Italian Wine

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

 Eric Guido writes:  The 2023 Kerner is delicately floral in the glass, with a whiff of sweet spice and candied lime forming its bouquet. This is built on energy with vibrant acidity and a combination of saline minerals and tart citrus, adding a zesty character throughout. The 2023 reverberates with tension through the long and cheek-puckering finale with hints of chamomile and lemon zest.  Drinking 2024 to 2027.  - Vinous 91

James Suckling writes:  A fresh and creamy white with aromas of sliced pears, peaches and lemons. Medium-bodied, lightly pithy and refreshing. Drink now.  - James Suckling 90

Winemaker Description 

A particular specialty of the Valle Isarco. Greenish to bright yellow in color. Peaches, apricots, and tones of tangerines on the nose. Very lively, juicy, and sleek on the palate, with a mineral-rich finish. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Straw yellow in color with creamy mousse and delicate, long-lasting bead. On the nose, it is rich, with excellent fruit, releasing scents of yellow apple, peach, wisteria, and acacia blossom. Wonderful balance and elegance complemented a pleasurably crispness on the palate. It holds a delicious vein of acidity, displaying a crisp, savory mouthfeel. Generous, lingering flavors nicely mirror the nose and achieve perfect balance.

Expert Review

89 Points Robert Parker | A classic wine from one of the region's top producers, the Adami NV Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Bosco di Gica Brut is steely and tonic with pummelo, white grapefruit and unripe pear. There are crisp mineral tones of crushed rock and sandstone. This is your quintessential Brut-styled Prosecco Superiore. The wine represents a blend of fruit from 34 different lots.

Winemaker Description 

Straw yellow. Creamy mousse and delicate, long-lasting bead. Nose : Rich, with excellent fruit, releasing scents of yellow apple and peach, with notes of wisteria and acacia blossom.

Wonderful balance and elegance complement a pleasurably crisp spiciness. Palate : Delicious vein of acidity, displaying crisp, savoury mouthfeel. Generous, lingering flavours.

Winemaker Description

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

James Suckling - 94 Points: "A bold interpretation of Amarone. Refined aromas of licorice, dried cherries, camphor and menthol reverberate across a compact, dense mid-palate. At this early stage, the tannins feel largely oak-derived. But there is nothing blunt about them and there is ample mineral infusion and freshness. Bottle age will serve this rich Amarone well, placating the primary fruit while transforming the wine into something far more complex. Very good. Drink or hold."

Producer's Notes: The result of the Allegrini family’s expertise, a true classic of the appellation, this red wine embraces tradition, territory and the know-how of country ways. Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Oseleta are left to air dry at least until December and are checked daily to ensure perfectly healthy grapes. Lengthy refining and ageing finally yields a red wine that has become emblematic of Italian oenology, alongside Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino. It has imposing structure and depth, as much in its aromas of mature fruit and spices, as on the palate, where the alcohol is sustained by the right degree of acidity and refined tannins.

Blend: 45% Corvina, 45% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | Alison Napjus writes:  Creamed black cherry and black raspberry fruit is structured by chewy tannins and fresh acidity in this balanced red. Shows a subtle underpinning of sanguine iron and earth accents, with appealing details of dark chocolate shavings, dried mint and anise that linger on the finish. Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Sangiovese. Drink now through 2029.

James Suckling 92 Points | A fruity wine with bright raspberries, pressed flowers, bay leaves, sweet spice and forest floor. The attack is firm, with velvety tannins, a medium to full body and crisp acidity. Chewy with a chocolaty aftertaste. A bit chalky in the finish. Drinkable now, but best from spring 2025. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling 91 Points | Reductive aromas of violets and camphor segue to black cherries and licorice root. This needs an aggressive decant, but the mouthfeel is polished and slick. The tannins are well wrought and compact. A full-weighted wine in a modern style that will have its fans. Sustainable. Drink or hold. 

