What are the top Italian wines? Discover the top Italian wines recommended by us with photos and descriptions. Do you want to tell us about a company and a wine? Write to us
INDICE:
- Top Italian Wines
- Top italian red and skin contact wines
- Top Italian Wines
- Top Italian Sparkling and Sweet Wines
- Conclusion
TOP 100 ITALIAN WINES recommended by Jean Marco Palmieri
What are the top wines in Italy?
Discover the wines recommended by Italy’s Finest Wines with our tasting so that everyone can find the ideal wine for their tastes and needs. You will find many of the most iconic and historic companies but also those that have stood out for their unique and original character.
The top Italian wines will be divided into macerated red and white wines, white wines and sparkling and sweet wines.
TOP 100 ITALIAN WINES
(Red & Skin Contact Wines Section)
Barolo Riserva Monfortino 2013 – Giacomo Conterno
Description:Olfactively it is articulated in a kaleidoscope of floral stamps among which wisteria and violet stand out, followed by small red fruits and medicinal herbs, embellished with hints of austere spices, tobacco, goudron and bloody nuances. On the palate it is rich and enveloping, with compact and powerful tannins that evolve in progression towards a finish of extraordinary persistence in which the fruit echoes as the protagonist.
Alcoholic fermentation in 61 hl oak vats with long maceration on the skins; malolactic fermentation in Austrian oak barrels of different sizes.
Grapes: 100% Nebbiolo
Piemonte region
A historic and iconic wine born from the best vintages and the best grapes of the renowned France cru in Serralunga d’Alba in 1978. Undisputed protagonist in the history of the Langhe: expansive, exciting and sensational persistence and evolutionary potential. Without a doubt one of the most iconic, historic and best internationally recognized Italian red wines.
Brunello di Montalcino ‘Madonna delle Grazie’ 2016 – Il Marroneto
Description:Multifaceted, fine and complex character: it opens on display on berries and ripe cherries, embellished with spices, bloody notes, licorice and medicinal herbs. Great extract in the mouth with compact tannins of great thickness and finesse.
Excellent persistence and elegance. Minimum interventions in the vineyard and in the cellar to let the potential of Sangiovese express itself, limited macerations to preserve the floral and fragrant part.
Obtained from grapes of the historic vineyard at 400 meters above sea level. Fermentation in Allier oak vats for 20-22 days and aging for about 41 months in Allier oak barrels.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese
Tuscany region
An imaginative and exciting wine, an extraordinarily elegant interpretation of Brunello di Montalcino, certainly among the top Italian red wines for its sensational dialectic between fruit clarity and tertiary notes.
Amarone Classico Della Valpolicella ‘Pergole Vece’ 2017 – Le Salette
Description:Delicate incipit with complex notes of cherries preserved in alcohol, which continues with nuances of dates, plum, oriental spices and leather.
The palate confirms the sense of smell: the sip is enveloping and round, dominated by an impeccable and satisfying tannic structure. Drying of the grapes for about 120 days to reduce the water content and further concentrate the sugars. Aging 36 months in barriques and large barrels.
The sincere expression of the eloquence of the fruit, expansive, fine and passionate.
One of the top Italian red wines for its ability to combine structure and richness with aromatic finesse and volume on the palate.
A very material wine, slightly austere and surprisingly persistent. Extraordinary aging potential. Deservedly among the top Italian red wines.
Veneto region
Grapes:Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta, Croatina
‘Sassicaia’ 2019 – Tenuta San Guido
Description: The nose titillates by alternating intense varietal aromas of cherry, myrtle, garrigue, eucalyptus and hints of green pepper. The sip is material and harmonious with powerful and velvety tannins well balanced by a pressing acidity that creates sensational freshness on the palate.
Alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts in steel at controlled temperature, maceration for 9-12 days in steel. Aging for 24 months in French oak barriques.
Grapes: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Cabernet Franc
Tuscany region
A wine that made the history of Cabernets in Italy and paved the way for Bolgheri wines: dutifully one of the best red wines for unquestionable finesse. A wine of great elegance, refined but imaginative that tells of the eloquence of the Bolgheri terroir.
Ribolla Gialla Anfora 2011 – Gravner
Description:
It galvanizes the nose by alternating lysergic aromas of orange blossom flowers, slate, saltiness and candied apricot embellished with nuances of sandalwood and oriental spices.
The sip is material, sapid and well balanced by a pressing acidity.
One of the best orange winesfor its unique character: A wine in an amphora with a penetrating and hieratic nose, the fruity notes integrate with unpredictable nuances that persuade and acquire great coherence in the second sip.
Grapes: 100% Ribolla Gialla
Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Pino 2016 – Valdicava
Description: The aromatic picture is interesting, spreading elegant and intense notes of blackberries and blueberries, blood nuances, salted undergrowth, patchouli for a spicy finish. On the palate it is enveloping, smooth and with thick tannins and sensational acidity that gives balance.
Fermentation by indigenous yeasts.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese
Tuscany region
A Brunello di Montalcino with a great material extract but also stands out for its character: multifaceted and imaginative nose and compact, vigorous and exciting tannins. Fully among the best Italian red wines.
Brunello di Montalcino ‘Cerretalto’ 2016 – Casanova di Neri
D
Description :The aromatic spectrum is seductive and outlines nuances of ripe cherry, wild raspberry to make room for woody, tar and tobacco tones. On the palate it is voluminous, with a thick tannic texture well outlined and synergistically linked to an acidity that creates dialectic and rhythm. Excellent persistence with aftertaste echoes on the fruit and spices.
From grapes obtained from the Cerretalto cru, on vineyards located at an altitude of 270-290 m. asl., with exposure to the East. Fermentation by indigenous yeasts only in truncated cone-shaped vats at a controlled temperature and maceration for 3/4 weeks. Aging for 36 months in oak barrels, then at least 30 months in the bottle.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese
Tuscany region
An unmissable wine: riot of perfumes and skilfully integrated tertiary notes It is right to classify it among the top Italian red wines for its ability to masterfully renew the character of the Brunello di Montalcino to which we are accustomed.
U 2007 – Giorgio Mercandelli
Description :
It gives off intense flavors of ripe cherries and strawberry grapes preserved in alcohol, flanked by flavors of goudron, tobacco and nuances of roasting. In the mouth it has a well-defined material and compact tannin and a great grip acidity that creates harmony and cleanliness on the palate. Extraordinary persistence on balsamic echoes.
Very low yields and minimum interventions in the vineyard. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in ATLAC resin vats with very long contact with the skins. No fining, filtration and added sulfites.
Grapes:Blend of Red Grapes
Region:Lombardy (Oltrepò Pavese)
Amarone Classico Riserva ‘La Mattonara’ 2009 – Zymé
Features:
Scents of blackberry jam and dried figs join registers of dehydrated flowers and echoes of toasted black pepper. The sip is clear and flowing, well balanced between fine-grained tannins and excellent flavor.
Natural drying of the grapes for at least 90 days, pressing and slow spontaneous fermentation in steel and cement, with pumping over and punching down and maceration on the skins for over 2 months. Refines at least 9 years in large Slavonian oak barrels, then at least 12 months in the bottle.
Veneto region
Barolo 2016 – Bartolo Mascarello
Description :The bouquet is articulated on intense tones of ripe red fruits, withered flowers continuing its evolution towards notes of roasting, tobaccoreturns of camphor and sylvan suggestions of autumn woods. The mouth is full and dry, the powerful and material tannins in fieri spread on the palate and are well balanced by a sinewy acidity. The finish is very persistent with delicate references to fruit and spices.
Grapes from the Rué, San Lorenzo and Cannubi vineyards in the municipality of Barolo and Le Rocche in the municipality of La Morra. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks, 32 months aging in Slavonian oak barrels.
Grapes: 100% Nebbiolo
Piemonte region
A classic and sincere wine of extraordinary evolutionary potential born from one of the most iconic wineries in the Langhe. Ineffable expression of the varietal character of Nebbiolo. An icon of Italian enology, deservedly among the most famous, historic and top Italian red wines.
