Wine

The eruption of 1614 is legendary in the history of Etna, as it lasted ten years, making it the longest recorded eruption of the active volcano to date. A very impressive and fitting name for Planeta's Etna series of equally impressive wines.

Carricante from Planeta's Etna vineyard is an exceptional wine full of freshness, energy and minerality. This noble grape variety thrives in exclusive conditions, on volcanic soils and at altitudes of 870 metres. A wonderfully complex pleasure that is only ever released for sale two years after the harvest. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Carricante Eruzione 1614 combines richness with vibrancy: ripe peach and melon are complemented by floral honey notes and hazelnut. It is soft and supple, but with a core of zesty acidity that balances tropical citrus tones under a hint of exotic flowers. The 2020 finishes clean and mineral, with hints of lime and fresh mint. The Eruzione 1614 Carricante always stands out in my tastings, which makes sense, as its 10% Riesling Renano content gives it unexpected energy." Vinous

"This white wine, made exclusively from steel, comes from Contrada Sciaranuova on the north side of Mount Etna and is made from 100% Carricante (previous vintages contained around 10% Riesling). Flinty, earthy and smoky, it has aromas of green and yellow fruit and an intense, juicy palate with plenty of succulence and freshness." Decanter

"Wild oregano and seaweed (with lemon and brine) combine on the nose to create a perfect marriage of volcano and gulf that dominate the space in which it is produced. Roasted herbs and seawater-washed slate are found on the palate, as well as stone fruit that is bursting with citrus and acidity and seemingly never-ending." Wine Enthusiast

"Intense nose with notes of oatmeal, seeds, white nuts and minerals to the stewed lemons and apples. Fresh, tangy and attractively savoury on the palate with bright, zesty acidity and a nice phenolic kick at the end. Excellent concentration and salinity." James Suckling

The vineyards are located around Margreid on a gentle slope between 220 and 350 m above sea level with a south-southeast orientation. The white, deep limestone gravel soil has a high humus content. Intense ruby red. In the warm bouquet blackberries, blueberries, cherry and balsamic notes. The palate is deep, dense, with spicy tannins and well-defined primary fruit. The long final is full of character, soft and with a nice freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

A very well-balanced Chardonnay with a strong personality and the clarity and depth you expect from Maculan. A summery, warm fruit bouquet of apricot and peach, with an appetising hint of fresh bread and very delicate vanilla. Uninhibitedly juicy, yet fine, creamy and elegant in flavour with a pleasant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Pretty ruby red colour. Striking berry notes on the nose, cassis, white cherry and a hint of forest floor. Soft and fleshy on the palate, with tart cherries and a core of lively acidity with a hint of herbs. The finish is medium-long and clean, reminiscent of dried berries with a hint of spice. A wine that not only impresses with its great drinking flow. SUPERIORE.DE

Beautiful Sauvignon Bianco from Maculan's famous Ferrata white wine vineyard on volcanic and tufaceous soils. Clear, fresh bouquet of citrus and gooseberry, then ripe tropical fruit, peach with a hint of saffron. Full and multi-layered on the palate with seductive flavours of lemon, orange blossom and mint. The finish is complex and long - a white full of character with a high recognition value. SUPERIORE.DE

The Biancosesto is a true Friulian made from equal parts of the local Ribolla Gialla and Friulano grape varieties. Fresh, citrus-fruity aroma with hints of apple and pear, accompanied by a full-bodied, harmonious and pleasantly dry flavour. A refined interpretation of down-to-earthness with a beautiful arc of tension. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense straw yellow with green nuances. Intense and multi-layered nose of ripe yellow peach, apricot and some fragrant hawthorn. Sparkling on the palate, finely worked out fruit, opens with notes of apple and apricot, spreads out well, firm pressure on the final, slight bitter note." Falstaff

"The Biancosesto 2021 exudes exotic floral scents and a delicate hint of zesty spice in the glass. It is luxuriously round and soothing with a gentle inner sweetness and ripe orchard fruit balanced by candied lime, while a tingling acidity maintains freshness. Tropical melon and lemon zest linger as the 2021 finishes remarkably fresh and long. This is a fine vintage for the Biancosesto, which is made from equal parts Friulano and Ribolla Gialla." Vinous

