Italian Wine

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

James Suckling 92 Points | Currant, blueberry and violet aromas follow through to a medium body with firm, fine tannins that give the wine form and focus. Chocolate and hazelnut emerge in the undertones. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot features alluring aromas evoking cassis, black-skinned berry and underbrush. The concentrated palate offers black plum, tobacco and mocha alongside polished tannins.

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

100% Aglianico del Vulture Cantine del Notaio is a Demeter certified Biodynamic estate located in the rugged volcanic hills of Mount Vulture in Basilicata.

Atto is the sort of wine you don't expect from the Aglianico del Vulture denomination. Fruit of the hard work and efforts of Cantine del Notaio in this exceptional denomination, and under the direction of Professor Luigi Moio, Atto represents the quintessence of mountain wine. A fine, clean-cut and most enjoyable red, characterised by a remarkable freshness and resolute minerality.

In its production, after rigorous and selective harvesting by hand, a short maceration follows that ensures all the Aglianico's tannin and freshness are retained in the wine. The ageing process takes place in the spectacular underground cellar, excavated into the volcanic ground. After a minimum of 12 months in used French oak barrels, Atto is released onto the market as a young and well-formed wine, that's also rich, complete and, despite its youth, possessing a finely tempered profile of the rough Aglianico.

Appearing a lovely, intense ruby colour, that denotes both its youth and its potential, Atto reveals on the nose a rich array of aromas, ranging from cherries to violets, pencil lead to spicy notes. The pleasant acidity and the smoothness of its tannins afford it an amazing persistence with hints of fresh fruit and meadow flowers.

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. 

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.   

James Button writes:  This Pinot Grigio, fermented using neutral yeast in stainless steel, offers up some soft melon and apple aromas, while the palate is fresh, stony and juicy, with a succulent peachy core.  - Decanter 90

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | This Gewürztraminer delivers an alluring bouquet of lychee, rose petals, and exotic spices. Its palate delights with a rich combination of tropical fruit and subtle spice, evoking the lush, vibrant landscapes of steep vineyards, warm days and cold nights. The wine's lingering, aromatic finish is a testament to the captivating allure of Alto Adige's natural beauty.

Winemaker Description 

Terlano is a historic winery which, for more than a century, has been producing high quality wines a few kilometers west of Bolzano, thanks to the fundamental contribution of the 150 conferring members, whose grapes come from vineyards located at an altitude ranging from 270 to 900 meters above sea level, in a small valley with mainly south-west exposure.

Here the particular temperate microclimate and the composition of the soil rich in silica, clay and sand give character and extraordinary longevity to some white berried varieties, such as Gewürztraminer, which here reaches remarkable points of elegance.

Golden straw color, with unmistakable floral and fruity aromas of roses, pear, lychee and honey with tantalizing spiciness and mineral hints. Soft and sinuous on the palate, corresponding and fresh, with flavors of acacia and tropical fruit on the finish.

Exceptional aperitif, it goes perfectly with fish dishes, including smoked ones, oriental and Asian dishes and flowery rind cheeses such as Camembert.

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. 

Our Professional Review

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.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Winemaker Description

Bart Hopkins 67Wine.com | The quintessential pizza red wine! Lightly effervescent with a pretty aroma of violets and wild berries on the nose. Fruity, frothy and jovial in the glass, serve it cold  and bring on the pizza!

Winemaker Description 

A versatile and ductile Marsala Superiore Secco, suitable for everyday occasions.

Amber to light brown, with hints of raisins and vanilla; dry, full, harmonic and fervent. The Marsala of choice for fish, poultry and meat preparation. An elegant aperitif to serve with cheese.

Winemaker Description 

The quality and character of Florio embodied by our first Marsala wine. A Superiore aged in oak barrels for at least 24 months under the centuries-old vaulted ceilings of the Florio Wine Cellars, the perfect accompaniment for any occasion. 

Winemaker Description 

The quality and character of Florio embodied by our first Marsala wine. A Superiore aged in oak barrels for at least 24 months under the centuries-old vaulted ceilings of the Florio Wine Cellars, the perfect accompaniment for any occasion. 

