wines

This is Stefano Inama's vision of a terroir-driven Chardonnay off the beaten track. While the winery enjoys worldwide recognition for its Soave Classico wines, this Chardonnay del Veneto epitomises the experimental side of the winery – and impressively proves that the volcanic soils of the region can also lend exceptional expressiveness to international varieties. The grapes come from vineyards in Soave and Monteforte d'Alpone, where a fascinating geological peculiarity comes into play: this wine is the only Chardonnay cuvée from the winery that combines grapes from both volcanic basalt soils and limestone formations. This rare combination – volcanic lava meets sedimentary limestone layers – creates a complex terroir that gives the Chardonnay both mineral depth and structural elegance. Stefano and his now highly active sons Matteo and Alessio consistently refrain from using wood – the focus is entirely on the purity of the fruit and the expression of the volcanic terroir.

South Tyrol's most widespread white wine develops its classic elegance on calcareous clay-dolomite soils between 260 and 380 metres. These medium altitudes offer optimal conditions for this classic grape variety: Alpine freshness with sufficient Mediterranean warmth for the reddish-grey berries. As a white mutation of Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio shows its southern Alpine facet here: controlled fermentation in stainless steel, followed by six months of ageing on the lees for additional texture and complexity.

An elegant journey to Lake Garda: Rosa dei Frati blends the region’s typical grape varieties – Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese and Barbera – into a harmonious cuvée. In the glass, a delicate salmon pink with a subtle orange sheen. On the nose, a delicate interplay of summer berries, raspberry, redcurrant and elderflower, underpinned by a hint of almond blossom and green apple. Fresh and lively on the palate, supported by crisp acidity, juicy fruit and a subtle salty minerality. The dry, structured final is long and inviting. A stylish rosé that goes down a treat – ideal for light summer dishes, antipasti or simply as a lively aperitif. SUPERIORE.DE

In 1907, Josef Hofstätter founded his winery in the heart of Tramin – in an imposing 16th century building, which is still the centre of the estate today. Since then, the name Hofstätter has stood for what South Tyrol is capable of in its purest form: White wines of clear varietal typicity, elegant freshness and unobtrusive minerality. The Pinot Bianco comes from Cortaccia, one of the best sites along the South Tyrolean Wine Route, on light marl soils that give the grape variety precisely the delicate structure and aromatic purity for which Hofstätter is known. Gentle pressing, maturation on the fine lees in steel.

"I am particularly attached to this wine, which is named after the border collie that lived with us for fifteen years. Otto is the youngest wine we have, fresh and ready to drink. A wine you should always have in your cellar." Graziano Prà

Pale straw yellow with a greenish tinge. Sourced from high-altitude parcels in Castiglione Tinella, this Riesling combines freshness and depth: gently pressed, cool fermented and then matured for around eleven months on the fine lees in stainless steel – for crystal-clear flavours and a fine, creamy texture. Lime zest, green apple and white peach on the nose, with a hint of herbal blossom and wet stones. Dry, precise and straightforward on the palate: lively, citric acidity, cool minerality and a gentle, fine phenolic grip that gives the wine contour and length. A rare Langhe Riesling full of character and emphasising the terroir, with an animating attack and elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

A Nero d'Avola with charm and esprit: Sherazade is a modern interpretation of Sicily's most famous red grape variety. The name is reminiscent of the storyteller from 1001 Nights – and indeed, this wine tells of the fertile warmth of the south with appealing lightness and seductiveness. The colour in the glass is a bright ruby red with a violet rim. The bouquet exudes juicy cherries, ripe wild berries and floral notes, accompanied by a hint of sweet spices. Soft, round and harmonious on the palate, with a moderate structure, fine fruit and an animating drinking flow. Uncomplicated, charming and full of Sicilian joie de vivre. SUPERIORE.DE

The Rosso di Montalcino from Caparzo embodies the philosophy of a house that has been one of the pioneers of modern Montalcino since 1970. Under the visionary leadership of Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini, wines are created here that perfectly express the terroir understanding of the various micro-locations. This Rosso is far more than just the "little brother" of the legendary Brunello – it is a wine of character in its own right, combining the youthful freshness of the Sangiovese grape with the complexity of different vineyards. The grapes come from three strategically selected vineyards that cover the entire spectrum of the Caparzo terroirs: In the north, the Caparzo site at an altitude of 220 metres, in the south Il Cassero at 270 metres and in the east San Piero-Caselle at 250 metres. This diversity of locations – from the warmer, early-ripening sites to the higher, cooler terroirs – enables the cellar team to create the optimum blend depending on the character of the vintage.