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | Tart cherries and raspberries mingle with dried oregano and thyme on the nose. Earthy undertones and fine tannins grace the palate, as bright cherry flavors are added by vibrant acidity to lift the wine on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Alois Lageder Terra Alpina Pinot Bianco is brilliant straw yellow in color; fruity aromas of apples and peaches; medium- bodied with vibrant acidity and a fresh mouth-watering finish.

Great as an aperitif or with starters, salads, and all kind of seafood and pasta dishes.

Winemaker Description

This Brunello Riserva offers a solid, full body and excellent aging potential. Its ample and complex bouquet is reminiscent of violets, wild berries, cedar, leather, tobacco and spices. On the palate, it is austere and seductive with a perfect blend of fruit, acidity and mouth coating tannins. This is the perfect bottle for Brunello lovers.

Pair with steak au poivre, rack of lamb or beef carpaccio.

Expert Ratings

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | There is a more forward personality to the 2017 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva, which pours a slightly darker hue. Aromas of black cherry, scorched earth, and violets emerge from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers more ripe concentration, with black raspberry, tea leaf, cedar, and rosemary. It is elegant yet expressive of the warm vintage, with fine, ripe tannins and ripe fresh fruit through the mid-palate and a great balance between roundness and elegance.

James Suckling 95 Points | Complex and fragrant nose of neroli, currants, sour cherries, sandalwood, cassis and wild herbs. Roasted walnuts, too. Full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Full of energy and power.

Robert Parker 93 Points | The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (with 13,000 bottles made) shows dark fruit, dried cherry and baked plum. The wine is slightly subdued aromatically speaking compared to the new Brunello annata release, and I chalk that up to the very hot and dry conditions of the relentless 2017 summer. Cinnamon, cumin and crushed clove appear in a second wave and underline this Riserva's more elaborate aging regime. The finish is layered and rich with full-bodied Sangiovese intensity.

Decanter 93 Points | The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (with 13,000 bottles made) shows dark fruit, dried cherry and baked plum. The wine is slightly subdued aromatically speaking compared to the new Brunello annata release, and I chalk that up to the very hot and dry conditions of the relentless 2017 summer. Cinnamon, cumin and crushed clove appear in a second wave and underline this Riserva's more elaborate aging regime. The finish is layered and rich with full-bodied Sangiovese intensity.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | This red starts out round, turning more precise and taut as it builds to the finish. Shows cherry, wild herb, soy and loam flavors that ply the supple texture, before the tannins exert their influence and the finish tightens up (a good sign for the future). (2017).

Vinous 90 Points | The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a dark beauty, slowly unfurling with dried cherries, exotic sweet spice, fresh tobacco and hints of mint. It’s rich and dense in feel, yet lifted by cooling acidity, as ripe black fruits easily wash across the palate, leaving bitter-tea-like tannins that collect toward the close. The finish is tannic and drying, yet not severe, leaving nuances of plum and lavender to linger. The vintage has left its mark on the 2017 Riserva, yet cellaring will help relieve its youthful structure.

Expert Description

Bart Hopkins 67Wine.com | Ampeleia Estate Unlitro is a light, earthy, natural blend of Alicante (Grenache), Mourvedre, Carignano, Sangiovese and Alicante Bouschet from the Tuscan Coast made by Biodynamic wine grower Elisabetta Foradori. The Ampeleia Estate consists of 150 hectares of which 35 are planted to vines and the remainder to wheat, legumes, vegetables, olive groves, woodlands and animals. This vivacious red, which boasts a modest 12% alcohol, sees no oak during production, keeping it agile, light on its feet and almost too easily quaffable.

Aromas of forest flowers, strawberry blossoms, earthy blood plums and delicate spices open up on the nose with crisp, peppery fruit refreshing the palate complimented by invigorating acidity and gentle tannins on the finish.

Not a trace of heaviness, just a pure, natural expression of organic grape growing and harmonious winemaking done with lots of love.

