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South Tyrol's soul in a glass. The Vernatsch – italian Schiava – is the most widely cultivated red wine variety in the region and is currently experiencing a renaissance in quality. Peter Zemmer grows this autochthonous grape variety on the calcareous clay and gravel soils of the sun-drenched slopes around Kurtatsch, traditionally cultivated on the pergola – the typical pergola shape that has characterised the South Tyrolean landscape for centuries.

A very well-balanced white wine with a strong personality and the clarity and finesse you expect from Maculan. Summery fruit bouquet of gooseberry, apricot and peach, easy-going and juicy flavour with a pleasant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

A Nero d'Avola with soft tannins and ripe fruit, named after the pale purple plumbago that blooms in the vineyards around the Ulmo winery. Plumbago comes from loamy soils near Lago Arancio, characterised by the warm microclimate of western Sicily. The wine is matured for 10 months in large wood, which gives it a gentle structure and a finely interwoven flavour. Rich ruby red colour with a purple core in the glass. Black cherry, blackberry, dark plum and a hint of liquorice on the nose, underpinned by cedar and cocoa. Velvety and accessible on the palate, with ripe berry fruit, supple acidity and rounded tannins. An expressive, modern Nero d'Avola with a clear signature and Mediterranean soul – powerful, but not heavy. Versatile with game birds, aubergines alla parmigiana or spicy hard cheese. SUPERIORE.DE

Frappato and Nero d'Avola in organic quality, carefully vinified and matured in stainless steel: Planeta's Cerasuolo di Vittoria comes from the calcareous clay soils near Dorilli in the province of Ragusa – the historic heartland of Sicily's only DOCG. Medium ruby red in the glass with a transparent centre. The nose is open and charming, with juicy sour cherry, red plums, rosehip and a hint of pepper, underpinned by floral notes and fine Mediterranean spice. On the palate, the wine is elegant and supple, with ripe fruit, gentle tannins and a well-integrated freshness that gives the cuvée an almost dancing balance. Not a loud performance, but a stylish homage to the area of origin of Cerasuolo, vinified with sensitivity and respect for tradition. Ideal with braised vegetables, polpette or Sicilian caponata. SUPERIORE.DE

Pale straw yellow with a greenish tinge. Fine citrus fruit, white flowers, a hint of lime honey and delicate yeasty notes on the nose – typical of the lively Ribolla Gialla. On the palate, the wine is clear and straightforward, with a juicy freshness, delicate structure and a subtly salty final. The ageing in stainless steel preserves the purity of the variety and emphasises the straightforward style of the house. An animating white wine with a profile of origin and pleasing lightness – made for sunny hours, Mediterranean cuisine and a big smile in the glass. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes come from the vineyards between La Morra and Verduno, where clay and limestone-rich soils at an altitude of 310 to 370 metres create ideal conditions for this traditional grape variety. Matteo Ascheri's approach is deliberately restrained: minimal use of technology, no barrique treatment and a respectful approach to what nature produces. The result is a Dolcetto as it should be – delicate and expressive, without being artificial or forced.

Filippo Fanti has been producing white wine since the 1980s using Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia Toscana, which are also used for Vin Santo. At the beginning of 2000, Filippo decided to also plant Viognier and Vermentino in order to blend them with the local grape varieties. The composition of the four varieties varies each year depending on the climatic conditions of the vintage. The name Soralisa recalls the name of Filippo's aunt Elisa, whom he adores. Light yellow in colour, clean, tropical fruit aroma, delicately spicy. Yellow peach flavour, juicy, subtle extract sweetness, well structured. A fresh delight! SUPERIORE.DE

Moscato Giallo is one of the most fragrant grape varieties in South Tyrol – and one of the most vulnerable. In the wrong hands it becomes sugary sweet and arbitrary, in the right hands it shows something rare: aromatic depth with complete dryness. Nals Margreid cultivates it in the southernmost part of its vineyard area, in Margreid – the warmest, most Mediterranean tip between Nals and Lake Garda. The vineyards lie at an altitude of 220 to 350 metres, exposed to the south-southeast, on white, broodinglimestone gravel soil with a high humus content. The climate bears the fingerprint of the Ora, the warm afternoon wind that blows daily from Lake Garda over the slopes, extending the growing season and shaping the flavour of the grapes. Hand-picked, three weeks of fermentation in steel, five months of ageing on the fine lees.

Pale straw yellow with golden reflections - a Chardonnay that lives not from the wood, but from its origin and freshness. In the Colli Orientali, the variety shows a particularly fine face: the high altitudes around Prepotto bring coolness and precision, while the chalky soils provide structure. The nose has hints of yellow apple, citrus fruit, lime blossom and a hint of white almond. Juicy, balanced and clear as a bell on the palate, with lively acidity and mineral depth. A north-east Italian Chardonnay that emphasises terroir rather than effects - authentic, taut and wonderfully unagitated (and not at all as international as the grape variety). SUPERIORE.DE

Dark salmon pink colour. Strong berry nose, fresh on the palate, with authentic Sangiovese fruit and the unmistakable character of this exceptional wine. A highly respectable, stylish rosato that tastes of pure Tuscany with its bright acidity and is an excellent accompaniment to Mediterranean dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

The Eisack Valley between Klausen and Brixen is one of the coolest wine-growing regions in South Tyrol – and one of the steepest. At 615 to 908 metres above sea level, on weathered mica schist and sandy gravel soils, the Müller-Thurgau vines of two winegrower partners, which Alois Lageder looks after organically, grow. This altitude is no coincidence: Müller Thurgau needs coolness and slow ripening to develop its fine flavour – the Eisack Valley has both in abundance. In the cellar, Lageder works with a level of care that goes beyond the usual: temperature-controlled fermentation in steel and in large wooden barrels, a small percentage ferments and macerates on the intact grapes – stalks and skins included. Maturation takes place on the fine lees in steel and on the full lees in large wooden barrels. Not filtered.

Salmon-coloured, crisp rosato with lots of charm, fruity and flattering in aroma and taste. Enjoy this straightforward rosé with light Mediterranean cuisine, as an aperitif or on the terrace. Its tension between mildness and substance will tempt you to take another glass. SUPERIORE.DE

Pinot Bianco Berg offers soft, savoury aromas of white stone fruit, alpine herbs and Spanish broom. The palate is creamy and polished, with juicy pear, ripe yellow apple and hazelnut, before finishing with a fresh citrus note. SUPERIORE.DE

Yellow-green, delicate bouquet of tropical fruit with a fine floral-honey touch. Lively acidity on the palate, pleasant caramel nuances, fresh, powerful and persistent. SUPERIORE.DE

An elegant trip to Lake Garda: Rosa dei Frati combines the typical regional grape varieties Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese and Barbera to create a harmonious cuvée. Delicate salmon pink colour with a fine orange shimmer in the glass. A delicate interplay of summer berries, raspberries, redcurrants and elderflower on the nose, underpinned by a hint of almond blossom and green apple. Fresh and lively on the palate, carried by clear acidity, juicy fruit and a subtle salty minerality. The dry, structured final is long and inviting. A stylish rosé with a high drinking flow – ideal for light summer dishes, antipasti or simply as a lively aperitif. SUPERIORE.DE