Decanter (97)

This definitive wine of pure Carricante is given extensive contact on the lees, without wood, taking its structure from the grapes and terroir. Pale with golden highlights, it offers iodised notes on the expressive nose and an almost shy (still very young) palate that builds slowly in the mouth to a finale of energy and length.

Vinous (90)

Dried apricots and peaches emerge from an air of white smoke and incense as the 2020 Bramìto della Sala opens up in the glass. It’s soft and appealing through its stimulating mix of mineral-tinged orchard fruits and complementary nuances of sour citrus. Hints of grapefruit and green botanicals linger throughout the long, spicy. mouthwatering finale. The 2019 represents excellent value in the category of entry-level Italian Chardonnay.

James Suckling (99)

This is so vibrant and elegant with flint stones, white apricots, green pears, hazelnuts, lemons, green tea and some toast on the nose. Full-bodied, yet elegant and refined, with bright acidity. Vertical in nature. Long. Keeps going. New single-vineyard chardonnay from the Castello della Sala estate, which makes Cervaro della Sala. Even better in a couple of years.

James Suckling (95)

Intense aromas of crushed lime and lemon as well as mineral and flint follow through to a medium body, ultra-precise acid and fruit balance. Long and linear finish. Just a hint of vanilla and cream. Give it a year or two to develop in the bottle but already a beauty.

James Suckling (99)

This is big and powerful, without being ripe and heavy. So much apple, stone, and hints of toffee. Aromatic. Full-bodied, layered and framed with phenolic tension and a great finish. Muscular and agile at the same time. One of the best I have tasted. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (96)

Focused and complex on the nose with stone, sliced cooked apple and hints of toffee. Full-bodied, with a density and freshness and liveliness. Vivid and energetic. All about class here. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (97)

A full-bodied white with complex aromas of hawthorn, ripe peach, apricot, mango, lime, flint, toast and some smoke. Layered, concentrated and persistent with bright acidity and a firm, phenolic texture. Hint of vanilla. Very long and refined. Beautiful as always. Very approachable, but better from 2022.

James Suckling (97)

Complex nose of toast, charred pineapple, green papaya, kaffir lime and lemon. Crushed stones and white pepper, too. Full-bodied with vibrant acidity. Textured. Long and layered. Delicious and concentrated. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (97)

This is very aromatic and lifted with mineral, nougat, floral, and lightly cooked apples. Some flint and matchstick. Medium- to full-bodied with a fine phenolic and acid backbone that energizes the wine. Complex aftertaste with subtle fruit and pastry at the end. This will age beautifully but hard not to drink now.

James Suckling (97)

This is very aromatic and lifted with mineral, nougat, floral, and lightly cooked apples. Some flint and matchstick. Medium- to full-bodied with a fine phenolic and acid backbone that energizes the wine. Complex aftertaste with subtle fruit and pastry at the end. This will age beautifully but hard not to drink now.

Wine Advocate (94)

This is Marchesi Antinori's top white wine, and it comes from the region of Umbria. The Castello della Sala 2022 Cervaro della Sala is based on Chardonnay and has a small part of the local grape Grechetto in the blend. The nose opens to a reductive note of flint or matchstick, but it lifts quickly to reveal soft orchard fruit, white peach and minty apple. There are delicately applied toasted notes with a hint of pecan or macadamia nut. To finish, you also get salty mineral notes that underline the extremely vertical or lifted personality of the bouquet. Renzo Cotarella tells me that tweaks to winemaking in recent years have attempted "to slim down the wine and not make it any bigger." This was a hot vintage, but Cervaro della Sala remains true to its leaner and meaner blueprint. However, given its accessible personality, we could expect a shorter drinking window for the 2022s.

Vinous (92)

The 2020 Conte della Vipera bursts from the glass with an intense display that mixes zests of lime, grapefruit and blood orange with smoky crushed stone and dusty yellow flowers. This is soft in feel yet possesses an energizing core of sour citrus and bright acidity that brings its mineral-tinged notes of melon and mango into vivid focus. Savory herbs and sour citrus linger through the medium-length finale, leaving the mouth watering for another sip. The Conte della Vipera is a spicy and vibrant blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.

A true embodiment of passion and dedication, the Antonio Caggiano Greco di Tufo Devon 2021 is a fine testament to the lush vineyards of Campania, Italy. Antonio Caggiano, bestowed with an unwavering commitment towards viticulture, has handcrafted this exceptional offering. This renowned producer meticulously cultivates the native Greco grape in mineral-rich, volcanic soils of Tufo, fostering its characteristic intensity.

