Falstaff

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

Bright straw yellow with a sparkling centre. Vecchie Vigne from a vineyard over 40 years old has a seductive aroma of almond petals, white flowers, meadow herbs, lemon and white peach, with a green apple aftertaste. Lively minerality and a slight hint of aniseed on the palate. The expressive flavour is of fabulous elegance and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow with a green tinge. Elegantly restrained on the nose, white flowers, camomile and meadow herbs appear with air, followed by white peach. Extremely juicy on the palate, full of energy, delicately enveloping, vibrant acidity, lingering, animating final." Falstaff

"The 2021 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Vecchie Vigne is remarkably pretty, displaying a dusting of confectionary spice and crushed stone, giving way to suggestions of young peach. This envelopes the palate with silky textures, taking on a more savory profile as tart orchard fruits and sour citrus mingle throughout. The Vecchie Vigne finishes potent, lightly structured and long with nectarines and a lemon-rind tartness." Vinous

"The complex aromas of ripe white fruit and citrus, together with a delicate honey note, are reflected on the full, medium-bodied palate, which is round, silky and full of slightly honeyed fruit flavours. Everything in view. Balanced. Interesting and unexpected Marsiglia aftertaste. This is a superfine Verdicchio." James Suckling

"This Verdicchio from old vines shines in the glass with an intense salinity, fresh herbs, preserved lemon and white flowers. The flavours of dried lemon, mandarin and almond play a supporting role alongside the star of this wine, the intense minerality of the mussels." Wine Enthusiast

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

Mediterra with its inviting aromas of paprika, redcurrant, elderberry, sage and black pepper is round and harmonious on the palate with beautiful fruit and spice. With its well-proportioned tannins and well-balanced acidity, Mediterra is a perfect accompaniment to food. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, dark ruby red colour. Aromas of dark plum, blueberries and black pepper on the nose. Soft and mouth-filling on the palate, with a noticeable woody note, slightly drying tannins, juicy fruit flavours and a hint of bitter almond." Falstaff

"This red is signaled by intense aromas of wild blackberry, black pepper, black olive and eucalyptus. Showing earth and underbrush accents that augment the fruity flavors, this firms up on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Mediterra is bright, effusive and wonderfully inviting. Crushed flowers, herbs, tobacco, spice and leather meld into a core of juicy dark blue/purplish fruit. The Mediterra offers all of the immediacy of Bolgheri but with tons of freshness more than opulence. It is a hugely appealing style, especially at this level, where wines are typically intended to be drunk essentially on release." Vinous

"Dark chocolate, toasted walnuts, mocha and ripe dark berries on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied and structured with firm but very fine tannins. Shows notes of toasted cedar and bitter spices yet very delicate with integration and balance. Smooth and polished finish." James Suckling

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

Andreolas Col del Forno brut is an elegant and well-balanced Prosecco from an outstanding Rive vineyard. A subtle, fresh aroma of green apple and young pear, delicate yet demanding on the palate with a drinky, citrus-fruity note. SUPERIORE.DE

"Inviting freshness, light fruit; creamy foam, fresh fruity, also apple, balanced, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"Brilliant, bright silver-green colour with persistent perlage. Fragrant nose of juicy lemon and lime, with delicate green spice and a hint of lychee. Great freshness on the palate, crisp, balanced, with great pressure, spans a wide arc in the airiest perlage." Falstaff

Colbelo Extra Dry presents the characteristic flavours of stone fruit, hay and lemon blossom, sparkling, frothy and smooth on the palate. A spumante full of harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant silver-grey with a fine perlage. Garden herbs, pear and vineyard peach on the nose, as well as wet stone and citrus zest. Juicy on the palate with present perlage, clear fruit; harmonious and balanced." Falstaff