Le Pergole Torte 2019 – Montevertine
Characteristics: Smells initially played on notes of black cherry, violet, blood orange embellished with more enigmatic hints of wild catmint and humus. On the palate well-defined and compact tannins and great acidity that gives smoothness.
Fermentation of 25 days by indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks. The refinement begins in Slavonian oak barrels for 12 months, follows in Allier barriques for another 12 months and ends with 6 months of rest in the bottle.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese
Tuscany region
A historic and inebriating wine among the best interpretations of pure Sangiovese for multifaceted taste-olfactory complexity.
Refined, elegiac and long-limbed: with an interesting iodized sapidity and inexhaustible persistence in which the varietal character of Sangiovese resurfaces as the undisputed protagonist in its eloquence. Certainly one of the most historic and top Italian red wines.
Barolo Bussia 2016 – Livia Fontana
Description:
Galvanizes the nose with a kaleidoscope of aromas ranging from intense hints of ripe berries, hints of plum embellished with humus, camphor and pine resin.
On the palate it has a very thick and silky tannic texture which is counterbalanced by an important acidity that gives it freshness and drinkability. Voluminous and harmonious finish, of extraordinary persistence.
Fermentation in steel tanks at controlled temperature with frequent pumping over and délestages. Maceration of about 20 days. Aging for at least 30 months in traditional oak barrels and then in the bottle until being put on sale.
A wine with an enthralling and expansive sip that maximizes the eloquent and elegant character of Nebbiolo. Imaginative and exciting, rightfully among the best red wines for taste-olfactory finesse.
Piemonte region
Pinot Nero ‘Ponkler’ 2016 – Franz Haas
DescriptionThe bouquet is captivating and outlines notes of small ripe red fruits, white chocolate, cloves and alpine flora. On the palate it reveals a silky tannic texture, well integrated with a pleasant acidity that makes it fresh and smooth to drink.
Grapes obtained from the Ponkler vineyard, at an altitude of 700 meters on soils rich in porphyry facing south, south-west. Alcoholic fermentation in open tanks, with frequent punching down and malolactic fermentation in barrique. Aging 12 months in barrique and 24 months in bottle.
Grapes:Pinot Noir
Region: South Tyrol
An extraordinary wine, icon of Pinot Noir in Italy. It is an enveloping wine of extraordinary extraction and expressive complexity.
Deservedly among the top Italian red wines for identity and enhancement of the Pinot Noir varietal.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2016 – Emidio Pepe
It opens incisively on notes of small dark ripe fruits, dried violets and licorice root, to continue towards reminiscences of resin, dried figs and locust beans.
On the palate it is dense and sumptuous, with well-defined tannins linked to a long acid line that denotes great evolutionary potential. Grapes destemmed by hand in wooden vats, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in vitrified cement tanks and maceration with manual punching down. Bottled and decanted by hand without filtration. It ages for 24 months on the fine lees in vitrified cement tanks and a few months in the bottle.
A true legend among Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines. A material wine with a sublime olfactory expressiveness. Fully among the best Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines for its extraordinary aging capacity.
Region: Abruzzo
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2015 – Valentini
Characteristics:The aromatic range is surprising, outlining blackberry in alcohol, plum, wild fennel followed by toasted and spicy notes. Powerful and compact tannins of excellent maturity and finish with references to fruit and aromatic herbs.
Fermentation through the intervention ofindigenous yeasts only. The refinement takes place for 12 months in large oak and chestnut barrels, followed by a long rest of about 4 years in the bottle.
Grapes: 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Region:Abruzzo
From the most historic cellars of Abruzzo, a superb wine of unusual eloquence and elegance. Deservedly among the most famous, historic and top Italian red wines.
Kurni 2019 – Oasi degli Angeli
Characteristics: Ripe cherry and blackberries and leather and leather notes are peremptorily pressing us, in the background resin, white chocolate and tobacco references. On the palate it is silky and expansive, with a vigorous and well integrated tannin with the acidity endowed with a sensational grip that gives smoothness.
Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in steel tanks and in large barrels. Aging of about 20 months in barrique
Grapes: 100% Montepulciano
Marche region
Without a doubt one of the best biodynamic Italian red wines: sui generis, whimsical and passionate, an engaging dialectic between tannins and overwhelming acidity.
Terre di Lavoro 2020 – Galardi
Description :Galvanizes with a fine and complex aromatic picture that is divided between dark berries and well-integrated spicy and toasted tones. The mouth is compact, with a sensational extract synergistically linked to a pleasant iodized sapidity that amplifies the sip. Extraordinary persistence of excellent cleaning.
From vineyards facing south-west on volcanic soils at an altitude of 400-500 metres. Fermentation in steel with maceration on the skins for 20 days and frequent punching down.
Grapes: 80% Aglianico and 20% Piedirosso
Region: Campania
A real wine institution of Campania. Fully among the top Italian red wines.
Vigna Quintodecimo 2017 – Quintodecimo
Features:
It surprises us with a nose full of facets, between aromas of blackberry bush, eucalyptus, balsamic registers and roasting. Rich and savory in the mouth with a powerful tannin synergistically integrated with the acidity of the backbone that gives balance and freshness. Fermentation for 20 – 25 days at a temperature of 28 – 30° C. Subsequently an elevage of 18 – 24 months is carried out in new oak barriques.
Grapes:Aglianico
A sensational wine, produced by one of the leading international wine experts, Professor Luigi Moio.
To be counted among the top Italian red wines for its austere character and opulence: Harmonic wine with an exciting and very long finish.
‘ES’ 2021 – Gianfranco Fino
Description:It opens peremptorily in a lysergic riot of scents ranging from red flower potpourri, plum, dehydrated figs, Modica chocolate and wild fennel. On the palate it is voluminous and enveloping, with a sensational phenolic extract that creates a synergistic dialectic with a sinewy acidity. Final of imperishable persistence in which the Manduria terroir echoes unequivocally and eloquently.
Slightly late harvest. Maceration on the skins for 3 or 4 weeks and fermentation in steel with 2 daily delestages, malolactic fermentation in barrique. Aging 9 months in small 228 liter oak barrels, 50% new, and at least 9 months in the bottle. Without clarifications or filtrations.
Grapes:100% Primitivo
Puglia region
Considered one of the most iconic Puglia producers, Gianfranco Fino’s ES wine is a Primitivo with a Mediterranean, lysergic and archaic character. Among the top Italian red wines for its ability to interpret the majesty of the terroir.
Etna Rosso Prephylloxera 2020 – Tenuta delle Terre Nere
Description :
Strokes of rose petals, plums and raspberries in syrup leave room for clear notes of graphite, humus and nutmeg. On the palate it is sumptuous, with a sculptural body enlivened by a lively minerality that makes it vertical and expansive. Alcoholic fermentation with controlled temperature at 28°-30°C, followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Aging 16-18 months in French oak barriques and tonneaux, then 1 month in steel.
Grapes:Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio
Region:Sicily (Etna)
A rare pearl of Sicilian viticulture, it flawlessly expresses the essence of Etna, incisive and with an unmistakable character. Among the top Italian red wines.
Il Carbonaione 2018 – Podere Poggio Scalette
Characteristics:The aromatic spectrum is seductive and outlines nuances of ripe cherry, wild raspberry to make room for woody, tar and tobacco tones.
On the palate it is voluminous, with a thick tannic texture well outlined and synergistically linked to an acidity that creates dialectic and rhythm. Excellent persistence with aftertaste echoes on the fruit and spices.
An unmissable wine: a riot of perfumes and skilfully integrated tertiary notes. It is dutiful to include it among the best Italian wines for its ability to masterfully renew the character of Sangiovese.
Tuscany region
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2013 – Santa Sofia
Description:
Fresh and fruity aromas of wild berry jam, ripe cherries are combined with echoes of gentle spices, goudron and roasting.
The sip is clear and flowing, well balanced between silky tannins, freshness and flavor. It ages for 36 months in large Slavonian oak barrels and at least 12 months in the bottle.
