Wine

Pushing the limits!

"Comets light up, follow their orbit and burn up. Some last for years, others only for a few moments. They leave an impression and can point to a certain direction that guides us in our everyday work. Experimentation, innovation and playing with components are at the forefront of comets. Each of our comets is unique, like a fingerprint. The labels of each bottle are individually designed: A comet tail, painted on with a finger." Clemens Lageder

The Vernatsch variety is part of South Tyrol's culture and an important component of the country's red wine varieties. The grape variety is often hastily dismissed as too simple and often gets little time in the cellar. This Vernatsch has had time to develop. NATSCH4 is a vintage blend of the four vintages 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The grapes of the wines come from the oldest parcel of the famous Vernatsch site RÖMIGBERG. The four wines are vinified on the skins and whole clusters for different lengths of time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The NV Natsch4 (a blend of four vintages of Schiava) bursts from the glass with an intense mix of crushed raspberries and black cherries complemented by autumnal spices and shaved cedar. This is zesty in nature, with tart wild berry fruits offset by stimulating acidity and sour citrus. It tapers off a bit shorter than anticipated yet leaves the mouth watering for more, as a bitter yet subtle twang of nectarine punctuates the finale. The Natsch4 does impress, yet it will be best served alongside a meal." Vinous

The rich garnet-red Pelago in Riserva quality made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano and small amounts of Merlot has a captivating aroma of raspberries, strawberry jam, cloves, tobacco and mocha. On the palate, it reveals a noble spiciness and a hearty, juicy and very long flavour. Pelago 2019 should turn out to be a real charmer after some ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light ruby red colour with a garnet-red shimmer. Rum pot, rich black cherry and ripe plums on the nose, then slightly spicy. Sweet, juicy and drinky on the palate, with well-integrated tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"Sumptuous fruit showcasing the blue-black fruit, napeta spiciness and ink dust of ripe Cabernet, the velvet red plum on Montepulciano. There's a wisp of cigar smoke through long, fine-grained, gently stemmy tannins. A touch of freshly foraged forest mushroom, a brush of pine needle, and then the finish is soaked deep and lush and succulently red with Montepulciano fruit. Modern and international but it's classy and the Marche Montepulciano shines through." Jancis Robinson

"A pleasant, fruity red with blackcurrant and blackberry character that shows nice mineral freshness. Medium-bodied with excellent balance and non-impeding tannins. This exudes clarity and drinkability. Nicely done." James Suckling

A fine and extremely affordable little Supertuscan from a very good house. Ruby red, it spreads a pleasantly fresh scent of red berries. Its fruity taste is round, very harmonious and persistent. SUPERIORE.DE

"An expressive and fruity wine made from Sangiovese and Merlot with aromas of red cherries, currants, berries and nutmeg. The palate is crisp and medium-bodied with soft tannins and juicy red berries. Pristine, medium length finish full of berry fruit." James Suckling

"Bright ruby red with delicate rim lightenings. In the nose compact, ripe red currant and sour cherry, behind it some dark chocolate. Harmonious in the mouth, delicate melting, rich tannin, animating acidity, spicy final." Falstaff

Elegant, delicate Chianti Classico and one of the best of its appellation every year: light red colour, aromas of strawberry and elderberry, fresh fruit on the palate, beautifully juicy and balanced, enormously supple in the finish. Possesses polish, elegance and, despite its visually high price, a very good value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid-to-deep ruby. At first, a nose that's savoury and minerally with shy, brooding fruit underneath. Succulent, tangy, wall-to-wall cherry fruit on the palate. Great depth and fantastic, coating, almost slick tannins. Vibrant." Jancis Robinson

Maso Michei is located high up in a secluded mountain world in southern Trentino. There, the vines thrive at an altitude of 790 to 850 metres on a sun-drenched south-facing slope in unspoilt nature. In this remarkable location for viticulture, the vines grow slowly and the grapes ripen late. With the acquisition of the 13-hectare Maso Michei vineyard in the Valle dei Ronchi above Ala, Martin Foradori Hofstätter has returned to the roots of his ancestors in Trentino.

Martin Foradori also has a small plot of Chardonnay vines here. From this, he produces a heavenly sparkling wine that is aged on the lees for 48 years using the Champagne method. Elegant, fine and persistent perlage, on the palate it shows aromatic nuances of citrus fruits, yellow pulp and hints of bread, very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

San Polino's Rosso di Montalcino offers a strong mineral signature over bright cherries, cassis and herbs. Elegant and attractively layered on the palate with fine-grained tannins. Fresh, juicy and light on the long finish, which is very animating. A stylish red that impresses with its unobtrusive style. SUPERIORE.DE

Ceretto's Langhe Rosso Monsordo is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah with fruit from 11 hectares in the Langa area. It penetrates areas never addressed by Ceretto's master grape, Nebbiolo. Monsordo tries to give answers to questions that are rarely asked in the Langa, and he answers them with fine sweetness, fullness and pure extraction.

