A showcase of the best Italian wines. Italian premium value doesn’t get any better than this. Six highly rated and acclaimed wines.

2 x Rocca delle Macie Esperienza Numero 8 Brunello di Montalcino 2017 - Tuscany, Italy

Winesearcher "This is more affordable than many Brunello di Montalcino wines. Not as widely known as other Brunello di Montalcino wines. This wine has been becoming increasingly popular over the past year."

Vivino, Yomme (Five Star Buyer rating) "Stupendous Sangiovese balanced and already with sime complexity."

Vivino, Boris Kingston (Vivino's N# 3 Wine Rater) "Everything you want from a Brunello..... Impressive and delicious. Elegant, integrated barrel and light cherry. Intense and rich bouquet. Palette of rich acidity, marzipan character and juicy, concentrated fruit. Hint of prunes, delichious strawberry, a slight hint of vanilla and a crisp cherry character. And a sureprisingly feature of blueberry. Long finish." (2009 vintage)

Winemaker "Intense ruby ​​red, complex on the nose with aromas of plums, ripe black cherries and red berries, well balanced with notes of tobacco and liquorice, also beautiful harmony on the palate, elegant tannins and a long finish, can be stored very well"

Sangiovese 100%

Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.

1 x Rocca delle Macie Tenuta Riserva di Fizzano Chianti 2019 - Chianti Classico, Italy

95/100 Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critic
93/100 James Suckling
92/100 Wine Spectator
91/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
91/100 Michaela Morris, Decanter
95/100 Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critics (2018 vintage)
95/100 James Suckling (2018 vintage)
95/100 Daniele Cernilli, Guida Essenziale
93/100 Wine Spectator (2018 vintage)
92/100 Ernesto Gentili
91/100 Michaela Morris, Decanter (2018 vintage)
90/100 Falstaff (2018 vintage)

Gold - Mundus Vini
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards (2018 vintage)

3 Bicchieri - Gambero Rosso (2018 vintage)

Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critic "Full body, well-smoothed soft tannins and a warm and enveloping finish that everyone likes for its volume and power...Open and very vibrant in the sensory profile, it offers notes of currants, raspberries, ripe strawberries and wet flowers. "

James Suckling "Composed and traditional.....Sweet cranberries, plums and some savory cinnamon, seaweed and white pepper, extending to a medium-bodied palate that unleashes juicy and savory berry fruit with firm, polished tannins."

Wine Spectator "A fluid red, featuring a mix of plum, cherry, leather, iron and sanguine flavors. Tips to the dry side in the balance, remaining long and savory in the end. Sangiovese and Colorino."

Decanter "The nose is rather shy, hinting at flint and pepper; but the palate is more giving: plump red cherry is punctuated by pretty violets and sage, remaining juicy throughout. Tannins appear quite fine at first, then stick assertively to the finish."

Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critic "Solid and centred showing energy and character in the fruity profile, rich with black plums, wild myrtle, cumin, white pepper and hot crumbled stone. In the background the slight riduction is well integrated and will go away with time but also protects the matrix from oxygen. Full bodied.perfectly polymerized fine grain tannins in the matrix and an authoritative finale, rich in gustatory beauty." (2018 vintage)

James Suckling "Fresh and vivid with black-cherry and violet aromas. Full-bodied with firm, lively tannins and a fresh, linear finish. Very fine and polished." (2018 vintage)

Wine Spectator "Savory and fruity combine in this dense red, whose wild rosemary, eucalyptus and woodsy notes meet cherry, plum and floral flavors. Firms up, so decant now or cellar a few more years." (2018 vintage)

Decanter "It leads with aromas of warm, dry earth, baked stone and hints of green herbs. Robust and packed with fruit, the palate demonstrates the region’s generosity. Plush, plump plum is accented by cinnamon, clove and sundried tomato, with flinty mineral notes underneath. The tannins are chalky and dry, but cushy acidity lends accessibility." (2018 vintage)

Falstaff "Dark shining ruby ​​red. In the nose of fresh cherries, blood oranges, strawberry yoghurt, also delicately of sealing wax. Red berries on the palate with slightly vegetal fruit, juicy and finely structured, but widens in the rear area and dries out, narrow." (2018 vintage)

Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.