Amarone della Valpolicella di Santa Sofia is an exciting wine with an aristocratic character, of great cleanliness and extraordinary precision and finesse. Without a doubt one of the best Amarone della Valpolicella for its elegant and vertical character.
Region: Veneto (Valpolicella)
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ‘Le Caggiole’ 2019 – Poliziano
Description:It opens in a kaleidoscope of clear notes of wild strawberry and wild raspberry embellished with bloody nuances, leather, spicy echoes, goudron and humus. The sip is dense and vibrant, with a sensational backbone acidity well balanced between ripe and silky tannins and mineral sapidity that amplifies the course.
An opulent wine with a classic character, with a sincere nose and great expressiveness in which the varietal and vertical character of Sangiovese is fully expressed. Excellent aging potential.
The iconic company of Montepulciano Federico Carletti gives us yet another wine of great character. Fully among the top Italian wines.
Region: Tuscany (Montepulciano)
La Botte di Gianni Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2016 – Masciarelli
Description: In the olfactory spectrum ripe cherries and blackcurrants stand out alongside mineral puffs, leather and medicinal herbs. Well outlined and mature tannins and sensational iodized sapidity that amplifies the sip.
Fermentation in stainless steel with temperature control system. Aging takes place in 700 l French oak tonneaux, from plants over 200 years old, and is then bottled by gravity.
From the historic cellar symbol of Abruzzo enology, a wine capable of maximizing the expressive potential of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo reaching peaks of the highest level. Deservedly among the best Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines for complexity and elegance
Region: Abruzzo
Barolo ‘Brunate’ 2016 – Giuseppe Rinaldi
Description: Nose full of facets, including aromas of cherries in alcohol, black licorice, dried flowers and balsamic hints of menthol and orange peel. On the palate it develops harmoniously on an enveloping tannic texture. Good persistence finish. Fermentation is spontaneous and takes place through the action of indigenous yeasts for about 25 days in Slavonian oak vats.
Grapes: 100% Nebbiolo
Piemonte region
An iconic, sincere and imperishable wine, made by the famous winemaker Giuseppe Rinaldi, known as the citric for his stubbornness. Deservedly among the top Italian wines for the disarming sincerity in becoming an uncompromising narrator of the sensational expressiveness of Barolo. Definitely among the famous and historic Italian wines.
Piemonte region
Pinot Nero Riserva ‘Vigna Ganger’ 2019 – Girlan
Description
The olfactory framework is complex and intense: it ranges from red currant and cinnamon, to which are added notes of medicinal herbs, violet and patchouli.
On the palate it is voluminous, with well-defined silky tannins and a good backbone acidity that gives freshness and verticality.
Clean, harmonious finish, with great length on the fruit.
One of the best Italian Pinot Noirs for complexity and overall balance, seductive and refined, with very eloquent aromas.
Region: South Tyrol
Chianti Classico ‘Colonia’ 2019 – Fèlsina
Description : The nose convinces us with intriguing notes of dark berries, violets and irises that mix with austere toasted nuances and sweet spices. On the palate it is enveloping, the tannic texture is material and supported by a nice acidity. Harmonious finish with good persistence.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese
Tuscany region
The beating heart of Chianti Classico: Felsina seduces us with an intense wine of great character, a representation of the quintessence of Sangiovese. Fully among the top Italian wines for its great depth, fascinating and highly recognisable.
Chianti Classico ‘Il Poggio’ 2017 – Castello di Monsanto
Description: Characteristics: Passionate with its lively and passionate olfactory framework that leads between notes of wild raspberry and blackberry embellished with spicy and roasting stamps and lengthen towards a finish on aromatic herbs between catmint and musk. The sip has a sensational extract, voluminous, silky, of imperishable persistence.
Grapes: Sangiovese 90%, Canaiolo and Colorino 10%
Tuscany region
This historic Castello di Monsanto cru was born from the historic vineyard planted in 1962. Among the best Chianti Classico around. A French peacock tail telluric wine: it opens seductively to reveal itself sensationally expansive and majestic on the palate. Deservedly among the top Italian wines.
Coltassala 2019 – Castello di Volpaia
Not aromas but a madeleineof olfactory echoes that distract us from the horror vacui, leading us towards wild raspberry, nuances of leather, cloves and medicinal herbs, embellished with a bloody and blood orange finish. On the palate it presses with a silky tannic texture synergistically linked to an acidity of extraordinary strength that gives freshness. It opens up for a balsamic finish, of imperishable persistence.
The Coltassala of Castello di Volpaia is a benchmark among the best Chianti Classico with an authentic and traditional character.
Not wine, but a diehard apologist for the vertical, eloquent and elegant character of Sangiovese.
Tuscany region
Barolo ‘Marcenasco’ 2018 – Renato Ratti
Description:
The nose is slender, with well-defined fruit combined with sensations of rose and violet potpourri and nuances of wild mint and licorice.
On the palate it is juicy, rich, with a warm and soft finish with long balsamic echoes.
A cellar that never ceases to amaze enthusiasts.
A sensational interpretation, with an intriguing multifaceted bouquet, a prelude to a vibrant sip. Fully among the best Barolos.
Piemonte region
Bolgheri Superiore 2019 – Castello di Bolgheri
Description:The nose is austere, broad and complex, ranging from notes of ripe red fruit followed by black pepper, coffee and cocoa.
Excellent harmony thanks to a well-defined but harmonized tannic texture of great finesse. Clean and persistent finish.
A very elegant Bolgheri as sumptuous and elegant is the Castle of Bolgheri in Castagneto Carducci. Impeccable value for money, deservedly among the best Bolgheriin terms of identity andterritorial representativeness.
Grapes: Cabernet sauvignon 60%, Cabernet Franc 20%, Merlot 20%
Tuscany region
‘Argentiera’ 2019 – Argentiera
Description:
On the nose it is broad, complex and fine, articulating itself between ripe red fruits, undergrowth, humus, sweet spices and roasting.
The palate is vibrant and engaging with a punchy acidity perfectly integrated with defined and velvety tannins. Final with hints of undergrowth and aromatic herbs. Excellent persistence.
One of the most captivating interpretations of the Bordeaux blend in Italy. An elegant and slender wine, rich in fruit and balsamic suggestions. Deservedly counted among the best Bolgheri.
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Merlot 40%, Cabernet Franc 10%
Tuscany region
Barolo Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe 2016 – Cavallotto
Description:
It has an intense ruby red color, the nose opens wide and complex ranging from intense scents ofripeberries, hints of plum embellished with Alpine flora, sweet spices and tobacco.
On the palate it is enveloping with a very thick but velvety tannic texture supported by an important acidity that gives it great freshness and drinkability.
Without any doubt one of the best Barolos for elegance and eloquence of perfumes. Voluminous and harmonious finish with a balsamic note, of great persistence. Excellent aging potential. Deservedly among the best Barolo wineries.
Barolo Vigna Rionda Etichetta Nera 2016 – Massolino
Description:
The nose convinces us with nuances of dark ripe fruit and in alcohol embellished with woody nuances, incense and tobacco.
On the palate it is sapid and fresh, with a well-drawn and smooth tannic texture Slightly balsamic finish of excellent persistence and precision
A sensational and sincere wine: among the best Barolos for its ability to combine richness and elegancewith a focus on the sharpness of the fruity-floral varietal character of Nebbiolo. One of the best Barolo wineries.
Piemonte region
‘Arcurìa Sopra il Pozzo’ 2015 – Graci
Description: Titillates the nose with incisive notes of wild strawberries, raspberry, orange peel, embellished with tones of candied Mediterranean scrub, black pepper and boisé stamps. Galvanizes the palate with a thick but smooth tannin synergistically linked to a sinewy acidity that favors drinkability. Final of great persistence in which echoes the fruit and the notes of garrigue.
Grapes: Nerello Mascalese 100%
Region: Sicily (Etna)
One of the greatest representatives of Etna wines. Mediterranean character, the nose is a delicate prelude that spreads sensationally opulent to the sip: powerful but silky tannin and penetrating olfactory intensity. Fully among the top Italian wines.
