Rarities

Pleasantly elegant and pleasantly unobtrusive Sauvignon Blanc from the Mock vineyard on steep slopes with gravel soils. Light greenish yellow, with a delicate aroma of elderflower, pepper, grapefruit and some gooseberry. The well-balanced taste is fruity, soft, with the right dose of power and aromatically long. For us, undisputedly one of the best Sauvignon Bianco in this price range. SUPERIORE.DE

"An archetype of a Sauvignon Bianco, a very successful product from the steep slopes at 500m altitude near Bolzano. Tension and finesse on the nose, cedar wood, white peach, iodine on the finish, a hint of basil, taut and crisp on the palate, with citrus fruits and white flesh, spicy-menthol on the finish." Luca Gardini

"Gooseberries, kaffir leaves, licorice and dried herbs on the nose. It’s creamy, spicy and full-bodied, with concentrated layers and a delicious, persistent finish." James Suckling

Bright, shining yellow, fine fragrance of white fruits and blossoms. Fresh, well-balanced taste with pleasantly lively acidity, delicate bitter almond note in the finish and a fine mineral vein in the aftertaste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light straw yellow with greenish shimmer. A little restrained on the nose, ripe fruit and yellow flowers, kitchen herbs in the finish. Great body, rich fruit melt with slight pressure, rich and intense, persistent." Falstaff

"A Lugana emblematic of the house vocation: pure Turbiana, in a fresh and captivating reading: nose of yellow plum and aromatic herbs, with a touch of jasmine in the background, crisp palate, with beautiful persistence and a finish of pleasant savouriness." Luca Gardini

Rich and fruity is the well-made Dolcetto from Chiara Boschis. Violet red, on the nose blackberry, candied cherries and some plum compote. On the palate a soft fullness with wonderfully fresh acidity, its medium face makes it an indispensable companion to light meat dishes and pasta. SUPERIORE.DE

The "Collection" line is made from late-harvest grapes from selected, sun-drenched vineyards and stands for complex, straightforward wines with a strong emphasis on terroir. The Lagrein grapes come from sites selected by the cellar master around Gries. Intense, dark garnet red with ruby reflections. Floral bouquet of violets and roses, dark berries and herbal spice. Dense, firm on the palate with a present, soft tannin and a fine acid wire. SUPERIORE.DE

Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon - the creative and successful experiment of Count Tasca d'Almerita. Cygnus is a young, enchanting wine that smells of blackberries, cherries, vanilla and tobacco and has a wonderfully smooth, grapey-sweet taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has aromas of mulberries, ripe cherries, bay leaves and mushrooms. It is medium-bodied with firm, integrated tannins. Spicy and well balanced." James Suckling

Seductive cuvée of Carignano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Dark berries on the nose, full and rich on the palate with beautiful spice, rounded tannins and good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose of this wine is earthy and reminiscent of cured meat, potting soil, tree bark and tobacco leaves, with a hint of fresh cranberries. On the palate, fruity notes of cherries, blackberries and cranberries emerge alongside the earthy game flavour. The angular tannins keep everything in its place." Wine Enthusiast

"A medium to full-bodied red wine, with hints of sweet smoke and fig cake underlining the flavours of blackberry coulis and black plum reduction, dried thyme and tea leaf, singed orange peel and ground aniseed. Balanced and slightly juicy, with fine tannins that firm up the finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromatic nose of cherries, redcurrants, some plums, dried thyme and undergrowth. Medium body with fine tannins. Velvety and multi-layered with a flattering texture. Well balanced with a concentrated finish and excellent length." James Suckling

"The Montessu 2020 is a real pleasure. Sweet violets, lavender and cloves accent a burst of black raspberry on the nose. It's silky and supple, with masses of ripe red and black fruit flowing over a core of vibrant acidity. What a beauty." Vinous