Serve chilled, pour generously, and pair it with just about anything!

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Unlitro is fresh, aromatic and vibrant, all of which make it a delight to taste. Crushed flowers, herbs, mint, orange peel, spice and leather are all nicely lifted in this mid-weight red. A whole range of savory and floral overtones lift the finish.

Winemaker Description

Fun and refreshing, this delicate and fruity wine opens with aromas of tropical fruit, green apple, grass and floral notes, peach, and a hint of almond. A clear, light Pinot Grigio with a pale lemon color. Smells clean and not intense. It is excellent with appetizers, flavorful soups, poultry and seafood: particularly shellfish.

This crisp, elegant and balanced Pinot Grigio comes from our vines cultivated with 100% sustainable techniques in sunny and dry Central-Western Sicily. Here Pinot Grigio expresses a uniquely decisive character, while maintaining its fresh and elegant taste known in the world.

Anterra, or “ancient land” in Italian, refers to the long, rich viticultural history of the peninsula. A keystone in winemaking and wine trading since ancient times, Italy has refined its viticulture over the centuries. Tapping into the vast knowledge bestowed by their ancestors, Anterra’s creators have made winemaking an art form. Cultivated from the vineyards in Sicily, this Pinot Grigio is dry in flavor and has a pleasant and delicate bouquet.

Winemaker Notes

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Wine Spectator 91 Points | Sleek, well-balanced and fresh, with fragrant chive blossom, grapefruit peel and white pepper accents to the ripe green melon and peach fruit flavors. Flinty finish. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.

Winemaker Description 

Conte della Vipera 2023 is straw yellow with bright green hues. The nose expresses fruity notes of pink grapefruits and lychee together with fresh delicate notes of sage and elder flowers. The palate is refined, supple with excellent freshness. The finish is dominated by hints of lime and pineapple.

Winemaker Description

The 2020 Guado al Tasso is an intense ruby red in color. The nose offers notes of small dark fruit with sweet spice and toasted oak. On the palate, pure flavors and refined tannins lead to a persistent finish. This wine can be enjoyed immediately, but also has great aging potential. 

Expert Reviews

96 Points Robert Parker | The Marchesi Antinori 2020 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso sees Cabernet Franc at over 30% of the blend in this vintage, with the rest going to Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% to 20% to Merlot. Matarocchio was not produced this year, and this wine benefits from the extra Cabernet Franc as a result. The 2019 and 2021 vintages of Guado al Tasso are quite concentrated and rich, whereas 2020 is leaner in texture, along the lines of the edition we saw made in 2010. There was rain in September. Managing Director Renzo Cotarella says he would not describe 2020 as a hot vintage because the rain did pose challenges at the end of the growing season. In Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast, budbreak is earlier than in other appellations, and the growing season is longer as a result. This is a benefit to the international varieties used here. The wine shows nice richness and intensity. The Cabernet Franc definitely comes through and adds the characteristic vertical lift and linearity that the grape is known for. You get black fruit, spice, white pepper and no signs of bitter stems or bramble. Sweet, almost milky tannins are interlocked with fresh acidity to give this wine good cellaring potential. The new oak was dialed back a bit in this vintage.

96 Points Wine Enthusiast | The nose is rich with notes of blackberries, black cherry and soil, while a white pepper undertone provides pop. On the supple, warm palate, berries continue leading the way, before a salty, chocolaty finish with another kick of pepper. Stoic tannins are balanced by lively, persistent acidity.

95 Points James Suckling | Aromas of black olives, berries, herbs, red beans, sour cherries, and sage follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and plenty of structure. It’s flavorful and intense. Needs time to come together. Best after 2027.

