Wines from Lombardy

Pinot Nero and Chardonnay give this exceptional Franciacorta a delicate salmon red colour with an orange touch. Strawberry fruit, a hint of blackcurrant and fine floral nuances on the nose. Freshly structured on the palate, with a lively mousse and delicate red berry flavours with citrus undertones. A light-footed character with elegance, character and grace right through to the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense orange-pink with copper reflections. Clear and fragrant on the nose, candle wax, raspberries, subtle hint of salted caramel, some incense on the finish. Balanced and precise on the palate, with fine playfulness and clear fruit, final on a fine vanilla note with a slightly phenolic finish." Falstaff

"Notes of strawberry, cranberry and fresh rose make for a lively and vibrant flavour profile. The wine has a hint of blood orange peel and ends with crisp acidity, a lively perlage and a long-lasting finish." Wine Enthusiast

"A blend with a light proportion of Chardonnay, but with a strong proportion of Pinot Noir, with partial use of oak during vinification and ageing. Very balsamic nose, with notes of redcurrant, thyme and iodised notes." Luca Gardini

Bellavista's Pas Operé enchants with an elegant peach aroma and fine nuances of tangerine. Elegant and balanced on the palate with lively acidity and good minerality. An extraordinary Franciacorta of all-embracing complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

60 months bottle fermentation: The quintessence of Franciacorta and the winery's top product - full-bodied, elegant and extremely fine. The optimally developed bouquet of tropical fruit and dried fruit is manifold, the terroir and the winery's signature are unmistakable. Powerful and fresh on the palate, the taste is an explosion of nuanced flavours, the length and depth are impressive. Only 7,000 bottles of this Riserva are produced each year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with a delicate copper tinge and finest perlage. In the nose beeswax, light honey, quince, a little baked apple, blueberries and candied fruits in the aftertaste. On the palate with great melting and crisp fruit, shows itself very vertical and purposeful, in the final firm pressure." Falstaff

"Over 100 months on the lees, a Chardonnay 4/5 Pinot Noir 1/5 blend. Yellow plum at the nose, then jasmine and bergamot in the background. The mouthfeel is salty, fragrant and crunchy, enhanced by a fruity return and long-lasting finish." Luca Gardini

The grapes for the most classic red wine of the Valtellina are air-dried by the alpine winds for about 2 months after the harvest. Infinito shows a fresh, almost mentholated side of the Nebbiolo grape that adds lift and brightness to the bouquet. Immediately after these spicy herbal notes, the wine dives into the darker fruit of blackcurrant, wild plum and pressed rose. This wine offers an exciting and unexpected array of flavours that highlight its unique personality, which can only be achieved in this form with the Nebbiolo grape in the Italian Alps. As the wine settles on the palate, there is even a subtle sweetness that comes from the appassimento process, rounding it out to a distinctive classic. Be sure to aerate before enjoying! SUPERIORE.DE

"Made with air–dried grapes, the Tenuta Scerscé 2018 Sforzato di Valtellina Nebbiolo Infinito opens to a medium–dark color and moderate fruit weight that feels velvety, rich and open–knit. The sforzato, or appassimento, process brings on extra heft and intensity for sure, but the Nebbiolo grape never loses its inner grace and poise. Aromas of dried rose, wild cherry, plum and sweet earth rise from the bouquet. A pretty layer of cured tobacco gives the wine a more fleshed–out feel on the close." Wine Advocate

"Licorice with sweet, candied strawberries, spice box and creme de cassis. A very flavorful nebbiolo with a brighter palate than the nose, rounded by creamy, dusty tannins in a firm, slightly austere setting." James Suckling

Exceptionally fine spumante with a delicate, fruity flavour of raspberry, acacia honey and apricot and a lovely yeasty note. Bright, rich straw yellow colour, persistent, fine perlage. Ripe, with a wonderfully integrated wood base, very full, long and intense flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Golden yellow; sweet-fruity; smooth foam, delicately spicy, delicately tart, pleasantly dry." Merum

"Bright light gold colour with a persistent, fine perlage. Fragrant nose of white flowers, dried yellow peach and wet stone, with fine aromas of roasted hazelnuts and sea salt on the finish. Expressive on the palate, multi-layered, with racy, present acidity, brisk, salty, with plenty of pressure, bone-dry in the final." Falstaff

