Wine Spectator

The straw yellow Soave Classico smells light and floral of citrus, apple, jasmine and elderberry. Soft and creamy on the palate with subtle almond tones and a mineral vein, all embedded in a fresh, crisp acidity. A vibrant, sophisticated white with aromatic character and a tasty bite. Certified organic since the 2019 vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Crisp and lightly chalky, this seamless, light-bodied white offers juicy notes of ripe melon and nectarine, with hints of honeysuckle, pickled ginger and blood orange peel." Wine Spectator

"Fresh lemon, white-peach and dry-stone aromas follow through to a medium body with a tight mineral framework and a clean bead of lemony fruit to the end." James Suckling

The Riserva from the great traditional line of de Castris captivates with intense cherry fruit and fine wood notes. Powerful, round and harmonious on the palate, with a wonderfully long finish. Every year a fantastic price-pleasure ratio! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright dark ruby. Very spicy nose bordering on animal, pepper, dried rose petal, then Amarena cherry, reverberating with pickled plums. On the palate then marked by beautiful juiciness and freshness, opens with delicate pressure, shows character, slightly salty, coherent palate progression." Falstaff

"A harmonious red, medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and well-knit flavors of crushed black cherry, espresso crema, violet and spice. A streak of rich, loamy earth is the savory underpinning that emerges on the chewy finish." Wine Spectator

"An alluring mix of clove, allspice, ginger and dusty rose rises up from the 2017 Salice Salentino Riserva. It's silky in texture yet lifted in feel, presenting a pure display of red and blue fruits giving way to exotic spices and sweet tannins that saturate toward the close. Notes of plum and licorice linger through the long, lightly structured finale." Vinous

Pure-varietal Corvina of extraordinary substance and with a full aroma of blueberry, blackberry, violet and mint. The juicy, spicy taste with beautiful fruit sweetness, dense tannin and fresh acidity ensures great drinking pleasure. Concentrated, complex and very juicy. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe red fruit aromas with hints of prune and raisin. Fresh on the palate with decent structure and body." Decanter

"A medium-bodied red that knits savory smoke, iron and tobacco notes with flavors of ripe black currant, licorice and spiced orange peel in a bright and charming package. Light, taut tannins are enmeshed with the creamy flavor range, emerging on the crisp finish." Wine Spectator

"The Sartori 2018 Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore Regolo is a nicely balanced expression that doesn't take too many risks in terms of ripeness or intensity. Indeed, this is a common trait across many of the wines from this cooler vintage that tend to be more subdued in character and thinner in structure. This wine wears these attributes well with a good dose of sweet or air-dried fruit such as blackcurrant and prune." Robert Parker

"A very pleasant Ripasso with super-clean red and black fruit, together with a darker note of charred oak. Medium-to full-bodied with fine tannins and a flavorful finish. A tasty, savory option now, but this is well-structured and ready for further bottle aging." James Suckling

Bright ruby red, notes of cherry, raspberry and violet. Delicately fine tannins, carried by a fresh acidity framework with subtle extract sweetness, round off the immensely good value and juicy Tuscan experience. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliantly shining garnet. Revealing aroma of fresh cherries and redcurrants, paired with green pepper and cloves, also delicate hints of cocoa bean. Hits the palate lively, with nice interplay between acidity and fruit, compact, fine-bodied, with good draw, nice fruit core, persistent on the finish." Falstaff

"Open and fluid, this red evokes blackberry and blueberry fruit, framed by earth and underbrush notes. There's a solid structure, with bright acidity in tandem with dusty tannins." Wine Spectator

"Plenty of sour-cherry and floral aromas with hints of orange peel. It’s medium-bodied with firm, silky tannins and a fresh, clean finish. Very typical Chianti Classico." James Suckling

Cogno's classic Dolcetto Vigna del Mandorlo is a very typical interpretation of the grape variety and fascinates with a complex bouquet. The juicy taste is carried by fine tannin and shows a wonderful bitter almond tone in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Dolcetto d'Alba Mandorlo is a delightfully easy and genuine expression of this versatile and food-friendly grape. From a classic vintage that was most kind to the many indigenous grapes grown across the Langa, this wine is bursting with red cherry fruit and fresh raspberry." Robert Parker