1 x Rocca delle Macie Classico Ser Gioveto Reserve 2018 - Chianti Classico, Italy

94/100 James Suckling
93/100 Decanter World Wine Awards
93/100 Michaela Morris, Decanter
93/100 Falstaff
93/100 Ernersto Gentili
91/100 Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
93/100 James Suckling (2019)
93/100 Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (2019)
94/100 James Suckling (2016 vintage)
93/100 Falstaff (2016 vintage)
90/100 Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (2016)
90/100 Michaela Morris, Decanter (2016)
90/100 Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (2016)
95/100 Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (2015)
94/100 James Suckling (2015)
90/100 Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (2015)

Gold Medal, Mundus Vini
Bronze Medal, Wine Spectator
Gold Medal, Mundus Vini (2015)

Michaela Morris, Decanter ''...assertive and characterful....pepper and rosemary with compelling notes of lavender and iris poking though. It is unpretentious, balanced and speaks of the vintage. Dusty, clayey tannins frame the palate and inner-mouth perfume of fennel, anise and orange give lovely lift. Alas, just 6,600 bottles made.''

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator "This is rich and dense, with mouthfilling flavors of plum, cherry, leather and earth flavors, which are backed by dusty tannins. Best from 2023 through 2030. 550 cases made."

James Suckling "A really bright, fruity red with blackberry and cherry aromas and hints of orange peel. It’s medium-bodied with a very tight palate and an intense finish."

James Suckling "Subtle and complex aromas of red berries, mushrooms, blood orange and nutmeg. A medium-bodied Chianti Classico, showing dusty tannins and juicy, savory berry fruit on the palate. Silky and effortless. Drinking nicely now, but can hold, too." (2019 vintage)

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator "Rich, laced with cherry, raspberry, earth and underbrush flavors. Revealing weighty, well-integrated tannins, this is balanced overall and tightens up on the finish. Best from 2024 through 2038. 550 cases made, 300 cases imported." (2019 vintage)

James Suckling ''Extremely well done. In appreciate the aromas of forest flowers, cedar and plums that follow through to a full body with round, chewy tannins and a structured finish. I love the balance here between freshness and concentration, embodied by the interplay of dried berries, sandalwood, fresh violets, blueberry cake and spices. Very refined and silky on the palate, which the acidity does well to spice up and energize. Medium to full body and a medium-chewy finish.'' (2016 vintage)

Michaela Morris, Decanter "The Riserva is a selection of the best grapes from the four located in Chianti Classico's township of Castellina-in-Chianti. Aromas of tea and smoke lead to the red-fruited palate which is lifted by grilled bay leaf and pepper nuances. There's good definition in this medium-weight 2016, and it's drinking now." (2016 vintage)

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator 'This round red is harmonious and muscular, laced with black cherry, plum, earth and spice flavors. A saline, mineral element and underbrush note line the finish. Drink now through 2035. 1,100 cases made, 300 cases imported.'' (2016 vintage)

Monica Larner, Decanter '' ...single-vineyard expression of Sangiovese that is dark and concentrated, with lots of plum, dried cherry and blackberry. The fruit is quite ripe, almost sweet, with lingering tones of berry confit or preserves. The complexity and depth of the wine is halted by the easy and accessible style prioritized here. Italo made some good Spaghetti Westerns as a filmmaker, and this is an excellent spaghetti wine as well, best-served with a sausage ragù.'' (2016 vintage)

Falstaff (Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler)''Rich, dark radiant ruby red. On the nose wild berry confit, rich cherry and a hint of blackberry, subtle oak spice. On the palate clear, bright fruit, full in the mouth, slightly salty, persistent and long.'' (2016 vintage)

James Suckling "I love the balance here between freshness and concentration, embodied by the interplay of dried berries, sandalwood, fresh violets, blueberry cake and spices. Very refined and silky on the palate, which the acidity does well to spice up and energize. Medium to full body and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now or hold." (2015 vintage)