Franciacorta satèn brut with a clear bouquet of yellow fruit and medicinal herbs and a fresh style. Crisp fruit flavours of peach, citrus and melon in harmony with the opulent creaminess of freshly baked brioche. Very relaxed and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense light gold colour. Cold butter, precious wood, fine iodine on the nose, then citrus fruit and white blossom, wet stone on the finish, fragrant. On the palate with airy perlage, cloudy and light-footed, then with a complex, radiant fruit core, very well dosed, compact and balanced, drinks very well, with a fine lemon final." Falstaff

"The bouquet is toasty and rich with notes of baked almond followed by dried lemon curd, Golden Delicious apple and salted caramel. The impact is soft and broad, and the wine delivers a fleshy texture with subtle effervescence." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Brut Satèn Franciacorta Vintage Collection is a total pleasure to take in, with its vivid yellow apple and chamomile bouquet complicated by grassy notes and stone dust. Round and soothing, this ushers in ripe orchard fruits over an elegant bead of silken bubbles, taking on a gentle spiciness toward the close. The 2018 finishes remarkably fresh with a lime tinge." Vinous

"Ca' del Bosco sets the standard for the region's wineries and continuously raises the quality of its wines. A pure, mineral bouquet with youthful notes of pomegranate, grapefruit and white flowers opens to reveal richer stone fruit flavours. Smoked almond and unripe pear embrace a silky body, accompanied by a gentle perlage. A complex and juicy finish expresses the elegant and multi-layered character of the wine." Decanter

"A magnetic selection of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc from 14 certified organic parcels, fermented in oak, then 48 months on the lees. Aroma of great complexity, notes of lime, tobacco peach and nutmeg, tension on the palate, salty intensity, spicy-balsamic." Luca Gardini

Elegance is the hallmark of the Prestige Cuvée Rosé, which is unfortunately strictly limited each year. The 45th edition consists of 80% Pinot Noir from the 2020 harvest year and 20% Chardonnay in equal parts from the 2019 and 2020 harvest years. Brilliant, bright pink colour. Delicate apricot colour, very light bouquet of peaches, light fruits and sultanas. The persistent flavour is soft and fruity with subtle notes of fresh toast. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet roses, liquorice, dried strawberries and incense form a seductive bouquet when the MV Extra Brut Rosé Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige 45 Edizione blossoms in the glass. Its minerality is evident in the foreground, perfectly balanced by the plush, massaging bubbles that fade into hints of tart cherries. The finish is dramatically long and reminiscent of red candy, while a strong residual acidity keeps the mouth watering." Vinous

"A firm, mineral rosé with a fine mousse and a detailed flavour palette of dried black cherries and raspberries, chopped almonds and aromatic hints of dried flowers and herbs. There is a salty note on the finish that cleanses the wine." Wine Spectator

"It opens with aromas of wild strawberries, cranberry, fresh brioche and wild rose. Balanced between tart fruits, savory herbs and minerality, the wine dances on the palate with complexity and enjoyability in tandem, finishing with elegance and grace." Wine Enthusiast

The "61" line stands for the year of birth of the first Franciacorta, which was created in 1961 in the centuries-old Berlucchi vineyards. The grapes come from four vineyards between Corte Franca and Provaglio d'Iseo.

Delicate peach-pink colour. Beguiling aroma of cranberry, citrus with a mineral component. On the palate, a fine note of bread and yeast mixed with the strength, acidity and tannin of Pinot Nero, rich foam and a fine, persistent perlage. An aristocratic bittersweet note and graceful creaminess on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, brilliant orange-red colour with a fine perlage. Delicate aromas of strawberry and raspberry on the nose, blood orange, orange blossom and light spice on the finish. Strong perlage on the palate, very nice acidity and an elegant final." Falstaff

"The 2016 Rosé Nature Franciacorta Berlucchi '61 is rich and complex, with a wild bouquet of crushed plums, cinnamon-spiked apples, nectarine and rose. This envelopes the palate in silken textures, communicating remarkable elegance and refinement, as wild strawberry combines with salty minerals and hints of almond toward the close. The 2016 finishes long yet incredibly fresh, with red inner florals and a sensation of liquid stone that lingers on. Well done." Vinous

"This complex and vinous wine from the historic Berlucchi estate opens with strawberries and cream, dried roses and rhubarb brioche. The palate reveals a darker cherry flavour with a creamy texture carried by the wine's energy." Wine Enthusiast

