Wine

The history of the sophisticated Gewürztraminer goes back to the early Middle Ages. The autochthonous grape variety thrives best on airy slopes between 250 and 450 m on clay and sandy soils with plenty of sunlight. And then the wine can be as convincing as this one: straw yellow with pale green reflections, with a distinctive bouquet of roses, some clove and vanilla and an independent character on the palate. A Gewürztraminer with support in the body, with a lot of elegance and harmony and a very well-crafted finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling golden yellow. Intense, aromatic nose, lots of ripe fruit exoticism, lychee and pineapple, rose petals and vanilla. Punchy and full-bodied on the palate, creamy texture, pleasantly warming, moderate acidity, mouthwatering, medium-long final." Falstaff

Antonio Bragato, born in Germany but with an absolute Friulian identity, joined forces 20 years ago with Gianni Maccari, who was cellar master at Livio Felluga for many years and founded his own winery Ronco della Rocca at the beginning of the millennium. Maccari, who has a degree in agronomy and Oenologist, is considered one of the best-trained viticultural experts in Friuli. The profound knowledge of his own 12 hectares of vineyards as well as the leased plots and the radical precision in the execution of every operation characterise the clear style and the reliable quality of the wines that Antonio Bragato creates there together with him.

From the 2019 vintage, Bragato's wine experiment enters a new era. Since then, the team has relied on an even more rigorous selection of the oldest vines from the coolest and best sites. The results of the "New Edition" can truly be seen and tasted. They are even more radical in complexity and finesse. We are pleased to be able to offer our customers the smallest editions of these wines, which confirm the many years of work and experience of the two quality fanatics!

In 2021, there was a truly exceptional harvest in Friuli. All the elements - acidity, low PH values, opulent extracts, juiciness, richness of aromas - are impressively present in the white wines. At the same time, the wines appear cool, racy and elegant despite their richness. Antonio Bragato's Sereno 2021, a white cuvée that he has brought to life impressively and even more precisely than ever before after a six-year break, is just as complex and full of tension. On the inviting bouquet, fresh, captivating aromas of pineapple, stone fruits, white flowers, bread crust and white currants. Juicy and very punchy in the drink, with a race and creaminess that is irresistible. The 7-month ageing on the fine lees provides complexity and depth that is exceptional for an "entry wine" into the great world of Bragato wines. SUPERIORE.DE

"Comes from 25-year-old vines. An all-rounder to start with, modelled on the Terlaner Cuvée. Unripe pineapple, one immediately senses the Sauvignon Blanc share, the Friulano rounds off the wine towards the back. Pleasing without being interchangeable." Weinwisser

"Ripe yet delicate pineapple aromas with notes of white flowers and candied lemon. Ripe and juicy, but also gentle and discreetly structured. The lively interplay of mineral freshness and animating acidity makes it hard not to like." James Suckling

"Fragrant, pineapple and mango, passion fruit and elderflower. In the mouth, the wine combines pressure and juiciness, the lively acidity and tactile-mineral motifs give it momentum and tension, the intensity of the (overall still closed) palate structure remains at a high level for quite a long time. May develop into great elegance." Falstaff

Pratto is a wonderfully complex cuvée of Turbiana, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Bianco. Sweet floral notes on the nose, elegant, fruity, creamy with mineral notes on the palate. A full-bodied, round wine that tempts you to the next glass ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Light straw yellow with green reflections. Fragrant nose, gooseberry, pineapple and meadow herbs. On the palate fruit-sweet, round, creamy, moderate acidity, medium-long final." Falstaff

The vines for Pinot Grigio Punggl thrive on soils with a high clay content south of Margreid. Bright straw yellow in colour with a brilliant core. Spicy, fruity aromas with notes of nuts, honey and fresh flowers lend it elegance and charm. Full-bodied and mineral flavour with a juicy structure and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Pinot Grigio Punggl is savory with a mineral-tinged bouquet of flinty crushed stone and musky citrus. This washes across the palate, reverberating tension and salty to the core. Crunchy orchard fruits add to its savory character. The 2022 finishes with medium length and a saline sensation that keeps the taster looking back to the glass for more." Vinous

