The Wine Advocate

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

"Dark, bright ruby red. In the nose plump and ripe cherries and plums, light pepper note. Powerful on the palate, very fruity with a slightly rustic tannin." Falstaff

"This is an excellent value. The Famiglia Cotarella 2020 Syrah Tellus Falesco shows some plums and sultanas from the hot vintage, but the wine drinks easily thanks to soft tannins and a medium-bodied mouthfeel. The fruit technically comes from the Lazio region with volcanic soils." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Syrah Tellus requires some coaxing to open in the glass, showing dark confectionary fruits laced with lavender and sweet smoke. It washes across the palate with ease, leaving mineral-tinged black currant accentuated by a vivid note of clove. This leaves a coating of fine tannins yet remains lively and fresh as violet-laced blackberries slowly taper off. I love the 2020 for its elegance." Vinous

Blend of Sangiovese (approx. 80%) and Petit Verdot from the southwest slope. The soil has a brown colour, a clayey texture, limestone slabs and a rounded skeleton. Only the Sangiovese is aged for a few months in French oak, after which it is blended and aged in bottle. Ruby red with violet reflections. Intense aroma with characteristic notes of ripe fruit such as plum, blackberry and cherry. The taste is soft and full, with a good structure and sweet, well-balanced tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Talenti 2021 Rosso shows a medium dark color with easy blackberry fruit and plum. There is a distinctive mineral note with crushed stone and flint that frames that core of rich fruit. There is a subtle note of sweetness on the close. The wine spends time in a combination of stainless steel, amphorae and oak. Production is 4,000 bottles." Wine Advocate

Sherazade - beautiful protagonist from One Thousand and One Nights and wonderful Nero d'Avola. Concentrated ruby red colour, fruity, balsamic scent with mineral tones followed by a sweet hint of cocoa. Gentle on the palate with memories of sour cherries and blackberries. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Donnafugata 2021 Sicilia Nero d'Avola Sherazade offers a fresh, medium-bodied style with an abundance of cherries and purple fruits. The Nero d'Avola reflects a sense of place, and don't be surprised if you detect aromas of roasted Sicilian aubergine or toasted fennel seeds." Wine Advocate

Juicy and for the grape variety relatively low-acid red from almost exclusively Sangiovese. Dark berries on the nose, mainly cherry and cassis, some oyster shell. The taste is full and well structured. This inexpensive and very precise red ends softly and with nicely integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is an easy-drinking blend of predominantly Sangiovese with smaller portions of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The Montalzato the entry level shows a medium texture with aromas of dark fruits, like blackberries, and a hint of baking chocolate. The warm vintage comes through on the finish with hints of cherry liqueur." Wine Advocate

"Black berries, black cherries and black olives on the nose and palate. Some undertones of herbs and earth. Full body, medium round tannins and a delicious finish. This wine will age well now, but it will improve." James Suckling

Bright ruby red, open-hearted notes of cherry, raspberry and violet, paired with green pepper and cloves. Delicate on the palate, with a nice draw. Delicately fine tannins, lively supported by a fresh acidity framework with subtle extract sweetness, round off the immensely authentic and juicy Tuscan experience. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is bright, floral and fruity, giving it great immediacy. Crushed flowers, cedar, tobacco and mint play with a core of vibrant Sangiovese fruit in this charming, mid-weight offering from San Felice." Vinous

"A fresh and delicious Chianti Classico with a lightness and crispness. Sour cherries and light orange blossom. Light and beautiful." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico proves to be a versatile wine and a fundamentally food-friendly choice with lots of purple and blue fruits with hints of fragrant wild rose. The wine supports medium weight and lots of fresh acidity to cut through cream or butter-based cooking ingredients." Wine Advocate

Pellegrino's Grillo Superiore matures longer on the fine yeast than Il Salinario. Brilliant straw yellow in the glass. Intense and complex on the nose, floral and fragrant, the scent of yellow flowers is flanked by buttery notes and hints of peach and hazelnut. Intense and persistent in the mouth, very soft, fresh and with moderate acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has aromas of papaya, pear peel, lemon zest and sage. Medium-bodied and tangy with a slightly lifted lemon character." James Suckling

