Italian Wine

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2021 Chianti Classico is terrific. Bright and vibrant, with tons of Sangiovese character, the 2021 is everything Chianti Classico should be. Bright red cherry fruit, blood orange, mint, spice and tobacco are all nicely amplified in this juicy, wonderfully inviting Chianti Classico. The 2021 is one of the best edition of this wine I have tasted recently.  Drinking 2023 - 2031.  - Vinous 91

Audrey Frick writes:  A youthful ruby/magenta, the 2021 Chianti Classico is pure, ripe, and inviting with aromas of cherry liqueur, candied roses, and fresh sweet Mediterranean herbs. This wine has wonderful transparency and clarity, with refreshing acidity, snappy lift, and ripe, fine tannins, as well as a stony underpinning and a lovely fresh lift of tomato leaf on the finish. A refreshing and lovely wine, it has much to offer if drinking over the next 6-8 years.  Jeb Dunnuck 91

James Suckling writes:  Notes of cooked strawberries, red licorice, blood orange and cedar. Medium body. Bright and racy with crunchy acidity and a flavorful finish.  - James Suckling 92

Winemaker Description

The "Sangioveto" of Badia a Coltibuono comes from the vinification of Sangiovese grapes aged in barrique. The place of origin is that of Monti in Chianti, in the province of Siena, where there are the vineyards of the Stucchi family that since 1846 is the owner of the company Badia a Coltibuono: always linked to tradition, The Stucchi family is also particularly attentive to everything related to the protection of the environment; all the wines of Badia a Coltibuono in fact have the BIO Certification. After the manual harvest, natural fermentation begins with autochthonous yeasts and subsequent maceration on the marc for 5 weeks. The aging takes 12 to 16 months and takes place in oak barrels. Finally, aging in bottle for a minimum of 6 months.

A wine with an intense ruby color, with floral aromas, red fruit and spicy notes. In the mouth it has a good body, harmonious and full-bodied. Good freshness and flavor and an enviable persistence.

Winemaker Description

Deep ruby red color. The bouquet is rich and complex with aromas of violets, red berries, such as raspberry and red currant, and a fresh hint of red orange. On the palate it is dry, fresh, full- bodied with smooth tannins. Very long and tasty finish, with a pleasant minerality and flavors of violets and berries.

Critic Notes

James Suckling 91 Points | Lovely sweet berry and orange zest aromas that follow through to a medium to full body with crunchy fruit and a stony undertone.

Wine Advocate 90 Points | Showing an immediately light and bright personality, the 2021 Chianti Classico Brolio is an easy blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino. It boasts an attractive, punchy approach with plenty of cherry, blue flower and pressed violet, followed by subtle mineral shadings. The wine is simple, but classic.

Slightly effervescent or “frizzante” if you’re fancy, with notes of wildflowers, ripe melons and honey followed by flavors of pear, nectarines and apricot. 

Throw traditional pairing notions out the window, Bartenura Moscato pairs perfectly with whatever you like, especially good company!

Price is for a single can.

Kosher for Passover

Winemaker Description

Mevushal. Crisp and refreshing, semi sweet, with lingering pear, tangerine, nectar and melon flavors on the finish.

Perfect with dessert or fresh fruit, or sipping poolside.

Winemaker Description

Sparkling Moscato at it's finest! It has a lovely sweetness that is balanced by fine bubbles and fresh acidity. Drink it chilled, on its own, or with whatever you're cooking for dinner!
  

Expert Reviews 

98+ Points Robert Parker | Coming to market this fall, the Bartolo Mascarello 2019 Barolo represents a classic vintage in between two challenging growing seasons. Both 2018 and 2020 were hotter than 2019, resulting in higher alcohol levels. With fruit harvested on October 8th and 9th, this expression from 2019 shows extra freshness and a more streamlined style compared to the texturally generous 2020 or the softer and more open-knit 2018. Extraction and structure came easily in 2019, and delicate pump-overs sufficed. Maria Teresa Mascarello opted against submerged cap fermentations in 2022, 2019, 2017 and 2013. It was performed in 2016, 2014 and 2010, however. The fruit represents a blend of Monrobiolo in Bussia (a site with a lease that ends in 2025), Rue and Cannubi in Barolo and Rocche dell’Annunziata in La Morra. San Lorenzo will return to the blend in 2020. 

