Falstaff

Bright yellow organic Vermentino with a small proportion of Grechetto. The idea came from Maurizio Castelli, who also advises the Barberani winery in Umbria. Maurizio Castelli creates this marvellous white wine from the Tuscan coast from a traditional, local blend based on a historical model and always picks the grapes quite late. The nose has a bright aroma of apple, pear, flint and a certain exoticism. Complex and full on the palate, the rich flavour is accompanied by an invigorating, fresh acidity right through to the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is creamy and flavourful with notes of peach stone, nectarine, citrus blossom and crushed stones. Medium-bodied, dry and tangy with a fresh, zesty character." James Suckling

"Zests of lime, dusty dried flowers, young apricots, peach and hints of chamomile form an inviting bouquet as the 2021 Montecucco Vermentino Irisse blossoms in the glass. It's soothingly round, with a pretty inner sweetness that embellishes its ripe orchard fruit and suggestions of green melon, coming across as rich yet spry. For all of its depth and complexity, this tapers off unbelievably fresh, leaving a saline tinge and notes of candied citrus. This barrel-aged Vermentino will turn a lot of heads." Vinous

"Bright straw yellow colour. A little restrained on the nose. Juicy and salty on the palate, with a slightly stony feel and lovely complexity, on candied citrus notes, keeps coming back on the final." Falstaff

This fabulous cuvée of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet comes from Querciabella's Maremma vineyard. A charming bouquet with notes of tobacco and leather, which then give way to ripe fruit. The harmonious flavour is delicately fruity, intense and fresh. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a violet tinge. Intense, fragrant nose, ripe plum and blackberry, subtly fleshy. Powerful on the palate, builds up plenty of pressure, lively acidity, well-integrated tannins, elegant, savoury final." Falstaff

"The 2021 Mongrana is great. Bright and powerful, with marvellous purity of fruit, the 2021 is a delicious wine to drink in the short and medium term. Maturation in cement and steel keeps the flavours alive. This is a beautiful edition of Mongrana." Vinous

"It's ripe with dark cherries, mulberries and jam. Also some hibiscus and red spices. Medium to full-bodied with taut but finely honed tannins and a juicy, soft character of dark fruit. A racy finish." James Suckling

"The nose is springtime in the English countryside, with fruit and flowers wafting over the aroma of cobblestones after a heavy rain. That mix of floral freshness and damp saltiness lingers onto the palate, while the tannins look on, before acid blows through like a strong wind." Wine Enthusiast

Subtle ruby red colour with light reflections. Warm, well-dosed bouquet of wild berries, cherries and some smoke. Fine tannins on the palate, with plenty of juice and fruit at the core, floral and spicy notes, compact. A fine salty vein in the harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby dark red; peppery notes, arouses curiosity; juicy, sweetness, balanced, length, drinky, pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Very typical, elegant, with polished tannins and full of fruity charm, sour cherry, some chocolate, sweet fruit melting, round." Weinwisser

"Pleasing nose of black cherries, flanked by plum notes and tobacco; polished attack, finely chiselled acidity, fruity and mineral finish." Vinum

"Medium ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Leather, ripe cherry and some undergrowth on the nose, then slightly spicy and balsamic. Grippy on the palate, with gripping, somewhat rustic tannins, then beautifully juicy on the finish. To savoury Tuscan dishes." Falstaff

"One of the best-balanced 2020s, Gracciano della Seta's Vino Nobile is discreetly padded with an abundance of dark, fleshy cherry, yet remains straightforward and sculptural. The tannins are slightly steely but yield smoothly, while zesty, citrusy acidity provides graceful support. Nuances of forest, leather and mint interweave with notes of orange that linger." Decanter

"This spicy red wine contains notes of dried herbs and olive pits, which mingle with cherries and blood oranges. It is medium-bodied, juicy and beautifully balanced. Fine tannins. Fresh and flavoursome finish." James Suckling

Rosso Non Confunditur from Argiano is made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. The wine opens with a dark ruby red colour and aromas of wild berries, flowers and red berries. On the palate, it fortunately does not show the cloying heaviness or dense extraction found in many other protagonists of the Super Tuscan category. In fact, NC is accessible and fresh, rounded off with a good level of crisp acidity and a well-proportioned body. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet shimmer. Compact nose, ripe plum, coffee and dark chocolate. Powerful and juicy on the palate, builds up a lot of pressure, refreshing acidity and ripe tannins, medium-long final, slightly brittle at the end." Falstaff

