Luca Maroni

Dark ruby red colour. Aromas of dark cherry, blueberry, milk chocolate and pepper are enhanced by intense violet notes. Smooth, concentrated and delicately sweet on the palate, with lush red fruit and dark berry flavours. The medium-long finish has strong but well-integrated tannins and good acidity. A very impressive entry-level wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fruity red with pineapple, plum, blackcurrant and lemon aromas. Medium-bodied with sleek tannins. Rich, ripe and juicy, with distinct tropical-fruit character." James Suckling

"Same wine, different vintage. This is fruity, boasting ripe, succulent cherry, raspberry, graphite and cedar aromas and flavors. Offers fleshy texture backed by a light spine of tannins, with fine balance and length." Wine Spectator

A high-class Valpolicella, fine and haunting spicy aroma with a full and fleshy fruit development of blackberries and cherries, a wonderfully pleasant bitter note in the long finish. The harmony between aroma and taste is inspiring. SUPERIORE.DE

"Plenty of black-fruit and pot-pourri aromas here. Medium- to full-bodied with good intensity and a firm tannin structure. The fruit is more like crushed blackcurrants on the palate. This finishes a bit chewy for now, but another year in bottle will even it out. Delicious fruit." James Suckling

Full-bodied, appealing interpretation of the grape variety. A colourful potpourri of dried berries, violets, chocolate and hints of fresh tar on the nose. Firm on the palate, the well-structured tannins guide this savoury wine into a tasty, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh Nebbiolo, offering bright raspberry-like fruit and a tinge of fresh oak. Medium-bodied, the oak is blended well into the mix and the tannins show some abrasive character only at the end." James Suckling

Bright yellow organic Vermentino with a small proportion of Grechetto. The idea came from Maurizio Castelli, who also advises the Barberani winery in Umbria. Maurizio Castelli creates this marvellous white wine from the Tuscan coast from a traditional, local blend based on a historical model and always picks the grapes quite late. The nose has a bright aroma of apple, pear, flint and a certain exoticism. Complex and full on the palate, the rich flavour is accompanied by an invigorating, fresh acidity right through to the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is creamy and flavourful with notes of peach stone, nectarine, citrus blossom and crushed stones. Medium-bodied, dry and tangy with a fresh, zesty character." James Suckling

"Zests of lime, dusty dried flowers, young apricots, peach and hints of chamomile form an inviting bouquet as the 2021 Montecucco Vermentino Irisse blossoms in the glass. It's soothingly round, with a pretty inner sweetness that embellishes its ripe orchard fruit and suggestions of green melon, coming across as rich yet spry. For all of its depth and complexity, this tapers off unbelievably fresh, leaving a saline tinge and notes of candied citrus. This barrel-aged Vermentino will turn a lot of heads." Vinous

"Bright straw yellow colour. A little restrained on the nose. Juicy and salty on the palate, with a slightly stony feel and lovely complexity, on candied citrus notes, keeps coming back on the final." Falstaff

Intense straw yellow, the aroma is reminiscent of freshly baked bread, acacia flowers and ripe tropical fruits. These aromas are also confirmed on the palate, the Pinot Gris presents itself elegant and full-bodied with an extremely delicate yeast note. A wine full of character with good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a creamy and delicious white, showing an array of peaches, apples, white pepper and spice on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, flavorful and nicely balanced." James Suckling

This fabulous cuvée of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet comes from Querciabella's Maremma vineyard. A charming bouquet with notes of tobacco and leather, which then give way to ripe fruit. The harmonious flavour is delicately fruity, intense and fresh. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a violet tinge. Intense, fragrant nose, ripe plum and blackberry, subtly fleshy. Powerful on the palate, builds up plenty of pressure, lively acidity, well-integrated tannins, elegant, savoury final." Falstaff

