Wines for Every Day

Typical Sardinian white wine, unagitated, independent and precisely for this reason so charming: S'elegas is a fresh voice of the island, eloquent and yet light-footed. Made from 100% Nuragus, one of the oldest indigenous grape varieties, it shows how tradition can grow into a modern favourite. The grapes grow on limestone and marl soils in the south of Sardinia, at Tenuta Sa Tanca near Selegas. After cool fermentation in stainless steel, the wine is given time: several weeks on the fine lees refine the texture and harmony.

Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is an underestimated grape variety. Anyone who only knows it from light white wines has not yet looked into the Colline Teramane – the hills between Gran Sasso and the Adriatic Sea, where Illuminati has been growing grapes since 1890. At 260 metres above sea level, on loamy-clayey soils that store every fresh drop of rain and welcome every sea gust, Trebbiano carries a dignity here that is rarely attributed to it elsewhere.

Fattoria del Cerro in Acquaviva di Montepulciano is the largest private vineyard in the region with a total area of 600 hectares and 181 hectares of vines – mainly known for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Its Chianti Colli Senesi comes from 20 hectares of vineyards in the Sienese hills and is mainly made from Sangiovese (90 per cent) with Merlot (10 per cent). After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with eight to ten days of maceration, followed by three months of ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels.

Since its creation in 1998, Vitiano Rosso has been one of the most successful Italian red wines on the international market – a classic that masterfully combines tradition and modernity. The grapes grow on the hills around Orvieto, where sedimentary limestone-clay soils with volcanic influences form the basis, at an altitude of around 300 metres. The blend of one third each of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is vinified separately: Merlot contributes fullness and velvety texture, Cabernet Sauvignon lends structure and depth, while Sangiovese provides balance with its lively acidity.

The cuvée of 85% Sangiovese and 15% other grape varieties comes from the historic vineyards near Gaiole in Chianti. Vinified in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature, traditional ageing methods preserve the typical Sangiovese freshness and authentic Chianti character. Bright ruby red in the glass. The bouquet is characterised by dark fruit: black cherries and blackcurrants, with elegant notes of violets and balsamic hints of liquorice and mint. Juicy and refreshing on the palate with the characteristic playful acidity of Sangiovese, velvety spiciness and charming fruity notes that remain present into the finish. An uncomplicated but refined Chianti of remarkable authenticity. SUPERIORE.DE

Bright ruby red with a violet rim. Ripe cherry, redcurrant and a hint of violet – inviting and typically Sangiovese, but with a southern Italian accent. Juicy fruit, lively freshness and pleasantly soft tannins on the palate. What makes it special is its origin: Molise – remote, underestimated, but ideal for red wines with a strong character and a special flavour. Maturation in stainless steel tanks preserves the freshness and purity, while the sun of the Osci hills ensures fullness. A purist, organically produced Sangiovese with an exciting Mediterranean profile – and not from Tuscany, but from Molise. SUPERIORE.DE

A red wine that doesn't disguise itself. The cuvée of 50% Nero d'Avola, 25% Merlot, 20% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Franc comes from organically farmed vineyards between Menfi and Noto – from limestone and clay soils that give the wine structure without imposing heaviness. 2024 was a tight, hot year in Sicily: 30% less harvest than normal, but perfect ripeness. The mash fermented for 7–8 days in stainless steel, initially cool at 16–17°C, open to 25°C towards the end – gentle, precise, fruit-centred.

Sicily at its brightest, lightest-footed best. The Planeta family's Segreta vineyards are located between Menfi and Sambuca di Sicilia – on calcareous soils close to the sea and on the cool, gravel-strewn slopes of the Ulmo estate at 210 metres above sea level. It is precisely this combination that characterises the Bianco: 40% Grecanico as the aromatic backbone, complemented by Grillo, Chardonnay and other varieties in equal proportions. Fermented at a cool 15–16°C, then on the fine lees with weekly bâtonnage – no wood, no intervention, just texture and freshness.

Cerasuolo means cherry red – and the name says it all. What Illuminati vinifies from Montepulciano grapes as rosato has nothing to do with the pale summer rosé that you forget between two deckchairs. Only 15 hours of maceration at a cool temperature – just enough to extract colour, aroma and the characteristic Adriatic salt fingerprint without taking any tannin or heaviness with it. Then fermentation in white, steel, care.

Nicola Illuminati founded Fattoria Nicò in Controguerra in 1890. Dino Illuminati turned it into a name that Abruzzo fans around the world recognise – and Stefano Illuminati continues this work today, with the same vineyards, the same indigenous grape varieties and the same respect for Montepulciano. The Lumeggio di Rosso is no small wine: it is proof that this producer wants to be taken seriously even without Riserva ambitions. 100% Montepulciano, Pergola Abruzzese at 260 metres, hand-picked at the beginning of October. Maceration at 28 °C, then six months in 25-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels.

A Nero d'Avola with style and everyday suitability, vinified from vines in the province of Caltanissetta (on Lago di Disueri), where clay and limestone soils and large temperature differences between day and night ensure aromatic depth. Rich ruby red colour with a purple rim in the glass. Aromas of ripe cherries, blueberries, dried herbs and a hint of liquorice. Soft and fruity on the palate, with gentle tannins, lively freshness and good drinkability. The ageing in stainless steel maintains clarity and varietal typicity. A very typical and cleanly vinified Nero d'Avola with a Mediterranean character – ideal with pasta, braised vegetables or grilled meat. SUPERIORE.DE

Sparkling like a sunny day on the plain, this Barbera immediately radiates joie de vivre without drawing attention to itself loudly – the name Rosso Fuoco, meaning red wine of fire, carries its poetic part with dignity. The grapes are organically grown on gently undulating limestone-clay soil in Astigiano. Gentle manual harvesting, stainless steel processing and spontaneous ageing give the wine clarity and vitality, while the plump fruitiness remains uncomplicated.

