Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Pure-varietal Rosato made from Montepulciano grapes: strong bright cherry-pink, fresh fruity, floral scent, notes of red berries and a hint of citrus and blood orange. Supple, juicy and full-bodied on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Opening to a dark ruby color with raspberry pink highlights, the Masciarelli 2020 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore Villa Gemma is fresh and lively with plenty of wild berry, cherry and rose-like aromas. The wine flaunts a youthful primary intensity, with fresh acidity, which makes it a simple joy to drink, especially if a plate of fried olives or mozzarella fritters is on the table. There's plenty of fresh acidity to bring out the flavors in those fun finger foods." Robert Parker

"The wickedly fresh 2020 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Villa Gemma leads with dusty red florals, dried strawberries and sweet white smoke. It fills the palate with fleshy textures contrasted by zesty acids and spice. Tart cherry and hints of blueberry collect toward the close, along with hints of round tannin. This is persistent and lightly structured, yet it still buzzes with energy, making the 2020 an excellent option for drinking now or through short-term cellaring. Nicely done." Vinous

"Light red-cherry color with aromas of strawberries and raspberries, as well as a touch of red peach. Medium-bodied with a good core of red-fruit flavor and clean acidity pushing it along. Super-clean, refreshing and delicious." James Suckling

Cogno's classic Dolcetto Vigna del Mandorlo is a very typical interpretation of the grape variety and fascinates with a complex bouquet. The juicy taste is carried by fine tannin and shows a wonderful bitter almond tone in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Dolcetto d'Alba Mandorlo is a delightfully easy and genuine expression of this versatile and food-friendly grape. From a classic vintage that was most kind to the many indigenous grapes grown across the Langa, this wine is bursting with red cherry fruit and fresh raspberry." Robert Parker

"A mix of cherry, kirsch and black currant aromas and flavors permeate this red. Bright, yet also dense with tannins that leave a solid grip on the finish." Wine Spectator

Buonsenso (formerly Antisa) already convinces visually with its bright straw yellow. Attractive bouquet of wild flowers, mint, peach and green melon. On the palate, a great acid wire is refreshing, rounded off by citrus fruit notes and a fine salty vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Sicilia Catarratto Buonsenso Tenuta Regaleali is citrusy and lean, with white peach, crushed limestone and cut grass. There is a lot of sea breeze and marine character in this refreshing and zesty white wine made at the center of the Mediterranean." Robert Parker

"Lemons, jasmine tea, spiced pears, anise and juniper berries on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity. Wild, zesty and spicy. Delicious finish." James Suckling

"Savory and polished, this opens with heady aromas of white spring wildflower, citrus and stone fruit. The elegant, refreshing palate features pink grapefruit, ripe yellow pear and rosemary alongside bright acidity. A hint of almond lingers on the finish and lends depth." Wine Enthusiast

Ruby red colour, appealing, slightly reductive aroma of ripe blackberries and elderberries, quite dense on the palate, some fruit sweetness, good harmony between acidity and tannin, traces of cassis in the elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with a black core. Discreet aromas of prunes, dates, some rum, malt coffee and tangerine peel. Opens juicy with fine fruity nuances, medium-bodied, tightly meshed youthful tannins, lively on the palate, persistent." Falstaff

"The 2019 Nero d'Avola Lamùri is remarkably pretty, presenting a dusty display of crushed violet candies and blackberries contrasted by hints of smoke and white pepper. It’s silky in texture and quite elegant, washing across the palate with pure black and hints of blue fruits, while gaining a more tactile feel toward the close as hints of sweet tannins slowly saturate. Notes of salted licorice linger, giving way to a subtle twang of spiced citrus as this tapers off lightly structured." Vinous

"Here's a classic expression of Sicily's number one indigenous grape. The Tasca Conti d'Almerita 2019 Sicilia Nero d’Avola Lamùri Tenuta Regaleali offers plenty of dark fruit intensity and toasted pistachio nut, wild fennel and scorched earth. This is your quintessential pasta and meat ragù wine, thanks to its freshness and accessible style." Robert Parker

