Wines from Veneto

The clay content in the forest soils of this incredible, almost untouched area around Oratorio di San Lorenzo gives the wine a unique note. Rich red with blue-violet reflections. Intense on the nose with notes of medicinal herbs, ripe red berries, blood orange, pepper and spices. On the palate then very precise and clear with dark fruits, a delicious spiciness and tannins that are still firm when young. Already seductive today and then elegant and silky with increasing bottle maturity. SUPERIORE.DE

pepnose. Juicy fruit channeled through a dense network of dry, firm, super-spicy tannins. A beautiful lift of dried herbs (sage, rosemary, lavender and oregano) and, a bit like their Cabernet, this lovely savoury-sweet element that is like oven-roasted cherry tomatoes with roasted vine and white pepper. Very gouleyant." Jancis Robinson

"Dark ruby red with a violet core. Scents of thyme and tarragon, black pepper on the nose, paired with blackcurrant and orange zest. On the palate juicy, dense and compact, well-integrated tannins, goes with vigour into the long finish." Falstaff

"The 2019 Carménère Carminium is remarkably floral and fresh, exuding notes of redcurrant, rosemary and ground ginger reminiscent of pepper. It is a model of purity with bright acidity lifting the mineral red fruits while savoury spices swirl through the nose. The 2019 finishes classically dry and lightly textured, leaving tart raspberry notes on the finish. This is an incredibly beautiful vintage for Carminium." Vinous

"It has a complex nose of dried thyme, tobacco, sage, tar and blackberries. Also peppercorns and cloves. It is medium-bodied, with firm tannins. Finely integrated and concentrated, with a firm finish. Better after 2024." James Suckling

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

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

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

This grappa is made from the marcs of the famous Bordeaux blend Capo di Stato. Fresh and clear with a slightly peppery bouquet and hints of spices and berries. The aromatic components continue on the palate with finesse until the elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very fruity nose, of cherries and raspberries, wild strawberries, flowers in the finish, very fresh. Opens up in the mouth on pear flavours, melting, slightly sweet, well integrated alcohol, very long finish." Falstaff

Garnet red in colour with aromas of jammy fruit, black cherry, cherry, vanilla, with a hint of wilt and spice. It is a wine of great structure, enveloped in fine, chalky tannins, complex, elegant and velvety. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby colour with a subtly brightening rim. Fine sweet fruit on the nose, elegant potpourri of oranges, cherries and wild strawberries, inviting and clear. Subtle, elegant pressure on the palate, savoury, precise, opens with polished tannins and light juiciness, beautiful length." Falstaff

"Dark ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Cherry liqueur with a hint of dark chocolate. Lush, deep cherry on the palate with a hint of Mon Chéri and a bite of firm but polished tannins and overall dramatically more balanced than the pure Classico." Jancis Robinson

"Quite a vegetal nose with dried berries underneath. Fruitier on the palate, with a full body and fine, slightly firm tannins that accompany the fruit through the long finish. The vegetal note persists, but by the end it becomes an element of complexity rather than a distraction." James Suckling

"The Cavolo Amarone is a selection of top grapes from throughout the estate's vineyards. This wine opens with aromas of raspberry jam, dried cherries dusted with cinnamon and cocoa with wafting notes of cedar and tobacco. Lifted flavors of tart plum and fresh blackberries mingle with bay leaf, chia spice, licorice roots and white pepper. Elegant on the palate, fine tannins and vibrant acidity give this wine a foundation for aging." Wine Enthusiast

Fine Prosecco Spumante Superiore from the renowned Cartizze growing zone: Brilliant silver-grey, very elegant with a fine perlage, pleasantly sweet note and fine fruit reminiscent of dewy August apples and citrus fruits. Long, creamy and persistent. SUPERIORE.DE

Brilliant golden yellow colour. Complex notes of light peach, fresh pineapple and poached apricot on the nose. Rich and creamy on the palate with accents of smoke and toasted almonds. The finish is long-lasting, mineral and herb-accentuated. This very focussed and complex white paints a beautiful portrait of the refined side of the Trebbiano di Lugana grape, which is becoming increasingly popular. SUPERIORE.DE

Piera Dolza means "gentle stone" and is the name for a very rare, historic dessert wine that was first produced around 1600 in the traditional Prosecco area around Conegliano. It is only thanks to the initiative of 7 small local producers that it is produced again today.

