Merum

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

"Medium-light red colour; delicate, fine fruit notes, depth, inviting; fine attack, then powerful, juicy, balanced, beautiful tannin, long." Merum

"The Graci 2021 Etna Rosso shows a structured but lean personality with bright berry fruits, redcurrants and wild berries. The wine is balanced and fresh. It shows the specific volcanic character that only wines from the charred slopes of Mount Etna can deliver. It is made from Nerello Mascalese, which is harvested at 600 to 700 metres above sea level on ashy volcanic soils." Wine Advocate

"Pure and fresh aromas of red and black berries with a hint of petrichor lead to a bright and energetic palate with a nice concentration of tangy fruit. It's bold and vibrant and finishes with incisive, juicy acidity, balsamic and hints of spice and chocolate. Delicious and very good value." Decanter

"A fresh, fine red wine that feels like raw silk on the palate, with taut tannins that are well combined with flavours of black raspberries and black cherries. Underpinned by mineral smoke and stone as well as fragrant accents of star anise, fresh marjoram and sandalwood." Wine Spectator

"Crisp cranberries, violets, allspice and a hint of nutmeg. Light to medium body with juicy and silky tannins, supported by a bright acid backbone. Balanced finish." James Suckling

"Opening slowly in the glass, the 2021 Etna Rosso reveals a nuanced blend of crushed stones and dried roses. It's comfortingly round with medium body and a salty mineral note up front that gives way to a depth of tart cherry berry flavours. The 2021 tapers off structured, long but beautifully balanced, with red flowers and exotic spice notes. This is a top-class Rosso, but it still needs some ageing time to fully develop." Vinous

Intense ruby garnet colour. Powerful nose of savoury cherries, spicy notes, light leather, orange and plum. Equally powerful, juicy and multi-layered on the palate, with finely characterised fruit and present, fine-grained tannins. The tension of this polished wine extends into the long, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark red; reductive, barrel-like, a little caramel; dense, concentrated, fruit, fullness, lots of sweetness, fine tart, long." Merum

"Bright, brightening ruby red colour. Fragrant nose of blood oranges, watermelon, raspberries, plus fine notes of fruit tea, also fine floral notes. Very juicy and clear on the palate, with a nice salty note, precise, elegant, drinks very well, with a blood orange final." Falstaff

"The nose features a playful, fresh blend of aromas, which includes cherry, vanilla, coffee, strawberry jam and milk chocolate. On the palate, the cherry and chocolate elements intensify, but are balanced by the sweet astringency of oranges. Tannins are ripping, while the acid is more restrained." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is a classic wine with lean fruit and elegant berry flavours that stays true to the Sangiovese grape, which is 100% represented here. The wine offers sultry, dark plum and spice with forest floor and black olive flavours. The wine ends with a medium-bodied finish and lovely freshness. Production is limited to 5,000 bottles." Wine Advocate

With the 2018 vintage, Camigliano joins the still very small community of certified organic winegrowers in Montalcino. Everything is in the right place here and Camigliano's 2018 edition of Brunello di Montalcino presents the classic vintage in a very appealing form. Accessible early on, it reveals its fruity bouquet with notes of Mediterranean scrub, small red berries and eucalyptus. The palate is then medium-bodied, the primary flavours are beautifully reflected here, its freshness and well-proportioned acidity allow it to dance into a remarkable finish. For us, this is a wonderful (and also very attractively priced) entry into the Sangiovese Olympus of Montalcino, fruit-orientated, graceful and full of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, warm red colour; ripe fruit notes, very appealing; lots of sweetness, juicy, warm, fruity length, off-dry, very appealing." Merum

"Bright, sparkling ruby red colour. Aromas of mint and fine wood, red berry fruit, a hint of tropical fruit, beautiful strawberry, complex, expressive nose. Polished and juicy on the palate, with radiant fruit, already wonderfully accessible, drinks very well." Falstaff

"The bouquet of the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino exhibits an almost candied quality, while sweet roses and medicinal cherries give way to nuances of shaved cedar and pine. This is a medium-bodied and graceful Sangiovese with a bright acidity that gives it an almost juicy character. Hints of strawberry and minty herbs resonate as it finishes only lightly structured but with admirable length. I wouldn't recommend long cellaring, but the 2018 will show wonderfully after just a few years." Vinous

