Decanter

This impressive red comes from the single vineyard "Vitticciana", which was created by the "Godfather of Carmignano" Ugo Contini Bonacossi especially for a pure Sangiovese wine due to its perfect orientation. It is only produced in the best years, when it presents itself as a multi-layered wine with fine fruit and fine-grained tannins. After a few years of ageing in the bottle, it can easily hold its own with some of the best Brunello di Montalcino. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Red sour cherries and pickled plums on the nose, with some verbena and spice in the background. Velvety tannins on the palate, well-balanced, still a little young on the final." Falstaff

"A hint of floral and spicy notes, with beautiful, pure fruit underneath. Very well-managed tannins and a long finish." Decanter

"A hint of dusty spices and pencil shavings accompany the ripe cherry and plum fruit flavours. Juicy and very lively on the palate with medium to full body and firm, metallic tannins that are firmly attached to the finish. Needs time." James Suckling

"The 2018 Ugo Contini Bonacossi, a varietal Sangiovese, evolves in the glass with a rich blend of cherry and plum sauce, accentuated and lifted by hints of sage and sweet mint. This is velvety smooth yet full of zesty energy, with a core of nervous acidity that enlivens its sour red and black berry fruits. The 2018 finishes long and staining yet light on its feet, leaving edgy tannins to resonate as the cheeks pucker with youthful tension. I expect the 2018 to evolve sooner than bigger vintages, but with that said, it is no less pleasurable." Vinous

The SP68 cuvée of Frappato and Nero d'Avola is wonderfully fresh, dynamic, individual and modern. Generous flavours, solidly structured and equipped with mild tannins and fine spice. SUPERIORE.DE

"The remarkably beautiful 2022 Rosso SP68 is scented with a blend of violets, roses, white pepper and dried strawberries. The wine is pure, with sweet herbal notes accentuating the citrus-enriched wild berries and supported by vibrant acidity. The SP68 finishes with a gentle tension that caresses the cheeks, leaving a lovely hint of lavender that slowly fades." Vinous

"The SP68, named after the street that flanks the winery, is an entry-level wine made from Nero d'Avola and Frappato. It offers a taste of the winery's signature style at an affordable price and displays inviting aromas of ripe strawberries and raspberries, with some floral and herbal elements in the background. The ripe acidity underpins the medium-heavy core of sweet red fruits and provides a delightfully light mouthfeel with a savoury and peppery finish." Decanter

Our customers had to do without Frescobaldi's Castelgiocondo for several years, as we felt that it did not sufficiently reflect the elegance and finesse of the Montalcino region. After the winery made some stylistic changes in recent years, it has evolved from a rather opulent wine into a very authentic and cool interpretation of the appellation and we would therefore not like to withhold the very successful 2019 edition from you.

Opens beautifully in the glass with sour cherries, spiced oranges and dried flowers. Creamy textures on the drink, contrasted by cool minerality and juicy acids, nicely accompanied by small red berries under a hint of sweet herbs and inner flowers. Castelgiocondo 2019 still needs some time to develop, but it has the necessary balance and structure to mature into a real beauty. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very dark ruby red with bright orange-coloured reflections. Rich, brooding cherry with a hint of eucalyptus. Supple fruit that is still quite curled up at the same time. Grainy, long tannins and plenty of juice on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The Brunello comes from plots located between 350 and 450 metres above sea level on the predominantly slate-rich Galestro. Concentrated and expressive, the nose reveals an intriguing blend of red cherries, plums, nutmeg and mint. The layers of generous fruit are lush and the tannins have a suede-like texture. Undertones of sweet earth and forest permeate the wine. Well made, everything is effortlessly in place." Decanter

"The Frescobaldi 2019 Brunello di Montalcino CastelGiocondo shows notes of oak, dried spices, redwood and smoked tobacco. At its core, the wine shows dark fruit and a high level of extraction. The tannins are soft and dissolved, making this Brunello a wine that can be drunk immediately. The wine is exactly where you want it to be." Wine Advocate

"This substantial red is as savory as it is fruity, boasting cherry, plum, leather, wild thyme, woodsy underbrush, iron and tobacco notes. Burly, with dusty tannins guarding the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Black cherries, black bark, blackberries and lavender. Medium to full-bodied with juicy and polished tannins and a long, flavourful finish. Needs four to five years to open up and develop." James Suckling

