Wines from Veneto

Passito Seré is not a new wine from Dal Forno, but the former Recioto DOCG, which is now on the market as IGT - if you get to see it or drink it at all. Incredibly rich and dense, lots of ripe, dark fruit and roasted coffee beans on the nose. Opulent and generous on the palate, the sweetness shows excellent balance. A particularly structured and almost magical dessert wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Labeled as “air-dried sweet red wine” instead of its traditional name “Recioto,” this is indeed a powerful and generous wine. It boasts huge density and superintense aromas of blackberry, oak spice and tobacco. Keep it for your cellar." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright deep ruby. Intense but refined aromas and flavors of red cherry jam, licorice cocoa and flinty minerals, with a bright violet topnote. Lively but harmonious acidity really lift and extend the rich high concentrated and multilayered flavors on the long, luscious and very precise finish. In many respects, this is always my favorite wine from Dal Forno, as I find it has impeccable balance (14% alcohol, 150g/L r.s. and 7g/L total acidity) and a very high easy-drinking quality (especially given a rather crazy-high 56g/L dry extract). The extremely high quality of this wine (it used to be labeled as a Recioto della Valpolicella) and Dal Forno’s exacting standards are well demonstrated by the fact that he has only made this wine six times in the roughly thirty year lifetime of the estate! Even though the 2004 vintage was marred by an early July hailstorm, this is one of Dal Forno’s best Reciotos ever." Vinous

"The 2004 Passito Rosso Vino Dolce Vigna Seré is a masterpiece that is impossible to repeat. In fact, the wine has not been produced since 2004. Even if a vintage as good as this did come along, we'd need to wait another 13 years before we could enjoy this level of maturity and evolution. Formally a Recioto della Valpolicella, this sweet red wine is made with air-dried fruit as local tradition dictates. Luckily no botrytis set in that year, because that would have eroded the wine's deep and luscious color saturation. The bouquet delivers a generous flow of dark spice, bitter chocolate, espresso, raisin, plum, barbecue spice and teriyaki smoke. The concentration and layering of the wine are both rare and distinctive. The mouthfeel sees sweet flavors with a syrupy mouthfeel. The finish offers hints of caramelized brown sugar and savory hickory. The aging window is impossible to predict, but the wine is surely built to last. I can think of no other wine that comes close to matching this unique style." Wine Advocate

Intense, bright ruby red colour. Very clear aroma of ripe cherries, cassis, elderberries and plums, with sandalwood, cloves and white pepper in the background. Great fruit on the palate, lots of grippy tannins, complex, long and multi-layered. An exciting, still quite young wine with enormous potential for many, many years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby red colour with violet. Pleasant vegetal and fruity nose with woody and floral notes of roses and geraniums as well as darker roasted and tobacco notes. Firm, broad and full-bodied on the palate. Spicy and savoury tannins, great drinking pleasure." Falstaff

"Tobacco leaf and freshly cut cigar on the nose. Black pepper to its white. Dark cherries, wild thyme, cranberries in cherry syrup, black olives, Darjeeling tea leaves and cumin, interwoven with sensual, deeply silky tannins. Sabrina Tedeschi says that she keeps finding minty notes in this wine, and I can understand what she means. Beautiful spirals of blood-orange acidity that run up and down the wine. Long, persistent and, like all Tedeschi wines, exquisitely balanced - there is something truly regal about this wine." Jancis Robinson

"This rich red evokes the traditional style of Amarone with its dark focus and notes of stemmy herbs, iron and fresh earth, but the juicy core of black plum and reduced cherry flavours, supple, chalky tannins and overall integration and balance show the precision and pleasure of a modern approach. Long, beautiful finish." Wine Spectator

"The lowest Amarone parcel, on calcareous subsoil. A 'big boy', as the winery calls him. Expansive in the mouth, with a thick tannic spindle spooling up porcini mushrooms, terracotta, cloves, thyme, aniseed and polished leather. A hint of balsamic on the long and influential finish. This is a magnificent wine with power and precision." James Suckling

"The Tedeschi family has vinified the Monte Olmi vineyard separately and there is no wonder why. The wine greets you with a combination of ripe dark plums, black cherries and an almost framboise note. The rich wine is firm and gripping, with the primary flavors mirroring the nose. The wine ends with a change of pace—an herbal and rocky minerality." Wine Enthusiast

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva Monte Olmi 2016 has a woody character that blends perfectly with the aromas of macerated plums, sage, cedar shavings and cocoa. The palate is enveloped in an opulent, silky texture, while a core of juicy acidity lends an attractive sweetness to the tart wild berries and exotic spices. The 2016 finishes with fine tannins and lingering concentration, with raspberry and clove nuances slowly fading away. It is a beauty, but it needs further ageing to show its best side." Vinous

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Capitel Monte Olmi 2016 is one of the top wines in the Tedeschi portfolio and clearly raises the intensity threshold in terms of fruit weight, power and alcohol. Dark fruit and plums give way to candied fruit and cherry liqueur. The tannins are present but so skilfully integrated that they are neither bitter nor astringent. In fact, the mouthfeel is probably the best and most unique feature of this wine." Wine Advocate

"Tedeschi's historic Amarone, which comes from 2.5 hectares of vineyards in Pedemonte di Valpolicella in the Classico area. The higher clay content compared to the chalky soils of the Maternigo estate emphasises its great, dense and powerful character. Fragrant aromas of potpourri contrast with hints of meat broth and rich black fruit. Concentrated and focused, the red and black fruit flavours combine with balsamic freshness and a very good acidity that lightens the monolithic weight. On the finish, nuances of violets and red fruits combine with chocolate, coffee and spices, carried by a chewing gum-like acidity. Wow!" Decanter

