Robert Parker

A flattering wine. Intense notes of sour cherry and citrus on the nose, along with a fine, balsamic spiciness, as well as laurel and nutty hints. Soft impression on the palate, polished tannin and harmonious acidity, balsamic and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is one of Lazio's most popular value wines and I often notice this distinctive bottle on trattoria and pizzeria tables around the city of Rome. The Falesco Famiglia Cotarella 2018 Syrah Tellus delivers softness, power, elegance and lots of varietal character. This is a soft Syrah that reveals distinct notes of dark fruit, spice and charred meat. This 2018 vintage is especially tangy and bright, and I cannot think of a better partner to a plate of bucatini all'amatriciana with the smoked bacon flavors of cubed guanciale and cracked black pepper. This value is outstanding." Robert Parker

Concentrated ruby red with garnet reflections. To the predominant cherry and berry scent the wood contributes very light hints of roasted coffee. Full and very intense taste of dark berries, very light of violets and plums, the compact tannins are carried by balsamic notes, in the aftertaste fine liquorice tones. SUPERIORE.DE

"Of the many value reds offered by this estate, the 2015 Aglianico del Molise Riserva Contado is my favorite. The wine delivers the power and density that is attributed to this fabulous red grape, followed by warm-vintage aromas that are exuberant and generous. You get black cherry and blackberry preserves followed by light baking spice. This is a full-bodied wine that achieves careful balance." Robert Parker

"Aromas of blue fruit and wet earth with a hint of lavender. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish." James Suckling

Bright ruby red. Bric del Salto interprets the famous Piedmontese grape variety in a direct and classic way. Fruity bouquet combined with the typical Neive spice. On the palate it is clear, with precise fruit, the right dose of fine tannins - and above all an inspiring freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"The well-priced Sottimano 2018 Dolcetto d’Alba Bric del Salto opens to a lean appearance with a light garnet color. This comes as a surprise, as Dolcetto tends to delivers much darker colors and richer saturation. The Sottimano house style embraces elegance, grace and fragility. These goals are achieved effortlessly here, and again, the big surprise is that the exuberant and freewheeling intensity of the Dolcetto grape can be harnessed so effectively to reveal understated aromas of wild cherry, crushed stone and balsam herb. I recommend you buy this wine by the case, not the bottle. This is a lot of fun at low cost." Robert Parker

Mediterra with inviting aromas of bell pepper, red currant, sage and black pepper is round and harmonious on the palate with beautiful fruit and spice, a perfect food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby garnet. In the nose in the first attack slightly grassy, then after raspberries and gooseberries, white pepper, in the reverberation after black currant, needs some air to settle down. On the palate punchy and with clear fruit, stretches slightly spicy over the tongue, nice body." Falstaff

"The 2018 Mediterra is Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (in almost equal parts with just a little more emphasis on the richness of the Syrah). This is a versatile and very well priced Tuscan red that prizes softness, the richness of its mouthfeel and the ripeness of its blackberry and cherry aromas. Those warm fruit tones cede to mild spice, light tobacco and tilled earth. The wine is bright, bold and charming in thanks to its accessible style." Robert Parker

"The 2018 Mediterra, Poggio al Tesoro’s entry-level wine, is terrific. Fruit, floral and enticing, this mid-weight offering has plenty to give. I would prefer to drink it over the next few years, while the flavors remain vibrant. A burst of red berry fruit, blood orange and spice lingers on the mid-weight finish." Vinous

Fontanabianca has created here an elegant and densely packed Barbera. It shows the exuberance and potential of the grape while still maintaining a reasonable degree of restraint. It is neither marmalade nor too fruity, but pampers with a fine dose of dried cherry and plum aromas, along with some Spanish cedar wood with a fine citrus note. A well-balanced drop with a beautiful final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A lightly fruity red with berry and walnut aromas and flavors. Medium body. Easy finish." James Suckling

"The Fontanabianca 2018 Barbera d'Alba Superiore is a lovely wine with a darkly saturated side contrasted against a more contained and elegant mouthfeel. Those qualities make this wine a perfect candidate for a restaurant steak and potatoes. You get all the vivid brightness of the bouquet, with wild cherry and blackberry, with a good dose of refreshing acidity that cuts through the fat in your favorite foods." Robert Parker

A Nebbiolo for purists. In the fragrance pine resin, dried fruit and essential spices. On the palate we find sweet plums, juicy cherries, robust tannins and a fine mineral acidity. This drop requires a strong food companion and is in this combination a great pleasure! SUPERIORE.DE

