James Suckling

Rupicolo smells of dried cherries and hints of sage and camphor. It is silky and round in texture, with ripe red and black fruits that give way to a salty and savoury impression towards the end. A hint of fine tannins lingers on the medium-long final, along with tart wild berries and spices. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a soft and fruity red with strawberries, rhubarb and chocolate orange on the nose. Medium-bodied and crisp with fine tannins and juicy berry fruit to close." James Suckling

The rugged, red-tinged rocky landscape of Ripe in the immediate vicinity of the vineyards gave its name to the Riparosso. Its intense bouquet of delicately fresh character is beguiling, the velvety and mild taste absolutely seductive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Marasca cherry, licorice root, mint and fennel. The mid-palate, ferruginous and mid-weighted, in the most savory and meaty sense. This is one of those wines, inimitably Italian by virtue of its dry structural focus, that just needs a few years. Not too much time. Just a modicum of patience. Stay the path." James Suckling

"A sweet blend of violets and lavender gives way to crushed blackberries and chalk dust lifts from the 2021 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riparosso. It washes across the palate with soft textures and ripe wild berry fruits that are neatly contrasted by sour citrus toward the close. This finishes perfumed and with admirable length, leaving a coating of dusty tannins that tug at the cheeks. Nicely done." Vinous

Coltibuono's Cetamura first catches the eye with its rich ruby colour. In addition to aromas of ripe cherries and forest fruits, there are hints of spices and the solid flavour is delicious and hearty. A lovely drinking pleasure for every day. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of red and purple fruit with cocoa, nutmeg and bark on offer. Some licorice, too. Medium-bodied with steady acidity and dry, polished tannins. Attractive and savory fruit character." James Suckling

Montipagano is a pleasant, single-varietal Montepulciano from organic cultivation. Strong ruby violet, great scent of blackberry and lilac with earthy tones. On the palate, nice fresh fruit and very passable structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fruity young montepulciano for everyday quaffing, offering black plum and berry aromas and flavors. A tinge of herb, too. Medium-bodied with some lightly firm tannin and a clean, fruity finish." James Suckling

Fresh, fruity Chianti with a lot of esprit and drinking flow. Smells of cherries and red currants, harmoniously round on the palate with lively acidity and well-dosed tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"A firm and layered red with blackberry and fresh-mushroom aromas and flavors. Some dried flowers, too. Medium to full body, round yet chewy tannins and a fresh finish." James Suckling

The Chianti Colli Senesi from Fattoria del Cerro is a dark, lively wine with beautiful fruit, minerality and leather aromas on the nose. Pleasantly round and balanced on the palate. A drinkywine with a certain demand. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fruity and fragrant red with aromas of cola, cherries, hibiscus and chocolate orange. Fresh, with a medium body and easy tannins." James Suckling

The Sallier de la Tour winery has been owned by the Counts Tasca since 2009, making it the fifth winery that complements and characterises the diversity and professionalism of what is probably Sicily's most famous winery. Sallier de la Tour specialises in the Grillo, Inzolia, Syrah and Nero d'Avola grape varieties.

Light yellow with green reflections. Orange zest, meadow flowers and notes of melon and herbs on the nose. Fresh and light on the palate, again fruity, with a fine almond flavour. A classic for light Mediterranean cuisine and warm summer evenings. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of white peaches and lemon pith with young walnut and spicy herb undertones. Medium-bodied, textured and chalky with fresh acidity and a tangy zestiness at the end. Drink now." James Suckling

The Sallier de la Tour winery has been owned by the Counts Tasca since 2009, making it the fifth winery that complements and characterises the diversity and professionalism of what is probably Sicily's most famous winery. Sallier de la Tour specialises in the Grillo, Inzolia, Syrah and Nero d'Avola grape varieties.