"South-west quadrant of the appellation, a Brunello of spicy and balsamic elegance. Refined nose, black cherry, a hint of juniper, closing on cinnamon sensations. Dense and drinkable on the palate, with iodised tannins and recurring notes of black cherry, with citrus notes." Luca Gardini

Lisini's vineyards are located between Sant'Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell'Abate on the inner edge of the Sesta area and are cleansed by the constant breeze from the Tuscan coast. The stony soils with a significant proportion of limestone and the altitude of over 300 metres help to maintain the freshness of the wines. The 2018 is wonderfully fragrant, almost exotic. Plump red fruits and sweet summer herbs fill the mouth, but instead of being heavy, it is balanced and transparent. The powdery tannins are fine and lead to a long, maritime finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, shiny ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Very closed and backward on the nose. Cherry on the palate with a slight hint of dried fruit, but much more convincing than it sounds. Long yet restrained on the finish, with fine-grained tannins that only reveal their complex depth at the very end. Skilfully made, and there is more to come." Jancis Robinson

"Warm, fragrant aromas of red berries and flowers open the round; elegant attack, but also with character, melting and good length. Pleasing with its elegant yet powerful texture." Vinum

"Very classic Sangiovese nose, dark cherries, sour cherry (Marasca), fine wood, very classic style on the palate too, incredibly juicy with fine spice and salty hints, compact but by no means rustic, rather balanced and with a lot of structure. Compact juiciness. Wonderful presence, noble elegance, fantastically integrated acidity and tannins. Beautiful piquancy. Stony and firm style. Long-lasting." Weinwisser

"Like a kid in a sweet shop, it's a pleasure to take in the candy, medicinal cherry, blueberry compote and liquorice aromas of the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino. While the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is silky and elegant, it is also racy and full of character, as the red and black berries are complemented by notes of cinnamon, cloves and a bitter hint of cocoa. The 2018 finishes powerful and long, but only slightly structured, which suggests a certain amount of ageing, but also that it is showing off all its skills. Almost a minute passes and nuances of violet pastilles and red sweets still linger." Vinous

"Strawberry liqueur with herbal notes on the nose. Juicy and refreshing, modern in style, but promising for the coming years." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of medium volume and intensity with dark fruits, ripe cherries, black plums, spices and sweet floral earth. This theme of sweetness continues on the soft, lightly structured palate. The wine is ready to drink in the short to medium term; the tannins are round and ready, and it finishes with bright acidity." Wine Advocate

"Rich and deep, with base notes of plum and loamy earth balancing the flavours of cherry, hibiscus and eucalyptus. Dense, with muscular tannins and a lively acidity to support it. The long aftertaste is reminiscent of earth and Mediterranean scrub." Wine Spectator

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Fragrant, inviting nose of ripe wild berries, candle wax, fine spicy tones and some liquorice. On the palate, with pithy tannins that beautifully envelop the clear fruit, balanced and elegant." Falstaff

"Dark fruit aromas stretch across the nose but don't entirely mask hints of vanilla, pencil shavings and a salty, peppery stoniness. On the palate, the vanilla escalates to initially further emphasize the dark fruits, before new undertones of bitter orange and meaty umami elements emerge. Acid zips around dense tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Sant'Angelo in Colle, a wine of excellent juiciness that expresses Lisini's great craftsmanship. Notes of dogwood, then chinotto and juniper. The palate has juicy tannins, beautiful citrus-olfactory nuances and a fruity return." Luca Gardini

Radiant ruby with a violet hue. On the nose, initially notes of rosemary and cardamom, followed by ripe, dark cherries and dark currants. Polished and well-balanced, the winery's flagship initially shows precise fruit, then opens up with fine-meshed, grippy tannins, followed by a very long final. This wine is exceptional: nobly elegant, seductive and long-lasting. SUPERIORE.DE

"Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc: After a little aeration, an extremely engaging nose of black cherries and herbs, also undergrowth and black chocolate, the wood well integrated; powerful in the mouth, noticeable but tightly meshed tannins, spicy-fruity finish for ages." Vinum

"Bright, dark ruby red with garnet nuances. Opens on the nose to ripe cherry, blueberry, and fine noble wood, underpinned by cold smoke and leather notes. Finely polished on the palate, well-integrated use of wood, pleasing freshness and tight tannins, with precise fruit on the lingering finish." Falstaff