"A mix of cherry, kirsch and black currant aromas and flavors permeate this red. Bright, yet also dense with tannins that leave a solid grip on the finish." Wine Spectator

Bright ruby red. The bouquet opens with cedar, then plum and small red berries. Medium-bodied, fresh and with a pleasant buoyancy, precise fruit and a pleasing finish. A wonderful toast wine with ambition! SUPERIORE.DE

"This broad red is laced with cherry, leather, loam and tobacco flavors, backed by firm, dusty tannins. Balanced, with a succulent finish." Wine Spectator

"Dried-cherry, smoke and walnut aromas follow through to a medium body with light tannins and a succulent finish. Linear and bright." James Suckling

Fresh ruby red with violet reflections. Refined scent of rose petals, roasted herbs, elder and small red berries. Fleshy-drinking taste of fruit compote, the tannin very fresh and supple. Long finish with great Italian personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Dogliani San Luigi is a very pretty, floral wine. Crushed flowers, spice and dark red berry fruit give this mid-weight Dogliani a good deal of freshness to match its inviting personality." Vinous

"Bright and juicy, this red matches cherry, boysenberry and strawberry fruit with lively acidity. A mineral element and light dusting of tannins linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

The country dance (controdanza) is a typical dance in which man and woman face each other and unite in graceful movements - depending on their gender, the dancers interpret the music in their own way. This wine is exactly the same: Nero d'Aola and Merlot - as is well known, opposites attract and, with the right intuition, can adjust wonderfully to each other, forming harmony and contrast at the same time.

Strong purple. Mulberry and plum contrast with incense and balsamic notes. The grapes all come from calcareous soils, which again bridges the gap and makes this young wine balancing and harmonious. Soft tannins and beautifully integrated delicate acidity carry Controdanza into a smooth, medium-length finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Minerally up front, with lots of tarry smoke and hot stone on the nose, notes that underscore the palate's dried raspberry, singed orange peel and tobacco flavors. Medium- to full-bodied and gusty, with a firm, focused finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of smoke, dried cherries, mushrooms and hints of eucalyptus. It's medium-to full-bodied with plenty of earthy, umami notes and citrus peel. Light tannins." James Suckling

Impeccable Pinot Bianco in brilliant clear light yellow with clean fruit aromas and lively minerality. Pear, quince and floral memories on the palate, plus a brilliant, creamy texture. The fine-bodied Pinot Blanc is one of the winery's trademarks. SUPERIORE.DE

"Snappy acidity frames this lively, light-bodied white, which features a creamy range of ripe pear and pineapple, blood orange zest and grated ginger flavors all underscored by a streak of stony mineral." Wine Spectator

"A very striking pinot bianco that combines concentration and elegance with stony minerality. Hints of exotic fruit, flowers and spices make this a fascinating expression of this still underrated grape." James Suckling

"This is lovely in its streamlined purity and simplicity. The entry-level 2020 Alto Adige Pinot Bianco Tradition is redolent of citrus, crushed stone and tangy grapefruit. Fresh and lively, this Pinot Bianco shows lots of life and energy. It's very pretty. Drink it young with a buttery linguine and shrimp scampi." Robert Parker

Bright ruby red. Bric del Salto interprets the famous Piedmontese grape variety in a direct and classic way. A fruity bouquet combines with the spiciness typical of Neive. On the palate, again clear, with precise fruit, the right dose of fine tannin - and over all, an inspiring freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Blackberry, black currant and violet flavors are defined by vivid acidity in this red. Earth and mineral accents add depth. Balanced and long." Wine Spectator