"Really polished and balanced with berries, cherries and spices. Hints of walnuts. Medium body. Creamy finish. A smoky note comes through." James Suckling

"The Fontanabianca 2018 Langhe Nebbiolo shows a bright and tonic vibe that makes this a good choice for dinners at home with the family. The wine is open and approachable with lovely aromas of wild cherry, crushed flower and soft ferrous earth. The mouthfeel is lean and those Nebbiolo tannins are silky and satiny." Robert Parker

Bright ruby red. Very lively nose of bright berries and blackcurrant with sweet, spicy components. Crisp, yet balanced acidity on the palate with a racy mix of fresh fruit and sweet extract spice. A cool but very authentic representative of its type that never pretends to be more than it is, but brings enough to be one of the most finessed Rossi of the vintage. It is de facto a very successful wine of a pleasing purity with a clear commitment to the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Val di Suga 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a vibrant and fun red to pull out for your next veal or vegetarian lasagna. The wine is teeming with bright berry fruit with wild raspberry and cherry. Showing balanced acidity and a snappy, lean-bodied style, this is textbook Rosso. There is a note of candied cherry and sweet spice on the close. This vintage marks significant improvements since I last visited this wine. You get good value." Robert Parker

Vecchie Vigne from over 40-year-old vineyard smells seductively citrus-fruity. On the palate, a lively minerality and a slight hint of anise. The sheer exuberant taste is of fabulous elegance and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of green apple, waxed lemon and fresh herbs. It's medium-bodied with bright acidity. Fresh and focused with a flavorful, herbed and mineral finish." James Suckling

"Made with organic fruit, the Umani Ronchi 2018 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Vecchie Vigne is a very special wine that gives us a pure and transparent view onto the Verdicchio grape from old vines. The wine delivers a terrific sense of purity and depth, and it also hints at some of the compelling complexity that can be achieved when Verdicchio gets a little bit of age. Aromas of ripe peach, lemon drop and candied fruit make subtle appearances, and the wine continues with fresh fruit, light spice and crushed stone. Try it with the local seafood stew, brodetto marchigiano. This steady and beautifully intense wine is one I am happy to recommend, especially for enthusiasts of Italian whites." Robert Parker

Radiant, precise dessert wine from the varieties Traminer, Sauvignon and Semillon from the sun-blessed Maremma in the south of Tuscany. Precious and delicious, the wine opens with a bright golden colour with amber reflections. In the bouquet hints of dried fruits, honey, pressed rose petals and candied almonds. Soft sweetness on the palate, wonderfully flattering finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Featuring the artwork of the promising young artist Clara (daughter to Fattoria le Pupille owner Elisabetta Geppetti) on its front label, the 2013 SolAlto is an air-dried dessert wine with a bright and luminous appearance. The grapes in the blend include Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, and the wine is released in a 375-milliliter bottle. This is a viscous and rich expression with dried apricot and honey, backed by almond and baked apple with cinnamon. This vintage is viscous and rich, and perfect for an apple pie a la mode." Robert Parker

Borrigiano is an enchanting cuvée that brings an ideal balance of fine and balanced wood use and fresh, lively fruit into the glass. In the nose an interesting berry aroma and some plum jam. For us, Borrigiano is an ideal companion for convivial evenings and mild pasta dishes or risottos - he shows in a charming (and affordable) way the great potential of the up-and-coming winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is the first wine from Il Borro to be made under the Valdarno di Sopra appellation designation (the first vintage made was 2015), and the wine's name Borrigiano means "inhabitants of the Il Borro hamlet." The 2018 Valdarno di Sopra Borrigiano is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah that sees a brief period of cold maceration followed by ten months of aging in large oak casks. The aim here is to keep the freshness of the fruit intact, and this goal has been readily achieved. The bouquet opens to forest berry aromas with raw plum and fresh prune. This is a terrific wine with a confident, pure and easy-drinking appeal that is nothing short of charming." Robert Parker

Al Passo is named after the small forest on the highest hill of Tolaini - a magical place with breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside and sunsets over the towers of Siena. The wine is as unique as the forest, showcasing the natural affinity of Sangiovese and Merlot.