WInemaker Description

Dark ruby red with bright crimson foam, this sparkling red wine, a blend of Lambrusco Grasparossa and Malbo Gentile, is vivacious and lively. Fruit-forward, with notes of ripe berries, cherries and plums, the palate is highlighted with crisp bubbles for a refreshingly light texture and dry finish.

Paring well with traditional Italian favorites like Pecarino and Proscuitto, this wine is bold enough to pair with red or grilled meatsbut delicate enough to enjoy with finer flavors, like escargot. A perfect summer sipper.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

Kerin O'Keefe writes 93 Points | The enticingly fragrant 2021 classic Barbaresco from Carlo Giacosa has enticing scents of botanical herb, hay, dog rose, camphor and spice. It's utterly delicious, with flavors of star anise, red cherry, cranberry and blood orange that race across the palate before a black tea finish. It's well balanced, with taut, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. This is an estate that gets better every year.

Wine Spectator writes 92 Points | Cherry, earth and eucalyptus aromas and flavors herald this fleshy, succulent red. An undertone of mineral is there, too, as this builds to the solid, extended finish. Well-structured, with boysenberry and tobacco accents in the end. Best from 2028 through 2042. 250 cases made, 83 cases imported.

Expert Notes

James Suckling writes:  Attractive notes of cherries, dried blood oranges, cocoa and hints of hibiscus and licorice. Bright and savory on the palate, with dusty tannins and lively acidity. Medium-bodied. It’s very pretty and refreshing, with savory nuances at the end. Drink now.  - James Suckling 91

Winemaker Description 

Is the result of the union between Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon (85% Sangiovese & 15% Cabernet Sauvignon): it gives the idea of a young red, significant but with easy drinkability and is linked to the characteristics of its native territory, with an unforgettable Casanova di Neri stamp.

Winemaker Description

Wife & Husband Winemaker 

The Rose delle Casasse is likely, the only Barbaresco made from Nebbiolo Rose. Some believe Nebbiolo Rose to be a clone of Nebbiolo though in Ian d'Agata's book, "The Grapes of Italy," he writes that it has been proven that Nebbiolo Rose is genetically different from Nebbiolo, though related. 

Expert Reviews 

Vinous 94 Points | The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Rose delle Casasse is a fine follow up to the stellar 2015. A bit more austere than its older sibling, the 2016 presents a distinctly savory profile redolent of crushed flowers, herbs, mint, spice, leather and tobacco, while the fruit is pushed into the background. Naturally, it will be interesting to see if some of that inner sweetness emerges in time. A few months separating two tastings suggest that may very well happen. This is such a gorgeous wine. 

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Rose Delle Casasse is made entirely from the Rose clone of Nebbiolo and is fresh with wild raspberry, pine, and dark earth. Carrying to the palate with medium body and good concentration, it offers fine tannins and a good finish, with peppery spice and red cherry. Perfectly pairing with salumi and hard cheese, it is refreshing and cleanses the palate nicely. 

Winemaker Description

The soils are of marine origin from the Tertiary era, characterized by bluish marl (at a depth ranging from 1 to 3 meters), calcareous, compact structure. The stratification is dense and varied, rich in mineral salts and natural springs.

Barbaresco Rio Sordo receives careful grape selection in the vineyard – 100% Nebbiolo. The immediately noticeable characteristics are the considerable complexity and depth, accompanied by elegance and finesse.

Expert Review

Robert Parker Wine Advocate 94+ Monica Larner | A release of about 3,000 bottles, the 2018 Barbaresco Rio Sordo shows the finesse and delicate fruit that is so well expressed by this estate. The bouquet is redolent of rose hip and crushed flowers, and you get cassis, wild cherry and dried pomegranate as well. There is a giant layer of minty herb, and then the wine finally relaxes with polished tones of crushed stone and white licorice. Cascina delle Rose makes a fine bottle of Barbaresco. 

Winemaker Description

Calcareous limestone with sand. No herbicides (only manual) and they only use a minimal amount of copper and sulfur in the vineyard - aiming towards as minimal an environmental impact as possible. Fermented with skins for three weeks with remontage.  Aged in Slavonian botti of 10-20HL for 18 months followed by time in the bottle before release. No clarification or filtering before bottling. 

