Luca Maroni

The indigenous Negroamaro grape variety is one of the main pillars of Apulian viticulture and stands for strength, warmth and character. Dark ruby red in the glass with violet reflections. The nose is inviting with notes of ripe cherry, plum, dark berry fruit and a hint of Mediterranean herbs. Round and soft on the palate, with juicy fruit, gentle tannins and a spicy finish. The ageing in stainless steel tanks emphasises the freshness and varietal aromas of the Negroamaro. An uncomplicated, charmingly matured red wine with a likeable and very regional soul. SUPERIORE.DE

The name SanGaetano tells of the co-operative tradition: in 2012, Cantine Due Palme took over the small Cooperativa San Gaetano in Lizzano in order to expand the production of Primitivo di Manduria in a targeted manner. This DOC appellation has long been recognised as one of the most important red wine denominations in Apulia – appreciated both in Italy and internationally. The Primitivo vines grow on the characteristic red-coloured soils of Manduria, whose clay-limestone structure is rich in minerals and iron oxides. These soils with their rocky limestone subsoil have a decisive influence on the character of the wine. The grapes are harvested by hand in small crates at the end of August or beginning of September when they are slightly overripe to guarantee the highest quality. After temperature-controlled fermentation, the SanGaetano matures for six months in American oak barrels – an ageing process that refines the tannins and gives the wine additional complexity.

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.

The Cantalupi Primitivo comes from old vines in south-west Apulia and is classically vinified in stainless steel. Dark ruby in colour with a slight violet tinge. Intense aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries, some fig and delicately spicy notes of black pepper and Mediterranean herbs on the nose. Juicy on the palate with dense fruit, pleasant spice, supple tannins and a lovely flow. The acidity is present but elegantly integrated. A red wine "for every day" with plenty of character - authentic, round and pleasantly accessible. Perfect with pasta with a spicy sauce, grilled vegetables or simply on its own with good friends. SUPERIORE.DE

Pale yellow with greenish reflections – a Sauvignon that already announces freshness in the glass. Notes of gooseberry, lime zest, white peach and a hint of sage on the nose. Lively and straightforward on the palate with a fine citrus flavour. The grape variety is not loud here, but interpreted precisely and coolly, and the ageing in stainless steel maintains the freshness and emphasises the planty, mineral vein. A regionally characterised white wine from the cool limestone terroir of Castel del Monte – clear, typical of the variety and very balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

Fattoria del Cerro in Acquaviva di Montepulciano is the largest private vineyard in the region with a total area of 600 hectares and 181 hectares of vines – mainly known for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Its Chianti Colli Senesi comes from 20 hectares of vineyards in the Sienese hills and is mainly made from Sangiovese (90 per cent) with Merlot (10 per cent). After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with eight to ten days of maceration, followed by three months of ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels.

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.

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 tinge. On the nose, ripe yellow fruits, a hint of grapefruit, honeydew melon and a touch of salty sea breeze. On the palate, the 2024 vintage is crisp and juicy, with well-integrated acidity, a subtle sweetness from the fruit, 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

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

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 Sauvignon from Piedmont that does not overwhelm, but tells its story calmly – of gentle hills, morning mist and cool high-altitude terroir. Tra Donne Sole, named after a novella by Cesare Pavese, plays subtly yet impressively on the varietal character of the grape. The grapes come from selected vineyards with calcareous soils, which lend the wine freshness and structure. Ageing in stainless-steel tanks preserves its precision and bouquet.

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 m – 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

Gròttolo means "little grotto". A fitting name for an estate whose cellar is dug deep into the rock – four levels, designed according to the principles of bio-architecture by Edoardo Milesi. No pumps, just gravity. Down there, where the temperature remains constant and time passes differently, this Rosato also matures. Sangiovese, gently pressed, with a short maceration at cool temperatures, then aged in 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.

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

The Sofi Rosso is a cuvée made predominantly from Lagrein, with a small proportion of Merlot, sourced from vineyards at altitudes of between 230 and 350 metres. It boasts a deep garnet red colour and aromas reminiscent of ripe red fruits and violets. On the palate, it is fruity and full-bodied, with spicy notes on the finish that make for an effortlessly enjoyable drinking experience. SUPERIORE.DE

Tellus was the Roman goddess of the earth, whose festival was celebrated by the ancient Romans on 15 April. The name is fitting for a wine that has been linked to the art world from the very beginning – its label was originally designed in Rome, where artists left their mark at Castel Sant'Angelo. Since its tenth anniversary, Tellus has also been part of a social project: children from the estate's own Fattoria Tellus design their own labels, with a portion of the proceeds going to charitable initiatives. The grapes are grown in Castiglione in Teverina, at an altitude of 300 metres, on sandy soil of medium texture, using the spur pruning method. Following the harvest in the second week of September, there is a four-day cold maceration at 18 to 20°C, which preserves the grapes' natural freshness and fruitiness. The wine is then fermented in steel tanks at 25 to 27°C for a total of 14 days, before malolactic fermentation is completed in oak.

1943: General Charles Poletti, responsible for supplying the Allies in southern Italy, ordered five bottles of Rosato – with an American accent. And so Five Roses became Italy’s first bottled rosato. Over eighty years later, it is still here, still true to itself. Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera, hand-harvested in early September, cold maceration at 10°C, gentle juice extraction, fermentation in stainless steel.

Salice Salentino is one of the oldest denominazioni in Apulia, recognised in 1976, and is still synonymous with the power of Negroamaro today. The Conti Zecca family, based in Leverano since 1580, cultivate the Tenuta Cantalupi here with its calcareous, iron oxide-rich soils. For the Riserva, 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera are matured in wooden barrels. Deep ruby red in the glass with the first garnet reflections. The bouquet opens with red berries, cloves and a hint of forest floor. Soft and harmonious on the palate, with a dense body, well-integrated tannins and a warm, lingering final. Classic Salice Salentino in its most mature form – structured, but never heavy. SUPERIORE.DE

Zenato has stood for reliable quality from the Veneto region since 1960 – no experiments, but solid craftsmanship over generations. The home of this Valpolicella Superiore is the gentle vineyards in the soft hills of Valpolicella Classica, in the heart of Sant'Ambrogio. Corvina Veronese forms the backbone with 85 per cent, supplemented by Rondinella and Corvinone from the 35 hectares of own vineyards. The grapes are harvested by hand in October, de-stemmed and macerated in stainless steel for ten days before the wine matures for twelve months in large oak barrels.

The fame and Latin name of this legendary wine dates back to the beginning of the 12th century. In the current Est! Est!!! Est!!! Poggio dei Gelsi, Riccardo Cotarella brought all his bravura to bear: he gave it an appetising, aromatic spiciness that is supported by a slender, lively structure. Pale straw yellow in colour. Subtle, pure aromas of fresh citrus fruit, white flowers and nectarine. Fresh, beautifully balanced and gently concentrated on the palate, offering good density and a bright acidity lift. SUPERIORE.DE