slow wine

"L'Atto" - "The Deed". The names of Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti's wines are reminiscent of his father's notarial world.

Fresh, precise Aglianico with a bouquet of red fruits and spicy accents. Rich, full flavour, pleasantly aromatic, with very fine tannins, nicely structured and of good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"A bouquet of crushed violet candies, freshly sliced plum and hints of animal musk lifts up from the 2020 Aglianico l’Atto. It’s soft and fleshy in style, as silky textures cast an opulent display of ripe black fruits and sweet inner herbal tones across the palate. Spiced blackberries mix with a hint of ginger cookie and purple-tinged inner florals as the 2020 l’Atto finishes long. There is a lot of immediate pleasure to be found here, but not at the expense of balance. Very nice." Vinous

Light stalk yellow with greenish inclusions. Restrained, fragrant, elegant bouquet of apple and peach. Almost distinguished-aristocratic on the palate, with the tasty hazelnut aftertaste typical of the Nosiola grape variety. Ideal with light meat dishes or shellfish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wildly exotic yet savory, the 2020 Nosiola bursts from the glass with a blend of tropical citrus, young mango, sour melon and hints of rosemary. Tension builds quickly here, entering the palate soft and supple yet is quickly firmed up by zesty acidity and mineral-tinged, tart orchard fruits. The 2020 finishes perfumed yet dry, with a lip-smacking bitterness that keeps me looking back to the glass for another sip." Vinous

The vines for this exceptional selection cuvée grow on the slopes of the St. Magdalener area above Bolzano at an altitude of 200-300 metres. St. Magdalener Moar is characterised by the unique interplay of location, age and cultivation of the vineyards. It captivates with its fruity and flowery notes and the full and velvety taste. On the nose, one finds the cherry, marzipan and violet tones typical of St. Magdalener. For us, it is one of the archetypes of its appellation! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright medium dense ruby red with a shimmering core. Opens fruity on the nose with heart cherries and fresh raspberries, slightly floral, a little spice, hints of juniper. Juicy on the attack, spans a fine arc, fine melting, balanced in body, seems coherent and shows good length." Falstaff

"If you ever wondered why St. Magdalener was regarded as one of the top red wines of Italy pre 1945, then try this excellent example. This has a pinot noir-like fragrance (with so many summer-flower aromas!) and is concentrated and silky, the subliminal tannins keeping this very straight and the little hint of bitterness at the finish adding to the energy at the remarkably long finish for this appellation." James Suckling

Brilliant ruby red. Fresh and fragrant after violets and rose petals. In the drink fresh berry fruit, very smooth tannin, in the finish again much fruit with simultaneous grace. Very elegant and with medium weight. SUPERIORE.DE

Classic Chianti Classico from stainless steel tanks with a rich and intense bouquet of black cherries, fresh plums, menthol and liquorice. Full-bodied on the palate, but not voluminous, very Sangiovese-typical. Clearly structured, of pure texture and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; rather restrained-fruity; juicy approach, caramel fruit, good tannin, good length, drinkable, very pleasant." Merum

"Transparent garnet. That floral note on the nose again, followed by real Sangiovese edginess and energy. Lots of drive. Persistent." Jancis Robinson

"As always with Brancaia’s Chianti Classicos, this brings together fruit from the estate’s original holdings in Castellina with grapes from its Radda property. The 2019 really expresses the high altitude, cooler microclimate of the latter with fragrant florals, fresh mint and crisp red berries. It is vibrant, fluid and quenching in its acidity, while dusty red cherry and fine chalky tannins add intrigue. I love the purity of this 100% unoaked Sangiovese." Decanter

"A beautiful Chianti Classico with blackberry, black-cherry and light chocolate character. Medium to full body, round and polished tannins and a long finish. So delicious now." James Suckling

The heavy bottle already indicates this: This is a light-weight wine that is still fresh and cheerful in its younger years, but which will develop into a highly c Vinousomplex and more than serious white wine over the years. In the still youthful, fresh bouquet we already find a lot of minerality and fine yellow fruit notes, then on the palate a texture and depth that becomes more and more prominent at 2° higher drinking temperature and appropriate aeration. It will be even better in a few years - guaranteed! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Timorasso Derthona is a phenolic, savory wine. Orchard fruit, almond, citrus peel and white pepper all open in the glass. Racy floral and tropical accents add an exotic element that is quite appealing."