Straw yellow with greenish reflections. Fresh nose of yellow fruits and meadow herbs. On the palate, notes of citrus enveloped by a fine acid wire. The trendy white Grillo grape variety is simply fun in a glass! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried herbs, chalky lemons and crushed stones on the nose with some ashy undertones to it. Juicy and vibrant with a medium body and tangy acidity. Zesty and mineral at the end. Drink now." James Suckling

As always, the Rosso from Cerro is good and very drinky. Smoky, spicy and chocolate notes in the pleasantly fruity aroma, typical of the grape variety, juicy and persistent flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Rosso di Montepulciano is impossible to ignore, with a sweetly scented bouquet of violets, lavender, allspice and wild blueberries. This is soft and supple with ripe wild berry fruits and juicy acidity. It leaves a coating of gentle tannins and a blackberry flourish, tapering off mildly spicy and with medium length." Vinous

"Spicy and fresh red wine with notes of mushrooms, white pepper and red berries. Clean, medium-bodied and slightly grippy." James Suckling

Excellent, single-varietal Sangiovese at a top price: ruby red, powerful, very typical bouquet of dark berries, tobacco and leather, well structured on the palate with cherry and plum notes, excellent length and elegant, fine-fruity finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dusty red flowers, dried strawberries and aromas of worn leather create an inviting bouquet as the 2020 Sangiovese opens in the glass. It is racy yet supple, with ripe cherry berries pouring over a mineral acid core. On the finish, the 2020 becomes crisp, leaving subtle tannins that frame the experience beautifully. It has so much purity and energy. This wine far exceeds its price." Vinous

"Aromas of black cherries, orange peel and some fresh herbs. Medium body, medium round tannins, and a soft and creamy finish. Light jammy character at the end." James Suckling

This Sicilian cuvée is beautifully textured, harmonious and rich. The aroma is seductive of honeydew melon, banana and herbs with a crisp freshness. A remarkable dry white wine with a good balance between acidity and fruit and of persistent persistence. Very good value. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is attractive with aromas of peaches, sliced apples, savory herbs and flowers on offer, following through to a medium body with vivid acidity and generous and ripe fruit. Layered and concentrated. Delicious with some spicy herb undertones in the finish." James Suckling

Part of the grapes of the Alanera are air-dried before fermentation in the appassimento process to promote the concentration of the aromas. Dark ruby red. On the nose, the scent of dried and fresh cherries, plus a little coffee and sweet tobacco. On the palate then berry-fresh with a nice acid wire and fine tannins. A full, round wine for many occasions. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fusion of traditional regional grape varieties with proportions of Merlot (5%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%). A touch of appassimento adds girth and a hint of mahogany-tinged cherry sweetness to the mid palate. Herbal bitters, juice and amaro overlay the finish." James Suckling

"This wine has forward aromas of black plum and blueberry pie. Though not an Amarone, the winery partially dries 50% of the grapes for a few months creating a wine made from both fresh fruit and dried fruit. This creates a wine that is lush and rich on the palate, but vibrant and intense in equal proportions. It is silky smooth, with a long finish of spiced plums and dried herbs." Wine Enthusiast

Pure Nero d'Avola, named after the Lago di Disueri, a lake in the province of Caltanissetta in the centre of Sicily. Deep, dark red in colour, with an intense aroma of dark fruit and a hint of eucalyptus. Powerful and round on the palate, smooth and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant dark ruby red with a brightening rim. Slightly meaty and bloody on the nose, with savoury cherry fruit, fine resinous tones, ripe strawberry on the finish. Young on the palate, with fresh tannins and beautiful juiciness, clear fruit, simple, savoury wide-meshed tannins on the finish." Falstaff

"Ripe black cherries, blackberries and dried meat with some new leather and tar. Quite juicy, fruity and fluid on the palate with a medium body and soft tannins. Smooth, brambly finish." James Suckling