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator ''A wonderful expression of Sangiovese, featuring a core of cherry flavors allied to leather, iron, sandalwood and tobacco notes. Shows sweetness midpalate, backed by a muscular structure. Fine length. Best from 2021 through 2035. 550 cases made, 300 cases imported.'' (2015 vintage)

Monica Larner, Decanter ''Moved up from a Toscana IGT to a Chianti Classico Riserva, Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Gioveto is a single-vineyard expression of Sangiovese, playing off the estate proprietor's name, Sergio. In comparison to most of the other wines tasted in this flight, this bottle raised the bar high in terms of concentration, richness and overall quality. There is a lot of ripe and exuberant fruit that adds to the roundness and texture of the mouthfeel. It's a great Riserva for a grilled steak and mashed potatoes. Only 6,500 bottles were made.'' (2015 vintage)

Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.


1 x Illuminati - Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 'Zanna' 2017 ~ Abruzzo, Italy

90/100 Wine Enthusiast (2015 vintage)
94/100 Ian Dagata - Vinous Media (2010 vintage)
92/100 Wine & Spirits (2010 vintage)
92/100 Wine Review Online (2010 vintage)
90/100 Wine Spectator (2010 vintage)

Commended International Wine Challenge

100% Montepulciano

Wine Enthusiast “Aromas of crushed herbs and spiced cherry show a pleasing depth on the nose. Medium in weight, the palate brings juicy red cherry, tobacco and earth, with slightly sandy tannins rising up on the finish. Sourced from a single vineyard in the Colline Teramane DOCG, it shows very good vibrancy and concentration.”

Wine Spectator - "Elegant and well-spiced, with a finely meshed range of black raspberry, licorice string, grilled herb and black olive flavors structured by velvety tannins. Medium- to full-bodied, with a sweet, lasting hint of fig bread on the finish." (2010 Vintage)

Ian Dagata - Vinous - "Multilayered, deep and complex, Zanna is always one of Abruzzo's most refined Montepulcianos....Deep ruby. Ripe but fresh red cherry and spice aromas are complemented by refined notes of lead pencil and coffee. Very suave on the palate too, with brightly focused red cherry, flint and herb flavors that carry through a very long aftertaste." (2010 Vintage)

Wine & Spirits - "The 45-year-old vines at the Zanna Vineyard provides the fruit for this Riserva, aged in Slavonian oak for two years. It’s supple and concentrated, packed with black fruit that slowly yields hints of strawberries, red berries and licorice. The tannins remain smoky and as black as carbon, the finish clean and vast." (2010 Vintage)

Wine Reviews - "The flagship Zanna is produced only in the best vintages. Besides coming from old vines (45 years average age) of a single vineyard called Zanna, the wine ages for four years at the winery compared to only one year for the Riparossa. The 2010 Zanna has pronounced aromas of blackberry, spice and flowers, with mineral notes joining those impressions on the palate. It is full-bodied with impressively rich and smooth texture and soft tannins. For a wine so laden with fruitiness, it has beautiful complexity and holds your interest as only great wines can. (2010 Vintage)

Montepulciano Riserva 'Zanna' is the winery's flagship wine, a 3 Bicchieri Award winner for years in a row. Produced only in the best vintages, Zanna is made with a selection of grapes from old vines (45 years old on average) from a single vineyard, pergola-trained with monitored low production through green harvest.

Zanna is intense ruby red in color, turning garnet with time. There are hints of blackberry, berry fruits, and dried flowers on the nose. On the palate the wine has great texture and soft tannins, with an elegant and long finish. It will pair perfectly with red meat, game, truffles, and aged cheeses, particularly gorgonzola.

The Zanna vineyard, from which this wine takes its name, is located 287 metres a.s.l. in the Municipality of Controguerra, along the hills to the right of the Tronto river that gradually decline towards the Adriatic sea, with a gentle climate characterized by natural fresh ventilation.