"The Gazzerotta Grillo Superiore 2021 is a supple and silky wine from low-yielding vines planted on mineral-rich clay soils at an altitude of only 20 to 30 metres and not too far from the coast. The wine shows good fruit weight and texture, followed by a particularly clear and crisp flavour profile. There are notes of citrus, green apple and kiwi. This is a simple, good value wine with authentic Sicilian character." Wine Advocate

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, blackberry and plum aromas, plus some Spanish cedar with a fine citrus note. A balanced drop with a beautiful final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A taut, black cherry– and plum-flavored red, with accents of earth and spices. Reveals a firm, tactile edge to the light tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The Fontanabianca 2021 Barbera d'Alba Superiore is very rich and extracted with a heavy fruit quality reminiscent of dried blackberries, plums, spices and dried tobacco leaves. The finish shows soft, earthy notes and a full-bodied texture. This Barbera is on the bigger and bolder side of the spectrum." Wine Advocate

"This wine is fruit-driven and chocolaty with blue flowers and an undertone of liquorice. Medium to full-bodied, juicy and taut with polished tannins and a tasty, savoury finish." James Suckling

This fabulous cuvée of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet comes from Querciabella's Maremma vineyard. Charming bouquet with notes of tobacco and leather, which then give way to ripe fruit. The harmonious taste is finely fruity, intense and fresh. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright and intense ruby red. Aromas of sour cherry and blackberry on the nose, with a final tends towards tobacco and leather. Full-bodied and intense on the palate, with lovely freshness and softness, rich bouquet and beautiful, spicy finish." Falstaff

"A certified organic wine, the Querciabella 2020 Maremma Toscana Mongrana is 50% Sangiovese with the rest of the blend consisting of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. These are good amounts of each variety, as the wine shows the breezy freshness of Sangiovese next to the richness and voluptuous flavors of the other two grapes. Refined in cement and stainless steel, this is an elegant, medium-bodied wine with lots of bright fruit and cherry." Wine Advocate

"Raspberries, currants, mulberries, orange zest and lemon leaves on the nose. Medium-bodied with lightly chewy tannins and bright acidity. Wild and savory with a delicious, crunchy finish." James Suckling

Moscato d'Asti is an important part of the culinary tradition in Piedmont. A bright wine full of purity and natural liveliness for festive and joyful moments. Straw yellow with green hints, expressive aromas of sage, exotic fruits, apricot and peach. Delicately melting taste, the persistent perlage flatters the palate. A fresh, cheerful wine experience! SUPERIORE.DE

"The G.D. Vajra 2022 Moscato d'Asti was born in a warm vintage and shows fragrant aromas of white peach, tropical fruit, candied lemon and a hint of sage or dried jasmine blossom. This informal dessert wine delivers soft foam and more sweet flavors over a creamy finish." Wine Advocate

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

"The Tenuta Regaleali Tasca d'Almerita 2020 Sicilia Nero d'Avola Lamùri opens with a dark colour and rich concentration with pressed blackberries, Mediterranean herbs, black olives and scorched earth. You can feel the fruit concentration of a hot and sunny vintage." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Nero d'Avola Lamuri opens slowly in the glass, dusty and floral with flowery undergrowth and smoldering ashen stone forming its bouquet. It's soft and pure in style, with mineral-tinged red and black fruits guided by brisk acidity. This finishes with a sour tinge of wild berries and hints of citrus, leaving a bitter twang." Vinous

"On the nose, this wine unfolds rich floral and fruity aromas with black cherry, violet and rose petals, as well as stony notes of cobblestones and gravel. On the palate, it shows itself from its best side. A savoury mix of spices, earth and a hint of balsamic vinegar meets more berries. The tannins are strong and chewy, and the acidity is restrained." Wine Enthusiast

"A very solid and beautiful red with blackberries, asphalt and violets. There is a berry compote underneath it all. Medium to full body, chewy tannins and a juicy finish." James Suckling

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 delicately 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

"Inviting aromas of red berries, capers, thyme, red blossoms and hints of incense and spices. Very fresh and long on the palate." Decanter

"Bright ruby red with a slightly lightening rim. The nose smells of ripe forest berries, cherries, orange zest and a hint of fine spice in the aftertaste. Juicy and fruity on the palate, spreads with tension, the tannins are well integrated, long, gripping final." Falstaff