Bright garnet red colour. Spicy nose of cocoa powder and coffee grounds, ripe dark berries, fine spice and a delicate woody note. Lots of ripe berry fruit on the palate, dense and juicy, with a fine fruity sweetness, a little mint and a beautiful overall balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet reflections. Fragrant, clear nose, ripe fruit flavours, strawberries and plums, with a hint of vanilla behind it. More herbal spice and dark chocolate on the palate, balanced and round, polished tannins, well-integrated acidity, medium finish." Falstaff

"A full-bodied, ripe and fleshy red with aromas of dark cherries, chocolate, mushrooms and dried herbs. Some dried fruit and coffee hints. Chewy but approachable tannins. Excellent balance." James Suckling

Ripe fruit-scented Primitivo di Manduria, whose fruit is perfectly matched to the amount of wood and whose dense flavour ends with pleasant cocoa notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh and simple primitivo with red-plum and raspberry aromas and flavors. Medium body with light but tight tannins adding a touch of firmness to the finish." James Suckling

Golden yellow with greenish reflections and the sweet aroma of fresh yellow fruit. These wonderfully fruity flavours also come through on the palate. The charming, sweet Moscato d'Asti has a fine mousse and the typical nutmeg flavour on the finish. A pleasure not only as an aperitif. SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine is floral with notes of sweet orchid fruit, lemon drops and rosehips. Sweet and creamy on the palate with lots of fruit. Dense and fruity." James Suckling

Chardonnay Fosche with a fine bouquet of ripe fruit, flowers, butter and fresh pastries, delicious on the palate with a lot of varietal character, fresh, full-fruity flavour with great acidity and a creamy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sliced apples, fruit candies, lemon peel and hints of honeysuckle on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, bright and characterful with ripe fruit and a creamy texture. Hints of beeswax and spices with a lingering finish." James Suckling

The Nero d'Avola grapes come from vines up to 30 years old from the Noto region. Animatingly delicate fruity notes of pineapple and raspberry. Round, full and wonderfully drinky on the palate, with beautiful, medium-ripe fruit, spice and a cool, fresh-salty final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh and crunchy rosé with peach, red apple and cranberry aromas and flavors. Medium body. Creamy texture with attractive fruit. Flower, peach and honeysuckle aftertaste. Drink now." James Suckling

"Bright salmon pink. In the nose nuances of pink grapefruit, stone fruit, lightly reminiscent of Mediterranean maquis in the aftertaste. Fresh and mineral on the palate, ends with a salty final." Falstaff

In Valpolicella, single-varietal wines from the native Corvina variety are becoming more and more common. And Scaia shows a beautiful portrait: light ruby red, mineral notes in the bouquet, plus small red berries and cherries, round on the palate with good freshness. Wonderful to drink. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rather jammy strawberry and raspberry on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with intensity of fruit and some fine tannin that does little to impede the flow. Glass stopper. Good and fruity. Drink now." James Suckling

A smoky blend of raspberry jam, sage and freshly ground pepper emanates from the glass. On the palate, silky in texture and distinctly tasty with the pepper notes from the bouquet mingling with salty minerals and lively acids. The finish is long and fruity with a hint of liquorice. A delicious food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cherry bright, fresh and lively with a whoosh of sweet paprika spice. Juicy and scrumptious. Very much a 'drink-me' wine." Jancis Robinson

"A nice, casual young Valpo here with fresh cherries and berries. Light, clean and straight through. No tannin to speak of." James Suckling

Deep ruby red colour with a violet hue. Clean, intense and persistent on the nose, with notes of red fruits, blackberries and sour cherries. Full and fruity on the palate, with notes of tobacco and liquorice on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark and tangy, with a lush core of blackberry, mulberry and boysenberry fruit flavors, revealing accents of oolong tea leaf and spiced orange peel. Shows taut, fine tannins that impart a tightly meshed feel, but this is silky and balanced overall, opening nicely on the palate and in the glass." Wine Spectator

"Aromas and flavours of berries and cherries, along with hints of rose petals and fruit tea. Medium-bodied with slightly abrasive tannins and a chalky mouthfeel on the finish." James Suckling