Doctor Wine | 95-100 points

The grapes for the Vigna Pedale come from vines that are over 30 years old. The vines are planted in a sapling system, which allows only a few grapes per vine. The harvest does not begin until mid-October, which is very unusual for this location so far south. Purple dark red colour. Spicy aroma of cherries, thyme, wild mushrooms and earth, the typical, unadulterated flavour is strong and concentrated with a subtle sweetness. This wine is already a great pleasure today, but still has potential for the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a drop of violet. On the nose with nuances of Amarena cherries, beetroot, also with great spice, like mustard seed, after a little time then on noble wood nuances, appears stony. Clear juiciness on the palate, with plenty of fruit at the core, cool finish, balanced and with race, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"On the nose, smoky spice notes to the ripe raspberries with hints of roasted chestnuts and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied with fine, slightly dry tannins and a bright bead of plum skin and raspberry fruit that combine for a tight, fruity finish. Lasting. Flavourful and entertaining." James Suckling

Under the name Askos, Li Veli brings together a project in which long-forgotten, autochthonous grape varieties are rediscovered and cultivated on the ideal terroir selected for them in each case. Light yellow with green reflections. Intense fruity nose of tropical fruits, citrus fruits, pears and fresh spices. On the palate it is full, balanced with good acidity. Fruity, mineral and mildly spicy aftertaste. An exciting and dry Apulian white wine with a nice length that you must have tried! SUPERIORE.DE

"A tangy, lightly mineral nose with green apples, guava, stones and green mangoes. Chalky and bright on the palate with a crunchy bite of green fruit followed by a succulent, bone-dry finish. An attractive white made from the rare verdeca grape. Delicious." James Suckling

A genuine Lambrusco cru from the 15-hectare "Vigna del Cristo" vineyard, which underwent a second fermentation using the Charmat method for 3 months in pressurised tanks. Salmon pink in colour. Smells of pink grapefruit and subtle hints of raspberries. Bold, fresh, lively and dry on the palate - perfect for fans of "zero dosage". Very fine perlage that lasts a long time. Lingers for a long time with fine tart fruit. Ideal as an aperitif, with mussels, oysters and cold fish starters. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate aromas of fresh flowers, cherries, McIntosh apple and green herbs open the nose of this elegant sparkling wine. Tart strawberries, cranberries and a hint of vanilla crème give shape to the palate as the gentle perlage acts like silk on the palate." Wine Enthusiast

The vines for this exceptional selection cuvée grow on the slopes of the St. Magdalener area above Bolzano at an altitude of 200-300 metres. St. Magdalener Moar is characterised by the unique interplay of location, age and cultivation of the vineyards. It captivates with its fruity and flowery notes and the full and velvety taste. On the nose, one finds the cherry, marzipan and violet tones typical of St. Magdalener. For us, it is one of the archetypes of its appellation! SUPERIORE.DE

Deep, rich ruby colour. Impressive nose of ripe berries, ripe cherries and delicate graphite nuances. Aromatic and extremely flavoursome on the palate, with a spicy, animating arc. A true Tuscan insider tip with a great value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with violet reflections. Elegant aromas of garnet, blackcurrant, leather and pepper on the nose. Powerful on the palate with an animating acidity structure, fine tannins, balanced and persistent on the finish." Falstaff

"A medium-bodied red wine with notes of cherries, blackcurrants, dried herbs and baking spices. Fine tannins. Well balanced with a gentle structure that frames the palate until the lively finish." James Suckling

"The nose is metallic, salty and almost fizzy, like a can of Coke on a fishing boat, but a touch of fruit comes from a latent black cherry element. The palate deftly manages to both stick with that umami saltiness and bolster the fruit notes, while acid crackles around tannins that are polished yet dense, like magnets." Wine Enthusiast