"The Camigliano 2018 Brunello di Montalcino, a certified organic wine, is medium-dark in colour with round and ripe aromas of cherry confit, blackberry tart, black rose and balsamic herbs. The wine is structured and rich. This power deprives the delicate Sangiovese of its long-term potential and instead places the grape in a short or medium-term drinking window." Wine Advocate

"A ripe and full-bodied Brunello with intense notes of cassis, stewed plums and Kalamata olives. Also some grilled herbs. Broad and creamy tannins with lots of rich fruit. Concentrated and full of flavour." James Suckling

"Ripe and opulent, boasting macerated cherry, plum, eucalyptus and iron flavors matched to a muscular structure. Shows beefy tannins that take over on the finish, yet this feels balanced, with a beam of cherry persisting through the conclusion." Wine Spectator

"The nose offers cherries, vanilla and toasted coconut over aromas of leather, flint and redcurrants. On the palate, blackberries and dried cranberries emphasise the cherries, while dusty tannins swim in a dense undertow of chocolate and sambuca. A lively acidity ensures a long, warm finish." Wine Enthusiast

Beautiful and very well-balanced red wine from the three main historical areas of Montalcino, which have different geoclimatic characteristics due to their different slopes and altitudes - and thus provide a unique balance between freshness and structure, body and elegance. Ruby red in colour with garnet hues, it opens immediately with a rich, complex nose. Initially dark cherry, chinotto orange and violet. It then opens up to broader, more complex notes of blueberry, vanilla, tobacco, cinnamon and chocolate with a subtle menthol finish. The primary fruit is surrounded by spice, grilled herbs and floral earth; nice length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm dark red; reductive, warm, ripe fruit flavours, inviting; juicy, fine, fruit, pleasant tannin, long." Merum

"Tart, somewhat dried-vegetable to herbaceous and a hint of tobacco on the nose, predominantly black berries with a hint of black olives and capers, cumin, fleshy traces and some smoke. Youthful, quite taut, juicy fruit, present, ripe tannins and a certain acid bite, roasted nuances, again also black olives, plus a little coffee and coffee grounds, salt in the background, quite firm structure, persistent, slightly chocolaty on a very good finish." Wein-Plus

"Sparkling, brilliant ruby red colour. Delicate orange zest, cedar wood, rosemary and rosehip on the nose, with a floral touch and cherry. Juicy, clear on the palate, with youthful tannins, savoury and accessible, showing a fine juicy-salty touch." Falstaff

"For the 2018 vintage, Val di Suga has rebranded its labels to reflect its updated approach in the vineyard and cellar. This includes a less oxidative style of Brunello that spends less time in wood and more time in the bottle. However, the estate's classic Brunello is still a blend of the three different vineyard sites in Montalcino. The smoky, autumnal nose has aromas of rooibos tea with hints of cranberry and rosehip. It's lean in shape, has strong acidity and offers a lovely sweetness of red berry fruit and flowers, while light tannins provide a graceful frame. Ready to drink." Decanter

"A filigree red wine with aromas and flavours of sweet red berries, rose, truffle, game and minerals, supported by firm but refined tannins, with a long finish. It is suitable for eating now, but will be even better in a year or two." Wine Spectator

"A solid product from a winery that has now reached a very reliable standard. Sour cherries on the nose, floral notes of peony and medicinal herbs, dried thyme, with a balsamic finish. Dense mouthfeel, spicy tannins, fruity finish." Luca Gardini

"The nose is a well-stocked kitchen, with coffee always ready, a decadent spice drawer and expensive balsamic, and the aromas of cherries and soil wafting in from the garden. On the palate, notes of vanilla and candied orange underscore the cherries' juicy sweetness, while the savory notes linger as undertones, before lithe tannins and hot acid usher in a long finish." Wine Enthusiast

