Decanter (94)

Matthew Jukes (18.5)

From the volcanic soils of Sicily's Mt. Etna, the celebrated Palmento Costanzo presents the Etna Bianco Contrada Cavaliere 2019. Each vine grown at 650 metres above sea level in sand and ash-rich hercynian rock is hand-harvested, embodying centuries of time-honoured tradition and wine-making expertise. This wine is carefully matured in steel tanks to preserve its elegant structure and layered profile. The accomplished team at Palmento Costanzo skilfully combines native Carricante and Catarratto grapes to yield an enticing aroma of citrus, pear and almond blossoms. On the palate, it manifests a stimulating minerality with natural acidity, exuding grace and longevity - hallmarks of its exceptional terroir. The rich complexity of 'Palmento Costanzo Etna Bianco Contrada Cavaliere 2019' attests to the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to organic viticulture. Relish this exquisite Sicilian masterpiece - a testimony to the exceptional bounty of the heroic viticulture of Mt. Etna.

James Suckling (97)

James Suckling (98)

James Suckling (98)

Vinous (88)

James Suckling (94)

James Suckling (94)

James Suckling (96)

Vinous (94)

Vinous (94)

The Quintodecimmo Fiano di Avellino Exultet 2023 is a stunning embodiment of Italy's viticultural finesse. Produced meticulously from Fiano grapes in the serene landscapes of Campania, the wine reflects the mineral-rich volcanic soils of the region. Winemaker Luigi Moio's flagship white is renowned for its harmonious balance of fruit hues, sophisticated minerality and fascinating ageing potential.

This wine boasts a beautiful straw-yellow colour, promising a medley of aromatic encounters. The fragrance reveals a complex bouquet of white spring blossoms, fresh pear and a whisper of vanilla, leading to an impressively full-bodied palate that lingers with a hint of almond on the finish.

Quintodecimo's Exultet 2023 is meticulously vinified with spontaneous yeasts after a soft pressing, followed by maturing on yeasts in different oak barrels, adding depth and richness to its flavour profile. As a result, the Quintodecimo Fiano di Avellino Exultet 2023 stands as a perfect illustration of Fiano's myriad expressions.

An exquisite offering from one of Italy's respected wine producers, Quintodecimo Grande Cuvee Luigi Moio 2019 resonates with unrivalled sensory delight. Toiling in the sun-kissed vineyards amidst Irpinia's high altitudes, Luigi Moio meticulously crafts his masterpiece, employing 100% Aglianico grapes that are harvested manually in October for optimal ripeness. The finesse lies in the considered wine-making process. Quintodecimo Grande Cuvee Luigi Moio 2019 matures 30 months in French oak barrels followed by another year of bottle-aging, lending it complex character and remarkable intensity.

Adeptly balanced, this exalted wine unfolds with complex layers of dark fruit, spices, and elegant minerality, delighting the palate with its long, lush finish. Quintodecimo Grande Cuvee Luigi Moio 2019 is an insightful reflection of its terroir, capturing the deft craftsmanship of Moio and bewitching wine lovers with its expressive, lingering finesse worth savouring.

Produced in the idyllic region of Friuli in North-Eastern Italy, the 'Ronchi di Cialla Colli Orientali Del Friuli Cialla Bianco 2016' is an exquisite testament to superior winemaking. This extraordinary wine is meticulously crafted by the legends, 'Ronchi di Cialla', an esteemed family winery founded in 1970 and famous for its dedication to indigenous grape varieties and organic viticulture. Incorporating grapes harvested in the noble 'Colli Orientali Del Friuli' appellation, the wine boasts a unique blend of Ribolla Gialla, Verduzzo Friulano, and Picolit grapes, bestowing this wine with its distinctive attributes. Matured in oak barrels, the Cialla Bianco exudes fragrant notes of honey and exotic fruits, further embellished with mineral and spicy undertones. The rich taste conjures up a perfect balance between acidity and sweetness, rendering your palate speechless. Perfectly rounded, the 'Ronchi di Cialla Colli Orientali Del Friuli Cialla Bianco 2016' is an embodiment of elegance and authenticity that leaves an unforgettable trace.

Moving elegantly in the echelon of the most exquisite dessert wines, the Ronchi di Cialla Colli Orientali Del Friuli Cialla Picolit 2008 bestows pronounced character. This Italian gem originates from the colli orientali region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, famed for its remarkable artisanal wines. Produced by the applauded Ronchi di Cialla winery, this selection exhibits an expert intertwining of tradition and innovation.