"This 2018 shows a complex nose with intense flavours of black cherry and raspberry, and lovely notes of liquorice and cinnamon. Full and harmonious, it has soft tannins and a long, elegant finish. Delicious." Decanter

"Attractive aromas of redcurrants, fresh flowers and crushed stones follow through to a medium to full body, creamy tannins and a juicy, flavorful finish. Richer nature to this. Cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. Give it time to soften. Try after 2024." James Suckling

The grapes for the garnet-red Cerequio grow in La Morra. The bouquet is unmistakably balsamic with fresh flowers, blackberries, dried mushrooms, spicy notes and a hint of incense and tree bark. On the palate, the delicate fruit harmonises with a refined aroma of tobacco and coffee. Firm tannins, good acidity, yet focussed, elegant and balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Perfumed and very pretty with aromas of ripe strawberries, dried flowers and sandalwood leading to a full-bodied, dense and compact palate. Give it a year or two to open up, but already impressive." James Suckling

"Somewhat dried-vegetable, above all a little tomato-like aroma of rose hips and other red and a little black berries with iodine and earthy nuances. Ripe, juicy, fairly supple fruit with moderate, chocolaty oak notes, lots of ripe, very crumbly tannins and a hint of liquorice, dense and persistent on the palate, somewhat spicy, a hint of dried herbs, chalky nuances in the background, very light ethereal and iodine notes, good depth, multi-layered, still relatively compact, very good, juicy, slightly tobacco and delicately cocoa-spicy finish with a certain freshness." Wein-Plus

"Pure and fragrant nose with floral notes and sweet red berries. The palate is rich and finely textured; the tannins are full and fine under layers of complexity. This is a marvellous drop. Captivating." Decanter

Sparkling ruby red colour. Complex and enveloping bouquet of rich cherry, black forest berries, violets, tobacco, tar, liquorice, incense and smoke in the background. The single-vineyard Chianti Classico San Marcellino has an excellent structure, interwoven with lively, elegant tannins, exemplary harmony and a savoury, slightly salty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable dark ruby. I can see the vintage with the oak having a bigger impact on the elegant fruit than is normally the case. That is not to say there isn’t plenty of concentrated black fruit contoured by savoury oak and a touch of undergrowth with just a hint of tar. Long, tangy and generous, with fine, sandpapery tannins. Elegant yet with plenty of stuffing, and ready now." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto San Marcellino 2018 is outstanding. Silky and medium-bodied, the 2018 is a wine with more finesse than power. Dark fruit, coffee, lavender, liquorice, dried herbs and a hint of new oak adorn this exquisite, wonderfully nuanced Gran Selezione. The San Marcellino 2018 is a wine of restraint and understatement." Vinous

"Packed with red berry fruit, sweet spices and mint. Quite full and powerful on the palate and richer than most other 2018s we've tasted." Decanter

"A rich, juicy red wine with aromas and flavours of cherry, raspberry, rose, graphite and earth. Pure, with lively acidity and refined tannins to support it. Balanced and long, with a mineral note on the finish. Sangiovese and Pugnitello." Wine Spectator

Barolo Brunate, a noble cru from La Morra, shows the characteristic power and definition of its terroir. The dark fruit is enveloped in chocolate and exotic spices. On the palate, firm tannins and fine oak nuances together with the taut acid wire give length and longevity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aroma of raspberries and crystallised fruit. Ripe and rich on the palate with fine and full tannins; great ageing potential." Decanter

"The Beni di Batasiolo 2016 Barolo Brunate offers hints of ripe fruit with an open or immediately inviting approach. There is dark currant and cassis, followed by spice, earthy tones and a whisper of black truffle. In addition to this full-bodied bouquet, this wine offers solid fruit richness and concentration. The finish is long and carried by silky tannins." Wine Advocate

"Nutty, dried-vegetable to tobacco and tarry aroma of red and a little black berries with mushroomy nuances and some pepper. Ripe, firm, tart, juicy, clear fruit, slightly ethereal notes, taut, ripe tannins, dense and persistent on the palate, fine herbaceous to tobacco flavours, a little peppery in the background, chalky minerality, persistent, firm, good depth, still young, has a certain freshness, a hint of cocoa in the background, multi-layered, very good to long, firm, juicy and finely spicy finish, salty minerality, again with ethereal nuances." Wein-Plus

"Complex and decadent with ripe strawberries, smoke and lavender. Some undertones of burnt orange. Full-bodied, firm and chewy with lots of tannins. Needs time to soften and open up, has potential." James Suckling