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

Prunotto's Barbaresco shows a strong dose of Nebbiolo personality and opens with balanced notes of dried berries, liquorice, tar and blue flowers. The ensemble is delicate and fresh. What makes this wine so attractive is the fact that it offers such a clear and unadulterated view of the grape, which comes across particularly well in this very attractive drop. The finish is full of elegance and silk. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light red colour; reductive red fruit; round attack, barrel-like, coffee, fine tannin, caramel, long, drinky, pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Aromas of wild raspberries with floral undertones lift from the glass of this classic Barbaresco followed by present but subtle earthy tones. The juicy palate is loaded with tart red fruits balanced by medicinal herbs and sweet spices. Supple tannins are lifted on the finish by the vibrant acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"A dense red, with macerated cherry and berry flavours overshadowed by liquorice, hay, menthol and a hint of leather. Although light, it is intense and persistent, with ripe fruit on the finish. Excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Full of restraint, liquorice, dill, blood orange, intensely floral, with vibrant fruit such as strawberry and orange. It has a lot of volume. Lively freshness to the finish and firm, muscular tannins that are youthful, dusty and yet ripe. A graceful classic for the long haul. Bric Turot is a single vineyard with south-east and south-west exposure in the Pertinace area." Decanter

The Nerello grapes (100% Mascalese) come from the northern slope of Etna from plots of the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the Rovittello district. Opens in a delicate ruby red, the nose then fine, heady, spicy, it reveals a pretty basket of red fruits after a few minutes of aeration. Initially closed on the palate, it only gradually reveals its flavour facets, then medium pressure in the middle, at the same time very finely structured and with almost Burgundian finesse and elegance. The finish is harmonious and of excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright red; flowery, inviting; delicate approach, very fine wine, round, fine tartness, drinky, pleases well." Merum

"Bright, light garnet red with orange reflections. Lots of red fruit on the nose, slightly herbaceous in the finish. Juicy and fresh on the palate, with traction and elegance, well balanced, long final, still has a lot of potential." Falstaff

"This expressive red wine begins with an overtone of tarry minerals and sage, a fragrant thread that winds through flavours of baked raspberries and currants with hints of red liquorice and spiced orange peel. Dense tannins pull the flavour profile together towards the firm, mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"Dusty florals combine with black raspberries and clove as the 2020 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo smolders up from the glass. This is soothingly soft and supple on the palate, based on the purity of the fruit. Mineral underpinnings add tactile grip. It finishes perfumed and structured, with edgy tannins that pinch at the cheeks as strawberry and balsam herbs nuances resonate. Patience will be required for this lovely Etna Rosso to come into focus fully." Vinous

"Lively and red-fruited with aromas of cranberries, sour cherries, dried herbs, mushrooms and orange peel. Medium-bodied with fine, powdery tannins. Limey and stony finish. Tightly wound. Better after 2023." James Suckling

The Nerello grapes (100% Mascalese) come from the northern slope of Etna from plots in the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the Rovittello district. Opens in a delicate ruby red colour, then fine, heady, spicy on the nose, revealing a pretty basket of red fruits after a few minutes of aeration. Initially closed on the palate, only gradually revealing its flavour facets, then medium pressure in the middle, with a very fine structure and almost Burgundian finesse and elegance. The finish is harmonious and of excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Quite light red; shrubby-fruity, appealing; subtle jammy fruit, sweetness, quite tart, not dry tannin." Merum

"Here is a submission from Benanti, which comes from a rather unknown contrada. The 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo is located in Castiglione di Sicilia on the north side of the volcano. The wine shows a medium-light appearance with spicy volcanic notes of ash and bonfire, surrounded by delicate fruit, sour cherry and cassis. The wine has fine tannins with dusty impressions resulting from the volcanic environment. This gives the wine an approachable personality." Wine Advocate

"Aromatic and bright with notes of orange peel and watermelon, but also some cherry. Medium-bodied, with firm and medium-soft tannins that are long and flattering." James Suckling

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo is exotic and floral, with hints of ash stone and dusty rose that fade into dried black cherries. Silky and smooth, it flows across the palate with a pure blend of red and blue fruits, fuelled by juicy acidity. The final is structured and long, yet perfumed, allowing violet and lavender tones to fade away on a bed of fine-grained tannins. The Dafara Galluzzo is a real charmer for which further ageing is recommended." Vinous

