Wine

Castello di Monsanto's Chianti Classico Riserva is a fabulous wine that punches well above its weight. Dark cherry, plum, liquorice, spice, leather, lavender and tobacco run through this wonderfully nuanced and vibrant Riserva. It is surprisingly expressive and open even at a young age and will continue to drink well for over 15 years. Sweet floral notes extend the finish of this medium-bodied, graceful and well-structured wine. Interesting Storage potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Opens with inviting, dense cherry fruit, underpinned by juniper, clove and a subtle medicinal note. Concentrated and precise fruit core on the palate, elegant tannin and supporting acidity, juicy and persistent." Falstaff

"Concentrated mid ruby. Balsamic, cherry and crushed-raspberry nose with a hint of eucalyptus. Succulent fruit palate with sandpapery tannins. Fresh, elegant and long. Great balance and style in this not easy-to-handle vintage." Jancis Robinson

"A dense red wine with well-defined aromas and flavours of black cherries and blackberries, underpinned by graphite, eucalyptus and cumin. Balanced, though still tightly wound, with a lingering fruity, spicy and mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"It shows a medium-dark concentration with typical flavours of wild cherry, peat moss, blue flower and light spice. This winery offers consistently well-made and convincing wines at a favourable price." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 that has just been bottled is magnificent. It offers a beguiling blend of dense fruit supported by a core of vibrant acidity. Striking aromatics, remarkable depth and exceptional balance make the Riserva a winner. This is such a great and compelling wine." Vinous

"This wine is complex and flavoursome with red and dark berries, dried orange peel, nutshells and roasted spices. Also a hint of walnut and crushed stones. Medium to full-bodied with super-polished tannins and juicy acidity. Delicious fruit character with a firm mineral backbone. Complete and concentrated." James Suckling

"Bing cherry and blood orange, floral earth, graphite and then wild herbs - especially sage - appear on the nose, before a hint of vanilla and cedar. The palate is juicy and fresh, with vanilla, chocolate and cherry, while herbs reappear on the back palate. A rare example of a wine with great refinement that is also an undeniable crowd favourite." Wine Enthusiast

"Wild strawberries, then nuances of white pepper and eucalyptus. It is powerful on the palate, ending with a fruity-balsamic return, long flavour." Luca Gardini

Aristocratic, amphora-aged Natural Wine made from 100 percent Zibibbo with a reductive, floral bouquet, notes of white and yellow stone fruit, plus a savoury, spicy herbal aroma. The aromas merge on the palate with great elegance, fine peach and exotic fruits, long, fresh, mineral and extremely interesting in the finish. Be sure to aerate sufficiently before drinking! SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale copper hue. Pure and scented nose with jasmine, apricots, loquat and nectarines. Full-bodied and nicely phenolic on the palate with fresh acidity and an ample, lightly saline finish. Only 11% alcohol. Lovely structure and intensity here. A wonderful skin-contact zibibbo." James Suckling

La Villa is a casual feminine Barbera d'Asti that smells of ripe red fruits, flowers and spices. Round and focused on the palate with a silky texture and good length. This is what price-performance looks like in an ideal case! SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe dark cherries and blueberries here with hints of dried flowers, cocoa and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with a sleek, red-fruited palate. Vivid acidity and a flavorful, textured finish." James Suckling

"Oudeis" has its origins in the Greek name "Odysseus" and means "nobody". And indeed, no one but the outstanding terroir of the Alta Langa is responsible for the complexity of Enrico Serafino's sparkling wines.

Delicate, copper-coloured pink with orange reflections. Elegant and mineral nose, with delicate hints of fruit, yeast and notes of grapefruit and redcurrants. The sensation on the palate is savoury, almost ecstatic, with well-integrated perlage and a perfect balance between spiciness and freshness and an infinite persistence and juiciness. SUPERIORE.DE

"This delicately scented sparkler offers aromas of red woodland berry and brioche. Linear and savory, the elegantly sparkling palate features juicy pomegranate, tart cherry and white pepper before closing on a hint of hazelnut. It's remarkably fresh for the vintage, with bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

Charismatic Negroamaro in an accessible and modern style without gimmickry. In the glass, dark lines of blackberries, plums and blackcurrants with generous background notes of chocolate, Indian spices, teriyaki and smoky barbecue sauce. Noble tannins and ripe fruit flavours form a wine that is both contoured and soft and yielding. Masseria Maime is ready to drink at a young age, but can safely mature for another five years or more. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose features an unusual duo of vanilla and dill, with undertones of meat, plums and wood. On the palate, the sweeter notes of plum and vanilla blossom continue, with the woodsy herbaceousness lingering in the background. Relaxed tannins create a round texture." Wine Enthusiast