Just 500x sets of 3 of these three exceptional site wines go on sale worldwide with each vintage. We are pleased to present this strictly limited wine journey through the volcanic terroir of the Soave Classico area exclusively in Germany:

There are special places (Italian: luoghi) where the sun and wind behave in an unusual way, where the soil has a different colour and the plants follow their own rhythm. The ancient Romans also knew this and believed that these places were alive, inhabited by a supernatural being, the "genius loci", which determined their character. The three new sites-Soave Fittà, Castellaro and Tremenalto-are among them: They are places that have always been considered particularly suitable for viticulture in the Soave Classico region due to their unique soil characteristics and microclimate, so much so that they have now been officially recognised and included in the production regulations as "UGA" (Additional Geographical Units).

The three Tessari sisters recognised the potential of their volcanic soils in the Soave Classico region early on. For many years, their wines have been among the best that the region produces every year. In recent years, they have identified three small parcels, from which three single-varietal Garganega wines are being sold for the first time today with the 2020 vintage: Fittà, Castellaro and Tremenalto Soave Classico DOC 2020. They were all vinified in the same way, but each embodies the differences of the respective terroir and microclimate and at the same time the richness and diversity of the volcanic soils formed over 20 million years ago. The basaltic rock that makes up these soils has been undisturbed at depth for thousands of years and has dissolved to such an extent that the roots of the vines can easily penetrate it and also assimilate it.

But is it only the soil that determines the uniqueness of a wine? No, it is rather the place to which it belongs, in its entirety, of which the soil is a very important element, but not the only one. A place is made up of its peaks and valleys, its forests, trees and vineyards, a place is also made up of its inhabitants, its people and animals, its climate, the sun, the water and the wind and all these things that interact in a complex, unique and sometimes mysterious equation.

And that's the really brilliant thing about the three strictly limited wines - they embody exactly the essence of the place they come from. SUPERIORE.DE

1 bottle à 0,75l | Fittà Soave Classico DOC 2020 (BIO)

The vineyard of about 1 hectare is located on the ridge that connects the village of Fittà with the slopes of Monte Castellaro. It is situated on a slightly hilly, south-facing area and comprises a short, stepped slope that descends to the east towards a small cut in the ridge. The subsoil consists of altered basalt volcanite. Two different soil types have been identified here: The first is highly developed and structured, the second is influenced by the slope and indicates a versatile variety of highly altered basaltic rock. The vines were planted as early as the 1940s and are now on average 80 years old.

"This is really serious Soave with loads of candied, licoricy character to the bright peach flesh and peach skin. Medium-to full-bodied with chalky tannins. The finish is long and rapier-like, unleashing the barest floral and stone fruit persuasions. Time will surely help this. Stay tuned!" James Suckling

James Suckling: 95 points

1 bottle à 0,75l | Castellaro Soave Classico DOC 2020 (BIO)

The Castellaro vineyard consists of a small parcel located on the slopes of the mountain, on the northern slope that rises towards the village of Fittà. The altitude is between 200 and 220 metres above sea level, with a slope of 10-20%. The subsoil consists of altered basalt volcanite. In the Castellaro vineyard, a moderately deep soil has been identified, characterised by a stony profile and cultivated throughout its depth. The vines were planted in the early 1970s and are now over 50 years old.

"A mineral voltage kicks off proceedings, doused with the white pepper and jasmine that often marks great Soave. Flecks of stone fruit, subtle and cool of aura. Extended time on lees (12 months) promotes tension. Toasted almond and raw pistachio, too. This has wonderful thrust of energy and sublime tension. Needless to say, the finish is very long. Among the finest white wines in Italy." James Suckling

James Suckling: 95 points

1 bottle à 0,75l | Tremenalto Soave Classico DOC 2020 (BIO)

The Tremenalto vineyard is located in the Moscatello area, on a west-facing slope with a total area of about 2 hectares. The area called Tremenalto consists of a series of slopes and small valleys that join the Alpone valley to the north of the village of Fittà. The altitude ranges from about 80 to 130 m above sea level, the average slope is 25 %, with extremes of 5 and 40 %. The subsoil consists of metamorphosed basalt volcanite, the vines were planted in the early 1960s and are now over 60 years old. Three different soil types with very different characteristics have been identified in the Tremenalto vineyard, reflecting the diversity of the basaltic rocks and the different intensity of the slope processes to which they have been subjected: the first, strongly reddened by oxidative processes of mineral alteration; the second, deep and developed, on an undulating surface that has been essentially spared erosion; and the third, strongly eroded, shallow and clearly modelled by human activity.

"The ripest and fleshiest wine of the bunch. Clay. Quince marmalade, candied orange zest, dried mango and pineapple chunks. Broad and textural. As reliant on a broad sweep of phenolics across the palate, as it is on an underlying skein of freshness. A big wine, built for an open mind and a diverse table." James Suckling

James Suckling: 94 points

The showpiece of the Zenato winery from the terrific year 2006 with a perfect balance between expressiveness, elegance and almost infinite length. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a real beauty, with huge intensity and loads of deep chocolate fudge, black cherry, cola, barbecue and black licorice flavors. It manages contrasting tones of sweet versus savory that pleasure the tastebuds. The palate is rich, smooth and superconcentrated." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato wraps around the palate with layers of mocha, espresso, Morello cherries, spices, mint and new leather. It is a wonderfully plush, expressive wine loaded with aromatic and flavor complexity. There is plenty of inner perfume and sweetness, but what impresses most is the wine's sense of structure and length. Darker notes flesh out on the finish adding a baritone register to the fruit that is highly appealing. This is a fabulous showing from Zenato." Wine Advocate

"Incredible nose of wet earth, spices, dark chocolate and blueberries. Stunning. Full body, with superfine tannins and polished texture. Balance and harmony. Better in three or four years." James Suckling

 

The Quintarelli family rigorously decides when the top wine may be an Amarone and when - depending on the climate and yield - the result is "declassified" and a small quantity is then named after the founder's nickname and released onto the market. Connoisseurs are almost waiting for it, because this extremely rare wine has it all and more than does justice to the founding father.