Rich garnet with ruby. Intense and enticing bouquet of ripe fruit, orange zest and spicy oak notes, palate with ripe fruit and fresh acidity, balanced, medium body, long final with a fine salty vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"A mix of black cherry, black currant, cedar, iron and tobacco flavors grace this taut red. Nicely balanced and vibrant, ends with a long, tobacco- and spice-tinged finish." Wine Spectator

"The Tolaini 2017 Al Passo is always an ambitious wine that takes the best of the grapes in its blend: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Each give freshness, structure and textural fiber. Al Passo opens to dark berry fruit and plum, with spice, tobacco and tilled earth. This is a well-priced wine that promises lots of pairings, especially out of a Tuscan cookbook." Robert Parker

"The 2017 Al Passo is a blend of equal parts Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Open-knit and plaint, with soft curves, the 2017 offers tons of immediacy. Cedar, tobacco, dried herbs and macerated cherry all meld together in an inviting, mid-weight Tuscan red to drink over the next decade or so." Vinous

"A beautiful, ripe wine, offering plums and chocolate, as well as tile and walnuts. It's full and layered with beautiful fruit and caressing tannins. Rock on." James Suckling

Elegant cuvée with spicy aromas of black cherry, plum and white pepper and an earthy undertone. Clear in taste with hints of blackberry, the fruit always very fine, beautiful spice, including star anise, very rounded. Ends with elegance and a touch of lemon peel. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Mamertino is a unique wine that represents a DOC wine appellation in Milazzo (in the northern tip of Sicily) that gets very little use as far as I can tell. The traditional blend is Nero d'Avola and Nocera, and the wine is easy in approach and execution. There's nothing too complicated here—just fresh cherry and blackberry followed by earthy tones and some subtle mineral or sea breeze nuances." Robert Parker

"Very inviting from the outset with notes of dried blueberries, raspberry cheesecake and dried nutmeg. Medium-bodied, soft and elegant. Quite tense but juicy tannins." James Suckling

Rosso dei Notri is a solid, concentrated drop with bite and power that will give you plenty of pleasure with its fleshy, long-lasting taste, pleasant overall harmony and reasonable value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, bright ruby red. In the nose appealing notes of dark berries, fresh and powerful. At the palate a lot of supple tannin, fine-meshed, builds up well, long finish, juicy." Falstaff

"The 2018 Rosso dei Notri is an absolute delight. Once again, it is one of my favorite wines in the range. Fresh and fruity, with plenty of Suvereto fleshiness, the Rosso is such a gorgeous wine. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar and dried flowers add aromatic nuance to a core of red Sangiovese fruit." Vinous

The 2018 is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Aimed at younger drinkers, it's intended to be immediately approachable: only 10% of the wine spent time in oak, and not for very long, so the emphasis is on a fruity, accessible style. The nose is delicately balanced between dark blackberries, blackcurrants and bright red berries. Juicy flavours and vivid acidity give a nice freshness to this medium-bodied wine. Decanter

"The 2018 Rosso dei Notri  is a very fresh and tonic red that surprisingly comes from fruit harvested two weeks later than normal. And Merlot is not always happy to stay on the vines for longer than it has to. It's a fruit-forward wine that was aimed more at freshness instead of concentration, making it a good pair for a simple margherita pizza. You get terrific value here." Robert Parker

"Aromas of chocolate and dark fruit with hints of blackberries, cherries and hazelnuts. Medium body, fine tannins with hints of herbs and dark fruit, and a lovely finish." James Suckling

Sangiovese in pure culture: Radiant ruby red. Rich in fruity-floral aromas, multilayered, herbaceous, deep and of good polish with further development potential. A full-bodied and harmonious Chianti-Classico of the most authentic kind. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby garnet. Opens with subtle spicy notes, some cardamom and thyme, then ripe cherry and raspberry. Substantial and grippy on the palate, showing dark berry fruit, opening with grippy, dense tannin." Falstaff

"The Fèlsina 2018 Chianti Classico Berardenga is a toned and delicate expression of 100% Sangiovese from a vintage that produced beautifully subtle and understated wines. It shows good momentum driven by dark fruit, blackberry and summer cherry. The intensity of these aromas is downplayed and rendered less pronounced, adding elegance and fragility. Pretty background notes of spice and balsam herb add an extra layer of complexity." Robert Parker

