Wine

Bright ruby red with a violet rim. Ripe cherry, redcurrant and a hint of violet – inviting and typically Sangiovese, but with a southern Italian accent. Juicy fruit, lively freshness and pleasantly soft tannins on the palate. What makes it special is its origin: Molise – remote, underestimated, but ideal for red wines with a strong character and a special flavour. Maturation in stainless steel tanks preserves the freshness and purity, while the sun of the Osci hills ensures fullness. A purist, organically produced Sangiovese with an exciting Mediterranean profile – and not from Tuscany, but from Molise. SUPERIORE.DE

Since its creation in 1998, Vitiano Rosso has been one of the most successful Italian red wines on the international market – a classic that masterfully combines tradition and modernity. The grapes grow on the hills around Orvieto, where sedimentary limestone-clay soils with volcanic influences form the basis, at an altitude of around 300 metres. The blend of one third each of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is vinified separately: Merlot contributes fullness and velvety texture, Cabernet Sauvignon lends structure and depth, while Sangiovese provides balance with its lively acidity.

A Sicilian Merlot with a Mediterranean soul: the grapes for Marena come from the higher, well-ventilated vineyards inland around Presti e Pegni. Merlot thrives there with warm days and cool nights on calcareous soils with an ideal ripening process. Brilliant ruby red in the glass with a purple hue. The aroma opens with flavours of juicy cherry, plum and a hint of herbal spice. Round, juicy and accessible on the palate with well-integrated tannins, mild freshness and a pleasantly dry finish. The ageing in stainless steel tanks preserves the fruit and varietal character. An uncomplicated, yet harmonious Merlot, whose approachable style makes it ideal for pizza, pasta and relaxed everyday moments – sicilian and full of character. SUPERIORE.DE

The cuvée of 85% Sangiovese and 15% other grape varieties comes from the historic vineyards near Gaiole in Chianti. Vinified in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature, traditional ageing methods preserve the typical Sangiovese freshness and authentic Chianti character. Bright ruby red in the glass. The bouquet is characterised by dark fruit: black cherries and blackcurrants, with elegant notes of violets and balsamic hints of liquorice and mint. Juicy and refreshing on the palate with the characteristic playful acidity of Sangiovese, velvety spiciness and charming fruity notes that remain present into the finish. An uncomplicated but refined Chianti of remarkable authenticity. SUPERIORE.DE

Pecorino? You know it as sheep's milk cheese! Here in the Marche region, pecorino is above all an indigenous grape variety with a centuries-old tradition on the slopes of the Piceno Apennines. And what Saladini Pilastri makes from it is beautiful – organically vinified and with the character that makes this underrated region so special. The Saladini Pilastri organic winery cultivates four hectares of Pecorino vines in the municipalities of Spinetoli and Monteprandone, 150 metres above sea level. Here, on alluvial soils rich in gravel, they grow in an east-north-east orientation – perfect for the natural acidity and minerality that characterise this variety. 4,200 vines per hectare in the Guyot system, hand-picked in the first week of September when the grapes have reached their optimum balance.

Nieddera – an almost forgotten grape variety that has only survived in Sardinia. Attilio Contini has been preserving this heritage for decades and, with his Rosato, impressively demonstrates how much charm this old variety harbours. The wine is produced in the Valle del Tirso, not far from Oristano, where the warm climate and proximity to the sea ensure fragrant freshness. Brilliant salmon pink with copper-coloured reflections in the glass. The bouquet is lively and typically Mediterranean: ripe raspberry, pink grapefruit, rosehip and a hint of wild fennel. The palate is juicy, slightly herbal and delicately flavoured. The fine acidity provides freshness, the body remains round and balanced.

A white wine that breathes Sardinia, created from 100% Nuragus, the island's ancient indigenous grape variety. The grapes come from the oldest vineyards in the lower Sulcis, grown on sandy-clay soil, blown by the Mediterranean wind and characterised by warm, dry summers. Manual harvesting takes place late, often in autumn, in order to achieve maximum aromatic ripeness. The processing follows a clear line: gentle pressing, controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks and several months of maturation in cement tanks on the fine lees.

Soave has an image problem with many – wrongly so. Anyone who believes that the name stands for pale white wine with no origin is not yet familiar with the eastern hills of Colognola ai Colli. Here, on volcanic soils with sulphurous minerality, Garganega grows with a precision that one would not expect. Monte di Colognola bears the name of its UGA – the Additional Geographical Unit, one of the largest and westernmost hills in the denomination.

A red wine that doesn't disguise itself. The cuvée of 50% Nero d'Avola, 25% Merlot, 20% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Franc comes from organically farmed vineyards between Menfi and Noto – from limestone and clay soils that give the wine structure without imposing heaviness. 2024 was a tight, hot year in Sicily: 30% less harvest than normal, but perfect ripeness. The mash fermented for 7–8 days in stainless steel, initially cool at 16–17°C, open to 25°C towards the end – gentle, precise, fruit-centred.

The name says it all: Ottocento refers to the traditional 19th century method by which this wine is partially fermented. 50% Lambrusco Salamino – fruity, acidic, 40% Lambrusco Grasparossa – full-bodied, soft, 10% Ancellotta for colour and depth. The Cantina itself calls it the duel between "il diavolo e l'acqua santa" – devil and holy water. The pinch of mousse in the Charmat process emphasises the grape varieties without overpowering them.

Named after an iron-rich cave in the region, this wine symbolises what characterises the Sulcis in southern Sardinia: rough, warm, mineral and yet full of charm – and yet full of charm. The Carignano grapes come from old vines rooted in the calcareous, clayey-sandy soils around Santadi. The Mediterranean climate with warm days and cool nights promotes ripeness and freshness in equal measure. After temperature-controlled fermentation and completed malolactic fermentation, the wine matures traditionally in cement tanks.