Rustico is Nino Franco's bestseller. Brilliant silver-green colour. Fresh aroma of apple, white flowers and cut grass, with a tart coolness and well nuanced fruit on the palate and a delicate melting texture. A stylish and very sociable all-rounder at a high level! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright olive green with straw yellow colour. Initially fine floral notes on the nose, with some candied lemon zest, orange peel and white rose petal. Beautiful depth and well-developed fruit on the palate, crisp, airy, shows a fine arc of tension, good length." Falstaff

"The alpine flavours are strong and compact, without the cold fermentation notes that so many have. Excellent prosecco." James Suckling

"This wine sings with fragrant aromas of green apple, pear, and a hint of citrus. Its palate reveals a refreshing character, featuring vibrant fruit flavors and a lively, invigorating acidity, offering a taste that transports you to an orchard, surrounded by the sweet scents of ripening fruit." Wine Enthusiast

Magred (formerly Magré) is an extravagant white, reminiscent of a Grand Cru from Burgundy. Brilliant straw yellow in colour. The exotic bouquet of pineapple, lime and coconut is fascinating, with a hint of toasted oak, caramel and a salty note. Medium-bodied, with a certain creaminess, long and very multi-faceted. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale straw yellow with a sparkling centre. Restrained at first, then opens up to lime and meadow flowers. Full-bodied on the palate, slightly bitter with notes of yellow apple, lively acidity and a juicy finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Chardonnay Magred combines young peaches and dusty dried flowers with hints of ginger and spice. It's tangy with a balancing wave of silky textures and ripe orchard fruits that swirl throughout. It finishes with a gentle tension and a sweet herbal flavour that leaves a salty hint that slowly fades." Vinous

"Rather taut on the palate with stone, pie crust, lightly cooked apple and some ripe pear. Nevertheless, it is always fresh and lively with lovely energy. The palate is dense and centred with lots of lovely ripe fruit and a lively finish. Slightly chalky. The chalky soils of the slopes come through." James Suckling

The name Glarea is of Rhaeto-Romanic origin and means gravel. The grapes for this mineral and very harmonious Chardonnay grow at an altitude of around 250 metres on the lower part of the Höllenbach debris cone in soils rich in limestone and gravel. Thanks to the low hillside location and the proximity to the valley floor, a unique microclimate is created here, characterised by considerable temperature fluctuations. During the day, the Glarea vineyards enjoy very warm temperatures, which are replaced by cool air masses in the late hours of the night and early morning, giving it a lovely tautness and freshness.

Straw yellow with greenish reflections. Ripe banana, dried apricot and pineapple on the nose. Lively freshness on the palate, juicy full-bodied and taut minerality, long and harmonious final. Glarea is an extremely likeable jack-of-all-trades that prefers to accompany savoury starters. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense straw yellow colour with a bright core. Restrained on the nose, with hints of exotic fruit and floral notes. Beautifully juicy on the palate, clear and pleasantly direct, with a medium-long final." Falstaff

"An elegant expression of Chardonnay with pure bergamot, citrus and green apple character. Also some wet stones. Nice texture and chalk on the palate with medium intensity flavours that remain gastronomic and elegant." James Suckling

"With a classic oak-aged Chardonnay nose, slightly smoky and flinty, it's on the right track. The fresh palate has a mineral undertow with gorgeous fleshy tropical notes of papaya and mango, alongside some green fruits. Subtle oaking gives it an open, airy character with a peppery finish." Decanter

Bright ruby red. Very lively nose of bright berries and blackcurrant with sweet, spicy components. Crisp yet balanced acidity on the palate with a racy mix of fresh fruit and sweet extract spice. A cool but very authentic representative of its kind, it never pretends to be more than it is, but brings enough to be one of the most finessed Rossi of the vintage. It is de facto a very successful wine of a pleasing purity with a clear commitment to the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red. In the nose cherry, black currant, fresh cherry, with spicy aftertaste. On the palate with juicy tannin, shows considerable structure for a Rosso, elegant and persistent final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is wildly attractive, with sweet violet florals, sugar dusted blackberries and smoke forming its bouquet. It washes across the palate with grace, soft-textured and round, while leaving a staining of wild berries under an air of blue and purple floral perfumes. Gently tannic, yet more of an accent than an obstacle, the 2020 finishes with medium length, leaving hints of licorice to slowly fade." Vinous