"New leather, camphor and blue flower are some of the aromas you'll find on this bright, fragrant red. On the medium-bodied palate, vibrant acidity and taut tannins surround cassis, Marasca cherry and tobacco notes." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Berardenga is endowed with so much class. In 2018, the Classico is a bit more restrained than it can be. That mid-weight sense of structure, though, gives the wine quite a bit of early appeal. Even so, I would cellar the 2018 for a few years, as all the elements haven't fully come together just yet. Dark cherry, game, smoke, licorice and earthy notes are a reminder we are in Castelnuovo Berardenga, even if the 2018 has less weight and overt power than Fèlsina fans are used to seeing." Vinous

"Perfumed and fresh with cherries, cedar and hints of dried flowers. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a long, direct finish. Really lively and fresh. Very typical for a top Chianti Classico." James Suckling

Cognos Nascetta is made from the autochthonous vine of the same name, which is said to be related to the Vermentino grape. The bouquet reminds of meadow flowers, apricots and white peaches, also on the palate this fascinating harmonious aroma with elegance and freshness. An exceptionally good taste experience! SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of white peaches, dried flowers and hot stones follow through to a medium body, creamy texture and a fruity finish. Dry at the end. Fun for this grape type. Nicely done." James Suckling

"A wine that always turns heads, the Elvio Cogno 2019 Langhe Nascetta del Comune di Novello Anas-Cëtta is a mid-weight, glycerin-rich white made from an indigenous grape that is rare and dear to the region of Langa. There are aspects of this wine that remind me of the Arneis grape (another local favorite). The wine's smooth and creamy mouthfeel is one element shared between the two. So are those aromas of honey, white peach, pear and acacia flower. Aged in both stainless steel and botte grande, this wine has the textural richness to pair with white meat and even a few red meat dishes." Robert Parker

Sparkling light yellow with green reflexes. Clear, very wide scent of apple, citrus, meadow herbs and some pear fruit, rich on the palate and with a tight freshness and invigorating fruit acidity that is powerful for the high altitudes of the Vinschgau Valley. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow. Elegant and inviting nose, marked by cool minerality, delicate flint, light smoke, then delicate quince and golden apple. On the palate very juicy, mineral, with many layers and pressure, brilliant progression, salty in the final." Falstaff

"Franz Pratzner's Falkenstein 2018 Alto Adige Valle Venosta Pinot Bianco is luminous, light and packed with authentic Northern Italian character. These wines from Alto Adige, especially the Pinot Bianco grape, show a vivid level of brilliance and focused aromatic intensity that is something to behold. You get crisp notes of pear, melon, citrus and crushed stone. The wine is light and fresh, yet the finish is long and polished. Dial up some raw oysters for this one. The wine offers terrific value." Robert Parker

Elegant the complex Siri d'Jermu with considerable concentration, in the bouquet ripe strawberry aromas and light toasty notes. Fine-grained tannin, in the finish a fresh, clean fruit with hints of hazelnut. A great, muscular Dolcetto and archetype of its noble denomination! SUPERIORE.DE

"There is an extra dimension to this red, with fine depth to its raspberry, cherry, currant, mineral and anise flavors. It's fluid, yet well-structured too, with a light astringency offsetting the fruit on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Showing a medium dark appearance with a saturated garnet color, the Pecchenino 2018 Dogliani Superiore Sirì d'Jermu is a vibrant and exuberant wine. It shows those fun and food-friendly characteristics that make Dolcetto such a popular choice in the best taverns and mom & pop restaurants of the Langhe. The bouquet is very primary in character with blackberry, Morello cherry and sour plum. There is nice freshness here to cut though lasagna or wood-oven pizza." Robert Parker

"A dense, beautiful Dogliani with licorice and berry character and hints of hot stones. Delicious, juicy finish." James Suckling

Medium ruby red. In the bouquet a violet note with delicate hints of vanilla. On the palate it is powerful, fresh and very precise with a dominant fruit and lots of energy. In the medium-long finish then a fine spice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Il Borro's 2017 Pian di Nova is a well-balanced wine with the softness and savory character of the French grape framed by the racy acidity of the Tuscan variety. This was a hot and dry vintage; however, the integrity of the fruit remains intact. Perhaps you get a little extra softness and rich concentration on the finish with black cherry, blackberry and soft spice." Robert Parker

"This is really rich and beautiful with so much fruit and soft tannins. It’s full-bodied with round, ripe tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Dried-cherry and black-pepper notes. From organically grown grapes. 75% syrah and 25% sangiovese. Why wait?" James Suckling