Elegant Nebbiolo from the Langhe, not hyper-concentrated, but endowed with a wonderful clarity: Fine, warm, harmonious, with ripe fruit and aromas of dark berries, herbs and vanilla. Racy, persistent finish with well-proportioned, fresh acidity and firm tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sometimes you need simplicity in your wine from Italy's Piedmont, and this bottle delivers exactly that. The Ascheri 2019 Langhe Nebbiolo S. Giacomo, a blend of Nebbiolo with 15% Syrah, is fresh and fruity. Bright cassis fruit and cherry segue to blue flower and a touch of raw licorice root. There are no extra bells or whistles on this genuine and honest wine to enjoy with a simple focaccia and speck." Robert Parker

Fontanabianca has created an elegant and densely packed Barbera. It shows the exuberance and potential of the grape, yet with appropriate restraint. It is neither jammy nor too fruity, but indulges with a fine dose of dried cherry and plum aromas, plus some Spanish cedar with a fine citrus note. A well-balanced drop with a beautiful final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Revealing dark cherry and dried blackberry, the Fontanabianca 2019 Barbera d'Alba Superiore is a mid-weight expression that delivers the black fruit intensity this grape is known for, but it also shows a good level of mouth-freshening acidity. This wine would pair nicely with a flatbread or pinsa topped with pulled pork and smoked cheese. You get good value here." Robert Parker

Zisola, from the eponymous winery of the Mazzei family in Sicily, is an exceptionally well-made single-varietal Nero d'Avola. Elegantly shining ruby red with a gently lightening rim. In the flattering fruit bouquet, ripe forest berries and rose hips, lightly reminiscent of blood orange with a hint of cocoa. Juicy and clear on the palate with hearty red fruit, powerful and soft on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. In the nose of cranberries, oranges, cherries, gentle spice in the aftertaste. On the palate with red berry fruit, compact body, hearty, slightly consuming tannin in the final." Falstaff

"Fresh, sweet ripe cherry aromas with a nice herbal quality seasoned by almond and spices. Racy acidity on the palate." Decanter

"The 2019 Noto Rosso is youthfully poised yet very pretty, showing peppery florals, wet stone, black currants and smoke. This is silky in texture with motivating acidity and a cooling blend of savory herbs and tart wild berries. There’s a density and concentration here that is currently held in check by fine tannins, as the 2019 finishes incredibly long, resonating on dark fruits and hints of licorice. Give this a year or two of cellaring to show its best." Vinous

"Brimming with red and black berries, this is an attractively fresh and dry, medium-bodied Sicilian red with touches of licorice and black tea. Rather long, pleasantly dry finish." James Suckling

"The Zisola 2019 Sicilia Noto Zisola is a pure expression of Nero d'Avola from Noto, one of the most beautiful corners of Sicily, with Baroque architecture expressed in white limestone. The wine shows a sweet side that is carried forth by ripe cherry and dried raspberry. This vintage is focused on the fruity side of this mighty Sicilian grape and less so on the earthy or savory tones that you sometimes get with Nero d'Avola. You could pair it with any Southern Italian pasta with tomato sauce, especially a recipe with fried eggplant and shaved ricotta salata." Robert Parker

After two years of ageing in Slavonian oak barrels, San Rocco invites you to enjoy its warm character and lush, dark fruity and expressive taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"The bouquet has hints of mesquite smoke and toasted spice that frame dark plum and dried cherry. It's a classic wine as far as Ripasso goes, executed with a very clean and fruit-forward style." Robert Parker

"The 2018 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Capitel San Rocco is peppery and floral with black raspberries and crushed stone. This is silky and elegant in feel, with a streak of savory herbs and tart cherry fruits that slowly saturate. It finishes leaving the palate drenched in primary concentration and lightly structured with hints of licorice to linger." Vinous

"Tightly packed plum and berry on the nose, with some laurel leaves and a hint of black pepper. Medium-to full-bodied with lots of tension to the fruit and quite a tight tannin frame. It’s all there, but this is like a closed fist. Needs time to open up and expand." James Suckling