This delicious wine is a blend of three different local grape varieties: Glera (Prosecco), Verdiso and Boschera. The grapes are dried on racks for 6-8 months and are then pressed by hand with a wine press. The resulting concentrated must ferments in barriques for a month and matures there for another three years. As with many other passito wines, tradition dictates that the barriques in which the wine is stored are not completely full. This leads to gradual oxidation and towards the end of the ageing process results in characteristics similar to those of sherry or Marsala.

This gives the final product great longevity, which means that an opened bottle can be enjoyed for several weeks. The wine is amber in colour, very complex on the nose with a bouquet of ripe and dried fruit with notes of apricots, almonds and figs. There are also citrus fruits that are a perfect balance to the sweet spices and vanilla. On the palate, it is a real explosion for the taste buds: residual sweetness and alcohol content make the wine soft and full-bodied, but without being too broad or too sweet. The velvety feel is entwined with a beautiful acidity that refreshes the palate and makes the wine very long. The brilliant final is characterised by notes of citrus fruits, caramel, almond and peach. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, light amber. Shows notes of dried porcini mushrooms, baked apple, plus almonds and baked apple on the nose. Spreads richly on the palate, notes of a basket full of dried fruit, seems almost dry in the final due to a slightly bitter component." Falstaff

The latest addition to the Guerrieri Rizzardi Amarone family comes from three cru vineyards in the municipality of Negrar, including the best Calcarole vineyard. The grapes are dried in the Pojega drying rooms for 3-5 months without any technical aids. 3 Cru is available earlier than Villa Rizzardi or Calcarole and offers complex dark fruit flavours with a very pleasant sweet spiciness on the palate. Fresh and lively, it glides into a respectable finish with plenty of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby colour with a dark core, fine garnet notes on the rim. Inviting and clear nose of preserved cherries and plums, with some liquorice in the background. Compact and full-bodied in attack and finish, lots of dark cherry, juicy, then unfolds with gripping, dense tannins, juicy, tobacco flavours on the final." Falstaff

"Very generous nose with aromas of dried fruit, roasted coffee and smoky nuances. Muscular tannins on the palate, rich." Decanter

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 3 Cru 2018 smells of crushed raspberries, cloves and a hint of mint in the glass. On the palate, it is soft and supple, not as concentrated as you would expect, with pretty red fruits and floral notes. It finishes with medium length and slightly grippy tannins as the purple florals fade away on the inside. The 2018 benefits from the juice normally used to make the Riserva Calcarole." Vinous

"An attractive Amarone, harnessing clear red fruit and camphor, with tinges of alpine cool, anise and menthol and just the right amount of oak. Pliant and palpable but not excessive. This drinks very well. I’d age it just a little longer to take the heat off the sweet fruit, but with food it might not be necessary. Long, effusive and impressive." James Suckling

Great Prosecco Cartizze from the top vineyard of the same name with creamy aromas of pineapple and citrus fruit. Round, supple and expressive with wonderful fruit flavours on the palate. It also offers a delicate complexity with beautiful floral flavours, offset by grated lemon peel and white minerals. The finish is compact and fine. SUPERIORE.DE

Dark ruby red. The bouquet gives a furious hint of what this opulent long-distance runner is capable of: full heart of cherry fruit, blue flowers, damp forest floor, noble spice and a well-dosed use of wood impressively alternate. Just as complex and multi-layered on the nose, the wine goes on to show beguiling wild berries, precisely polished tannins and an extraordinarily elegant long final. Wow! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with very light garnet reflections. Notes of ripe cherries, wild berries, sweet spices and some hints of cocoa and dried flowers. Velvety, soft, persistent, spicy flavour with excellent extract richness." Falstaff

"Crushed berries and a layer of mahogany on the nose. Full-to medium-bodied with a very refined, polished feel and intense flavor. Firm tannins push the length. Very solid, but exuding finesse." James Suckling

"The 2018 Valpolicella Classico Superiore seduces with a dusting of confectionery spice and sweet smoke complementing its bright cherry profile. This is juicy and round with vivid ripe red berries and minty herbs, along with violet and lavender florals. The finish is long and staining with round tannins that linger. For all of its sweet spice, the Valpolicella Classico Superiore is matured entirely in large Slavonian oak - what you smell is fruit." Vinous

Noble grappa and successor of the extremely popular Sarpa Riserva with a rich aroma of vanilla, exotic fruits, candied lemon peel and liquorice. Soft, warm body with a long, harmonious finish. Sarpa Oro matures for 4 years in French oak barrels' which have a capacity of 225 Liters. With its elegance and spiciness, this grappa represents the history and passion of the Poli family like no other. SUPERIORE.DE