Pithos Rosso was fermented spontaneously in the amphora and is a paragon of liveliness, freshness and elegance. On the nose, dried cherries, some leather and spices. On the palate, young and fresh, lively and yet highly fragile. A perfectly crafted, mineral and highly unusual red that embodies gentle biodynamics 100%. Be sure to aerate it sufficiently before drinking! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Rosso Pithos is dark, dusty and youthfully coy, showing just a glimmer of wild blackberries, blueberries, sage and wet stone. Its silky textures are further enlivened by bright acidity, while crunchy, tart woodland berries and minerals cascade across the palate. This is so juicy yet refined, coloring within the lines of balance while delivering masses of fresh fruits and florals." Vinous

Strong ruby red, as expected from a good traditionally and organically produced wine. A wonderful, elegant and open-hearted aroma spectrum between sour cherry and nutmeg. Clear and savoury on the palate, beautifully balanced and with plenty of youthful freshness on the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling ruby red. Hearty, inviting nose, of dried goji berries, raspberries, fine spice, dried rose petal in the finish. Dense on the palate at first with lovely juiciness, stretches across the tongue with fine pressure, savoury, minimal tasting on the final." Falstaff

"Youthful mid ruby. Minerally ripe red-fruit nose. Tangy sour-cherry palate with rich but finely grained tannins. Juicy energetic finish of sour cherry and red fruit. Elegant and firmly structured." Jancis Robinson

"The 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva is laced with cinnamon, blood orange, wild cherry, tobacco and incense, all of which give it a decidedly exotic flair. The 2017 is a rich, dense Riserva, but I would prefer to drink it on the airy side, before it starts to lose its freshness and vibrancy." Vinous

"Aromas of flowers and fresh cherries with hints of lemon rind, following through to a medium body with lively, vivid fruit and an energetic finish. Compressed palate. Very refined for the hot vintage." James Suckling

"Made with organically farmed grapes, this offers enticing aromas of camphor, blue flower, new leather and dark spice. The smooth, delicious palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and tobacco framed in taut, fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Out with the cliché, in with the surprise! The Paltrinieris' most famous Lambrusco growth will also fill every connoisseur with joy. Radice is produced using the Pét Nat method (Metodo Ancestrale) and therefore undergoes a second fermentation on its own yeast after bottling.

This naturally cloudy, dry Frizzante already convinces in the bouquet with notes of rhubarb, a fresh citrus note and a little bread. The persistent, fine perlage and its drinky nature make it a racy companion to hearty, spicy antipasti, light meat dishes or simply an upbeat celebration surrounded by nature and happy people. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cloudy orange. In the nose yeast, lemon juice, in the reverberation even blossom honey. On the palate, very straightforward, steely, with prominent acidity and tightly meshed perlage, bone dry, accompanies supreme drinking pleasure with oily salumi." Falstaff

"Pet-nat style of Lambrusco. Cloudy guava pink. Smells of dried rose buds, marshmallows, Turkish delight, blood orange. Bone, bone dry. Like the crunch of French breakfast radishes served with bitter orange and sour cherry. Herbal. Super-tart but wonderfully refreshing. Needs some fatty fennel-and-truffle salami to go with it!" Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Lambrusco di Sorbara Radice presents a savory display of dusty rose, ginger and sour melon. It's silky-smooth and textural, as a tug-of-war between sweet and sour plays out upon the senses. Minerals, tart apples, wild herbs and spices resonate throughout, as this finishes long yet with cheek-puckering freshness. The decidedly dry Radice is made from the Sorbara grape, which is re-fermented to dryness in bottle, creating a frizzante style." Vinous

Medium-bodied ruby red, fine rose bouquet with hints of tea and dried herbs. Beautiful black cherry aroma with well-integrated wood notes makes it a balanced and at no point intrusive wine. The 2016 climate also gave this Nebbiolo an impressive precision and straightness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; some fruit, tobacco; powerful, juicy, good tartness, very pleasant." Merum

"Developed-looking mid ruby with bricky rim. Brooding, complex, deep nose with a hint of Moroccan leather. Generous but not yet fully open fruit, stitched together by gorgeous chewy tannins and ripe acidity. Good medium-term potential." Jancis Robinson

