme. The wine is full, sweet with integrated alcohol, round and generous on the palate. It is made with Grillo, Inzolia and Catarratto, ages 48 months in oak barrels and at least six months in barrique." Decanter

Deep, bright ruby red in colour. This 100% Nero d'Avola is a captivating wine with its full-bodied, fruity and spicy aroma of blackcurrants, cherries, undergrowth, liquorice and dark chocolate. The soft but firm, multi-layered and warm flavour of ripe berries, the fine spice and the fine tannins are very appealing. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is a well-made Nero d'Avola with a purity and freshness in its ripe character of red and black berries and cherries. Intense and savoury, with tangy acidity, it shows juicy cherries and black fruits along with notes of chocolate and balsamic and mouth-coating tannins. Full and rich in fruit, but quite vertical in style, it is a lively and storable example of what can be achieved with this typical Sicilian grape." Decanter

"The 2020 Santa Cecilia, a single varietal Nero d'Avola, rises from the glass with a dark and brooding blend of crushed plums, cloves, stone dust and a hint of camphor. It's round and supple with juicy acidity that retains a lovely energy, and bright red and blue fruits spill across the palate. The 2020 finishes with a bitter touch of savoury spice and a hint of sour citrus, while a layer of fine tannins lingers. The 2020 is a very beautiful and balanced wine for medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"Bright and fragrant, with a lush creaminess that carries flavours of strawberry jam, dried cherries, tar, tea roses and singed orange peel. Well-spiced and minerally, with slightly chalky tannins that provide fine definition." Wine Spectator

"The Santa Cecilia 2020 is one of Sicily's iconic wines, a Nero d'Avola clothed in elegance and precision. The wine is softly structured and multi-layered with dark fruits, black cherries, spices and sweet tobacco. The Santa Cecilia takes a classic approach with a balance between generous fruit and carefully managed oak." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of blackberries, flowers and dark earth with a hint of fresh black mushrooms. Medium to full body with round and creamy tannins and a delicious undertone. Just a hint of vanilla bean underneath the fruit." James Suckling

"The nose starts bubbly and sweet, with aromas of black plums, cherry and vanilla, then turns savory but still crackly, with notes of pencil shavings, pepper, graphite and leather. The palate doubles back toward juicy fruit with figs and more plums, then shifts again toward that sanguine earthiness, but textured tannins and almost silky acid unify the whole." Wine Enthusiast

The grapes for this graceful Valpolicella Classico come from the Miniere vineyard of Bertani's Villa Novare estate, a south-western site of just 4 hectares consisting of two terraces. Bright ruby red, notes of fresh fruit, cherry, wild berries on the nose, with elegant hints of white pepper. Spicy, juicy and tasty on the palate, with remarkable persistence and great length! SUPERIORE.DE

"Young light red; reductive, fresh, fruity, peach; round, juicy, fruit deep, long, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"Juicy, crisp, light and playful, with exuberant energy running on a trail of white peppery acidity and a gentle drive of herbal tannins. Red limestone. Strawberry, mountain herbs, crushed musk and lilac. A great substitute for a Cru Beaujolais. A delicious drinking pleasure that reflects the current zeitgeist of quality fruit without dryness, tension and joyful immediacy." James Suckling

"Lively and spicy on the nose, with notes of strawberry sweets. Nervous and structured on the palate, very long and pure." Decanter