James Suckling

Cantina Santadi in the Sulcis region is regarded as one of Italy"s finest wine cooperatives – and this Vermentino shows why. The grapes (85% Vermentino, 15% Nuragus) come from five municipalities in south-western Sardinia, where sandy loam soils and a Mediterranean climate create ideal conditions. Hand-picking, gentle pressing, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel and brief ageing on the lees preserve the wine"s freshness and aromatic character.

Sicily at altitude. Cusumano's Insolia vines grow in the hills near Salemi and Monreale – with a south-easterly aspect, slow ripening and pure mountain air. No fuss, no great effort: the high altitude does the work. Hand-harvested in early September, twelve hours of cold maceration at 8°C, gentle pressing, temperature-controlled fermentation at 18–20°C, four months on the fine lees in stainless steel. Straw-yellow in colour, with notes of hawthorn, citrus zest and a hint of exotic fruit – fresh and delicate, with pleasant acidity and a light, salty-mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

A rosé with an island identity – clear, fresh and imbued with Mediterranean vigour. Tre Torri is made from 100% Carignano grapes, grown in the limestone- and clay-rich vineyards of the lower Sulcis region. The grapes are harvested by hand and undergo extraction with just a few hours" contact with the must at a low temperature before being fermented in stainless steel tanks. This minimal ageing preserves the wine"s freshness and terroir without any distracting elements.

Susumaniello is one of the indigenous grape varieties of Apulia that almost disappeared. Cantine Due Palme was one of the first wineries to recognise the potential of this historic variety from the Alto Salento region around Brindisi and saved it with foresight – vinified in purity to preserve its unique character. The name already reveals its speciality: "Carico come un somarello" – loaded like a donkey – refers to the exceptional fruitiness of the young vines. After around ten years, the yield drops significantly, and only then does Susumaniello produce grapes of astonishing quality. The grapes are easy to recognise: Their ink-blue coloured berries have an extremely high anthocyanin content, which is why Susumaniello was often used as a blending partner in the past to lend depth of colour to other wines. For the Serre, the grapes are harvested by hand in small crates late at the end of September, when they are slightly overripe for optimum concentration. Vinification takes place in horizontal rotary fermenters at a controlled temperature, followed by six months of ageing in French barriques.

Bright ruby red with a violet rim. Ripe cherry, redcurrant and a hint of violet – inviting and typically Sangiovese, but with a southern Italian accent. Juicy fruit, lively freshness and pleasantly soft tannins on the palate. What makes it special is its origin: Molise – remote, underestimated, but ideal for red wines with a strong character and a special flavour. Maturation in stainless steel tanks preserves the freshness and purity, while the sun of the Osci hills ensures fullness. A purist, organically produced Sangiovese with an exciting Mediterranean profile – and not from Tuscany, but from Molise. SUPERIORE.DE

A white wine that embodies the spirit of Sardinia, crafted from 100% Nuragus, the island's ancient indigenous grape variety. The grapes come from the oldest vineyards in the lower Sulcis region, grown on sandy-clay soil, swept by Mediterranean winds and characterised by warm, dry summers. The grapes are harvested by hand late in the season, often in autumn, to achieve maximum aromatic ripeness. The winemaking process follows a clear approach: gentle pressing, controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks and several months' ageing in concrete tanks on the fine lees.

A wine that conveys its authenticity with unpretentious elegance: Antigua is a harmonious blend of 85% Monica and 15% Carignano – grapes that ripen on limestone- and clay-rich soils in the Sulcis lowlands. The warm, dry climate lends them depth and aromatic richness, whilst the cool sea breeze imparts finesse and freshness. Following the harvest, traditional maceration with pump-overs takes place, after which the wine matures in concrete tanks to preserve its authenticity.

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

A Grillo typical of the western half of Sicily; the grapes come from vines growing on calcareous soil at medium altitude near Salemi. In the glass, it is a bright straw-yellow colour with a greenish sheen. On the nose, ripe yellow fruits, a hint of grapefruit, honeydew melon and a touch of a salty sea breeze. On the palate, the 2024 vintage is crisp and juicy, with well-integrated acidity, a delicate natural sweetness, a hint of lime zest and noticeable minerality on the finish. Ageing in stainless steel preserves its freshness and purity of flavour. A characterful, Mediterranean white wine with understated elegance – pairs superbly with antipasti, grilled fish or summer vegetable platters. 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 mouthfeel 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

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

A Nero d'Avola with style and everyday appeal, made from grapes grown in the province of Caltanissetta (near Lago di Disueri), where clay and limestone soils, combined with significant temperature variations between day and night, lend the wine aromatic depth. In the glass, a rich ruby red with a purplish rim. Aromas of ripe cherries, blueberries, dried herbs and a hint of liquorice. On the palate, it is soft and fruit-forward, with gentle tannins, lively freshness and a smooth, easy-drinking quality. Ageing in stainless steel ensures clarity and varietal character. A very typical and cleanly vinified Nero d'Avola with a Mediterranean character – ideal with pasta, braised vegetables or grilled meat. SUPERIORE.DE