"Lemon, aniseed, peaches and herbs on the nose. Creamy and refreshing, with lively acidity, a medium body and delicious spicy and herbal notes." James Suckling

Fine and elegant, the Barbera d'Alba Pian Romualdo from the vineyard of the same name: purple red, with an elegant scent of cherries, blackberries and spices. Full, harmonious and of beautiful length on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

Campanaro from Fiano and Greco glows in a warm, sunny yellow hue. The bouquet reveals a variety of scents, ripe pear, candied orange peel and fig, followed by honey and hawthorn. The palate presents its rich and round texture as well as a fine pleasant acidity. The underlying mineral content gives the wine fresh highlights and leads to a balanced, wonderful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of dried pineapples, mangoes, caramel, grilled herbs and buttered toast. Medium to full body with a creamy, ripe and layered palate. Lots of flavor." James Suckling

"This is a new Riserva expression from Feudi di San Gregorio. The 2020 Fiano di Avellino Riserva Campanaro is beautifully smooth and silky. It presents pretty aromas of Anjou pear, Golden Delicious apple, blanched almond and gentle notes of hay or dried grass. Those fruit tones are capped by crushed stone and chalk." Wine Advocate

The single-varietal Croatina Pertichetta presents itself in a medium-deep ruby garnet. In the full bouquet we discover fleshy notes, clove, untanned leather and dark chocolate tones. On the palate, initially with a nice balance, crisp tannins take over in the middle course (when young), before the long finish with present, ripe sour cherry tones and a beguiling depth. Not a wine for everyday entertainment, but a complex, powerful and extremely serious red, which should ideally be treated with the necessary seriousness only in a few years - reward guaranteed! SUPERIORE.DE

Dievoles Chianti Classico Petrignano is the result of the effort to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. Petrignano is the name of a characteristic area with a soil rich in minerals and stones. At an altitude of about 330 metres, rocks protrude from the ground, typical of the geological formation of Monte Morello. The abundance of stones, the depth of the roots and the low growth of the vines result in an expressive and lush wine from this characteristic and authentic cru site.

Intense ruby red. Very appealing bouquet dominated by ripe fruit, cherry and blackberry aromas. Juicy, full and rich on the palate, with blackberry and ripe fruit flavours. Warm and velvety finish with fine and soft tannins that are very accentuated interwoven with the fine acid structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange reflections. Lively cherry nose with some signs of development and hints of tobacco leaf and sweet spice. Spicy, juicy cherry fruit and crisp tannins. More energetic on the palate than on the nose, and that's where it hits the spot." Jancis Robinson

"Dark forest fruit with an earthy character offers plenty of appeal. High acidity and tannins with very good length." Decanter

"This is a new addition to the Dievole portfolio with a cool, retro-styled label. The organic 2020 Chianti Classico Petrignano is 100% Sangiovese fermented in cement tulips and aged in large oak casks over 12 months. Winemaking is simple and to the point. These results show vibrant freshness and pretty fruit purity with a focused delivery." Wine Advocate

"A supple red, infused with a beam of cherry and strawberry fruit, with a texture that is silky at first, then overtaken by firm, dusty tannins. The finish reveals almond, earth and herbal notes that linger long. Give it time for the two halves to meld together." Wine Spectator

"A delicious, crisp red with very fine tannins and a pretty and delicate finish. Very tasty and with a creamy texture. Fresh finish." James Suckling

Donnafugata's impressive declaration of love for Etna, currently the hottest wine hotspot, began with the Sul Vulcano line. Carricante is one of southern Italy's most exciting grape varieties, capable of complexity and terroir-driven expression in the right soils. The vines for Donnafugata's only white wine from Etna grow on volcanic soils rich in minerals at 700-750 metres above sea level. The wine is fermented in steel tanks before being aged partly in concrete tanks and partly in second and third choice barriques for 10 months and then in bottle for a further nine months.