98 Points Decanter | Maria Teresa Mascarello compared the 2019 of her Barolo (which will be released in September 2023) with the famed 1999 vintage. Fermented and aged in oak for 36 months, this blend of four MGAs – Cannubi, Rocche dell'Annunziata, Monrobiolo di Bussia and Ruè – will, from 2020, also incorporate grapes from San Lorenzo. Full of earthy tones, tar, smoky woodland and the elegance of leafy lightness, it shines for its depth and complexity, with the first hints of bergamot and potpourri. The palate is stylish, with firm, youthful, grainy yet sweet tannins allied to refreshing acidity of amazing delicacy; forward and zesty. An incredible structure wrapped up in a silk scarf.

97 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2019 Barolo saw a gentle fermentation without implementing a submerged cap and is a more forward and linear wine, with rhubarb, pomegranate, and orange peel. It retains a medium body with a more direct nature, with refined tannins and racy acidity that is citrus-driven with notes of ripe apricot and red raspberry. This is an outstanding wine to hold a few years and drink over the coming decades.

95 Points Wine Spectator | Round and elegant, offsetting cherry and raspberry flavors with balsamic notes of sandalwood, rosemary and thyme. Reveals earth and iron accents that complete the profile, while refined tannins hold court on the lingering finish.

Our Professional Review

Debra of 67Wine.com | A thrill seeking wine from the volcanic region in Souther Italy, Mt. Etna, Benanti showcases this 100% Carricante at it's best.  Complexity on the nose with aromas and flavors of grapefruit, saline, fresh acidity with lots of minerality. A pure varietal expression,  this wine is full of life, vibrant, energetic and a lingering finish. 
Pair with ricotta cheese drizzled with orange and/or lemon rind, grilled swordfish, tuna, cheeses, and lemon pasta dishes.

Winemaker Description

Benanti Etna Rosso is pale ruby red in color. The bouquet is ethereal and intense, with spicy red fruit aromas. Well balanced and medium-bodied, with a mineral-rich complexity, pleasant acidity and a saline freshness on the long and lively finish.

A versatile wine that can be paired with red meats and cheeses but also with fish or white meats. Very suitable for by-the-glass consumption.

Eric Guido writes:  he NV Extra Brut '61 balances vivid Asian pear and lemon oil with an enriching hint of toasted brioche that nicely embellishes its bouquet. This is supple and pleasing with each sip. A core of citrus-tinged acidity balances its pleasant inner sweetness as nuances of young peach and inner florals resonate throughout. It leaves the palate perfectly reset for another sip as nuances of almond paste and salty mineral linger. The Extra Brut '61 is a blend of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir that matures on the lees for twenty-four months.  Drinking 2022 to 2026.  - Vinous 91

Monica Larner writes:  A blend of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Nero (with 24 months on the lees in bottle), the Guido Berlucchi NV Franciacorta '61 Extra Brut is clean and sharp, and the wine offers a good amount of bread or sourdough to elevate the bouquet. There is some fruit, but it is mild and tends to stick to citrus and apple. The palate shows more dimension with a spot of white pepper and orange peel.  Drinking 2023 to 2027.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 90

James Suckling writes:  Clean and simple, this has a tight nose of green apples and lime flowers. Large yet soft bubbles, refreshing acidity and lean body with a fruity finish. Drink now.  - James Suckling 92

Critic Notes

James Button writes:  Berlucchi was the first to make a traditional-method Franciacorta sparkling wine back in 1961, however this wine is a modern extra brut style – a blend of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir – offering up earthy aromas lifted by lemon peel and floral notes. Rich and mineral in character, it showcases some delicious creamy yellow fruit touches, some banana even, alongside baked apple, spices and a moreish orange peel finish.  Drinking 2023 to 2028.  - Decanter 91

Alison Napjus writes:  Fine and lightly chalky in texture, this vibrant sparkler is well-balanced and fresh, with a pleasing mix of ripe yellow pear, white blossom, salted almond and grapefruit zest notes. Chardonnay and Pinot Nero.  Drink now.  - Wine Spectator 90

Winemaker Notes

Extra Brut '61 is a tribute to the birth of Franciacorta in 1961—the year Berlucchi produced the first of this classic method sparkling wine. This fun and lively sparkler offers citrus fruit and a crisp, clean finish. Winemaker Description. 

Winemakers Description

Bertani’s impact on Veneto wine making, particularly in Amarone production, is so considerable that ‘Bertani’ and ‘Amarone’ are nearly synonymous. Their 150+ year history is dotted with groundbreaking initiatives and royal accreditation. While respectful of their past, Bertani strives towards innovation, using progressive techniques and equipment allied with extensive experience and a deeply felt respect for tradition to provide wines of uncompromising quality. 

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 97 Points | Density and dryness that really comes together here, after almost 10 years in bottle. It’s very deep and vertical on the palate. Very pure and beautiful crushed cherries, dried flowers, carbon and pumice. Wonderful all round. Drink or hold. 

