Merum

Medium ruby, beautifully balanced and clear on the nose with black fruits and spicy hints. Berry, dry, bittersweet, lively and dry-fresh on the palate and finish. Very drinkable. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium purple ruby; rosemary notes; fine fruity, garden herbs, fine bitter, balanced, drinkable." (JLF) Merum

Dark, concentrated Nero d'Avola with a rich bouquet, inviting, intense raspberry fruit and sweet tannin. A full-bodied red with nice spice and a great value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, purple ruby; intense, resinous raspberry fruit, inviting; juicy, intensely fresh-fruited, finely tart." Merum

"The 2019 Nero d'Avola entices, as crushed chalk gives way to dusty dried violets, black currants and hints of smoke. This is fruit-focused and lively in character with energizing acidity and ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes remarkably fresh, while leaving inner rose tones and hints of hard red candies to linger. What a pretty Nero d'Avola." Vinous

"Delicious Nero d'Avola with perfumed black fruit, stained with licorice and herbs. Medium-bodied with an exquisite balance of fruit, well-integrated tannin and spot-on acidity." James Suckling

Sherazade - beautiful protagonist from One Thousand and One Nights and wonderful Nero d'Avola. Concentrated ruby red colour, fruity, balsamic scent with mineral tones followed by a sweet hint of cocoa. Gentle on the palate with memories of sour cherries and blackberries. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-light purple red; stale fruit notes; sweetness, present fruit, balanced and very pleasant." Merum

"The 2020 Nero d'Avola Sherazade wafts up with a smoky mix of grilled herbs and crushed blackberries. It’s soft and enveloping, enlivened by a tart twang of acidity, while showing red and blue wild berry fruits. This tapers off perfumed, and it leaves a gentle tug of tannin as hints of licorice slowly fade." Vinous

Shiny raspberry pink. Subtle fragrance of small red berries and some citrus with mineral and floral tones. On the palate, the elegant, fresh taste is clear and polished. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light raspberry pink; red-fruited; smooth, incisive acidity, red-fruited, salty, drinkable, dry, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"This wine has everything it takes for a good dry Lambrusco. It has a traditional style, but staged in a modern way. Bright strawberry red, juicy cherry fruit, some tannin, structuring acidity. The perlage is silky and delicate. A super companion to Parmeggiano Reggiano, but also to a strong game dish." Vinum

Más de Fer is made from selected grapes from the hills of Col de Fer and San Gallo. An exquisite cru that smells of meadow flowers and is the ideal companion from amuse-gueule to dessert with its pronounced fruitiness and delicate citrus acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh, delicately fruity; delicate sweetness to match the fruit, very fine, balanced wine." (JLF) Merum

"Brilliant silver-grey with abundant persistent and fine perlage. Shows fresh and clear in the nose, lime, mint, very juicy citrus fruits. Juicy on the palate with a slight pear note, sparkling clean and precise, final exciting." Falstaff

Vigna Ochera is the new name for the popular Vigne dei Piai and is a fantastic Prosecco Spumante di Valdobbiadene Superiore from the Rive di Rolle vineyard. Rich shimmering greenish yellow. In the fragrance pronounced white blossoms, lime and white roses, then quince and fresh butter. Pleasantly soft, finely bubbling, with a fresh apple scent and invigorating taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh-fruited, inviting; very supple, distinct sweetness but counterbalanced by pronounced fruit and corresponding length." (JLF) Merum

"Sparkling, light silver, fine, well persistent perlage. Opens with fine notes of jasmine blossom, ripe pear and honeydew melon. Round and balanced on the palate, spreads with suppleness, long finish." Falstaff

Andreolas Col del Forno Brut is an elegant and balanced Prosecco from an excellent Rive site. Discreet, fresh scent of green apple and young pear, delicate yet demanding on the palate with a drinkable, citrusy note. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh, green apple, inviting; supple, practically dry, delicately fruity, smooth, fresh, lemon, very pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Sparkling, light silver, lots of fine-grained, persistent perlage. Very fragrant and fine nose, opens with notes of hawthorn blossom, fresh, crisp apple, plus lightly aromatic jasmine blossom. Round and balanced in the attack and course, prances along light-footedly, yet always present, elegant and precise." Falstaff