Classic Franciacorta made from Chardonnay with aromas of ripe, tropical fruits and a little brioche. Fresh, dry and finely bubbly on the palate, the ideal aperitif. SUPERIORE.DE

"A balanced, biscuity sparkling with aromas of dried apples, lemons, pastries and toasted almonds. Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and sleek bubbles." James Suckling

Pietro dal Cero grows on the extensive and sunny Luxinum vineyard at the foot of the Monti Lessini. A magnificent, dark ruby-red Amarone. Its sumptuous aromas range from lovely floral nuances to fruity sour cherry and blackberry to balsamic notes such as star anise and merge into a multi-layered bouquet. On the palate, there are hints of dark chocolate, memories of tobacco, coffee and cardamom as well as a hint of mint. A full-bodied, complex wine, the pronounced tannin caresses the palate velvety, a fresh, lively acidity brings lightness and freshness to the long finish, which benefits from nutty accents. Good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, rich ruby red colour. Animating aroma of ripe, dark fruit, caramel and cedar wood. Creamy and mouth-filling on the palate, harmonious with well-integrated tannins and a powerful, fruity finish." Falstaff

"Deep dark red colour with a black core. Juicy and floral aroma of dark plum, black cherry, lavender and rose petals. Lush on the palate, as befits an Amarone. Concentrated flavours of cherries, elderberry, vanilla, coffee and eucalyptus. The alcohol is totally restrained, amazing. The finish is predominantly carried by the fruit. It simply has everything a well-rounded Amarone needs." Vinum

Outstanding terroir, terrific grape quality and technical mastery in the cellar have made this one of the most highly prized wines! Beguiling aromas of candied cherry fruit with notes of spices and tobacco. Dense on the palate, very concentrated with fabulous fruit sweetness, subtle acidity and fresh tannins. A hedonistic and at the same time very contemporary dream of finesse and elegance that lingers with long and incredibly deep flavours. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has aromas of walnuts, cherries and olives. Some chocolate, orange and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, firm and flavourful, with roasted and firm tannins. Drink or store." James Suckling

"Complex, powerful nose that shows a certain development. Intense flavour, with warming alcohol and strong cherries on the finish." Decanter

"The Nino Negri 2020 Sforzato di Valtellina Sfursat 5 Stelle definitely shows extra power and heat, followed by layers of cherry liqueur, crème de cassis, blood orange and dried apricot. Despite the bigger intensity and fruit profile obtained with the Sforzato method that uses air-dried fruit, the wine is elegant, closing with blue flower and lilac." Wine Advocate

"Still the benchmark for this type, balsamic nose of jammy blackcurrants, juniper berries, pepper leaf and liquorice, salty-spicy, dense and compact mouthfeel, with fruity and undergrowth recognition value and excellent persistence." Luca Gardini

Unimaginably fine bouquet of ripe fruit, flowers, butter and brioche, wrapped in an elegant wood note, magnificent the full-fruity taste and the long, creamy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Golden yellow, clear and bright. On the nose notes of yellow tropical fruits, then vanilla, hazelnut, peanut, followed by light menthol notes, aromatic and medicinal herbs. The palate is pronounced and slightly mineral." Falstaff

Pinero is a dark, full Pinot Nero with an attractive bouquet of cherries, blackberries, herbs and smoke. A mature, extroverted wine, remarkably complex and harmonious. SUPERIORE.DE

Palazzo Lana Extrême Riserva is a masterpiece from a great vintage. The pure Pinot Nero is characterised by a complex bouquet of fresh yeast, pear and lemongrass. Bright fruit on the palate, firm, with lively acidity and wonderfully consistent perlage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Noble straw yellow with a drop of copper and a persistent perlage. A nose of cold smoke, elegant precious wood, milk chocolate, candied fruit and fine porcini mushrooms, sea salt, very complex and inviting. Balanced and very elegant on the palate, with plenty of juice and fruit flavours, simultaneously pure and bone-dry, with a tightly meshed perlage and a long finish." Falstaff

"Complex notes of grapefruit, fresh figs, lemons, green apples, walnuts, chalk and salted nuts. It is lively and racy, with a medium body and broad, creamy bubbles. Excellent flavour intensity and persistence with a dry and nutty finish." James Suckling

