Slow Wine

Primitivo Felline smells of ripe berries, flowers, figs and sultanas. Its distinctly dense flavour is carried by present but sweet tannins and a fresh, tart plum finish. The classic of the winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a dark core. Initially mingled notes of sealing wax and beetroot on the nose, plus some malt, reverberating with milk chocolate. On the palate with lots of tannin and open-hearted fruit, reminiscent of pineapple, ferruginous, precise." Falstaff

Sparkling yellow-green. The elegant, floral-scented Sauvignon Bianco Mantele is irresistible with beautiful varietal typicity and a pleasingly slender waistline. Fine mineral notes on the palate give play, overall very juicy and fresh. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elderflower, greengage and lime aromas with a lemon tart character on the palate; fresh and crisp with a grassy finish." Decanter

"Intense bright straw yellow. In the nose gooseberry, sage and ripe stone fruit. On the palate juicy, nice freshness, round and full-bodied, salty and with a long finish." Falstaff

"Classic varietal aromas of elderflower, crushed tomato leaves and citrus come to the fore. The palate is full-bodied with juicy grapefruit, peach, dried herbs and salt, framed by racy acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The Nals Margreid 2020 Alto Adige Sauvignon Mantele is one of the classic white wines of this winery with exotic fruit, grapefruit and fragrant pear. This pretty wine is fresh and lean, with a good sense of tension and energy. It is the winery's "classic" interpretation of the grape variety, offering a little more structure on the finish. It plays its best cards in terms of mouthfeel. The Sauvignon Blanc vines are planted near the winery and are 40 to 45 years old. They are some of the first vines planted with Guyot in South Tyrol." Wine Advocate

"A ripe and complete Sauvignon Blanc with an amazing complexity of fresh herbs and a hint of passion fruit on the nose. Beautiful textural complexity on the concentrated but only moderately rich palate. Long, complex finish with stimulating herbal and mineral vitality." James Suckling

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

"Restrained nose with notes of herbs and red cherries. Mineral and streamlined on the palate with high acidity and some firm tannins." Decanter

"Red cherries, cranberries, slate, cloves, bay leaves and lemon peel on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and excellent freshness. Bright." James Suckling

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva is floral, ethereal and beautifully lifted. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, dried flowers and leather give the 2018 a great aromatic presence. This medium-bodied Riserva drinks well now, but also has enough energy to develop positively in bottle for at least a handful of years." Vinous

The grapes for the spicy, persistent Contrada come from over 50-year-old Nero d'Avola vines. Rich, lush bouquet of black cherries and plums, wonderfully fruity aromas on the palate with notes of leather, spices and liquorice. Seduces powerfully, with vitality and freshness, tension and a very distinguished elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

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

Tavignano's complex top product Misco Riserva represents the synthesis of the winery's Verdicchio expertise and is their most refined interpretation of the terroir. Starting with the grapes from the Cru Misco vineyard, those grapes are selected that can best develop first in steel and then in the bottle. This ageing highlights the richness of the grape variety, its spicy and mineral notes and provides the ideal conditions for a long ageing, maintaining its aromatic vivacity at all times. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant straw yellow. Nose of sea salt, raspberries, pineapple, juicy pear and candied lemon zest and a hint of spice. Opens up on the palate with great play, savoury and clear, seems very noble, lingers long and polished on the final." Falstaff

"Ripe and seductive with some phenols and a hint of honey on the nose and palate. Rich and round with good acidity and freshness. Impressive length and intensity." Decanter

"The 2018 Verdicchio dei Castello di Jesi Riserva Misco holds its power in reserve, displaying a delicate but layered and sweet-smelling bouquet that blends white smoke with pretty flowers, chamomile, cardamom and melon. Its weighty, almost oily texture is balanced by a core of bright acidity, where lemon zest combines with green apple and a hint of ginger to create a satisfying and spicy experience. For all the depth and character the Riserva shows today, the best is yet to come. The finish is long and tense, but still leaves you wanting more, along with that textbook almond bitterness that goes on and on. Brava." Vinous

The Pigato grape has great ageing and maturation potential, especially in Liguria. U Baccan (Ligurian: the head) comes mostly from vines of the Russeghine vineyard, which are over 50 years old, produce a very low yield, and give it tremendous complexity.