"The Zisola 2020 Sicilia Noto Zisola, with its pretty packaging, is a pure Nero d'Avola as envisioned by the talented winemaking team with the Tuscan Mazzei family. This vintage shows ripe fruit and dry blackberry with earthy tones, toasted almond and soft cherry." Wine Advocate

"An elegant, expressive and well-woven red that offers a fresh and juicy profile of crushed black cherries and wild strawberries, dried sage and espresso. Medium-bodied, with creamy tannins and a subtle mineral hint of smoke and spice that lingers on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The Rosso Noto 2020 is unmissable. Its bouquet contrasts vibrant blackberries and sage with hints of tangerine and finally a touch of exotic spices. The wine is elegant, yet remains upbeat and energetic, with tart wild berries balanced by a citrusy acidity that maintains a wonderful freshness. The finish is long and perfumed, with violet and rose tones and a bitter note towards the end. It's worth noting that the interplay of fruit and wood is very well done." Vinous

"Lots of flowers and fresh herbs, like sage and Sicilian rosemary, to the plummy fruit leading to a medium body with round tannins and a spicy finish that is smooth and flavourful." James Suckling

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"The 2021 Alpha is a new wine from Montepeloso. It offers up sweet dark plum fruit, graphite, menthol and licorice, all framed by bruising tannins that need a bit of time to soften, although I imagine most bottles will be long gone before that happens. Alpha is a blend of young vines and some purchased fruit." Vinous

"A rich and firm red with dark berry and dark earth aromas and flavors. Medium-to full-bodied with solid tannins and a flavorful finish." James Suckling

"Rich, deep dark ruby violet. Intense nose, opens with notes of dark chocolate, then lots of blackberry and cassis, underpinned by fine graphite. Medium weight on the palate, showing lots of crunchy currant fruit, some beetroot, grippy tannin." Falstaff

"Here's a new submission from Montepeloso in Suvereto, Tuscany, that is designated as a "vino rosso" (or without an appellation). The 2021 Alpha reveals a rich and saturated personality with medium-rich fruit weight. There is plenty of tart fruit, with those two traits—the acidity and the tannins—that give this young wine the qualifications to pair with a hearty pasta or grilled meats." Wine Advocate

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

"Shiny, light greenish yellow, somewhat restrained perlage. Fragrant and fresh on the nose, of hawthorn blossom, crisp green apple and lemon peel. Juicy and salty on the palate, shows lots of fresh apple there too, flows quietly along, falls out persistently on the final." 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." Wine Advocate

Sparkling, intense ruby with a light garnet shimmer. The Pèppoli already expresses its strength of personality with the bouquet of ripe fruit, in which light mineral accents can be found. Gentle and at the same time powerful, the taste spreads out with the lively tannins on the palate and lingers long. Very good drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Pèppoli is very pretty, silky wine with lovely bright red berry fruit. Hints of spice, leather and tobacco lend nuance to this attractive, value-priced Chianti Classico. The 2020 is a serious wine in its peer group. Impressive." Vinous

"This is a fun, easy-drinking red with a steady following. The Marchesi Antinori 2020 Chianti Classico Pèppoli marks the beginning of a new chapter for this popular bottle. Feeling that the wine had become too austere in recent years, the winemaking team opted for bigger oak barrels for less invasive oak. Fruit is selected from across various villages in the appellation. A tiny element of Merlot in this Sangiovese-based wine adds softness. These are logical choices that follow recent vintage trends, and here you get ripe cherry, crème de cassis and lightly toasted spice. It's a classic package and a good value." Wine Advocate

"Dei Casel" is a former name component of the Adami family. The Glera grapes for this finely fruity Prosecco Superiore come from calcareous soils. Inviting bouquet of apricot, peach, apple, pear and floral notes. Wonderful sweetness-acidity interplay on the palate, its semi-dry style and consistent perlage are animatingly fresh and velvety. This spumante is much more than an aperitif, it is also an excellent accompaniment to mild sushi dishes or delicately spiced antipasti. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, light silver with a delicate greenish yellow, light perlage. Very intense and inviting nose, smells of fresh pear, then banana and cinnamon. Clear and fresh on the palate, balanced between juiciness and delicate sweetness, salty on the final." Falstaff

