Formats

A Sicilian Merlot with a Mediterranean soul: the grapes for Marena come from the higher, well-ventilated vineyards inland around Presti e Pegni. Merlot thrives there with warm days and cool nights on calcareous soils with an ideal ripening process. Brilliant ruby red in the glass with a purple hue. The aroma opens with flavours of juicy cherry, plum and a hint of herbal spice. Round, juicy and accessible on the palate with well-integrated tannins, mild freshness and a pleasantly dry finish. The ageing in stainless steel tanks preserves the fruit and varietal character. An uncomplicated, yet harmonious Merlot, whose approachable style makes it ideal for pizza, pasta and relaxed everyday moments – sicilian and full of character. SUPERIORE.DE

Villa Grazianella – a 17th century villa surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and orchards on the hills of Acquaviva – stands at the heart of the Fattoria del Cerro, the largest private producer of Nobile di Montepulciano. The new wine name is both a tribute and an indication of origin. The Rosso di Montepulciano is made from Prugnolo Gentile – the local Sangiovese clone that has adapted to the climate and soil of the Colli Senesi over the centuries. Fermentation at a controlled temperature with daily pumping over, followed by maturation in the cellar for at least four months.

Soave has an image problem with many – wrongly so. Anyone who believes that the name stands for pale white wine with no origin is not yet familiar with the eastern hills of Colognola ai Colli. Here, on volcanic soils with sulphurous minerality, Garganega grows with a precision that one would not expect. Monte di Colognola bears the name of its UGA – the Additional Geographical Unit, one of the largest and westernmost hills in the denomination.

Zenato describes its Colombara vineyard in two words: volcano and limestone. Both in perfect balance. The vineyards of the Colombara area, in the heart of Soave Classico, are situated on soils where basaltic volcanic rock meets limestone outcrops – a geological interplay that lends the Garganega both freshness and complexity. In 1960, Sergio Zenato founded his winery on Lake Garda. Since then, Soave Classico and Lugana have been the two pillars around which all the estate's white wines revolve. The Colombara is the purest expression of the former.

A red wine that doesn't disguise itself. The cuvée of 50% Nero d'Avola, 25% Merlot, 20% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Franc comes from organically farmed vineyards between Menfi and Noto – from limestone and clay soils that give the wine structure without imposing heaviness. 2024 was a tight, hot year in Sicily: 30% less harvest than normal, but perfect ripeness. The mash fermented for 7–8 days in stainless steel, initially cool at 16–17°C, open to 25°C towards the end – gentle, precise, fruit-centred.

100% Syrah from the south coast of Sicily, characterised by the warm climate and the limestone-rich soils around Butera. In the glass, the wine is dark ruby in colour with violet reflections. The bouquet is intense and spicy: black cherry, blackberry, some black pepper and fine roasted flavours. Powerful and juicy on the palate, with soft tannins, a mild, well-supporting acidity and a pleasantly spicy final. A versatile, modern red with a clear structure. SUPERIORE.DE

Sicily at its brightest, lightest-footed best. The Planeta family's Segreta vineyards are located between Menfi and Sambuca di Sicilia – on calcareous soils close to the sea and on the cool, gravel-strewn slopes of the Ulmo estate at 210 metres above sea level. It is precisely this combination that characterises the Bianco: 40% Grecanico as the aromatic backbone, complemented by Grillo, Chardonnay and other varieties in equal proportions. Fermented at a cool 15–16°C, then on the fine lees with weekly bâtonnage – no wood, no intervention, just texture and freshness.

Damascene roses bloom on the label – the "painters' roses", one of the oldest varieties of rose in the world, renowned for their exceptional quality and their enchanting fragrance. Planeta did not choose them by chance: the Damask rose describes the wine better than any technical term ever could. Nero d'Avola and Syrah – complemented by a small proportion of Sauvignon Blanc – from the vineyards of the family estate in Menfi, in south-western Sicily, on clay soils bathed in the Mediterranean breeze and Sicilian sunshine. Organically farmed.

A typical Grillo variety from the western half of Sicily, the grapes come from vines on calcareous soil at medium altitude near Salemi. Brilliant straw yellow in the glass with a greenish tinge. Ripe yellow fruit, some grapefruit, honeydew melon and a hint of salty sea breeze on the nose. The 2024 is clear and juicy on the palate, with well-integrated acidity, a fine extract sweetness, some lime zest and noticeable minerality on the finish. The ageing in stainless steel preserves freshness and purity. A characterful, Mediterranean white wine with restrained elegance – goes perfectly with antipasti, grilled fish or summer vegetable dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

When you think of Umbria in red – and immediately think of Sagrantino. But Caprai knows that not every evening calls for a grand entrance. "Anima Umbra" Rosso is the honest antithesis, suitable for everyday use – made from the indigenous Sangiovese and Canaiolo varieties that have characterised Umbria for centuries, long before Sagrantino took over the headlines. Eight months in barriques, then in the bottle. The result: bright ruby red, redcurrant, plum, violet, fine tannin – dry, fresh, with natural fruit and the character of a region that has more to offer than just one star. With pasta with meat sauce, arrosto, salumi. This is Umbria, completely relaxed. SUPERIORE.DE