Deep ruby red with a violet rim. Red fruit on the nose, especially cherry and raspberry, accompanied by subtle spicy notes and a hint of liquorice. Dry, fruity and smooth on the palate, with mild acidity and light tannins that give the wine structure. The wine is matured classically in stainless steel to preserve the primary fruit flavours. A charming and accessible Montepulciano – ideal for spontaneous enjoyment or as an accompaniment to medium-weight dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

From the sun-drenched hills between Tramin, Neumarkt and Auer comes this innovative white cuvée, which combines the best of four grape varieties full of character. The traditional Tramin winery, founded in 1898 by the visionary priest Christian Schrott, demonstrates its masterful flair for harmonious blends with the "T" Cuvée Bianco. Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling thrive here on calcareous clay soils between 250 and 550 metres above sea level, where the extreme temperature fluctuations between warm days and cool nights give the grapes their special variety of flavours.

The small vine wood on the neck of the bottle is more than just a nice gesture – it is the trademark of Zaccagnini and symbolises a philosophy: nothing from the vineyard is wasted, even the pruning finds its place. Since 1978, the Zaccagnini family has been working in Bolognano, deep in the mountainous hinterland of the province of Pescara, where the vineyards lie like an amphitheatre, protected by snow-capped mountains. Here, where fresh winds blow daily through a mountain gorge, the Montepulciano grape thrives in ideal conditions. After gentle manual harvesting and temperature-controlled maceration, the wine matures for six months in Slavonian oak barrels before finding its final harmony in the bottle for a further three months.

Orion here does not mean the constellation, but a border. The Greek "oros" means edge, dividing line – and that is exactly what this path once was: the ancient road that separated Byzantine lands from Lombard lands, today a quiet country lane right next to the Primitivo vineyards of Masseria Li Veli in Cellino San Marco. History you can feel under your feet. 100% Primitivo, harvested at the end of August, limestone-clay soils, 10 to 20 year old vines – partly Alberello, the ancient Apulian bush vine cultivation style. Fermentation in steel, six months in barrique. Roberto Cotarella holds the line.

For over 190 years, the Tasca d'Almerita family has been running the Regaleali estate – deep in the heart of Sicily, on the hills between Palermo and Caltanissetta, where the island shows its true character: tart, warm, incorruptible. This white wine has been the flagship of the house for over 60 vintages – and it is something like the most honest business card that Sicily can issue. Inzolia, Catarratto, Grecanico – three indigenous grape varieties of the island, rounded off with a touch of Chardonnay – grow at the higher altitudes of the estate, where cooler nights sharpen the flavour and preserve the natural acidity. Matured in stainless steel, cool and precise, without wood, without distraction.

The name says it all, as this is a rosato that is reminiscent of the unconventional times of 1968 in terms of its lightness and vivacity. In the glass, it has a radiant, delicate peach-pink colour – almost as if a sunrise had taken wing. A floral bouquet of grapefruit, pineapple, apricot and wild meadow flowers heralds various adventures. On the palate, it remains dancingly light, with bone-clear acidity and crisp fruit, slightly salty notes and an expression of redcurrants round off the picture. Unfiltered, direct, fresh – an invigorating counterpoint to everyday grey life. Flower Power combines Sangiovese with reductive clarity, drinkability and catchiness – puristic, pink and full of emotion. SUPERIORE.DE

Avignonesi's uncomplicated everyday wine combines Tuscan tradition with international grape varieties: Sangiovese and Merlot form the backbone, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Colorino and Syrah. The grapes undergo an eight-day maceration at a controlled temperature, with the alcoholic fermentation guided by natural yeasts from the company's own pied-de-cuve selection. After eight months of ageing in stainless steel, the wine is ruby red in colour with inviting aromas of ripe cherries and blackberries, with a hint of liquorice. On the palate, it is lively and full-bodied with direct fruit, carried by velvety-soft tannins and a pleasant persistence reminiscent of Mediterranean scrub. A versatile and animating companion for every day. SUPERIORE.DE

Critone is one of the best-known white wine cuvées in southern Italy and combines the elegance of Chardonnay with the aromatic freshness of Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes come from well-ventilated vineyards around Cirò Marina, on calcareous flysch soils with a clay subsoil – ideal conditions for clarity and structure. The colour in the glass is pale straw yellow with a greenish tinge. The nose reveals green apple skin, citrus, some peach and fine vegetal notes. The palate is dry, clear and lively, with crisp acidity and a fine mineral vein. Maturation in stainless steel tanks emphasises the fresh, fruity character. SUPERIORE.DE

Tedeschi's Valpolicella Lucchine is a lively, fruity red wine without the use of wood. It impresses with juicy cherry and berry fruit, fine acidity and flavours of violets, herbs and spices. Light, fresh and elegant - a classic full of character with great drinking pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

This Montepulciano from the hills of Abruzzo has a classic style and is aged in large oak barrels. Deep ruby red colour with a purple rim. Dark cherries, stewed plums, dried herbs, a hint of leather and fine spice on the nose. Round on the palate, with ripe fruit, polished tannins, well-integrated acidity and a harmonious, spicy finish. A wine full of character and at the same time accessible with a beautiful regional expression – down-to-earth, honest and wonderfully compatible. SUPERIORE.DE