"This 100% Pinot Noir from the classic and historic Berlucchi estate does not disappoint. Aromas of roasted pineapple, grilled peach, warmed honey, baking spices, and fresh bread define the heady nose. The rich and structured palate shows notes of candied citrus, white strawberry and crushed stone, finishing with crisp and radiant." Wine Enthusiast

"A bouquet of sweet smoke, crushed pear, chamomile and dusty dried flowers makes the 2011 Franciacorta Riserva Palazzo Lana unmissable. On the palate, this wine displays a balance of soothing bubbles, salty minerals and ripe, ginger-flavoured apples that provide pure elegance. Despite being labelled Extra Brut, the wine is bone dry on the finish, leaving notes of raw almonds, hazelnuts and citrus that linger. The 2011 is complex, with fantastic depth and balance. It is an absolute pleasure to taste." Vinous

"The 2011 Franciacorta Riserva Palazzo Lana Extrême Extra Brut from Guido Berlucchi has a thick layer of creamy peach or apricot that goes beyond the bouquet and ultimately colours the palate richly. These fruits are framed by small hints of exotic spices, cinnamon and caraway. The acidity is lively and the wine finishes on a dry note with a slight effervescence. This is certainly a delicious sparkling food wine." Wine Advocate

Floral, structured and deep - the Riserva Franciacorta Extra Brut Vittorio Moretti, one of the absolute best spumante Italy has to offer. Juicy peaches, apricots, mint and flowers in the opulent bouquet. Very lively and pure on the palate with balanced notes from the oak. A warm, soft wine with great development potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with light gold and persistent perlage. On the nose, fragrant and inviting of buttered pastries, honeycomb, candied citrus zest and noble salty, iodine tones, even white truffle, reverberating with cream and delicate bourbon vanilla. Noble and clear on the palate, stretches precisely over the tongue, with a magnificent course, round perlage and salty play, long final." Falstaff

"Chamomile, yellow-pear, citrus-zest and bread-crust aromas shape the nose on this blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Nero. On the elegantly structured, creamy palate, a refined perlage accompanies mature yellow apple, orange rind, walnut and vanilla. Fresh acidity brightens the rich flavors." Wine Enthusiast

The Franciacorta Noir Riserva made from 100% Pinot nero, which is very limited every year, has fine details and impressive lemon and grapefruit aromas, framed by gently savoury notes of grilled nuts and pastries. On the palate, it has finesse and length with so much power and exquisite elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Golden yellow with a tendency towards dark amber, bright and clear. Fine, dense and persistent perlage. Intense notes of ripe and partly candied fruit on the nose, such as apple, orange and lemon citrus, followed by notes of vanilla, hazelnut and roasted nuts. On the palate, it is rich, creamy, pronounced and elegant. It reflects the complexity and depth of the nose. Salty aftertaste and long finish." Falstaff

The Franciacorta Noir Riserva made from 100% Pinot nero, which is very limited every year, has fine details and impressive lemon and grapefruit aromas, framed by gently savoury notes of grilled nuts and pastries. On the palate, it has finesse and length with so much power and exquisite elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

Outstanding terroir, terrific quality of the grapes and masterful cellar work made it one of the most highly prized wines! Bewitching aromas of candied cherry fruit with notes of spices and tobacco. On the palate dense, very concentrated with fabulous fruit sweetness, discreet acid structure and fresh tannins. A hedonistic and at the same time very contemporary dream of finesse and elegance that lingers with long and incredibly deep flavours. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of rose, sliced strawberry and roasted thyme. Medium-bodied with driving acidity and very nice concentration. Tense tannins are complemented by an array of well-ripened red berries. Thyme, rosemary and black tea come through. Lovely." James Suckling

"The 2018 Sfursat 5 Stelle is compelling. Macerated dark cherry, leather, herbs and baking spices are nicely pushed forward. Impeccable in its balance and overall harmony, the 2018 looks to offer fine drinking over the near and medium term. It is another terrific wine from Negri that points to a bright future." Vinous

"A sculpted red, with hints of tea rose, dried thyme and spices accenting a core of baked raspberry and blackberry fruit, espresso, licorice and minerally iron and smoke. Featuring firm, lightly chewy tannins, this fresh and tightly meshed version opens nicely in the glass - sip slowly or decant ahead of time." Wine Spectator