Villa Grazianella – a 17th century villa surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and orchards on the hills of Acquaviva – stands at the heart of the Fattoria del Cerro, the largest private producer of Nobile di Montepulciano. The new wine name is both a tribute and an indication of origin. The Rosso di Montepulciano is made from Prugnolo Gentile – the local Sangiovese clone that has adapted to the climate and soil of the Colli Senesi over the centuries. Fermentation at a controlled temperature with daily pumping over, followed by maturation in the cellar for at least four months.

Deep ruby red in colour with a purple hue. On the nose, the wine radiates intense aromas of red and black fruits such as blackberry and plum, with floral lily notes and subtle spicy nuances. Medium-bodied, juicy and fresh on the palate, with elegant, rounded tannins and a pure, fruit-accentuated final. Made from 100% Montepulciano, organically grown on sandy-clayey, chalky soils in Abruzzo. Accessible, very charming and uncomplicated - a wine full of character for every day that combines origin and sustainability. SUPERIORE.DE

A wine that communicates its authenticity with unaffected elegance: Antigua is a harmonious liaison of 85% Monica and 15% Carignano – grapes that ripen on limestone and clay-rich soils in the lowlands of Sulcis. The warm, dry climate gives them depth and aromatic substance, while the cool sea breeze adds finesse and freshness. After the harvest, a traditional maceration with pump-ups takes place and the wine then matures in cement tanks to preserve its originality.

Arnaldo Caprai is Umbria – or more precisely: Montefalco. The house that brought Sagrantino out of its slumber and turned it into an international great has been in family hands since 1971. "Anima Umbra" is the light-footed side of this winery – no claim to eternity, but all the more pleasure in the moment. 85% Grechetto, 15% Trebbiano Spoletino. Three months in steel, three months in bottle – clear, direct, without detours. Grechetto provides the backbone: structure, a slight bitterness, mineral freshness. Trebbiano Spoletino rounds off, adds flavour and volume.

The grapes for this wonderful Soave Classico come from the cru sites in front of the Castello di Soave and on the Costeggiola hill, a very hilly terrain with a silty-sandy texture, rich in active limestone and volcanic rock. Floral and delicate notes of fresh yellow fruit. Dry on the palate, beautifully expressive and very precise with a lively freshness. A very appealing everyday wine with a lovely drinkability. SUPERIORE.DE

100% Syrah from the south coast of Sicily, characterised by the warm climate and the limestone-rich soils around Butera. In the glass, the wine is dark ruby in colour with violet reflections. The bouquet is intense and spicy: black cherry, blackberry, some black pepper and fine roasted flavours. Powerful and juicy on the palate, with soft tannins, a mild, well-supporting acidity and a pleasantly spicy final. A versatile, modern red with a clear structure. SUPERIORE.DE

Sicily at its brightest, lightest-footed best. The Planeta family's Segreta vineyards are located between Menfi and Sambuca di Sicilia – on calcareous soils close to the sea and on the cool, gravel-strewn slopes of the Ulmo estate at 210 metres above sea level. It is precisely this combination that characterises the Bianco: 40% Grecanico as the aromatic backbone, complemented by Grillo, Chardonnay and other varieties in equal proportions. Fermented at a cool 15–16°C, then on the fine lees with weekly bâtonnage – no wood, no intervention, just texture and freshness.

A typical Grillo variety from the western half of Sicily, the grapes come from vines on calcareous soil at medium altitude near Salemi. Brilliant straw yellow in the glass with a greenish tinge. Ripe yellow fruit, some grapefruit, honeydew melon and a hint of salty sea breeze on the nose. The 2024 is clear and juicy on the palate, with well-integrated acidity, a fine extract sweetness, some lime zest and noticeable minerality on the finish. The ageing in stainless steel preserves freshness and purity. A characterful, Mediterranean white wine with restrained elegance – goes perfectly with antipasti, grilled fish or summer vegetable dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

When you think of Umbria in red – and immediately think of Sagrantino. But Caprai knows that not every evening calls for a grand entrance. "Anima Umbra" Rosso is the honest antithesis, suitable for everyday use – made from the indigenous Sangiovese and Canaiolo varieties that have characterised Umbria for centuries, long before Sagrantino took over the headlines. Eight months in barriques, then in the bottle. The result: bright ruby red, redcurrant, plum, violet, fine tannin – dry, fresh, with natural fruit and the character of a region that has more to offer than just one star. With pasta with meat sauce, arrosto, salumi. This is Umbria, completely relaxed. SUPERIORE.DE

Cerasuolo – the name is derived from cerasa, cherry, and also describes the bright colour of this rosé made from pure Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. The Di Properzio brothers have been vinifying it in Spoltore near Pescara since 1990: hand-picked, 18 hours of maceration, then saignée and slow fermentation at low temperature in stainless steel. No wood, no frills – just grape variety and terroir. Cherry red in the glass, fresh sour cherry, strawberry and a hint of pomegranate on the nose. Lively acidity on the palate, juicy flavour and a salty minerality reminiscent of the proximity to the Adriatic. Not a pale terrace rosé, but a wine with a backbone – and one of Italy's often underestimated rosés. SUPERIORE.DE

Cerasuolo means cherry red – and the name says it all. What Illuminati vinifies from Montepulciano grapes as rosato has nothing to do with the pale summer rosé that you forget between two deckchairs. Only 15 hours of maceration at a cool temperature – just enough to extract colour, aroma and the characteristic Adriatic salt fingerprint without taking any tannin or heaviness with it. Then fermentation in white, steel, care.