Sharis (Sharjs) is a very characterful cuvée of Ribolla Gialla and Chardonnay - the connection between Friuli and the world. Fine aroma of wisteria flowers, mild spices and fruity notes, plus a balanced, fresh taste with good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with silver glints. Playful nose, yellow pear, a hint of camomile and elderflower. Discreetly creamy on the palate, juicy and refreshing, vibrant acidity, medium-long final." Falstaff

"A simple, chalky and fresh white with pure green apples, blanched almonds and limes. A pure, bone dry white made from chardonnay, ribolla, friulano, sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio. Light, approachable and really drinkable." James Suckling

Chianti Classico Rubiolo shows its delicately spicy side on the nose with cloves, cinnamon, lavender, wild dark cherries and blackberries that are beautifully ripe but not overripe. There are also floral hints. The fruit for this extremely good value wine comes from Castellina and Panzano, whereby the fullness and richness of the Panzano region are clearly noticeable. The finish is soft and velvety. It is the exceptional balance of the wine that really sets it apart. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid-to-deep crimson. Concentrated, full yet cool nose of cherry fruit. Tangy cherry fruit with a layer of grainy tannins. Great balance and length." Jancis Robinson

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Rubiolo is a soft, fruity wine to drink now and over the next few years while the flavors remain vibrant. Succulent red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint and white flowers all race out of the glass. This exuberant, juicy Chianti Classico is a delight." Vinous

"Aromas of ripe red fruit, licorice, spices and pink peppercorns. Medium- to full-bodied, juicy and tense with vivid acidity and polished tannins. Hints of walnuts and savory herbs at the end." James Suckling

"The organic 2021 Chianti Classico Rubiolo is an excellent value wine. The wine is all Sangiovese sourced from three sites in Castellina, Panzano and Badia a Passignano. The wine delivers a dark ruby color, and although the aromatic intensity is measured, there are delicately perfumed tones of cherry, raspberry and blood orange that feel punchy and bright. You also get pretty floral tones." Wine Advocate

Salcheto's garnet-red sparkling Vino Nobile delights us with fragrant dried plum and a hint of cinnamon and clove. On the palate, much present fruit, fine, sweet melting in the long finish. An authentic and pleasantly elegant organic wine from the heart of the Montepulciano region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Appealing bouquet of black cherries and herbs; powerful texture, the acidity invigorating and in harmony with the tannins, finishes long. Convinces with its powerful fruity style. Goes well with game dishes." Vinum

"Brilliantly shining garnet red. At first smell, rich spicy notes of rosemary, black olives and cedar, then ripe blueberry and cassis. Fills the mouth completely, presents itself in a stoffig woven tannin dress, with good structure, compact, pithy, with some persistence in the finish." Falstaff

"A core of black cherry, plum and blueberry fruit is augmented by earth, tobacco and rosemary in this chunky red, which is balanced, with a light granular quality to the tannins. The herb elements linger, along with the fruit." Wine Spectator

"Salchetto’s launching pad Vino Nobile is crafted from the estate’s organically farmed 15 hectares and is the choicest selection of grapes. Appealing from the get-go, this 100% Sangiovese smells of summer’s bounty with cherry, plum, blackberry and strawberry. Hints of flint, iron and garden herbs provide nuance. The palate is fruit-laden but not heavy, and there is lovely freshness. Dry, linear tannins are sandy in texture and speak to the wine’s serious side." Decanter

"This superb estate is basically a guarantee of great, delicious wines, even in difficult vintages as this savory red proves. It opens with heady aromas of wild berry, truffle, blue flower and dark spice while the racy, polished palate features juicy strawberry, blood orange, licorice and cocoa. It's balanced and focused, with vibrant acidity and taut, refined tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Open-hearted, very appealing bouquet of tart berry fruit, forest floor, bitter almond, blue flowers and grilled herbs. The palate has the typical Sangiovese profile of bright red berries, with wonderfully integrated acidity and freshness. A classic every year and unbeatable with white meat dishes and sugos. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red in colour. The nose has notes of red fruits, berries, floral notes of violets and sweet vanilla spice. Soft on the palate, with good structure and a pleasant return of fruit. Long finish, pleasant freshness." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is deep, fat and lush, making it a good choice to drink now and over the next few years. Dark cherry, plum, incense, tobacco and chocolate give this fleshy Chianti Classico great appeal." Vinous