In Neive, where the hills of Barbaresco gently undulate towards the horizon, the Pola family has been running the Fontanabianca winery since 1969. What Franco Pola started back then with the first bottle of Barbaresco Bordini is continued today by his son Aldo and grandson Matteo with the same conviction: quality is only created where the wine authentically reflects the terroir. On the limestone and clay soils of the municipality of Neive, 250 metres above sea level, the autochthonous grape varieties of Piedmont thrive in a temperate climate: Nebbiolo for the great Barbaresco wines, Dolcetto for uncomplicated pleasure and Barbera for the powerful elegance that has made this variety the region's most sophisticated popular grape.

100% Sangiovese Grosso from the argilloso-sandy soils of the estate, interspersed with fossils, marl and limestone – the foundation on which the Brunello vines of Camigliano also stand. After 10 to 15 days of maceration and temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, the wine matures for six months in large French and Slavonian oak barrels, followed by six months of rest in the bottle. The 2024 vintage benefited from a cool, rainy September, which gave the Sangiovese the necessary time for slow, complete phenolic maturation after a hot summer – the result is wines of unusual freshness and fine contours.

Pale straw yellow with golden highlights – a Chardonnay that derives its character not from oak, but from its terroir and freshness. In the Colli Orientali, this variety reveals a particularly refined character: the high altitudes around Prepotto bring coolness and precision, whilst the chalky soils provide structure. On the nose, hints of yellow apple, citrus, lime blossom and a touch of white almond. On the palate, it is juicy, balanced and crystal-clear, with lively acidity and mineral depth. A Chardonnay from north-eastern Italy that relies not on gimmicks, but on terroir – authentic, taut and wonderfully unpretentious. SUPERIORE.DE

Here comes cheerful and lively pleasure into the glass and heart: straw-yellow sparkle with a silvery shimmer and fine, persistent perlage. The nose is dancingly fruity and floral: peach, white flowers, rose petals, a hint of orange blossom and delicate musky notes – all fresh, playful and spicy. Sweet yet never heavy on the palate, with a refreshing lightness, delicate acidity and a gentle flavour that sweeps into a soft, aromatic final. The Moscato grapes grow in Mango d'Alba, are processed gently (including controlled fermentation in autoclaves) and mature briefly in the bottle - very typical of the variety and with a fine style. Vigna Senza Nome is not a classic dessert wine, but a charming, vibrant experience like a summery greeting from Piedmont. SUPERIORE.DE

The name tells a story: Barco Reale means "royal enclosure" and refers to the historic Medici hunting reserve, which was established in 1626 – a ring of walls over 50 kilometres long surrounded the area where Sangiovese, Cabernet and Canaiolo thrive today. Barco Reale Rosso is the younger, more accessible version of Carmignano DOCG, was awarded its own DOC status in 1994 and epitomises the elegance of this small but important Tuscan appellation. Tenuta di Capezzana has been run by the Contini Bonacossi family for five generations and represents over seventy per cent of the entire Carmignano production. The first documented mention of Capezzana dates back to 804, and as early as the 16th century, Caterina de' Medici had Cabernet cuttings brought to Carmignano from Bordeaux – centuries before the Super Tuscans discovered this idea for themselves. The winery has been certified organic since 2009.

The history of Lagrein cultivation in Alto Adige dates back to the 14th century. The Lagrein from St. Michael-Eppan is a characterful representative of its grape variety - powerful, but well-managed, with regional typicity and a clear profile. Grown on brooding, sandy-loamy soils in the Bolzano and Appiano area, the wine shows what South Tyrol's indigenous red wine variety can achieve in good hands. The 2024 vintage brought a balanced ripeness that allowed for freshness and depth in equal measure. After the classic mash fermentation, the wine matured for several months in large wooden barrels, which lends structure without overpowering the fruit.

The "Kretzer" is South Tyrol's most traditional rosé. It is produced on calcareous clay soils between 260 and 380 metres above sea level from the autochthonous king grape variety par excellence. The name Kretzer comes from the medieval vinification process – the "Kretze", a woven wicker basket, was once used to separate must and berry skins. This historic rosé wine tradition is continued today using state-of-the-art cellar technology: The Lagrein grapes undergo traditional rosé vinification at a controlled temperature in stainless steel, where brief contact with the skins gives the wine its characteristic salmon red colour.

The Tenuta Sallier de la Tour is located in Monreale – a few kilometres from the sea, nestled in the gentle foothills of the Valle dello Jato. Coastal winds, pronounced temperature fluctuations between day and night, fresh sandy soils of medium texture: conditions that give the Syrah a naturalness and freshness that cannot be taken for granted in the Sicilian summer heat. 100% Syrah, harvested by hand, traditional white wine vinification, fermentation at 14 °C, three months on the fine lees in steel. No malolactic fermentation – the acidity remains lively, the fruit direct. Madamarosé is the antithesis of La Monaca Syrah from the same estate: the same grape variety, a completely different result.