"The bouquet is restrainedly sweet, with dried cherries and fresh and preserved oranges supported by vanilla and baking spice notes, while herbs and earth provide a savoury balance. The blend of cherries, oranges and baking spices continues on the palate, like a warm pastry, before a tart, salty and peppery finish." Wine Enthusiast

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

Prunotto's Barolo is a very beautiful, ethereal wine. Rose petals, spices, blood orange, mint and crushed red berry fruit keep it firmly grounded. On the palate, it is saturated and rich with dark flavours that are firmly connected to spices, liquorice and crushed blue flowers. There is power and richness deep within this wine, the well-proportioned tannin is fresh and firm, giving it energy and drive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light red; warm fruity, also strawberry-caramel, inviting; round, warm, full, fruity, drinky, pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Pale ruby red colour. Shy, perfumed nose, but with a lot of concentration. A little dusty at first, needs a lot of aeration. A core of raspberry and strawberry fruit on the palate. Juicy and sweetly aromatic on the palate with strawberry fruit. Real depth, yet supple with lots of enveloping tannins that match the aromatic structure on the finish." Jancis Robinson

Rich, dark shimmering ruby colour. Open-hearted, dense bouquet of blackberry, plums and a delicate hint of clove in the background. Juicy flavour, shows supple tannins, spreads out beautifully. A great Chianti Classico every year with an exemplary price/quality ratio. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby red colour; subtly fruity, spicy; juicy, fruity, fine tart tannins." Merum

"Medium garnet red colour. Both savoury and sweetly fruity. Firm tannin on the palate, with a fresh, savoury Sangiovese bite. Pronounced freshness, a penetrating depth, gentle tannins. Long and valuable with ageing potential." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Brolio 2021 is a light blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino and immediately shows a light and bright personality. It offers an attractive, powerful attack with plenty of cherry, blue flowers and pressed violet, followed by subtle mineral shadings." Wine Advocate

"Light ruby red colour. Animating aroma of cherry, raspberry and blackberry, with a spicy finish. Juicy on the palate with compact fruit, fine tannins and great length." Falstaff

"Beautiful flavours of sweet berries and orange peel that fade into a medium to full body with crisp fruit and a stony undertone. Another year in the bottle will make it even better." James Suckling

The area around the small town of Milo is the only vineyard site on Etna where an Etna Bianco is allowed to be bottled as Superiore - and for good reason: only Carricante may be planted on the steep vineyard, which consists of dozens of small terraces. The vines are trained like a small tree on poles made of chestnut wood. The eastern exposure and the proximity of the sea allow the grapes to ripen late, resulting in very consistent acidity levels and a white wine with an aromatic finesse and freshness that is unrivalled even on Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm light yellow colour; citrus notes; fruit in the mouth, distant celery herb, fine structure, juicy, taut, sweetness, length, drinky, pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"From a vineyard in Milo, the superiore zone for Etna Bianco: Filigree nose with fresh fruit and fine spice; full of character yet balanced in the mouth, mineral-fruity, floral-salty finish." Vinum

"Intense, sparkling straw yellow colour. Very exotic nose of papaya, mango and banana, with delicate floral notes and a cold, smoky finish. On the palate with a fine fruit melt and well-integrated acidity, compact, again exotic fruit, with a delicately bitter, animating finish." Falstaff

"Delicate and floral on the nose, it unfolds its expressive notes of pink grapefruit granita, fleur de sel, ripe yellow pear, aniseed and chopped Marcona almonds on the palate. Long and creamy with a mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"This wine is very straightforward and dense, it definitely needs a few more years in the bottle to unfold and develop. At this young stage, the Benanti 2021 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Rinazzo focuses on citrus fruit, green melon and Granny Smith apple. Give this wine another year or two in the bottle to develop some of those lovely carricante flint, crushed stone and yellow rose tones." Wine Advocate

"Overtones of flowers and spice brighten an otherwise very savoury nose. The palate remains savoury, but the spices linger and work with an emerging lemon to create a volcanic minerality, while offering a round, full texture before a long, hot finish." Wine Enthusiast