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli is made from 90% Sangiovese and a small proportion of Malvasia Nera and Colorino, all aged for 12 months in oak. This wine offers a classic interpretation of Castellina in Chianti with bright fruit, lots of cherry, background tones of earth and crushed flowers. You will appreciate the underlying energy and finesse of this wine." Wine Advocate

"Perfumed, with flowers, dark berries and some raspberries. Medium body with a solid core of fruit and firm tannins. Hints of chocolate and berries. Tasty finish. Still needs a little time to open up, but is already precise and concentrated." James Suckling

"Point of reference of the type, from an accurate selection of the farm parcels. Notes of red raspberry on the nose, Valdostan mint and floral touches of rosehip. Iodized taste, with fruity-mentholated comeback and a pleasant juicy-taut drinkability." Luca Gardini

The world-famous Valpolicella Superiore from Zenato, produced using the Ripasso method, is a rich wine with the best value. It is peppery, with earthy tones and gravel giving way to black cherries and savoury herbs. It reveals deep, silky textures balanced by vibrant acids, while ripe red and black fruits resonate under a hint of lavender. Zenato's Ripassa is concentrated and intense, but at the same time conveys elegance and leaves a fresh note of violet candy on the palate that lingers for a long time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Right from the start, this wine shows a beautiful balance between fruity and non-fruity flavours. Aromas of wild plums, dried leaves and fresh flowers share the moment in the glass. The palate is soft and fruity, with flavours of black cherries at the centre. This fruitiness is supported on the finish by notes of turned earth and cocoa." Wine Enthusiast

"The Valpolicella Superiore Ripassa 2019 is dark and brooding in the glass with rich plum and mocha tones accompanied by crushed ash stone. On the inside, it is surprisingly juicy and energetic, combining sour cherry with notes of sage and black olive over a core of vibrant acidity. The 2019 leaves the cheeks tingling and finishes full of tension and spice as the balsamic notes slowly fade away." Vinous

"An elegant red wine of medium body and freshness, with light, fine tannins framing a juicy palette of sun-dried cherries and cranberries, red liquorice, eucalyptus and spiced orange peel that linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A beautiful blend of red berries, bright orange peel and spicy cedar on the nose that transitions into a full, round and silky palate with very fine tannins that are well integrated into the texture. Lots of flavour and good length. It's hard not to be satisfied with a glass or two of this. Lasting. Drink it now." James Suckling

The Rosato from Livio Felluga is one of the rare representatives of its kind in Friuli. Beguiling bouquet of roses, pineapple and maritime rock. Elegant on the palate with fresh acidity; the fine and restrained style is somewhat reminiscent of the sought-after counterpart of Nerello Mascalese from the high altitudes of Etna. Traces of redcurrant and papaya on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

The Chianti Classico from Istine is one of the most racy and pure representatives of its genre. Its weightlessness and at the same time precision make up a large part of its charm. Finely knitted bouquet of red berry fruits, flowers, chalk and white pepper. Medium-bodied on the nose, with further aeration its fine fruit, creamy tannins and plenty of personality come to light. A red that takes hearts by storm with its lively, prancing and extremely fine-nerved character! SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid crimson. Concentrated, complex nose of dark fruit and sweet raspberry with a hint of iron and damp earth. Succulent cherry fruit lined with grainy tannins and a final kick of acidity on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Cherry and strawberry flavors are pure and focused, with a touch of rose and rosemary accents. This is firm and balanced, with a persistent finish echoing the fruit and herb notes." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Chianti Classico is a classy, polished wine that needs time to fully come into its own, as the aromatics are not at all expressive, and that is such a big part of what makes Chianti Classico so distinctive. Today, the wine's energy and vibrancy are both notable, but it is clearly very early days for this bottling." Vinous

"This lovely, easy-drinking red has aromas of rose, berry and spice. Reflecting the nose, the bright, savory palate doles out juicy strawberry, red cherry and star anise set against taut, lithe tannins." Wine Enthusiast

The name Mare Antico (ancient sea) is a tribute to the marine fossils and shells found in the soils of Orvieto. It is a beautiful blend of 55% Grechetto, 20% Vermentino, 20% Chardonnay and 5% Procanico and is the house's flagship wine every year.

