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

Pure Montepulciano Rosato. Fine aromas of peach and strawberry. Taut and animating on the palate with a varietal fullness of flavour, yet lean and fresh. A racy and cheerful representative for lively afternoons on the terrace or with light Mediterranean dishes and fish. 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

Illuminati's Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riparosso has a sweet scent of violets and lavender, followed by crushed blackberries and chalk dust. It washes over the palate with soft textures and ripe wild berries, contrasted towards the end by sour citrus fruits. It finishes perfumed and with admirable length, leaving a layer of dusty tannins that tug at the cheeks. Very Italian – very well made. 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.

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 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

A Sauvignon from Piedmont that doesn't overwhelm, but rather calmly tells a story – of gentle hills, morning mist and cool altitude. Tra Donne Sole, named after a novella by Cesare Pavese, plays quietly but impressively with the typicality of the grape variety. The grapes come from selected vineyards with calcareous soils that give the wine freshness and structure. Maturation in stainless steel tanks preserves precision and flavour. Pale straw yellow in the glass. The nose reveals clear aromas of lime, gooseberry and whitecurrant, accompanied by elderflower, freshly cut grass and a hint of passion fruit. The palate is lively but finely characterised, with juicy fruit, well-integrated acidity and a surprisingly elegant, slightly mineral final. A Piedmontese Sauvignon with finesse – unpretentious, fresh and absolutely enjoyable to drink. A white wine with a literary name and clear character. SUPERIORE.DE

Sparkling like a sunny day on the plain, this Barbera immediately radiates joie de vivre without drawing attention to itself loudly – the name Rosso Fuoco, meaning red wine of fire, carries its poetic part with dignity. The grapes are organically grown on gently undulating limestone-clay soil in Astigiano. Gentle manual harvesting, stainless steel processing and spontaneous ageing give the wine clarity and vitality, while the plump fruitiness remains uncomplicated.

As the name Sasyr suggests, this wine is a blend of Sangiovese and Syrah. Only 15 per cent of the Sangiovese matures for six months in large oak barrels, the rest comes from stainless steel. Pretty red colour with notes of blood orange, blueberries, crushed violets, dried herbs and some cedar wood. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh, dense finish. Sasyr is a fresh and harmonious red wine for many occasions. SUPERIORE.DE

Ner̩ comes from organic cultivation on volcanic soils near Noto, where the vines benefit from cool breezes and intense sunlight Рa 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

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 vineyards extend between 350 and 800 metres above sea level, where cool nights and four additional hours of sunshine per day create optimal conditions. Deep soils of eroded material from the Dolomites, rich in clay and loam, give the Pinot Grigio its mineral foundation and characteristic freshness. For generations, Franz Haas has developed a special flair for high altitudes – what works here with the red wines also shows its strength with Pinot Grigio. The grapes ripen in south-south-west facing Guyot vines and, after careful hand-picking, are fermented at a controlled temperature in stainless steel (and a small proportion in barriques). Around four months of ageing on the fine lees give the wine additional complexity and a fuller texture. The characteristic screw cap is not a matter of cost, but a promise of quality: the wine stays fresh for longer and develops optimally in the bottle.