"A magnetic Carricante in purity from the municipality of Milo, refined in steel. Very complex on the nose, with notes of yellow flowers, bergamot, fresh thyme, a hint of white melon and a touch of iodine. Spicy-sweet on the palate, with a fruity-oily finish." Luca Gardini

Exceptionally fine spumante with a delicate, fruity flavour of raspberry, acacia honey and apricot and a lovely yeasty note. Bright, rich straw yellow colour, persistent, fine perlage. Ripe, with a wonderfully integrated wood base, very full, long and intense flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Golden yellow; sweet-fruity; smooth foam, delicately spicy, delicately tart, pleasantly dry." Merum

"Bright light gold colour with a persistent, fine perlage. Fragrant nose of white flowers, dried yellow peach and wet stone, with fine aromas of roasted hazelnuts and sea salt on the finish. Expressive on the palate, multi-layered, with racy, present acidity, brisk, salty, with plenty of pressure, bone-dry in the final." Falstaff

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." Wine Advocate

"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

Etna Rosso with a light ruby colour and a fine bouquet of raspberries, herbs, orange peel and flint. Firm, straightforward flavour. Mineral notes in keeping with the terroir. Silky tannins and a fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light red; fresh, red-fruity, raspberry jam, very inviting; red fruit already at the beginning, lots of tannin, subtly tart, very nice wine, long." Merum

"There's a slight hint of farmyard among the pure cherry fruit and orange peel aromas, while in the mouth it's intense and bright with a saline and balsamic character; vertical and sapid. Chalky tannins and fresh acidity provide structure to this sturdy, ageable red." Decanter

"A beautiful blend of red fruits and spices on the nose, along with a hint of tea. Medium to full-bodied with very fine tannins. Creamy. A beautiful depth of fruit carried effortlessly by the elegant tannin structure. Long lasting finish. Delicious. Best after 2025." James Suckling

"The Graci 2020 Etna Rosso Arcurìa is a very different wine to the Feudo di Mezzo. It has more fruit and a spicy character with blackcurrants, tea leaves, tobacco and perhaps a hint of exotic spices. The tannins are more pronounced here and the concentration of the wine is definitely a notch or two higher in terms of intensity. Contrada Arcurìa is located at an altitude of 650 metres above sea level. Only 5,300 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"Dusty and floral, the Etna Rosso Arcuria 2020 opens slowly with hints of chalk dust and sage that fade into violet pastilles and crushed blackberries. This is pure elegance, silky and refined, with a beautiful inner sweetness and cooling acidity that soothes and invigorates the palate. It finishes savoury and tannic with admirable length, with pretty inner flowers and a hint of bitterness slowly fading. It will take years for the Arcuria to come into its full bloom, but it will be time well spent." Vinous

Bric Turot is a top Barbaresco vineyard. The sensationally fruity Nebbiolo comes from this five-hectare vineyard and seduces with its wonderful blackberry and cherry flavours. The flavour structure is elegant and powerful, with a very long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light red; clearly red fruity, inviting; fruit also in the mouth, juicy, round, fine tannin, fresh, fine, drinky, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"One of the historic wines of Prunotto, owned by Marchesi Antinor (with a vineyard outside Alba), this is a lean and streamlined expression with mild aromas of dried cherries and redcurrants. The bouquet is rather simple, although there are some spices and savoury notes that give it depth." Wine Advocate

"This red wine offers ample flavours of cherries, strawberries and hibiscus, complemented by eucalyptus and grassy notes. It becomes leaner and firmer on the finish, with toasted and iron accents providing detail. Graceful and multi-layered." Wine Spectator

"Crisp and fruity with very fine tannins and bright raspberry, cherry and spice aromas and flavours. You want to drink it immediately, but it should age well. Citrus notes on the finish." James Suckling

"Focused aromas of wild strawberry and raspberry combined with fresh bay leaf, wildflowers and sandalwood rise from the glass of this serious wine. Flavors of cranberry and tart cherry pop off the vibrant palate with notes of leather and tea finishing with supple tannins and a persistent minerality." Wine Enthusiast

"Full of restraint, liquorice, dill, blood orange, intensely floral, with lively fruit such as strawberry and orange. It has a lot of volume. Lively freshness to the finish and firm, muscular tannins that are youthful, dusty and yet ripe. A graceful classic for the long haul. Bric Turot is a single vineyard with south-east and south-west exposure in the Pertinace area." Decanter

In 1962, Il Poggio Gran Selezione was the first Chianti Classico from the appellation to be vinified and bottled as a single-vineyard wine (Cru) - a revolution at the time!