The vineyards in Gaiole and Greve form the core of the blend, with a hint of fruit from Radda. On the nose, floral aromas and red fruits in the super-classic, medium-bodied style that is so typical of the Querciabella style today. Rose petals, lavender, mint and sweet raspberry fruit take centre stage. Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Enormous density on the palate, firm fruit body, with great youthful, fresh temperament, paired with a certain finesse and elegance. Finishes long with notes of juicy red berries, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"This has a fresh character with ripe cherries and raspberries as well as dried flowers, bark and stones. Polished and textural with a medium body and vivid acidity. Focused and fresh with chalky tannin structure and a linear finish with notes of citrus and minerals." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is fabulous. Bright and punchy, with terrific resonance, this wine shows just how compelling the vintage is. Readers will find a Chianti Classico of dynamic energy and volume. Dark red cherry, purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, spice and a gentle kiss of French oak build into the sumptuous, vibrant finish. Superb." Vinous

The Biancosesto is a true Friulian made from equal parts of the local Ribolla Gialla and Friulano grape varieties. Fresh, citrus-fruity aroma with hints of apple and pear, accompanied by a full-bodied, harmonious and pleasantly dry flavour. A refined interpretation of down-to-earthness with a beautiful arc of tension. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense straw yellow with green nuances. Intense and multi-layered nose of ripe yellow peach, apricot and some fragrant hawthorn. Sparkling on the palate, finely worked out fruit, opens with notes of apple and apricot, spreads out well, firm pressure on the final, slight bitter note." Falstaff

"The Biancosesto 2021 exudes exotic floral scents and a delicate hint of zesty spice in the glass. It is luxuriously round and soothing with a gentle inner sweetness and ripe orchard fruit balanced by candied lime, while a tingling acidity maintains freshness. Tropical melon and lemon zest linger as the 2021 finishes remarkably fresh and long. This is a fine vintage for the Biancosesto, which is made from equal parts Friulano and Ribolla Gialla." Vinous

"Lemon, aniseed, peaches and herbs on the nose. Creamy and refreshing, with lively acidity, a medium body and delicious spicy and herbal notes." James Suckling

Intense, very elegant bouquet of apple and almond, an extremely complex fruit on the palate; fresh, powerful, rich and with beautiful citrus-fruity length and mineral vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Friulano Rolat 2021 is remarkably pretty and floral with a sweet herbal note reminiscent of peach, yellow flowers and lime zest. The bouquet is both spicy and sweet, with glycerine textures. A core of candied citrus provides a nice contrast. A salty note lingers on the crisp final as the mouth waters and hints of sour melon slowly fade. This fabulous Friulano from Raccaro is already running on all cylinders, but has a balance that will carry it over the medium term. Well done." Vinous

"Raccaro has made wine in the heart of the Collio since 1928, producing bottlings of place and beauty ever since. Aromas of apricot, white peach and magnolia spill out the moment you pull the cork. The focused palate dances between showing off the intense minerality of their vineyards and the vibrant fresh fruit flavors that drive the wine. It finishes with balanced acidity, keeping each sip fresh." Wine Enthusiast

Intense, very elegant bouquet of apple and almond, extremely complex fruit on the palate; fresh, powerful, rich and with a beautiful citrus-fruity length and mineral vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Friulano Rolat is perfumed in the glass with a blend of wildflowers, lime zest and fresh mint. This opens with a lovely inner sweetness contrasted by a reverberation of zesty acidity. Sour melon complicates the palate further, and inner florals amass toward the close. The 2022 keeps the energy high throughout, finishing spicy and with tension. The Rolat is a gorgeous Friulano." Vinous

The pure Malvasia from Raccaro is elegant, complex and rich. Pleasantly fragrant with hints of broom and iris and the typically strong and persistent flavour of the grape variety. Salty on the palate, spicy on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Malvasia opens with a delicate bouquet of ripe orchard fruits and sweet herbal tones. Silky-smooth, this washes across the palate with a perfumed mix of pit fruits and candied citrus. The 2022 tapers off with medium length and is pleasantly fresh with a trace of tropical citrus." Vinous