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

Batasiolo's Bussia comes from the Bofani vineyard in Monforte d'Alba. A classic-style Barolo with the exceptionally high quality of the 2016 vintage, promising a long evolution. Multi-layered aromas, crisp fruit, robust acidity and firm tannins create a structured, harmonious impression. SUPERIORE.DE

"Extremely perfumed with strawberries, flowers and some dried earth, too. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins and lots of walnut and berry character." James Suckling

"Toasty raspberry nose. Very rich and concentrated, with admirable depth of fruit and grip. Evidently youthful, but has power and intensity. The firm tannins give ample structure and this will go the distance. Long, chocolatey finish." Decanter

Contrada Rampante with a finely woven bouquet of dark red cherries, flowers, mint and liquorice. Fresh and lively on the palate, with a memorable blend of ethereal sweetness, delicate acidity and an interesting salty note. A contemplative wine that requires a certain amount of experience and patience in order to fully discover itself and its deliciousness. Pre-Phylloxera = from ungrafted vines! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pietradolce 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante has an almost sweet bouquet with fragrant roses, candied almonds and wild berries. The wine is lean and taut in texture and finishes with fine tannins and subtle mineral nuances. The vines are planted at 850 metres above sea level and in this case, too, they are old plants from before the phylloxera plague. Only 4,000 bottles were released." Wine Advocate

"Dark and brooding, the 2019 Etna Rosso Rampante evolves slowly, with crushed ash stone and savoury grilled herbs balancing the dried black cherries. It's silky and refined, with a polished wave of ripe red and black fruit carried by vibrant acidity. A hint of sour citrus adds a pleasing punctuation towards the finish. Although the 2019 is only slightly tannic, it finishes with a youthful tension. A hint of primary concentration and a bitter hint of blackberry linger throughout. The power of the Rampante is on full display here, but you need patience to savour it." Vinous

"Full of ripe wild strawberry and black cherry scents. The palate is muscular but with a beautifully tight and mineral mid-palate, fresh and energetic, showcasing ripe blueberry and a hint of chocolate on the long finish." Decanter

The red Archineri from Nerello Mascalese grapes is full of character and elegance. A very refined bouquet of redcurrants and wild berries, with a hint of dog rose, stone fruit and ethereal aromas. Very exquisite, very juicy, flavoursome and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"On the nose, there are aromas of undergrowth, scorched earth and cedar wood together with a hint of blue flowers and Mediterranean herbs. Powerful and straightforward, the elegantly structured palate offers hints of dried cherry and liquorice. Taut, fine-grained tannins give it grip." Wine Enthusiast

"A bright and vibrant red colour with fresh red berries and some dry mineral notes. Medium body with a firm grip and firm tannins. Crisp finish. As always, a good introduction to Etna Rosso." James Suckling

"The Pietradolce 2019 Etna Rosso Archineri, made from Nerello Mascalese from old vines from before the phylloxera plague, shows a beautiful balance with wild fruits, sour cherry, rosemary, lavender and crushed volcanic rock. The wine is relatively lean in texture, but also shows a distinct tannic structure and power." Wine Advocate

"This is a fresh and elegant expression of Mascalese with an almost balsamic quality allied to black cherry and pepper. There's a touch of chocolate on the finish, while fine tannins lend their support throughout." Decanter

Lisini's vineyards are located between Sant'Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell'Abate on the inner edge of the Sesta area and are cleansed by the constant breeze from the Tuscan coast. The stony soils with a significant proportion of limestone and the altitude of over 300 metres help to maintain the freshness of the wines.

Carlo Lisini Baldi's Brunello di Montalcino 2019 opens with dark concentration and extraction. The initial nose reveals floral aromas of pressed roses and violets, then after a few minutes in the glass the wine offers a complex potpourri of dark cherries, dried blackberries, Indian spices, teriyaki sauce, crushed rocks and a subtle note of liquorice. It clearly draws its personality from equal parts elegance and power. Extremely soft and supple on the palate, it delivers beautiful end notes of dusty minerals and some clay alongside its plump fruit. This delicious wine can't help but move forward. SUPERIORE.DE

"After a little aeration, a pleasant, multi-faceted nose of raspberries and flowers, also balsamic nuances; juicy on the palate, the ripe acidity and fine-meshed tannins balanced, fresh and fruity and yet extremely elegant on the finish." Vinum