"Taut and straightforward in profile, this red offers blackcurrants, black cherries, vanilla and peppery spices. It tightens up on the finish, where the chalky tannins linger." Wine Spectator

"The nose is simultaneously earthy and sweet, with notes of cherries, chocolate, tree bark and underbrush. That cherry-chocolate sweetness takes center stage on the palate, before tannins clear through them to resuscitate the earth tones." Wine Enthusiast

Boscarelli's Prugnolo opens the bouquet with velvety and cherry aromas, then becomes full-bodied and powerful. Outstanding fruit on the palate, pleasantly fresh acidity, present tannins, structured and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Lots of cherries on the nose, followed by green pepper and vanilla. Fruity on the palate, straightforward, refreshing acidity, medium-long, slightly salty finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Rosso di Montepulciano Prugnolo is vibrant and fresh, with a burst of wild strawberries, lavender and violets. This is juicy and fruit-focused, with masses of tart raspberry and sweet herbs energized by zesty acidity. It leaves the palate coated in primary concentration and spices while ending gently tannic and refined. This is a fantastic effort and a great introduction to the Boscarelli house style." Vinous

"Pure, fragrant and transparent with lots of raspberries, strawberries, red cherries, herbs and potpourri. This wine is really fresh and tangy, with fine, linear tannins that carry the juicy, nimble red fruit to a fresh, buoyant finish. Really drinkable, fresh and expressive." James Suckling

Wonderfully balanced Rosato: Silky, with beautiful wild berry fruit and beguiling harmony - Cassiopea is an ideal aperitif and with its slightly salty note goes perfectly with light fish, vegetable dishes and bruschetta. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, pronounced salmon pink. Opens to small red berries, grapefruit and meadow herbs on the nose. Fresh and slightly sparkling on the palate, taut and very linear, into the slightly salty final." Falstaff

"This wine has a floral character with pink nectarines, orange peel and dried flowers on offer. Medium body. Fruity and round with a crisp finish. Delicious." James Suckling

Medium ruby red. Sweet and spicy aromas of raspberry, milk chocolate, red cherry, orange zest and violets. Complex and juicy, with very soft tannins, high but harmonious acidity and beautiful generosity and elegance to the red cherry, salty and floral flavours. A deep, rich yet very clear wine with supple tannins that are wonderfully harmonious after a short aeration. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, strong ruby red. In the nose scent of dark berries, herbs and forest floor. On the palate present, fine tannin, light pleasant fruit sweetness and persistent, spicy final." Falstaff

Intense ruby red, persistent, fruity bouquet with notes of wild berries, violets, cloves and cinnamon as well as sweet tobacco flavours. Concentrated, fleshy, tannic, dark fruit flavours on the palate. On the finish, the spicy flavours merge with a pleasant fruity note. An unbeatable wine every year at a very attractive price! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shimmering ruby red colour. Spicy and opulent on the nose, of ripe fruit, liquorice, forest floor and tobacco. Firm tannins and savoury fruit on the palate, carried by fresh acidity, mouth-filling with medium length." Falstaff

"Spicy berries, red plums and cherries are followed by a medium-bodied palate with fresh tannins and a juicy, medium-long finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Montecucco Rosso Riserva is dark and brooding in the glass, with suggestions of rosemary and sage, chalk dust and autumnal spice giving way to red currants. This washes across the palate, elegant and refined, with sleek red and black fruits carried across a core of vibrant acidity. It leaves a coating of fine tannins to linger along with a licorice tinge, as hints of sweet sage and violet inner florals fade." Vinous

"Multi-layered nose of cherries and menthol; pithy in the mouth, lively acidity, fresh, balanced final with an elegant final." Vinum

"Sangiovese, with the participation of Ciliegiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon, for another of the "favourite sons" of the Maremma. Notes of blueberries on the nose, then laurel and undergrowth, finishing with eucalyptus again. Juicy on the palate, iodised tannins, fruity and balsamic notes." Luca Gardini