Strong, bright ruby red colour. Complex berry flavour with a potpourri of red fruits, notes of fig and a perfectly orchestrated orchestra of spices. Powerful and warm on the palate, with great harmony and depth, the well-defined muscles and a carefully woven tannin structure guide this balsamic red into a long, impressive final. With this outstanding quality, it really doesn't matter whether the wine is called Amarone or not ... Giuseppe "Bepi" would be proud of the result! SUPERIORE.DE

"There will be no Amarone in 2016; instead, we’re treated to a new vintage of Rosso del Bepi. This is dark and brooding in the glass, youthfully coy, with a bouquet of dried roses and violets. Complicating whiffs of incense give way to cherry sauce and dark chocolate. It's rich and complex yet also remarkably energetic, with a tactile mineral core that enhances its tart red berry fruits while hints of sour orange add a cheek-puckering sourness toward the close. The 2016 finishes with medium length and a chalky sensation, tapering off with suggestions of licorice and tangerine. This sexy and energetic Rosso del Bepi will win a lot of hearts." Vinous

Capitel Monte Olmi 2017 takes things to another level. It coats the glass with a deep purple glow and exudes a dark and seductive bouquet of redcurrants, sultanas, black liquorice and a hint of spiced citrus. The deep, velvety texture is complemented by juicy acids and tart red fruits that drench everything they touch, leaving a complex layer of savoury spices, minerals and fine tannins. This wine is structured, long and full of character, but with a balance that will carry it for many years in the cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby red with garnet reflections. Very intense aromas of blueberry, black elderberry, ripe plum, sandalwood, chocolate and tobacco leaf on the nose. Powerful and very fruity on the palate, delicately spicy and dense, with fine tannins, very balanced final with great drinking pleasure." Falstaff

"Blackberry pie, sweet and savoury spices, woody herbs and violets swirl in the glass. In the mouth, it's lush and creamy, with cooked plums and black cherries on the mid-palate accompanied by anise, clove and pepper, finishing with fine tannins and bright acidity. The wine shows the 2017 vintage with its concentrated richness, but there is enough acidity to hold the wine together." Wine Enthusiast

"It starts with oak aromas on the nose, but as soon as you put the wine in your mouth, the bright dried berries begin to unfold and soak up the oak flavours, leading to a full-bodied, long and balanced finish. Although the flavour spectrum is not particularly complex at this stage, this wine is well-structured and already approachable. But Amarone fans will certainly want to cellar this wine, as the enormous ageing potential is obvious from the first sip." James Suckling

"The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Capitel Monte Olmi is youthfully coy, slowly blossoming with swirling to reveal notes of cocoa, clove, lavender and dried black cherries. Creamy and seamlessly silky, this soothes the palate with its cooling acidity as masses of ripe red and blue fruits slowly saturate. A bitter tinge of dark chocolate lingers along with a tart berry concentration, all framed by crunchy tannins. This is an excellent effort for this warm and dry vintage. Its balance is spot on." Vinous

"One of the most traditional wineries in Valpolicella, ancient wisdom combined with modern intuition. A Riserva made from Corvina, Rondinone, Rondinella and other red grapes, taut on the nose with notes of laurel and eucalyptus, fresh, dense and deep on the palate, with a spicy-salty finish." Luca Gardini

The grapes for this high-calibre Valpolicella Classico Superiore come from the rather barren, calcareous and terraced vineyards of Tenuta Novare above the Ognisanti church. Wines of greater complexity, perfect structure and higher concentration are produced here than in most other vineyards in Valpolicella. Sparkling ruby-garnet colour. Fragrant nose with wonderful overtones of sour cherry, dried flowers and white pepper. Perfectly balanced on the palate with firm tannins and wonderful spice and depth of fruit thanks to the ageing in wood. A superior, winning wine from the heart of the Valpolicella region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep ruby red colour. Initially notes of white pepper and tobacco on the nose, followed by delicate hints of small red fruits. Full and intense flavour, fruity sweetness and smoothness, juicy and slightly spicy finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ognisanti di Novare is quite pretty, with nuances of rose petals and dried strawberries. It has a soft texture, and a salty core of minerality adds a savoury flair, while the tart cherry fruit cascades across the palate." Vinous

"Offering an aromatic array of warmed cherries, plums, sun-dried tomatoes and underbrush showing a lift with hints of violets as the wine opens. A sip reveals a structure of refined tannins and a harmonious balance of tart cherry and a touch of leather with notes of black tea and roast coffee on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"A medium-bodied red wine with fresh red berry aromas and flavours, showing floral, citrus and mineral nuances as it progresses. The tannins are very fine and almost chalky, soaking up more and more fruit on the ever-expanding palate. Long finish. This is a very graceful and well-made Valpo that reminds me a little of Pinot Noir. Very expressive without being loud in any way." James Suckling