The Pecorari family's passion for single-varietal wines is best represented by the Pinot Grigio Gris, which is matured for 11 months on the fine lees with bâtonnage. This Pinot Grigio fermented in oak offers an exciting and complex bouquet of white peach, citrus, flint, crushed oyster shells, white rose petals and notes of acacia honey. The well-proportioned acidity, the fresh flavour and the wonderful depth and tension make it easy to see that the Pinot Grigio at Lis Neris occupies an absolutely special position every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale straw yellow with greenish reflections. Intense nose of ripe yellow stone fruit, flint, light yeasty notes on the finish. Present acidity on the palate, precise fruit flavours and a juicy final." Falstaff

"It's fresh and minerally with notes of white peaches, flowers and stones. Crisp and juicy with a medium body and a polished, mineral backbone. Tasty finish." James Suckling

"The Pinot Grigio Gris 2021 tantalises the senses with an opulent blend of vanilla pods, sweet spices and whole butter, which complement ripe apples and pears. It is pleasantly round and silky in flavour, with a core of juicy acidity that balances it out and ripe fruit that plays around it. The balance on the inside is fantastic. The 2021 rejuvenates with a salty mineral note and acidic citrus, leaving a youthful inner tension. The oak will need to be integrated a little over the coming years, but I expect that with a little patience, an absolutely stunning interpretation will develop." Vinous

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

Rossofonte impressively closes the gap between Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello. Only 6,000 bottles are produced from this selection from the best Rosso sites of the winery at about 300 m above sea level. Fruity aromas of ripe berries with balsamic notes on the nose, plus some brown spices, tobacco and wet rock. Overall, a multi-layered potpourri full of harmony flows from the glass, on the palate it is very balanced, velvety-soft and the cooling acidity caresses the dark berries, rounded off by dried citrus fruits and a hint of mocha. The spicy and very elegant finish is reminiscent of star anise and pink pepper. SUPERIORE.DE

"Subtle caramel to the very ripe and flavoursome berry fruits and oranges. Very tasty on the palate with firm tannins, fresh medium acidity and a spicy, medium-long finish." James Suckling

"This is an excellent wine (at an affordable price) that you can always rely on when planning an informal dinner with family and friends. The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2020 Rosso di Montalcino Rossofonte is bright and lively with lovely cherry fruit, raspberry and redcurrant. The flavours are vibrant and bright, and the wine offers good textural tension." Wine Advocate

"The Rosso di Montalcino Rossofonte 2020 is dark, floral, gloomy and captivating. It seduces with aromas of dried black cherries, cedar, exotic spices and a hint of cocoa. On the palate, it shows pure elegance with a silky texture that introduces waves of ripe red and black fruits balanced by a core of mineral acidity. The 2020 finishes with a bitter hint of sour wild berries and liquorice and finishes with medium length. This is a more immediate style for Rossofonte, but one that I find very attractive." Vinous

"Elegant Rosso from a top estate, but above all convincing with its fresh fruitiness, agreeability and drinking pleasure." Vinum

"Bright ruby red. The nose shows aromas of raspberries and currants with notes of plums, herbs, earth and dried flowers. In the mouth elegant, fruity, spicy and very long, great Rosso di Montalcino." Falstaff

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

The grapes for this high-calibre Valpolicella Classico Superiore come from the rather barren, calcareous and terraced vineyards of Tenuta Novare above the Ognisanti church. Wines of greater complexity, perfect structure and higher concentration are produced here than in most other vineyards in Valpolicella. Sparkling ruby-garnet colour. Fragrant nose with wonderful overtones of sour cherry, dried flowers and white pepper. Perfectly balanced on the palate with firm tannins and wonderful spice and depth of fruit thanks to the ageing in wood. A superior, winning wine from the heart of the Valpolicella region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep ruby red colour. Initially notes of white pepper and tobacco on the nose, followed by delicate hints of small red fruits. Full and intense flavour, fruity sweetness and smoothness, juicy and slightly spicy finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ognisanti di Novare is quite pretty, with nuances of rose petals and dried strawberries. It has a soft texture, and a salty core of minerality adds a savoury flair, while the tart cherry fruit cascades across the palate." Vinous