Ruby red Pinot Noir with garnet red shimmer. Fine fruity bouquet of wild berries and cherries. An elegant red, well-proportioned and never overloaded, but with a clear identity and elegant character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich sparkling ruby red with black-red accents. Pronounced aroma of heart cherries and ripe wild berries, a hint of white pepper and mocha on the nose. Taut and juicy, well-integrated tannin, balanced use of wood, ripe nuances, coherent, lively finish." Falstaff

"I love the interplay of delicately smoky oak and black cherry on the nose of this Sub-Alpine pinot noir. With some aeration, a freshly sliced red-beet note develops. Although the gentle tannins are slightly sappy, this fits very well with the medium-bodied, lively palate. Quite a dry, crisp finish that needs some time to harmonize further." James Suckling

"The Tiefenbrunner 2018 Alto Adige Pinot Noir Riserva Linticlarus is a beautiful wine with a bit of spice and dried fruit, iron ore and blue flower, all woven together with a tight and seamless stitch. The wine plays forward over the palate with increasing intensity and balance. This is an elegant wine, and it's impossible not to be excited by these quality results with Pinot Noir from the far north of Italy. This expression concludes with length and a freshness that can be counted in minutes." Robert Parker

Franz and Bernadette Pratzner planted their first Riesling grapes more than 30 years ago. The small plot yields just 1,500 bottles per year. The primary rock soil, the dry warmth during the day and the cool nights provide excellent conditions for Vinschgau Riesling to thrive on a steep southern slope between 550 and 900 metres.

Brilliant golden yellow. Aromas of peach and apple combine in the bouquet with a well-dosed portion of minerality. Complex and multi-layered on the palate with yellow fruits, spices and lime. The harmonious overall picture of this exceptional wine is framed by a vibrant acidity and wonderful freshness, which will ensure a long life and further refinement in the bottle. Happy the one who can get hold of a few bottles of it! SUPERIORE.DE

"Radiant intense straw yellow. Opens with slightly ripe mineral notes, then juicy peach, some orange. Shows nice play on the palate, spreads out with lots of juicy fruit, fine acidity, long finish." Falstaff

"Tons of lemon balm and a hint of lemon curd, but also plenty of white and yellow-peach aromas, pulling you inexorably into this powerful, concentrated dry riesling that has great mineral freshness at the bone-dry, very long finish." James Suckling

Tasca was involved in Etna at an early stage and the latest result of this many years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante winery: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are filigree and profound, and despite their strength, acidity and tight tannin very elegant, rich in finesse and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine due to the altitude, soil and morphology of the historical lava flows. A high annual rainfall secures all water reserves for the soil, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the variety of aromas of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Pianodario plot is situated at an average altitude of 775 metres above sea level between the hamlet of Montelaguardia and Randazzo. It covers an area of about 8 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"One of three new single-vineyard wines introduced by Tasca's Tascante, the 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Pianodario comes from the western-most parcel located between Montelaguardia and Randazzo. These are relatively new vines, planted in 2010, in soils representing various lava flows, the oldest in 1646 and the newest in 1981. This is a bright and accessible wine with pretty tones of wild berry and dried pomegranate followed by candied orange and pressed violets. It will no doubt be exciting to follow this wine as those vines get, proverbially speaking, older and wiser. Some 5,000 bottles were made." Robert Parker

Strong yellow-green, dense bouquet packed with opulent fruit aromas. On the palate complex, juicy and very well integrated wood note. Despite its extroverted nature, the Sauvignon Sol never loses its essential minerality and elegance. Possesses class, length and potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Sol is a bit more extroverted and fruit-focused than the Péri, but that’s not to say that it lacks at all in character and verve. Dried apricot, peach and vanilla bean gain further depths with a spritz of lime and hints of wild herbs. It’s soft, almost oily in texture, offset by notes of tart green apple, ginger and savory spice, creating an expression of contrasts. Hints of kiwi, sour melon and saline-mineral tones linger impressively long while residual acids slowly fizzle out. The Sol is sourced from a lower-elevation parcel in the estate vineyards, planted in rocky, calcareous soils." Vinous

