wines

The name SanGaetano tells of the co-operative tradition: in 2012, Cantine Due Palme took over the small Cooperativa San Gaetano in Lizzano in order to expand the production of Primitivo di Manduria in a targeted manner. This DOC appellation has long been recognised as one of the most important red wine denominations in Apulia – appreciated both in Italy and internationally. The Primitivo vines grow on the characteristic red-coloured soils of Manduria, whose clay-limestone structure is rich in minerals and iron oxides. These soils with their rocky limestone subsoil have a decisive influence on the character of the wine. The grapes are harvested by hand in small crates at the end of August or beginning of September when they are slightly overripe to guarantee the highest quality. After temperature-controlled fermentation, the SanGaetano matures for six months in American oak barrels – an ageing process that refines the tannins and gives the wine additional complexity.

Felline in Manduria stands for Puglia's indigenous grape varieties and the pioneering work of Gregory Perrucci, who has been shaping the region since 1992. Pietraluna is a single-varietal Negroamaro from Salento – strong, spicy, authentic. The grapes come from vineyards around Manduria, where calcareous soils with iron oxide deposits form the typical terra rossa. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, followed by brief ageing to preserve the fruit.

Passerina is one of the silent heroines of the Marche region. Less well-known than Verdicchio, but with a character of its own that is immediately recognisable: slender, fresh, uncomplicatedly charming. Garofoli deliberately picks the grapes a little earlier in order to preserve freshness and naturalness – gentle pressing, fermentation in steel tanks, clear lines. Pale straw yellow with greenish reflections. Apple, pear and acacia blossom on the nose – inviting and light. Fresh, soft and balanced on the palate, with a delicately bitter final that whets the appetite for more. Aperitivo, fish, seafood – or simply when the evening deserves an uncomplicated companion. SUPERIORE.DE

The Cantina Santadi in Sulcis is considered one of the best co-operatives in Italy – and this Vermentino shows why. The grapes (85% Vermentino, 15% Nuragus) come from five municipalities in south-west Sardinia, where sandy clay soils and a Mediterranean climate create ideal conditions. Manual harvesting, gentle pressing, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel and short storage on the lees preserve freshness and flavour.

Sicily at altitude. The Insolia vines of Cusumano grow in the hills near Salemi and Monreale – with south-easterly exposure, slow ripening and pure mountain air. No drama, no feat of strength: the high altitude does the work. Hand-picked at the beginning of September, twelve hours of cold maceration at 8°C, gentle pressing, temperature-controlled fermentation at 18–20°C, four months on the fine lees in steel. Straw yellow colour, hawthorn, citrus peel, a hint of exotic fruit – fresh, delicate, with pleasant acidity and a light salty-mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Campirosa Cerasuolo only gradually unfolds its fresh strawberry and cherry flavours, which are adorned with sweet flowers. The palate is silky-soft and very convincing with its ripe red fruits and juicy acidity. A hint of liquorice, exotic spices and nuanced tannins emerge on the finish and seem to linger for almost a minute. Campirosa is already a charming favourite when young, but can also mature for another year in the cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

Cantine Due Palme is one of the most successful co-operatives in southern Italy – founded in 1989 in Cellino San Marco, the cooperative now has over 1,200 members and around 3,000 hectares of vineyards between Brindisi, Lecce and Taranto. Under the management of Angelo Maci, Due Palme has developed into a pioneer of sustainable quality production, combining state-of-the-art cellar technology with traditional cultivation methods such as Alberello Pugliese. Don Cosimo epitomises the sun-drenched power of Salento. The Primitivo grapes ripen on calcareous, loamy soils that store sufficient water even in very hot weather. After a gentle harvest in mid-September, the grapes ferment at a controlled temperature in horizontal rotary fermenters before the wine matures for six months in French barriques and then comes to rest in the bottle.