95 Points Wine Spectator | Packed with exuberant blackberry, black currant and blueberry fruit, this red shows the expressive character of the vintage. Just when you think it's too flamboyant, the solid structure reins it in. Shows excellent balance and length, with a touch of lavender and wild herbs on the lingering finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2025 through 2040.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Wine Spectator 94 Points | Distinctly fruity, this red features black cherry, blackberry, plum, licorice, cedar and oak spice aromas and flavors. A supple version, with terrific balance and a long aftertaste. Shows just enough grip to lend serious weight. Merlot. 

Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Cont'Ugo, 100% Merlot, offers terrific freshness, especially for the year. There's a bit of edginess in the tannin from the challenges of the growing season. Even so, what comes through most is the move toward greater vibrancy in the wines.

Winemaker Description 

Cont’Ugo 2022 is an intense ruby red color. The nose offers smooth notes of small ripe red fruit especially currants, raspberries and ripe cherries accompanied by light hints of Mediterranean scrub and forest floor. The palate delivers good structure, excellent persistence of flavors and a pleasant fruity finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points |  The 2023 Il Bruciato boasts a dark purple hue and exudes baked aromas of plum, pie spice, balsamic, and rich earth. Full-bodied, the palate is generous and rounded, with supple ripe tannins providing a fleshy sensation through the finish. I would prefer to enjoy this while it retains some freshness over the near term. This vintage is a blend of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc, 19% Merlot, and the remainder Syrah and Petit Verdot.

This is vibrant and well-structured red, showcasing the essence of Sangiovese from Tuscany. Bursting with aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and violets, it’s complemented by hints of spice, oak, and earthy undertones. The palate is fresh and balanced, with bright acidity, smooth tannins, and a lingering, elegant finish. A classic expression of Chianti Classico, perfect for pairing with pasta, grilled meats, and aged cheeses. 🍷✨

More Information

The Antinori family has been committed to the art of winemaking for over six centuries since 1385 when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member, of the “Arte Fiorentina dei Vinattieri”, the Florentine Winemakers’ Guild. The Pèppoli estate is located 5 kilometers north east of the Tenuta Tignanello estate with a total area of 100 hectares (247 acres) and is home to Peppoli Chianti Classico DOCG.

The Pèppoli vineyards produce a Chianti Classico that is a blend made from Sangiovese grapes and complementary varieties; Peppoli is recognized and appreciated for the full expression of its fruit.  Pèppoli is a wine to be enjoyed and appreciated as a perfect expression of the Chianti Classico territory, its history and its traditional grape varieties through its characteristic floral and fruity aromas.

Winemaker Description 

Straw yellow color. The nose is intense and delicate with notes of orange blossom, apricot, and peach. On the palate, it is soft, fresh, with a tasty finish and a fruity aftertaste.

Winemaker Description

Santa Cristina Rosso 2022 is ruby red with violet hues. Fruity and floral aromas dominate the nose with notes of cherries, mixed berries and violets that meet hints of vanilla, cocoa, and coffee and aromas of green peppers and boxwood typical of Cabernet. The palate is mouth filling, supple with a pleasant fruity aftertaste. 

Antinori’s introduction to their red wines.  A perfect pasta, pizza, chicken, red wine.  Medium bodied, fruit forward, softer styled red that leaves you wanting another glass.

Winemaker Description

The 2019 vintage Solaia is deep ruby red in color. The nose offers complex notes of red fruit, apricots and red oranges with hints of rose petals. Distinct aromas of coffee beans, chocolate, licorice and white pepper complete the rich bouquet of this red wine. On the palate, the wine is enveloping and harmonious with excellent balance and structure. Vibrant tannins lead into an exceptionally long finish. 

Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Franc

Winemaker Description 

Fresh and versatile, this wine is generous in aroma and unmistakably expressive.
Very pleasant fruity notes with a spicy finish. Very broad in the mouth, soft and enveloping, with a pleasant freshness and silky tannins.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling 92 Points | Blackberry with some asphalt and black-cherry aromas follow through to a medium body with firm, polished tannins and a crisp and clean finish. Cabernet sauvignon, syrah, merlot and a splash of sangiovese.