"Very classic Sangiovese nose, sour cherry (Marasca), dark cherry, very classic style on the palate too, incredibly juicy with fine spice and salty hints, compact and structurally strong, but by no means rustic, rather balanced, with grippy juiciness. Wonderful presence, noble elegance, fantastically integrated acidity and tannins. Beautiful piquancy. Stony and firm style. A long-lasting classic!" Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red with cherry-red reflections. Complex on the nose, cherry, redcurrant, then marjoram and liquorice, with a subtle cocoa butter and mint aftertaste and a renewed emphasis on fruit. Energetic on the palate, good tension and precise progression, polished tannins wrapped in a rich fruit melt, currently still somewhat drying on the finish." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Very deep and still slumbering, with mineral and exotic, dark spicy notes. Increasingly complex with aeration. Smooth, soft cherry fruit, densely packed with fine, chewy tannins. Very long and concentrated and with great potential." Jancis Robinson

"The Lisini 2019 Brunello di Montalcino has a dark and spicy bouquet with plums, cardamom, asphalt and wet stone. The wine is quite developed and for this reason I would not recommend a very long drinking time. Cola and dried rosemary twigs can be recognised in the background. This is a dark Brunello with concentrated fruit to drink in the medium term." Wine Advocate

"A smooth and structured red wine with aromas and flavours of black cherry, cedar and spice. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a chewy finish. Integrated and supple. Drink it after 2027." James Suckling

"Medicinal blackberries, sweet sage, stone dust and candied orange define the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino, which is juicy and vibrant with purple and lavender-coloured wild berries and chalky mineral tones that build to a saturation of minerality towards the finish. A web of fine-grained tannins lingers as the 2019 finishes long and spotty, but only lightly structured. Hints of salted liquorice linger. This is a stylish Brunello from the southern Montalcino region of Lisini." Vinous

"The 2019 epitomises this warm, lush, exotically fragrant southern part of Montalcino. Ripe strawberries and red roses blend beautifully with chestnuts, iron and sun-kissed earth. The wine has a lush texture, generous body and flavour that exudes fleshy persimmon and ripe strawberries. The palate is dripping with lush acidity, and a mineral drive lifts the core. The sandy tannins are relatively supple without losing their commanding grip, and the wine finishes with crushed allspice." Decanter

"Leafy undergrowth, earth and dusty mineral notes frame the core of cherry and raspberry flavours in this juicy red wine, which is supple and has a layer of chalky tannins on the finish. Overall balanced, with a long, cherry aftertaste." Wine Spectator

At a young age, Pelagrilli 2019 is already more open and pleasing than Pacenti's flagship Vecchie Vigne from the same vintage. The bouquet is rich and engaging with dark cherries, herbs and young leather. The palate is powerful, precise and excellently structured, with the recognisable wood well integrated. In addition to a very appealing extract sweetness, the long final reveals salty notes that are otherwise only found in Casanova di Neri's Tenuta Nuova. A wonderful Sangiovese from a great vintage with an almost ideal climate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, shiny ruby red colour. Nose of forest fruits, milk chocolate, fine earthy notes and dried rose petal, mint, blood orange on the finish. Full-bodied on the palate, dark fruity, with a savoury, powerful finish, the alcohol is very well integrated, round and full, without missing its juiciness on the finish, long." Falstaff

"Dark ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. An abundance of spices and mineral, salty notes as well as hints of sweet oak on the nose. Smooth, multi-layered flavour of cherries and mint with firm, grainy tannins. Gentle, long and captivating." Jancis Robinson

"Pungent mint and eucalyptus mingle with oregano and rosemary. The palate is dense and compact with intense blackcurrant and all the oily balsamic herbs that flash on the nose. Through its robust weight, a bright acidity gives the wine vibrancy, brightness and focus. The tannins are dry yet supple, lending a grainy texture to the fruit. The wine has a distinct style and handles its high alcohol content of 15.5% with surprising aplomb." Decanter

"A beguiling blend of mint, cedar and spiced orange slowly gives way to dried strawberries as the spicy and seductive 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Pelagrilli blossoms in the glass. Silky and round, it flows across the palate with a dense wave of ripe red and black fruits accompanied by a bitter bite of cloves and dark chocolate. The finish is long and inward, structured with sweet tannins, while hints of violet and lavender fade. I can really feel the heavy clay soils in this version of Pelagrilli as they give it weight and a plush feel, yet the energy of the vintage shines through." Vinous

