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.

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

For centuries, the Maremma was the land of the butteri – the Tuscan drovers who rode through the marshland on small horses and herded the large white Maremma cattle. The mandriolo, the herdsman, was their trade. Morisfarms has given this name a wine that suits it: down-to-earth, uncomplicated, straightforward. 80% Sangiovese, supplemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot – a pragmatic blend from the Poggetti estate in Massa Marittima. Clay-rich, fossil-rich soils, seven kilometres of coastline, south-west exposure. Harvested in mid to late September, fermented in temperature-controlled cement vats with 15 days of maceration, pumping over twice a day. No wood. Bottled for three months. Finished.

A wine that communicates its authenticity with unaffected elegance: Antigua is a harmonious liaison of 85% Monica and 15% Carignano – grapes that ripen on limestone and clay-rich soils in the lowlands of Sulcis. The warm, dry climate gives them depth and aromatic substance, while the cool sea breeze adds finesse and freshness. After the harvest, a traditional maceration with pump-ups takes place and the wine then matures in cement tanks to preserve its originality.

Villa Grazianella – a 17th century villa surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and orchards on the hills of Acquaviva – stands at the heart of the Fattoria del Cerro, the largest private producer of Nobile di Montepulciano. The new wine name is both a tribute and an indication of origin. The Rosso di Montepulciano is made from Prugnolo Gentile – the local Sangiovese clone that has adapted to the climate and soil of the Colli Senesi over the centuries. Fermentation at a controlled temperature with daily pumping over, followed by maturation in the cellar for at least four months.

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 suitability, vinified from vines in the province of Caltanissetta (on Lago di Disueri), where clay and limestone soils and large temperature differences between day and night ensure aromatic depth. Rich ruby red colour with a purple rim in the glass. Aromas of ripe cherries, blueberries, dried herbs and a hint of liquorice. Soft and fruity on the palate, with gentle tannins, lively freshness and good drinkability. The ageing in stainless steel maintains clarity and varietal typicity. A very typical and cleanly vinified Nero d'Avola with a Mediterranean character – ideal with pasta, braised vegetables or grilled meat. SUPERIORE.DE

Tedeschi's Valpolicella Lucchine is a lively, fruity red wine without the use of wood. It impresses with juicy cherry and berry fruit, fine acidity and flavours of violets, herbs and spices. Light, fresh and elegant - a classic full of character with great drinking pleasure. 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

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

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.

A Sicilian everyday red with a delicate soul: La Bella Sedàra is a harmonious blend of 90% Nero d'Avola and other grape varieties, grown on hilly, limestone-rich soils near Contessa Entellina. The terroir imbues the wine with warm fruit, a clear structure and a natural drinkability. A luminous ruby red with lively purple highlights. A fragrant bouquet of blackcurrant, cherry, a hint of tobacco and delicate minerality – as subtle as a whisper from the stone. On the palate, it is both fresh and round: soft tannins, ripe fruit and a smooth flow that leaves you longing for the next sip. Ageing in concrete tanks contributes to the fine texture and preserves the wine's freshness and varietal character. A fine red for every day. SUPERIORE.DE

The name Rifugio – refuge – tells of underground hiding places where the inhabitants of Salento once protected themselves from danger. Today, an entire area near Veglie bears this name, where particularly high-quality Primitivo grapes thrive on alluvial, clayey soils with limestone deposits. The traditional Conti Zecca winery, owned by the noble family since the 16th century and one of the icons of Apulia with 320 hectares of vineyards, vinifies this single-varietal Primitivo using tried and tested methods: manual harvesting with selection at the sorting table, gentle destemming and pressing, twelve-day maceration at 25 degrees, alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Maturation takes place over twelve months in large oak barrels of 30 hectolitres and in resin-sealed concrete tanks, followed by a short period of maturation in the bottle.

What began in 2004 as a commemorative wine to mark the 50th harvest of Salice Salentino – Leone de Castris has been producing this Apulian classic since 1954 – became an established tradition thanks to its resounding success. Since then, a new vintage of the "50° Vendemmia" has been released every year. A Riserva that demonstrates how Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera find their powerful yet elegant expression on the red soils of Salento. The blend of 90% Negroamaro and 10% Malvasia Nera di Lecce undergoes an 8- to 12-day maceration at a controlled temperature of 20 to 22 degrees following selective harvest, before the wine is aged for twelve months in 30-hectolitre oak barrels. A further six months of bottle ageing round off the wine's development.

For a long time, Nero di Troia was Northern Apulia's well-kept secret – used in blends, but rarely as a single variety. Torrevento changed that in 1993: the Vigna Pedale was the world's first single-varietal Nero di Troia. Since then, it has been the estate's flagship wine – and, right up to the current 2019 vintage, has left Gambero Rosso with no choice but to award it the highest rating eight times in a row.

This powerful blend of Nero d'Avola and Syrah comes from Tenuta Presti e Pegni in Monreale and impressively demonstrates the versatility of Sicilian winemaking. The vineyards thrive at an altitude of 250 metres in the hills behind Palermo, where loamy soils and the Mediterranean microclimate create ideal conditions for international grape varieties. Just ten kilometres from the coast, the vines benefit from the cooling sea breeze, which moderates the heat of the day and ensures balanced ripening. The name Benuara is derived from a small flower that grows near Syracuse – a poetic reference to the southernmost regions of Sicily.

Deep, dark ruby red with a garnet red centre. The aroma is warm and complex: black cherry, dried plums, a pinch of tobacco and balsamic notes, underpinned by a hint of liquorice and toast. Powerful and well-structured on the palate, with dense tannins and a ripe, almost velvety texture. The ageing in barriques adds depth without overpowering the fruit. Negroamaro in this Riserva form shows its full potential: independent, complex and with elegant maturity. An authentic representative of the DOC Leverano, characterised by the warm climate of Salento and the craftsmanship of Conti Zecca. SUPERIORE.DE