Doctor Wine

Illuminati's Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riparosso has a sweet scent of violets and lavender, followed by crushed blackberries and chalk dust. It washes over the palate with soft textures and ripe wild berries, contrasted towards the end by sour citrus fruits. It finishes perfumed and with admirable length, leaving a layer of dusty tannins that tug at the cheeks. Very Italian - very well made. SUPERIORE.DE

Convincing Montepulciano d'Abruzzo of high quality at a very appealing price. Variety-typical, strong fruit aroma, full and spicy structure on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for this Bardolino Classico come from the Tacchetto vineyard, located at the foot of the Adige Valley near the village of Cavaion. The success pattern of this extremely popular red is easy to describe: a unique terroir of sand, scree and limestone and an always well-ventilated site. Intensely fragrant and engaging. On the palate, the clear and unambiguous structure and, as the drink continues, a silkiness that catapults it from a standing start into the hearts of Bardolino lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep red colour, fascinating complex aroma spectrum on the nose. Dominated by the ripe berry scent, with hints of plums and tobacco. Powerful and intense on the palate, rich in extract, with juicy soft tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Ilico opens with a burst of crushed blackberries, underbrush and ashen stone. It's silky-smooth with polished red fruits that form beneath an air of inner violet florals. This finishes long and staining yet only lightly structured with a bump of residual acidity that maintains a lovely balance." Vinous

Rosso Piancarda is intensely flavoured and perfumed, with medicinal cherries and raspberries complemented by dusty roses and sweet cedar wood notes. On the palate, Piancarda turns to the savoury spectrum. Salty and full of savoury minerality, it shows spicy red fruits, a hint of plum and a lively acidity that keeps the expression fresh. The grippy tannins remain until the final, while the notes of sour citrus fruits and tart berries slowly fade away. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shimmering ruby red colour with a deep dark core. Juicy plums on the nose, with a hint of ginger and a slightly animal note. Grippy and savoury on the palate, with dense tannins, lush fruit and a pleasantly juicy final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Rosso Conero Piancarda, a Montepulciano grape variety, rises from the glass with a dusty mix of dried roses, redcurrants and a hint of nectarine, creating a truly inviting bouquet. The wine is silky and elegant, almost creamy, yet sublime and cool, with mineral forest berries and a saline note adding a savoury touch towards the end. The 2020 leaves a layer of fine tannins as inner flowers arch across the palate and a minerality slowly fades. The warm vintage has given this wine a particularly soft character, but the structure and acidity of the Piancarda are beautifully balanced and should favour medium-term cellaring. Put a few bottles in the cellar, you'll thank me later. " Vinous

Carmelo Morgante's spicy and dark Nero d'Avola opens with a burst of blood orange, crushed blackberries, balsamic herbs and violet blossom. It is silky smooth yet cool in flavour. Crisp wild berries and tangy citrus fruits form the contrast. A youthful tension unfolds on the palate, while tart cherries and cranberries mingle with sweet tannins. It reveals much more depth, concentration and balance than you would expect for this price.

"The 2021 Nero d'Avola is spicy in the glass, displaying a woodland-inspired blend of mentholated herbs, shaved pine, mandarin and crushed wild berries. This is pleasantly sweet upon entry, with cocoa-tinged red berry fruits complicated by hints of sage and an air of lavender. Staining and potent, the 2021 tapers off with dramatic length, leaving firming tannins and notes of licorice to linger on." Vinous

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

This white Re Manfredi, made from Müller-Thurgau and Gewürztraminer, is exceptional and outstanding. Iridescent straw yellow in colour with a beguiling apricot and rose aroma. The well-structured, fresh flavour is full of fruit, aromatic and spicy. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a fragrant white, exuding lychee, peach, melon and orange-blossom aromas. Exotic and tasty, with medium to full body and an oily texture." James Suckling

Deep dark red, complex, almost beguiling aroma reminiscent of full, ripe raspberries and strawberries; finest spice, creamy, chocolaty, very haunting. Soft, incredibly dense and opulent on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

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

"Exudes an aroma of black cherries, spices and vanilla; polished on the palate, the acidity and tannins in balance, notes of red berries and sandalwood in the powerful final. Goes well with game dishes and spicy roasts." Vinum

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

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

"Notes of cherries, olives, oranges and peach pits here, with some vanilla. It’s lively and balanced, with a medium body, nicely polished tannins and a long, firm yet supple finish." James Suckling

Pale straw yellow with greenish inclusions. Restrained, elegant bouquet of apple, mango and peach. Almost distinguished and aristocratic on the palate with the typical, flavoursome aftertaste of hazelnut and light fruit typical of the Nosiola grape variety. With its piquant acidity, it is ideal with light meat dishes or shellfish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Nosiola is dusty and floral, with a whiff of cedar and dried flowers offset by spiced citrus. This is saline and precise, with soft textures yet an abundance of mineral tension, as tart orchard fruits cascade across the palate. It tapers off with admirable length and wickedly fresh, crunchy and savory, ending with a salty sensation." Vinous

Intense ruby red colour. Harmonious interplay of fruit, barrel and spice flavours on the nose, hearty and engaging on the palate, reminiscent of dark fruit, violets and spices. Despite its seriousness, the final is full of warmth and elegance. As always with the completely organic-certified winery: top value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Olives, tomato leaves, mushrooms and cherry stones on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, nicely balanced and with tasty salty and savory undertones. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"This organic Classico made from a blend of Sangiovese and other red grape varieties shows all the typicality of the terroir. Beautiful freshness on the palate, which tastes of red mulberry, with a hint of pink pepper and marjoram. Salty on the palate, with a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

After a year of ageing in the cellar, Feudi's famous Greco "Cutizzi" is labelled Riserva.