"The Siro Pacenti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Pelagrilli is strongly characterised by an oak tone that comes to the fore with a hint of campfire ash or freshly split firewood. The wine shows rock-solid concentration and a level of phenolic extraction not easily found in Montalcino, unless you make it your mission. The tannins are bitter and grippy, and the oak tannins overshadow the fruit tannins at this very young stage of the wine. The alcohol content is very high at 15.5 %. Nevertheless, the 2019 offers an excellent core of dark fruit, and it has the elements and freshness for long ageing." Wine Advocate

"Beautiful fresh fruit with crushed cherries, orange peel and flowers. Pure. Full-bodied with round and juicy fruit and a long, creamy finish. Flamboyant and beautiful with velvety and creamy tannins that offer a wonderful texture." James Suckling

"The north-east quadrant of the "hill", Siro Pacenti's beautiful sustainable project, the product of the youngest vines. Black cherry on the nose, nuances of wild mint and white pepper. Intense sip, iodised, with a return of sweet spices." Luca Gardini

"Packed with vibrant black cherries, blackcurrants and plums, as well as iron, toast and tobacco accents, this red wine shows a certain power and tension, but also grace and balance. The lingering aftertaste shows bright, ripe fruit and wild herbs." Wine Spectator

This 100% Grillo comes from a vineyard located 490 metres above sea level and surrounded by pine forests, oaks and centuries-old olive trees. The soil of Contrada Santa Margherita consists of sandy calcareous marl of a whitish colour and yellowish-white calcarenite, all marine sediments dating back to the Pleistocene. These soils of the Monti Iblei at the foot of the small municipality of Chiaramonte Gulfi give the wine an impressive complexity and saltiness.

A wild and yet highly seductive bouquet of spiced citrus fruits. Then add some smoke and a hint of undergrowth and you have a great white wine from Etna. Softly textured and thoroughly flavoursome on the palate, with young peach accompanied by lively acidity and a hint of sour lemon. It leaves a hint of minerality, along with notes of ginger and tangerine, while finishing with impressive length and concentration. It's hard to put this glass down. SUPERIORE.DE

"Boasting an intense golden colour, this 100% Grillo from Contrada Santa Margherita mixes Sicilian exuberance with Chablis-like crispness and minerality. Twelve months ageing in large oak casks adds a touch of sweet spice to golden apple, lanolin, and acacia honey, while iodine and flint echo in the background. Laser-like acidity is seamlessly interwoven through a viscous mid-palate, making for an uncommon combination of textural depth and tension. It finishes long and slightly tactile, with sappy minerals allied to dried fruits and cinnamon." Decanter

Attractive Chardonnay wrapped in golden yellow, entices with fine apricot scent and memories of brittle and almonds. On the palate, a rich fruit and flavours of caramel, well cushioned by the fresh acidity. An excellent, integral and persistent classic with cult status. SUPERIORE.DE

"A lush buttery style with a burst of elegant citrus; concentrated and textured with a delicate acidity and long finish." Decanter

Franciacorta satèn brut with a clear bouquet of yellow fruit and medicinal herbs and a fresh style. Crisp fruit flavours of peach, citrus and melon in harmony with the opulent creaminess of freshly baked brioche. Very relaxed and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense light gold colour. Cold butter, precious wood, fine iodine on the nose, then citrus fruit and white blossom, wet stone on the finish, fragrant. On the palate with airy perlage, cloudy and light-footed, then with a complex, radiant fruit core, very well dosed, compact and balanced, drinks very well, with a fine lemon final." Falstaff

"The bouquet is toasty and rich with notes of baked almond followed by dried lemon curd, Golden Delicious apple and salted caramel. The impact is soft and broad, and the wine delivers a fleshy texture with subtle effervescence." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Brut Satèn Franciacorta Vintage Collection is a total pleasure to take in, with its vivid yellow apple and chamomile bouquet complicated by grassy notes and stone dust. Round and soothing, this ushers in ripe orchard fruits over an elegant bead of silken bubbles, taking on a gentle spiciness toward the close. The 2018 finishes remarkably fresh with a lime tinge." Vinous