"The Adami Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Dei Casel Extra Dry offers a hint of sweetness with summer nectarine, jasmine and wild sage. This is a smooth and very pretty Italian sparkler with soft beading and fresh acidity to close. The wine represents fruit from 34 parcels that are fermented separately before the final blend is made in January or February following the harvest." Wine Advocate

Rich, dark shimmering ruby. Open-hearted, dense bouquet of blackberries, plums and a delicate hint of cloves in the background. Juicy on the palate, shows supple tannin, spreads nicely. Every year a great Chianti Classico with an exemplary price-quality ratio. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid garnet. Both savoury and sweet fruited. Tight tannic grip on the palate, with a fresh/savoury Sangiovese bite. Marked freshness, a piercing depth, smoothly tannic. Long and great value with ageing potential." Jancis Robinson

"Showing an immediately light and bright personality, the 2021 Chianti Classico Brolio is an easy blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino. It boasts an attractive, punchy approach with plenty of cherry, blue flower and pressed violet, followed by subtle mineral shadings." Wine Advocate

"Lovely sweet berry and orange zest aromas that follow through to a medium to full body with crunchy fruit and a stony undertone. A year more of bottle age will make it even better." James Suckling

Brilliant and intense straw-yellow colour with bright reflections. On the nose, fine citrus, white-fleshed fruit and wild flowers, followed by a hint of herbs, slightly spicy and very elegant as it progresses. In the drink elegance, longevity and freshness with a return of the bouquet aromas and a great spiciness, ending with the minerality characteristic of the Pecorino grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

"The organic Umani Ronchi 2020 Pecorino Centovie ferments in stainless steel and ages on the lees for 10 months. No malolactic fermentation occurs. The wine offers citrus, apricot, yellow rose and sweet pear. It delivers a mildly creamy, mid–weight texture and fresh, vertical aromas." Wine Advocate

"A full, rather savory nose with minerals and nuances of dried lemon and yellow flowers. Medium–to full–bodied with a dense and silky base of perfumed minerals, carrying a clean, lemony note that increases as the palate progresses. Very tasty indeed. From organically grown grapes. Always an excellent pecorino." James Suckling

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

"The 2020 Etna Rosso Erse keeps me returning to the glass to take in its vibrant and spicy bouquet, where sour cherries complement dried roses, cloves and a hint of fresh mint. This wine is round and juicy, yet pure, with mineral red berries that saturate, while the lively acidity maintains a fantastic freshness. A subtle coating of fine tannins and a salty note define the final, while the 2020 tapers off smoothly and grippily under a hint of red flowers. This is an excellent entry-level Etna Rosso." Vinous

"The entry-level Tenuta di Fessina 2020 Etna Rosso Erse is elegant and lean with a fun set of aromas that recall white pepper, wild berry, blue flower and candied orange peel. I like this fresh, snappy style and you get great value." Wine Advocate

Fine, lean and racy Chianti Classico from organic cultivation - and one of our special favourites for 20 years. Engaging aromatics, dense, firm body, deep and juicy, with well-defined tannins and a fresh and appetising finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is accessible and easy-drinking with mild cherry and dried raspberry followed by almond, blue flower and peat moss. Winemaking is very simple, starting off with spontaneous yeast fermentation and brief aging in large oak casks. You get great value, especially in this classic vintage." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is great. Bright and vibrant, with plenty of Sangiovese character, the 2021 is everything a Chianti Classico should be. Bright red cherry fruit, blood orange, mint, spice and tobacco come through well in this juicy, wonderfully inviting Chianti Classico. The 2021 is one of the best editions of this wine I have tasted recently." Vinous

Floramundi surprises with a radiant cherry red. Fine nose of red fruits, white pepper, violets and other flowers. Very aromatic on the palate, enticing and with a soft tannin. A fresh, cheerful red with a piquant spiciness. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Donnafugata 2021 Cerasuolo di Vittoria Floramundi, made from Nero d'Avola and Frappato, offers dark cherries and plums, but the wine is lean and light on the palate. It offers an approachable, easy-drinking style that imparts plenty of light freshness along the way." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of candied lemons and watermelon with some cranberry follow through to a medium body, with bitter orange and a fresh and tangy finish." James Suckling

