James Suckling

Montepulciano has two faces. One has large wooden barrels, decades of cellar time and the name Nobile. The other is younger, more direct – and often the more honest pleasure. The Rosso di Gracciano comes from the Casale and Maramai crus, at 280 to 300 metres in north-eastern exposure: somewhat cooler, somewhat slower ripening than the Nobile sites, with medium-heavy soils that produce freshness rather than vigour. 90 per cent Prugnolo Gentile – this stubborn Sangiovese clone, which only shows its full temperament here – supplemented by ten per cent Merlot for fullness and texture. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts in steel, ten days of maceration at a controlled temperature, no wood. A wine that does not wait.

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, preferably served slightly chilled. SUPERIORE.DE

Pale yellow with a greenish tinge – olli already looks like a Sicilian summer breeze in the glass. The pure Grillo comes from organic cultivation near Noto, where the vines are rooted in chalky soil and cooled by the sea breeze. Citrus, white peach, a little sage and a hint of salty sea air – the bouquet is fresh and charming. The palate is dry, lively and with animating fruit, accompanied by delicate minerality and a pleasant length. The ageing in stainless steel tanks gives it freshness and drinkability. An energetic wine with vigour and expressiveness right to the finish, this clear and balanced white from the trendy Sicilian Grillo variety offers exemplary value. SUPERIORE.DE

Brigaldara's Valpolicella is mainly made from Corvina and Corvinone grapes. The timing of the harvest is very important for this wine, so that its flavours are very delicate and its sensory balance is influenced by the precisely measured acidity. It expresses the characteristic flavours of the valley: from cherries to spicy notes, which are more or less pronounced depending on the vintage. Its beautiful and radiant balance is achieved by a short maturation in steel, which perfectly enhances its sensory characteristics. SUPERIORE.DE

Delicate salmon pink with copper reflections – a rosé that already exudes Mediterranean elegance in the glass. Made from organically grown Nero d'Avola (30-year-old vines) from the hills near Noto, where chalky soils and sea breezes give the wine freshness and profile. Redcurrant, sour cherry, a hint of hibiscus and fine spice on the nose. Juicy and light-footed on the palate, with well-integrated acidity that combines freshness and drinking pleasure. A Sicilian rosé with style and lightness – ideal for warm evenings, sea dreams and the little escapes of everyday life. SUPERIORE.DE

This Montepulciano from the hills of Abruzzo has a classic style and is aged in large oak barrels. Deep ruby red colour with a purple rim. Dark cherries, stewed plums, dried herbs, a hint of leather and fine spice on the nose. Round on the palate, with ripe fruit, polished tannins, well-integrated acidity and a harmonious, spicy finish. A wine full of character and at the same time accessible with a beautiful regional expression – down-to-earth, honest and wonderfully compatible. SUPERIORE.DE

Three grape varieties, three characters, one wine: Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon share the Cretum Rosso in equal parts – an assemblage that could not be more typical of southern Tuscany. Each variety is vinified separately and only then do they come together in the tonneau. The Sangiovese thus retains its lively acidity and cherry fruit temperament, while Merlot contributes fullness and Cabernet structure.

Intense, bright ruby red colour. The full and tantalising bouquet seduces the senses with a potpourri of ripe red fruits, plums, cherries and a hint of spices. The palate is rich, fruity and smooth with subtle notes of liquorice, vanilla and fine wood. This red wine combines the character of the region with the appeal of international varieties. SUPERIORE.DE

In the glass, this Trebbiano has a light straw yellow colour with slightly greenish reflections – a visual preview of freshness and clarity. The fragrance opens with green apples, citrus notes and white flowers, accompanied by a subtle hint of mineral freshness. Finely structured and balanced on the palate: lively acidity, delicate fruit, clear expression and a dry, slightly salty finish. The ageing in stainless steel preserves precision and varietal typicity. An uncomplicated, animating wine with a Mediterranean character – perfect with light dishes or seafood. SUPERIORE.DE

Intense ruby red cuvée with an aromatic nose of dried red fruits, walnuts and lively spices. On the palate, notes of elderberry, red berries and wood as well as the fine Ripasso sweetness. Fine, balanced, with a certain spiciness and juiciness. A rarity in this attractive price range. SUPERIORE.DE

Pure Sangiovese-Rosato, with fine floral nuances, strawberry and violet notes on the nose. Fresh on the palate, well-structured and with clear, red berry flavours through to the delicate, salty, spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Fresh wine with a Piedmontese soul: This Dolcetto develops a deep ruby red colour with a violet shimmer in the glass. The nose reveals inviting violet flowers and a fruity cherry flavour. Full-bodied and smooth on the palate, with fresh acidity and a slightly bitter almond note on the finish – typical of Dolcetto and interpreted in a very classic way here. The wine matured for twelve months in stainless steel tanks, which gives it freshness and a clear fruit structure. An everyday wine with a strong character and a regional profile – charming, present and very pleasant to drink. SUPERIORE.DE

Classic Vermentino from the Montecucco region: intensely floral, fruity bouquet with clear notes of hawthorn, green apple, grapefruit and white peach. Fresh and juicy on the palate, the elegant acidity opens up a beautiful fan, then salty notes in the well-proportioned final. SUPERIORE.DE

Here comes plenty of backbone and maturity: Montetinello comes from older vines on slopes near Monteprandone. Montepulciano and Sangiovese are vinified separately and matured for several months in large wooden barrels – a step that adds structure and complexity. Deep ruby red in the glass with a slight garnet hue. Dark cherry, wild berries, tobacco, laurel and a hint of cedar on the nose. Juicy on the palate, with ripe fruit, a noticeable, well-integrated tannin structure and a fine spicy finish. Balanced, warm and well-structured – a classic Rosso Piceno Superiore with sophistication and depth. SUPERIORE.DE

Pale straw yellow in colour. Jasmine and lavender on the nose, a fine note of nutmeg and elderberry and a hint of apple and lemon. Precise, dry and fresh on the palate, with good acidity, flanked by citrus notes and the flavour of light peaches and green apple. This is how piquant and aromatic Sicily tastes, expressive and mineral-fresh! SUPERIORE.DE

Intense violet colour in the glass. The bouquet of smoke, spices with traces of liquorice. Taut on the palate, then opening up and a mouthful of wine with everything the wine lover's heart desires when thinking of Puglia: harmony, fresh fruit and animating acidity, plus fine extract sweetness and well-worked tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

The name sounds familiar, but Araja opens a new chapter in Sardinian red wine culture: a fruity, focussed expression of Sulcis. The cuvée consists of 85% Carignano and 15% Sangiovese (!) and is produced on the red, sandy soils around the coastal area of Porto Pino. Here, the salty sea air characterises the grapes, while the chalky terraces provide structure. After careful fermentation, the wine matures in temperature-controlled stainless steel to preserve its expressiveness.