Sparkling, rich ruby-garnet colour. The wine exudes classic aromas of dark plum, menthol and liquorice, which will develop wonderfully over time. The palate has incredible energy, tension and vibrancy. Our tip: buy it, put it in the cellar and forget about it for a decade. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; fruit, macchia, depth, inviting; round, sweetness, deep fruit, long, juicy, very pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Bright ruby red colour with light reflections. Great and inviting nose of wild strawberries, watermelon, wet stone, black bread, with a noble, light spicy note. Great fruit on the palate, paired with pleasant, present acidity, finely savoury, tightly woven tannins, with elegant pressure." Falstaff

"Il Poggio was the first Chianti Classico to be labelled a single vineyard in 1962. The 2018 vintage reveals high-toned aromas of sweet redcurrants, accompanied by a hint of lavender and laurel. It is full-bodied and youthfully gripping, with powerful tannins framing the lush raspberry and cranberry flavours and a hint of Mediterranean herbs that extend the long finish." Decanter

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna il Poggio is a medium-bodied wine that needs a few years to mellow the tannins. In this tasting, the 2018 shows itself to be a Poggio with a convincing aromatic presence, but perhaps a little less textural breadth than in its best years. Dried herbs, cedar, tobacco and scorched earth linger on the savoury finish. A few more years in the bottle should be enough. The understated side of Il Poggio comes through beautifully." Vinous

"The wine opens with flavours of dark fruits, light spices, grilled herbs and integrated tannins and closes with tart fruit and beautiful freshness." Wine Advocate

"A muscular red with flavours of iron, almonds, tar and undergrowth that add a spicy element to the core of cherry and blackberry fruit. Dense, dusty tannins and a mineral vein lend rigour, while this red wine proclaims "hands off" on the finish. Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino." Wine Spectator

"Lots of lavender and sage with flavours of lemon blossom and cherries. Medium-bodied with firm and fine tannins that are crisp rather than chewy. Needs time to mellow, but is already impressive and precise. A classicism that is rarely found in Italy." James Suckling

"On the nose, cranberries with hints of wild mint and nutmeg. The mouth is savoury, with a resurgence of fruity-mentholy notes and sweet spices. Excellent finish." Luca Gardini

Bright and radiant, with lots of Nebbiolo character, it is a successful interpretation of the terroir and shows the great class of the winery. On the nose, sweet red cherries, tobacco, mint, anise and white pepper. Medium-bodied and graceful on the palate with a good balance of perfume, acidity and structure. With further bottle ageing, it looks forward to a great evolution. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-light red; fruity-smoky, also barrel, caramel, rubber, inviting; fruit, medium-bodied, powerful, lots of round tannin, length." Merum

"Sparkling, medium-dense ruby garnet. Inviting, very finely marked nose with pronounced notes of wild raspberry, rosehip and black tea. Substantial, with pithy tannin on the palate, showing lots of pressure, savoury, lingers long." Falstaff

"Straight medium ruby. Perfumed cherry fruit with subtle oak and a hint of cumin. Fresh, supple cherry fruit with a spicy note and firm but ripe and crisp tannins. Great length and juiciness." Jancis Robinson

"A rich, earthy style that evokes aromas of cherry, raspberry, iron and tobacco. Broad tannins announce the finish, but it remains balanced and long." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Barbaresco Pio is noble, elegant and wonderfully polished. Sweet spices, cedar, tobacco, leather and dried cherries open up effortlessly. This graceful, medium-bodied Barbaresco has a lot going for it and is very drinkable from the start. The silky, ethereal qualities of the Nebbiolo are evident." Vinous

"Pio Cesare stands out for its classics, and this wine is one of them. The 2018 Barbaresco (released a year later than its competitors) offers a light ripeness of candied raspberry with lilac, tarry smoke, cedar and spice. The mouthfeel is silky smooth with gently integrated tannins." Wine Advocate