"Offering an aromatic array of warmed cherries, plums, sun-dried tomatoes and underbrush showing a lift with hints of violets as the wine opens. A sip reveals a structure of refined tannins and a harmonious balance of tart cherry and a touch of leather with notes of black tea and roast coffee on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"A medium-bodied red wine with fresh red berry aromas and flavours, showing floral, citrus and mineral nuances as it progresses. The tannins are very fine and almost chalky, soaking up more and more fruit on the ever-expanding palate. Long finish. This is a very graceful and well-made Valpo that reminds me a little of Pinot Noir. Very expressive without being loud in any way." James Suckling

"Vineyard of the same name in Arbizzano di Negrar, Corvina Veronese with a small amount of Rondinella, 12 months in French oak, a wine of juiciness and tension, notes of cranberries on the nose, with hints of marjoram, white pepper and wild mint. Firm and juicy on the palate, spicy finish." Luca Gardini

Stylistically balanced, very finesse-rich Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from a small single vineyard (vineyard no. 7) in the Castelnuovo-Berardenga area, where the temperatures are always somewhat higher than in the rest of the Chianti Classico. Dark shining ruby. Elegant bouquet of the single-varietal Sangiovese of red berries with very delicate notes of tobacco. Salty on the palate, shows a lot of pressure, very clear, compact fruit, builds up with tightly woven tannin, very intense and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Montebello Sette is a potent, heady wine that also shows the previous style here. Macerated cherry, plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and a kiss of French oak all meld together. This potent, layered Gran Selezione offers plenty of impact in a dense, extracted style." Vinous

"A supple red wine with aromas of preserved cherries and plums that fade into eucalyptus and Tuscan scrub on the palate as it evolves. The tannins are rather firm and finish with a slightly astringent feel, so give it time." Wine Spectator

"It is still very youthful and slightly reductive, but clearly shows the dark fruit of Chianti Classico in the south. Blackcurrant and plum are plump and mouth-filling, while nuances of damp earth, smoke and vanilla add intrigue in the background. The tannins are strong but well pronounced, giving the wine an appropriate power. This wine needs another year to develop its complexity and site specificity." Decanter

"A concentrated and very polished Chianti Classico with aromas and flavours of black cherry, gravel and minerals. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a concentrated finish. Bark and berry character on the finish. Firm and racy. It will get better in a year or two, but I like the focus it has." James Suckling

Cellole Gran Selezione impresses with its usual elegance and sophistication. Its masterfully balanced flavour profile of wild berry and blackberry with cassis, blueberry and candied rose is fantastic. On closer inspection, the wine reveals orange peel, rosemary and iron ore. It is a silky and elegant wine with some firm tannin, lots of bright fruit and a hint of crisp acidity. Undoubtedly a great wine with great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Walnuts, cloves, sandalwood, plums and cherry stones on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, creamy and beautifully polished, with firm yet silky tannins and elegant layers of spiced fruit. Long and sleek." James Suckling

As always, the Cerviolo is excellent: concentrated, with the aroma of red cherry, sweet tobacco, walnut and wild mushroom. Silky and multi-layered on the palate, with balsamic and spicy notes, dense and soft, with absolutely harmonious tannins. A marvellous wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"An organic blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 25% Petit Verdot, the San Fabiano Calcinaia 2019 Cerviolo opens to dark concentration and bold aromatic intensity with plummy dark fruit, dried blackberry and chalky white mineral. The wine shows a clean approach with lots of textural heft on the medium to full-bodied close." Wine Advocate