The steep porphyry slopes at an altitude of up to 650 metres on the Ritten above Bolzano offer ideal conditions for vinifying this powerful yet elegant Chardonnay with outstanding balance, well-integrated acidity and excellent ageing potential. Straw yellow in colour with greenish inclusions. Pure exotic flavours of pineapple, mango and white peach on the nose, underpinned by a delicate vanilla note. Powerful on the palate, the well-integrated acidity keeps it fresh and mineral despite its power and complexity, right through to an almost infinitely long finish. A great Chardonnay from South Tyrol! SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate green apple and alpine flowers with a pronounced lemon peel character; juicy and succulent with a crisp finish." Decanter

"Yellow with delicate greenish hues. Pleasant floral notes and hints of white fruit flesh on the nose. In the mouth, beautiful, refreshing acidity and excellent suppleness with a citrus finish." Falstaff

"Brilliant straw yellow. Lemon, green apple and bread crust on the nose. With aeration, the oak comes out more clearly. Lemon, melon and green-apple palate tied in by subtle, creamy oak but without making the whole heavy. Long, refreshing and refined." Jancis Robinson

"The Cantina Produttori Bolzano 2020 Alto Adige Chardonnay Riserva Stegher shows a soft, medium-bodied texture with flavours of orchard fruit, honey, pie crust and pasty cream. This vintage also shows good freshness, with fruit harvested from very steep vineyards in the hills near Bolzano at 650 metres above sea level." Wine Advocate

"An attractive Chardonnay that exudes apple crumble, pastry, mango and custard on the nose. It's full-bodied and buttery, with plenty of pastry and pie crust character on the long, flavourful finish. Drink or keep." James Suckling

Fresh, wonderfully floral bouquet, fine perlage on the palate and a strong yet creamy texture. The harmoniously integrated acidity forms the fresh basis for the complex taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright orange-pink. In the nose great citrus fruit, ripe apricot, some cold smoke, meadow herbs. On the palate with effervescent perlage and perky acidity, shows nice play with crisp fruit, finishes balanced and clear on floral tones." Falstaff

Deep dark ruby red. Amarena cherry, basil and blueberry on the nose. Fine tannin and a fruity, deep body with an interesting richness of facets. A powerful wine that is compact and punchy, but never flexes its muscles. SUPERIORE.DE

L'Arcione Rosso, an elegant Friulian cuvée of Pignolo and Schiopettino, reveals a variety of aromas ranging from earthy to exotic on the nose. It is a highly expressive wine full of lively fruit and extraordinary complexity, its purity and race are breathtaking. This selection should be savoured at leisure! SUPERIORE.DE

"Grilled herbs, sour cherries, toasted bark and nutmeg on the nose. Toasty and ripe with a medium to full body and chewy tannins. Spicy finish." James Suckling

A Lambrusco with almost zero (!) grams of residual sweetness seems like an insurmountable contradiction. But far from it, the Lambrusco benchmark Cantina della Volta delivers a sparkling wine here that can keep up with the best rosé champagnes of the noble region of France.

Delicate pale pink with an impressively fine perlage in the glass. In addition to the classics raspberry and wild strawberry, the bouquet opens with wonderfully floral notes that make it seem downright lovely despite its lack of sugar. On the palate, then, of indescribable finesse, creaminess and "dry sweetness", which makes us refill without much hesitation and draws us fully into the glass. La Prima Volta is a spumante with just the right balance of class, drinkability and mineral freshness, just as we would like to enjoy a sparkling wine today and tomorrow. Never too heavy, but still with an irresistible depth and far from any arbitrariness. SUPERIORE.DE

Chardonnay - at home all over the world - thrives for the Sanct Valentin in the best single vineyards in the municipality of Eppan and develops into splendid grape material here. Strong straw yellow colour with green reflections. Powerful, fruity bouquet of ripe fruit, yeast and vanilla notes, with a hazelnut aftertaste. Very memorable, powerful, racy and mineral flavour. One of the house's most important wines with outstanding balance, well-integrated acidity and excellent ageing Storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, light golden yellow colour. Ripe pear, banana and peach on the nose, slightly spicy aftertaste, elegant use of wood. Well-balanced on the palate, fresh and juicy, with a long final." Falstaff

"Lightly roasted and fresh, with apple cream, almond skin, a rich hint of vanilla and accents of fleur de sel and anise. Supple and well-knit, with bright, lemony acidity driving the long, mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"Some oak spices and a hint of nougat to the fresh lemon and star fruit. Quite bright and structured, with bright, zesty acidity supporting the spicy-lemon tone on the palate." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chardonnay Sanct Valentin is understated with a savory blend of crushed rocks and sage, giving way to young peach. This is silky smooth with ripe orchard fruits and gingery spices guided by zesty acidity. It finishes with admirable length, beautifully balanced and lightly structured, leaving a citrusy concentration." Vinous

The Campo della Pieve vineyard (approx. 380 metres above sea level) faces south-west and has thicker soils and more tufa. The most recent parcel, which was recently acquired, is the highest to date at 400 metres above sea level. The site is more susceptible to wind and has good water retention thanks to the heavier clay soils.

