VINOUS

La Morra, calcareous sandy soils, north-eastern slopes – this is where the 20 to 40-year-old Dolcetto vines for Elio Altareclassic grow. The Barolo revolutionary, who shook up the Langhe with Burgundian vinification methods in the 1970s, remains true to his Dolcetto: a wine for every day, as the farmers have been drinking it with pasta for generations. Maceration takes just two to three days in rotary fermenters at a controlled temperature, after which the grapes mature for ten months in stainless steel tanks – puristic, without the influence of wood.

In the 1820s, wine merchants knew three Bardolino crus that existed in Switzerland's grand hotels alongside Burgundy and Beaujolais. In 1968, they were lost in the DOC regulations. They have been back since 2021 – and Montebaldo, the northernmost and highest subzone on the foothills of Monte Baldo, is perhaps the most exciting. Guerrieri Rizzardi's response to this rediscovery: 95 per cent Corvina – the highest percentage the winery has ever bottled –supplemented by a touch of Rondinella, vinified completely without wood. This is not a concession to light summer enjoyment. It is a statement about transparency: the grape speaks exclusively here, and the moraine soil of Cavaion gives it a resonance chamber.

Federico II di Svevia, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and King of Sicily, had a special affection for the hills around Monte Vulture. Here, in Basilicata, he had castles built that still stand today. And he loved the wines of the Vulture – those deep, mineral reds that came from the lava soils of the extinct volcano. The Terre degli Svevi estate, founded in 1998, honours his legacy with the name of its flagship wine: Re Manfredi – king Manfred, his son, the fearless warrior. 100% Aglianico, grown at 420 metres in Venosa, on volcanic soil rich in calcium, nitrogen and tuff – the mineral foundation on which the character of this wine is built. A continental climate with harsh winters, hot summers and pronounced temperature fluctuations.

A rare treasure from Le Cinciole: just 2,000 bottles of this exceptional rosé leave the small winery in Panzano each year. With their certified organic Rosato, Valeria Viganò and Luca Orsini have created a unique wine that stands out clearly from comparable wines in the region – 100% Sangiovese, vinified using the traditional white wine method. The Sangiovese grapes are hand-harvested at perfect ripeness and undergo a short, twelve-hour maceration before being gently pressed. Fermentation takes place at a maximum of fifteen degrees in stainless steel tanks, where the wine also completes its ageing. Bottling takes place traditionally in the spring during the waning moon – a detail that reflects the Orsinis' deep connection to nature.

Zisola is the Tuscan dream of the Mazzei family in the south of Sicily. The winery's bestseller is made from 100% Nero d'Avola from traditional Alberello vines near Noto, where chalky soils and proximity to the sea balance the natural exuberance of this indigenous grape variety with freshness and elegance. The Marchesi Mazzei, one of Italy's most historic winegrowing families with over 600 years of tradition, have been continuing their Sicilian project since 2003. 24 hectares of vineyards surround the historic bagli of the 50-hectare tenuta with a view of the baroque UNESCO World Heritage Site of Noto. Hand-picked and fermented for 14-16 days at 26-28°C, the wine matures for 10 months in French oak barrels (33% new).

Nipozzano Riserva is the most famous wine from the Frescobaldi estate of the same name in Chianti Rufina, high above the Arno Valley to the north-east of Florence. Sangiovese, blended with selected partner grape varieties, is destemmed and fermented spontaneously in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks; malolactic fermentation also takes place in steel. At the end of the year, the wine is transferred to barriques for several months, after which it continues to mature in the bottle.

A red wine with character – irresistible in its depth and yet with supple elegance. Noras comes from 90% Cannonau (Grenache) and 10% Carignano and is harvested from old vines rooted in sandy-granitic soils deep in the Sulcis terroir. After late manual harvesting, the must ferments at a controlled 22-24 °C for 12 days in stainless steel tanks, accompanied by regular pumping over to optimise extraction. Malolactic fermentation takes place early and spontaneously, followed by around six months of maturation in used French barriques. Before it is released for sale, Noras matures for a further six months in the bottle – a maturation and ageing process that gives it depth and elegance.

