KRATOS

Another stunner from Luigi. This pure Fiano is the best expression of this lively, textured variety we have found. Perfumed and fresh with peach and apricot, wild flowers, touch of lime. Palate is zesty with lime juice, peach flesh A satisfying Mineral line, crisp acidity - but generous fruit extract. Gently perfumed and very satisfying. This is now the fifth vintage that is certified Organic.L&S (Jun 2022)

The 2021 Kratos lifts from the glass with a dusty bouquet that blends dried apricots and yellow flowers with raw almonds. This soothes with its soft textures yet stimulates the senses through a core of saline minerality and brisk acids as tart green apple tones resonate. The 2021 finishes with medium length and salty flourish, calling the taster back to the glass. Drinking range: 2023 - 2027 Rating: 91 Eric Guido, www.vinous.com (Jun 2023)

Christmas is the perfect time to reward your palate while pushing the boat out just a little. My favourite ‘grand aperitif/starters’ white of the year is this scintillating Fiano from the masterful Maffini. While this wine loads an incredible amount of flair and detail into its performance, there is an overriding sense of cleansing freshness and vitality here that means you can glug it before settling in for a massive feast or, indeed, allow it to strut its stuff with elite starters. The perfume is magical with faint stone fruit and Sicilian lemon tones, and the palate is sleek, pricked with ozone freshness and keen acidity. Give Loire Sauvignon and Friuli Pinot Grigio the heave-ho this year and treat yourself to the most exciting £20-white on the shelves this season.Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Dec 2022)