Expert Review

Wine Advocate 94 Points | Compared to the Rio Sordo, the Cascina delle Rose 2018 Barbaresco Tre Stelle is slightly more robust and open-knit. This wine shows a more overt concentration that comes across with blackberry and wild cherry. To the palate, it shows a smooth but nicely elaborate texture. There are light touches of crushed stone and even some tobacco on the close. 

Producer Description 

Barbera, along with Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, is widely planted throughout Piemonte. Many Barolo and Barbaresco producers will also make a Barbera mainly because the aging requirement is far shorter allowing them to see a profit from the harvest earlier. In the commune of Nizza, the Barbera grape steps into the spotlight and takes center stage. This is where Barbera reaches its heights of glory.

The wine presents itself with an intense garnet red hue, complemented by alluring purple reflections. Its bouquet is both deep and intricate, revealing a delightful combination of fruity aromas dominated by cherry and plum, while subtle undertones of chocolate add an intriguing layer of complexity. Upon tasting, the wine showcases a full-bodied and harmonious profile, where the luscious flavors of red fruits intertwine seamlessly with almond-like notes. This captivating blend culminates in a pleasantly harmonious and enduring finish, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.

Winemaker Description

An authentic expression of Chianti Classico. Only native grapes, to maintain the most typical formula of the most famous of Italian wines, respecting tradition and the territory, enhancing the beautiful ruby red of Sangioveto. A wine which with its typical characteristics strives to achieve maximum elegance.

Bright ruby red, the color of Sangiovese.  The nose is fragrant and fresh with pleasant hints of red fruit, licorice, black currant and a hint of vanilla. Expresses a pleasant sweetness on the palate, it is round, soft and fruity. Acidity and persistence characterize a very elegant aftertaste.

Winemaker Description 

A sweet sparkling wine with light ruby red nuances with a lively and persistent perlage. Both at the nose and in the mouth, all the aromatic peculiarities of the vine are best expressed; intense aromas of Bulgarian rose and berries accompanied by a sweet aftertaste balanced by a good acidity.

A perfect dessert wine paired with fresh strawberries, fruit salads, fruit pies and small pastries.

Winemaker Description 

Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino might be considered Brunello's younger sibling. Made from 100% select Sangiovese clones, Rosso di Montalcino offers rich, forward fruit flavors in a well-structured wine with supple tannins and good acidity for dining.

Debra, Italian White Buyer, writes: This classic Vermentino hails from the rolling hills of Maremma in Tuscany. Cultivated in the  Melacce vineyard , located on Montecucco hill which gives its name to the appellation. 

Concentrated aromas of herbs and citrus fruits are complemented by tangy citrus and green apple flavors, unveiling freshness, lively acidity. Quite enjoyable for Vermentino lovers or those seeking a nice white wine that is approachable and versatile.  This wine is elegant, crisp , mineral with a lasting and dry finish. 

Pair with light seafood dishes, pasta salads,  cheeses or as an aperitif. A great Italian white wine find at a value price $17.99.  Practicing organic farming.  Drink now

Pair with:  Les Secret de Lys

Buttery, smooth and ever so slightly fungal at the start and tangy in the finish, this creamy French cheese is patterned after the classic St. Marcellin. It comes in a ceramic ramekin: it's delicious at room temperature but downright sinful when heated just a little. - Martin Johnson, Cheesemonger 67Gourmet

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 90 Points | Fern and sage-like, restrained herbaceous character with Mirabelle fruit. Light body with crisp acidity and a silky texture. Savory, very well integrated and persistent. Very good quality/price ratio.

Producer Description 

A Vermentino of noble character with crispy peel and lively acidity. On the nose it is intense, with marked citrus and aromatic herbs. On the palate it is fresh, sapid, persistent, and with a pleasant fruity aftertaste.

Goes well with all fish, particularly with antipasti, and is ideal as an aperitif.