Monsordo opens with a dark and impenetrable appearance. Dark cherries and blackberries merge with sweet tobacco and exotic spices. Its aromas are heady, determined and intense, especially in this vintage. A very exotic and punchy wine for the Langhe, it virtually comes out of nowhere and leaves a strong impression. SUPERIORE.DE

Passorosso is a single-varietal Nerello Mascalese that shows fine garnet-red reflections in its bright ruby red. Proud and fascinating, it presents an intense bouquet of red berries, coffee and olives. Its engaging taste convinces with clear, well-defined fruit and pronounced minerality. Graceful and special. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy aroma of black cherry and plum, mint and a little graphite accompany the fruit. It also shows juice and power on the palate, dark cherries are structured by a grippy tannin. The acidity gives the wine a lot of freshness. The grapes for the wine come from 80 to 120 year old vines." Vinum

"The 2020 Etna Rosso Passorosso has a bright and punchy bouquet with blackcurrant, rosemary sprig, white pepper, cola and ferrous earth or rusty nail. There is a sanguine, almost metallic element to the bouquet. The wine proceeds with medium texture, firm tannins and good length." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Passorosso is spicy and shows dried flowers, hints of cardamom and white pepper before the dusty cherry fruit comes to the fore. Soft and enveloping, it impresses with a pure blend of red fruits and inner rose tones accompanied by cooling acidity. It finishes lightly structured with a bitter aftertaste of concentrated sour cherries. While the Passorosso is typically a more forward expression, the 2020 could do with another year in the cellar before showing its best. Nevertheless, it is a very nice wine with a lot of potential." Vinous

The grapes for this fine Valpolicella come from limestone marl soils in the terraced vineyards of the Novare winery. Similar to the Amarone method, the grapes undergo a second fermentation on the sweetish skins of dried grapes in March after the harvest. Deep ruby red in colour, with warm spicy notes, cherry, black pepper and hints of chocolate on the palate. Animating in the glass with intense fruity flavours, wonderfully soft tannin structure and beautiful persistence. This multi-layered, luxurious wine has nothing to hide behind its big brother! SUPERIORE.DE

"If I was forced to choose a number of wines that can steer the anachronistic Ripasso category into a brighter future, this would be among a very few. A mid-weighted, streamlined expression with just enough fruit on the bones. Think strawberries, lilacs, Asian plums, cloves and a hint of licorice. A noble, almost alpine bitterness lifts the finish. Brilliant." James Suckling

Ben Ryé - the great naturally sweet and world-famous white wine from Donnafugata. The grapes are harvested in mid-August and left to dry naturally for 20 to 30 days. In September, the later ripening grapes are harvested and processed fresh. The hand-picked raisined berries are added to the must in several stages during fermentation. Light orange yellow in colour. Overwhelming aromas of apricot, peach and orange peel. Creamy notes of passion fruit and peach on the palate with an impressive elegance and length. For us, one of the best sweet wines in Italy every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant orange with golden reflections, elegant. Enormous aroma of peaches and peach tea, honey, honeycomb, with a fine hint of nutmeg, dried apricots, bergamots and oranges. Wonderfully balanced on the palate, creamy-oily texture, with clear, radiant peach fruit, well-balanced interplay between sugar and acidity, lingers endlessly in many layers, with a final of dried figs." Falstaff

"Complex flavours of sultanas, caramel, honey, iced tea, peaches and vanilla. Creamy on the palate, with a zesty acidity." Decanter

"The 2021 Ben Ryé is a real pleasure. It seduces with a bouquet that mixes sweet smoke with mandarins, mint leaves and cloves. Like pure nectar, it envelops everything it touches on the palate with ripe fruit trees and tropical melon. Sweet spices and sour citrus fruits contrast towards the end. The finish is savoury and long, leaving a dusty, floral note and a hint of candied ginger and lime. Ben Ryé is always an absolute delight and, in my opinion, one of the best dessert wines in Italy. This single varietal Zibibbo finishes with 197 grams of residual sugar per Liters." Vinous