Chianti Classico Vallenuova has the potential to become a favourite wine. It is an archetypal expression of Sangiovese from a single vineyard that could not be more typical and authentic. Vibrant, sparkling ruby in colour, with a hint of cedar wood and small wild berries on the nose, along with spices, beetroot and white pepper. Leather, tobacco and a hint of citrus fruit on the palate, with a pleasantly lean final and a convincing, drinkyfreshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red colour. The nose immediately reveals notes of wood, cherry, sour cherry, spices and a hint of liquorice. The palate is juicy and full-bodied. The tannins are balanced and the finish is long and equally pronounced." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Vallenuova is a racy, exuberant wine. Super-ripe red cherries, spice, mint and sweet oak burst from the glass in this medium-bodied, inviting Chianti Classico from Tolaini." Vinous

"The spicy nose oscillates between woody aromas of tobacco leaves, earth and cedar wood and metallic notes of graphite and meat jus, before opening up on the palate to ripe cherries and strawberries with a salty, mineral note carried by powerful tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Plums, cherry pits, blackberries and bark on the nose. Medium body with firm, chewy tannins. Darker fruit character with a firm, slightly austere finish." James Suckling

Characteristic bouquet of kiwi, lime blossom and honeydew melon. On the palate, a very pleasant creamy texture, rich and soft. Fresh, mineral and long, it shows its maritime origin and a structural density that predestines it as a food companion. A beautiful interpretation of the Tuscan Vermentino grape! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with a drop of light gold. In the nose initially of pepper, rosemary, some flowers and citrus, as well as peach. On the palate with compact acidity and full pressure, also slightly salty, then shows itself a little bitter in the final." Falstaff

"A very complex and focused vermentino with sliced green melon, honey blossom, and lemons. Medium body. Bright acidity and crushed stone." James Suckling

Tense Pinot bianco from the southernmost part of the Valle Isarco, which is climatically particularly favourable for this grape variety. Straw yellow in the glass, pleasantly fruity aroma of ripe pears and apples with creamy nuances of camomile. Fresh, harmonious on the palate with lively acidity, fine herbal spice and nice fullness. Mineral in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense straw yellow with golden reflections. Complex nose, yellow stone fruit, dandelion, lemon zest and a hint of flint. Precise and tense on the palate, starts juicy, then lots of mouthwatering phenolic, refreshing acidity, lingering juicy-spicy finish." Falstaff

Misco, the estate's second top white product and a Verdicchio matured in stainless steel, exudes an elegant bouquet of floral and aniseed notes. On the palate, it is a magnificent interplay of juice and vigour, spicy tension, fresh citrus notes and aromatic firmness. It is one of the best in its denomination every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light golden light yellow; stale-fruity notes, mushroom; full-bodied, almost fruity, delicately bitter, lemony, also fresh mushrooms in the mouth, fresh, juicy." Merum

"Bright, sparkling straw yellow colour. Nobly restrained nose, mineral notes, reminiscent of wet stone, with some lemon and sage behind it. Lots of citrus fruit on the palate, fresh, crystalline clarity, salty, racy acidity, lingering, mouthwatering final." Falstaff

"This four-hectare, river-facing cru spends 12 months on the lees without batonnage in stainless steel tanks, giving it intense and fresh apple and lemon flavours, accompanied by floral scents and subtle spice. Soft and supple, with a hint of creamy yeast notes that emphasise the flavours of orange peel, juicy pineapple, peach and baked apple. Notes of white pepper emerge on the long finish." Decanter