Siepi 2020 – Mazzei
Description:
A harmonious wine, with a fresh drink but enriched by decisive brushstrokes of wild strawberries, cassis, eucalyptus, leather and undergrowth nuances.
Great extract that creates a sensational counterpoint with the pounding acidity typical of Sangiovese. Emphatic and penetrating finish.
Grapes:Sangiovese 50%, Merlot 50%
Tuscany region
Among the most historic and best supertuscans for balance and harmony and ability to enhance and integrate the tertiary notes. A vibrant wine, a graphic and incisive representation of supertuscans
Barolo ‘Ravera’ 2015 – Marziano Abbona
Description:
On the nose there are notes of violet and small red berries and juniper enriched by balsamic brushstrokes of licorice root, resin and well integrated woody notes.
The drink envelops the palate in a dense sip with perfectly outlined compact tannins.
Excellent saline trail on the finish that leaves the mouth fresh and satisfied.
Piemonte region
Grapes: 100% Nebbiolo
Pajè Barbaresco Vecchie Viti 2013 – Roagna
Description : The olfactory framework is wrapped in a broad and detailed olfactory bouquet: it seduces with tones of dried violet, ripe dark fruit in jam, plum and empyreumatic and tar nuances. The mouth is full and overwhelming with great extract, characterized by a very long finish with balsamic echoes. Fermentation takes place exclusively in wooden vats thanks to a pied de cuve of indigenous yeasts.
Grapes: 100% Nebbiolo
Piemonte region
An iconic interpretation of Barbaresco produced from vines that are between 50 and 60 years old: a stubborn and resolute wine, a synthesis of territoriality, craftsmanship and evolution. Fully among the top Italian wines for the overwhelming and inexorable persistence on the palate.
Barbaresco Riserva ‘Asili’ 2016 – Produttori del Barbaresco
Description:
Pouporri of dried flowers, cherries in brandy flanked by spicy, goudron and roasting stamps. Very long finish in which the floral-fruity sensations resurface.
A Barbaresco of great structure and finesse, with an eloquent nose and pronounced freshness that gives great drinkability and balance.
Among the best producers of Barbaresco for maximizing the varietal character of Nebbiolo.
Piemonte region
Barolo ‘Ornato’ 2018 – Pio Cesare
Description:
Multifaceted and passionate bouquet: outlines on display raspberry and cherry in alcohol to which sensations of roasting, goudron and tobacco are linked.
On the palate it is material with dense tannins of great thickness. Long, clean and enveloping finish.
One of the most important historical cellars of the Langhe, born in 1881.
An expansive but also vertical wine, rightfully among the best Barolos for a sensational dialectic between structure and elegance.
Piemonte region
Colore 2018 – Bibi Graetz
Incisive aromas of ripe cherries and blackberries expanded by nuances of leather, cloves and medicinal herbs. On the palate it presses with a thick, penetrating and silky tannic texture mitigated by a vigorous acidity. It opens up for a balsamic finish, with a very long persistence.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese
Tuscany region
A sui generis and original wine, among the top Italian wines for expressiveness and enhancement of the character of Sangiovese in the hills of Fiesole. It stretches towards a balsamic and persistent finish making the mind travel towards a moving madeleine of bucolic sensations.
Ornellaia 2019 – Tenuta dell’Ornellaia
Description : Raspberry and wild strawberries stretch towards a finish full of hints of cloves, tobacco, resin, bark and iodized tones. The mouth is immediately enveloped in powerful and silky tannins that slowly give way to a long and fruity finish.
Grapes: Cabernet sauvignon 56%, Merlot 27%, Cabernet franc 10%, Petit verdot 7%
Tuscany region
Born in 1981, it is still one of the most famous super Tuscans internationally. Superb on the nose and eloquent on the palate, it is a wine with sensational intelligibility that stratifies defined and unusual complex aromatic stamps. Certainly one of the most historic and top Italian wines for olfactory complexity but also material and resolute palate.
UNO 2019 – Tenuta Carleone
The nose opens into a kaleidoscope of fresh red fruits, wild raspberry and cranberries with hints of cinnamon powder, leather and medicinal herbs.
In the mouth it has a materic phenolic extract in progress, assisted by a fresh component that gives freshness and which stretches towards a persistent and spicy finish.
Avertical wine of extraordinary acidity, embellished with captivating savory suggestions and great intelligibility of the fruit.
Deservedly among the top Italian wines for its unique character.
Tuscany region
Il Carbonaione 2018 – Podere Poggio Scalette
Characteristics:The aromatic spectrum is seductive and outlines nuances of ripe cherry, wild raspberry to make room for woody, tar and tobacco tones.
On the palate it is voluminous, with a thick tannic texture well outlined and synergistically linked to an acidity that creates dialectic and rhythm. Excellent persistence with aftertaste echoes on the fruit and spices.
An unmissable wine: a riot of perfumes and skilfully integrated tertiary notes. It is dutiful to include it among the top Italian wines for its ability to masterfully renew the character of Sangiovese.
Tuscany region
Fieramonte 2015 – Allegrini
Description:Finely articulated bouquet on hints of potpourri of roses and violets and small red fruit jam, enriched by delicate notes of bitter cocoa, vanilla and very pleasant hints of eucalyptus, licorice and goudron.
The sip reveals a great polyphenolic extract, supported by a long savory trail that culminates in a vibrant finish of great persistence. Impeccable balance between the acid, tannic and alcoholic components.
Elegant and self-confident, Allegrini Fieramonte’s Amarone is a wine of great substance. The nose, intriguing and highly recognizable, is the prelude to an energetic and exciting sip. Above average price but extraordinary quality. Dutifully among the best wineries of Amarone della Valpolicella.
Region: Veneto (Valpolicella)
Montosoli – Brunello di Montalcino 2016 – Altesino
Description:
The nose is pressing, characterized by fruity nuances of red cherries and sour cherries, embellished with notes of tea, licorice and cloves, with salty suggestions.
In the mouth it is soft and enveloping, with a velvety tannic texture that supports the palate and stretches towards a finish of great character and persistence.
Traditional vinification and long aging in oak barrels. The historic first cru of Montalcino fascinates once again for its undisputed stylistic imprint oriented towards elegance.
One of the best Brunello di Montalcino for expressiveness and harmony: the well-sculpted tannins give rhythm and volume and make the sip rich and satisfying.
Tuscany region
Brunello di Montalcino 2018 – Poggio di Sotto
Description:The bouquet is characterized by notes of blackberry, cherry and potpourri, embellished with balsamic brushstrokes and tertiary hints of graphite, licorice and tobacco. The sip is full and enveloping and the tannins are elegant and well outlined, supported by a nice acidity that culminates in a fresh and persistent finish.
Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts and minimal interventions both in the vineyard and in the cellar. A ‘traditional’ vinification assisted by modern technologies, in line with the soul of Poggio di Sotto, one of the companies that represents a model of management and quality for the whole denomination.
A Brunello di Montalcino of great structure and power, among the best for opulence and richness on the palate.
Tuscany region
Barolo ‘Bricco delle Viole’ 2018 – Vajra
Description: Titillates the nose with incisive notes of dried roses and cherries in spirit, followed by nuances of candied orange peel embellished with tones of cocoa powder and well-integrated woody tones.
Galvanizes the palate with a thick but smooth tannin synergistically linked to a sinewy acidity that favors drinkability. Final of great persistence in which the protagonist echoes the Nebbiolo varietal.
One of the greatest representatives of Langhe wines. Lysergic character, the nose is a delicate prelude that spreads sensationally opulent on the sip. Fully among the best producers of Barolo.
Piemonte region
Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 – Val delle Corti
Description:
Olfactory opens on intense notes of violet, cherry which blend with sensations of coffee powder, leather and tobacco.
On the palate it flows fresh and sinuous, well balanced.
The Val delle Corti Chianti Classico Riserva is one of the best Chianti Classicos in terms of typicality and aging potential.
The very clear fruit stands out, embellished with perfectly integrated tertiary notes.