"Vineyard of the same name in Arbizzano di Negrar, Corvina Veronese with a small amount of Rondinella, 12 months in French oak, a wine of juiciness and tension, notes of cranberries on the nose, with hints of marjoram, white pepper and wild mint. Firm and juicy on the palate, spicy finish." Luca Gardini

The grapes for this graceful Valpolicella Classico come from the Miniere vineyard of Bertani's Villa Novare estate, a south-western site of just 4 hectares consisting of two terraces. Bright ruby red, notes of fresh fruit, cherry, wild berries on the nose, with elegant hints of white pepper. Spicy, juicy and tasty on the palate, with remarkable persistence and great length! SUPERIORE.DE

"Young light red; reductive, fresh, fruity, peach; round, juicy, fruit deep, long, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"Juicy, crisp, light and playful, with exuberant energy running on a trail of white peppery acidity and a gentle drive of herbal tannins. Red limestone. Strawberry, mountain herbs, crushed musk and lilac. A great substitute for a Cru Beaujolais. A delicious drinking pleasure that reflects the current zeitgeist of quality fruit without dryness, tension and joyful immediacy." James Suckling

"Lively and spicy on the nose, with notes of strawberry sweets. Nervous and structured on the palate, very long and pure." Decanter

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the label creation by artist Tono Zancanaro for the famous Capo di Stato, a special, strictly limited wooden box has been created. It contains one bottle each of Capo di Stato 2018 with the labels "Des Roses Pour Madame" and "... Et Pour Monsieur La Bombe". Each box also contains a numbered and signed guarantee certificate and a small booklet revealing the history of the two famous "Lui e Lei" labels.

Capo di Stato has long been a legend thanks to its top quality and history. The cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbech was created by Conte Loredan Gasparini. A wine rich in finesse in the classic Bordeaux style, dense and of outstanding structure with flavours of spices and red fruits. Fascinatingly ripe tannins, skilfully integrated into the new French barrique in which the wine was matured for two years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright, rich ruby red colour. Great interplay of spicy aromas on the nose, pepper, cassis, leather, tobacco, then again red pepper, liquorice, forest berries on the finish. Extremely juicy and balanced on the palate, fruit and acidity are well balanced, with pressure, currently still showing young tannins at the back, already pointing to a long life." Falstaff

"This is a historic wine worth the search if you like drinking history. Made from old clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, the wine exudes the dark plummy notes you would expect, with a deep earthy and savory element. Fine, yet firm tannins give the full-bodied wine gravitas as the deep dark fruits yield to cedar, tobacco, clove and worn leather." Wine Enthusiast

"A juicy, medium-bodied red wine with lovely earthy funk, dark olive and pepper notes in the spiced black cherry fruit. Supple palate with firm but silky tannins complementing its fleshy dark cherry core. Good-natured. Better from 2024." James Suckling

1997 saw the birth of Bradisismo, named after the geological event that led to the formation of the Colli Berici. It is a successful symbiosis of the intense, concentrated aroma of ripe cherries of Cabernet Sauvignon and the lively, spicy notes of Carmenere. With its bouquet of small dark berries, spices, pepper and chocolate, it is a wonderfully affordable alternative to the big Bordeaux blends or Supertuscans. Strong, powerful red with good proportions. Dense aromas of ripe plums, blackberries and dried cherries define its compelling personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep black/purple. Cedar oak, baked stones, ripe black fruit and flint. Rich black fruit holds the firm, slightly grainy tannins. Spicy mid palate and finish. Distinctive and food-friendly." Jancis Robinson

"A pronounced nose that beguiles you with its notes of cherry compote, darkly spiced licorice, tar, light vanilla and blackcurrants. Trim and foursquare on the palate, due to the firmness and vivacity of the tannins, but generous and endearing. Medium to full body and a velvety finish." James Suckling

This barrique-aged Passito is an absolute filet piece even for die-hard sweet wine connoisseurs and at the same time an exotic wine for the region. The Quintarelli family produces it handpicked only in the very best vintages, making it a real rarity and the small edition also, but not only, explains its price. Brilliant golden yellow with amber reflections. Candied apricot, peach, orange peel and a delicate honey note on the nose, rounded off with warm components such as sugar couleur, roasted almonds and rendered butter. Firm and ingratiating on the palate, yet retains its freshness with each sip, with great persistence and impressive, unforgettable length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2012 Amabile del Cerè is flat-out stunning, boasting a seductive display of baked apple, fig paste, mint, spiced orange and hints of burnt sugar. It’s weighty and textural yet full of vibrant energy, as floral-laced peach, honey and hints of buttercream give way to candied citrus and a note of brown sugar. This is unrelenting pleasure and opulence in a glass, as layer upon layer of contrasting sweet and sour notes repeatedly thrills the senses. It lingers for well over a minute with hints of tropical fruit and florals. The Amabile del Cere uses the same mix of Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Saorin as the Bianco Secco, yet it’s air-dried prior to vinification. It’s only produced in years when Quintarelli feels that the Bianco Secco is strong enough to stand on its own without the addition of the Amabile’s fruit. The 2012 should not be missed." 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

This barrique-aged Passito is an absolute filet piece even for die-hard sweet wine connoisseurs and at the same time an exotic wine for the region. The Quintarelli family produces it handpicked only in the very best vintages, making it a real rarity and the small edition also, but not only, explains its price. Brilliant golden yellow with amber reflections. Candied apricot, peach, orange peel and a delicate honey note on the nose, rounded off with warm components such as sugar couleur, roasted almonds and rendered butter. Firm and ingratiating on the palate, yet retains its freshness with each sip, with great persistence and impressive, unforgettable length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ginger and incense, dried apricots, crushed almond and nuances of butterscotch lift from the 2015 Amabile del Cerè. This soothes with silken, weighty textures, yet its balance is in place with a sour citrus wave that leaves a salty sensation in its wake. It tapers off long with a smoky note and tropical florals and citrus that linger on while remaining incredibly fresh. The 2015 Amabile del Cere is pure hedonistic pleasure." Vinous