Bright, light golden yellow colour. Delicate nose of fresh yellow apple, some peach, lemon balm, flint in the background. Round and smooth on the palate with a lovely balance between acidity, freshness, citrus and tropical fruit, plus a subtle minerality. In keeping with the characteristics of the Vernaccia grape, the wine is not overly fruity, but displays an exciting spiciness that lends it personality and an additional arc of tension. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant straw yellow with light olive-green reflections. Fresh and fragrant on the nose, juicy lemons, sage, minimal hints of white peach, elegant spicy tones on the finish. Very fresh on the palate with clear fruit, balanced, with subtle creamy fruit and a long, juicy finish. A great Vernaccia!" Falstaff

Top-class Pinot Bianco from the South Tyrolean Wine Road, more precisely from the exposed Sirmian hillside, where the Pinot Bianco finds its ideal location and an optimal microclimate. Every year it is of remarkable quality. Clear and sparkling straw yellow in the glass, with an intense bouquet of light flowers, green apple, redcurrants and a hint of sage and nutmeg. Harmonious, powerful and persistent on the palate, with a full flavour typical of the grape variety and a beautiful melting, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Matured for eight months in large oak barrels, the 2022 Pinot Bianco Sirmian has a bright colour and allows plenty of light to shine through. The wine is multi-layered and rich in stone fruit, quince and pear. You get a very nice ensemble with ripe fruit tones, herbal notes on the finish and a pinch of cinnamon spice. This is the 50th vintage." Wine Advocate

Deep dark ruby red. Full, deep and explosive bouquet reminiscent of dark berries, tobacco and liquorice. Illuminati's single-vineyard classic Zanna, with its elegant, very complex taste and delicate oak spice, leaves nothing to be desired every year. SUPERIORE.DE

The 2022 Il Bianco is noble and elegant. Its exciting bouquet of citrus oil, white flowers, almonds and dried herbs is infused with energising rays. Very nuanced and flavoursome on the palate, with great intensity and elegance as it progresses. SUPERIORE.DE

On the nose, noble, typically Tuscan notes of cherries, blackberries, violets and spices. Exceptionally complex, multi-layered and excellently structured on the palate. Gripping tannins, intense fruit and pleasant acidity are already in perfect harmony. The drinking pleasure builds nicely and increases in the long final. For us, it has been the attractive alternative to Antinori's famous Tignanello for years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of dried cherries, bark, mahogany and porcini mushrooms. Lemons and herbs, too. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and tangy acidity. Juicy, savory and supple." James Suckling

"This blended red is Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon in a supporting role. The Poggio Bonelli 2018 Poggiassai is velvety, saturated and rich with dark fruit, cherry liqueur, barbecue spice and grilled herb. The wine shows a pretty dark color and thick concentration to complete what is ultimately a very contemporary winemaking style." Wine Advocate

Rare Metodo Classico made from 100% Falanghina grapes. No sugar is added with the dosage during the final disgorgement. Lively straw yellow. Fresh and persistent bouquet of bergamot, lime, green apple and fine flowers. In addition mineral notes, which later change into hints of bread crust, yeast and lemon cream. Fresh, lively, harmonious and balanced on the palate. The velvety, long finish is clean and elegant. SUPERIORE.DE

In the mysterious Etruscan caves under the hill of Decugnano, a sparkling wine matures at a constant 13° Celsius, which is only produced in extremely limited quantities. Claudio Barbi produced this Metodo Classico in 1978 as the first bottle fermenter in Umbria. At that time, it was still made from Procanico and Verdello grapes. Over the years, it has developed into something even more special by using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and extending the ageing period on the lees to 4 years. The entire production process is artisanal: riddling and disgorging are still carried out by hand, with care and passion. The result? An elegant, fresh spumante with a fine and persistent perlage that continues to set standards, and not just in Umbria. Delicate golden colour, lively and long-lasting perlage. Complex, rich and convincing on the palate, with notes of tropical fruit, honey, candied citrus fruit and a delicate vegetal flavour. Closes precisely and razor-sharp. SUPERIORE.DE

A convincing and racy cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah with a marvellous bouquet of dark cherries, leather, mocha and lavender. Multi-layered and powerful on the palate with a cornucopia of spice and dark fruit. Well-structured tannins flank the extremely flavourful and expressive finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shimmering ruby red with a brightening rim. Invitingly fruity nose, opulent aromas of ripe plums, underpinned by clove and cedar wood. Velvety on the palate, with tightly woven tannins, powerful and balanced through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

"It shows plenty of oak with baking chocolate, sweet spices, ripe blackberries, toasted coconut and espresso beans. Given the generous oak, I can understand the appeal." Wine Advocate

"Dark berries dominate the nose, followed by spicy undertones and a stony saltiness. The berries carry over to the palate, while the undertones become sweeter and more citrusy, before a spicy nuttiness emerges on the finish. Balanced tannins and acidity provide warmth." Wine Enthusiast

"Cocoa, walnuts, cherries and bay leaves on the nose. Well integrated and medium-bodied with powdery, dusty tannins and some mineral iron notes on the finish." James Suckling