Rosso Non Confunditur from Argiano is made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. The wine opens with a dark ruby colour and aromas of wild berries, flowers and red berries. On the palate, it thankfully does not show the cloying heaviness or dense extraction found in many other protagonists of the Super Tuscan category. In fact, NC is accessible and fresh, rounded off with a good amount of crisp acidity and a well-proportioned body. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright garnet with brightening rim. In the nose with bright spice, a hint of dark forest berries, needs some air to fully develop. On the palate then with juicy fruit and tight tannin, spreads nicely over the tongue, again juicy in the finish." Falstaff

"A bit reserved, with ample black cherry, black currant and spice flavors set within a solid structure. Fresh and focused, it lingers, echoing the fruit and adding an iron note." Wine Spectator

"The ripe berries with delicate chocolate and hazelnut undertones are very attractive, as are the dusty tannins and herbal, berry and light tobacco undertones at the finish. Just a little more time will make it all the better." James Suckling

Rich ruby red with a violet hue, the typical cherry flavour with notes of roses and bitter almonds caresses the palate. This very authentic Dolcetto shines with a powerful body and the fruity-crisp finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Black cherry, rose and juniper aromas and flavors mark this pliable red. Picks up a touch of earth on the finish, yet this is overall pure and full of finesse." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Dolcetto d'Alba is absolutely gorgeous. Bright red berry fruit, spice and floral accents all grace this energetic, vibrant, mid-weight Dolcetto. The Vajra Dolcetto is done entirely in steel. It is as classic as it gets. There's lovely freshness here." Vinous

Rare white from Vajra's 4-acre boutique vineyard Baudana in Serralunga. Bright, luminous straw yellow. Fresh bouquet of citrus, nectarine, flint and flower meadow. On the palate with fine acid wire, interesting aromatics and medium body, making it a prime companion for exotic and light summer dishes. Fresh finish with beautiful minerality. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Luigi Baudana 2020 Langhe Bianco Dragon is mostly Chardonnay with Sauvignon Blanc, Nascetta and a touch of Riesling. These results are glossy and shiny in this vintage, showing enormous purity and lifted intensity. The bouquet is really very beautiful, with orchard fruit, preserved lemon and an elegant touch of natural rubber that works perfectly. In fact, you can smell the wine even when the glass is placed far away. To the palate, it is silky and smooth, and something you might want to bring on a special fly-fishing trip to pair with your evening dinner of lemon-pepper trout." Robert Parker

"Floral, apple and lemon aromas and flavors grace this vibrant, racy white. Balanced, with a mineral underpinning and lingering citrus finish. Not super long, but very refreshing and drinkable." Wine Spectator

Mediterra with inviting aromas of pepper, red currant, sage and black pepper is round and harmonious on the palate with beautiful fruit and spice, a perfect food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright garnet red with gentle rim brightening. Opens delicately on nuances of black elderberries, ripe fig, something spicy of rosemary and sage. Good concentration on the palate, lively acidity cuts through the dense tannin structure, fine melting, compact pressure, slight dryness on the finish." Falstaff

"A pretty red, bursting with blackberry, violet, bacon and black pepper flavors, matched to a firm yet refined structure. Vibrant and balanced, with oak spice accents lingering on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Very aromatic and pretty with red cherry and spice. Some black cherry, too. Medium body, creamy and round tannins and a fresh finish." James Suckling

Mastroberardino makes a special effort to cultivate the ancient grape variety Fiano. It was already cultivated by the Romans, who called it Vitis apiana because of its special attraction to bees (apis). It produces a wine - straw yellow and wonderfully aromatic with a spicy honey and nut bouquet. The characteristic taste is very harmonious. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is lightly creamy and minerally, a light-bodied white with an overtone of smoke and stone layered with the well-cut acidity and flavors of Asian pear, pickled ginger and lemon thyme." Wine Spectator

"This is a fun and versatile white wine. The 2019 Fiano di Avellino Radici is fresh and buoyant with white peach, crushed stone, honey and sage. This is an exceedingly fresh and snappy expression of Fiano, with good acidity and tension, promising an easy pairing with a Neapolitan "pasta cas' cucuzziell e ova," a cheesy pasta with zucchini and eggs." Robert Parker