Tuscany region
Barolo ‘Lazzarito’ 2018 – Vietti
Description:
Stratified sensations on clear hints of wild strawberries and raspberry to which suggestions of medicinal herbs,orange peel, blood reminiscences and empyreumatic notes are added.
The sip is smooth with a well-defined tannic texture which is counterbalanced by a pounding acidity and a sensationally dashed compact tannin.
Among the best expressions of Barolo from one of the most iconic wineries in the Langhe. Elegantly whimsical wine sui generis, adamant and emphatic with a pressing tannin: great territorial identity. Fully among the best and most iconic Italian red wines.
Piemonte region
Il Blu 2018 – Brancaia
Description :It gives off intense tones of raspberry, strawberry grapes in alcohol, white chocolate and tobacco.
In the mouth it has a well-defined material and compact tannin and a great grip acidity that creates harmony and cleanliness on the palate. Excellent persistence on balsamic echoes.
GrapesMerlot 70%, Sangiovese 25%
Tuscany region
A whimsical and exciting Supertuscan. Among the best supertuscans for its ability to combine the varietal character of Merlot with that of Sangiovese.
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2012 – Bertani
Description:
In the aromatic range, delicate aromas of morello cherries stand out enriched by woody and tertiary notes reminiscent of cocoa and roasting.
The sip is broad, rich, round and enveloping, with a long persistence.
From the iconic and historic Valpolicella winery: an elegant, seductive and highly drinkable wine with sensational persistence.
With full rights among the best producers of Amarone della Valpolicella.
Region: Veneto (Valpolicella)
Amarone della Valpolicella Morar 2010 – Valentina Cubi
Description:It opens fragrant with clear notes of plum jam and morello cherries in syrup, followed by roasting stamps, black pepper, thyme, licorice and white chocolate.
On the palate it is dry, pulpy and enveloping, with a compact and well-defined tannin that makes it vibrant to drink. Very clean, persistent finish with fruity and balsamic references.
Synthesis between pulpiness and balsamic quality, Morar by Valentina Cubi is an elegant and unique wine, endowed with a classic expressiveness in which the quintessence of the terroir echoes.
Fully among the best Amarone della Valpolicella.
Region: Veneto (Valpolicella)
‘Oreno’ 2017- Tenuta Sette Ponti
Description:
The olfactory framework is interesting, which is divided between timbres of dark and ripe berries, nuances of cocoa powder and balsamic nuances. On the palate it is dense, compact, velvety and of unusual persistence.
Grapes: Merlot 100%
Tuscany region
One of the best supertuscans in existence. An elegant and voluminous wine with great balance. Deservedly among the top Italian wines for the enhancement of the Bordeaux blend in Tuscany.
Pàtrimo 2016 – Feudi di San Gregorio
Features:
The aromatic spectrum is interesting and incisive, in evidence ripe wild blackberry with suggestions of dried figs, roasting, dark chocolate, carob and camphor.
The sip is enveloping with compact and vigorous tannins and a balsamic finish of great precision and length.
Grapes: Merlot 100%
Region: Campania
One of the most historic cellars in Campania. An austere, dark and sumptuous interpretation of Merlot with sensational persistence. Deservedly among the best southern Italian wines.
Brunello di Montalcino 2018 – Salvioni La Cerbaiola
Description: Captivating between raspberry, ripe cherry, vanilla and dark chocolate.
On the palate it is full-bodied and enveloping, with a finish of good persistence with the fruit as protagonist.
The low yields of the Salvioni La Cerbaiola vineyards give grapes concentrated in aromas that are carefully and scrupulously processed to respect their integrity, potential and structure. Each plot is characterized by a different terroir which translates into a wine full of complexity and harmony.
A voluminous interpretation of thoroughbred Sangiovese, which skilfully combines freshness and tannic vigor.
Tuscany region
Barolo Ravera 2018 – Sordo Giovanni
Description:
Smell initially played on notes of plum, violet and sour cherries embellished with more enigmatic hints of wild catmint, resin and toasted stamps.
On the palate it is characterized by well-defined and compact tannins, backed by a very pleasant savory vein that gives smoothness and depth to the sip.
An iconic and intoxicating wine, among the best expressions of Nebbiolo for olfactory complexity and material and penetrating palate. Impeccable value for money. Without a doubt among the best wineries that produce Barolo.
Piemonte region
San Lorenzo Etna Rosso 2020 – Girolamo Russo
Description :
A large bouquet stands out on the nose ranging from notes of rose, cherry, red currant and Mediterranean scrub to toasted and balsamic hints. When tasted, it envelops the mouth in a dense and enveloping sip, supported by a beautiful savory vein that ranges over a spicy finish with good persistence.
Iconic representation of Nerello Mascalese, it is a seraphic and fascinating wine, with a granular and very pleasant minerality. Deservedly among the best wines of Etna
Grapes: 100% Nerello Mascalese
Region: Sicily
Cerasuolo di Vittoria ‘Grotte Alte’ 2018 – Arianna Occhipinti
Description:
It is divided between dark tones of red fruits such as black cherry and poutporri dried flowers followed by a more austere register of roasting powder, Mediterranean scrub and medicinal herbs.
Fermentation with indigenous yeasts and maceration on the skins for 30 days in concrete tanks. Refines 32 months in 25 hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels.
It presses the palate with an imposing and silky tannin and a good acidity that favors drinkability. Craft wine: Sensational material mineral trail and enduring persistence. Fully deserved among the best Sicilian wines.
Region: Sicily
Syrah ‘Apice’ 2016 – Stefano Amerighi
Description : The aromatic framework is interesting, spreading elegant and intense notes of blackberries and blueberries, blood nuances, salted capers, patchouli for a spicy finish. On the palate it is enveloping, flowing and with unscrupulous tannins and sensational acidity.
Grapes: Syrah 100%
Tuscany region
Considered one of the most virtuous and imaginative interpretations in Italy of the vine that has become famous in the Hermitage. A Syrah with a great material extract but also stands out for its character: multifaceted and imaginative nose and compact, vigorous and exciting tannins. Fully among the top Italian wines.
Nobile di Montepulciano ‘Bossona’ 2016 – Cantine Dei
Description:It opens in a symphony of aromatic notes: cherries and potpourri of red flowers are highlighted, embellished with echoes of autumn spices and delicate woody nuances. Elegant and round on the palate, the tannic texture is velvety, supported by a strong acid component that extends towards a savory and fruity finish. Excellent persistence.
An extraordinary interpretation of Nobile di Montepulciano that emphasizes harmony, freshness and expressiveness. Deservedly among the best Nobile di Montepulciano for the original dialectic between the juiciness of the fruit and the fresh and mineral heart.
The owner Caterina Dei spreads passion and has clear ideas on how to make Sangiovese sing. It is not just wine, but a lysergic song that we find in the glass.
A company among the best in Montepulciano, which pays great attention to the issues of environmental sustainability and corporate ethics.
Region: Tuscany (Montepulciano)
Etna Rosso DOC ‘Vico Prephylloxera’ 2016 – Tenute Bosco
Description:
The nose opens as fruity notes of black cherry and mulberry on display, followed by vegetable, spicy and delicate hints of patchouli and Mediterranean scrub.
On the palate it is opulent, juicy and passionate, with compact and polymerized tannins and a finish of imperishable persistence.
A deep wine, of great concentration and with a sensational and varied taste-olfactory expressiveness. It is a maieutic wine: assertive detector of unexpressed truths. Dutiful to include it among the best wines of Etna.
Grapes: Nerello Mascalese 90%, Nerello Cappuccio 10%
Region: Sicily
Gattinara Riserva 2017 – Travaglini
Description:
Nose layered on notes of potpourri of red roses, cherry jam, licorice and flint. On the palate it is supported by a velvety tannic texture and a beautiful sapidity that makes the sip very long.
A visceral, lysergic interpretation of Nebbiolo. Travaglini gives us a unique and exciting Gattinara, a synthesis of juice and flavour.
Fully deserved among the best Piedmontese wines.