"Strawberries with notes of walnuts, asphalt and bark. Also dried flowers. Full-bodied with fine, racy tannins and a very long, beautiful finish. Fine tannins. Shows excellent length for the vintage." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco of Pio Cesare, always a certainty, from the Treiso and San Rocco sub-areas. On the nose, red currants in jam, with nuances of star anise and rhubarb. The mouthfeel is crisp, dense, with spicy tannins and a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

The grapes for the house's classic Barolo come from the sites/communes of Ornato, La Serra, Briccolina in Serralunga d'Alba, Gustava and Garretti in Grinzane Cavour, Roncaglie in La Morra, Ravera in Novello and, from the 2015 vintage, Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba. It is more of a traditional, classic Barolo with an exciting bouquet of deep, dark fruits and a pretty potpourri of rose petals, spices, smoke and tar. The palate is full-bodied and firm, opening with lots of tightly woven tannins, very powerful, with pressure and rich bite on the back end, laid out for a long life. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium warm red; red-fruited-caramel-coffee-foliage, deep, very inviting; round, fine, then dense, warm tannin, caramel, length, pleasing." Merum

"Already the colour is amazingly transparent and light-coloured. The entry-level Barolo shows an open, attractive bouquet with freshly picked cranberries and currants, persimmon, ripe cherries, playful, shimmering, linear and multi-layered. Rather cool than lush. Very finely woven on the palate, very elegant and almost floating, a finesse piece for elegance drinkers." Weinwisser

"Clearly fleshy-animalic scent with red berry and fine vegetal aromas, a little dried herbs, a hint of juniper and dried floral traces. Clear, taut, almost cool-looking, tart-juicy fruit, a little cocoa, coffee and allspice, also juniper tones, present, youthful, yet very fine tannin, some bite, lasting, elegant style, very good, juicy and finely spicy finish. A beauty." Wein-Plus

"Bright, radiant ruby red. In the nose delicately spicy, some cherries and raspberries, in addition delicately after undergrowth, overall of medium expression, nevertheless inviting. Polished on the palate, with velvety tannin, already extremely accessible, drinks superbly, salty and radiant on the final." Falstaff

"Lustrous mid ruby. Balsamic nose, slow to emerge from the glass. Hints of garden herbs, brooding cherry and cranberry. Still a little tight on the nose, but more approachable on the palate with ripe, supple fruit with plenty of stuffing without being heavy. Bags of grainy, tasty tannins and quite a firmly structured fruit-driven finish." Jancis Robinson

"Classic bright garnet in the glass, the wine is focused on cherry kernels with tar, violet, a bit of camphor and sweet spices. The attack is firm and crisp, introducing a brilliant crunchiness on the palate along with grainy tannins which stretch to a slightly austere finish. It lacks a bit of pulp - a signature of the 2018 vintage - but this is one of the best village-level Barolo this year." Decanter

"Pio Cesare is on a roll producing vintage after vintage of excellent Barolo. This shows enormous intensity and beauty with perfumed layers of pressed flower, wild berry, vanilla and spice. It boasts a dark, bold appearance and tight tannins that are supported by an excellent quality of fruit." Wine Enthusiast

"The Barolo Pio is once again impressive in 2018. Deep, layered and so expressive, the. 2018 offers uncommon elegance right out of the gate. Dark mentholated aromas and flavors are intriguing. In 2018, the Barolo Pio offers quite a bit of depth too, something that is rare, especially among wines at this level. All the elements are impeccably balanced throughout. This is a very fine vintage for the Pio." Vinous

"The 2018 Barolo opens to ripe aromas of dried plum and tobacco. This vintage lacks some of the complexity of a cooler growing season, but these results are far from monochromatic. Those tobacco aromas cede to cedar, earth, forest floor and hints of shaved truffle." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of spicy red cherries on a loamy underlay, together with savory twists of forest floor and walnut shell. Some orange rind, too. Full-bodied with very fine, firm and silky tannins and lots of long, focused fruit and spice flavor. Good structure for 2018. Best from 2024." James Suckling