1 x Tenuta Santa Maria Ripasso Superiore 2018 - Veneto, Italy

93/100 James Suckling
94/100 Decanter (2017 vintage)
91/100 CellarTracker (2017 vintage)
91/100 Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)
90/100 5StarWines (2017 vintage)
96/100 Decanter (2016 vintage)
93/100 Falstaff Magazin (2016 vintage)
90/100 Wine Enthusiast (2016 vintage)
88/100 Robert Parker (2016 vintage)

Silver - International Wine & Spirit Competition (2017 vintage)
Silver - London Wine Competition (2017 vintage)
Bronze 87 - Decanter World Wine Awards (2017 vintage)
Gold - London Wine Competition (2016 vintage)
Gold - Decanter World Wine Awards (2016 vintage)

Best of Wine Tourism - Great Wine Capitals
Federazione Italiana Vignaioli Indipendenti: FIVI
Integrated Crop Management National Quality System SQNPI

James Suckling "Creamy wild strawberries and raspberries on the nose, held tight by a light, oaky note. Medium-to full-bodied with some tight, firm tannin that exerts the same kind of restraint on the juicy fruit. This is quite a complex wine that’s delicious now, but will continue to improve. Drink or hold."

Decanter "The Bertani family can trace its roots in Negrar, the heart of the Classico zone, back to the 15th century. Grapes are hand harvested; the wine spends 12 months in large oak casks so that classic red forest fruits and silky tannins can develop. On the nose, it has soft, ripe red fruits, while the well-balanced palate displays ripe plum and pomegranate and a hint of spice. Stunning juicy core, round tannins and an elegant finish.

Drinking Window 2021 - 2025" (2017 Vintage)

Decanter - "The palate brings a tobacco note, integrated oak and a peppy carriage of acidity. Long and modern. Scents of dried flowers, plum, tobacco, black cherries, coffee, herbs and menthol. " (2016 Vintage)

Wine Enthusiast "Aromas of ripe black-skinned berry, porcini mushroom and cooking spice lead the way. The dense palate offers prune, licorice and a touch of cinnamon alongside velvety tannins. Enjoy through 2022. Kerin O’Keefe" (2016 Vintage)

Robert Parker "Aged two years in large oak casks, the 2016 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore shows a good mix of primary fruit and oak rendering with light spice and cinnamon to back the dried cherry and blackberry aromas. This is a blend of 75% Corvina, 15% Corvinone and 10% Rondinella, representing a very classic approach to the Valpolicella bending formula. There is a sweet note of candied cherry on the close. Pair this wine with pasta in a meat ragù. Some 27,000 bottles were made." (2016 Vintage)

Falstaff Magazine "Rich and intense ruby red. Compact nose of cherry compote and raspberries, shows ripe forest berries and some leather on the finish. On the palate multilayered and full, spreads out as an elegant drink, very well balanced, fine savoury tones with small berries, appealing and fine up to the finish." (2016 Vintage)

The Winemaker - "The Ripasso method is delicately achieved conducting a secondary extended maceration and fermentation over the Amarone grape skins, giving the wine higher complexity, bolder and softer body, and intense colour. Reminiscent of the Amarone, the wine is a vivid ruby red color. At the nose, intense hints of cherry, blueberry, licorice and lingering accents of cinnamon and pepper. At the palate, soft and warm structured velvet tannins and a very balanced acidity. Long finish with fruity sensations."

Centuries old, Tenuta Santa Maria all Pieve is located in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica. The 100-acre producer is comprised of two estates, one in the Valpolicella Classico zone and the second in the Illasi Valley. Tenuta Santa Maria all Pieve was established by Gaetano Bertani in 1850 and today it is owned and operated by his descendants, Gaetano Bertani and his sons Giovanni and Guglielmo. Since its sixteenth century origins this elegant estate has been known for the production of fine wines, especially for its for Amarone Classico and Valpolicella Ripasso. It has a stunning chateau and walled vineyards. Since the 1800's the estate has been making wines using the Guyot Method, a technique with an emphasis on high density, and low yield harvests.