The Chianti Classico from Tenuta Sant' Alfonso is a sophisticated drop of authentic make: red fruits, dried flowers and spices on the nose, followed by a taut, juicy taste - everything in the right place! SUPERIORE.DE

"Quite dark red; reductive, barrel, also fruity; powerful, barrel, good tannin, fullness, coffee, length." Merum

"Aromas of plums, dark cherries, clay, mushrooms and oregano. Medium-bodied with fine, creamy tannins and fresh acidity. Round and balanced with a velvety texture. Intense and layered, followed by a long, supple finish." James Suckling

Etna Rosso comes from the Torreguarino and Pietramarina vineyards on Etna. Bright sparkling ruby red with a transparent core. Fine spicy notes, pepper and small red berries in the bouquet, notes of ripe raspberries on the palate. Dense, with lots of fruit, compact tannin. Elegant, yet fresh and racy and very authentic. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium light red; fruity notes; concentrated, fruit, dense, medium tannin, long, fine, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"A rather inviting nose of cracked pepper, red cherry and dried thyme. Medium-bodied with silky tannins. Bright acidity and fresh fruit character wash over the palate with a juicy finish. Charming and delicious." James Suckling

Medium, radiant ruby red. The bouquet and taste are dominated by interesting notes of fresh cut flowers, sweet red berries, liquorice, mint, pine and cedar. As it progresses, the Chianti Classico shows a wonderful precision and sharpness, which is enveloped by a well-dosed extract sweetness. In the overall impression, its grace and open-hearted style is convincing with all its components and not least with its Radda-typical Sangiovese freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; fruity, barrelled, inviting; juicy, liquid, fruity, fullness, fine tart, very pleasant." Merum

"Shiny ruby with a slightly lightening garnet rim. Very clear and fragrant nose, full of tree-fresh, crisp cherries, smoky-mineral notes in the background. Very juicy on the palate, lots of present fruit, cherry and plum, fine-meshed tannin, builds for a long time, pulls through straight, sweet melting on the final." Falstaff

"Located in the township of Radda, Volpaia’s southeast- to southwest-facing vineyards reach 600 metres above sea level. The annata is crafted from diverse parcels planted between 1972 and 2004. Still subtle in its expression, this takes some time to open up, then reveals decisive fennel, red plum, white pepper and lavender. Velvety fruit is ripe yet crunchy, punctuated by herbal notes, while the discreet powdery tannins are youthful and grapey in natural. Modest yet delicious." Decanter

"Juicy cherry, strawberry and currant fruit abounds, along with a savory side sporting thyme, juniper and earth notes. It finishes with dusty tannins." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Chianti Classico is an attractive, mid-weight wine. Silky and beautifully perfumed, this mid-weight Chianti Classico is a terrific example of the lithe style that is so typical of Radda. Crushed flowers, mint, sweet red berries and tobacco linger." Vinous

Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico Dorilli is named after the vineyard Dorilla from which the grapes originate and this in turn after the nearby river Dirillo. Fine and elegant with light wood tones from the ageing, juicy fresh until the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-intense red; caramel, barrel, then pronounced raspberry fruit, inviting; raspberry fruit also in the mouth, fine-tart, juicy, drinkable, long." (JLF) Merum

"The Planeta 2017 Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico Dorilli shows a medium dark ruby color and offers straightforward aromas of cherry, wild berry and plum. This was a hot vintage in Sicily (and elsewhere in Italy), and you feel the extra heat and power as a result, although the alcohol content registers at a modest 13%. The wine closes with characteristic aromas of toasted pistachio and black olive." Robert Parker

"A pure and juicy note of raspberry ganache is underscored by hints of toast and candied kumquat in this elegant, medium-bodied red. Lightly chalky tannins provide definition for the creamy flavor range, and spice and smoke notes accent the raspberry fruit as it echoes on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico Dorilli pulls you close to the glass with an enticing bouquet that mixes wild herbs, smoke, black cherry and hints of animal musk. It’s deeply textural, contrasting a velvety wave of ripe black fruits against salty acids and chalky mineral tones. While youthfully dense, the 2017 boasts a primary intensity, as if you can sense all of the skins, pulp and seeds of the grapes, coating the palate in notes of tart raspberry and licorice, along with a hint of spiced citrus that balances the expression perfectly. The Dorilli is beautiful today but also well-suited for medium-term cellaring." Vinous