Dark ruby red in colour. Opens with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spices and Spanish cedar. The delicate blackberry flavour is also very seductive on the palate, which in turn blends with tobacco, minerals and well-integrated wood. The final is fresh with pinpoint acidity and an intense, spicy length. The Chianti Classico from Poggio Bonelli is very attractive, stylish and in tune with the times every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Citrus fruit, red peach and red apple on the nose, with cherry and tomato paste in the background and fine spice. Clear fruit centre on the palate, warm-hearted, slightly juicy, with grippy tannins and a full-bodied finish." Falstaff

Zisola, from the eponymous winery of the Mazzei family in Sicily, is an exceptionally well-made single-varietal Nero d'Avola. Elegantly shining ruby red with a delicately lightening rim. In the flattering fruit bouquet, ripe forest berries and rose hips, lightly reminiscent of blood orange with a hint of cocoa. Juicy and clear on the palate with hearty red fruit, powerful and soft on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Zisola is darkly floral and herbal in the glass, mixing earth tones with dried flowers, sage and crushed blackberries. This is soft and round with a mineral tinge that comes in early as tart wild berry fruits ride a core of brisk acidity. Sour citrus mingles with saline minerals as the 2021 finishes with a lovely freshness, lightly structured yet welcoming all the same. The Zisola is a perfect option for drinking now while waiting for the Doppiozeta to mature. Nicely done." Vinous

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Seductive nose, complex fruit play, cherry, raspberry and plum, fresh thyme. Animating and light on its feet on the palate, ripe tannin, well-integrated acidity, some elderberry on the final, lingers." Falstaff

"Sweet berries and hints of wood with dried flowers on the nose. Bark, too. Medium-bodied with firm and creamy-textured tannins and a fresh and clean finish." James Suckling

"Rich, deep dark ruby violet. Intense nose, opens with notes of dark chocolate, then lots of blackberry and cassis, underpinned by fine graphite. Medium weight on the palate, showing lots of crunchy currant fruit, some beetroot, grippy tannin." Falstaff

"The 2021 Alpha is a new wine from Montepeloso. It offers sweet, dark plum fruit, graphite, menthol and liquorice, framed by jabbing tannins that need a little time to soften, though I imagine most bottles will be long gone before that happens. Alpha is a blend of young vines and some bought-in fruit." Vinous

"A rich and firm red wine with aromas and flavours of dark berries and dark earth. Medium to full-bodied with solid tannins and a flavourful finish." James Suckling

"Here is a new submission from Montepeloso in Suvereto, Tuscany, described as a "vino rosso" (or no appellation). The 2021 Alpha shows a rich and lush personality with medium weight fruit. There is plenty of tart fruit, with the two characteristics - acidity and tannins - giving this young wine the qualifications to pair with a hearty pasta or grilled meats." Wine Advocate

Clear straw yellow and intense, fresh scent of green apple, citrus, white flowers and nuts. Clear and juicy on the palate, unfolds with rich fruit, delicate, tense and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, luminous straw yellow. In the nose ripe apple and pear as well as a hint of vanilla and liquorice. Balanced, creamy on the palate, great richness, some walnut, medium-long finish with a mineral touch." Falstaff

"Peaches, apricots, wet stones and white pepper on the nose. Creamy and spicy with full body, chalky minerality and lively acidity. Excellent focus." James Suckling

Brilliant and intense straw yellow colour with bright reflections. Fine citrus fruit, white-fleshed fruit and wild flowers on the nose, followed by a hint of herbs, then slightly spicy and very elegant. Elegance, longevity and freshness on the palate with a return of the bouquet flavours and a great spiciness, ending with the minerality characteristic of the Pecorino grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright straw yellow colour. Slightly restrained on the nose, yellow stone fruit, white flowers. Present acidity on the palate, fine citrus notes and a mineral and salty finish." Falstaff

"A nose like a sea breeze wafting through a grove of lemon and peach trees, while an herbaceous undertone provides a subtle solemnity that continues on the palate. Acid further underscores the already potent salinity." Wine Enthusiast

"Fresh, grassy meadow aromas mingle with gooseberries on the nose to create an inviting introduction to this super Pecorino, which has a medium body on the palate with bright, tangy fruit and a creamy, mineral texture. Made from organically grown grapes. A delicious white wine." James Suckling