Straw yellow with golden reflections. Bouquet of white flowers and wild herb and citrus notes. On the palate it is full, fresh and spicy and closes with impressive freshness, elegance and an exciting mineral vein. SUPERIORE.DE

Dievole's new Chianti Classico Casanova, just released with the debut 2020 vintage, is the result of a quest to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. The Casanova grapes come from a vineyard at an altitude of about 400 metres, with an ideal south-west to south-east exposure and composed mainly of sandstone rocks Macigno del Chianti. The result is a Chianti Classico that is very immediate and direct, with a beautiful acidity to boot. It has the elegance and freshness and the bright, radiant fruit of Chianti Classico "as it used to be".

Bright, luminous ruby red. On the nose, classic aromas of the grape variety with notes of small red fruits such as cherries and sour cherries alternating with spicy notes. On the palate, it is soft, carried by a dense tannin structure and a spicy, velvety finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sour cherries, raspberries, olives and tomato leaves on the nose. Dense and tasty with medium body and still slightly chewy tannins. Rustic and light-hearted." James Suckling

"Packaged with the dark green label, this is a new submission from Dievole. The organic 2020 Chianti Classico Casanova is all Sangiovese from a site with typical sandstone soils, locally called Macigno del Chianti, that formed 30 million years ago. These conditions help to underline the aromatic finesse of Sangiovese, and indeed, this wine offers a pretty medley of wild fruits, mint and blue flower." Wine Advocate

"Infused with black cherries and blackberries, this red wine starts elegantly and firms up on the textured finish. Iron, tar and wild herbs are evident on the long, tobacco-driven finish." Wine Spectator

Dievole's new Chianti Classico Catignano, just released with the debut 2020 vintage, is the result of the effort to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. Catignano is a plateau at 370 metres above sea level, with vineyards of different ages and a large proportion of Alberese. The exposure is west and southeast, which means plenty of sun during the day, but also cold temperatures at night, with a good temperature range that favours the aromatic development of the grapes.

On the nose, notes of red fruits, then a tertiary complexity of tobacco leather, graphite and liquorice. Warm and juicy on the palate, with notes of ripe red fruits. A juicy, sun-drenched cru. SUPERIORE.DE

"Made with 100% organic Sangiovese, the 2020 Chianti Classico Catignano sees fruit from a plateau of vines that are fully exposed to the bright luminosity of the Tuscan sun. This wine offers more fruit weight as a result, with dark cherry aromas, wet stone and dusty mineral." Wine Advocate

"A balanced red with a perfumed nose of cherries, red currants, wafers and dried flowers. Also lemon peel. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins and fresh acidity. Balanced and lively with a flattering texture. A fresh and flavourful long finish." James Suckling

"A round red with aromas of cherry, raspberry, iron and tobacco. Firm and dense, also compact on the finish, but still needs time to fully develop. All the elements are there, so be patient." Wine Spectator

L'America is the old name of a place where there was already a small vineyard and a shelter for animals in the 1950s. It was located on one of the outer borders of the winery, so the name L'America still embodies seclusion and great ambition at the same time. The plot is 300 metres above sea level, in terrain with rich and deep skeletal soils. Protected from winds, the scents of the woods are preserved here and the plants benefit from softened sunlight. This constellation gives the fresh and herb-accentuated Rosso a low pH value, a beautiful acid structure, a radiantly bright colour and a comparatively high tannin content. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale ruby. Fragrant and elegant nose with spicy hints. Savoury minerality (‘that is the year’). And then brooding raspberry. Lots of freshness and fine tannic bite. Transparent. Refreshing." Jancis Robinson

"Close to the water in a sheltered spot protected from the wind at 300m above sea level, L'America experiences less diurnal temperature difference than the estate's other plots. Vinified and matured in stainless steel, it has subtle fresh cherry aromas accompanied by fine, grainy and chocolatey tannins. Fresh and herbal, there's some mid-palate red fruit tanginess with some darker hedgerow fruits, leading to an almost-blueberry note on the finish." Decanter

Fine traditional brut from the Lunelli family, who work tirelessly on the authenticity of their Trentino sparkling wines. A wide range of aromas and an elegant flavour with a good structure offer first-class enjoyment. SUPERIORE.DE