Deep dark ruby. Powerful nose of plums, red berries, black cherry and eucalyptus. Warm, persistent and balsamic aftertaste of plums, red berries and a fine rosemary note. The finish is long and complex. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby; aromatic-fruity; also in the mouth aromatic raspberry notes, some tannin, length, very juicy." (JLF) Merum

"Intense blackcurrant and creamy vanilla aromas. Black fruits, eucalyptus and leather palate with weight and flavour. Authentic without being showy." Decanter

This archetype of an Etna Rosso presents itself with a lot of grace and beautiful varietal typicity. Aromas of strawberry and cherry on the nose, a medium-bodied fruit on the palate, slightly salty hints and spicy nuances in the beautiful final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light red; red fruity, also jam, quite deep; powerful, fine tart, length, some caramel, pleases well." (JLF) Merum

In 1773, a rich and resourceful merchant named John happened to land on the Marsala Coast. He was the first to produce the classic Marsala known to this day by adding brandy, refining it so that he could take it back to England without the risk of early spoilage. Intense amber colour. On the nose notes of apricot and carob, some thyme and black pepper. Full and warm on the palate with a fine apricot touch and candied fruit notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light amber; sea, fruit ripeness, candied, caramelised orange peel, deep, beautiful nose; not too sweet, round, bittersweet, dates, depth and extended length." Merum

"If you aren't familiar with Marsala, this medium-dry wine would be a good place to start, with intense caramelized-nut, candied-orange and bitter-chocolate character, plus a restrained touch of sweetness. The tannins in Marsala can make the aftertaste bitter, but here they really help to balance the sweetness." James Suckling

"Cantine Pellegrino is a historical producer active since 1880 that has over 150 hectares in different parts of Sicily and on the Island of Pantelleria. This Marsala is bright amber. The nose is pleasant and fresh, with straightforward notes of apricot, hints of carob and thyme. The wine is full, sweet with integrated alcohol, round and generous on the palate. It is made with Grillo, Inzolia and Catarratto, ages 48 months in oak barrels and at least six months in barrique." Decanter

Fine Prosecco Spumante Superiore from the renowned Cartizze growing zone: Brilliant silver-grey, very elegant with fine perlage, pleasantly sweet note and fine fruit reminiscent of dewy August apples and citrus fruits. Long, creamy and persistent. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clearly fruity, apple, inviting; supple, full fruit, lots of sweetness, fruit length too." Merum

"Bright, light silver, delicate bubbling. Intense nose with notes of ripe apricot and ripe peach, also some pear, plus yellow rose. Round and mouth-filling on the palate, spreads well, very well integrated perlage, creamy, salty in the finish." Falstaff

Fragrant Superiore di Cartizze, wonderfully pretty with white blossoms and light fruits. Full, wide and with creamy elegance on the palate, supported by a delicate acidity. A very expressive top class Cartizze. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh fruity, also calendula blossoms, inviting; smooth, sweetness, distinct fruit length, pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Delicately expressive of peach blossom and pear with notes of caramel and dried fruits. Delicately creamy, precise, and mineral." Decanter

"The Col Vetoraz 2021 Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze Dry is creamy and soft with sweet peach and melon. The wine's residual sugar is recorded at 24 grams per liter, and that's definitely high enough to register as a "medium dry" or "almost fully sweet" sparkling wine. However, that softness is what makes Cartizze so special and sensual with creamy beading and immediate aromas." Robert Parker

Medium-bodied ruby red, fine rose bouquet with hints of tea and dried herbs. Beautiful black cherry aroma with well-integrated wood notes makes it a balanced and at no point intrusive wine. The 2016 climate also gave this Nebbiolo an impressive precision and straightness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; some fruit, tobacco; powerful, juicy, good tartness, very pleasant." Merum

"Developed-looking mid ruby with bricky rim. Brooding, complex, deep nose with a hint of Moroccan leather. Generous but not yet fully open fruit, stitched together by gorgeous chewy tannins and ripe acidity. Good medium-term potential." Jancis Robinson

Wonderfully matured for at least 10 years, this vintage Marsala presents itself in a deep golden hue. In the opulent aroma we find notes of dried fruits and tobacco, mixed with hints of chestnut honey. On the palate, firm, powerful, dry, with a pleasant freshness and a very harmonious, long final. Ideal as a digestif or with mature cheeses, accompanied by lemon or bitter orange marmalade. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light amber; depth, sweet biscuits, inviting; fine attack, then power, long, quite deep, fine, pleases well." Merum