"Exotic-fruit, pear and white-spring-flower aromas mingle together with a delicate whiff of smoke. The savory, vibrant palate features white stone fruit, lemon drop and a hint of honeyed almond alongside tangy acidity. A saline note adds depth." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Fiano di Avellino Radici is remarkably fresh and vibrant, showing ripe pear with hints of mango. A whiff of smoky florals evolve as the Radici sweeps across the senses with grace, displaying flavors of ripe orchard fruits, then savory hints of sage and minerals. The finish is long and fresh, neatly framed by a twang of residual acids with a saline quality, which begs for another sip." Vinous

"The lemons, lemon grass and dried peaches are embracing on the nose, following through to the palate with a creamy texture and a long, precise finish. Nicely focused." James Suckling

Re di More is an intense and outstanding Aglianico from genuine single-vineyard Prephylloxera clones that combines richness and harmony in the most beautiful way. Aromas of dried fruits, leather, tobacco and spices are perfectly interwoven with fruit, acidity and tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"A richly tarry, minerally overtone on the nose integrates with flavors of baked blackberry, fig cake, cured tobacco and melted licorice. Round and medium- to full-bodied, this appealing red balances a lavish flavor profile with bright acidity and light tannins that define the fresh, spiced finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Aglianico Re di More leads off with a burst of ripe blackberry preserves, complemented by a whiff of cinnamon and confectioners' sugar. On the palate, soft textures usher in ripe fruits contrasted by saline-minerals over a core of vibrant acids and spice. The finish is long, leaning more toward the savory side, as tart red and black fruits come together with sour citrus, creating a cheek-puckering expression, as hints of youthful tannins linger on. From the bouquet, you expect a blockbuster; yet instead, the palate delivers a pure and zesty expression of Aglianico." Vinous

"Wild aromas of raspberries and cappuccino with some dried flowers. Full-bodied and layered with lots of primary fruit at the moment, but it will age very nicely." James Suckling

Ornello is an open wine with beautiful, inviting aromas of ripe, dark fruits and vegetal notes. Pleasantly fruity and full on the palate with good length and balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"A mix of Tuscan macchia, iron, tobacco and soy flavors swirl around the core of black cherry and blackberry in this expressive, intense red. Solidly built and fresh, with vibrant structure driving the long aftertaste." Wine Spectator

The Chianti Classico exudes beautiful fruit and spice notes, juicy and flattering on the palate. Successful - this classic from Castello di Monsanto foreshadows the style of the even greater reds from this winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, bright ruby. Very fragrant and appealing nose, of ripe cherries and raspberries, with spicy rosemary behind. On the palate very polished in approach and course, very finely meshed, in the final lot of pressure and long reverberation." Falstaff

"Mid to deep crimson. A little closed on the nose with brooding ripe red fruit and hints of black pepper and cinnamon bark. Perfumed, tangy cherry fruit with firm, bitter-sweet tannins that make themselves felt on the finish, yet the whole is elegant and long." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Chianti Classico is a soft, easygoing wine to drink now and over the next decade or so. Hints of tobacco, cedar and dried herbs add complexity to the red cherry Sangiovese fruit. This attractive, silky Chianti Classico has so much to offer, but give it a few years first." Vinous

"Beautifully defined and pure, featuring black cherry, black currant, iron and wild rosemary aromas and flavors. Harmonious enough to enjoy now, yet will develop nicely over the next decade or two." Wine Spectator

"Sweet-berry, cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Full-bodied with lightly chewy tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. A dusty mouth feel to it. Tangy at the end. So solid. Will age beautifully." James Suckling

The aromatically fresh Capitel Foscarino made from Garganega and a pinch of Chardonnay is delicious. Brilliant colour in the glass, beguiling fruit on the nose, round and harmonious on the palate with wonderfully integrated acidity and beautiful length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sleek acidity creates a mouthwatering impression and defines the finely knit flavors of poached apricot, tangerine peel, fresh hay and Marcona almond on display in this creamy, light- to medium-bodied white. Bright and expressive, with a subtle, mineral-laced finish of smoke, matchstick and spice." Wine Spectator