Mare Antico blows like a cool breeze from a mountain top, mixing crushed rock with raw almonds, a hint of sage, ginger and flint in its interesting bouquet. It flows across the palate with skilful ease, long and citrusy. It also has a lovely inner sweetness contrasted by candied lime and salty minerals. Finishes structured and crisp, with a crisp green apple and residual acidity that begs for the next sip. The complexity of this wine is unrivalled, coupled with an overwhelming balance. Mare Antico is beautiful today, but also has a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

Pietranera is intensely spicy and perfumed with a floral bouquet that blends roses and sage with vibrant black cherry. The palate is soft, round and juicy to the core, with stimulating acidity that drives the tart wild berry fruit and adds a balanced inner sweetness towards the end. Fresh and full of character on the finish with strong raspberry and liquorice notes. Wonderful value! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Pietranera, a zesty blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Franc, opens with a darkly alluring blend of dried flowers and citrus-tinged wild berries. Silky-smooth, it washes across the palate with a fresh mélange of herbaceous red and blue berries guided by vibrant acidity. This leaves a staining of blackberry and hints of orange, finishing fresh with unexpected length. The Pietranera is the real value score of the Piaggia portfolio." Vinous

Straw-yellow, banana and white flower-scented Chardonnay with a fresh, savoury taste, crisp, tropical fruit fullness and beautiful length. One of the great white wines of Tuscany! SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of waxed lemons and baked apples with toffee, almonds and praline on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, creamy and sleek with delicious stone fruit and a polished finish." James Suckling

"Showing a luminous and crystalline shine, the 2021 Chardonnay I Sistri is packed with citrusy flavors that cede to unripe peach, crisp pear and crushed stone. This is a classic expression of Chardonnay with lots of pretty fruit intensity. You also recognize it as a wine from Tuscany thanks to its soft, sun-kissed texture and those characteristic salty mineral notes." Wine Advocate

Dark ruby red with elegant shimmer. Intense and appealing nose with delicate spicy notes, opens up after some time and then dark notes of wild berries and some undergrowth predominate. Very dense, with continuation of the spicy notes already found in the nose, well integrated with lots of fruit, which lets the wine rest weightily with a long final on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby. Opens on the nose with balsamic notes of eucalyptus, lots of blackberry, some clove. Full-bodied and soft on the nose, unfolds with lots of savoury tannin over the course." Falstaff

"The nose on this wine has the quiet elegance and confidence that usually takes more age to realize. It gives aromas of leather, graphite, sandalwood and pepper before nutmeg, dried currants and other spices and dried fruits come through. The palate is energized with an iron-rich current of raw meat and bricks, lifted by a sizzle of acid and heat." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of plums, black cherries, blackberries, tomato leaf, dried herb and spice box. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. Rich and fleshy on the palate with a lots of black fruit. Flavorful finish." James Suckling

The Barbera d'Alba Piani is pleasantly fresh and complex. A remarkable concentration in its aroma of dark fruits and sweet flavours of toasted oak. The palate is full, full-bodied, silky-textured tannins and harmonious all round. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Barbera d'Alba Piani is a knock-out. Creamy and ample, with striking depth, the 2021 has a ton to offer. Succulent red/purplish fruit, cedar, spice, new leather and a kiss of sweet French oak all build in this effortless, engaging Barbera." Vinous

From the beginning, Pio Cesare produced limited quantities of Barolo Chinato and Vermouth, precisely according to a family recipe handed down by his grandfather. In the early 1950s, however, production was discontinued as tastes and preferences changed.