Pietra nera – black stone. This is the name of the introduction to the world of Piaggia, the small winery in Carmignano founded by Mauro Vannucci in the 1970s and now run by his daughter Silvia. Carmignano, the forgotten DOCG at the gates of Florence, where Cabernet has been permitted in blends since the Medici era – centuries before the Super Tuscans were invented. Pietranera shows this tradition in small format: 80% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Franc. Fermented with natural yeasts, eighteen to twenty days on the skins, then only three months in used barriques – just enough to smooth the edges, not enough to let the wood taste.

In 1966, Vernaccia di San Gimignano became the first wine in Italy to be awarded DOC status. This was followed by DOCG status in 1993. A long history for a grape variety whose name derives from "vernacolo", meaning "local" or "native to the area": A grape so deeply intertwined with a place that it bears its name. Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara is situated on the San Donato hill, at an altitude of 250 to 360 metres, on sandy soils rich in stones and fossilised marine organisms: a fossilised sea beneath the Tuscan sky. Organically farmed, 5,000 vines per hectare, hand-harvested in the third week of September.

Three Dolcetto parcels in Neive and one wine: Cottà, Basarin and San Cristoforo consist of calcareous marl soils with sandy veins. The grapes are harvested selectively by hand; fermentation takes place spontaneously in stainless steel with a maceration period of around three weeks in order to gain flavour, grip and depth. The wine then rests exclusively in the tank on the fine lees until early bottling – without the use of wood, focussing entirely on precision and drinking flow.

At dawn, a rosy glow lies over the Sangiovese vineyards to the east of the estate, which gave this wine its name. Il Borro has been officially certified organic since 2015, and the Rosato comes from these vineyards. The early-ripening grapes are harvested by hand into 10-kilo crates; the must remains on the skins for just one hour, fermentation takes place in stainless steel at 15 to 17 degrees, after which the wine rests in the tank for two months. The year 2025 begins mild and dry; the summer turns hot, but rain in September and October restores the water balance.

An elegant salmon pink. This rosé, produced from certified organic grapes, offers peppery floral notes with hints of lime zest and green melon. On the palate, it offers an impressively silky texture and a balanced blend of zesty acidity, sweet red berries and minerality. The finish is spicy and lively, with a hint of sour cherry and rose petals that linger long on the palate. It's a real delight!  SUPERIORE.DE

A vibrant, radiant colour, rich in green-gold hues. The rich bouquet of this Moscato d'Alessandria (Zibibbo) is floral, with notes of white roses and acacia, followed by mineral notes, peach and orange blossom, finishing with candied citrus fruits and a hint of honey. On the palate, the mineral-driven aromas are confirmed, along with a fresh, spicy and enveloping structure. SUPERIORE.DE

Val di Suga is the only winery in the whole of Montalcino that has vineyards on all three important slopes of the denomination – north-west, south-east, south-west. Three exposures, three soil types, three microclimates. The basic Rosso is the direct expression of this diversity: a cuvée from young vines from all three sites, which unites the breadth of the territory in an accessible, lively wine. Bright ruby red in the glass. The nose reveals fresh red fruit, Morello cherry and a hint of orange peel – lively and precise. Fresh and round on the palate, with bright tannins and a juicy, animating finish. A wine for everyday drinking – but with the origin you can taste. SUPERIORE.DE

A Chianti Classico born of the fusion of centuries-old tradition and modern winemaking techniques: Organically farmed since the 1980s, the vineyards of Monti in Chianti and Vitignano (situated slightly below) – with their clay-loam and limestone soils – strive for character and balance. The vines (90% Sangiovese, complemented by a little Colorino, Canaiolo and Ciliegiolo) are planted at altitudes ranging from 250 m to 330 m above sea level.

An Aglianico with a strong character from the renowned Campi Taurasini sub-zone, vinified by Clelia Romano on the small, high-altitude Colli di Lapio vineyard. The vines grow on calcareous, volcanic soils around Lapio at an altitude of 450 to 550 metres – ideal conditions for structure, depth and freshness. The wine is first matured in stainless steel tanks, then in barriques for several months and finally in the bottle.