A Chardonnay that transports us to an Italian summer from the very first sip: Fosche is like the morning light over Barolo – fresh, airy and simply vibrant. The grapes grow on gently sloping hills and the wine undergoes spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel to preserve the pure fruit and crisp clarity. No oak, no pretence – just Chardonnay in its most elegant and freshest form. In the glass, it displays a pale straw-yellow colour with a silvery sheen. On the nose, aromas of Golden Delicious and Williams pear unfold, overlaid with delicate notes of orange blossom, citrus zest and a hint of apricot – all balanced on a subtle mineral base. On the palate, it is fresh and lively, with elegant clarity. Citrus freshness and juicy fruit blend perfectly with a delicate creaminess from the fine lees ageing, which lingers pleasantly in the long, sparklingly light finish. Light-footed enough for an aperitif, or just distinctive enough to take a spinach and salmon quiche to a whole new level. SUPERIORE.DE

The Sallier de la Tour winery has been owned by the Counts Tasca since 2009, making it the fifth company that complements and characterises the diversity and professionalism of what is probably Sicily's most famous winery. Aromatic bouquet of sweet cherries and wild berries. Clear on the palate with a beautiful fruit centre and a radiant freshness, appealing finish. A beautiful Syrah that impressively demonstrates Sicily's potential for international grape varieties. SUPERIORE.DE

The Roero region has long been Barolo's quiet sister – yet wines such as this make it clear that great stories are unfolding here too. Villata comes from selected vineyard plots in the heart of the Roero, where the limestone- and sand-rich soils lend the Arneis its distinctive character. The grapes are harvested early in the morning, vinified in stainless steel and left on the fine lees until bottling – this preserves freshness, precision and a delicate texture.

This single-varietal Grillo comes from vineyards near the coast around Marsala, whose salty soils and proximity to the sea lend the wine its fresh, mineral-driven character. Pale straw yellow with a greenish sheen. On the nose, it offers notes of white peach, star fruit, lemon zest and sage, with a hint of sea breeze. On the palate, it is dry, with lively acidity, crisp fruit and a salty edge. The finish is unpretentious, fresh and elegant. A typical Sicilian wine with lovely character – authentic, crisp and Mediterranean. Perfect with grilled fish, marinated seafood or summer vegetable dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

A smoky blend of raspberry jam, sage and freshly ground pepper flows from the glass. Silky in texture on the palate and extremely flavoursome with the pepper notes from the bouquet, which mingle with salty minerals and lively acidity. Hardly any tannin. The finish is long and fruity with a hint of liquorice. A delicious accompaniment to food. SUPERIORE.DE

A Sicilian duo full of excitement: Angimbé blends Inzolia and Chardonnay to create a white cuvée that combines the island's aromatic character with international elegance. The grapes come from Tenuta Ficuzza at an altitude of around 700 metres – a cooler terroir with loamy-limestone soils that lend freshness and structure. In the glass, it is a pale straw-yellow with golden highlights. On the nose, it offers notes of yellow pear, pineapple, citrus, a hint of honeydew melon and floral notes. On the palate, it is juicy, round and well-balanced, with gentle acidity, delicate fruit sweetness and a harmonious, slightly spicy final. A versatile, approachable white wine that pairs just as effortlessly with Mediterranean cuisine as it does with relaxed evenings on the terrace. Very good value. SUPERIORE.DE

Neré comes from organic cultivation on volcanic soils near Noto, where the vines benefit from cool breezes and intense sunlight – a terroir that balances ripeness and freshness. Rich ruby-violet colour, very clear and intense bouquet with strong notes of dark fruit and a hint of violets. Juicy, fresh with lots of ripe berry fruit on the palate. Round, supple and dense with a fruity, savoury final, serve chilled. SUPERIORE.DE

Gròttolo means "little grotto". A fitting name for an estate whose cellars are dug deep into the rock – four levels, designed according to the principles of Edoardo Milesi’s bio-architecture. No pumps, just gravity. Down there, where the temperature remains constant and time passes differently, this Rosato also matures. Sangiovese, gently pressed, short maceration at cool temperatures, stainless steel – this is how Montecucco’s most important grape variety is transformed into a rosé that expresses the character of the terroir in a different colour.

Pale yellow with a greenish tinge – even in the glass, Olli evokes a Sicilian summer breeze. This single-varietal Grillo comes from organic vineyards near Noto, where the vines are rooted in limestone-rich soil and cooled by the sea breeze. Citrus, white peach, a hint of sage and a touch of salty sea air – the bouquet is fresh and charming. On the palate, it is dry, lively and full of vibrant fruit, accompanied by delicate minerality and a pleasant finish. Ageing in stainless steel tanks preserves its freshness and makes it easy to drink. An energetic wine with vigour and expressiveness right through to the finish, this crisp and balanced white made from the trendy Sicilian Grillo grape offers excellent value. SUPERIORE.DE

A delicate salmon pink with coppery highlights – a rosé that exudes Mediterranean elegance even in the glass. Made from Nero d'Avola (30-year-old vines) grown on the hillsides near Noto, where limestone soils and sea breezes lend the wine freshness and character. On the nose, redcurrant, sour cherry, a hint of hibiscus and subtle spice. On the palate, it is juicy, light-footed and with well-integrated acidity that combines freshness with drinkability. A Sicilian rosé with style and lightness – ideal for warm evenings, dreams of the sea and those little escapes from everyday life. SUPERIORE.DE