Winemaker Description

Great impact on the nose, black berry fruit, spices, well integrated wood, chocolate and coffee. Soft and round palate with an excellent acid boost. Firm but soft tannins. Powerful and explosive it embodies all the energy of the hot vintage while maintaining a surprising freshness.

Winemaker Description

Costera shows the typicity of the Cannonau grape with flavors of very ripe strawberries, black cherries, herbs, and spices. The warmth and intense sunlight of southern Sardinia can be seen and felt in the wine with unexpectedly deep color and fullness on the palate. French oak barriques provide rounded tannins and flavors of vanilla.

Meat cooked over an open flame is an artform in Sardinia and specialties such as spit-roasted suckling pig or lamb seem perfect for the rich and complex flavors of Cannonau.

Winemaker Description

Perdera is a blend of Monica, Carignano, and Bovale Sardo aged in neutral barrels and cement vats to preserve Monica’s varietal characteristics. The wine shows red fruit aromas and flavors of cherries and plums with floral notes and spices. Perdera is juicy with bright acidity and low tannins.

An ideal red wine to pair with dark fish such as grilled tuna or salmon with a garnish of herbs or swordfish stewed with tomatoes and saffron. Served chilled, Monica will deliciously elevate an outdoor meal of porchetta.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Antonio Galloni - Vinous Media 94 Points | The 2020 Campaccio is packed with dark-toned fruit, leather, spice, licorice and mocha. Ample and resonant on the palate, this heady blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot offers tons of textural intensity and power to burn. Even so, all the elements are impeccably balanced.

James Suckling 91 Points | A delicious, well-balanced and attractive red. On the nose aromas of red berries, mild spices and some undergrowth dominate. It's medium- bodied with finely grained tannins. Refined texture with a seductive berry character in the finish. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description 

Intense ruby red with violet shadings, nearly opaque with traces of garnet
Bouquet. Expansive and persistent with sweet fruits, notes of blackberry, black cherry and a subtle nuttiness. Sweet spices lead to a mineral finish

Soft, sweet, voluptuous body, persistent and velvety. The tannins are thick and sweet, the acidity is well balanced, cutting the density and heaviness, while giving structure. Long finish, persistently fruity with notes of underbrush, forest fruit, and complex, intense spices.

Our Professional Review:

Arnaldo Caprai Winery: The family operation began in 1971 when textiles entrepreneur Arnaldo Caprai purchased 12.5 acres in Montefalco. In 1988, ownership passed on to Arnaldo’s son, Marco.

Today, the winery is the leading producer of top quality. Arnaldo Caprai is recognized for its dedication to environmental, economic and social sustainability, as well as being champions for the wines of Umbria.

This Umbrian white from Arnaldo Caprai captures a true expression of Grechetto from this lesser known Italian region.
Appealing aromatics of white peach, melon. lemon zest, hints of chamomile and honey characteristics, all  tantalize the palate. This Grechetto is light-medium bodied, pure. fresh, savory and finely balanced. 

Flavors of stone fruits, lemon-lime, blanched almonds, and stonines shine thru on the palate,  ending with zesty acidity and a bone dry finish. " - Debra, Italy White Wine Buyer

Cheese pairing : Essex Street / G. Cravero - ‘Parmigiano Reggiano’ 2 yrs -available at 67Gourmet

All too often in America, we think of Parmigiano Reggiano as a topping for pasta, but truly great iterations of this cheese are wonderful eaten on its own or with a superb Italian wine.  The Cravero family has been aging Reggiano since 1851, and their cheese is unique among all other Parmigiano.  It has distinct tropical fruit and pineapple overtones in the middle of the palate which turn the salty finish into a harmonious counterpoint.  One taste of this and you'll see why Reggiano is widely considered the king of all cheese.

Martin Johnson - 67Gourmet Cheese Expert