Etna Rosso in light ruby and with a fine bouquet of raspberries, herbs, orange peel and flint. Firm, straightforward taste. Mineral hints corresponding to the terroir. Silky tannins and a fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm light red; fruity, fine ripeness, deep; juicy, fine tart attack, depth, then pronounced length with powerful tannin." Merum

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Arcuria is smoky and earthy in style, wafting up with vivid aromatics, featuring freshly picked strawberries, plum skins, rose hips and wet stone. This is texturally deep, silky-smooth and more savory than sweet, with mineral-infused red and hints of blue fruit, as well as balsam herbs that resonate toward the close. It finishes lightly structured with a minty freshness, as well as with a bitter tinge of cherry pits and spice. The 2019 Arcuria is so pretty today that it’s hard to recommend cellaring; yet with the balance on display here, the chances are that it will only get better over time." Vinous

Characterful bouquet of sweet cherries, Mediterranean herbs, smoke and tobacco. The splendid fruit and the tightly woven tannins are carried by a light acidity. Mastrojannis Brunello of the Year 2013 seduces with wonderful charisma, intensity and finesse. Very good storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Quite dark red; with aeration fruit, gum, dried fruit, depth; round base, juicy acidity, fine, length, round tannin." Merum

"Plenty of dried fruits on the nose with cedar and flowers that follow through to a full body, layered tannins and an intense finish. Hints of raisins." James Suckling

"This is plump, with cherry, plum, iron and tobacco flavors, nicely balanced by a dense matrix of tannins. Tips slightly toward the dry side on the finish, yet stays fresh and long." Wine Spectator

"Mastrojanni's 2013 Brunello di Montalcino reveals a very precise and focused aromatic profile. This is a signature touch from this outstanding estate that, year in and year out, produces some of the best Brunello you can buy. Wild berries and cherries rise from the bouquet in an elegant flutter. Those tones are followed by spice, leather, rosemary and medicinal herb. The wine is streamlined, polished and smooth in terms of mouthfeel." Robert Parker

"Bright ruby-red. Aromas of raspberry, red currant and fresh herbs are complicated by roast coffee, licorice and mocha. Plush, pliant and sweet, offering seductive red berry, coffee and tobacco flavors lifted by a candied violet note. The long, smooth but vibrant finish features sweet tannins, a whiff of herbs and outstanding length." Antonio Galloni

"Agronomist/oenologist Andrea Machetti has been managing this property since 1992, although it was purchased by the Illy coffee group in 2008. The vineyards are close to Castelnuovo dell'Abate, where the soil is predominantly clay with a complex mix of marine salt, tuff, river pebbles and sand. Besides flavours of tobacco, dried sage and forest berries, this has a saline edge and a tanginess that gives plenty of vibrancy and length. Nicely framed by well-managed tannins." Decanter

"Mid ruby with bright, bricky tinges. Balsamic and almost a little medicinal on the nose. Ripe, concentrated fruit tightly packed with fine, grainy tannins. Impressive balance, staying power and youth." Jancis Robinson

The Paesaggio Inatteso selection comes from Camigliano's 3.5 hectare vineyard "La Magia", which has mineral and calcareous soils. Bright ruby red. Cherry, raspberry, spice and tobacco aromas on the nose, taut, precise and full of personality on the palate. The tannins are soft and well integrated, making it an opulent, powerful and long-lasting pleasure even when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red. In the nose a slight hint of strawberry, then of ripe cherries and wild berries, shows nuances of pomegranate and dried rose petal. Juicy and clear on the palate, stretches out in many layers, beautiful red fruit, with persistence." Falstaff

"Plum and black cherry aromas and flavors highlight this dense, muscular red, accented by wild herb, iron and sanguine notes. Staying vibrant and long, this is balanced, with the quality of tannins in line with the southwestern sector of Montalcino." Wine Spectator

"The Camigliano 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Paesaggio Inatteso is a tiny production of just 2,600 bottles, all drawn from a two-hectare site with sandy limestone, located apart from the estate's core vineyard block, which the Ghezzi family holds in special regard. Indeed, the character of this wine is quite different from the classic 2016 Brunello. I don't get those heavier aromas of asphalt or charred earth here. This wine is much softer in approach with delicate and pure fruit. Cherry, plum and dried raspberry cede to light spice and tobacco. Paesaggio Inatteso means "unexpected landscape" in Italian, and this wine does stand apart from the others in the Camigliano portfolio." Robert Parker