"The 2021 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Misco offers a minimalist reading of the grape with very fresh and concentrated flavours of white flowers, cut grass, freshly squeezed grapefruit and a hint of white pepper. The finish has a tangy, electric quality." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Misco is wonderfully perfumed and lifted, presenting an herbal-tinged bouquet of wet stones, chlorophyll and green apples. This sleek and racy effort sends waves of mineral-tinged orchard fruits and hints of sour citrus across the palate, all guided by brisk acidity. Sour melon and inner florals resonate throughout the mouth-watering finish as a caking of minerality slowly cracks and crumbles." Vinous

"Always breathtaking, the 100% Verdicchio from Misco from a slightly late harvest. A multifaceted and fascinating nose, medicinal herbs, sage in the lead, tabacchiera peach, lily of the valley, with beautiful tension. Broad and crisp on the palate, horizontal, with excellent persistence." Luca Gardini

The name La Rivetta has become a symbol of an excellent terroir. La Rivetta 120 stands for a special synergy of soil, microclimate and tradition, which is enhanced by 120 days of maturation on the lees. This is reflected in a brilliant yellow colour with a slight greenish tinge and a fine, delicate perlage. The aroma is reminiscent of Granny Smith apples, wisteria and acacia blossom. The flavour is fresh and fragrant with a yellow-fruity aroma. The result of extended ageing is a complex, creamy sparkling wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant silver grey. On the nose, roasted hazelnuts, yellow peach, a hint of banana, milk chocolate on the finish. Notes of hazelnuts on the palate, dense and full-bodied, with well-integrated perlage, long finish." Falstaff

Strong apricot colour with a sparkling core. Aromas of apricot yoghurt, ripe peach and some lime on the nose. Well-balanced with great tension, slightly noticeable tannin in the middle section, opens up beautifully wide and fruity, ends with powerful pressure in the final and yet always remains elegantly mineral. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright strawberry pink colour. A nose of wet stone and graphite, with a hint of broom and cherry on the finish. Fresh and savoury on the palate, with an elegant tannin structure, fun to drink." Falstaff

"A clean-cut, minerally rosé geared to food pairing, with hints of stone and smoke underscoring dried white cherry, Marcona almond, pink grapefruit peel and dried herb notes. Creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"A quiet nose of just barely ripened wild strawberries and cherries also has a bit of the rubber and graphite of a No. 2 pencil, with tropical fruit flavors of guava and even banana emerging slowly, reiterated on the palate with a boost from blood orange." Wine Enthusiast

Bright ruby red with delicately lightening rim. Fresh, pithy, very enjoyable wine with the scent of dark cherries, flowers and mint. Hearty delicate taste, good present acidity, very lively and full of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sangiovese with some Cabernet from the Avvoltore vineyards: inviting bouquet of plums, vanilla and sandalwood; nice melt and polish, good acidity, solid length." Vinum

"Medium ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. In the nose of ripe blackberries and pickled sour cherry, slightly spicy in the background. Mouth-filling on the palate, juicy, with fine tannin." Falstaff

"The 2018 Barbaspinosa is a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon that spent a year in French oak. Racy and succulent in the glass, the 2018 offers up dark cherry, mocha, spice, licorice and leather, all nicely framed by a discreet kiss of French oak. Pretty floral accents lift the finish effortlessly. This mid-weight Maremma red is a winner. Drink it over the next handful of years. " Vinous

"The Morisfarms 2018 Maremma Toscana Sangiovese Barbaspinosa is a lively, almost electric wine, with medium-dark color saturation and terrific aromatic depth. There is bright cherry, redcurrant, spice and a powdery overlay of crushed stone. This wine should drink comfortably up to the 10-year mark." Wine Advocate

 

The first alcoholic fermentation of the must takes place in steel tanks on the fine lees at a controlled temperature and after a waiting period of at least six months, the wine is bottled. The bottles remain at a constant temperature of 12°C so that the wine can undergo its second fermentation and mature on its own yeasts, which remain at the bottom of the bottle as a light sediment (note: it is not filtered!).