Decanter Aldo Fiordelli 94 Points | One of the most classic Amarones, which has never changed its elegant rather than powerful style. The 2011 vintage was challenging, with a warm and rainy summer, but overall it was very good – Bertani isn’t averse to skipping a vintage if it’s not at the top level. Bright garnet in the glass, this is dominated by leather, earthy tones and restrained raspberry fruit. The fresh character is intense, with hints of citrus, slightly oxidative flavours and a Modica salted-chocolate finish. Full and firm, with slightly rustic tannins yet outstanding balance between suppleness and structure.  Drinking 2021 - 2047 

Wine Spectator Alison Napjus 91 Points | A poised red, expanding slowly on the palate, with fine, creamy tannins enmeshed with a range of black cherry coulis, black plum reduction, iron, dark chocolate and tobacco notes. Fresh and focused, with a lasting, spiced finish. Drink now through 2031. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | The 2017 Brunello Di Montalcino is surprising in its freshness, considering the warmth of the vintage, and speaks to the cooler, northern-facing exposition of the estate. It is refined with ripe red cherry, raspberry, anise, and incense and is fresh with cherry fruit, warming spices, macchia, and herbes de Provence. It is ripe though it maintains a medium frame, with well-managed tannins and balanced acidity. It is a lovely and charming wine and is rather approachable now. Drink 2024-2040.

Monica Lerner of The Wine Advocate writes 96 Points | A delicately sweet note of fresh summer cherry is a precursor to budding complexity and a very articulate bouquet that opens quickly in the glass. Immediately pleasing fruit is a characteristic of the 2017 growing season that had above average temperatures and drought throughout the summer. The resistant 2017 Brunello di Montalcino takes on these challenges without missing a beat. The wine's celebrated acidity and its small berry nuances remain intact. The tannins are silky and the wine's flavors fade slowly even after you have taken your last sip.

James Suckling 96 Points | Sweet berry, orange peel, cedar, bark and forest flower aromas follow through to a medium to full body, with linear and fine tannins and a crunchy undertone. It’s very subtle and fresh for a 2017. Crisp and vivid. It’s refined and acid-driven. Needs three to four years more to soften. Try after 2026.

Expert Reviews

98+ Points Robert Parker | The Biondi-Santi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is initially a reticent wine and one that does not immediately subscribe to the overstated abundance and exuberance of the vintage. Give it time. I wrote this review after several tastings over several days so I could ensure a more accurate account of the wine's elegant reveal. Contemplative and exceedingly nuanced in personality, with wild berry, underbrush, ferrous earth and candied orange peel, this has everything to look forward to in terms of its future evolution in the bottle. It displays a pretty ruby color that borders on garnet and polished copper. A silky, mid-weight palate is accented by beautifully managed and silky tannins (this aspect of the mouthfeel is extraordinary), bright freshness and long-lasting fruit momentum. The alcohol is a bit more powerful in this release (at 14.5%), but the effect is supple and smooth nonetheless. I tasted bottle number 256.

James Suckling 97 Points | Complex yet pure, subtle and refined nose that gently evolves, with mossy red cherries, dried roses, chalk, tar and dried orange peel. There is a lift of clove and eucalyptus that makes it so distinctive. A powerful, medium-to full-bodied Brunello, but seamless and bright, with a fine, transparent mid-palate and restrained, mineral austerity. Understated complexity that will need time to bloom. Hold until 2026.

Vinous 97 Points | The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva pulls you close to the glass with a deep and seductive display of black raspberry preserves complemented by sweet sage, dried roses and pipe tobacco. With further coaxing, it gains in volume and lift, taking on hints of mint and camphor. This greets the palate with undeniable elegance, casting velvety waves of violet-tinged wild berries and sweet spices across a motivating core of juicy acidity, as a subtle coating of round tannins forms toward the close. While structured and incredibly long, energy remains high, as nuances of cherry pits offset by sour citrus and hints of cedar fade. It’s amazing to experience such energy and purity from a young Biondi Santi Riserva. As pretty as the Annata released last year was, I worried that the extended aging for the Riserva might rob the wine of some of its fruit; instead it is the complete opposite, as this contains the depth and complexity of the best wines of the vintage. I can’t wait to see how the 2015 matures over the next several decades. -- Eric Guido 

Wine Enthusiast 97 Points | New leather, pressed rose and mature berry aromas slowly appear in the glass along with whiffs of underbrush and pipe tobacco. On the structured, elegant palate, firm but ultrarefined tannins provide the backbone for juicy Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and cake spice. While it promises decades of evolution, it's already rewarding and almost at the start of its long drinking window. Drink 2025–2045. Kerin O’Keefe 

Wine Spectator 96 Points | Round and fruity, with an accent of white pepper against cherry, raspberry and floral flavors. Elegant and verging on racy, with a firm, well-integrated structure and excellent length on the minerally finish. Best from 2025 through 2048. — B.S.