"A rich, luxurious sweetie, with flavors of orange glacée, pink grapefruit sorbet, spun honey, apple peel and butterscotch melting on the palate like cotton candy. A bright tang of citrusy acidity and a touch of salinity give this good cut and form, while fragrant hints of lavender, cardamom, white chocolate and Earl Grey waft in on the long, lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"This wine has a light copper colour and a copper-coloured aroma. On the nose, yellow peaches and dried apricots play with various orange notes. On the palate, stone fruit and citrus continue to shine before a warm, honeyed, almost syrupy finish reminiscent of a beeswax candle." Wine Enthusiast

The grapes for Ciampagnis come from a 7.8-hectare vineyard located just above sea level at an altitude of 32 metres. Fresh, Mediterranean-spicy bouquet with notes of white flowers and an exotic touch of mango, lychee and rhubarb. Medium-bodied on the palate with a beautiful silky texture, full-bodied flavours of citrus, pineapple and apple, the long ageing on the lees ensures terrific freshness and complexity. A seductive wine with great potential for enthusiasm, full of energy and personality with a mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

This Nebbiolo comes from one of the best vineyards in the Roero and is vinified by Luciano Sandrone with the same care as a Barolo. Brilliant ruby-garnet colour. Wonderful aroma of light red fruit, mainly raspberry and cherry. Earthy on the palate with a lovely strawberry touch and an incredible amount of elegance. The fine-grained tannin is wonderfully integrated and, together with a subtle minerality, gives this Nebbiolo a race and finesse that is unrivalled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium bright ruby red colour with garnet reflections. On the nose, juicy cherry, raspberry, violet and a slightly leathery note. Juicy, almost salty on the palate, with a beautiful fruit centre, tightly woven tannins, still youthful." Falstaff

"It is flavourful and red-fruity with citrus and hibiscus notes. Medium-bodied and crisp with a chalky texture and a lively, mineral finish." James Suckling

"The Valmaggiore from Sandrone is a benchmark wine. In this vintage, the wine leaps from the glass with aromas of macerated raspberries, tea leaves, sweet and savoury spices, rosebuds and wild herbs. The structured palate opens with ripe cherries dusted with allspice and cloves, then develops into savoury and earthy notes surrounded by fine and firm tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Luciano Sandrone 2021 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore shows fun aromas with something that reminds me of honey granola or protein bar with a full load of dried blueberries and raspberry piled on top. The wine offers good primary fruit, substantial weight and lots of other interesting tones to flesh it out. Those range from spice to wet earth. I love the rich approach to the palate, which remains important, but it's also elegantly balanced in this wine." Wine Advocate

"The Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore 2021 is a serious wine that needs time in the cellar to show its best side. It shows the lighter style of Nebbiolo from Roero, but with all the elements it has. I particularly admire its depth on the mid-palate and its overall resonance. Juicy red cherries, white pepper, cedar, mint and orange peel take shape in this very expressive Barolo." Vinous

Pale straw yellow colour. Fine, fruity bouquet with hints of yeast. Fine bubbles, fresh and deep on the palate, with a subtle creaminess and excellent acidity. Delicate citrus notes and a fresh minerality on the long finish, giving it a unique finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

Aroma of dried black berries with nutty tones, tar, tobacco, candy, dark caramel and a light woody note. Powerful in the mouth, ripe, again partly dried fruit with a little cocoa-spicy wood flavours, slightly compote-like on the palate, dense and persistent, warming alcohol, present, predominantly crumbly tannin, some tar, behind it tobacco and herbs. Wonderful, partly salty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby red, only slightly lighter at the rim. Elegant, powerful nose, pickled plums, black pepper, coffee, subtle sealing wax. Powerful and precise on the palate, well-integrated acidity, rich tannins, builds up, spicy, persistent final." Falstaff

"The Collepiano 2019 is incredibly beautiful, with hints of wild strawberry complemented by chalk dust and sweet tobacco. It is pure class, silky and round, with vibrant acidity driving an elegant wave of ripe red and black fruit. The savoury finish is long, leaving a web of fine-grained tannins that tug at the palate but fail to slow the 2019's momentum. The Collepiano will need a little ageing to show its best side." Vinous

"A plush texture wraps grippy tannins that carry flavours of baked black cherry, blackcurrant and mocha, with fragrant notes of Earl Grey tea leaves and sandalwood. The finish is firm, with accents of spice and tar." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of dark cherries and red plums with dried herbs, spices, bark and nutmeg on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, dry and a little chewy with firm, chalky tannins and juicy dark fruits. Complex and structured." James Suckling

Gold-coloured Spätlese (late harvest) of enormous intensity and density, exuding a seductive fragrance of exotic fruits such as mango and papaya with a delicate hint of pineapple and lychee. On the palate, the opulent play of flavours is repeated and ends in a long, impressive finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Pure naturalness from Trebbiano di Soave, without dosage and without the addition of foreign sulphites. The Opera Semplice, produced using the classic bottle fermentation method, plays with fruity, yeasty notes, has a complex mineral side, is excellently structured and at the same time fresh and flavoursome. Sparkling wine purists will shout "Bravo"! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Trebbiano Soave Classico Opera Semplice is remarkably pretty, wafting up with honeyed florals, freshly sliced peaches and chamomile. This washes across the palate with a soothing bead of mineral-tinged bubbles as a contrast of tart green apples and sweet spices cascade across the palate. This finishes wickedly fresh yet with a rich note of raw almond as a reverberation of residual acidity maintains marvelous freshness. This is simply stunning. The Zero dosage Opera Semplice is produced using Metodo Classico and without any sulfur." Vinous

The grapes for this sparkling wine, produced using the classic Champagne method, come from vineyards around Contessa Entellina. Fine, intense bouquet of bread crust and some dried fruit. Elegant, fresh and balanced flavour and a wonderful length. SUPERIORE.DE

Korem is a wine that perfectly interprets the Argiolas family philosophy: Innovation with deep respect for Sardinian tradition. A wine born from the desire to enhance and perfect the Bovale vine. Bovale is a low-yielding grape variety, as it requires well-aerated soils with excellent exposure. It is refined in Korem by the addition of Carignano and Cannonau, two other traditional Sardinian grape varieties.

Korem shines in deep ruby red from the glass. Intense aromas of black cherry, sandalwood and lavender on the nose. Velvety, full-bodied, warm and round in the mouth. A refined top wine that impressively reflects the great potential of the family winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"I love the aromas of blackberries, graphite and walnut with cedar. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine, showing class and sophistication. Creamy and finely textured. Needs three to four years to soften." James Suckling

Medium cherry red colour. Tobacco, leather and liquorice on the nose, with a beautiful cherry aroma on the palate, supported by a good acidity and tannin structure. An excellent interpretation of Sangiovese with a great value. SUPERIORE.DE

This wine bears the small print name Viola delle Viole, although its fruit comes from the Bricco delle Viole and Bricco Bertone vineyards, two sites with different soil types, one of which provides structure and the other aromatic purity. Vajra's Barbera d'Alba Superiore opens with a dark, almost impenetrable appearance. Powerful aromas of blackberry jam and preserved cherries unfold on the nose. You can feel its warmth and richness and there is no way around it. It is a super-sized Barbera that goes one better in terms of extraction and intensity. The finish is almost sweet, followed by good acidity. It shows great aromatic perfection, length and a very accentuated style. SUPERIORE.DE

Tramonto d'Oca is a single-varietal red wine made from the French (and not entirely simple) Petit Verdot variety. In addition to the traditional wood note from the barrel, the bouquet has a variety of aromas of spices, violets, blackberries and blackcurrants. Notes of pickled fruit, coffee and chocolate on the palate. Firmly structured and long, needs time and air. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dense and concentrated red wine with black cherries, hints of chocolate and flowers that develop into a medium body. Firm finish." James Suckling

Vajra has not only recognised the potential of the Freisa grape with Kyè, but redefined it. The freshness of the grape variety is somewhat reminiscent of Barbera and has a similar structure to the Nebbiolo grape. An explosive wine with dark fruits, violets, minerals, menthol and spices. Insanely beautiful and multidimensional, the fruit remains primary and the tannins are firm. Elegance all along the line and quite Freisa at the same time, only without the old-fashioned rusticity of this indigenous variety. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep golden yellow in colour. Sweet, spicy aromas of acacia honey, burnt sugar, mango and liquorice on the lush nose. The palate is also multi-layered and rich with opulent flavours of grapefruit, passion fruit, acacia honey and cinnamon, and more than enough acidity to keep it from being broad. The finish is long and beguilingly sweet. Roen is hardly less complex than its more famous "big brother" Terminum and is certainly a spectacular sweet wine. Here, residual sugar, acidity and alcohol content are in marvellous harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Somewhat dried vegetal to herbaceous, floral and a hint of smoky nose with yellow fruity and vegetal aromas, a little orange zest and earthy notes. Firm, very sweet fruit with fine tart, partly yellow spice, floral and herbaceous nuances, some smoke, candied fatty nuts and citrus zest, dense and persistent on the palate, fine, quite lively acidity, some grip, certain depth, ethereal traces, sea buckthorn again, very slightly oxidative tones, very good to long, sweet finish with fine juice and spice." Wein-Plus