Characteristic bouquet of kiwi, lime blossom and honeydew melon. On the palate, a very pleasant creamy texture, rich and soft. Fresh, minerally and long, it shows its maritime origin and a structural density that predestines it as a food companion. A beautiful interpretation of the Tuscan Vermentino grape! SUPERIORE.DE

"A delicious vermentino with aromas and flavors of sliced pears, cooked apples, stone and slate. Medium body, creamy texture and a flavorful finish." James Suckling

"A pure expression of Vermentino, the Tua Rita 2020 Perlato del Bosco Bianco shows fresh aromas of green apple, white peach, dried sage and crushed stone. Because of the heat of the growing season, fruit for this wine was harvested earlier than normal. Thanks to the age of the vines' root systems and the root stock used, the wine breezes through this more challenging growing season." Robert Parker

Nocera - this noble vine is grown on only a few hectares in the province of Messina, on a spectacular vineyard surrounded by the sea. Bright garnet red, original scent of white pepper, cherries, pelargonium and summer fruits. Convincing the typical fresh-fruity taste of this old Sicilian grape. A fine salty vein in the spicy final. An unforgettable experience from the Planeta dependency Capo Milazzo on the coast north of Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"Nocera is one of the lesser-known indigenous grapes found on the northern corner of the island of Sicily, where it has been cultivated since ancient Roman times, but it has been largely supplanted by more common Italian and international varieties better resistant to disease. This offering of about 13,000 bottles is a great introduction to this storied grape. The Planeta 2019 Sicilia Nocera offers a very silky and smooth personality, showing tight and nicely focused aromas of wild berry, cassis, wild plum and fresh rose. This is a lean to mid-weight expression that would pair with veal involtini." Robert Parker

Sweet cherries, flowers, spices and a hint of mint on the nose. Firm yet harmonious tannin in the lively, very intense flavour, which never feels heavy but elegant until the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Subtle aromas suggesting scorched earth, hazelnut and hay form the nose along with a whiff of eucalyptus. The lithe, bone-dry palate offers mineral-driven restraint, showing flinty mineral, toasted almond, pomegranate and a hint of citrus." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Erse has a lot of spice on its lively bouquet with cumin seed, white pepper and a touch of dried ginger. These lifted aromas frame a core of wild berry fruit. It is a mid-weight, very drinkable and enjoyable wine, especially in the near-term with a Chinese takeout of beef and broccoli." 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

An elegant, finely sparkling and invigorating Prosecco Superiore with irresistible charm. straw yellow, crystal clear and clean, with fresh aromas, wonderfully light yet intense on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Finest shimmering golden yellow. On the nose white peach, yellow apple and lemongrass, hints of grapefruit. Hits the palate lively, builds up with rich melting, shows minimal yeast notes, crisp in the drink, salty, shows finesse and persistence, decidedly long finish." Falstaff

"The Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Bosco di Gica Brut is tonic and tight with sharp aromas of lemon, green apple and crispy white peach. The wine is thin and bright with sharp, tiny beading that builds nicely to create pretty foam and lively effervescence. This is one of the most angular and linear of Franco Adami's terrific sparkling wines." 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

Scent of lemon, white blossoms and quarry. It makes you want more. The southern drop from Etna does not disappoint in the mouth either. A lively acidity and a long mineral finish make this white a perfect food companion. Structure, elegance and pure white class from Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicately shimmering pale yellow with a silver touch. Aroma of fresh lime zest, crisp green apple, lemon balm blossom in the background. Juicy, shows perky play, taut, shows itself quite light in weight, brisk in the drink, lots of tension in the finish, ends on salt lemon." Falstaff

"Flinty, floral and wickedly fresh, the 2020 Etna Bianco Buonora shows dusty dried flowers, incense, ginger and a balancing note of raw honey. It's soft-textured and pliant, balanced by an almost salty savoriness, as orchard fruits and herbal tones wash across the palate. Hints of crushed almond and pear linger through the mouthwatering finale as this remarkably pretty Carricante tapers off with tension. A pretty wine and a great value as well." Vinous