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

"The organic 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano offers a delicate embroidery of red fruit, pressed violet and potting soil. There are subtle highlights of dried orange peel and iron ore as well. This pretty wine prizes fruit purity and simplicity. It offers a naked interpretation of this noble appellation without distractions or too many bells or whistles. The wine is light and streamlined on the palate, but there is enough tannic power to carry it over a meal of pici pasta and rabbit ragù." Robert Parker

"Plum and black cherry flavors are framed by sweet, wood smoke and spice in this supple red. It's firm, with refined and well-integrated tannins and a lingering aftertaste of fruit, earth and spice." Wine Spectator

"Salcheto checks a lot of boxes. The winery is powered by renewable energy, water waste is 100% recycled, there are no added sulphites during vinification and the entire production is certified organic and packaged in light weight bottles. Above all, the Nobile tastes delicious. It is clean and immediately appealing offering complex cedar, earth, tea and balsamic nuances atop forest fruit. Full-bodied and full of character, it is rich yet fresh and seductively textured with polished tannins. A great success for this challenging vintage." Decanter

"Made with organically grown Sangiovese and adhering to certified sustainable practices, this delicious, fragrant red offers enticing scents of dark spice, new leather, wild berry and eucalyptus oil. The elegantly structured palate boasts wonderful fruit and spice, showcasing juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry compote and cinnamon while a licorice note lingers on the close. Silky tannins and fresh acidity keep it nicely balanced." Wine Enthusiast

Straw yellow Chardonnay, scented with banana and white flowers, with a fresh, hearty taste, crisp fruitiness and beautiful length. One of the great white wines of Tuscany! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Fèlsina 2018 Chardonnay I Sistri very much reflects the mild vintage and represents a slight departure from some of the past editions we have seen. This is a silky and more delicate rendition of barrique-aged Chardonnay with soft tones of yellow rose, honeysuckle and sweet almond. The wine hits a moderate intensity threshold in which the smaller details are given more prominence. Ash, aniseed and crushed mineral appear. This is balanced, mid-weight Tuscan Chardonnay with lots of cooling freshness on the finish." Robert Parker

"A serious white with sliced cooked apples and cream with some pie crust. It’s medium-to full-bodied with delicious fruit and a very enticing finish." James Suckling

The DOC Cortona, which has existed since 1999, is famous for its single-varietal Syrahs and Merlots, whose vines thrive excellently on the Pliocene clayey soils. Since 2006, the Carletti family has also been involved in this appellation, which was quite unknown until today, and their Merlot Il Violas is now known beyond the borders of Italy and has many lovers.

Dense, dark ruby with violet reflections. On the nose, an open-hearted bouquet of black berry fruits, sandalwood, rosemary and with fine spice. The texture coats the palate, warm, intense and rich of dark fruits, chocolate, plum and redcurrant. In Violas is a generous and deep red that just calls out for a Bistecca Fiorentina and gives much pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 In Violas is a bold, savory wine. Dried cherry, leather scorched earth, licorice and lavender add savory overtones to this firm, brooding Merlot." Vinous

"Black olives and berries on the nose and palate. Full body. Round and juicy with a flavorful finish. Shows focus and beauty." James Suckling

"The Poliziano 2016 Cortona Merlot in Violas pours from the bottle with a dark and thickly concentrated appearance. The wine opens to rich fruit, plum, blackberry, rosemary essence and a touch of dried mint. The tannins show some fine texture or graininess on the close, but the richness of the mouthfeel washes smoothly over any rough edges. This wine has the depth and width to pair with a succulent steak in cream and pepper sauce." Robert Parker

With the Vignota, vinified from five different vineyards, the winery proves that even in the so-called entry-level range a lot of excitement and richness is possible. Delicious bouquet of cherry jam, mint and rose petals. Very densely woven on the palate, plus a juiciness and extract sweetness that makes this wine an irresistible food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

"This succulent red sports fresh black cherry and blackberry flavors, accented by licorice, tar and mineral notes. It's solidly built and stays fresh on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Conterno Fantino 2018 Barbera d'Alba Vignota shows beautiful depth and intensity thanks to its pure and brilliant fruit. This Barbera is absolutely direct and linear in terms of its aromatic delivery with sour cherry, cassis and tart cranberry. Fruit comes from a 5.4-hectare plot that sees a big range in elevation from 200 to 400 meters above sea level with limestone and marl. These conditions are especially conducive to affirming the natural acidity and freshness of this food-friendly wine." Robert Parker