Formats

Vietti has given the Colli Tortonesi its own distinctive voice with no fewer than three interpretations of Timorasso: the classic Derthona, the single-vineyard Boscogrosso from Monleale – and, as the freshest and most immediate expression in the trio, this Piccolo Derthona. The name is a nod to Derthona, the ancient Roman name for Tortona, whilst the addition of "Piccolo" signifies its role as the most accessible expression of the grape variety in the range.

While the whole world was talking about the extinction of Trebbiano di Soave, the three Tessari sisters set out on a mission: to save an almost forgotten grape variety. In collaboration with Professor Attilio Scienza from the University of Milan, they selected the best clones of old Trebbiano vines and planted the Massifitti vineyard in 2006 – named after the "dense rocks", the large, compact basalt boulders that characterise the south-facing slope. Only two hectares at an altitude of 300 metres, where the volcanic minerality shows itself in its purest form. What is produced here is unique: probably the only single-varietal Trebbiano di Soave in the world. It matures for 15 months in stainless steel on the fine lees, then a further 12 months in the bottle before the sisters release it.

In the hills between Macerata and Ancona, Bisci's red wines are made from the modest 1.5 hectares of Sangiovese and Merlot that have complemented the portfolio of the legendary Verdicchio specialists since the very beginning. The Villa Castiglioni 2019 combines 80% Sangiovese with 20% Merlot in a sophisticated cuvée that expresses the warm terroir of the Marche region. After manual harvesting, the wine is macerated for 15 days in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature with daily pumping over, followed by twelve months of ageing partly in oak barrels and partly in steel.

The great Bordeaux estates have shown the way: a so-called "second wine" is not simply a wine that didn't make the grade. It offers a different perspective. Younger vines, different plots, shorter ageing – resulting in a wine that is meant to be drunk sooner, has a fresher character and reveals a different facet of the same terroir. Tenuta San Leonardo introduced this concept to the Dolomites in 2005.

This characterful Greco di Tufo comes from high-altitude plots around Lapio, where Clelia Romano works meticulously and skilfully on volcanic-calcareous soils. Alèxandros is matured in stainless steel tanks in order to bring the varietal typicity and mineral character of the terroir unadulterated into the glass. The typical salinity of Greco is elegantly emphasised here. A purist, serious white wine with depth of origin and a clear signature – typical Colli di Lapio, typical Lapio.

I Giganti Bianco combines Vernaccia and Vermentino, carefully composed and matured in stainless steel and for seven months in tonneaux on the fine lees. A technical decision that lends substance to the structure without masking the vibrant freshness. Brilliant straw yellow with a delicate golden shimmer – even the light has a differentiated and lively effect. A complex bouquet unfolds on the nose: white spices, camomile and macchia flavours emerge, resting on a base of freshness and elegance. The palate follows with a clear, delicate texture: taut fruit, salty minerality and a lively acidity – all kept in balance. The finish is lingering, finely flavoured and with finesse.

In 1975, Mario Pojer and Fiorentino Sandri purchased two hectares of vineyards in Faedo, a hill situated between the Adige Valley and the Val di Cembra. Many were sceptical: Faedo was considered unsuitable for quality winegrowing. The pair remained undeterred. Today, Faedo is one of Trentino’s most sought-after wine-growing sites – and Pojer e Sandri is one of Italy’s most innovative wineries. The Traminer is grown on two sites: Faedo, Località Coveli, at 300 metres, south-west facing, on porphyritic-volcanic soil with sandy layers of dark, gravel-rich rock. And Cembra, Località Valbona, at 450 metres – cooler, providing structure. The Ora del Garda, the daily wind from Lake Garda, ventilates the vineyards and keeps the aromas fresh. Gewürztraminer from Alsatian clones, Pergoletta Trentina Aperta and Guyot, 6,000 to 6,500 vines per hectare. Vinification follows a principle developed in-house: grape washing and pressing in a controlled atmosphere – without any exogenous antioxidants. The grape variety speaks for itself; nothing masks it.

Efeso is probably the most elegant white wine produced by Librandi – a single-varietal Mantonico, an old Calabrian grape variety with a long history and great potential. The grapes come from high-altitude, well-ventilated vineyards around Strongoli, where the warmth of the south meets the freshness of the night and ripening is slow and controlled. The wine is matured in barriques with regular bâtonnage – a deliberately Burgundian approach for an indigenous wine.

Valgiano should be experienced if you want to know your way around the world of biodynamic viticulture. Now Mazzapink has been added! Already the design distinguishes it from the other wines of the estate: the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro in Lucca's centre can be found on the label as well as the Valgian-(h)orn, a work of art at the entrance of the winery. The artist Sara Di Giovanni translated the specifications into the form of a comic strip, as Lucca is considered one of the centres of European comic art.

Fiore di Campo, based on Friulano, is no more and no less than the self-proclaimed "family wine" of the Lis Neris house, and that is entirely justified: pretty straw yellow with green-gold reflections. Enticing mineral and citrus nose with notes of peach, jasmine, almonds and liquorice. Firm, fresh and crisp on the palate of apricot and green apple, plus a lovely creamy texture. Its full body and gentle complexity marry in a final with considerable freshness and high drinkability. Perfect entry into the world of Lis Neris' terrific white wines. SUPERIORE.DE

According to tradition, the River Dirillo, near the Dorilli estate, is said to be the legendary landing place of Aeneas on his odyssey from Troy. Whether this is true cannot be proven. What can be proven, however, is that this area, situated between the southern coast and the Iblean Mountains, has an extraordinary history of wine-growing. Dorilli is the quintessence of Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico – the highest tier of this unique Sicilian DOCG. Planeta produces it from carefully selected vines at the estate of the same name in Acate: 70% Nero d'Avola, 30% Frappato di Vittoria, grown on the characteristic loose red sand with a layer of tuff that defines the terroir of Vittoria from within. Organically farmed according to the SOStain protocol.

"Il Repertorio" - "The Register". The names of Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti's wines are reminiscent of his father's world as a notary.

"Kleos" is a Greek word denoting the kind of fame that heroes acquire through great deeds – a term taken directly from the Homeric narrative tradition. The name suits this stretch of coastline like no other: Cilento was part of Magna Graecia, and the temples of Paestum and ancient Elea – home to the Eleatic school of philosophy – lie very close by. Luigi Maffini chose this name for his Aglianico as a tribute to this Greek heritage. Four hectares, facing west-south-west, trained using the Guyot method with 4,800 vines per hectare, and a deliberately low yield of 1.5 kilograms per vine. harvest takes place late, in the third ten-day period of September, when the Aglianico has reached full phenolic ripeness. After destemming and crushing, the grapes macerate for six days in stainless steel tanks at 25°C. The wine is aged in second- and third-use barriques – no new oak, which would overpower the fruit.