Deep bouquet of black berries and cocoa, violets and lavender. On the palate flavours of cherries, blackberries and wild berries, in the long finish the invigorating fresh impressions of medicinal herbs. A stately wine of the upper class. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Zenato 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato is a thickly statured and rich red wine with lots of fruit weight, big intensity and a powerful 16.5% alcoholic content. The wine is redolent of ripe and dark fruit, and there are plenty of savory and smoky notes as well. The tannins are soft and dusty." Wine Advocate

"Radiant, dark ruby red. In the nose a beautiful spectrum of aromas, finely balanced between fruit and spice, plum, cherry, cinnamon, roasted hazelnut, noble wood. On the palate wonderfully dense and polished, compact, very juicy and with elegant pressure, spans a finesse-rich arc, harmonious in approach and course until the long final." Falstaff

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato 2016 needs time to open up in the glass. It is dark and floral and smells of exotic spices, dark chocolate and, with time, red berries. It is velvety and opulent in style, powerful yet soft and enveloping with masses of medicinal berries and exotic spices, dark chocolate and balsamic herbs. The heady final is wrapped in a layer of grippy tannins, yet the expression remains remarkably fresh. You have to realise that this is a richer and riper Amarone, but it succeeds remarkably well." Vinous

"This graceful medium to full-bodied red is finely knit and harmonious, with a pleasing juiciness in the black cherry and black plum flavours, sandalwood, citrus and blackberry herbs. It shows supple, well-connected tannins that unfold on the long, spicy finish." Wine Spectator

"This remarkable Amarone was highly praised by the original jury and survived every further evaluation phase, so that its inclusion in our Best-in-Show collection was never seriously in question. It is already over five years old, but still very dark in the glass - and it is also a wine of remarkable aromatic complexity. Amarone lovers know how many allusions these wines are capable of evoking, and it is not difficult to detect mushrooms, forest undergrowth, truffles, Havana leaves and even wild violets in this wine's aromatic profile, as well as the usual confit cherries and plums. In the mouth, the wine is remarkably concentrated yet elegant, carrying this bundle of allusions effortlessly and seamlessly through the palate. The finely beaded tannins give it support, and the concentration of fruit is such that the acidity almost fades into the background." Decanter

"Unfathomable depth and complexity, with toasted dark liquorice, blackberries, tar, porcini mushrooms, mussels and black chocolate. A light touch of balsamic also adds a spicy edge. The seamless tannins gradually build on the full-bodied palate. Excellent balance between maturity, concentration and freshness, with a long finish. Drinkable now, but much better after 2025." James Suckling

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico La Fabriseria shows itself massive and with seductive complexity. Deep bouquet of black berries and cocoa, violets and lavender. The taste is immensely fruity with aromas of cherry, blackberry and wild berry, plus the invigorating impressions of medicinal herbs again and again. The finish is elegant and long with a fine sweetness and a hint of mint. For us, one of the greatest wines of the Valpolicella! SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, bright ruby. Very clear and intense nose, full of dark currant sweets, dark cherry juice, spicy honey and some resin in the background. Dense and full-bodied in the attack and course, shows a lot of grippy, dense tannin, flows clearly and calmly, dark pepper in the finish, very much Storage potential." Falstaff

"A pure beam of crème de cassis and baked black cherries is accented by an enticing palette of sandalwood, liquorice and Earl Grey tea leaf notes in this fine-mesh, medium to full-bodied red. Long and delicious, with a rich hint of fig cake and a touch of mineral iron on the slightly chewy finish." Wine Spectator

"In the glass, aromas of crushed violet, baked plum, underbrush and new leather combine. The palate is velvety and densely concentrated, offering delicious raspberry jam, soaked plums and baking spices before finishing with a tobaccoic finish. Despite its big, bold structure, it has refined tannins that support and polish it seamlessly." Wine Enthusiast

"Sumptuous notes of balsamic, mint, dried thyme, kirsch and mountain herb. A raft of tannins doused with dried tobacco leaf and clove, compress the fruit as much as promote it. The thick-skinned oseleta is in the blend, contributing immensely to the firm structural lattice. Drive, power and length, with no dearth of freshness. Excellent Amarone for those seeking power as much as freshness. This has a very traditional, savoury air to it. One glass is not quite sufficient in this case." James Suckling

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva La Fabriseria 2015 trades power for elegance and feminine beauty. Notes of mineral ripe cherries, currants, sage and cocoa gain volume and depth with time in the glass. The wine is seamless and silky, gliding over a core of lively acids, with juicy red and black fruits giving way to sweet spices and pretty flowers. A bitter hint of coffee and spicy herbal notes combine with tart blackberries and linger for well over a minute. This is just great." Vinous

"The Tedeschi family's top wine is their 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva la Fabriseria. The wine is a careful blend of 40% Corvina, 40% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella and 5% Oseleta, all aged in oak for 48 months. The appassimento process has produced a powerful and muscular wine that opens with thick layers of black fruits, plums, dried cherries, spices, mesquite smoke, iron and sweet rum cake. With only 2,500 bottles made, this full-bodied blockbuster wine is a lesson in all the beautiful excesses that extreme Amarone has to offer." Wine Advocate

2017 was the 40th anniversary of Fratta, the first harvest was in 1977 and the production in the first year totalled 3,298 bottles. To celebrate the anniversary appropriately, the Maculan family decided to select the very best barrels of this wine to release exactly 3,298 bottles in the original bottle and historic label of the time, one year later than the normal 2017 vintage. All bottles are numbered by hand by Angela Maculan and this special edition is only available from us in the original wooden box with three bottles!