Piemonte region
Barolo Riserva ‘San Bernardo’ 2016 – Palladino
Description:
On the nose it is articulated on stamps of ripe cherry, blackberry, mulberry and raspberry followed by suggestions of sweet spices, wild mint and toasted notes.
On the palate it is vigorous, with compact tannins that evolve progressively towards a finish of excellent structure and persistence.
Inebriating and long-limbed, one of the best Barolos for its inexhaustible persistence in which the varietal character of Nebbiolo is the protagonist. Excellent value for money.
Piemonte region
Boggina C 2019 – Petrolo
It opens in a riot of cranberries, blood orange followed by leather and delicate well-integrated woody nuances.
The sip is broad, with a phenolic component of good concentration and maturity but also vibrant thanks to a pressing acidity that gives freshness and pleasantness to the sip.
Boggina C d Petrolo, obtained from the vineyards of the Val d’Arno di Sopra, isamong the top Italian winesfor its ability to interpret Sangiovese by fully maximizing its typical taste-olfactory components.
Expression of great typicality.
Tuscany region
Sagrantino di Montefalco ’25 anni’ 2018 – Caprai
Features:
Ripe cherry and raspberry stand out in the olfactory spectrum, embellished with goudron, leather, locust beans and medicinal herbs. Powerful, well-defined and mature tannins and sensational iodized sapidity that amplifies the sip.
Definitely one of the most iconic wineries in Umbria.
Caprai’s Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 years is a wine that has been able to maximize the expressive potential of Sagrantino, reaching peaks of the highest level. Deservedly among the best Sagrantino di Montefalco
Region: Umbria
Taurasi Naturalis Historia 2015 – Mastroberardino
Features:
The aromatic framework spreads magnetic outlining itself between nuances of currant, violet and plum flanked by light woody tones, cocoa powder, graphite and sweet tobacco.
On the palate it is broad, elegantly powerful and smooth.
Among the most iconic and historic wineries in Campania.
One of the best Taurasi for its ability to combine structure and richness with great aromatic finesse and silkiness. Energetic and aristocratic character.
Region: Campania
Dettori Bianco 2020 – Dettori
Features:
Fresh and fragrant olfactory range, with citric notes that blend with orange blossom, candied apricot, Dijon mustard and lambic beer. In the mouth it is extraordinarily voluminous with a persistent finish of good cleanliness that confirms the sense of smell.
An elegant biodynamic wine that synthesises and maximizes the varietal expression of Vermentino. Fully among the bestmacerated white wines.
Grapes: 100% Vermentino
Region: Sardinia
BEST WINES OF ITALY – (Section White Wines)
Chardonnay Curie 2016 – Vie di Romans
On the nose, it is intense, ample and fresh with succession of floral notes veering towards fruity notes of fragrant white peach and grapefruit, smoky notes and sweet spices of vanilla and melted butter and hydrocarbons. On the palate it is rich and silky with great softness and freshness enhanced by a slight mineral iodized note which gives volume and character in the mouth.
Elegant finish, enveloping and full, with a long persistence with delicate returns to the fruit and spices.
A wine with a seductive nose of great eloquence and finesse, which is released on the palate rich,soft and voluminous and with sensational persistence. Virtuous interpretationof Chardonnay, interesting aging potential. Romans’ Chardonnay Curie is rightfully among the best wines of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Grapes:Chardonnay
Area: Friuli Isonzo
‘Studio di Bianco’ 2018 – Borgo del Tiglio
Stratified aromatic profile: it opens with notes of lychees, elderberry and hawthorn, to continue towards timbres of hydrocarbons and white chocolate. On the palate it flows dense and voluminous but at the same time fresh and saline. Well balanced finish, of great persistence and cleanliness.
From one of the most virtuous artisan cellars in the Collio, Studio di Bianco di Borgo del Tiglio is a wine of unusual finesse and balance obtained from the blending of Riesling, Sauvignon and Friulano.
Fully among the best wines of Friuli Venezia Giulia for harmony and meticulous oenological precision.
Grapes: Riesling, Sauvignon, Friulano
Area:Collio
Panizzi – Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva 2018
Features:
Nose full of facets, including citrus orange blossom notes, salty nuances and mustard all’ancienne. In the mouth it creates a sensational dialectic between the acidity of the backbone and the sapidity.
Among the best Vernaccia di San Gimignano for evolutionary potential: the varietal character of Vernaccia stands out, embellished by a côté boisé and masterfully integrated tertiary nuances. Organic label.
Not wine, but a diehard apologist for the eloquent and elegant character of Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Tuscany region
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva 2018 – Villa Bucci
Features:
The nose is wrapped in an intense and layered olfactory bouquet: broom, chamomile, nipitella and fruit jam with yellow pulp gradually give way to flint and hints of saltiness. In the mouth it is broad and silky, with an iodized finish in which the fruit resurfaces decisively.
An iconic wine, which has made the history of the Castelli di Jesi DOC. Refined, complex and extraordinarily long-lasting, the Verdicchio Riserva of Villa Bucci can rightfully be counted among the top Italian wines for its elegance and pleasantness on the palate.
Grapes:Verdicchio 100%
Marche region
Gris 2008 – Lis Neris
It galvanizes the nose with floral notes of elderberry, green pepper embellished with citrus nuances and saltiness.
On the palate it is rich and silky with great softness and freshness enhanced by a slight mineral iodized note which gives volume and character in the mouth. Elegant finish, enveloping and full, with a long persistence with delicate returns to the fruit and spices
A virtuoso wine obtained from Pinot Grigrio: extraordinary olfactory eloquence that is released on the palate, rich, soft, voluminous and with sensational persistence. Dutifully among the best white wines of Friuli Venezia Giulia for aging potential and value for money.
Grapes:Pinot Grigio
Area:Friuli Isonzo
Bianco Riserva ‘LR’ 2018 – Colterenzio
Description: Delicate and refined bouquet, articulated on notes of dandelion, ginger, yellow fruit, tomato leaf and empyreumatic tones.
The sip explodes full and very soft, driven by a pleasant acid trail that leaves the mouth fresh and gratified. Long, lively and round finish
Territorial character and skill are the prerequisites for a wine that bets on the union between the varietal characteristics of Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. Refined, multifaceted and presented with superlative habillage:
to be counted without a doubt among the top Italian wines.
Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon
Region: South Tyrol
Chardonnay ‘Troy’ 2018 – Cantina Tramin
Description:
It titillates the nose by alternating intense aromas of candied fruit, orange blossom flowers, slate, saltiness and pastry. The sip is voluminous, sapid well balanced by a pressing acidity.
One of the top Italian wines for expressiveness and integrity of the fruit:
Complex nose, hieratic finish: the fruity notes integrate with unpredictable nuances which persuade and acquire great coherence on the second sip. Grape lysergic.
Grapes:Chardonnay
Region: South Tyrol
Appius 2017 – San Michele Appiano
Features:
In the olfactory spectrum, notes of passion fruit and mango stand out, embellished with melted butter, sweet woody notes and nuances of hydrocarbons. On the palate it involves with a sensational iodized sapidity that amplifies the sip. Voluminous finish of great persistence and sharpness
Definitely one of the best wines in Italy from Alto Adige for finesse: great expressiveness, enveloping and softness.
Grapes: Chardonnay 65%, Pinot Grigio 15%, Sauvignon 12%, Pinot Bianco 8%
Region: South Tyrol
Pinot Bianco Riserva ‘Five Years’ 2015 – Cantina Merano
On the nose, it is intense, ample and fresh with succession of floral notes veering towards fruity notes of fragrant white peach and grapefruit, smoky notes and sweet spices of vanilla and melted butter. On the palate it is rich and silky with great softness and freshness enhanced by a slight mineral iodized note which gives volume and character in the mouth. Elegant finish, enveloping and full, with a long persistence with delicate returns to the fruit and spices.
A wine with a seductive nose of great eloquence and finesse, which is released on the palate rich, soft and voluminous and with sensational persistence. Virtuous interpretation of Pinot Blanc, interesting aging potential. Fully among the top Italian wines.