"Ca' del Bosco sets the standard for the region's wineries and continuously raises the quality of its wines. A pure, mineral bouquet with youthful notes of pomegranate, grapefruit and white flowers opens to reveal richer stone fruit flavours. Smoked almond and unripe pear embrace a silky body, accompanied by a gentle perlage. A complex and juicy finish expresses the elegant and multi-layered character of the wine." Decanter

"A magnetic selection of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc from 14 certified organic parcels, fermented in oak, then 48 months on the lees. Aroma of great complexity, notes of lime, tobacco peach and nutmeg, tension on the palate, salty intensity, spicy-balsamic." Luca Gardini

This is a special expression of a single vineyard. Zitelle Durì is mildly fragrant and gently generous. The wine is never too obvious, but it exudes floral scents of yellow rose and star jasmine, with notes of preserved lemon or candied mandarin as it progresses. This wine achieves an impressive balance between aromatic intensity and texture. Oak barrels are used for both fermentation and ageing. Approximately 1,000 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Charming yellow cherry and peach with a hint of menthol; oaky and complex with a long finish of roasted peppercorns." Decanter

"The 2020 Malvasia Zitelle Duri is spicy and savory from the first tilt of the glass, as ginger mixes with green melon and dusty sage. This smooths over the palate in glycerol waves, hinting at kiwi and ripe yellow apples. The 2020 finishes with mineral tension and a tart twang of green citrus that lingers. The Zitelle Duri, a varietal Malvasia, is youthfully backward today, yet with the balance to evolve beautifully through medium-term cellaring." Vinous

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 aperitif-style sparkling wine. On the palate, it is bright and lively, with a fine, lacy mousse that carries a delicious palette of pineapple, tangerine peel and white cherry fruit, accented by ground ginger, white flowers and fleur de sel." Wine Spectator

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

"Rich, bright ruby red colour. Presents itself with a distinctly fragrant nose, lots of fresh blackcurrant notes, with crisp blackberry fruit and fine sage and ivy leaf notes in the background. Shows itself on the palate with juicy fruit and grippy tannins, fine herbal notes, medium weight at the back." Falstaff

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

"On the nose, cigar box spice and aromas of smoked tobacco run like a fragrant thread through ripe red and blackcurrants, iron, olive tapenade and notes of dried flowers. The wine is firm and tightly knit, yet has a generous texture and flavour palette that wraps around a dense core of chalky tannins. A few years in the cellar or decanting will help this fine wine to become even more expressive." Wine Spectator

"This 2018 has a creamy aroma of red and black hedgerow berries, accompanied by some notes of green pepper. Fine, ripe tannins support the juicy fruit of black cherries and blackberries with a green tinge. Vertical, fresh and flavoursome, a delicious wine that stands out for its balance." Decanter

"The 2018 Cor - Latin for heart - opens with aromas of black cherries, red plums and blackberries with subtle hints of cola, aniseed, cloves and crushed rock. The palate is concentrated, yet shows grace and a light-footedness that gives the wine great lift on the finish. Powerful with a very lingering and delicious finish, this wine will go far." Wine Enthusiast

In the past, the northern slope of Montalcino was not planted with vines, but was cultivated with cereals, olives and cherries. In this area influenced by the Apennines, the seasons are more pronounced, continental and the north wind significantly lowers the temperature in winter. It is therefore the coldest Brunello region at this time of year, but also the wettest. This northern slope is a gentle hill: a characteristic that is more reminiscent of the Crete Senesi area, right next door, than the two stiffer, steeper and warmer southern slopes of Montalcino.

Due to the climate and the origin of the soil, the grapes in this area of Montalcino are harvested last every year. Vigna del Lago is the vineyard that welcomes all visitors travelling from the north of Montalcino. It takes its name from the lake that surrounds it and which plays a fundamental role in the microclimate of the area; the soil is a constant alternation between clay and strips of very fine Galestro.

Brunello Vigna del Lago is a historic cru from the Val di Suga winery, it is an old-school Brunello, from the times before the arrival of barriques and technology. An authentic product that is enjoying increasing demand. Unlike the Poggio al Granchio, which is aged in new Liters French barriques, this wine matures in large 30- and 50-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels.