The sophisticated Rosso San Biagio combines sour cherry, peppery herbs, leather and dark earth tones to create a tasty and wonderfully inviting entry. The textures are soft, but the fruit is ripe and fleshy, with notes of sour citrus and juicy acids that maintain freshness while keeping the energy high. This wine is dangerously delicious and finishes long with hints of blackberry and spice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby-violet with a slightly brightening rim. Very clear and intense nose with lots of rich blackberry fruit and dark currants, some bay leaves. Round and polished on the palate, fruit well brought out on the attack, then shows some harsh tannin, slightly drying." Falstaff

Col d'Orcia's Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine every year. Classic aromas of wild berries, camphor and ploughed earth as well as a hint of blue flowers. Full-bodied and savoury on the palate with flavours of marasca cherry, plum and liquorice and taut, fine-grained tannins flanking the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby red colour. Black bread, violets, some blueberry and white pepper on the nose. Opens fruit-emphasised on the palate on dark berries, delicate creaminess, enveloped by medium-bodied, tightly meshed tannins, beautiful length, still delicately bitter on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2021 Rosso di Montalcino wafts up with a rich blend of crushed cherries, sage and dusty earth. It opens with a lovely inner sweetness and plush red berry fruits, soothing the palate through a core of vibrant acidity as violet inner florals form toward the close. This finishes with admirable length and unexpected structure, leaving a spicy tinge and sweet herbal flourish. It's a total pleasure to taste." Vinous

Delicate salmon pink. Fresh and discreet raspberry nose with a hint of pomegranate. Clean and precise on the palate with fine acidity and subtle hints of red berries and some crisp Braeburn apple. The finish is long and smooth - and again with a fine Sangiovese acid wire of acidity that only Sean O'Callaghan can put in the glass. An indispensable companion for happy and carefree days. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, brilliant salmon pink with pink reflections. Beguiling, complex nose, redcurrant, blackberry, behind it thyme and fresh rosemary. On the palate additional cherry, juicy and tense, fine, animating tannins, persistent finish." Falstaff

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 minerality 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 wine's mineral signature is very pronounced." Wine Advocate

Rich, full-bodied and typical of the variety, Spelt Rosato has an intense aroma and a fruity, dry flavour, a slender acid wire and a clear, energetic, full-bodied final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose is fresh yet salty, as notes of watermelon and cherry are balanced by subtle undertones of tar and leather. The fruit notes define the palate, but plentiful acid and prominent tannins emphasize the saltiness to maintain balance." Wine Enthusiast

"The Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore Spelt 2022 is a deep red wine with orange-coloured reflections. It opens in the glass with a bouquet of sweet spices, rose petals and dusty dried cherries. It feels silky, almost heavy, with a nervous acidity that balances a cascade of ripe strawberries and candied citrus, stimulating the senses with savoury tension. The 2022 finishes with dramatic length, showing a forgivable hint of spiciness as red liquorice notes linger. This is a powerful interpretation of Cerasuolo Spelt, but one that is very balanced." Vinous

"Sparkling, intense cherry pink colour. A nose of beetroot, carrots and fresh cherries, paired with fine salty and earthy tones. Beautiful juiciness on the palate, well-integrated, albeit noticeable tannins, savoury fruit with considerable length. A great accompaniment to food." Falstaff

"Deep cherry red in colour. Wonderful aromas of raspberries and red cherries pour from the glass. Very inviting. Medium body with a super fresh raspberry flavour, spiced up with additional notes of blood orange and aniseed. Crisp and very flavoursome finish. Excellent summer fare and not just as an aperitif. Top Italian rosé made from selected Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grapes." James Suckling

Poggio ai Ginepri" becomes "Eco di Mare" and from now on the Vermentino grapes come from 100% own vineyards. Intense, straw-yellow colour. Fresh bouquet with fruit notes of pear, banana and apricot. On the palate, floral tones of lavender and white flowers with subtle grassy notes reminiscent of wild sage. On the palate, the wine is fresh and perfectly balanced, with a pronounced aromatic and mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale straw yellow with silver reflexes. Lime and grapefruit on the nose, roasted almonds, meadow flowers in the aftertaste. Crisp on the palate, fine melting, clear fruit and lightly of elderberry, full pressure on the palate, delicately bitter and salty in the final, still very young." Falstaff