ReviewsandAccolades

ACCOLADES

Don't take our word for it-see what top critics think of our family-owned and estate-driven wines

Casalfarneto

2019 Verdicchio Riserva 'Crisio'

Creamy oak gives this a fine, toasty layer to the lemon citrus, wet stones, green apples and herbs. Nicely etched on the palate, which is flavorful yet elegant and refreshed by a bright streak of acidity. Crisp and medium-bodied, showing lovely precision and clarity. Drink now.

James Suckling

8/24/2022

Casalfarneto

2019 Verdicchio Riserva 'Crisio'

Lots of dried-lemon and white-peach aromas with hints of stones. Some lemon curd as well. Full-bodied with dried fruit and lots of peach and honey. Drink or hold.

James Suckling

6/23/2022

Casalfarneto

2021 Verdicchio 'Fontevecchia'

A nicely bone-dry verdicchio with lemon zest, mineral and some fennel. Crisp, fresh and succulent on the palate with a pure, mouthwatering finish. Nice texture despite a crisp, light body. Drink now.

James Suckling

8/30/2022

Elena Fucci

2019 Aglianico del Vulture 'SCEG'

The 2019 Aglianico del Vulture SCEG needs a good decant or coaxing in the glass to blow off some smoky youthful reduction. Beneath awaits a wild mix of peppery herbs, blackberries, dried citrus and hints of animal musk. It's soft and enveloping, yet quickly takes on a zesty and energetic flair, with tart berries and cooling mineral tones motivated by a bolt of nervous acidity. The 2019 finishes with tension and lightly-structured, leaving the palate drenched in primary concentration, as tart black currants are pleasantly offset by a hint of sweet lavender. This is only the second vintage for the SCEG, and it really shows the potential of the friut sources that Elena Fucci is using. These sources are made up of farmers who work alongside the Fucci family for decades and tend to some of the oldest parcels in the region. This is really well done.
Drinking window 2023-2029

Vinous

Eric Guido

8/1/2022

Cantina Gaffino

2018 Merlot 'Tubbo'

Pretty blackberries, dried rosemary and hot stones spring out from the glass. Full-bodied, round and juicy with lots of primary-fruit appeal. Verges on jammy, but holds together. Drink now.

James Suckling

8/19/2019

Cantina Gaffino

2016 Rosso 'Roma'

The dark-fruit aromas here are certainly pumped up, but they’re also fresh and enticing, ranging from licorice to blueberry essence to oyster-shell and crushed-stone notes. Full-bodied and structured on the palate, with chewy, polished tannins that can handle the profusion of exuberant dark fruit. Drink from 2021.

James Suckling

8/29/2019

Cantina Gaffino

2016 Cabernet Sauvignon 'Il Buon Bastardo'

The brambly notes of forest floor, undergrowth and fresh blackberries really draw you in. Hints of citrus. Then comes a full body, racy, mouthwatering acidity and lots of grainy, earthy tannins. Edgy. Drink from 2021.

James Suckling

8/19/2019

Antica Fratta

2016 Franciacorta 'Essence Rose'

An almost equal blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, 40 months on the lees. The nose offers a nice aromatic profile of red fruits, especially raspberry, Mediterranean scrub and a iodized ending. The mouthfeel is clean, savory and thick, with a good acidic shoulder and a pleasant persistence.

Luca Gardini

Antica Fratta

2014 Franciacorta 'Essence Rose'

Who doesn't have a soft spot for rosé sparkling wine from Italy? I know I do. The 2014 Franciacorta Essence Brut Rosé Millesimato (with 20 months of lees' aging) is a polished and silky expression. The bouquet opens to fragrant tones of wild berry, cassis, sweet almond and garden herb. There is a touch of white licorice or crushed white pepper as well. The perlage is fine and persistent. This wine is a blend of Pinot Nero and Chardonnay. Some 50,000 bottles were made.
Drink date 2018 - 2028

Wine Advocate

Monica Larner

12/28/2018

Antica Fratta

2018 Franciacorta 'Essence Rose'

A bright and zesty style with red berries and ruby citrus fruit, delivered in a cleverly approachable and focused style. Drink now.

James Suckling

10/2/2019

Antica Fratta

2015 Franciacorta 'Essence Rose'

Pale copper-tinged sparkling with aromas of sliced apple, grapefruit, tangerine peel and blanched almond. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity and fine bubbles. Dry, with nutty and almondy character, but fresh. Drink now.

James Suckling

2/7/2022

Antica Fratta

NV Franciacorta 'Cuvee Real'

The NV Franciacorta Cuvée Real Brut is a blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir that is aged on its yeasts for two years. The wine shows crisp freshness and sharp delineation with direct aromas of citrus, white melon and golden apple. Additional volume and texture are added thanks to the creamy nature of the mouthfeel that finishes with baked bread and croissant flavors. The perlage is tight and persistent. Annual production is large with 120,000 bottles released.
Drink date 2018-2025

Wine Advocate

Monica Larner

12/28/2018