The name says it all: Marne means marl soil, on which the vines for this marvellous Amarone grow. They are over 20 years old and lie in an ideal 180° direction, from south-west to south-east. Rich, shiny ruby red colour, compact bouquet with intense aromas of plum, black cherry, green tea and tobacco, with a fine chocolate note in the background. The body, coated in fine berry fruit, develops a dynamic flavour experience on the palate with a sweet fruit melt, firm tannins and a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wines from this reliable producer are consistently delicious, in a modern style without ever straying too far into excess. Kirsch, alpine spruce, candied orange zest, violets and camphor. The oak finds confluence with the refined grape tannins to compress the fruit with a welcome restraint. There’s a touch of sweetness to the vintage. Age and the complexity that comes with it will serve this wine well. Sustainable." James Suckling

"The 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Marne 180 is wonderfully floral, with dusty, dried roses and violets accompanied by notes of crushed chalk and spiced blackberries. It has a silky texture and a pleasant inner sweetness with crisp forest fruits contrasted by candied orange notes. The Marne 180 finishes structured and remarkably fresh with a hint of dark chocolate that lingers. It is fantastic." Vinous

Amarone Classico is made from grapes grown in the vineyards of the classic Valpolicella area at the entrance to the Marano Valley. The drying process of the carefully selected grapes takes about 120 days. After fermentation, the wine matures in wooden barrels for at least 3 years.

Dark cherries, plums, smoke, mint, liquorice, sweet herbs and crushed rose petals swirl around in the glass as the wine gradually opens. Lively and lively, it features an expressive and well-defined personality and seriousness. For all its depth, the 2017 edition is an almost weightless Amarone built on finesse and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright shimmering ruby red. Finely marked on the nose, slightly barrel-spicy, savoury cherry and plum fruit, as well as blood orange and rosehip on the finish, white pepper. Very juicy and radiant on the palate, compact and polished, with tension and vibration until the final." Falstaff

"Exotic spices and dusty black cherry are complemented by a vivid notes of cinnamon and dried flowers as the remarkably pretty 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico opens in the glass. This is cool-toned and seamless in feel, coasting across the palate with mineral-tinged red berries, hints of sour citrus and exotic spices, all energized by brilliant acidity. The 2017 finishes long, lightly structured and staining without a hint of its 16.5% abv and amazing balance." Vinous

"This shows excellent intensity on the nose, with suggestive notes of sweet raspberries, Christmas spices, nutmeg and hints of salted plums, caramel and chocolate. Very flavorful, but agile and silky on the medium-to full-bodied palate. Signature Amarone warmth and bittersweet berry and chocolate in the finish, with some savory and sweet spice, too. Long and complex." James Suckling

This desirable brandy is made from the marcs of the famous Bordeaux blend Capo di Stato. After 60 months of ageing in the barriques of the eponymous wine, this grappa riserva takes on a beautiful dark amber colour with copper-red reflections. Distinctly spicy notes of cocoa, leather, liquorice and red fruits such as cherry and blackcurrant give the palate the softness and elegance that only long ageing can provide. It is rounded off by the pure oak aftertaste that confirms the olfactory impressions. Full-bodied, spicy and endowed with great power. Excellent with a fine cigar and dark chocolate. SUPERIORE.DE

Text will follow shortly. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Vino Spumante Rosé Dosaggio Zero is floral, exotic, slightly tropical yet completely refined, as it wafts up with a bouquet of fresh roses, dusty peach and dried strawberries. This has a plush body and feel, with a salty core that propels its ripe red berries and sweet spice across the palate. It’s bone dry, yet so fruity and finessed. The mouth is left watering, as the 2018 tapers off mineral-tinged. This is varietal Pinot Noir produced using Metodo Classico." Vinous

This grappa gets its unmistakable character from a harmonious blend of grape varieties that 'belong to the same family' but differ in origin, time of harvest and pressing method. This grappa starts tangy and fresh, then develops depth and fruity warmth with strong spicy notes. A very appealing grappa with a fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Sparkling ruby red colour, fine aroma of honey, pickled cherries, gingerbread spices and plums. Full-bodied and dense on the palate, with lots of ripe fruit, a rich flavour, noticeable tannin on the finish - and great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Great, memorable aroma of ripe peach, rich wild berries and rich cherries on the nose, subtle hints of pear, pomegranate, fine cedar wood and some smoke. Elegant entry and progression on the palate, on Assam tea, with beautiful juiciness, but also grippy tannins on the finish." Falstaff