Castello ColleMassari Winery

A love for Tuscany and a strong passion for wines led Claudio Tipa and his sister Maria Iris Bertarelli to Montecucco’s hills, where in 1999 they acquired and restored the ColleMassari castle, a fortress from the 13th century that was originally homestead of area nobility, along with its vineyards.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

Vinous 89 Points | The 2021 Montecucco Rosso Rigoleto is dark and spicy, with suggestions of clove and cinnamon givig way to rich cherry sauce and hints of sweet sage. This is silky in feel, with juicy acidity and ripe red fruits that flow effortlessly across the palate. It leaves a licorice tinge to linger under violet inner florals, finishing fresh, youthfully tense and with medium length. 

Winemaker Description 

A love for Tuscany and a strong passion for wines led Claudio Tipa and his sister Maria Iris Bertarelli to Montecucco’s hills, where in 1999 they acquired and restored the ColleMassari castle, a fortress from the 13th century that was originally homestead of area nobility, along with its vineyards. Today the estate has a total surface of 1.200 hectares, of which 120 hectares are vineyards and nearly 90 hectares of olive groves (three trees are even more than 900 years old). 

The vines on the Montecucco hill are the oldest Sangiovese vines of the DOCG. A smooth and charming wine, this Sangiovese blend has delightful red berries notes and a delicate spicy touch of black pepper. Ready to drink wine with an easy approach, this is a ripe and very well balanced expression of this special part of the South of Tuscany.

A blend of organically grown Sangiovese, Viliegiolo and Montepulciano.

Winemaker Notes 

"Maraschino cherry, pomegranate, smoked meat, earth and rosemary flavors highlight this sleek red, which is defined by vivid acidity and solid tannins, with a dry, sinewy finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2037. 3,000 cases made, 1,250 cases imported."

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 92 Points | A dense, velvety and delicious Chianti Classico showing aromas of Morello cherries, wild berries and dried flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Plenty of texture, with a core of berries funneling through. Flavorful finish. Drink or hold.

Bruce Sanderson writes:  Maraschino cherry, pomegranate, smoked meat, earth and rosemary flavors highlight this sleek red, which is defined by vivid acidity and solid tannins, with a dry, sinewy finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2037.  - Wine Spectator 91

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 91 Points | The 2021 Chianti Classico is an elegant, gracious wine. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, tobacco, cinnamon and dried flowers all take shape in a decidedly delicate, understated wine from Rampolla. A model of elegance and finesse, the 2021 is showing beautifully today. There is perhaps just a touch of VA in the bouquet, but it is not especially evident. The blend is 80% Sangiovese, 16% Merlot and a dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Sangiovese was aged in cask, while the French varieties were raised in smaller French barrels.

Winemaker Description 

Castello dei Rampolla d'Alceo is a premium, proprietary blend of Cabernet and Petit Verdot grapes exclusively from the renowned Panzano in Chianti region of Tuscany. This organic and biodynamic red is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its complex bouquet and flavor profile.

Expert Reviews - VIntage 2009

Vinous 96 Points | The 2009 d'Alceo comes across as much more classic in style and structure than the 2008. According to Luca di Napoli, the trick to 2009 was harvesting on the early side. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, plums, mint and licorice all take shape in the glass Over the last few months, the 2009 d'Alceo has softened a bit, releasing expressive, floral aromatics, brighter shades of fruit and striking inner perfume, but it remains quite vibrant in the context of a vintage in which so many wines are quite a bit riper in style. The 2009 is a wonderfully deep, resonant d'Alceo that should offer a wide drinking window starting in a few years. It certainly looks like Rampolla nailed the vintage.  Drinking 2019 - 2039.

Antonio Galloni, 96+ | My absolute favorite wine of 2022 was a bottle of the Castello dei Rampolla 2006 d'Alceo that I had the good fortune to drink at dinner during a work event in Tuscany last year. I remember the wine vividly, and if I were to review it again, it would certainly merit a perfect score. With that profound inspiration in mind, I feel especially optimistic toward this outstanding group of new releases from Maurizia di Napoli and her talented team. This historic estate has farmed according to organic and biodynamic methods since 1994, making it one of the first in Italy to do so. In truth, I have found some inconsistencies along the way over the many years I have reviewed and adored these wines. Such is the magic of artisanal winemaking. But thanks to that memory of that 2006 d'Alceo, I remain in awe of Castello dei Rampolla today.