Rich ruby red, precise, clear fruit on the nose with a very light mineral note. Pleasant, beautifully smooth taste, round and of good substance. A Rosso di Montalcino with a lot of charm. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Il Poggione 2021 Rosso di Montalcino offers medium fruit weight with dark cherry, wild plum and savoury spice. This is an excellent vintage with moderate summer temperatures and a long growing season, which is very conducive to Sangiovese, a grape that needs its time to ripen and develop complexity. This Rosso also shows a particularly spicy character with nutmeg and cinnamon that seems to come from both the grape skins and the 12 months in oak barrels." Wine Advocate

"A nicely spicy Rosso di Montalcino with cloves, dried flowers, sour cherries and orange peel on the nose. Creamy and medium- to full-bodied, with chalky tannins and a ripe, chocolaty finish." James Suckling

At Zýmē there are no set rules, only the pursuit of experimentation to offer a unique and honest experience that also conveys the character of each vintage. Il Bianco From Black to White (sealed with a glass cork) opens with a golden colour and a whitish sheen typical of grapes that have no skin contact. The predominant grape variety is Rondinella Bianca, a mutation discovered only by chance in the vineyards of Zýmē and unique in Italy.

On the fresh bouquet, aromas of citrus, honeydew melon, star jasmine and sour grapefruit. On the palate idiosyncratically different, but silky and very tasty with medium body, while ripe apples and nectarines are stimulated by juicy acids and a hint of green citrus. The tension increases with each successive glass, a slightly tropical note is added in the final, together with salty minerals and lingering spiciness, From Black to White also clearly expresses its deserved place in Celestino Gaspari's exceptional portfolio, for it is a white gem full of character and purity! SUPERIORE.DE

"This is the result of a white wine made in a profoundly red-wine region, a blend of 60% Rondinella Bianca, 15% Gold Traminer, 15% Kerner and 10% Incrocio Manzoni. The Zýmè 2019 Il Bianco From Black To White opens to a light golden color with a whitish shine that is typical of grapes that see no skin contact. It allows easy aromas of citrus, honeydew melon, star jasmine and sour grapefruit. There are also some bitter tones of almond or pine nut that add vertical intensity to this quirky white wine." Wine Advocate

"Masses of ripe peaches, melon and sweet florals waft up from the spicy and exotic 2019 Il Bianco From Black to White. This is silky, pure and wonderfully fresh with lime-tinged fruits and confectionery spices. It tapers off with medium length, slightly tropical and teeming with minerality. The 2019 is a beautifully expressive and lifted vintage of From Black to White." Vinous

Here comes one of the most beautiful interpretations of the white grape variety Carricante. Fresh, dynamic wine from Etna with a multi-faceted aroma of citrus, white peach, yeast, flint and smoke. Cool grapefruit, taut acidity and impressive mineral hints in the dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Etna Bianco opens with a whiff of crushed stones and raw almonds, giving way to crushed green apples. It soothes with its round, enveloping textures. Zesty acidity and salty mineral tones add a reverberation of tension. It leaves a subtle tart tinge of sour melon while finishing pleasantly fresh and saline." Vinous

"Bright straw yellow with golden reflections. In the nose of tropical fruits, orange peel, ripe apple and some fumé. On the palate very mineral, fresh and salty, animates to drink, balanced, long final." Falstaff

"A restrained nose with notes of tar and fresh pavement, then lemons and limes, opens to a palate bright with citrus but also stony and peppery, before a long finish carried by powerful acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Etna Bianco is fresh and beautifully balanced with white peach and grapefruit contrasted with minerals and volcanic ash. This crisp white wine proves very drinkable and enjoyable thanks to the almost salty finish that would go well with fried prawns or Thai spring rolls. It matures on the fine lees for six months. The fruit comes from three different contrade: Arrigo (in Linguaglossa), Verzella and Pietramarina." Wine Advocate

"It has aromas of grilled pineapple, papaya and chamomile with distinct smoky and ashy undertones. Medium-bodied with bright acidity. Spicy, with fantastic flint and smoke character." James Suckling