Outstanding terroir, terrific grape quality and technical mastery in the cellar have made this one of the most highly prized wines! Beguiling aromas of candied cherry fruit with notes of spices and tobacco. Dense on the palate, very concentrated with fabulous fruit sweetness, subtle acidity and fresh tannins. A hedonistic and at the same time very contemporary dream of finesse and elegance that lingers with long and incredibly deep flavours. SUPERIORE.DE

The fabulous Cuvée Annamaria Clementi is probably the most seductive and enchanting sparkling wine in Italy. Produced exclusively from the best grapes since 1979 and presented in a specially designed bottle. Elegance and prestige all along the line: noble, bright straw yellow with a touch of gold and a persistent perlage. On the nose, it has a strong, full-bodied aroma, on the palate it is balanced and harmonious, its final is rich and complex. SUPERIORE.DE

"29 vineyards form the basis of this unique wood-fermented Riserva: on the nose, aromas of oranges, pineapple, many balsamic nuances; harmonious and yet vibrant on the palate, never ends." Vinum

"Rich and complex nose with baked apples, ripe peaches, crushed almonds, brioche and biscuit. Full-bodied, deep and multi-layered with fine bubbles and a powerful mineral backbone. Dry and chalky with a long finish and a hint of nuttiness at the end. Zero dosage." James Suckling

The pure Pinot Nero Franciacorta Annamaria Clementi Rosé is bright pink in colour with delicate amber tones. It beguiles the senses with a subtle bouquet of dried strawberries and zesty citrus fruits, contrasted by the richness of raw almonds and sweet white smoke. It is silky and supple, with a slowly rising structure, yet still manages to surprise with notes of apple and savoury spices, which are then enlivened by a juicy acidity. There is a lingering inner sweetness that mingles with an aftertaste of concentrated red forest berries that lingers for over a minute. One of Italy's greatest sparkling wines! SUPERIORE.DE

"A salmon-orange colored sparkling with inviting aromas of dried flowers, honey, grapefruit, hazelnuts and gingerbread. Hints of cloves, too. Firm, driven and dry, with excellent structure and weight and tight bubbles. Long, spicy and almost chewy finish. Might even be better in a few years when it has softened." James Suckling

The "Sassorosso" vineyard is located on a rocky promontory that is separated from the rest of the mountain and has been almost completely eroded by the glacier over the centuries. It is visually distinguished by the unmistakable red colour of the ferruginous inclusions in the rock. The overlying shallow soil layer consists of clay and sand and lies on friable, metamorphic rock into which the roots can penetrate. The unmistakably elegant and mineral character of the terroir is thus particularly strongly expressed in this Nebbiolo.

Bright, transparent ruby red with a fine garnet hue. On the nose, small red fruits such as blackberry, redcurrant, cherry and raspberry complemented by fresh, floral notes of violets and roses. The palate is dense with a very tasty attack, silky tannins and a seemingly endless finish. A wine of great austerity and purity with considerable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of cut plum, red liquorice, roasted thyme and hibiscus. Medium-bodied with velvety tannins. Straightforward with real freshness and juicy red fruits." James Suckling

"The 2019 Grumello Sassorosso is a potent wine laced with strong mineral and savory notes that lend nuance as well as energy. Sweet dried cherry, crushed rocks, sage, mint and pipe tobacco open in the bouquet, but the Sassorosso remains a bit stern and unyielding in feel." Vinous

"Spicy at first, with notes of tarry smoke, loamy earth and grilled herbs evolving into a more subtle thread that winds through flavours of plum sauce, cherry reduction, anise and graphite. Long and slightly juicy overall, with a creamy edge to the otherwise chewy tannins that firm up the spicy finish." Wine Spectator

The grapes for Guido Berlucchi's prestige product Franco Ziliani come from the best parts of the Arzelle vineyard, which is sustainably cultivated with a very high density of 10,000 plants per hectare using the Guyot system. The vineyard consists of deep moraine soils that produce grapes for excellently structured Chardonnay base wines. Just 5,000 0.75-litre bottles and 863 magnum bottles were bottled from the 2008 vintage, which then matured on the lees for 140 months.

Intense straw yellow with lively golden reflections. A rich mousse, persistent crown and very fine perlage in the glass. On the nose, it has a complex, multi-layered aroma of yellow-fleshed fruit, pastries and candied orange. On the palate, it is characterised by extreme freshness, a disarmingly clean taste and a firm structure. Wonderful acidity, persistence and great ageing and development potential. SUPERIORE.DE