Cerasuolo – the name is derived from "cerasa", meaning cherry, and also describes the vibrant colour of this rosé made from 100% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. The Di Properzio brothers have been producing it in Spoltore, near Pescara, since 1990: Hand-harvested, 18 hours' maceration, followed by saignée and slow fermentation at a low temperature in stainless steel. No oak, no frills – just the grape variety and the terroir. Cherry red in the glass, with fresh sour cherry, strawberry and a hint of pomegranate on the nose. On the palate, lively acidity, a juicy texture and a salty minerality that recalls its proximity to the Adriatic Sea. Not a pale terrace rosé, but a wine with backbone – and one of Italy's often-underestimated rosati. SUPERIORE.DE

Nicola Illuminati founded Fattoria Nicò in Controguerra in 1890. Dino Illuminati turned it into a name that Abruzzo fans around the world recognise – and Stefano Illuminati continues this work today, with the same vineyards, the same indigenous grape varieties and the same respect for Montepulciano. The Lumeggio di Rosso is no small wine: it is proof that this producer wants to be taken seriously even without Riserva ambitions. 100% Montepulciano, Pergola Abruzzese at 260 metres, hand-picked at the beginning of October. Maceration at 28 °C, then six months in 25-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels.

Tonaghe carries the soul of Sardinia in its glass: a Cannonau that comes from three differently characterised regions – spoilt by the sun in the hills of Oliena, spiced by the sea breeze in the rugged Sinis and characterised by the hauntingterroir of the coastal region of Ogliastra. The grape variety releases a natural temperament. Fermentation and ageing take place in stainless steel and wood – a composition that harmonises freshness and structure.

A delicate salmon pink with a coppery sheen – a rosé of subtle elegance. On the nose, redcurrants, rosehip, pink grapefruit and a hint of herb-scented hay. On the palate, the indigenous Bombino Nero grape reveals fresh acidity, delicate fruit notes and a salty minerality. Ageing in stainless steel tanks preserves its clarity and finesse. "Pungirosa" is a wonderful Castel del Monte DOCG rosé – light-footed, yet far from insubstantial. A wine with character that skilfully translates the freshness of the limestone slopes into the glass and sets new standards every year. SUPERIORE.DE

A name with history: Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, the bold 15th century general, once lived on this estate – piero della Francesca immortalised him in a portrait that now hangs in the Louvre. After the devastation of the wars, the Ricci family began to rebuild the estate in the 1950s; the entire vineyard has been certified organic since 2021. Battista comes from vineyards at an altitude of 150 metres, characterised by brown, calcareous clay soils. The grapes are pressed immediately after the harvest to maximise freshness. Fermentation and ageing take place in stainless steel and three months on the fine lees give the wine a subtle fullness without heaviness.

Excellent, single-varietal red wine from the ancient southern Italian Nero di Troia grape. Violante impresses with its delicately aromatic, red berry and delicately smoky bouquet. Fresh in flavour, well-structured and beautifully balanced between fruit and acidity, it is a wonderful accompaniment to food and a very good value everyday wine. SUPERIORE.DE

Fiumana di Predappio – sangiovese has had its home here since the Middle Ages. The estate's lowest vineyards between 80 and 150 metres provide the grapes for the Federico, named after the family's long-time employee. Fermentation and nine months of ageing take place 70% in stainless steel and 30% in oak wood – enough structure without masking the fruit. Bright ruby red colour. The nose literally leaps out of the glass: fresh cherries, raspberries, a hint of herbs and violets. Lean and juicy on the palate, with fine tannins that invite you to take another sip. A charming Sangiovese that does not make you ponder, but is a pleasure to drink – uncomplicated in the best sense of the word, certified organic and exactly what an everyday wine should be. SUPERIORE.DE

The name says it all: La Gatta (the cat) doesn't sneak into the glass – she purrs her way into it. This Moscato d'Asti from the best plots around Canelli shows how much character can be found in a delicately sparkling white wine. The vines are rooted in calcareous soils with south to south-east exposure, which gives the grapes optimum ripeness and aromatic concentration. Harvested in the cool morning hours and fermented at a controlled temperature, the natural residual sugar is retained and fermentation is stopped early – this keeps the alcohol content low and the flavour high.

A Nero d'Avola with style and everyday suitability, vinified from vines in the province of Caltanissetta (on Lago di Disueri), where clay and limestone soils and large temperature differences between day and night ensure aromatic depth. Rich ruby red colour with a purple rim in the glass. Aromas of ripe cherries, blueberries, dried herbs and a hint of liquorice. Soft and fruity on the palate, with gentle tannins, lively freshness and good drinkability. The ageing in stainless steel maintains clarity and varietal typicity. A very typical and cleanly vinified Nero d'Avola with a Mediterranean character – ideal with pasta, braised vegetables or grilled meat. SUPERIORE.DE

A rosato that carries the light of Sicily within it. The Frappato grape variety, known for its fragrant elegance, brings a lot of finesse and lightness to the glass, especially in rosé format. Grown on sandy, calcareous soils near Trapani and Marsala, the wine is matured in stainless steel tanks to preserve its fresh, fruity character. Delicate salmon pink colour with copper reflections. Smells of wild strawberries, pink grapefruit and a hint of hibiscus. Juicy and clear on the palate, with lively acidity, a delicate fruity flavour and a finely salty finish. A Mediterranean rosato with a fine finish – ideal as an aperitif or with antipasti, seafood and light summer cuisine. SUPERIORE.DE