Cresasso - an exquisite, single-varietal Corvina. Intensely scented with dark fruits, rose petals and spices. A rich, concentrated fruit on the palate, silky, with remarkable inner sweetness. Striking and sensual. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is packed with spicy red and black fruit, almost exotic in style, with notes of fresh dates, passion fruit, raspberries and the tiniest twist of chocolate. A full-bodied palate with ever more vivid fruit that latches onto the very fine and lightly firm tannins to give a pristine finish with lots of flavor and good length." James Suckling

"The 2017 Corvina Cresasso is aromatically stunning, with a captivating blend of raspberry and cherry sauce offset by a dusting of sweet spice and cocoa. This model of elegance is coasting silken textural waves across a core of vibrant acidity as masses of mineral-tinged red and blue fruits saturate the senses. The 2017 finishes structured and grippy with a primary concentration that lingers as tart red plums and rosy inner florals slowly fade. This varietal Corvina is fantastic, yet it will require cellaring to show its best." Vinous

Zenato's Amarone is all about elegance, with ripe fruit at the centre of the inviting bouquet with light notes of aromatic herbs. Powerful, sparkling ruby colour. Very appealing and multi-layered nose of plum, black cherry and a hint of leather. The palate reveals its overripe power, fine tannins and warm, expansive flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright garnet red with a broad, brightening rim. Baroque bouquet on the nose, of sultanas, preserved cherry and varnish. Powerful on the palate, slightly warming, with a fine-grained tannin structure, mouth-filling and extremely long on the tongue." Falstaff

"Very ripe nose with aromas of dried sultanas, toffee, angelica and dark plum fruit. Powerful, soft and warm on the palate." Decanter

"A harmonious version, round and medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins wrapped in a fragrant blend of macerated cherries and strawberries, tea roses and tea leaves, minerals and spices. Juicy finish." Wine Spectator

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2018 is exotic in the glass, with nuances of blood orange and mint that fade into preserved cherries and cloves. Supple and round on the entry, it impresses with its core of lively acidity and vividly ripe red fruits, which create an interplay of sweet and sour on the palate. The wine finishes with depth and concentration, but is also unexpectedly fresh and allows notes of plums and autumnal spices to linger for a long time. For this vintage, this is an extremely successful achievement. I take my hat off to Zenato." Vinous

"Very aromatic, with flavours of dried red and black fruits, including dried blueberries and dates, along with a lovely, spicy layer of nutmeg and pressed flowers. Full-bodied with an amazingly harmonious texture on the palate, thanks to the dense, very fine tannins, which also provide super length. A bright, salty, mineral note sets in and drives the finish even further. Exquisite Amarone." James Suckling

Masari's flagship presents itself in deep, dense garnet red. Ripe blackberry and cassis on the nose, underpinned by bitter cocoa and ripe cherries, light leather spice and liquorice. Full and balanced on the palate, spreads slowly but multilayered over the tongue, then convinces with beautiful and lasting pressure, long, salty and simply beautiful. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Intense nose with fine spices, cardamom and bay leaf, then rich blackberry, plum, cedar in the background. Hearty and gripping on the palate, unfolds with grippy tannin, salty, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

Impeccable Amarone from the Valpantena subzone with a promising bouquet of dark cherries, sweet spices, rose petals and a certain earthiness. Continuous and complex on the palate with an elegant, delicately bitter finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Sansonina is a strictly limited and very ambitious project of the Zenato family, using only the best grapes from their own vineyards. Only a small amount of it reaches the specialist trade each year in numbered bottles.

A textbook-like bouquet of a slightly mature Merlot with dark fruit depth and beautiful notes of graphite and flint. Warm and soft on the palate, yet punchy, very precise and dry, at the same time showing lots of dark cherries and a fine sweet spiciness. You can literally feel the Lake Garda climate in its fresh and extremely harmonious character and you can be very excited about further years of bottle ageing! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Merlot Veronese smells of herbs, crushed cherries and blueberries. It feels soft, almost creamy, with juicy acidity that balances and bright red and blue fruits that cascade. It finishes with a pleasant inner sweetness, leaving grippy tannins that retain a lovely freshness. This incredibly beautiful Merlot will capture many hearts." Vinous

"Aromas of bright and ripe black cherries vie with lightly charred roasting herbs, mild chili and dark floral notes. Full-bodied and silky with very fine tannins that are well sunk into the wine, allowing the fruit to build through the palate. Long, long finish with a gentle expansion of tannin and fruit. Classy. So tempting now, but will gain in complexity over a few years." James Suckling