Housed in rich mineralic soils, the Picolit grapes are meticulously harvested and vinified, yielding an opulent golden elixir. On the nose, expect an aromatic symphony of dried apricots, honey, and vanilla, leading to a palate that balances sweetness with elegant freshness. It rounds off with a lingering, soft finish, casting a testament to its expert ageing in Slavonian oak barrels.

Look no further than the Ronchi di Cialla Colli Orientali Del Friuli Cialla Picolit 2008 for a sensory journey into the depths of northeastern Italian viticulture.

The Ronchi di Cialla Colli Orientali Del Friuli Ribolla Gialla 2019 is an exquisite white wine from the esteemed Italian vineyards of Ronchi di Cialla. Nestled in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, this family-owned estate is famed for championing indigenous grape varieties. The Ribolla Gialla grape, a centuries-old variety native to Friuli, yields this magnificent 2019 vintage.

With utmost care, grapes are hand-harvested then, following traditional winemaking methods, meticulously aged in stainless steel vats to capture the unique terroir. The result is a well-rounded wine with a delicate straw-yellow hue. The palate exudes notes of lychee, pear, and a refreshing hint of acidity, making it an exemplary showcase of the region's winemaking prowess.

No detail is overlooked in creating the Ronchi di Cialla Colli Orientali Del Friuli Ribolla Gialla 2019, combining tradition, passion, and innovation to produce a superior Italian wine that will elevate any meal.

Immerse yourself in a true sensory adventure with the alluring Ronchi di Cialla Collio Friulano 2019. Hailing from the vineyards of the esteemed Ronchi di Cialla estate in the Collio district of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, renowned for their organic vine-growing approach, this wine is a compelling expression of the region's terroir. The Friulano grapes were carefully hand-harvested in 2019 at optimal ripeness, then gently pressed to release their juice.

Fermentation was completed in stainless steel vats to maintain the purity of the grape's character before a period of maturation to enhance complexity. This resulted in a wine of remarkable elegance and depth, boasting a vibrant nose of pear, almond and herbs. On the palate, the Ronchi di Cialla Collio Friulano 2019 delivers a balanced structure, crisp acidity, and a tantalisingly long finish. Savour this superior wine as a testament to Ronchi di Cialla's commitment to true, traditional winemaking.

Immerse yourself in the distinctive flavour of Ronco del Gnemiz Friuli Colli Orientali Sauvignon Sol 2019. Curated by Ronco del Gnemiz - a renowned producer of enduring quality, this exquisite wine originates from Friuli-Venezia Giulia's revered Colli Orientali - an extraordinary terrain known for its mineral-rich marl and sandstone soils. This particular Sauvignon reveals the hand of an expert, through its distinctly intense aroma profile and harmonious palate.

With every sip, experience an intoxicating blend of rich tropical fruit accents, skilfully balanced with an intriguing echo of nuanced smoky tones. This 2019 vintage delivers a tantalisingly long-lasting finish, a testament to its meticulously orchestrated, traditional fermentation in seasoned French oak barrels. Ronco del Gnemiz Friuli Colli Orientali Sauvignon Sol 2019 encapsulates the essence of exceptional winemaking, where precision, passion, and the legacy of the terroir coalesce to create a wine of exceptional expression and complexity. A venerable reflection of its origins, savour this singularly stunning addition to any discerning wine collection.

Delightfully vibrant and begging to be shared is the Ronco Gnemiz Sauvignon Serena Palazzolo e Figli 2019, a memorable narrative from the heart of Friuli, Italy’s north-eastern province. With a reputation for innovative, high-quality wines, Palazzolo e Figli have crafted an enthralling Sauvignon Blanc that commingles tradition, innovation, and terroir expression. This vintage, with its complex layers of gooseberries, citrus, and cut-grass, owes its signature characteristics to the meticulously maintained single vineyard from which the grapes are sourced—a testament to the Palazzolo family traditions. Enhanced by its fermentation in oak, the wine's innate minerality shines forth complemented by delicately wound acidity. On the palate, it greets you with nuanced tropical flavours, underpinned by a plush, smooth texture. Truly, the Ronco Gnemiz Sauvignon Serena Palazzolo e Figli 2019 is a wine for those palates that yearn for an unforgettable, invigorating experience.