It is a wine with a low alcohol content, light orange-ruby colour, with very fine and almost imperceptible tannins, with a floral nose of citrus notes, myrtle and fresh cherries. It is a Brunello of great richness and balance and also has a very pleasant lightness, well-contoured acidity and a salty, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cosy bouquet of flowers, herbs and black forest fruits; the attack is balanced, harmonious, with juice and suppleness right into the complex finish. convinces with its polish." Vinum

"A fragrant Brunello that convinces with small red and dark fruits and increasingly reveals floral notes with air. Amarena cherry, leather. On the palate, a fine melting style, polished, juicy, elegant, red berry spice and plum. Beautiful drinking flow that is already fun. It still has room for improvement." Weinwisser

"Almost a little developed, barrel-woody and tobacco-like aroma of predominantly black berries, some tar, ash, iodine and forest floor. Clear, straightforward, ripe, almost cool, predominantly red fruit, quite present, fine tannins, a certain acid bite, persistent on the palate, herbal and salty nuances, moderate barrel tones, again a little forest messenger, resinous traces, good depth, restrained power, elegant style, multi-layered, gains transparency and freshness with air, very good to long, firm, tart-juicy finish with fine spice." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby red colour, radiant. Appealing, open nose of leather, rosehips, blood oranges, with fine precious wood and dark berry notes on the finish. Grippy, firm tannins on the palate, with plenty of juice and finesse" Falstaff

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Balsamic and with just a hint of sour cherry and a touch of spice, and with brooding concentration. A sense of richness on the palate with plenty of cherry fruit framed by delicious, chewy tannins. Lots of depth. Ripe now, but with the potential to age further." Jancis Robinson

"The Vigna del Lago surrounds the Val di Suga winery in the north-west of Montalcino. The gently sloping vineyard lies on clay soil at 280 metres above sea level. The wine is aged exclusively in large Slavonian oak barrels with a capacity of 30 to 40 hectolitres in order to preserve the wonderful purity of the sweet fruit. The 2018 is subtly perfumed and exudes delicate aromas of white flowers and oranges that emphasise the scent of red berries. Light and lively, it is initially more reminiscent of a Rosso di Montalcino, but a powdery texture and its persistent mineral core add complexity." Decanter

"Smooth and juicy, with flavours of cherry, plum, sage and leather. Light and lively, with fine tannins on the finish. Shows excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Lago is perfumed, with crushed blackberries and plums accompanied by minty herbs and a hint of smoke. It is silky-smooth yet racy in style, with masses of tart wild berries accompanied by vibrant acidity. Violet and lavender tones resonate, while the Vigna del Lago finishes structured and slightly chewy with silty tannins and a hint of bitter cocoa that lingers." Vinous

"The nose blends the adventurous aromas of leather, stone and coffee with lighter notes of vanilla, cherries and bitter orange peel. On the palate, a current of blood orange bolsters the cherry element, while the vanilla sweetness pushes back against a swelling bitter undertone. Taut tannins march into a warm finish." Wine Enthusiast

Etna Rosso with a light ruby colour and a fine bouquet of raspberries, herbs, orange peel and flint. Firm, straightforward flavour. Mineral notes in keeping with the terroir. Silky tannins and a fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light red; fresh, red-fruity, raspberry jam, very inviting; red fruit already at the beginning, lots of tannin, subtly tart, very nice wine, long." Merum

"There's a slight hint of farmyard among the pure cherry fruit and orange peel aromas, while in the mouth it's intense and bright with a saline and balsamic character; vertical and sapid. Chalky tannins and fresh acidity provide structure to this sturdy, ageable red." Decanter

"A beautiful blend of red fruits and spices on the nose, along with a hint of tea. Medium to full-bodied with very fine tannins. Creamy. A beautiful depth of fruit carried effortlessly by the elegant tannin structure. Long lasting finish. Delicious. Best after 2025." James Suckling

"The Graci 2020 Etna Rosso Arcurìa is a very different wine to the Feudo di Mezzo. It has more fruit and a spicy character with blackcurrants, tea leaves, tobacco and perhaps a hint of exotic spices. The tannins are more pronounced here and the concentration of the wine is definitely a notch or two higher in terms of intensity. Contrada Arcurìa is located at an altitude of 650 metres above sea level. Only 5,300 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"Dusty and floral, the Etna Rosso Arcuria 2020 opens slowly with hints of chalk dust and sage that fade into violet pastilles and crushed blackberries. This is pure elegance, silky and refined, with a beautiful inner sweetness and cooling acidity that soothes and invigorates the palate. It finishes savoury and tannic with admirable length, with pretty inner flowers and a hint of bitterness slowly fading. It will take years for the Arcuria to come into its full bloom, but it will be time well spent." Vinous