This beautiful cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from a great vintage presents itself impeccably! Deep, complex fruit bouquet, rounded off by fine sweet spices, tobacco and coffee. Punchy and textured on the palate, blackberry, raspberry and a solidly woven tannin structure in the several-minute final. A wine with great development potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Fratta presents a dark and seductive nose of blackcurrant, sweet herbs, rich notes of mocha and savoury brown spices. It is cool and spicy, a little lean but with a polished feel, with tart blackberries balanced by hints of sour citrus and toasted oak, while purple flowers emerge towards the finish. Fine tannins make their presence felt on the final, which tapers off in a lightly textured way, with a hint of liquorice that lingers." Vinous

"Deep, dense aromas of crushed black fruits with notes of charcoal and dried herbs, such as rosemary and thyme. The fruit coats the slightly firm tannins on the full-bodied palate, creating a dense, velvety and long sip. A well-made red wine that is highly concentrated and bursting with flavour, but also has a smart balance." James Suckling

"Here is an iconic wine from the Veneto, made from a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot. The Maculan 2017 Fratta shows tremendous intensity, muscle and brawn. The wine has soaked up every last drop of the sun, heat and dry weather that characterised the 2017 growing season, and it does so with elegance and poise. The wine is impeccably balanced with dark fruits and spices. It's the kind of big-boned red you want to pair with a hearty grilled dish or marinated beef." Wine Advocate

Maternigo means "mother's land" and is also the name of one of the Tedeschi family's vineyards. The vineyards cover around 33 hectares in two municipalities, Tregnago and Mezzane di Sotto. The new Cru-Amarone Riserva Maternigo is only produced in the best years and its grapes come exclusively from the Barila vineyard. This single vineyard was selected after careful zoning and characterisation of the soil, which is characterised by very low vigour and consequently produces grapes rich in structure.

This gives it its own complex and aromatic character, which is characterised by a high concentration of natural aromatic components in the grapes. This complexity creates an intense bouquet of red fruits and Mediterranean flowers. These notes are echoed on the palate, along with subtle hints of eucalyptus, which give the wine freshness and at the same time hints of sweet spices. The impressive result is an elegant wine with great structure and exciting development potential - and an unmistakable sensory experience. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright, rich ruby red colour. Noble and clear on the nose, of ripe, rich cherries, red peach, rosehips and wild berry mousse, with fine spicy components on the finish. Full-bodied and dense on the palate, opens rich and with dark berry fruit components, juicy tannin envelops the fine melting, ends long in the final with fine pressure on elderberry syrup." Falstaff

"The 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva Maternigo is ashy and intense, with tobacco giving way to peppery herbs, dried cherries and dark chocolate. It feels velvety-smooth and glycerin-like, with a dense wave of ripe red fruit and sweet spice carried by salty minerals and vibrant acids. It leaves a hint of rich sweet fruit along with violet and lavender tones as it finishes lightly textured. The 2016 took some time to develop in the glass, but it really shows the magic of the vintage. Bravo." Vinous

"The Tedeschi 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva Maternigo comes from an exciting vineyard with soils of grey marl limestone outside the "Classico" zone of the appellation and is a dark and brooding wine. The intensity is undoubtedly there, but the wine is actually quite balanced and even. It never feels too heavy or dense. There is some lingering sweetness, but the mouthfeel is creamy and soft in texture." Wine Advocate

"Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella from the Barila vineyard, grape harvest, followed by long fermentation and maceration, then 48 months in Slavonian oak, a wine with a beautiful olfactory impact, notes of blackcurrant, nuances of wild mint and nutmeg, spicy attack, spicy finish." Luca Gardini

"This wine exemplifies the unique world that Amarone lives in as a wine. It is both very powerful and elegant at the same time. The nose is reserved at first, showing a mixture of black currant, plum and raspberry. The wine then shifts gears highlighting the bitter-chocolate notes and chalky minerality that come from this unique single vineyard, Barila. The bottling has firm tannins and vibrant acidity, giving the wine seriousness and demanding it be lost in the cellar for some time." Wine Enthusiast

"It's very restrained on the nose, with a dense package of baked red cherry flavours and a bright mineral, almost wet stone character. Mediterranean herbs too. Full-bodied palate that is back under control, but there is a dense package of firm, fine tannins, dried fruit and spice waiting to burst out. It's hard to believe this wine is only 17% alcohol, it's so well constructed. It will be superb in a year or two and beyond if you can resist the temptation now. Best from 2023 onwards." James Suckling

"Spicy, woody black cherry, blueberry jam and coffee scents are joined by deep, rich, earthy and almost-jammy flavours, with cocoa and damson. Round and extremely fresh with a persistent finish, this is by no means a shrinking violet yet has the balance to match its considerable concentration and heft." Decanter

The lily is the flower of all flowers in Valpolicella and this exceptional Riserva is dedicated to the best of them. The grapes for this new flagship of the winery, produced in very small quantities, grow on 300-metre-high soils of mainly limestone with some sandy silt in the Monti Garbi district of the municipality of Mezzane di Sotto. The vines have an average age of 40 years and produce only small yields. After harvest, the grapes are selected twice by hand. The Lilium Est is aged for three years in new Bordeaux barriques, the laths of which have been dried outdoors for 36 months. Before it goes on sale, it remains in the bottle for at least another four years.