The area around the small town of Milo is the only vineyard on Etna where an Etna Bianco may 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 grown like a little tree on poles made of chestnut wood. The easterly exposure and the nearby sea allow the grapes to ripen late, thus achieving very constant acidity values and resulting in a white wine of an aromatic finesse and freshness that is unparalleled even on Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lemon zest joins sour green melon, tropical florals and sweet smoke as the 2019 Etna Bianco Contrada Superiore Rinazzo comes to life in the glass. This is deeply textural with medium-bodied weight, casting notes of papaya, young mango and minerals across a stimulating core of citrus-laced acidity. That said, the 2019 is also youthfully dense, tapering off with persistence but also a structural tension that promises many more good things to come. Like many of the best 2019 Carricante bottlings, the Rinazzo is enjoyable today, but it also has the ability to excel over medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"This is like essence of lemon, with everything from flowers to candied fruit, plus touches of pastry and fresh bread. Very concentrated, with a exciting interplay of fruit and elegant mineral acidity. Very long finish, but this still needs some time for everything to knit together. Drinkable now, but best from 2023." James Suckling

Only in the best years does Sabino Loffredo vinify a tiny portion of his best Fiano grapes from the Cru site in Toppole Montefredane as a single-site white wine. The result is called Cupo, is virtually hand-picked and can hardly be surpassed in purity and minerality. Slender and racy in the glass, it reveals an overwhelming freshness, notes of grapefruit and a subtle saltiness that is otherwise only found in the neighbour Quintodecimo or in the whites from Etna. A real class of its own and we are delighted to have been allowed a small allocation! SUPERIORE.DE

"Talented Sabino Loffredo's wines are identified by a sleek mineral tanginess. This 2018 vintage of his selection 'Cupo' from Montefredane is intense and smoky with Mirabelle plum and an iodine character. The palate is dominated by a Mojito-like flavour of lime and mint, with stone fruit in depth. It displays great refinement of phenolics, with a tight-knit structure and lifted acidity through to the finish. One of the greatest Fiano I have tasted in 2021." Decanter

Sauvignon Peri comes from the oldest vines of the estate and is a very classic, almost strict interpretation of Sauvignon Bianco. Vintage 2017 offers a lot of varietal character and is very aromatic and yet has a very fine coolness. Green apple, pear, gooseberry and spices melt into a complex and deep finish. It is a classic white meditation wine for us. SUPERIORE.DE

Chardonnay Cuvée Bois - a white celebrated year after year with an elegant bouquet of citrus fruits, butter and vanilla. The taste, supported by good acidity and minerality, is captivating. SUPERIORE.DE

Sparkling, rich straw yellow, rich, complex aroma with a delicate, pleasantly creamy nose and the scent of vanilla, mango and fresh pineapple. Full, opulent and full of tension in the drink, yet juicy and salty, very elegant taste, accompanied by a fresh, well-bred acidity. The ideally integrated wood note and the fruity, complex body form a harmonious and impressive unity. The long finish is refined with a subtle hint of bitter almonds. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow with a hint of light gold. Smells of coconut flakes, ripe stone fruit, mango, banana and candied pineapple on the nose. Shows polished fruit on the palate, warm approach and progression, juicy, saline, lingering final." Falstaff

"Pale golden yellow. Opulent aromas and flavors of ripe yellow apple, banana, custard cream, puff pastry and vanilla. Then big, suave and ripe, with nicely lifted flavors of ripe orchard and tropical fruit complicated by very well dosed, high-quality oak. Closes long and suave. Well done." Vinous

"A stunningly elegant chardonnay with a really wide aroma spectrum, ranging from pineapple and candied-lemon to floral and fresh-nut notes. Still very young and only just beginning to open up, we recommend decanting and large glasses to get the best out of it now." James Suckling

"The organic and biodynamic Alois Lageder 2018 Chardonnay Löwengang offers a medley of ripe fruit and apricot with soft spice and toasted cinnamon. Aged mostly in barrique and some larger wooden barrel, the oak is well balanced overall, owing more to the textural richness of the mouthfeel, as well as to the warm and toasted notes that appear on the bouquet. There is plenty of soft fruit to flesh it out." Robert Parker

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

"A rich, layered version, offering cherry, raspberry, spice and graphite notes. Firm, and could use another six months to unwind. Fine length." Wine Spectator