Intense straw yellow with bright golden-green reflections. Impressive purity on the nose with beguiling hints of sage, thyme, peach, mango, cedar bark, acacia honey and silica. Enveloping, balsamic and mineral on the palate, then a hint of salty almond and candied citrus on the long, vibrant final. A Pigato in a class of its own in finest Riserva quality. SUPERIORE.DE

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." Wine Advocate

When we discovered this winery by chance in the early 2000s, we were struck at first sight by the modesty and purism of the Biliorsi family. This is still the case today, here they remain true to themselves and their philosophy and in good years bring just 10,000 bottles of a "somewhat different" Brunello into the cellar.

Deep dark ruby red, on the nose small black berries, cedar wood, forest floor and a fine nutty roasted aroma. The palate is complex and powerful, with earthy-rustic nuances and a complex mixture of dark fruit, precious woods, a fine plum note and some chocolate. Very intense, impulsive and long and not at all for lovers of polished standard wines. SUPERIORE.DE

"Presents itself with a fine cherry, floral aroma; juicy on the palate, the acidity perfectly integrated, nice polish, elegant and with good length." Vinum

"The organic Fornacina 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a dark and savory wine with black fruit, exotic spice, rusty nail and dry rose petal. There are hints of mild astringency, but the tannins are on track for near or medium-term integration. In fact, this wine is best consumed in the next couple of years while those dark fruit tones are still intact. Exactly 8,188 bottles were released." Wine Advocate

"Savory and a little reductive to begin with but then opens up with aromas of wet earth, oregano, sweet berries, cherries and licorice. Medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Well structured throughout with an expressive finish. Better from 2024." James Suckling

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines of Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best made in Friuli today. There is a lot to choose from here, because the transparency of the terroir is paramount. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnay or Friulano wines, but the differences between each hill, each site and the age of each vineyard create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

Standing on the hill where this winery is located, looking out over Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important to the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine a winemaker's fascination with each of these unique sites. If you were to make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

Strong yellow-green, dense bouquet packed with opulent fruit aromas. On the palate complex, juicy and very well integrated wood notes. 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 little more extroverted and fruit-driven than the Péri, but that doesn't mean it lacks character and verve. Dried apricot, peach and vanilla bean gain depth with a squeeze of lime and a hint of wild herbs. The soft, almost oily texture is balanced by notes of tart green apple, ginger and zesty spice, creating an expression of contrast. Hints of kiwi, sour melon and salty mineral tones linger impressively as the residual acids slowly fade. The Sol comes from a lower parcel in the estate's vineyards, planted on rocky, chalky soils." Vinous

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines of Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best made in Friuli today. There is a lot to choose from here, because the transparency of the terroir is paramount. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnay or Friulano wines, but the differences between each hill, each site and the age of each vineyard create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

Standing on the hill where this winery is located, looking out over Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important to the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine a winemaker's fascination with each of these unique sites. If you're making a short list of Friuli's best producers, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

Sauvignon Peri comes from the oldest vines on the estate and is a very classic, downright austere interpretation of Sauvignon Bianco. Vintage 2017 offers a lot of varietal character and is very aromatic, yet has a very fine coolness. Green apple, pear, gooseberry and spices meld into a multi-layered and deep finish. For us, it is a classic white meditation wine. SUPERIORE.DE

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." Wine Advocate

"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

"The 2019 Sangiovese Vigna Boggina is fabulous. Bright, gracious and light on its feet, the 2019 oozes class. Crushed red berry fruit, white flowers, mint and orange peel are some of the notes that grace this wonderfully translucent Sangiovese from Petrolo. The 2019 is one of the best wines I have ever tasted here. " 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 5,000 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 with a salty vein. The finish is highly drinkable, with silky tannins and a beguiling length. A masterpiece of beauty and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure red wine with aromas and flavours of cherry, strawberry, iron, earth and tobacco. Lean and supple in texture, with an elegant profile and a long finish that reflects the fruit and spicy notes." Wine Spectator

"Bright, medium-dense ruby with a slightly pale rim. Very fragrant and appealing nose, of ripe raspberries, fresh plums, plus notes of cinnamon, some cardamom. Firm tannin on the palate, shows good tension, but at the same time seems a bit raw, salty on the final." Falstaff

"The Petrolo 2020 Val d'Arno di Sopra Bòggina A presents the Sangiovese grape with a fresh, concentrated, almost crisp personality. This organic wine opens with aromas of wild strawberries or fragolino, lilac, blood orange and rusty earth. It has an almost shiny or brilliant character. The Bòggina A shows plenty of primary freshness, fine tannins and balanced acidity." Wine Advocate