Dense ruby red, clear and consistent, olfactory very powerful, extensive and fine. The first impression is of balsamic, almost iodine-like notes, transported by the remarkable alcoholic content, to immediately reveal the characteristic scent of ripe cherries, plums, vanilla and ginger. Tertiary aromas of cocoa, chocolate, tar, almonds, roasted hazelnuts and pipe tobacco follow on the heels. The palate is dry, warm and soft, well supported by a remarkable acidity, of great palatability and equipped with an enveloping tannic structure. As it progresses, it is balanced, very persistent and fine. Undoubtedly a highly elegant, complex wine monument - a strong companion with broad shoulders that will defy time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and compact garnet red with ruby reflections. Complex and intense nose with notes of pickled plums and sour cherries, rum pot and some coffee. On the palate with powerful and at the same time supple tannin, with lots of ripe cherry fruit, juicy and with a long final." Falstaff

"Black dates, green tea, shellfish, seaweed, bark, melted dark chocolate and liquorice on the nose. Full-bodied and flavourful on the palate, a little old-fashioned, but complex and distinctive. It starts dry, but then becomes a little more generous, with a refined, bittersweet accent, before a long finish. A conservative Amarone that exudes quality. Beautiful now, but it will age for a long time." James Suckling

"Released 10 years after the harvest, the Tenuta Sant'Antonio Famiglia Castagnedi 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva Lilium Est is packaged in a very heavy glass bottle with a red wax capsule. The wine has definitely started along its evolutionary track, although there is still some of that dark and opulent Amarone fruit to behold. Dried fruit aromas are wrapped within ample spice, leather, tar and a potent 16% alcohol content." Wine Advocate

"My goodness what a beguiling nose, wood, caramel, parma violet, floral with coffee/mocha tones. Full bodied and full of life, tannins make the immediate impact, massive and fleshy but also powdery so you get depth of flavour on the tongue and a fine coating of texture around the cheeks. A powerhouse of a wine, layers of vibrant acidity, rich concentration and lingering freshness with lovely aspects of coffee, toffee, star anise, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper and balsamic leather. The fruit is crisp with a high-toned toasting element, all of which seems to work in harmony to deliver a nuanced wine with so many facets." Decanter

"The 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva Lilium Est delights from the first swirl of the glass with a seductive bouquet of sweet spices, sugary blueberries, sweet smoke and oak. This is pure elegance, almost opulent but not quite, with a balance of ripe red fruits and a bitter hint of cocoa to balance it out. The finish is smoky and firm, with fine-grained tannins that frame the wine without slowing its momentum, while nuances of coffee grounds and cloves slowly fade away. The 2012 could do with some ageing to further integrate the oak (it matured for four years in new barriques), but the use of wood is skilful." Vinous

Beautiful Amarone Riserva with well-proportioned flavours of ripe dark fruit and noble notes of leather, spices and sweet tobacco. It is dense and full-bodied with remarkable depth, breadth and purity on the palate. An opulent wine with a long and very harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Acute aromas of dried cherries and berries, with spicy and earthy, nutty notes. Full-bodied with a regal structure of velvety fruit and oak tannin, supporting plenty of spicy dried-fruit flavor. Concentrated and intense with a long, long finish. This will age nicely for many a year, despite already being approachable now." James Suckling

Three years after the Annata, Romano and his sons launch a small edition of the same vintage in large formats. As every year, the secret star of the house gives the Dominator in Dal Forno style. Dark and dense, it reveals an intense bouquet with marmalade-like aromas of red and dark fruits, alongside which spices and wood, tobacco and chocolate echo. At the same time, the youthful and stormy taste is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"A very rich and spicy nose of kirsch, sweet morello cherries, spice box, hazlenuts and vanilla beans with dried dark cherry cake and lots of cedar, too. Full body, sweet fruit, vibrant acidity, ripe and round tannins and a fruit-forward finish. Always excellent." James Suckling

Three years after the Annata, Romano and his sons launch a small edition of the same vintage in large formats. Dark and dense, it reveals an intense bouquet with marmalade-like aromas of red and dark fruits, alongside which spices and wood, tobacco and chocolate echo. At the same time, the youthful, stormy taste is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"A harmonious Valpolicella in a richer style, displaying a lovely range of plumped black cherry, star anise, espresso crema, cured tobacco and fragrant smoke notes. The sinewy tannins are well-meshed, but lend weight and definition, and the lightly juicy acidity keeps this focused through to the lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"A remarkably concentrated red, redolent of dark-cherry ice cream, stuffed with chocolate-chip flakes that turn into meatier, earthier nuances of steak tartar and forest floor. Full-throttle and lavishly chewy, the tannins pucker all sides of the mouth with mesmerizing intensity; nevertheless they remain polished and acutely detailed, like an extravagant, wool-woven, Moroccan veil." James Suckling

"This is a terrific wine that stood out - and stood tall - despite the fact that it was tasted alongside some of Dal Forno's most important vintages of the top-shelf Amarone. If that's not a full-on recommendation, I don't know what is. The 2013 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta oozes forth with thick concentration and an inky black color. The mouthfeel is thick and impenetrable, and the senses are treated to a long succession of black fruit, tar, spice, smoke, mesquite and barbecue flavors. The wine is full-bodied and very opulent, but it carries that massive intensity with grace and precision. This Valpolicella Superiore is very nicely done." Wine Advocate