The barrique-aged Is Solinas, which was vinified for the first time as a Riserva from 100% Carignano in the 2014 vintage, is remarkable. Deep red in colour, an independent, delicately spicy bouquet, hints of red fruit and balsamic notes. The palate reveals an astonishing fullness of extract, dense, soft, harmonious, complex and long-lasting. SUPERIORE.DE

"Vibrant and silky, this juicy red reveals a beam of raspberry coulis flavors. Finely balanced, with good weight and focus on the palate, but still light on its feet. Offers an underpinning of fresh loamy earth and details of dried lavender, milk chocolate and ground anise and pepper, which add complexity and linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Slate and dried berries with undertones of walnut, bark and mushrooms. Full-bodied and multi-layered with plenty of fruit and intensity. Juicy tannins and chewy texture, but it's polished and very pretty. Better in a year or two, but already excellent now." James Suckling

Bright light greenish yellow, fragrant bouquet of meadow flowers, a hint of apple, acacia honey and biscuits. Fine on the palate and very complex with its fine, fresh fruit flavours and a delicate, salty note on the full finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A legendary single-vineyard sparkling wine that never fails to impress: complex bouquet with floral and citrus notes; creamy on the palate, carried by the crisp acidity, juicy and fresh until the long final." Vinum

"Transparent straw yellow with persistent perlage. Elegant nose of pear, apple and meadow flowers. Pleasant fruity flavours on the palate with a fine perlage and a refreshing final." Falstaff

"Acacia and citrus blossom aromas open the nose of this lively Prosecco. Notes of Fuji apple and quince flow from the glass. On the palate, it is crisp and fresh with a gentle perlage that offers lemon, pear and a hint of almond." Wine Enthusiast

"Basil, mint and pear notes. Almost flamboyant, and yet the Adami approach to detail and inherent tension draw this into a taut taper. A hint of sherbet and bath salts in the finish." James Suckling

"A mythological vineyard in the appellation, emblematic in the return of raw material of refined elegance. A pure Glera, an odour that opens on notes of lime, then tabacchiera peach, wild sage and jasmine, the taste is iodine-salty, crisp, with a fruity-floral return." Luca Gardini

A delight for lovers of supple red wines and the second wine of Cotarella's Tenuta Montiano. Deep ruby red, slightly sweet notes of ripe blackberries and black cherries on the nose, some coffee, spices, vanilla and subtle toasted aromas. Pure and clear in the mouth, soft but powerful tannins, long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Famiglia Cotarella 2020 Merlot Sodale Cotarella represents terrific value. The undisputed theme of this wine is softness, and you get plenty of ripe, velvety fruit as a result. Black cherry and plum are framed by mild spice and cured tobacco. This is a medium-bodied red with melting tannins to pair with a classic plate of roast or fried chicken." Wine Advocate

"On the nose, rather subtle aromas of black olives, violets and crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with firm and polished tannins and a long and flavourful finish. Straightforward and long." James Suckling

Cecubo is a historic cuvée of Abbuoto, Primitivo and Piedirosso, among others, which was already highly appreciated by the ancient Romans. The expressive bouquet has nuances of wild berries, figs, vanilla and incense. The full-bodied taste and the medium body offer an interesting interplay between elegance and power. SUPERIORE.DE

The extremely elegant Langhe Nebbiolo from Pio Cesare is a nuanced, bright wine. Fruits, orange peel, spices and flowers on the nose. On the palate, beautifully round and full of energy with good potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Its secret is finesse and elegance, almost noblesse. A white wine with a delicate colour and delicate aromas, perfect for festive occasions." Michael Graf Goëss-Enzenberg, Weingut Manincor