Winemaker Description 

Pale straw yellow in color with lovely green reflections. An intense nose with typical
aromas of Verdicchio and notes of white flowers and green apple. On the palate this wine is intense, warm, tasty, fresh and quite balanced.

It will pair wonderfully with your favorite fresh cheeses or seafood dishes.

Winemaker Description

Borgo Reale Chianti Riserva is made from a selection of the finest grapes, receiving additional aging following fermentation. Enjoy with all types of pasta, hor d'oeuvres, and red or white meats.

Winemaker Description

Mevushal. Borgo Reale Montepulciano D'Abruzzo is made from the Montepulciano grape from Abruzzo, a mountainous region east of Rome. This wine may have up to 15% Sangiovese added and is the first Kosher version available.

This lovely wine has a good aromatic nose with hints of rich, concentrated ripe fruit and spice, and a generous palate with nicely blended tannins yielding powerful, sweet sensations, particularly fresh fruit. Generous, yet pure, on the palate with ripe, round tannins, excellent structure and delicate acidity.

Kosher for Passover & Mevushal.

Winemaker Description 

Refreshing and clean, with nice flavors of apple, lemon, and mineral. Great before a meal or with lighter fare, like cheese or fish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 94 Points | Energetic and bright with sliced green apples, mangoes and citrus with some honeysuckle. It’s medium- to full-bodied with lovely fruit. Electric acidity. Salty at the end.

Winemaker Description 

Intense straw colored with greenish glints. The nose presents lemon, pineapple, peach and apricot notes with floral hints. On the palate, it is fresh, full-bodied, with mineral notes and a persistent finish. Winemaker Description. 

Critic Notes

Jason Millar, Sara Bachiorri, Bruno Besa write:Bright aromas of blackberry and forest fruit with some wild herbs. Expressive and juicy with fresh acidity. Dark cherry and crunchy mulberry fruit. Full-bodied and balanced with a clean, layered finish. A lovely, versatile Italian red suited to a wide variety of dishes.  Drinking 2024 to 2027.  - Decanter 93

Eric Guido writes:  Crushed blackberries and confectionary spice introduce the 2021 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Le Murate. It soothes with its silken textures and ripe wild berry fruits as zesty citrus adds contrast. Inner violet florals and autumnal spice linger as the 2021 finishes lightly structured and remarkably fresh. This is almost too easy to like.  Drinking 2023 to 2027.  - Vinous

Winemaker Description 

Intense ruby hues segue into a nose of ripe cherry, blackberry and blackcurrant followed by rose petals and a touch of black pepper. The velvety tannins accompany a plush palate. 

The rich flavor partners perfectly with the acid backbone to bring freshness and length. Recommended with mature cheeses and with first courses with savory meat-based, carbonara sauces. Also delightful with mains of roast or barbecued meat.

Winemaker Description

Fantastically hedonistic, offering great velvety richness on the palate and exotic notes of black cherry, cocoa, and ash. The Riserva is a selection from the estate's best fruit.

Expert Reviews

Eric Guido of Vinous writes 94 Points | The 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico TB is surprisingly lifted and airy on the nose, with licorice-tinged cherries and rosy florals. This impresses with a push and pull of savory and sweet, as well as a bitter twang of cocoa and spice that further accentuates the ripe berry and plumy fruits within. The contrasts are quite appealing, as a mix of saline-minerals and juicy acids help to add both depth and freshness further accentuated by a hint of sour citrus. Fine tannins linger and also balance the expression through the long and balsamic finale. The 2012 is just a baby today, so give it at least a few more years to come into focus.  Drinking 2024 - 2034.

James Suckling 94 Points | This is a structured and solid Amarone, with dried fruits, sultanas, figs and iron. It’s full-bodied, yet compacted and tannic with a long and persistent finish. One for the cellar, but already impressive to drink.  James Suckling 94

Alison Napjus of Wine Spectator writes 93 Points |  Both juicy and mouthwatering, this rich red shows a lot of personality, offering layered flavors of blackberry pie and raspberry ganache, hints of espresso and sweet smoke, plus fragrant juniper, eucalyptus, lavender and leather accents. Features firm, well-meshed tannins, with creamy edges that meld into the silky flavor range. Drink now through 2035. 