Intense ruby red with violet reflections. The aroma reveals ripe cherries, dark berries, a little clove and a hint of liquorice - typical of the Primitivo grape variety, which originally comes from Croatia but has long since found its current home in Puglia. Soft and round on the palate, with juicy fruit, fine spice and a warm, accessible final. Maturation in stainless steel tanks preserves the freshness and varietal purity. An uncomplicated but characterful Primitivo with Mediterranean flair, good length and a lovely flow. SUPERIORE.DE

A rosato with an island identity – clear, fresh and imbued with Mediterranean vigour. Tre Torri is made from 100% Carignano grapes, cultivated in the limestone and clay-rich vineyards of the lower Sulcis. The grapes are harvested by hand and undergo extraction with a few hours of maceration at low temperature before being fermented in stainless steel tanks. This reduced vinification preserves freshness and terroir without distraction.

The Cantalupi Primitivo comes from old vines in south-west Apulia and is classically vinified in stainless steel. Dark ruby in colour with a slight violet tinge. Intense aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries, some fig and delicately spicy notes of black pepper and Mediterranean herbs on the nose. Juicy on the palate with dense fruit, pleasant spice, supple tannins and a lovely flow. The acidity is present but elegantly integrated. A red wine "for every day" with plenty of character - authentic, round and pleasantly accessible. Perfect with pasta with a spicy sauce, grilled vegetables or simply on its own with good friends. SUPERIORE.DE

Vernaiolo is one of the oldest members of the Rocca delle Macìe family and has always been the estate's most traditional example of Chianti. Its name is derived from the Latin vernāle, which means "of spring" and indicates the season in which the Chianti was bottled after it had survived the winter. Even today, this lively, ruby-red wine is ready to drink in the spring after the harvest and retains its fresh and fruity characteristics for a long time.

Susumaniello is one of the indigenous grape varieties of Apulia that almost disappeared. Cantine Due Palme was one of the first wineries to recognise the potential of this historic variety from the Alto Salento region around Brindisi and saved it with foresight – vinified in purity to preserve its unique character. The name already reveals its speciality: "Carico come un somarello" – loaded like a donkey – refers to the exceptional fruitiness of the young vines. After around ten years, the yield drops significantly, and only then does Susumaniello produce grapes of astonishing quality. The grapes are easy to recognise: Their ink-blue coloured berries have an extremely high anthocyanin content, which is why Susumaniello was often used as a blending partner in the past to lend depth of colour to other wines. For the Serre, the grapes are harvested by hand in small crates late at the end of September, when they are slightly overripe for optimum concentration. Vinification takes place in horizontal rotary fermenters at a controlled temperature, followed by six months of ageing in French barriques.

Illuminati's Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riparosso has a sweet scent of violets and lavender, followed by crushed blackberries and chalk dust. It washes over the palate with soft textures and ripe wild berries, contrasted towards the end by sour citrus fruits. It finishes perfumed and with admirable length, leaving a layer of dusty tannins that tug at the cheeks. Very Italian – very well made. SUPERIORE.DE

For centuries, the Maremma was the land of the butteri – the Tuscan drovers who rode through the marshland on small horses and herded the large white Maremma cattle. The mandriolo, the herdsman, was their trade. Morisfarms has given this name a wine that suits it: down-to-earth, uncomplicated, straightforward. 80% Sangiovese, supplemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot – a pragmatic blend from the Poggetti estate in Massa Marittima. Clay-rich, fossil-rich soils, seven kilometres of coastline, south-west exposure. Harvested in mid to late September, fermented in temperature-controlled cement vats with 15 days of maceration, pumping over twice a day. No wood. Bottled for three months. Finished.

Pale straw yellow with a greenish tinge. Ripe lemon, yellow apple, some white blossom and a hint of pineapple on the nose - typical of the variety, but pleasantly restrained. Fresh and balanced on the palate, with a delicate mellowness, lively acidity and a mineral finish. The ageing in stainless steel tanks emphasises the clarity and freshness of the grape variety. An elegant Chardonnay from the hills of Castel del Monte that impresses with its finesse, drinkability and regional identity. Ideal with antipasti, fish or simply on its own. SUPERIORE.DE

The Riff project is a co-operation between Alois Lageder and local winegrowers in Veneto, where the grapes also thrive in selected vineyard sites. On its label, the segments of stylised ammonites tell the story of the formation of the mountainous landscape on which the vines for the Pinot Gris Riff now stand: From the ocean with its coral reefs to the unique terroir, in which many fossils of former ocean dwellers can still be discovered today.