An animating cherry red colour with violet reflections and a yeasty cloudiness due to the lack of filtration. A surprisingly cheeky nose of wild strawberry and redcurrant, very fresh and accessible. The palate is vibrant with lots of raspberry and traces of rhubarb, the exciting interplay is flanked by delicate yeast tones and a wonderfully present acidity and ensures an impressive race and class that only the Lambrusco grandmaster Christian Bellei can conjure up in the bottle! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, brilliant cherry pink colour with persistent perlage and slight cloudiness. Cool nose of delicate apricots and forest fruits, great lemony components, fresh and fragrant. Very dry on the palate, with a delicate fruity flavour, salty, a little tannin on the finish, full-bodied." Falstaff

"The NV Rimosso is inviting, with a pretty blend of violets, lavender and blueberries. This Rimosso is more striking on the palate, saline and intense, with a chiseled bead of bubbles offset by ripe wild berry fruits. The Rimosso finishes perfumed and long, leaving a liquid floral staining and tactile mineral tones that linger on. Very nice." Vinous

Integral, which means Zero Dosage or Brut Nature, celebrated its premiere with the 2018 vintage. And the name says it all: this Prosecco is a 100% Glera Spumante of unadulterated quality. It is the successful result of years of experimentation to vinify a fruity and complex Prosecco with minimal residual sweetness. Straw yellow colour with crystal-like reflections. Bright, fine-pored and persistent perlage. Fresh and mineral on the nose, with pronounced white fruit notes. Dancing, supple and wonderfully dry on the palate. A distinctive sparkling wine that could not be more complex, exciting and at the same time more original. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, luminous straw yellow to silver. Fine, lively perlage. Broad bouquet with notes of bananas, apples and a hint of sweet spice. Fresh in the drink, with a pleasant acidity that closes on the palate along with a background mineral note." Falstaff

Medium ruby red colour. Fine, red berry bouquet with hints of blackcurrant, black cherry, sage and smoky notes. Firm and expressive on the palate; multi-layered flavours of ripe wild berries, spices and a delicate almond note are flanked by velvety tannins. Ciampoleto has impressive depth and structure for a Rosso, and the respectable finish leaves a soft cherry note with traces of liquorice and a salty vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with cherry-red edges. Dark forest berries and nutmeg on the nose, subtle hints of vanilla and roasted almonds. Juicy on the palate, with fine-grained tannins, creamy fruit flavours and animating tension, with a slightly bitter final." Falstaff

High-quality Trebbiano Superiore with structure and beautiful correspondence between aroma and taste. Convincing with fresh-spicy to sweet aromas and a crisp-fresh finish, this organically produced white is quite a joy to drink! SUPERIORE.DE

"Richly shining light gold. In the nose of squeezed lemon and lemon pieces as well as fresh pineapple, reminiscent of fresh resin, plus sea salt and rosemary. Juicy on the palate, with pronounced fruit and well-integrated acidity, savoury, spans a nice arc, also slightly floral in the mid-palate, dry, slightly phenolic finish." Falstaff

"An impressive Trebbiano, also from organic farming. Yellow plum on the nose, with hints of wild sage and hawthorn, crisp and salty on the finish, with balsamic and fruity hints, a clear snapshot of the great potential of the area." Luca Gardini

The sparkling classic from Italy's leading Prosecco winery is now certified organic. Radiant in the glass, with the scent of white flowers and fruit, extremely fine and elegant in flavour. Clean, delicate finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, youthful green-yellow colour. Baby banana, pear and some lime on the nose, with fine grapey notes. Elegant tension and creamy fruit on the palate, savoury, the perlage is very well integrated, makes the tongue click, harmonious in approach and finish." Falstaff

"This is slightly sharper and more taut ,with hints of wild fennel, alpine mint and geraniums. Frothy, alpine of feel, long and immensely refined." James Suckling