Intense, straw-yellow colour and a complex bouquet in which the aromas of melon and pineapple alternate with spicy notes of camomile, vanilla and nutmeg. On the palate, it is round with a rich texture and the pleasant mineral note so typical of the Tufo region. Elegant, long finish with a delicate almond flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with green reflections. Yellow peach and orange zest on the nose, delicate nuances of dandelion. Yellow-fruity, juicy and fresh on the palate, lively acidity, pleasantly salty on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Greco di Tufo Cutizzi opens with an array of sweet white flowers, chamomile and crushed apples. It balances ripe fruit trees and green melon with salty mineral tones and tantalising acidity. The 2022 finishes with a saline tension and notes of nectarine." Vinous

"Elegant, fresh and dense, with a delicious acidity and a chalky base note that frames flavours of ripe mirabelle plums and nectarines, blanched almonds, aniseed, hyssop and preserved lemon." Wine Spectator

"This is a fine Greco. It's savoury, almondy, quinine, bitter and spicy, while subtly moving into stone fruit territory without going over the top. A tremor of mineral tension and shotgun acidity finds a nervous meeting with a stiff upper lip of richness. Convincing." James Suckling

"The Feudi di San Gregorio 2022 Greco di Tufo Cutizzi is just the thing for a plate of raw fish with spicy wasabi sauce or tuna tartare. Aged exclusively in stainless steel, it has the subtle power and firmness to support generous flavours of pear, quince and honeydew melon. The mineral signature of the wine is very pronounced." Wine Advocate

"Floral, zesty and peachy, it has good intensity allied to lovely freshness and a very saline finish. Still very youthful, it deserves the chance to gain some more bottle age before opening; wait and you'll be rewarded." Decanter

The vines for Mediaevum Vernatsch grow in the southern Eisack Valley at the foot of the Schlern massif at around 400-480 metres above sea level. Brilliant, brightening ruby colour. Fine, fragrant nose of delicate cherry flavours, violets, very clear. Juicy on the palate, shows good tension, flavours of sour cherries and raspberries, delicate tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, light ruby red colour. Lots of cherry and a hint of bitter almond on the nose. Discreetly floral on the palate, fresh, with a light herbal flavour, animating, harmonious structure, slightly salty final." Falstaff

"A pretty blend of dusty rose, lavender and liquorice introduces the 2022 Vernatsch Mediaevum. It opens with a beautiful inner sweetness and lively ripe red and blue fruits. At the same time, it is wonderfully fresh. The 2022 leaves behind violet-coloured inner flowers and makes you want more." Vinous

"Markus Prackwieser produces exemplary wines from vineyards on the steep slopes of the Schlern at an altitude of 400 to 800 metres at his Gump Hof winery in the Eisack Valley. His marvellous Schiava is leafy and spicy, with underlying notes of plum and aniseed. On the palate, it is full-bodied and balanced with notes of liquorice, aniseed and clove. Light, grippy tannins give the wine grip and an aromatic finish with floral notes of red fruit. Promises a lot." Decanter

After two years of ageing in Slavonian oak barrels, San Rocco, which is partly vinified using the appassimento or Amarone method, invites you to enjoy its warm, sincere character and rich, dark fruity and expressive flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, medium ruby red with a brightening rim. Inviting bouquet of sour cherry, lavender and nutmeg. On the palate with a fine fruit melt, velvety tannin, pleasantly juicy and harmonious, right into the lingering finish." Falstaff

"This wine opens with floral and herbal aromas that pave the way for ripe raspberries and tart plums to show their freshness. The palate reveals sour red fruits with notes of dried leaves, cigar box, leather and cocoa, finishing with fine-grained tannins and balanced acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Quite a stern, savory nose with only a hint of the mixed dried and fresh berries that open up on the palate. This is medium-bodied, tight and focused, with lightly firm tannins that do little to obstruct the fruit flow. Long finish, where the more savory elements take back the reins. Super focus and control here." James Suckling

Rich ruby red colour. Bouquet of rose hips and ripe raspberries, juicy and gripping on the palate. For us, another beautiful facet of Chianti Classico, just as it should be: authentic, drinky and excellent value! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark red; barrel-like, wet autumn leaves, inviting; barrel-like, round, juicy, sweet, off-dry, length, drinky, very pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Bright ruby colour with a slight garnet hue. Smells of crisp, dark cherries, iodine and sea salt on the nose. Grippy, fine-meshed tannins, shows good grip, juicy fruit, savoury and clear, still a little young, but has good potential." Falstaff

"The powerfully savory nose features notes of earth, balsamic, meat, leather and soil, but lighter aromas of herbs, strawberries and cherries provide balance. On the more fruit-forward palate, bitter orange peel and dark chocolate maintain balance, while acid zips past grasping tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Red berries and cherries on the nose with a hint of bark. Medium to full body with very fine tannins and a tight but fruity finish." James Suckling