"Very floral and pretty with aromas of orange peel and cherries that transition into a medium body with lots of tension and brightness. A dusty texture of tannins." James Suckling

"The 2020 Boggina A, 100% Sangiovese vinified and aged in amphora, is possibly the best vintage of this wine I have ever tasted. Finely sculpted and nuanced, the 2020 sizzles with energy. Crushed rocks, red fruit, spice, mint, rose petal and orange peel are all beautifully delineated throughout. Just as important, the 2020 doesn't have any of the awkward aromas and flavors that have penalized some previous editions. Superb." Vinous

The grapes for the most classic red wine of the Valtellina are air-dried by the alpine winds for about 2 months after the harvest. Infinito shows a fresh, almost mentholated side of the Nebbiolo grape that adds lift and brightness to the bouquet. Immediately after these spicy herbal notes, the wine dives into the darker fruit of blackcurrant, wild plum and pressed rose. This wine offers an exciting and unexpected array of flavours that highlight its unique personality, which can only be achieved in this form with the Nebbiolo grape in the Italian Alps. As the wine settles on the palate, there is even a subtle sweetness that comes from the appassimento process, rounding it out to a distinctive classic. Be sure to aerate before enjoying! SUPERIORE.DE

"Made with air–dried grapes, the Tenuta Scerscé 2018 Sforzato di Valtellina Nebbiolo Infinito opens to a medium–dark color and moderate fruit weight that feels velvety, rich and open–knit. The sforzato, or appassimento, process brings on extra heft and intensity for sure, but the Nebbiolo grape never loses its inner grace and poise. Aromas of dried rose, wild cherry, plum and sweet earth rise from the bouquet. A pretty layer of cured tobacco gives the wine a more fleshed–out feel on the close." Wine Advocate

"Licorice with sweet, candied strawberries, spice box and creme de cassis. A very flavorful nebbiolo with a brighter palate than the nose, rounded by creamy, dusty tannins in a firm, slightly austere setting." James Suckling

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

"Open nose, expressive floral style, blueberry, hibiscus, light pepper note; spicy play, fine acidity, pithy bite, yet overall light-footed and exciting." Meiningers Sommelier

"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

Etna is one of Italy's most fascinating wine regions and Andrea Franchetti is probably the most fanatical producer in this area. Added to this are eighty-year-old indigenous Nerello Mascalese vines. The single vineyard Contrada Porcaria has a thoroughly masculine personality. Darkly scented with ripe fruit and menthol, the palate is predominantly spice and mineral with many other facets. The course and the final are rich, dense and very convincing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, medium ruby red. Deeper nose than the Contrada C with fragrant, concentrated raspberries and hints of crushed black pepper and stones. A racy acidity permeates the spicy-sweet raspberry fruit. Very firm but polished tannic framework that finishes in a chewy raspberry finish. Firm structure." Jancis Robinson

"A dusty and inviting blend of dried roses and cherries is contrasted by hints of ash and smoke as the 2019 Contrada Porcaria (P) blossoms in the glass. It is undeniably elegant, with a velvety texture that lays over the medium-bodied wine, delivering mineral red berry and sweet herbal tones that arch across the palate. It is lightly textured with grippy tannins that tug at the cheeks, but the mouthfeel leaves you wanting more as the pomegranate and plum notes slowly fade away. The Porcaria vineyard sits at 650 metres above sea level, with soils that Passopisciaro describes as "a fragile layer of lava that shatters underfoot". Give this beauty another year to come into its own." Vinous

"Aromas of Mediterranean scrub, eucalyptus, smoky flint and wild berries mingle with dark spice. On the full-bodied palate, bright acidity lifts raspberry compote, liquorice, slate and blood orange. Taut, polished tannins give grip while the warmth of the alcohol lingers on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"A tight-knit red wine that, despite its dense tannic framework, has a lush texture thanks to aromas and flavours of steeped black raspberries and cherries, wild sage, singed orange peel and red liquorice. The wine has good tension, focus and freshness, but the fruit and spice palette and smoky minerality will only fully develop with more time in bottle." Wine Spectator

"The Vini Franchetti 2019 Contrada P shows more concentration and fruit weight compared to some of the other wines in this series of single-vineyard wines. Blackcurrant and dried cherry segue to cola, spice and some lingering balsam herb. The tannins are also tighter here, and this wine has more power and extract all around." Wine Advocate