Redimore Aglianico comes from a special vineyard in Mirabella Eclano, planted with an old, historic Aglianico clone that has been cultivated by the Mastroberardino family for generations. The warm days and cool nights of this site lend the wine both depth and freshness. In the glass, it is a deep ruby red with a purplish sheen. The bouquet opens with black cherry, plum, violet and delicate herbs, underpinned by tobacco, cocoa and a hint of graphite. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with ripe, finely woven tannins, juicy fruit and balsamic spice. Ageing in oak barrels lends additional complexity and length. A characterful, modern Aglianico with a soul rooted in tradition – powerful, precise and long-lasting. SUPERIORE.DE

Pojega is a historic vineyard next to the famous Pojega garden, which was purchased by the Rizzardi family in the 17th century. This single-vineyard Valpolicella skilfully combines the fruitiness and aromatic richness of the traditional grape, enhanced by the Ripasso method, with a well-proportioned body and exceptional finesse. Great value with an almost magnetic attraction! SUPERIORE.DE

Originating from the Piani range of hills in Ferrere/Treiso (west-facing, 250–350 metres), this Barbera combines old vines (planted in 1965/2005) and meticulous vineyard work to create a clear, characterful style. Around 15-20 days of maceration in stainless steel, followed by around 8-9 months of ageing in oak (part in barrique, the rest in large wood), then a few months of rest in the bottle.

In 2001, Michele and Massimo Bernetti of Umani Ronchi stood on Centovie Hill near Roseto degli Abruzzi. Before them lay the estate, behind it the Gran Sasso, and below it the Adriatic Sea. They bought the 35 hectares and immediately began farming organically – not as a certified commitment, but because the terroir demanded it: sunny and windy, with self-regulating soil requiring no intervention. They produced the estate"s first wine as a Pecorino. From the best plots of the vineyard, hand-harvested in early September with particular attention to acidity, on deep, clay-sandy limestone soil with alluvial skeleton. Fermented in steel, then 12 months in concrete tanks, followed by 5 months in bottle.

The secret of this exceptional Rosso lies hidden in the blossoming fields amongst the organically farmed rows of vines at Poliziano. Fiori Rossi – — a name that hints, like a promise, at the fragrance and poetry of this landscape, where Federico Carletti is pushing the boundaries of authenticity. This latest creation from the estate is made from ancient Prugnolo Gentile clones, selections of which gave Montepulciano wines national renown as far back as the Middle Ages. From the historic vineyards dating back to the 1960s – now replanted at altitudes of 300 to 400 metres with meticulous attention to the microclimate – emerges a ‘Super-Rosso’ of unrivalled character.

On Mount Etna, the morning light first strikes the eastern flank, and in Milo the vines grow directly towards it. The name "Erse" is reminiscent of the Greek goddess of dew; the estate associates it with the sunrise. Silvia Maestrelli, who sadly passed away far too young, founded Tenuta di Fessina in 2007 in northern Rovittello, yet this white wine comes from the east. On Mount Etna, "Superiore" is not a stage of maturation, but a designation of origin: The appellation reserves this designation for white wines made from grapes grown in the small municipality of Milo, with at least 80% Carricante. Old vines grow there on sandy lava soil mixed with pumice and ash. Fermentation takes place under temperature control in stainless-steel tanks, after which the wine is left to rest in the bottle.

The name says it all: Meczan is the local dialect form of Mazzon – the high plateau to the east of the Adige Valley, at an altitude of 350 to 460 metres, with north-facing slopes and soils of limestone gravel and clay. What Paolo Foradori began to prove in the 1960s and Martin Foradori Hofstätter continues to develop today is now undisputed: Mazzon is Italy's most important location for Pinot Nero. The Meczan is the entry into this world. Some of the grapes are fermented without destemming to give the Pinot more structure and aromatic depth. Ten days on the skins, vinified exclusively in stainless steel.