"The 2021 Mongrana is great. Bright and powerful, with marvellous purity of fruit, the 2021 is a delicious wine to drink in the short and medium term. Maturation in cement and steel keeps the flavours alive. This is a beautiful edition of Mongrana." Vinous

"It's ripe with dark cherries, mulberries and jam. Also some hibiscus and red spices. Medium to full-bodied with taut but finely honed tannins and a juicy, soft character of dark fruit. A racy finish." James Suckling

"The nose is springtime in the English countryside, with fruit and flowers wafting over the aroma of cobblestones after a heavy rain. That mix of floral freshness and damp saltiness lingers onto the palate, while the tannins look on, before acid blows through like a strong wind." Wine Enthusiast

Straw yellow in colour, with a delicate aroma of green apple. Fruity and soft on the palate, with a dry flavour thanks to its characteristic acidity. The fine, persistent perlage gives the wine and connoisseur a pleasant liveliness. SUPERIORE.DE

Brentino, made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, is a great wine at a comparatively low price. Ruby red with garnet reflections, the bouquet is fruity with ripe berries, some hay and liquorice. The complex flavour is full and long-lasting with aromas of cassis and a little vanilla. SUPERIORE.DE

"A lunchtime-style claret. Cheeky freshness, crunchy red fruit and a hint of garden herbs add zest and flavour. Delicious to drink. Best enjoyed with a light chill." James Suckling

"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot Brentino is perfumed and highly aromatic, with a burst of dusty rose and lavender that segues into crushed blackberry and a hint of orange zest. Ripe forest fruits wash over the palate, underscored by salty minerals and a hint of spice, and the wine is seamless and silky. It leaves you wanting more and finishes long and colourful, with a pleasantly bitter aftertaste that keeps me coming back to the glass. The 2021 wants to please." Vinous

"A zesty, medium- to full-bodied red, with generous milled pepper and Mediterranean macchia notes accenting bright black plum and cherry fruit flavors. Reveals supple tannins, which lend a chewy structure and firm the finish." Wine Spectator

Medium ruby red. Sweet and spicy aromas of raspberry, milk chocolate, red cherry, orange zest and violets. Complex and juicy, with very soft tannins, high but harmonious acidity and beautiful generosity and elegance to the red cherry, salty and floral flavours. A deep, rich yet very clear wine with supple tannins that are wonderfully harmonious after a short aeration. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, strong ruby red. In the nose scent of dark berries, herbs and forest floor. On the palate present, fine tannin, light pleasant fruit sweetness and persistent, spicy final." Falstaff

The pure Chardonnay La Fuga presents an impressive aroma and taste profile. On the nose, allusions to exotic fruits - pineapple, apples and bananas - on an elegant framework of mineral imprint. Great the format of the finely balanced taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"White peaches, sliced apples, fresh flowers and wet stones on the nose. Juicy and delicious with a medium body and crunchy stone fruit character. Tangy on the finish." James Suckling

Dark ruby red in colour. Opens with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spices and Spanish cedar. The delicate blackberry flavour is also very seductive on the palate, which in turn blends with tobacco, minerals and well-integrated wood. The final is fresh with pinpoint acidity and an intense, spicy length. The Chianti Classico from Poggio Bonelli is very attractive, stylish and in tune with the times every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Citrus fruit, red peach and red apple on the nose, with cherry and tomato paste in the background and fine spice. Clear fruit centre on the palate, warm-hearted, slightly juicy, with grippy tannins and a full-bodied finish." Falstaff

Rich, full-bodied and typical of the variety, Spelt Rosato has an intense aroma and a fruity, dry flavour, a slender acid wire and a clear, energetic, full-bodied final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose is fresh yet salty, as notes of watermelon and cherry are balanced by subtle undertones of tar and leather. The fruit notes define the palate, but plentiful acid and prominent tannins emphasize the saltiness to maintain balance." Wine Enthusiast