"Aromas of apricots, crushed stones, waxed lemon, grapefruit and floral tea. It's medium-bodied with bright acidity. Juicy and deliciously layered. Fruit and citrus evolve to mineral and saline notes. So fresh." James Suckling

"Boasting handsome forest-green packaging, the Tenuta Tascante 2020 Etna Bianco Buonora reveals a lean, almost transparent appearance with a dim spot of golden sunlight. The wine puts big emphasis on its mineral side with gorgeous definition and sharp tones of crushed oyster shell and aspirin, followed by faintly fruity and citrusy tones. In fact, more than fruit, the bouquet veers toward white flowers and jasmine, with a hint of white pepper. I love this minimalist, elegant style from Etna, and it should be interesting to see how this fleshes out with time. At the moment, it would make a great aperitivo with delicate crab cakes." Robert Parker

Ghiaia, a single varietal Nerello Mascalese from the slopes of Etna, exudes sweet aromas of cherries and flowers. A refined, very detailed and seductive wine with great charm, character and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Packaged with a bright red label, the Tenuta Tascante 2018 Etna Rosso Ghiaia Nera offers an accurate portrayal of the native Sicilian grape, Nerello Mascalese. The wine pours forth to a medium ruby color and a lean consistency from a cool and humid vintage. The bouquet offers delicate berry aromas with bitter almond and even a touch of fried cannoli pastry crust. The wine is streamlined but persistent. Serve it with mini veggie pizzette for lunch." Robert Parker

Sangiovese in pure culture: Radiant ruby red. Rich in fruity-floral aromas, multi-layered, 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 with a broad garnet rim. Intense and inviting nose, full of ripe raspberries, lots of plums, warm and round. Well ripened plum fruit on the palate, grippy, savoury tannin, raspberry on the final." Falstaff

"Mid ruby. Distinct chalky cherry nose with leafy green hints. Light of touch on the palate with lively raspberry and tangy cherry fruit and with chewy tannins on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"This is lively, its cherry, strawberry and orange peel flavors picking up earth and woodsy accents. Firm tannins sweep in on the finish, yet this stays fresh and long." Wine Spectator

"One of the best vantage points for drinking Chianti Classico is at the entry level. A wine like the Fèlsina 2019 Chianti Classico Berardenga offers so much freshness and cheerful, easy-drinking appeal. It's a terrific partner to pizza, pasta or basically anything on the trattoria menu tonight. This wine shows bright cherry flavors and redcurrant with pressed flowers and some tangy blood orange. It is steady and generous, with lots of bright primary intensity." Robert Parker

"At the southeastern limit of Chianti Classico, Fèlsina’s expansive vineyards look towards Montalcino. The annata is assembled from various parcels rising from 320 to 420 metres on rocky calcareous soil with layers of sandstone. As usual, it is more earthy than fruity, bringing in evocative accents of violet, liquorice and pepper. The palate is superbly textured with fine, grainy tannins providing a sensuous grip. Dark fruited and tangy with admirable depth, it will drink well now and over the next decade. Finishes with a sprinkle of cinnamon." Decanter

"A beautiful, creamy red with cherry and chocolate character. Hints of dried earth. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. shows firmness and tension. Very drinkable now, but will improve beautifully with age." James Suckling

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Berardenga is a classic wine for the year. Bright, perfumed and light on its feet, the 2019 Chianti Classico Berardenga is so wonderfully expressive. There is a feeling of vibrancy to the 2019 that is hugely appealing. A wine of energy more than power. Crushed red berry fruit, cinnamon linger in a gorgeous Chianti Classico that is more about transparency than power." Vinous

"This smooth, delicious red opens with enticing scents of woodland berries, star anise, crushed mint and graphite. Polished and elegantly structured, the juicy palate delivers crushed raspberry, ripe red cherry and baking spice set against taut, refined tannins." Wine Enthusiast