Grapes: 100% Pinot Blanc
Region: South Tyrol
Quarz Sauvignon 2018 – Terlan
Description:
Highlighted orange blossom flowers flanked by pink grapefruit, passion fruit, tomato leaf and graphite. On the palate it is voluminous and enveloping, supported by a good acid liveliness that gives balance and drinkability.
Excellent persistence with clear echoes on the varietal
One of the top Italian wines for organoleptic complexity: rich and exciting on the palate and with a multifaceted and intriguing nose. Sensational interpretation of Sauvignon in Italy.
Region: South Tyrol
Vigna del Convento di Capestrano 2018 – Valle Reale
Description:It opens captivating with notes of ripe yellow pulp fruit and orange peel and floral notes of hawthorn and saltiness.
In the mouth it is expansive and taut with a good acidity that leaves room for a persistent savory finish of great cleanliness and sapidity. From vines located at an altitude of 350-400 meters conducted in organic and biodynamic agriculture.
Alcoholic fermentation in steel with indigenous yeasts. Without filtration and 18 months aging on the fine lees in steel. A Trebbiano d’Abruzzo with a suggestive and imaginative nose, of great freshness and great length. Deservedly among the best wines of Abruzzo.
Region: Abruzzo
Terre Alte 2018 – Livio Felluga
Features:
Fresh and fragrant olfactory range, with delicate floral and citric nuances that blend with hints of tomato leaf, orange blossom and Dijon mustard. In the mouth it is extraordinarily voluminous with a persistent finish of good cleanliness that confirms the sense of smell.
An elegant wine capable of maximizing the territorial expression of Friuli through the assembly ofSauvignon, Pinot Bianco and Friulano.
Fully among the best wines in Italy.
Grapes: Sauvignon 40%, Pinot Blanc 30%, Friulano 30%
Region:Friuli
‘Cantico della Figura’ Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva 2019 – Andrea Felici
Features:
Wide and varied nose, articulated on wild herbs, broom, peach and grapefruit, embellished with notes of pastry and smoky hints. On the palate it flows dense and sinuous, equipped with a savory granular acidity that leaves the mouth very fresh and satisfied. Great persistence with continuous fruity returns.
A glyceric sip wine and at the same time very fresh, pulpy and brackish. A point of reference for viticulture in the Marche region, Cantico della Figura is a unique wine, rightfully among the top Italian wines.
Grapes:Verdicchio 100%
Marche region
Derthona Costa del Vento 2017 – Vigneti Massa
Features:
Smell initially played on floral notes of orange blossom, which are flanked by registers of tropical fruit, embellished with more enigmatic hints of medicinal herbs, hydrocarbons and viennoiserie. Palate characterized by an acidity of a pressing backbone and a finish of imperishable persistence with echoes in which the fruit echoes as the protagonist.
One of the top Italian wines for its whimsical elegance: the note alternating iodized sapidity and acidity creates a very convincing dialectic.
Grapes: Timorasso 100%
Piemonte region
Cesani – Vernaccia San Gimignano ‘Sanice’ Riserva 2019
Features:
It opens with hints of broom, yellow-fleshed tropical fruits, wild fennel and incipient peat hints. The sip is voluminous, with a grainy iodized saline presence.
One of the best and most sincere interpretations of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, great identity and territorial character.
Deservedly among the best Vernaccia di San Gimignano for transparency of the varietal identity of Vernaccia and which emerges sincerely without make-up. Thanks to the Pancole terroir, one of the most suitable in the San Gimignano area. Organic wine.
Tuscany region
Gewürztraminer ‘Kastelaz’ 2021 – Elena Walch
Features:
The aromatic picture is interesting, outlining stamps of lychee and alpine flora synergistically linked to nuances of exotic fruit, orange peel and viennoiserie. The sip is expansive and intense: it envelops pressingly, with a marked acidity and a well-drawn lively iodized vein.
One of the most virtuous and elegant interpretations of Gewurztraminer in purity: fully among the best wines in Italy for great intelligibility of the fruit without compromise: expressive, imaginative and extremely versatile in food pairing.
Grapes: Gewürztraminer
Region: South Tyrol
Sauvignon ‘Ronco delle Mele’ 2019 – Venica
Description:
Varietal notes of alpine flora, white peach and elderberry blend with hints of fragrant croissant and hints of saltiness. In the mouth it is harmonious, vibrant and of excellent flavor and length.
The Ronco delle Mele di Venica fascinates with its extraordinary balance and maximization of the varietal character of the Sauvignon Blanc. Virtuous interpretation in its own right among the top Italian white wines of Friuli Venezia Giulia
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc 100%
Area: Collio
Soave Classico Colle Sant’Antonio 2016 – Prà
Description:
It opens in a riot of aromatic sensations ranging from notes of pineapple and white melon mixed with hints of Mediterranean scrub and melted butter.
The mouth is lively, punctuated by a pleasant acid blade that makes the sip saline and snappy. Sensational finish persistence.
The Soave Classico Colle Sant’Antonio di Prà whimsical wine, with an authentic character obtained from the native Garganega vine. Among the best Soaves for its multifaceted, delicate and refined aromas.
Grapes: 100% Garganega
Soave Classico ‘La Rocca’ 2018 – Pieropan
Features:
On the nose emerge decisive notes of quince and Verona peach, viennoiserie and sage.
The sip is silky, full and soft, supported by a beautiful acidity that extends towards an imperishable persistence and by continuous fruity and sweet spice echoes.
One of the most virtuoso elegant interpretations of Soave. Deservedly among the top Italian wines for masterful enhancement of the potential of Garganega.
Grapes: 100% Garganega
Veneto region
‘Tardivo ma non Tardo’ Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2018 – Santa Barbara
Features:
Smell all played on tropical yellow pulp fruit, peaches in syrup, orange blossom honey, dehydrated dates and toasted almonds. The sip is full and juicy, equipped with a very pleasant salty vein that enters into synergy with the fruit, which is the protagonist on the finish.
Produced with overripe grapes, Tardivo ma non Tardo is a savory and pulpy wine, well structured but exceptionally drinkable, award-winning by wine critics throughout the Italian peninsula.
The Santa Barbara winery, one of the most important in the Marche region, is a member of a non-profit organization dedicated to research into neurovascular diseases, donating part of the proceeds: one more reason to be seduced by one of the best wines in Italy.
Grapes:Verdicchio 100%
Marche region
Fiorano Bianco 2017 – Tenuta di Fiorano
Characteristics: Layered aromatic profile: it opens with notes of peaches in syrup, orange blossom flowers, to continue towards stamps of wild caper and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate it spreads voluminous, fresh and sapid. Well balanced finish, excellent persistence and cleanliness with references to the fruity-floral notes. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts in 10 hectoliter oak barrels and aged ‘sur lies’.
Icon of Lazio viticulture: An expansive and eloquent wine. Undoubtedly among the top Italian wines for taste-olfactory complexity and territorial character. Undisputed witness of the sensational oenological potential of Lazio.
Grapes: Grechetto and Viognier
Lazio region
Furore 2021 – Marisa Cuomo
Features:
Brushstrokes of broom, orange blossom flowers, passion fruit and candied apricot blend harmoniously with fresh notes of Mediterranean scrub, cedar and dried green tea. In the mouth it is very soft, with an excellent structure, with a full and round sip with a salty finish with continuous returns of candied fruit.
Icon of the Amalfi Coast and of Campania as a whole, Fiorduva is one of those rare and unforgettable wines, produced with top quality native grapes. Fully among the top Italian wines for the ability to reconcile structure, identity and elegance.
Grapes:Fenile 30%, Ginestra 30%, Ripoli 40%
Region: Campania
Santigaini 2016 – Capichera
Characteristics:Mandarin, grapefruit, broom and acacia honey stretch towards notes of aromatic herbs, lavender and saltiness. On the palate it is dense and full-bodied, with an intriguing acid blade that fades into a saline trail of good persistence, with continuous balsamic returns.
One of the most interesting wineries in Sardinia gives us a Vermentino sui generis, fresh and inviting, of great recognition. A peacock tail wine, fully among the top Italian wines for complexity, elegance and character.