"The Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore Spelt 2022 is a deep red wine with orange-coloured reflections. It opens in the glass with a bouquet of sweet spices, rose petals and dusty dried cherries. It feels silky, almost heavy, with a nervous acidity that balances a cascade of ripe strawberries and candied citrus, stimulating the senses with savoury tension. The 2022 finishes with dramatic length, showing a forgivable hint of spiciness as red liquorice notes linger. This is a powerful interpretation of Cerasuolo Spelt, but one that is very balanced." Vinous

"Sparkling, intense cherry pink colour. A nose of beetroot, carrots and fresh cherries, paired with fine salty and earthy tones. Beautiful juiciness on the palate, well-integrated, albeit noticeable tannins, savoury fruit with considerable length. A great accompaniment to food." Falstaff

"Deep cherry red in colour. Wonderful aromas of raspberries and red cherries pour from the glass. Very inviting. Medium body with a super fresh raspberry flavour, spiced up with additional notes of blood orange and aniseed. Crisp and very flavoursome finish. Excellent summer fare and not just as an aperitif. Top Italian rosé made from selected Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grapes." James Suckling

The grapes for this delightful red cuvée of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère come exclusively from the estate's own vineyards. Terre offers present notes of black cherry, spices and blackberry. It is a moody, lively and very fruit-accentuated red that will give a lot of pleasure over the next few years! SUPERIORE.DE

"Slightly cloudy garnet red in the glass. Smells of dried plum, accompanied by dried kitchen herbs, some pruning, green notes that give it a very youthful appearance. Juicy and fruity in the mouth, subtle walnut notes. Very harmoniously interwoven and balanced. Still youthful with air, the green hint of the nose comes to the fore. Firm tannins, present acidity. Salty, mineral notes on the finish." Vinum

"Spicy accents of green olives, white pepper and stems to the fresh red cherries and tobacco leaves. Juicy and medium-bodied on the palate with fresh acidity, crisp fruit and firm tannins. Slightly herbaceous, but not over the top." James Suckling

"The Terre di San Leonardo 2020 is floral and earthy in the best sense of the word. It exudes spicy herbal notes, peppery wild berries and wet stone flavours. The palate is washed by a wave of tart forest fruits, lifted by a lively acidity. Salty minerals saturate towards the end. Notes of green olives and savoury spices linger. The finish is remarkably fresh." Vinous

Mediterra with its inviting aromas of paprika, redcurrant, elderberry, sage and black pepper is round and harmonious on the palate with beautiful fruit and spice. With its well-proportioned tannins and well-balanced acidity, Mediterra is a perfect accompaniment to food. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, dark ruby red colour. Aromas of dark plum, blueberries and black pepper on the nose. Soft and mouth-filling on the palate, with a noticeable woody note, slightly drying tannins, juicy fruit flavours and a hint of bitter almond." Falstaff

"This red is signaled by intense aromas of wild blackberry, black pepper, black olive and eucalyptus. Showing earth and underbrush accents that augment the fruity flavors, this firms up on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Mediterra is bright, effusive and wonderfully inviting. Crushed flowers, herbs, tobacco, spice and leather meld into a core of juicy dark blue/purplish fruit. The Mediterra offers all of the immediacy of Bolgheri but with tons of freshness more than opulence. It is a hugely appealing style, especially at this level, where wines are typically intended to be drunk essentially on release." Vinous

"Dark chocolate, toasted walnuts, mocha and ripe dark berries on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied and structured with firm but very fine tannins. Shows notes of toasted cedar and bitter spices yet very delicate with integration and balance. Smooth and polished finish." James Suckling