"Aromas of forest floor, eucalyptus, violet and coffee bean take shape in the glass. Full bodied and savory, the firm palate doles out mouthfuls of ripe black cherry, mature plum, licorice and baking spice alongside enveloping, fine-grained tannins, a great showing." Wine Enthusiast

"A rich, decadent red with black-cherry and flower aromas, as well as citrus and crushed stone. Some wet bark, too. It's full-bodied, yet reserved and toned with nicely crafted tannins that melt into the wine. Vivid acidity. A poised, polished red." James Suckling

Just 9,000 bottles make up the annual production of this boutique winery from Etna. At 950 metres above sea level, the one-and-a-half hectares of vines, divided into eight tiny plots, are gradually bought up by the renowned oenologist. The area is planted with Nerello Mascalese bush vines, which have been spared the phylloxera vine louse and make their way through the lava-covered terraces.

The single vines, which are on average 80 to 100 years old, are cultivated in the traditional, low-bush Alberello style, to which the wine also owes its name. Alberelli di Giodo is of extreme elegance and spiciness and represents to a remarkable degree the minerality and finesse typical of its volcanic growing region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light red; barrel-aged, depth of fruit, inviting; juicy attack, depth of fruit, powerful, juicy, barrel-aged, good tannin, pleasing." Merum

"Sparkling, brightening ruby with garnet rim. Finely marked nose, shows notes of pomegranate and raspberry, fine spice in the background. Lots of fine-meshed, present tannin on the palate, builds up in many layers, salty and deep, very long finish." Falstaff

"With its first vintage in 2016 Alberelli di Giodo's history began in Mount Etna with winemaker Carlo Ferrini. Eight small handkerchiefs of land, lying at elevations of 700-950 metres, that together make up little more than one hectare. Co-existing with olive and fruit trees, their precious, pre-phylloxera vines have survived for 80-100 years, all trained to the ancient alberello (bush training system), typical of Etna. Fermented and macerated in open-top steel vats, with gentle punchdowns but no pumpovers, the wine is at the palest ruby palette of ruby colour, with smoky and mineral character of Nerello Mascalese, full of restraint with pomegranate and wild strawberry fruit character. Super refreshing due to both lively fruit and acidity it shows chewy velvety tannins plenty of youthful on the palate." Decanter

"The purity of fruit is all here with strawberry, lemon-peel and floral undertones. Goes to cranberries. It’s medium -bodied with firm tannins and a bright, vivid and linear finish that keeps your palate clean." James Suckling

Fresh, sparkling ruby garnet. Opens with notes of pickled anchovies, then leather and dark wild raspberry. At the palate a lot of close-meshed, stoffiges tannin, pulls through rapidly, fine fruit, in the final firm pressure. Put away for some more years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Leasing and then acquiring the Luigi Baudana estate in Serralunga has given the Vajra family access to more fine vineyards. The result in 2014 is a delight, with a sweet, generous raspberry nose that shows both zest and charm. Medium-bodied, this is made in a gentle style that's not extracted but has sufficient tannin to give some grip. A firm mid-palate shows solid fruit and good persistence, followed by a long, balanced finish." Decanter

"Flavors of cherry, currant, eucalyptus, wild herbs, tar and iron are supported by dense tannins in this red. Though firm and compact, this remains long and detailed on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Located beyond the sprawling Fontanafredda estate, Baudana has consistently maintained its reputation for top-notch Nebbiolo. In fact, those who farmed this vineyard never had difficulty selling its fruit. Barolo Baudana was one of the first crus to be exported successfully into foreign markets. The site sees sandy limestone mixed with veins of heavier blue clay. You get both elegance and structure as a result. The 2014 Barolo Baudana reveals black and purple fruit characteristics with ethereal tones of smoke, tar and spice on the finish." Robert Parker

"A darker side of Nebbiolo emerges from the 2014 Barolo Baudana. Powerful but also supple, the 2014 is a wine of pure, arresting beauty. Sweet red cherry, kirsch and floral notes meld together in a striking, textured Barolo that is a joy to taste, even at this early stage." VINOUS