"From one of the most iconic wineries in the Orientale, this is aged for two years in oak and a further three in bottle. A proper meditation wine, great with game, strong cheeses or a cigar. It has a huge nose of stewed red fruits, ethereal bramble forest fruits and blackberry jam. Generous, with spicy, bitter cherry-stone freshness. Full-bodied with a rich, intense, spicy undertone." Decanter

As every year, the star of the house gives the Dominator in the Dal-Forno style. Dark and dense, it reveals an intense bouquet with jammy aromas of red and dark fruits, alongside spices and wood, tobacco and chocolate. At the same time, the youthful, stormy flavour is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2014 is a unique interpretation of Dal Forno's Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta. It is a remarkably beautiful wine, showing crushed ripe strawberries and plums with cinnamon, cloves, vanilla pods and a cooling hint of mint. The textures are velvety and coat everything they touch with the concentration of glycerine fruit, yet come across as tangy and vibrant, contrasting with rich notes of tart blackberry and savoury spice. At times the Monte Lodoletta is almost savoury, especially in its long, delicious finish, which lingers with notes of cherry stones and herbs. This atypical but really pleasant expression is the result of the extremely difficult 2014 vintage, when hail damaged and reduced the harvest in the lower-lying vineyards, followed by rain from August to September. As a result, Dal Forno decided not to produce its Amarone and instead to focus entirely on Valpolicella. The result is a wine that no Dal Forno fan should miss out on." Vinous

"A beautiful, sophisticated red wine with flavours of dried berries, plums, flowers and cedar wood. Full body and a flavourful finish. Extremely refined and polished, more so than many previous vintages. Already beautiful, but it needs another year or two to develop." James Suckling

Only nine years after the harvest is this great wine released for sale: The slow drying of the fully ripe harvested grapes gives this cru its immense power and density as well as the extraordinary character with massive ripeness, fruit fullness, beautiful concentration and great elegance. On the palate, Bertani's Amarone demonstrates freshness, noble lightness and great dynamism. An exciting wine and for decades probably the most classic Amarone - the archetype, so to speak - of the entire appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, very intense ruby. Opens with light mineral notes, then after pickled cherries and rich red berry fruit, underlaid with fine blood orange in the background. Very precise in attack and course, elegant cherry fruit, grippy, dense tannin, opens in many layers, fine melting, now already easy to drink, very juicy, very great development potential." Falstaff

"Medium garnet red. There is so much going on in the nose! Fruits and dried spices. Next time I'm in an Indian restaurant with a good wine list, I want to try an Amarone. Really very complex and exciting. So fresh and clean! Dry finish. So very different from the commercial Amarone norm. Really quite exciting." Jancis Robinson

"The 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico takes its time opening in the glass, slowly evolving with a rich blend of crushed black cherries complemented by dusty violet florals and exotic spice. This coasts across the palate, silky-smooth yet with cooling minerality and brisk acids that add an energetic feel as a saturation of red fruits and fine tannins collect toward the close. The 2012 finishes lightly structured with a resonance of balsamic spice and bitter hints of cocoa that linger on and on - a fantastic and genuinely harmonious rendition of Bertani's Amarone Classico." Vinous

"Wow, what a complex bouquet, with a base of dried cherries spiced up with hints of mild coffee and walnuts. There are also dried flowers, wild herbs and spices such as tarragon and cloves. Subtle hints of dried banana and apricot. The palate is full-bodied, very smooth, intense and balanced, with firm, spicy tannins that drive everything forward. Long, long finish. It's nice to taste it now, but this wine, already almost ten years old, will be in your cellar for a long time." James Suckling

La Grola is the historic vineyard that gave its name to Corvina, the autochthonous grape of Valpolicella, which is probably its origin. The replanting of the vineyard by Giovanni Allegrini sparked an agronomic revolution and laid the foundations for the success of this wine-growing area, which today is home to great red wines from north-eastern Italy.

So it is not surprising that La Grola receives a special honour from its magnificent location. Since 2010, Allegrini has been collaborating with internationally renowned artists, publishing year after year a unique, limited artist edition. The edition opened with a work by Milo Manara, continued in 2011 with a label designed by Arthur Duff and continued in 2012 with a painting by Athos Faccincani. The composition VI by Wassily Kandinsky was selected for La Grola in 2013, and in 2014 the artistic journey went to Brazil and to Nazareno Rodrigues Alves, before returning to Italy with the 2015 edition to Leonardo Ulian.

The 2016 vintage was interpreted by a great Japanese artist: Hiroyuki Masuyama. In a highly innovative process, La Grola's Limited Edition ennobles the fascinating synthesis of overlapping shots. A total of 288 photographs are incorporated into this work, showing one of the legendary vineyards of Valpolicella from an exciting and completely new perspective. Time and space are the fundamental elements of Hiroyuki Masuyama's overall creativity: everything revolves around these two concepts, which have been formalised differently over the years and have become the hallmark of his work. Masuyama combines and overlaps the result of hundreds of photographs taken of his subject from a fixed angle. The result of this superimposition is another image of the same place.

In each wooden box of 6 there are 6 bottles with Masuyama's exclusive artist's label. We are pleased to be able to offer you some copies of the special edition, which is strictly limited every year!

Dense, dark ruby red, in the nose very full-bodied and strong with tones of forest and overripe berries. The rich fullness from coffee to black cherries is accompanied by present, pleasant tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lovely balance, as always, to this super Veronese red with juicy dark fruit and hints of black chocolate. Medium to full body, succulent tannins and a fresh finish." James Suckling

"Very inky and toasty nose. On the palate the wine is elegant, fresh and poised with classy, well-integrated oak, flavours of plums and cherries and tight tannins, which will soften in time." Decanter