Magred (formerly Magré) is an extravagant white, reminiscent of a Grand Cru from Burgundy. Brilliant straw yellow in colour. The exotic bouquet of pineapple, lime and coconut is fascinating, with a hint of toasted oak, caramel and a salty note. Medium-bodied, with a certain creaminess, long and very multi-faceted. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale straw yellow with a sparkling centre. Restrained at first, then opens up to lime and meadow flowers. Full-bodied on the palate, slightly bitter with notes of yellow apple, lively acidity and a juicy finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Chardonnay Magred combines young peaches and dusty dried flowers with hints of ginger and spice. It's tangy with a balancing wave of silky textures and ripe orchard fruits that swirl throughout. It finishes with a gentle tension and a sweet herbal flavour that leaves a salty hint that slowly fades." Vinous

"Rather taut on the palate with stone, pie crust, lightly cooked apple and some ripe pear. Nevertheless, it is always fresh and lively with lovely energy. The palate is dense and centred with lots of lovely ripe fruit and a lively finish. Slightly chalky. The chalky soils of the slopes come through." James Suckling

From the 2019 vintage, the successor to the famous "Eticchetta Blu" is called "Maggiolo", derived from maggio (May) and giaggiolo (iris). The latter covers the fields in May with its flowers and floral scents, which we also find in the bouquet of this Chianti Classico. Bright ruby red in colour, fruity aromas of violets, mulberries, blackberries and blueberries as well as hints of sweet spices and cocoa. Very fresh and juicy on the palate, then the soft tannins envelop the pretty fruit centre and, together with a fine saltiness, lead into the medium-long finish. A wonderfully balanced and drinkable red wine from organic cultivation that certainly won't get old in good company. Drinking pleasure at a high level! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet herbs, dusty black cherries and a hint of smoke make the 2020 Montefalco Rosso Vigna Flaminia a real pleasure on the nose. It feels silky and elegant, with red and blue fruits carried by a saline acidity and balsamic herbs that build towards the finish. A slightly bitter aftertaste lingers, while the mouth remains watery and the blackcurrant notes slowly fade." Vinous

"Aromas of grilled plums, figs and roasted herbs. Full-bodied with grainy tannins. Woody spice on the palate is supported by well ripened red and black fruits. Dense." James Suckling

Maurizio Castelli does not like fancy names. That's why he took a simple but original approach when naming the estate and his top wine: 414, which is the number of the vineyard in the region's land register. And the Morellino 414 more than lives up to this clear line and proves its stature: smoky notes in the lively fruit bouquet, the contrasting, drinkable flavour convinces with aromatic power and structure. One of the best Morellino in the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright carmine red. Pale rim. Lots of sweetness and real authenticity in this wine. Pure pleasure! Great balance between ripe fruit and the Sangiovese note." Jancis Robinson

"It has aromas of red cherries, aniseed, lavender, thyme and fresh plums. Slightly spicy, with chalky tannins and a medium body. Excellent drinkability." James Suckling

"Pronounced aromas of black cherry and wild berries with an edge of earthiness. Full on the palate with linear tannins, crisp acidity and a juicy finish." Decanter

Bright ruby red with delicately lightening rim. Fresh, pithy, very enjoyable wine with the scent of dark cherries, flowers and mint. Hearty delicate taste, good present acidity, very lively and full of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sangiovese with some Cabernet from the Avvoltore vineyards: inviting bouquet of plums, vanilla and sandalwood; nice melt and polish, good acidity, solid length." Vinum

"Medium ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. In the nose of ripe blackberries and pickled sour cherry, slightly spicy in the background. Mouth-filling on the palate, juicy, with fine tannin." Falstaff

"The 2018 Barbaspinosa is a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon that spent a year in French oak. Racy and succulent in the glass, the 2018 offers up dark cherry, mocha, spice, licorice and leather, all nicely framed by a discreet kiss of French oak. Pretty floral accents lift the finish effortlessly. This mid-weight Maremma red is a winner. Drink it over the next handful of years. " Vinous

"The Morisfarms 2018 Maremma Toscana Sangiovese Barbaspinosa is a lively, almost electric wine, with medium-dark color saturation and terrific aromatic depth. There is bright cherry, redcurrant, spice and a powdery overlay of crushed stone. This wine should drink comfortably up to the 10-year mark." Wine Advocate