Deep dark yellow. Rich, almost opulent impressions of candied apricots, orange zest and traces of fine yellow flowers on the nose. On the palate, fabulously viscous texture, multi-layered, very concentrated taste of candied fruits with a wonderfully polished sweetness. A great Vin Santo with a long, persistent finish and made to last. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried figs, dried persimmon, toffee and a nutty character. Full and viscous with dried blood orange, spices and some salinity to it. Tense and textured with a delicate sweetness that has some citrusy edge to it." James Suckling

"The 2014 Vinsanto Riserva is a dark amber color in the glass. Spiced orange peels, dusty dried flowers, cloves and baked pears follow a mesmerizing mix of shaved cedar and pine. Frankly, there’s something new each time I return to the glass. This floods the palate with ample weight while showing a sweet and sour mix of vanilla custards, toffee, candied citrus and salted almond, which adds amazing contrasts. This lingers impossibly long yet incredibly fresh, repleting its aromatics throughout as hints of hazelnut and cocoa fade. The 2014 Vinsanto Riserva makes for a fantastic wine experience that should not be missed." Vinous

"Very dense, but with pinpoint freshness and cohesion. Extremely rich layers of apricot jam, dried apricots, and honey with a lovely texture and intensity on the refreshing finish." Decanter

The grapes for the immensely deep Vigna del Gris come from vines that are over 40 years old from the approximately 1 hectare parcel of the same name. The bouquet is beguilingly harmonious, with a convincing approach, weightless and powerful at the same time. On the palate, firm tannins and lots of spice, with great texture and very juicy. Long, rich finish. Don't make the mistake of opening this wine before it has gained maturity, personality and elegance after more years in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impresses with precise fruit, compact structure and wonderful earthy dark spice and saltiness; a lovely vertical wine that integrates ageing in small oak barrels well, revealing subtle cocoa notes and plenty of fine-grained tannin on the finish." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red. Opens to a potpourri of truffle and iron on the nose, along with rich cherry fruit and elegant spice, to be tucked in. Dense and polished on the palate, elegant, with grippy tannin and plenty of tension, still seems young, put it away and enjoy it fully in a few years." Falstaff

"The 2017 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is classic Gris. Bright, focused and taut in feel, 2017 offers up a whole range of floral and spice top notes that give the wine terrific freshness. On the palate, the Gris is a bit nervous, as it always is, yet with superb balance and class. The tannins can be a bit edgy here, but the 2017 keeps everything in check. This is such a pretty wine." Vinous

"I always love the purity of aromas delivered in wine from this 1.8-hectare site with loose, well-draining soils in the celebrated Ginestra cru of Monforte d'Alba. The Conterno Fantino 2017 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris boasts a slightly more delicate and finessed aromatic approach with tighter weaving and an almost fragile personality. However, the warm 2017 vintage conditions do their part to build up the concentrated power and fruit weight of this Barolo. I found this wine to be more reticent in terms of mouthfeel; however, that may be a reflection of my early tasting." Wine Advocate

"This is extremely perfumed with rose petal and orange zest to the ripe-strawberry and cherry character. Full and intense palate with layers of fruit and firm, dusty tannins. Chewy at the finish, but there’s plenty of fruit." James Suckling

This wine is the essence of Sangiovese from the Radda commune and the result of the rigorous selection of Sangiovese grapes from the estate's best sites. An elegant, terroir-driven red that is (in Sean's words) "made the way we like it.

Bright shining ruby garnet. Attractive, precisely marked nose with distinct notes of raspberry, some pomegranate. Fine fruit, freshness and a good acid structure on the nose, also shows a distinctive tannin, which withdraws characterfully after minutes of further aeration. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with brightening rim. Very fragrant and appealing on the nose, of goji berries, pomegranate, plus some plums, clear and present. Juicy in attack and course, unfolds with grippy, hearty tannin, fine salty notes, firm pressure in the final." Falstaff

"Closed with a white wax capsule, the Tenuta di Carleone 2019 Uno is all Sangiovese that sees two months on the skins during fermentation and a year and half of cellaring between cement, stainless steel and large oak casks. The wine offers a fun and distinctive bouquet with candied cherry, crushed limestone, herbal nuances and crushed flowers. There could be a distant hint of entrapped CO2 that you perceive on the finish. It adds some spice and snap." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Uno shows the darker side of Sangiovese. Wild and potent, Uno is another compelling wine from Tenuta di Carleone. Dried flowers, herbs, incense, leather and tobacco lead into a core of wild cherry fruit as the 2019 gradually opens in the glass. Stellar and compelling, Uno is absolutely fabulous in 2019." Vinous