Dark ruby red. Dense bouquet of blackcurrant aromas, cocoa and a floral note of mild herbs. Full-bodied and fruity on the palate. The well-balanced components make the wine seem like velvet and silk. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. On the nose of ripe strawberry, lush raspberry, a hint of green spice and pepper, reverberating with rose petal. Juicy and present on the palate with tight, juicy tannin, spans a fine arc, long and elegant, with a salty finish." Falstaff

"Abundantly aromatic, this fresh red leads with lots of fresh-chopped rosemary and marjoram notes, as well as a more subtle thread of smoky mineral that underscores the flavors of wild cherry, red currant and Mandarin orange peel. Light, taut tannins define the snappy finish." Wine Spectator

The Chianti Classico from Tenuta Sant' Alfonso is a sophisticated drop of authentic make: red fruits, dried flowers and spices on the nose, followed by a taut, juicy taste - everything in the right place! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby garnet. Smells of ripe, fresh cherries, some blood orange on the nose. Round and supple on the palate, shows a lot of sweet melting, grippy, finely meshed tannin, cinnamon on the final, medium length." Falstaff

"Plum, leather, eucalyptus and earth flavors ply this tense, linear red. It's on the chewy side, courtesy of dense tannins, yet long and savory." Wine Spectator

"Subtle aromas of cherry, citrus and burnt orange with some fresh mushroom. Medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins that are fine and polished. Very typical and real for the appellation." James Suckling

Castellares Chianti Classico with refined aromas reminiscent of juicy sweet cherries, flowers and spices such as mint. Silky and polished on the palate, the final long and creamy. A radiant, seductive wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium dense shimmering garnet red with ruby accents. Delicate aroma of a composition of fresh wild berries and a hint of mint, hints of bergamot and poppy seeds. Lively on the palate, with a wiry structure, still somewhat youthful in tannin, shows clear fruit on the finish, lingers long." Falstaff

"Owner Paolo Panerai adopted organic practises when he took over his family’s estate in 1975, though he has never certified the wines. His iconic labels depict the multitude of rare birds that have returned to the property since the use of synthetic chemicals was eradicated. Pronounced and pretty with scents of allspice, rose, violet and a hint of leather. The palate is sumptuous and layered, with ripe cherry, plum and a juicy nectarine quality. Charmingly exuberant, this is clean and polished but not too polite. It's quite racy and finishes with an orange twist." Decanter

"Aromas of redcurrants, raspberries, pine and cedar. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and bright acidity. Juicy and precise on the palate with good structure and a flavorful finish." James Suckling

"Aromas of graphite and eucalyptus are distinctive, giving way to a core of ripe, juicy black cherry, black currant, tar and tobacco flavors. Firm yet balanced in a youthful, exuberant way, with a lingering finish of both fruit and balsamic notes." Wine Spectator

"Castellare's 2019 Chianti Classico is a terrific introduction to this range. Bright and beautifully perfumed, with lovely energy, the 2019 is all classy. Crushed flowers, bright acids and cedar lift a core of red berry fruit. The 2019 is vibrant, deep and full of character. I loved it." Vinous

Zenato's world-famous Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore is a rich wine with the best value. Diverse aromas of dark fruits, coffee, liquorice and spices. Harmonious, long and round. A blockbuster and on everyone's lips! SUPERIORE.DE

"Candied cherry and strawberry jam with toast and cedar aromas, a broad and velvety palate and rich and juicy tannins." Decanter

"A rich, medium- to full-bodied red with a deep toasty layer of smoke, brioche, coffee and spice layered with abundant dried cherry, red licorice and roasted fig flavors. It's well-integrated, with sculpted tannins emerging to firm the long, mouthwatering finish." Wine Spectator

"Very focused aromas and flavors of crushed blackcurrants with hints of spice, dried flowers and ash. Intense core of fruit on the medium to full palate with almost a red-licorice coating to the fine, firm tannins. Long finish with persistent fruit. Very sturdy. Always an outstanding bottle." James Suckling