"A hint of nuttiness that underlines the flavours of preserved lemon and pear. Redcurrant richness, creamy, rich and round, with impressive mousse and tangy red apple bite. The well-formed and well-integrated bubbles give the wine a creamy texture that melds with the richness of the fruit. Sweet spices and nougat cream on the finish. Great stuff." Decanter

"The Brut Trento opens with a blend of dusty dried flowers, cardamom and freshly sliced pears. It fills the palate with a silky pearl of fine bubbles and takes on a savoury to sweet sensation, while tactile mineral tones mingle with ripe fruit trees. It finishes with admirable length and candied citrus fruits that taper off remarkably fresh. I love the balance and complexity of this wine, especially for a non-vintage brut." Vinous

"A refined and expressive sparkler in an aperitif style, this is bright and buoyant on the palate, with the fine, lacy mousse carrying a mouthwatering range of pineapple, mandarin orange peel and white cherry fruit, accented by ground ginger, white blossoms and fleur de sel." Wine Spectator

Elegant, exotic-looking Etna Bianco with wonderfully wide aromas of tropical fruits, flowers and peach. Beautifully juicy, balanced and long on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"This has notes of lemons, chamomile and sweet basil. It’s bright and fruity, with a medium body and fresh, creamy finish." James Suckling

Strong, bright straw yellow colour. Characterful, youthful and rich bouquet of dried nectarines, peach, yellow apple, mint and a fresh hint of almonds. The depth of its texture is in perfect contrast to the savoury acids, minerals and notes of sour apples, but a feeling of balanced ripeness always remains. The finish is long and structured and seems to melt slowly on the palate, leaving savoury spices and a fine tannin behind. It already has a lot to offer today, but should mature a little more in the bottle for more structure and elegance. A wonderfully exciting interpretation of Garganega from a small single vineyard in the Carbonare region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich straw yellow with a green tinge. Delicate nose, apple and pear, some lemon as well as elderflower and dandelion. Elegant and balanced on the palate, precise, creamy, well-integrated acidity, lingering, juicy final." Falstaff

"Fermented entirely in the tank. A straightforward, medium-bodied force of minerals, quince paste, almond peel and Meyer lemon. Reductive in the best sense, with a tangy acidity and a latent vigour that suggests this wine will age very well." James Suckling

"The Inama 2021 Soave Classico Carbonare comes from a 1.5-hectare vineyard with volcanic basalt soils and is wonderfully fresh, lively and full of electric personality. The bouquet shows grapefruit, fruit, quince and spicy flavours with a hint of turmeric or dried ginger on a subtle, medium-bodied mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"Like a burst of fresh sea air, the 2021 Soave Classico Carbonare opens with a salty blend of crushed rocks, lime zest and crushed green apples. This soothes with its round textures and fresh acidity, as a cascade of crunchy orchard fruits and mineral tones travels across the palate. Saline and full of tension, the Carbonare leaves a pleasant inner sweetness and a minty herbal thrust that lingers on. There is such purity and balance here. The 2021 was made entirely in stainless steel." Vinous

"This unique vineyard, cultivated using the historic pergola method, produces a Soave with aromas of fleshy yellow peach, jasmine, white tea and crushed stones. On the palate, it is structured and age-worthy with flavours of tart green apple, citrus and a mineral note on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

Livio Felluga's Friulano is very fresh and tropical, with nuances of sour melon, young mango and white smoke forming its attractive bouquet. It impresses with a lively acidity that balances the silky texture and ripe fruit, and with a spicy herbal note that gives it unexpected depth. Perfumed and fresh to the final, leaving a pleasant mouthfeel, with hints of bitter almond but also a gentle streak of residual tension. Very nice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright straw yellow colour. Intense aroma of banana, citrus fruit, herbs on the finish. Fresh and juicy on the palate, with a powerful and fruity final." Falstaff

"Remarkably pretty, the 2022 Friulano lifts from the glass with a dusting of confectioners spices, chamomile and lemon oils. This is more savory than sweet, with fleshy textures and brisk acidity ushering in crisp orchard fruits. It tapers off with tension as the mouth waters with sour green melon and aloe nuances." Vinous