Grapes:100% Vermentino
Region:Sardinia
BEST WINES OF ITALY
(Section Sparkling and Sweet Wines)
Franciacorta Cuvée Annamaria Clementi 2014 – Ca’ del Bosco
Orange blossom flowers, broom and candied fruit stretch towards notes of melted butter, viennoiserie and saltiness. On the palate it is dense and full-bodied, with an intriguing acid component that gives freshness and fades into a saline trail of good persistence, with continuous fruity-floral aromatic returns.
Fermented in small oak barrels, with a stop of 6 months and malolactic fermentation. It undergoes refermentation in the bottle according to the Classic Method and ages for 8 years and 5 months on the lees.
One of the most iconic wineries in Franciacorta gives us a wine of rare elegance, complex, expressive, highly recognizable.
Fully among the top Italian classic method wines. Its history is inextricably linked to Annamaria Clementi Zanella to whom the name of the Cuvée is dedicated and to her son Maurizio, assisted first by the historic winemaker André Dubois and since the 1990s by his virtuous successor Stefano Capelli.
Region: Lombardy (Franciacorta)
Franciacorta Brut ‘Cabochon’ 2014 – Monte Rossa
Description:It opens fragrant with notes of elderberry, hawthorn and yellow peach, continuing towards tones of bread crust and melted butter.
On the palate, the effervescence is extraordinarily creamy and material, enhanced by a sinewy acidity that gives length and freshness. Alcoholic fermentation in 250 liter oak barrels and second fermentation in the bottle. Refines 54 months on the lees.
From the historic Monte Rossa winery, Cabochon Brut is a virtuous interpretation of Franciacorta with a very pleasant iodized sapidity and extraordinary persistence. Undoubtedly among the best sparkling Italian wines.
Region: Lombardy (Franciacorta)
Pas Dosé ‘Bagnadore’ 2014 – Barone Pizzini
Features:
Fresh and fragrant olfactory range, with delicate floral and citric nuances that blend with hints of red currant, Dijon mustard and bread crust.
In the mouth it is extraordinarily voluminous with a persistent perlage with an unusual finesse texture and great pressing acidity.
Soft pressing, fermentation in steel, maturation for 6 months in barrique and for another 6 in steel tanks, then refermentation in the bottle according to the Classic Method. Aging at least 60 months on the lees.
An elegant wine capable of maximizing the territorial expression of Franciacorta. Fully among the best for complexity, persistence and balance.
Region: Lombardy (Franciacorta)
Riserva del Fondatore ‘Giulio Ferrari’ Brut 2009 – Cantine Ferrari
Characteristics: In the olfactory spectrum, notes of passion fruit and candied ginger stand out, embellished with melted butter, sweet woody notes and nuances of bread crust and viennoiserie. On the palate it involves with a sensational iodized sapidity that amplifies the sip. Voluminous finish of great persistence and clarity, embellished by an elegant perlage of imperishable persistence. Refines 10 years on the lees
From the iconic cellar that made the Classic Method famous in Italy: Definitely one of the most famous and top Italian sparkling wines for its finesse and taste-olfactory complexity. The prestigious wine is dedicated to Giulio Ferrari, the founder of the Ferrari winery and pioneer of Italian sparkling wine since 1902.
The history of Cantine Ferrari is linked to the Lunelli family, now in its third generation, supported by the historic multi-award-winning oenologist Ruben Larentis.
Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Dosage Zero ‘Farfalla Cave Privée’ 2013 – Ballabio
Features:
Delicate notes of pain aux raisin, candied orange peel, melted butter and floral stamps. The mouth is expansive and of sensational volume, punctuated by a pleasant perlage of excellent finesse which gives breadth and enveloping to the sip. Very persistent finish. Matured on the lees for 8 years.
The historic Oltrepò Pavese cellar offers a classic zero dosage method of rare elegance and extraordinary olfactory eloquence. Among the top Italian sparkling wines for taste-olfactory intensity and fine perlage.
Region: Oltrepò Pavese
Epokale 2013 – Cantina Tramin
Characteristics:A complex and layered aromatic range. Rose petals and ylang ylang are followed by tropical notes of ripe yellow fruit and lychee, on a base of nutmeg, honey and oriental scents of saffron. The sip is soft and seductive, with a nice savory stamp that gives smoothness. Closing on honey and hazelnuts of surprising persistence.
Refines in small steel containers in contact with the lees for eight months.
Fully one of the best sweet wines in Italy. Vertical, spicy, characterized by a riot of exotic fruit and oriental notes. A sweet wine that will seduce even the most demanding of connoisseurs.
Grapes: Gewurztraminer
Region: Trentino-Alto Adige
Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC 2012 – Badia a Coltibuono
Features:
Apricot, figs and citrus peel blend with notes of toasted almonds, dehydrated dates and sweet spices. On the palate it is soft and full-bodied, it seduces with an excellent freshness that makes the sip slim.
It ages for at least six years in small oak barrels.
Produced by one of the best Chianti Classico wineries, the Vin Santo di Badia a Coltibuono is deep and intense, with a marked minerality that makes it even more seductive. Fully among the top Italian sweet wines for aroma and balance.
Tuscany region
Verduzzo Cratis 2018 – Roberto Scubla
Features:
Peach in syrup and orange blossom flowers mix with brackish stamps of medicinal herbs. On the palate it is pressing, sweet and savory, with an amazing length.
The bunches are dried in a natural way and the grapes are pressed before Christmas and fermented in French oak barriques. This is followed by the initiation and subsequent arrest of the fermentation, after about a month, to preserve the residual sugars, through a heating/cooling system of the barriques themselves. In this way the must/wine does not undergo decanting.
A virtuous interpretation of Verduzzo with a sensational evolutionary potential. Among the top Italian sweet white wines for complexity and persistence.
Passito di Pantelleria ‘Bukkuram 2014 – Padre della Vigna’ Marco De Bartoli
Features:
Stratified aromatic profile: it opens with notes of candied orange peel, to continue towards stamps of honey, saffron and wild mint. On the palate it flows sweet, dense and voluminous. Well balanced finish, of great persistence and cleanliness.
The grapes wither naturally in the sun for 50%, the remaining part on the plant. This is followed by spontaneous fermentation and maceration for about 3 months. Refines 30 months in non-first passage barriques and 6 months in steel.
From one of the most virtuous artisan cellars in Sicily, Marco de Bartoli’s Bukkuram is a wine of unusual finesse and balance obtained from Zibibbo. Fully among the best white desserts in Italy for complexity and persistence.
Passito di Pantelleria ‘Ben Ryé’ 2020 – Donnafugata
Features:Juicy yellow-fleshed fruit, acacia honey and brushstrokes of dehydrated figs blend with lashings of saltiness. The sip is soft and opulent, made vibrant by a clear acidity that lengthens the drink towards an aromatic and persistent finish.
Made with Zibibbo grapes from 11 different districts, with unique and complementary microclimates and characteristics.
The name ‘Ben Ryè’ means ‘daughter of the wind’. A passito that releases the essence of the Mediterranean: rich, aromatic and seductive, with an excellent structure. Deservedly among the top Italian straw wines for character and aromatic range.
Grapes: 100% Zibibbo
Region:Sicily (Pantelleria)
What are the top wines in Italy?
What is the best wine in Italy? Choosing is a difficult undertaking, which in any case is inevitably subject to the limits of a subjective opinion, which as such, by definition, is deficient and arbitrary.
We have simply compiled our own list of favorite interpretations according to our evaluations. However, it remains essential to underline that wine is not born to be prestigious, exhibited or flaunted.
But to get excited and be shared in a genuine way with the people we love, bonding to contingent situations and unrepeatable and intimate moments of our lives.
Therefore, we invite you to visit wineries and get to know the producers who produce wines in their uniqueness, so that you can independently discover and choose the wine that canbe counted among your personal favorite wines for you. If you have had the patience to read this far, I thank you for your attention, but now is the time to fill your glasses and cut off distant hopes, and therefore:
Cheers, Salute, Santé
Jean Marco Palmieri