Monica Larner of Robert Parker writes | The Bussola 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva TB (in a heavy glass bottle) is a determined wine with lots of extra power and brawn. The wine shows sweet, air-dried fruit with baked plum and cherry confit. The alcohol content clocks in at 17%, which is way too much on any scale. Despite the high alcohol reading, the wine is still tastes sweet.  Drinking 2022 - 2035.

Winemaker Description

Well-structured and sophisticated. It has a rich pear-like nose which is followed by crisp acidity a medium body and a delicious mouth feel. Vineyard & winemaking notes the d. O. C. Appellation (denomination of controlled origin) is a guarantee that candoni pinot grigio is produced with only the best grapes cultivated in the veneto region of northeast italy.

Our vineyard yield is very low which is a result of our quest for quality over quantity. Our winemaking philosophy is to emphasize the grape’s pure varietal taste without the masking effects of oak. The climate helps to maintain a balance between acidity and sugar levels and allows the grapes a long slow growing season making our candoni pinot grigio of excellent quality.

Best with a delicious accompaniment to fish seasonal pasta dishes or chicken. It can also stand alone as an aperitif on a hot summer’s day. How to serve pour into ample but not oversized goblets at a temperature of around.

Winemaker Description

Garnet-red with violet hues. It is full-bodied with nicely integrated tannins and a persistent elegant finish.

Winemaker Description

Impenetrable garnet ruby red. Very elegant to the nose, it reminds of marasca with spicy and liquorice notes. Rich, full with remarkable cherry notes and a marasca ending lightly spiced. Tannins are soft and pleasant.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | Rich aromas of cocoa powder and carob ride over the dense dark-berry core on the nose. Wild-berry flavors are wrapped in cinnamon and clove accents on the palate, with integrated tannins and fresh acidity lending support. It's accessible now and should hold well through 2025. — Alexander Peartree

Winemaker Description

Ruby red color with an appealing bouquet of raspberry and black cherry aromas. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied, soft and velvety, with hints of spices and chocolate. 

Winemaker Description

Ideal dessert wine to taste with fruit tarts and dry cakes.

Intense ruby red with violaceous reflexes. A complete bouquet of cherry and blackberry jam. The taste is soft, harmonious and balanced with elegant tannins covered by a rich juicy mildness, never wearisome.

Kosher for Passover

Winemaker Description

Mevushal. This wine takes roots on the beautiful and romantic Tuscan HIlls. This smooth, fruity and juicy wine will take you one step closer to Tuscany.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 91 Points | Fresh and fruity white that has notes of lemons, sliced pears.

Jeff Porter of the Wine Enthusiast 89 Points | This wine has a light, spritzy nose with bright lemon-lime notes and a subtle herbal touch. The flavors are fresh and zesty, leading to a tart, lively finish. It's a fun and tasty sipper, perfect for casual occasions or pairing with light, summery dishes like a fresh green salad or ceviche.   

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 95 Points | Lots of fresh flowers, limes, sliced apples and honeysuckle on the nose with candied lemon and heather notes. Full-bodied with a light phenolic tension, rich with lots of citrus peel and minerals in the finish. Concentration with freshness. Pinot bianco, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | An Alto Adige staple, this wine consistently offers exceptional value in Italian whites. Aromas of jasmine and honeysuckle lead to hints of peeled pears and white peach. The palate is harmoniously voluminous, showcasing pristine fruits and a burst of candied lemon zest. The finish, lifted with a mineral edge, seals the experience. Enjoy from now until 2040.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | This fresh, minerally white offers both expression and restraint, with fine interplay between the well-cut acidity and flavors of yellow peach, glazed tangerine, pink grapefruit, green almond, jasmine and milled white pepper. Long and mouthwatering, with a salty tang cleaning the fragrant finish. Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon. Drink now through 2033. 

Winemaker Notes

Green apple and white peach combine with fine nuances of lemon balm and mint to create the typical aromas of the classic Terlano. Pronounced notes of peach on the palate, lending the wine its lively character. The multifaceted, well structured flavor derives from an interplay of freshness and minerality and also has a wonderfully long, persistent finish. 

Winemaker Description

Intense ruby red colour with violet nuances; intense, characteristic bouquet of the primary grape aromas; fruity component, full-bodied and robust, well-balanced with tannin and oak features. 

Debra of 67Wine.com | Cantine Colosi's Grillo is certified vegan and shows fresh floral aromas , stone fruits and  herbs.  This Southern Italian white is bright, with lively acidity, orange zest, grapefruit, white peaches and savoriness on the palate.  Wonderfully balanced offering a generous crisp, refreshing finish. Pair with lemon pasta and cream sauce,  chicken,  seafood and goat cheese.  Debra, Italy White Wine Buyer