Upon pouring, an intriguing nose of almond blossom and citrus zest wafts enchantingly. The palate meets with harmonious fusion of expressive fruit, creamy texture, and mouthwatering acidity. A subtle vein of flinty minerality underpins the ripe citrus, pear, and apple flavours, further intricating its profile. This vintage, aged in stainless-steel vats to preserve its zesty vivacity, extends into an elegantly long finish, a characteristic trademark of Antonio Caggiano.

Experience the divine craftsmanship of Antonio Caggiano Greco di Tufo Devon 2021 and embark on an unforgettable journey into Italian terroir and tradition.

Distinguished for its eminent finesse, the Balia Zola Isola Ravenna Chardonnay 2019 is an articulate expression of Italian winemaking tradition. Produced in the heartland of Italy's famed Romagna region, Ravenna, this vibrant and sophisticated white wine bears the hallmark of meticulous viticulture and innovative winery practices. Modern and classic techniques blend seamlessly at Balia Zola, where each grape is hand-picked at the peak of ripeness.

Under the skilled hand of the producer, a focused fermentation process ensues, yielding a balanced, elegant Chardonnay. The palate presents a bouquet of floral and fruity notes with a hint of crisp apple. A refined minerality traces the wine's origins back to the fertile, calcareous soils along the Adriatic Sea. With a medium body and bright acidity, the Balia Zola Isola Ravenna Chardonnay 2019 is an exceptional choice for any discerning oenophile, a testament to the winery's unwavering commitment to stellar craftsmanship.

James Suckling (97)

Stand back as this extremely intense and vibrant Etna dry white arrives! As many herbal and positively vegetal aromas as white fruit and citrus. Super-sleek and focused palate with a dangerous amount of mineral energy and samurai sword acidity. The finish lasts for minutes! Enormous aging potential. Drink or hold.

Producer's Note:
Bright, fruity aromas of lemon zest and green apple. The Vermentino brings clean, fresh acidity with structure; Moscato adds floral notes; and Trebbiano balances and smooths this wine giving way to a medium-bodied mouthfeel.

Dive into the world of Tuscan sophistication with the exquisite Brancaia Toscana Bianco 2018. Produced by the renowned Brancaia Estate, located amidst the rolling Tuscan hills, this fine white wine beautifully embodies their commitment to crafting wines of exceptional character and complexity. Fermentation and ageing in French oak barrels impart subtle oaky accents to the native Vermentino and Chardonnay blend, pushing its charm even further.

Bursting with vibrant, well-defined fruit notes of green apple, lemon, and hints of tropical fruit, the Brancaia Toscana Bianco 2018 is marked by its enticing minerality and refreshing acidity. This 'Super Tuscan' white wine boasts an astonishingly long finish, making it a perfect companion to a host of Mediterranean dishes. Renowned wine publications have echoed our appreciation for its sophistication and finesse, making it a must-have for both casual sippers and discerning sophisticated palates alike.

Exemplifying Italian craftsmanship, the Bricco Ernesto Vino Bianco 2019 is a stunning blend of tradition and innovation. Drawing from generations of winemaking heritage from Piedmont, Italy, Bricco Ernesto cultivates Arneis and Moscato grapes in the indigenous soils of Roero. Harnessing the vineyard's unique microclimate, Bricco Ernesto practises organic farming and minimal intervention to showcase the natural expressions of the fruit.

The Bricco Ernesto Vino Bianco 2019 undergoes a delicate vinification process. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures to capture the grapes' vibrant aromas and freshness. It is then aged on lees, refining the texture and complexity of the wine.

Unveiling subtle floral notes and crisp acidity, each sip of the Bricco Ernesto Vino Bianco 2019 truly spells elegance. The pale yellow hue enchants the eye whilst the palate is greeted by lush flavours of white fruits and a lingering minerality. This is a testament to Bricco Ernesto's commitment to quality and authenticity.

Steeped in tradition from the sun-kissed hills of Piemonte, Italy, the Bricco Ernesto Vino Bianco 2021 is every connoisseur’s delight. This elegant white wine is born from a meticulous harvesting process carried out entirely by hand. Producer Bricco Ernesto injects passion and dedication into every bottle, delivering fine quality and consistency year after year.

Gracefully maturing in stainless steel tanks, the Bricco Ernesto Vino Bianco 2021 offers a hint of zest that captivates from the first sip. Made primarily from Moscato grapes, it yields an aromatic, fragrant nose, whilst the careful inclusion of 10% Cortese and Favorita grapes balances this with herbal notes and a refreshing minerality.

A perfect partner for refined pallets and gastronomy, Bricco Ernesto Vino Bianco 2021 complements remarkably well with seafood dishes, cheeses and white meats. Raise your glasses to a sublime, Italian expression of terroir, transcending the ordinary to deliver a truly unforgettable white wine experience.