Dark, rich ruby with violet shimmer. Finely marked, appealing nose with notes of roses and dark cherries, fine spice in the background. Supple on the palate, shows lots of dark berry fruit, opens with polished tannin, fine sweet melting, chocolate in the final. SUPERIORE.DE

Tenuta Missoj is a small winery in Mizzole with just 3.5 hectares of vineyards and is owned by the Campagnola family. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 200 metres on a well-ventilated and exposed hill, where the grapes can reach perfect and complete ripeness. The new prestige wine Valpolicella Ripasso "Tenuta di Missoj" comes from these soils, which already impressively showcases the typical characteristics of the appellation in the 2019 debut vintage.

Intense ruby red colour with violet reflections. Delicate, ethereal and spicy bouquet with an elegant balance and flavours of jam, black cherry and plum. Dry, harmonious, with a very complex flavour and soft, deep tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"A polished Ripasso with lots of spicy dried red-fruit character. The full-bodied palate is dominated by oak spice, but not to the extent that the fruit gets lost. Long, tasty and spicy finish, prolonged by firm tannin." James Suckling

There are no fixed rules at Zýmē, only the pursuit of experimentation to offer a unique and honest experience that also conveys the character of each individual vintage. Il Bianco From Black to White (sealed with a glass cork) opens with a golden colour and a whitish sheen typical of grapes that have no skin contact. The predominant grape variety is Rondinella Bianca, a mutation that was only discovered by chance in the vineyards of Zýmē and is unique in Italy.

The fresh bouquet has aromas of citrus fruits, honeydew melon, star jasmine and sour grapefruit. The palate is uniquely different, but silky and very flavoursome with a medium body, while ripe apples and nectarines are stimulated by juicy acidity and a hint of green citrus fruit. The tension builds with each successive glass, a slightly tropical note is added in the final, together with salty minerals and lingering spice, From Black to White also clearly expresses its deserved place in Celestino Gaspari's exceptional portfolio, because it is a white gem full of character and purity! SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich straw yellow with green reflections. Seductive, intense aroma of mandarins and jasmine on the nose, with some rose and elderflower in the background. Clear and precise on the palate, harmonious, animating, well-integrated acidity, some fleur de sal on the lingering final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Il Bianco From Black to White wafts up, sweetly floral with candied citrus, raw almond and vanilla bean. It soothes with a soft textural wave of ripe orchard fruits as lime zest adds a reverberation of tension. The 2020 tapers off spicy and crisp, leaving cooling mineral tones and an almost crunchy sensation. Always unique and consistently one of the best values from the Zymé portfolio." Vinous

"Lime and lemon peel on the nose, with notes of white flowers and wet stones. Medium-bodied with plenty of fresh flavour extension and good length. A very flavoursome white this year." James Suckling

Deep dark Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva with a beguiling aroma of dark red cherries and berries, earthy notes, grilled hazelnuts, spices and liquorice. "A mouthful of wine" in an incredibly appealing style. Spelt has remarkable concentration and outstanding length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Nose of graphite, ripe cherries, wild berries, a hint of dried rose petal and rubber. Clear on the palate, with clear fruit and beautiful juiciness, shows compact tannins, drinks even better slightly chilled." Falstaff

"The 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Spelt is dark and earthy in the glass, with undergrowth and crushed stones giving way to black cherries and spice. This is round and silky in feel, with ripe wild berry fruits and spices that cascade throughout. Plum and medicinal blackberry linger as the 2020 tapers off long, lightly structured, yet relatively fresh. Well done." Vinous

"Very cedary on the nose at first, so give it a swirl to allow the rich red fruit and floral notes to give you a proper introduction to this full-bodied and solid red. The cedary element is present throughout, but there’s plenty of fruit to counter it. Firm tannins kick in midway and give some astringency to finish, which will smoothen with some more time in bottle." James Suckling