VINOUS

The Palai area is one of the most representative areas for the production of Müller-Thurgau in Italy due to its microclimatic characteristics and the influence of the Cembra and Isarco valleys. In order to preserve its varietal characteristics (aromas and natural antioxidants), the grapes are processed using the hyper-reduction technique (in the absence of oxygen) developed and patented by the company.

Intense ruby red, persistent, fruity bouquet with notes of wild berries, violets, cloves and cinnamon as well as sweet tobacco flavours. Rich and velvety on the palate, with an abundance of ripe red fruit and tactile mineral tones, complemented by a hint of sage. The lively acidity provides balance. On the finish, the spicy tones merge with a pleasant fruity flavour. An unbeatable wine every year at a very attractive price! SUPERIORE.DE

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 –complemented 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.

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).

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.

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.

Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara is not only clearly ahead of the game with the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the family winery also proves this with its Rosato Cremisi. A tantalising and captivating nose of dried orange peel, flowers, ginger and nectarine. Soft and supple on the palate, yet very dynamic and full of energy with citrus fruit, peppery herbs and green melon. The drinking flow is enormous, the salty tension combined with a subtle tangerine note provides plenty of fun, excitement and freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

The three sisters from Fittà: Meri, Valentina and Alessandra Tessari have turned the winery founded by their parents Giovanni and Rosetta in 1982 into one of the most respected addresses in Soave Classico. Suavia is the Germanic origin of "Soave" – the name says it all. While their neighbours from the flatlands have long since bowed to industrial pressure, the sisters cultivate exclusively the autochthonous Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave grape varieties on twelve hectares at an altitude of 300 metres. Their vineyards are located on the volcanic hills of Fittà, on copper-red, black and grey soils full of basalt and other volcanic rock. Here, where 50-year-old vines thrive on mineral-rich subsoil, wines of unmistakable expressiveness are produced.

Top Italian rosé made from selected Montepulciano grapes from 45-year-old vines: Spelt Cerasuolo is a rosé with origin and character – obtained from organically grown Montepulciano in medium-high vineyards near Spoltore. The 2024 vintage was characterised by balanced ripeness and cool nights, which gives the wine freshness and clarity. After a short maceration period, the wine is matured in stainless steel tanks.

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.

Vibrant, radiant colour, rich in green-golden reflections. The rich fragrance of this Moscato d'Allessandria (Zibibbo) is floral of white roses and acacia, followed by mineral notes, peach and orange blossom, to finish with candied citrus fruits and a hint of honey. On the palate, the olfactory impressions of mineral origin and the fresh structure are confirmed, savoury and enveloping. SUPERIORE.DE

Rustico is Nino Franco's bestseller. Brilliant silver-green colour. Fresh aroma of apple, white flowers and cut grass, with a tart coolness and well nuanced fruit on the palate and a delicate melting texture. A stylish and very sociable all-rounder at a high level! SUPERIORE.DE

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.

Under the name Askos, Li Veli summarises a project in which long-forgotten, indigenous grape varieties are rediscovered and cultivated on the ideal terroir selected for them. The red Susumaniello grape is said to originate from the nearby Dalmatian coast and is one of the most exciting grape varieties in Puglia today, even though it is rarely vinified as a single variety.

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

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 location give the wine depth and freshness in equal measure. Dense ruby red colour with a purple hue in the glass. The bouquet opens with black cherry, plum, violet and fine herbs, underpinned by tobacco, cocoa and a hint of graphite. Full-bodied on the palate, with ripe, finely interwoven tannins, juicy fruit and balsamic spice. The ageing in oak barrels lends additional complexity and length. A characterful, modern Aglianico with a traditional soul – powerful, precise and long-lasting. 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.

Nero di Lupo is COS' elegant contribution to Nero d'Avola – with a light, fruity and mineral flavour. The vines are rooted in red, calcareous clay soils, interspersed with sandy deposits and silicate layers that have shaped the character of Vittoria for thousands of years. At an altitude of around 230-300 metres, these soils bring freshness and tension to the wine – a clearly honed reflection of the terroir.

One of the most characterful white wines in southern Italy comes from the high vineyards around Tufo – the Riserva Cutizzi version of Greco di Tufo is particularly elegant and brooding. The mineral soils of volcanic origin, the cool nights at 500 to 600 metres above sea level and the selective harvest characterise the distinctive profile of this exceptional white wine. Light golden yellow in the glass with silvery reflections. The bouquet reveals a dense, yet focussed aroma: ripe yellow citrus fruit, nectarine, fennel green and a hint of wet chalk. Clear and structured on the palate, with a savoury freshness and creamy texture that comes from ageing on the fine lees. The vintage has a particularly lively acidity structure, which gives the wine length, precision and energy. A fine almond note and a delicate, almost sparse mineral grip on the finish.

Más de Fer is made from selected grapes from the Col de Fer and San Gallo hills. An exquisite cru that smells of meadow flowers and, with its pronounced fruitiness and delicate citrus acidity, is the ideal accompaniment from amuse-gueule to dessert. SUPERIORE.DE

Grandiose Cannonau with a clear will: Sincaru ("serious") has a beautiful dialectic in its name and the sunny elegance of the Gallura terraces in the glass. 100% Cannonau from sun-drenched vineyards near Arzachena, on calcareous-sandy granite soil, clear mineral depth. The sea breeze with its cool nights ensures lively freshness and varietal typicity. In the glass, Sincaru has a dark ruby red colour with a subtle garnet rim. The aroma is open and aromatic: blackcurrant, ripe sour cherry, Mediterranean herbal notes and a hint of bergamot, carried by a fine, salty minerality. On the palate, the wine is round and supple, with lively acidity and softly coated tannins. The finish is clear, persistent and savoury-mineral – typically Gallura, elegant and full-bodied. A masterful Cannonau with a charming, contemplative character that makes you want to discover it. SUPERIORE.DE

Andreolas Col del Forno brut is an elegant and well-balanced Prosecco from an outstanding Rive vineyard. A subtle, fresh aroma of green apple and young pear, delicate yet demanding on the palate with a drinky, citrus-fruity note. SUPERIORE.DE