"Subtle and refined on the nose and palate with peach pie and minerals with a hint of nutmeg. Medium body. Round and creamy. Spicy on the finish." James Suckling

Schioppettino is an old Friulian grape variety from which this wonderful, medium-weight wine is made. Smells of red berries, herbs and liquorice. Fresh, floral and fruity notes on the palate, mineral and long. SUPERIORE.DE

Giuseppe Russo produces just 5,000 bottles of this extremely elegant rosato every year. Fine, complex aromas of red fruit and mineral stone on the youthfully fresh nose. The energetic and very precise impressions on the palate correspond beautifully with the flavour. Delicate melting, fine minerality, harmonious and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet roses, stone dust and orange sherbet make the 2022 Etna Rosato a real delight on the nose. Soothingly round and with a pleasant inner sweetness, it flows across the palate with crisp, mineral-tinged orchard fruits punctuated by a hint of sour citrus. The 2022 finishes intensely mineral and leaves a pleasant mouthfeel as the notes of sour melon gradually fade away." Vinous

"Hints of white peach and green and red fruit aromas accompany some spice and minerals in the mouth, with a touch of creaminess in the background. Fresh, succulent strawberry and raspberry flavours linger on a saline finish." Decanter

"The Etna Rosato 2022 has a floral bouquet with wild flowers, peach blossom and a hint of zagara, the Sicilian lemon blossom. It offers subtle support in the background thanks to a particularly fine and crisp mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"This wine shows subtle notes of pink cherry, peach skin, dried orange peel and dried flowers. Medium-bodied, delicate and supple, with freshness and crisp acidity. Delicious with a structured, polished finish." James Suckling

Ghiaia, a pure Nerello Mascalese from the slopes of Mount Etna, exudes sweet aromas of cherries and flowers. A refined, very detailed and seductive wine with great charm, character and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-light red colour; reductive red-fruity, appealing; powerful, deep fruit, subtly tart tannin, long." Merum

"Sweet berries and orange peel with undertones of peach and lemon blossom. Medium-bodied, with crisp fruit and a fresh and slightly chewy finish. Delicious wine, now showing volcanic character with ashy and smoky undertones." James Suckling

Purple red with black-violet reflections. Wonderfully concentrated and extract-rich Barbera with the right mix of power, fruit and juiciness. Some plum jam, black chocolate and spices combine to create a dark-fruited firework of flavours, framed by finely polished tannin and accompanied into a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Lisini's Rosso di Montalcino smells of violets, lavender and cinnamon-dusted cherries. This flows effortlessly across the palate with polished ripe red fruits and sweet inner spices. There is nothing out of place in this silky beauty. The lightly textured and characterful final is balanced by zesty acidity and shows nuances of red candy mixed with worn leather and a pleasant inner sweetness that lingers. Juicy and flavoursome character with well-dosed tannins and lively acidity. A wine for every day, but with great class. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smoky, red berry, fresh, red fruits, straightforward, great length with lots of red berry freshness like pomegranate and cranberry juice." Weinwisser

"The 2021 Rosso di Montalcino opens with an herbal note that quickly fades to reveal a mix of wild berries, crushed rock and sweet smoke. It is remarkably fresh and energetic, with an abundance of ripe, mineral red fruit and spice driven by zesty acidity. The finish is spotty and long, leaving a bitter aftertaste that is refreshed by a hint of residual acidity." Vinous

Benantis Etna Bianco from 100% Carricante is a delicately perfumed expression of Carricante with gentle mineral notes, white flowers and light flavours of peach or nectarine. The true protagonist, however, are the carefully dosed volcanic tones of ash and smoke. The bouquet will become even more refined with a year or more of ageing in the bottle. Fresh and round on the palate, great acidity and a saline vein, with a subtle sweetness on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh, salty white, creamy on the palate, with white blossom, lemon thyme and beeswax accents to the flavors of poached pear, crushed almond and Meyer lemon peel." Wine Spectator

"The nose is smoky and savoury, like lemon drizzled over grilled chicken, with bright herbal notes of saffron and tarragon adding vibrancy. A salty citrus note defines the palate, while a lingering herbal note provides warmth without sacrificing freshness." Wine Enthusiast