Réserve della Contessa - the feminine wine. Delicate, shimmering colour with a fresh, elegant bouquet of green apple, ripe apricot and a hint of sage. Dense, long and with a fine melt on the palate. Rare noblesse! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow with greenish reflections. Tropical fruit, watermelon and yellow meadow flowers on the nose. Juicy and fresh on the palate, with a pleasant fruity sweetness and a long final." Falstaff

"Juicy flavors of nectarine, passion fruit and white cherry are set in this vivacious white, which is accented by blood orange peel, pink grapefruit granita and jasmine notes. This light- to medium-bodied version offers a tangy, salty finish." Wine Spectator

"Perfumed nose, but not overpowering. Jasmine, peach, orange citrus and lemongrass. Spicy on the palate, with bright acidity and a salty flavour at the end. Medium-long finish." James Suckling

"This blend of Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from one vineyard each in Terlan and Kaltern undergoes a maceration of around six hours with fermentation and maturation in oak barrels. The round flavour of white flowers, straw and stone fruit has a dusty, oaky note. It has a concentrated core of savoury, pithy and very structured yellow fruit, lime and honeysuckle. The finish is long, ripe and juicy, with apple and lime. Beautifully made." Decanter

Forcole is produced in a surprisingly small quantity for a Chianti Classico - just 15,000 bottles. The bouquet begins with a slender texture and aromas of wild berries, sour cherries, pressed violets and sweet earth. Supple, generous and inviting on the palate, it captures all the natural intensity of the vintage. Its attractive silky tannins and the rather darker and crispy-cool Sangiovese flavour profile of the Panzano region make it a great soloist as well as food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of ripe cherries and kirsch with dried flowers, pomegranate and tree bark. Some wet stones, too. Medium- to full-bodied, fine and polished with depth and intensity to the fruit. Some clove and vanilla undertones." James Suckling

"Made with 100% Sangiovese, the Tenuta degli Dei 2021 Chianti Classico Forcole shows tart cherry and cassis with potting soil, blue flower and grilled rosemary over a mid-weight finish. This is a classic expression of the grape from sunny Panzano in Chianti." Wine Advocate

Trudie and Sting's latest creation is a beautiful and very serious interpretation of the Vermentino grape. Pretty nose of peach, apple, lemon and fresh pears. Medium-bodied with well-integrated acidity and a creamy, fruity palate. As it progresses, pure and juicy with a nice depth and length. SUPERIORE.DE

In 1991, Luca and Valeria Orsini gave up their work in Milan to produce wine in Tuscany. Their winery comprises 10 hectares of south-east facing vineyards in Panzano and the wines have been certified organic since 2000. This outstanding Annata opens discreetly on the nose with subtle scents of cherry blossom, heather and roses. On the palate, it is decidedly red-fruited with redcurrants and raspberries, embraced by finely structured, powdery and persistent tannins. It has a beautiful energy and above all lets the true charm of Sangiovese shine through. A real high-flyer in terms of authenticity every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"This is racy with red-fruited character, showcasing notes of dried orange peel, red licorice and chocolate. Medium-bodied with juicy acidity and velvety, soft tannins. Supple finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Chianti Classico is gorgeous. Wonderfully pure and bright, the 2020 conveys the essence of Sangiovese in its vibrant red-toned fruit. Sweet floral and spice notes appear in the glass, extending the mid-palate and finish effortlessly. All the elements are so nicely balanced. The 2020 is all class. Give it a year or two to soften. The 2020 spent a year in cask followed by a year in cement." Vinous

Straw-yellow, banana and white flower-scented Chardonnay with a fresh, savoury taste, crisp, tropical fruit fullness and beautiful length. One of the great white wines of Tuscany! SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of waxed lemons and baked apples with toffee, almonds and praline on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, creamy and sleek with delicious stone fruit and a polished finish." James Suckling

"Showing a luminous and crystalline shine, the 2021 Chardonnay I Sistri is packed with citrusy flavors that cede to unripe peach, crisp pear and crushed stone. This is a classic expression of Chardonnay with lots of pretty fruit intensity. You also recognize it as a wine from Tuscany thanks to its soft, sun-kissed texture and those characteristic salty mineral notes." Wine Advocate

The grapes for this Pinot Noir come from three sites at an altitude of up to 980 metres. Different soils of moraine deposits, limestone gravel and sand give this ruby red wine its unmistakable character. On the nose, blackberries, raspberries and cherries. On the palate, it delights with power and finesse, its harmony and elegance thrilling us all the way to the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A blend of wild herbs, flowery underbrush and freshly picked strawberries introduces the 2021 Pinot Noir Turmhof. This is a juicy and pure effort with pretty red fruits accentuated by brisk acidity. It finishes remarkably fresh and with medium length. Rosy inner florals slowly fade." Vinous

Castello della Sala, located not far from Orvieto at an altitude of 500 metres, produces excellent wines without exception, as the inexpensive "entry-level wine" San Giovanni della Sala proves. The wine is produced in the vineyards of the ancient castle of Castello della Sala from the combination of the indigenous grape varieties Grechetto and Procanico with Pinot Bianco and Viognier and interprets the Orvieto Classico in a new style. Its freshness, richness and balance are remarkable, with notes of yellow flowers, green apple, sage and ginger. On the palate, an incredibly silky texture and juicy acidity guide this juicy white wine into a beautiful, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow colour. Fresh pineapple, yellow pear and apricot on the nose, with delicate floral aromas. Delicately fruity on the palate with well-integrated acidity, exotic, savoury final and good length." Falstaff

"The 2022 Orvieto Classico Superiore San Giovanni della Sala is savoury and mineral, opening with a burst of crushed stones and acidic citrus accompanied by spicy herbal notes. It blends vibrant ripe fruit with candied lime and savoury notes with a core of vibrant acidity. It finishes with tremendous length and leaves a hint of grapefruit and sweet mint as the mouth craves more. What a pleasure." Vinous

"Fuji apple aromas rise from the glass, followed by elegant flavours of white flowers, fresh herbs and river stone. On the palate, it shows tangy acidity reminiscent of green apple and lemon, and finishes with a lovely texture. This skilful white wine pairs well with lighter dishes, fish or pork." Wine Enthusiast

Excellent Langhe Nebbiolo. Garnet red in colour, with a pronounced aroma of ripe cherries, raspberries, dried rose petals and wild berries. The very juicy yet cool and elegant flavour shows silky yet solid flanking tannins and harmonious acidity. A profound red with plenty of persistence. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Some mint, watermelon and orange on the nose, fine raspberry notes after a little time. Great juiciness and clear fruit on the palate, vibrant, savoury, with fine persistence." Falstaff

"The G.D. Vajra 2022 Langhe Nebbiolo has so much bright freshness and primary intensity. It is a lovely entry-level wine that I can warmly recommend to lovers of Nebbiolo who are also mindful of the price. The wine smells of violets, sour cherry, raspberry, bitter almond and rosehip in the glass. It also has a very ruby-red, almost grenadine-like quality." Wine Advocate

This is one of the most interesting and expressive wines to come from the Vittoria area of Sicily. The Frappato is tangy and sharp, linear and direct. And it reveals more depth and nuances than one would expect in this price range. Normally, a good Frappato always has an authentic and transparent expression. This unmasked openness is also present here, but in addition there is an almost accidental hint of balsamic herbs and bitter almonds that give it further tension and personality. How good that Titta Cilia and Giusto Occhipinti leave nothing to chance, and so this finesse-rich frappato is rightly one of the region's most independent drops every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Frappato is remarkably pretty, opening with a cascade of violets and lavender leading into citrus and blackberries. The palate is soft and soothing, with ripe wild berries and liquorice supported by crisp acidity. The finish is long with a fluid floral note, while expertly maintaining freshness." Vinous