"Licorice, brambleberry pie, citrus, elderberry tart and ash. Structured, intense and pretty on the palate, all at the same time, which is more the norm for this producer than for the appellation. Medium to full body, layers of soaked blueberry fruit and a firm, tangy finish." James Suckling

"Smoke, crème de cassis, plum, licorice, menthol, wild flowers and incense infuse the 2015 Dogliani Superiore Sirì d'Jermu. A gorgeous, beautifully layered wine, the 2015 is sumptuous and racy, but not at all overdone. There is no shortage of richness in this superb and super-expressive Dogliani from the Pecchenino brothers." VINOUS

The A in the name of the Boggina stands for the natural wine aged for about 6 months in terracotta amphorae of 400-600 Liters each, which is bottled in an edition of just 1,200 bottles without further addition of sulphites. Bright, luminous garnet red. The bouquet is ethereal, very delicate and nuanced, with a very precise fragrance interpretation of the Sangiovese grape. Medium-bodied, with a beautiful structure and authentic Sangiovese fruit. The finish is highly drinkable, with silky tannins and beguiling length. A masterpiece of beauty and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, lightening garnet red. Very fragrant and open nose, full of ripe raspberries, delicate spice in the background. On the palate hearty tannin, seems a bit raw, again lots of wild raspberry, salty." Falstaff

"A pure expression of Sangiovese, the Petrolo 2019 Val d'Arno di Sopra Bòggina A flaunts its distinct personality. Made in amphorae, this pretty wine is punchy, bright and edgy. To the nose, it exhibits dark berry and wild cherry with wet earth, rusty nail and pressed violets. It sports a mid-weight mouthfeel, and there are hints of sweet plum and dried currant on the close. This is a radically unique expression of Tuscany's workhorse Sangiovese grape." Robert Parker

"Sweet berries with orange peel and hints of cedar and raw tile. Very perfumed. Full-bodied with chewy tannins, yet they are polished and natural. Really juicy and flavorful. Made in amphora." James Suckling

Granato convinces with its rich balsamic aroma of sour cherries and red currants. Extract-rich and gentle, powerful and precise on the palate. A wine that reflects the long-standing consistency and competence of this winemaker. SUPERIORE.DE

"The dark and brooding 2018 Granato mixes wild berries with savory herbs, crushed rocks, brown spice and a hint of animal musk. This is a more lifted and vertical expression on the palate, with bright acids and mineral-tinged red and black fruits that seem to hover across the senses. The 2018 leaves a coating of grippy tannins, yet remains energetic and fresh, as inner violet tones and nuances of blackberries slowly fade. Only a short stay in the cellar should be required before the 2018 really starts to show its merit." Vinous

"Enormously deep and subtle wild-blackberry aromas with a thousand herbal nuances lead you into this concentrated and beautifully proportioned red that is so delightful and fascinating. Very long finish that’s crisp and very mineral. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification." James Suckling

Ruby garnet colour, fine violet note and many spices in the bouquet. Dense and compact with firm tannin and sweet fruit melt. If one gives it time, this wine (age of the vines: 100 years, production: 4,000 bottles) stands at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright dark red. Intensely aromatic nose of superripe red cherry, spices, minerals, balsamic vinegar and broom. Then clean, vibrant and tactile, with polished tannins providing noteworthy backbone on the long youthful, chewy finish. This will need a long time to smoothen out. The G in the wine’s name stands for Guardiola (800 meters asl). First made in 2011, so much later than the other single contrada wines by Franchetti." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

"Fragrant and light red fruit with rather firm tannins. Seems pretty much ready now, but still in cask for the foreseeable future." Jancis Robinson

"Fresh and light- to medium-bodied, this perfumed red offers dried mint, violet and anise accents to the cherry and mandarin orange peel flavors." Wine Spectator

One hundred percent Sangiovese conjures up a wonderful mineral scent of dark fruits and a powerful taste with firm tannins. Spicy, well-structured Rosso on a clear Brunello level! SUPERIORE.DE

"Luminous red color. Perfumed red rose, violet, sour red cherry and minerals on the absolutely captivating nose. Then fresh juicy and very precise, with laser-like delivery of red cherry and raspberry flavors that linger long on the vibrant finish." Vinous