The Riserva Poggio Lombrone is produced according to traditional winemaking methods and organically. Distinctive bouquet of red fruits, roses, violets and sweet spices. Polished, rich texture on the palate, full of finesse, juicy and with balanced tannins. A great Sangiovese full of character with good ageing Storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multi-layered bouquet of raspberries, flowers, cloves and pepper; combines polish and character, acidity and tightly woven tannins in perfect harmony, precise development with a complex, elegant finish. Also convincing in this vintage." Vinum

"Bright garnet with ruby red nuances. Complex on the nose, plum compote, iodine, tobacco, cocoa, slightly animal. Soft fruit on the palate, tightly woven tannins, very juicy until the lingering final." Falstaff

"The 2017 Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva Poggio Lombrone is dark and rich in the glass, with sweet sage and hints of basil giving way to black cherries and savory spice. It's silky and round on the palate, with depths of ripe, fleshy red and blue fruits that slowly saturate under an air of violet inner florals. Clove and dark chocolate linger as the 2017 finishes grippy and tannic, all while a bump of residual acidity keeps the mouth watering for more. This warm vintage interpretation of Poggio Lombrone has maintained lovely balance and is already showing quite well." Vinous

"This wine has an attractive bouquet of dried flowers, blackberries, grilled herbs, walnuts, orange peel and spices. Medium-bodied, firm and structured with a range of savoury herb and spice notes. Rich and flavourful finish." James Suckling

"The Riserva Poggio Lombrone is an emblem of Sangiovese from the Maremma and has been at the forefront of the quality of this variety for years. A refined bouquet, notes of marasca cherries under alcohol, a hint of wild iris, a hint of cinnamon and finally mentholation. On the palate, it is juicy and savoury, with a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

Intense ruby garnet colour. Powerful nose of savoury cherries, spicy notes, light leather, orange and plum. Equally powerful, juicy and multi-layered on the palate, with finely characterised fruit and present, fine-grained tannins. The tension of this polished wine extends into the long, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Refreshing bouquet of fresh stone fruit and lavender; the attack is fresh, the acidity well integrated and in balance with the powerful tannins, the finish is spicy and fruity. Reliable style." Vinum

"La Firma" - "The Signature". Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti's wines recall his father's notarial world with their names.

La Firma, a single varietal Aglianico aged in natural caves of volcanic tuff, carats and French oak barrels. Beautiful ruby red with bright violet reflections. Complex bouquet with aromas of small black berries, liquorice and hay. Powerful and very harmonious on the palate, characterised by velvety tannins and a long, balsamic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, distinctive nose of black cherries and plums and complex liquorice notes. Dry and firm on the palate, long finish." Decanter

"A dark and peppery red with blueberries, peppercorns, blackcurrants, dark chocolate and dried herbs on the nose. It’s full-bodied, fine and focused, with fine-grained tannins. Excellent freshness, too." James Suckling

"The 2016 Aglianico del Vulture La Firma rises from the glass with an expectedly fresh but truly seductive and spicy bouquet that presents bright cherry berries, cinnamon, clove and sweet violet flowers. The palate is velvety-smooth as it leans more towards the spicy spectrum, with a depth of mineral blackcurrant complicated by spiced citrus peel, while purple flowers shine through within. The 2016 leaves a black hole of structure and primary concentration during the long and dramatic final, while nuances of raw honey and plum skin fade." Vinous

The first 1,850 Pinot Noir vines were brought to Italy from Burgundy by Count Vistarino back in 1865. Since then, the vinification of this demanding grape variety has been continuously refined over the generations. Today, the Pinot Noirs from the winegrowing dynasty can even outshine much more expensive Pinot Noirs from Burgundy at international tastings. The grapes for the winery's top crus are grown at an altitude of 400 metres, and the high temperature fluctuations between day and night ensure a complexity, precision and elegance that is rarely found even in Burgundy.

Brilliant ruby red colour. Delicately fruity nose of small red berries, coffee and hints of damp forest floor. Subtle and precise fruit on the palate, extremely fine tannins and a long, never-ending mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE