Wine

The Vino della Stella vineyard is located in the municipality of Lapio at an altitude of 500 metres above sea level. The soils are calcareous and clayey and have a north-eastern exposure. The particularly suitable soils and the cool, continental climate allow the Fiano to mature optimally while maintaining its proverbial freshness and refined and expressive elegance.

Deep straw yellow with golden reflections. Complex and intense bouquet, notes of Mediterranean fruits and herbs, hints of basil and mint with a strong mineral accent. Full, pleasant, dynamic and fresh in the mouth with Mediterranean contours. A long-lasting and complex white with great finesse and invigorating acidity that gives it wonderful ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Proud single-vineyard Sicilian in a small edition made from 100% Carricante. Fine bouquet of citrus fruits and apricots. Wonderfully juicy fruit on the palate paired with good structure, balanced acidity, fine minerality and appealing length. SUPERIORE.DE

Tasty and multi-faceted super Tuscan made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. You can feel the weight and density of this blend with its immediate and opulent aromas of black fruits, plums and blackcurrants. Exotic spices, tobacco and campfire ash, together with a savoury oak note. Well-accentuated tannins, full and warm on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Rich blackberries and ripe sour cherries on the nose, forest floor in the background. Powerful but well-integrated tannins on the palate, juicy, with lots of red fruit and a long finish." Falstaff

"This is a very pleasant blend of cabernet, merlot and petit verdot, with lovely raspberry, redcurrant and floral character. Medium-bodied with nicely integrated tannins that firm up the finish a little." James Suckling

"This is a bold red wine that jumps right out at you in the context of the mostly Sangiovese-based wines made in this central part of Tuscany. The Tenuta di Lilliano 2019 Anagallis is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot that ages in new, second and third-passage barrique. The wine offers thick layers of dark fruit, blackberry and sweet oak spice over a full-bodied texture. Production is limited to 5,000 bottles." Wine Advocate

Elegant with its old rose colour and fine foam in the glass. Dark berries and yeasty notes on the nose, full-bodied and creamy on the palate with a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Well-cut and harmonious, with flavors of white peach, blood orange sorbet, grilled Macadamia nut and oyster shell riding the satinlike mousse. A streak of salinity shows on the long, creamy finish." Wine Spectator

The Nebbiolo grapes for Matteo's entry-level Barolo come from his three vineyards Serralunga d'Alba, La Morra and Verduno. Bright garnet red colour. Precisely balanced bouquet of wild berries, rose petals and beautiful herbal spice. Bright acidity on the palate, perfectly integrated tannins and beautifully emphasised primary fruit. Already very accessible when young, it will nevertheless gain in complexity over the years. Excellent value! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Ascheri 2019 Barolo with its fun retro label shows classic Nebbiolo aromas with redcurrant, iris, rusty nail and liquorice. On the palate, the wine is very pleasant even at this young stage thanks to its fresh acidity and integrated tannins. This is a nice bottle for medium-term consumption. The fruit comes from La Morra, Verduno and Serralunga d'Alba." Wine Advocate

"A taut red, with hay and grass aromas giving way to cherry, strawberry, earth and iron flavors. This has all the components in the right place, with a firm structure and lightly astringent finish. Shows fine harmony and length." Wine Spectator

Beautiful interpretation of the grape variety: Herbaceous and minty notes on the nose, plus lavender and sage. Then very tasty and complex on the palate of dark fruits, dried cherries, complemented by tones of undergrowth and tobacco. A touch of fine tannins, minerals and traces of rosemary and liquorice lead this medium-bodied red seductively into a sophisticated final. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for Carluccio "Carlo" Negri, named after the winery's authoritative pioneer, come from vineyards in the DOC and DOCG areas of Valtellina on the slopes of the Rhaetian Alps along the right bank of the Adda River. The sfursat, world-famous for the region, is produced by the natural drying of the grapes, favoured by the cool and dry winds from the mountains. In the "fruttaio", the fruit shed, they lose almost 30% of their weight during this process. The result is therefore a unique Nebbiolo: rich and intense, with the typical mineral and fresh character of Alpine wines.

Medium ruby red. Concentrated, complex bouquet with notes of ripe berry fruits, cyclamen and spices like black pepper and cinnamon. Dry on the palate, with beautiful dark primary fruit with firm tannins that are tart when young. Further on, full-bodied, persistent, with a long finish and subtle hints of cloves and liquorice. Harmonious, too, its fresh acidity, which will make it vibrant and exciting, especially after further years of ageing, one of the best wines of the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"A energetic Valtellina with cherry and floral aromas and flavors that are highlighted with hints of vanilla and bitter citrus. Full-bodied with round tannins that are soft and velvety and plenty of ripe fruit that remains fresh, focused and intense." James Suckling

Sweet red cherries, roses and violets, mint and dried herbs on the nose. Fruity, well balanced and with silky tannins and a beautiful texture. A warm Pinot Nero from central Tuscany with depth, grace and full harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pinot Nero Il Chiuso 2020, tasted just before bottling, is quite dense and powerful. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, liquorice, spices and menthol are all evident. Judging by this tasting, the 2020 is shaping up to be a real powerhouse." Vinous

Dark colour, beautiful bouquet of Mediterranean herbs and balsamic notes, ripe, fruity morello cherry, rich in silky tannins, the magnificent Nero d'Avola site wine Neromaccarj. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aged for two years in tonneaux, the Gulfi 2017 NeroMàccarj (made with organic fruit) shows rich intensity and lots of aromatic power despite the wine's contained fruit weight. Like other Sicilian reds from the hot and dry 2017 vintage, there is ample sweetness here and plenty of the fleshy, ripe fruit that characterizes this vintage. The NeroMàccarj is Nero d'Avola from a 2.5-hectare site with a mix of calcareous clay soils that allow for even fruit ripening." Wine Advocate

"Dark depths of rich black fruit, stone dust, sage, lavender and brown spice make up the bouquet of the 2017 NeroMaccarj. This balances sultry sex appeal with elegance from start to finish. Its textures are silky-smooth, complemented by ripe plums and currants, yet with a building salty tension as acids and minerals mix with hints of sour citrus. It cleans up beautifully through the finale, where framing tannins add a classically dry sensation under an air of violet flowers. Give this enticing Nero d'Avola another year or two of cellaring for the best results." Vinous

"Sweet-berry and cinnamon aromas follow through to a medium body with light yet fine tannins and a bright, fresh finish. From organically grown grapes. Really delicious now, but will improve with age." James Suckling

In 2012, the Pecchenino family started to invest in the small but fine sparkling wine DOCG Alta Langa. The altitudes and soil conditions are ideal for fresh and fragrant sparkling wines that are not only very rare but also highly sought after internationally. Psea is named after the small village of Pezzea, where the winery's Chardonnay and Pinot Nero sites are located.

Straw yellow with copper reflections. Intense bouquet of bread crust, yeast, hazelnut and biscuits, accompanied by floral hints. Very firm and structured on the palate, creamy, fresh and of impressive persistence and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pecchenino's PSEA Pas Dosé is a bright and vibrant example of Alta Langa. A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, the wine shines with bright notes of lemon, tangerine and a touch of yeast. The wine is light on the palate with vibrant acidity - a great option for an apertivo." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of ripe apples and pears with leafy herbs, lemon rind and bread crust. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a round texture. Lively and energetic with a polished, chalky finish." James Suckling

S. Maddalena Classico "Huck am Bach" is a pretty, feminine wine with a lot of character and South Tyrolean personality. Small red berries, hints of sweet spices and flowers on the nose, soft, round and fruity flavour and very appealing length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pretty nose of dried flowers, wild strawberries, plum stones and orange rind. It’s fresh and medium-bodied with sleek tannins and a moreish, juicy finish." James Suckling

The "Griesfeld" site in Neumarkt is one of the best and warmest Lagrein sites in South Tyrol. Strong purple red. Spicy bouquet with hints of blackberry, plum and cherry juice. Firmly packed on the palate, full-bodied with good freshness and primary fruit, vinous and delicately spicy; the warm tannins flank through to the very harmonious and deep final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby red. Fine spicy nose, lots of sour cherry and blackberry, a hint of ripe elderflower. On the palate some cardamom, already very open, fresh, juicy, vibrating acidity, ripe tannin, medium finish." Falstaff

"This is spicy and racy with crushed dark berries, toasted cloves and nut shell with moist earth undertones. Medium- to full-bodied, textured and chalky with a racy dark fruited character and hints of dried orange peel at the end. Polished tannins and juicy acidity. Lingering finish." James Suckling

Bright ruby red colour. Warm, balsamic bouquet of black cherry, some plum and blackcurrant syrup, then firm, complex and spicy on the palate, the fruit beautifully present and with a wonderfully long finish with notes of leather and sweet tobacco. The well-structured tannins perfectly round off the overall picture of a serious red with personality and character. The 20/24-month ageing in French oak barrels (25-35 hl), followed by a further year in the bottle, enriches the aromatic complexity of the wine with a clear focus on balance and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Plum and Amarena cherries on the nose, with elderberries and mint, reminiscent of roasted apple. Juicy, radiant on the palate, spreads over the tongue with great play and lots of tension, slightly salty, finesse-rich and long finish." Falstaff

"A 100% expression of Sangiovese, the Rocca delle Macìe 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva SerGioveto shows hints of baked plum, candied fruit and spice with dusty mineral and good overall definition." Wine Advocate

"The nose layers soil and pencil shavings on top of strawberries and cherries and then chocolate and coffee, before the palate luxuriates in chocolate-cherry notes with a texture that's dense and velvety but maintains its integrity with angular tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Subtle and complex aromas of red berries, mushrooms, blood orange and nutmeg. A medium-bodied Chianti Classico, showing dusty tannins and juicy, savory berry fruit on the palate. Silky and effortless." James Suckling

"Rich, laced with cherry, raspberry, earth and underbrush flavors. Revealing weighty, well-integrated tannins, this is balanced overall and tightens up on the finish." Wine Spectator

Franciacorta Satèn, made from the best Chardonnay grapes of the vintage, seduces with a complex bouquet of citrus fruit flavours and fresh yeast pastries. Enveloping and creamy on the palate, structured and harmonious, very persistent and with a nutty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant pale straw yellow with grey reflections and fine perlage. Elegant aroma of sage, mint, citrus zest and a slightly spicy note on the nose. Firm on the palate with a lovely freshness, savoury and a lingering final." Falstaff

"More savory than sweet, the 2019 Brut Satèn Franciacorta Essence opens with a blend of incense and Asian pear aromas. Seductively round yet focused, this flows across the palate with a soothing bead of silken bubbles, giving way to mineral-drench pit fruits and spices. It finishes with admirable length and potent, yet still remarkably fresh, leaving a pretty inner sweetness and mint suggestions to fade. The balance here is lovely." Vinous

"Made from 100% Chardonnay, proof of balance and savoury tension in a memorable vintage. On the nose, notes of white peach, then lemongrass and hawthorn. Salty on the palate, with a fruity, oily finish and convincing persistence." Luca Gardini

The Chardonnay grapes for Lis Neris' Metodo Classico come from the historic Jurosa vineyard. After the first fermentation in 500-litre barrels, it matures for at least three years in the bottle on the fine lees and develops the nobility and elegance that immediately excited us. On the nose, notes of yeast, light stone fruit, limestone and minerals. In the mouth it is creamy and elegant, blessed with depth and at the same time great freshness, which one would wish for from many a French counterpart. Dom Jurosa is precise, cool and pleasantly dry in its overall appearance, which also makes it an excellent food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

One of the most exciting Etna Rosso with a balsamic, spicy bouquet and a balanced, yet very characterful, juicy, long flavour. Fine fruit, good acidity, firm tannin, beautiful length. Perfectly reflects the terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multi-faceted bouquet with aromas of stone fruit, flowers and subtle tobacco notes; precise on the palate, the tannins are fine-grained and perfectly integrated, develops full of verve towards a long final." Vinum

"It has a tantalising aroma of red and black cherries, almonds, spices and balsamic. In the mouth it is bright and intense, with a good body and balanced savoury red fruits. The finish is fleshy and juicy, stony and slightly bitter (in a positive way)." Decanter

"This is the entry-level red wine from Girolamo Russo. The Etna Rosso 'a Rina 2021 is made from Nerello Mascalese and about 10% Nerello Cappuccio from different vineyards and offers excellent value with wild berries, blue flowers and crushed stone with an elegant mouthfeel. The emphasis is on freshness and balance." Wine Advocate

"Plenty of citrus, orange peel, honey and beeswax with some pumice and volcanic soil. Medium-bodied, with firm and integrated tannins that are energetic and integrated. Very nice now, but even better in three or four years." James Suckling

The new red from Zisola is a 100% Syrah in radiant ruby violet. Spicy bouquet with notes of black cherry, cassis, undergrowth and foliage. Juicy, engaging and balsamic on the palate, with prominent tannins and interesting acidity. Subtle hints of cocoa and smoked bacon on the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Strong ruby red. In the nose of lush raspberries and wild berries, delicate plum, minimal pepper spice, a hint of milk chocolate in the aftertaste. On the palate dense and with grip, juicy and clear on the tongue, exciting course, lingers long." Falstaff

"A relatively new wine, the Zisola 2017 Sicilia Achilles is a pure expression of Syrah. This grape normally delivers especially rich and abundant wines from Sicily; however, this bottle holds back a bit in terms of intensity and concentration. The results are solidly mid-weight, and the wine reveals easy perfumes of dark cherry, cassis, spice and earthy leather. This vintage shows extra roundness and a supple quality to the fruit." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Syrah Achilles captivates the senses with a beguiling bouquet that mixes black fruits, smoke and pepper with sweet violet and lavender notes. It’s silky and round in feel, balanced by a concentration of tart wild berries, savory herbs and a bitter touch of mocha toward the close. There’s a combination of decadence and contrasting sour citrus tension here that I find quite pleasurable, as the Achilles finishes lightly structured and persistent under an air of tar and tobacco. Nicely done." Vinous

From old vines in the best Lagrein sites in Gries near Bolzano comes this Riserva, strictly limited every year, with its seductive chocolatey-fruity bouquet. Rich, dark purple with a slightly lightening rim. On the palate, it is velvety and elegant with a soft fullness and lively freshness and adds further fruity accents on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Lagrein Riserva Gries lifts from the glass with a woodsy mix of black raspberries, rosemary and peppery florals. This soothes with its soft textures and ripe wild berry fruits, gaining tension in its saline-mineral core. The 2020 finishes structured and with an array of pretty inner florals." Vinous

The still young DOC Colli Tortonesi is probably still one of the least known wine regions in Piedmont. The term Derthona is already used as a generic term. It is the old name for Tortona, a small village in the centre of the DOC. The indigenous white grape variety Timorasso led a shadowy existence for many years, but today some winegrowers are already calling it the "white Barolo". This is partly due to its great complexity and finesse and partly due to the excellent ageing potential of the wines. In addition, the grapes often vary in size and ripeness during the harvest, which makes selection a major challenge, just as with the great Nebbiolo crus.

Light yellow in colour, tending towards golden as it matures in the bottle. The nose is very fresh, floral and fruity, with some orange confit, petrol and honey. Rich and deep on the palate, with an almost Riesling-like minerality and fine acid wire. With increasing aeration, it becomes more multi-layered, complex and surprisingly deep, hinting at the great potential of the grape variety. Not an off-the-peg wine, but all the more convincing for those wine lovers who expect character, personality and a high degree of independence from a white wine. For us, Timorasso is THE white grape variety discovery of recent years and Vietti's new addition, alongside the whites from Roagna and Walter Massa, is an excellent example of how Italian white wines can play at the very top of the international league! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow with green reflections. Initially restrained on the nose, with air some banana, hazelnut and lactic hints appear, subtly reminiscent of vanilla yoghurt. More citrus fruit on the palate, fresh and lively, vibrant acidity, salty, lingering final." Falstaff

"Vietti's 2021 Timorasso is gorgeous. The first vintages here were decidedly rustic, but the 2021 shows an added level of textural finesse that is especially apparent in its contours. Hints of lemon peel, white flowers, mint and chamomile all grace this layered, super expressive white. The 2021 was fermented mostly in ceramic and steel, with just one lot done in wood. I have never been the biggest fan of the Vietti Timorasso, but the 2021 might make me change my mind. It's a gorgeous wine in every way." Vinous

"A beautiful Timorasso with aromas and flavours of salted caramel, sliced mango, pear and apple. Medium to full body. Bright and lively acidity on the finish. A nice combination of ripe fruit and wild, crisp acidity." James Suckling

"Timorasso is one of the most distinctive white grape varieties in the Italian canon, and Vietti has hit the bull's eye. Aromas of fresh and baked yellow peaches and spiced pears mingle with hints of petrol, magnolia and dried mango. Wild honey, beeswax and a chalky minerality give this wine volume, complexity and depth, finishing with a fresh and lively acidity." Wine Enthusiast

Sparkling wine matured on the lees in bottle fermentation from 100% Nerello grapes from high altitudes on the southern slopes of Mount Etna. The vines are between 10 and 20 years old and are trained using the cordon system with spur pruning. They grow on sandy, volcanic, mineral-rich soils.

Fine salmon pink with ruby red reflections. Restrained, fine perlage, intense and delicate bouquet of red fruit. Firm and dry on the palate, medium-bodied and supported by a well-proportioned acidity structure, with a subtle tannic tang on the finish. Vibrantly fresh and highly distinctive! SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose is a savory blend of warm bricks and hibiscus tea, with an undertone of blood orange zest providing pop. The hibiscus continues onto the tart, tangy palate, while astringent notes of cranberry and more pink citrus play off the persistent perlage." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Brut Metodo Classico Rosato Lamorèmio bursts from the glass with a smoky, savory bouquet that mixes dried cherries with hints of shaved cedar and worn leather. This flows across the palate with an opulent wave of creamy textural bubbles that gives way to pretty cherry-berry fruits and sweet spice. It finishes remarkably fresh, leaving rosy inner florals and hints of wild blueberry." Vinous

Essence Rosé Millesimato Brut offers an exciting bouquet of almonds and white bread crust. The palate is characterised by precise fruit, elegant complexity and a balanced structure. The perlage is persistent and fine, firm body, polished mousseux, with a harmonious, fresh and long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, brilliant peach-pink colour. Fragrant and clear nose of apricots, cream, candied orange pieces, floral hints. Precise, straightforward, almost airy on the palate, carried by a velvety perlage, delicately fruity, balanced and harmonious, great rosé!" Falstaff

"A bright and zesty style with red berries and ruby citrus fruit, delivered in a cleverly approachable and focused style." James Suckling

"The 2018 Rosé Essence is coy in the glass, lifting up with a nuanced mix of white strawberries and citrus-tinged florals. It's more lively on the palate, splashing across the senses with an elegant bead of fine bubbles and ripe red berries that are perfectly offset by saline-mineral tones toward the close. A burst of inner sweetness punctuates the finale as hints of inner rose, licorice and nectarine slowly fade. A bit more bottle age may help the aromatics to evolve. Otherwise, this is already highly pleasurable." Vinous

A great, beautiful and evolving wine, expansive and enveloping on the nose, with plant and vanilla notes on the palate, long and with a fine texture. A wine that is in no way inferior to the great international vintages, yet retains its Sardinian originality. SUPERIORE.DE

"An elegant, medium to full-bodied red wine with a dark blend of blackcurrant and black plum flavours that are fresh and concentrated. With subtle details of star anise, espresso, iron, violets and smoke snaking through the fruit like a fragrant rope, with plastic tannins firming up the finish." Wine Spectator

"Structured and concentrated with dark berries, dark cherries, dried herbs, bark and some cloves. Medium to full body with fine, firm tannins. Serious, multi-layered and a bitter chocolate funnelled finish with excellent length. Best after 2024." James Suckling

"Intense is the word, as the 2019 Barrua unfolds with a smoky burst of ashen stones and exotic spices that blow off to reveal depths of plum sauce and sage complemented by talc. Silky and polished, this excels with its cooling acidity and savory mineral tones that embellish its core of rich wild berries. Sweet tannins frame the finale, as the 2019 finishes long and spicy with potent balsamic-tinged black fruits and tangerine hints." Vinous

Ruby red colour with violet reflections. Intense, complex bouquet with notes of Mediterranean citrus fruits, followed by aromas of violets, bergamot, wet stone, forest leaves and elegant hints of white pepper. Velvety, harmonious and fresh on the palate with sustained acidity and a clean, spicy and long finish. Highly elegant, very accessible and with a beautiful fruit component. SUPERIORE.DE

Cellole Gran Selezione impresses with its usual elegance and sophistication. Its masterfully balanced flavour profile of wild berry and blackberry with cassis, blueberry and candied rose is fantastic. On closer inspection, the wine reveals orange peel, rosemary and iron ore. It is a silky and elegant wine with some firm tannin, lots of bright fruit and a hint of crisp acidity. Undoubtedly a great wine with great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Walnuts, cloves, sandalwood, plums and cherry stones on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, creamy and beautifully polished, with firm yet silky tannins and elegant layers of spiced fruit. Long and sleek." James Suckling