In recent years, it has been noted that Piedmont lovers are again increasingly craving traditional character, strong personality and great individuality in aromatic wines and in wine-based aperitifs. As a result, the decision was made to produce small quantities of Barolo Chinato and Vermouth again - again strictly according to a secret family recipe that was kept under lock and key for many years under the careful supervision of the grandmother, granddaughter of the founder.

Besides the absinthe, which is essential for making a good vermouth, it is refined with a mixture of 26 aromatic herbs such as marjoram leaves, gentian roots, orange zest and others, which are dosed together strictly according to the traditional family recipe. Various white wines from the winery are added, including Moscato d'Asti. After a 15-day maceration, the resulting vermouth is aged in oak barrels for at least 4 months. The recipe is finally rounded off with the addition of caramelised sugar, which gives this vermouth its light colour and distinctive aroma and flavour. Connoisseurs enjoy it in the old "Piedmontese style": without ice, but only with a small slice of lemon peel. SUPERIORE.DE

"Thanks to its funky retro packaging, this is one of the most exciting projects to come out of downtown Alba in a very long time. The Pio Cesare NV Vermouth di Torino sees a base of Chardonnay enhanced with Moscato. (Like the estate's other fortified wine, the Barolo Chinato, only 1,000 bottles are released per year.) The Vermouth pours forth from the bottle with an orange or copper color. It is thick and viscous, taking its time as it swirls around the bowl of my glass. The bouquet reveals mountain herb and medicinal tones, with lots of mint and spearmint. There is some blood orange, citrus, licorice, camphor ash, vanilla and spice. This Vermouth is all fun and charm." Wine Advocate

At Podere le Ripi, the grapes for Rosso di Montalcino are given more time in the cellar than elsewhere, giving the wine more similarities to a Brunello than a Rosso. Deep ruby red with orange reflections. On the nose, a rousing symphony of aromas, spanning the olfactory arc from cherry, strawberry and violet to fresh balsamic herbs. On the palate, an impressive, broad structure, beautifully interwoven primary and secondary notes, plus a fine minerality and a remarkably long finish. The longer ageing time really pays off! SUPERIORE.DE

"Masses of spunky wild berries, gingery spice, crushed stone, peppery herbs and florals burst up from the 2018 Rosso di Montalcino Sogni e Follia. This is deeply textural with a plush feel on the palate, as fleshy red and blue fruits wash across the senses, leaving a staining of liquid violets and minerals in their wake. There’s a pleasant inner sweetness that counterbalances its fine tannic structure, as hints of sour citrus and tart cherry slowly taper off. This is an exotic rendition of the 2018 vintage that will also excel over short-term cellaring. However, if pulling the cork today, give it some time, open in-bottle, to unlock its aromatics." Vinous

"The Podere le Ripi 2018 Rosso di Montalcino Sogni e Follia definitely shows an offbeat personality with punchy fruit and slightly carbonic or natural wine tendencies that are all intentional. There is bright cherry, cola, grilled herb, toasted cinnamon and fresh cherry. It is important to push the boundaries on a wine like Rosso di Montalcino, and this bottle does exactly that." Wine Advocate

Deep, rich ruby colour. Impressive nose of ripe berries, ripe cherries and delicate graphite nuances. Aromatic and extremely flavoursome on the palate, with a spicy, animating arc. A true Tuscan insider tip with a great value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with violet reflections. Elegant aromas of garnet, blackcurrant, leather and pepper on the nose. Powerful on the palate with an animating acidity structure, fine tannins, balanced and persistent on the finish." Falstaff

"A medium-bodied red wine with notes of cherries, blackcurrants, dried herbs and baking spices. Fine tannins. Well balanced with a gentle structure that frames the palate until the lively finish." James Suckling

"The nose is metallic, salty and almost fizzy, like a can of Coke on a fishing boat, but a touch of fruit comes from a latent black cherry element. The palate deftly manages to both stick with that umami saltiness and bolster the fruit notes, while acid crackles around tannins that are polished yet dense, like magnets." Wine Enthusiast