13 Best Italian Wines You Cannot Miss

We know that Italy is renowned for its rich winemaking heritage and is home to some of the world’s most celebrated wines. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sun-drenched vineyards of Sicily, the diverse terroir and grape varieties found here give birth to a remarkable array of flavors and styles. Italian wines have captivated wine enthusiasts for centuries, offering a journey through history, culture, and exquisite craftsmanship.

These wines showcase the artistry and passion of the winemakers, capturing the essence of the land and expressing it in each sip. These wines bring peace to our minds and leaves indefinitely pleasant memories for us to cherish. But, only a few of us know of the best wines that Italy has to offer. Do you KnOw…?

If not, don’t give a second thought ‘n’ tag along to explore the 13 rich Italian wines and the wine culture that has transformed Italy into the powerhouse of the world of wines!

13 Must Try Italian Wines

1. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

This is a red wine from the Abruzzo region of Italy, known for its rich and robust character.

Best Bottle: “Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d’Abruzzo” (2012)

It displays a deep garnet color and releases enticing aromas of dark cherries, plums, spices, and a touch of leather. The palate is full-bodied and structured, with firm tannins and a vibrant acidity.

Flavors of ripe black fruits, black pepper, tobacco, and a hint of earthiness unfold on the palate, leading to a long and satisfying finish. This wine benefits extensively from aging, thus allowing its flavors to integrate and evolve. It pairs wonderfully with hearty meat dishes, game, and aged cheeses, making it a delightful choice for wine enthusiasts seeking depth and complexity.

2. Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is an esteemed Italian red wine known for its exceptional quality and age-worthiness. It derives its robust flavors from the Sangiovese grape variety, and hails from the picturesque region of Montalcino in Tuscany.

Best Bottle: “Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino” (2013)

The Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino from the 2013 vintage is a true representation of the region’s winemaking heritage. It exhibits a deep garnet color and releases enticing aromas of black cherries, plums, spices, and tobacco, with subtle hints of leather and earth. The palate is full-bodied and structured, showcasing the wine’s firm yet refined tannins, balanced acidity, and a complex array of flavors.

Ripe dark fruits, licorice, balsamic notes, and a touch of minerality unfold gracefully, leading to a long and persistent finish. With its remarkable aging potential, this Brunello di Montalcino will continue to evolve and develop for decades, offering even greater depth and elegance. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled red meats, game dishes, and aged cheeses, making it a true treasure for wine enthusiasts and collectors.

3. Super Tuscans

Super Tuscans are a category of red wines from Tuscany, Italy, known for their exceptional quality and non-traditional blends.

Best Bottle: “Sassicaia” (2018)

Sassicaia, from the 2018 vintage, is a legendary Super Tuscan that exemplifies elegance and sophistication. It is predominantly made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with a smaller percentage of Cabernet Franc. Sassicaia showcases a deep ruby color and releases complex aromas of black currants, cassis, cedar, and herbs.

The palate is full-bodied and well-structured, with refined tannins and a balanced acidity. Flavors of black fruits, graphite, tobacco, and a hint of mint unfold on the palate, leading to a long and memorable finish. Sassicaia is a wine of exceptional quality and can age gracefully for many years. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, game, and rich Italian dishes.

4. Moscato d’Asti

Moscato d’Asti is a sweet and aromatic white wine made from Moscato grapes grown in the Asti region of Piedmont, Italy.

Best Bottle: “La Spinetta Bricco Quaglia Moscato d’Asti” (2020)

This specific bottle from the 2020 vintage captures the essence of this style. It features a pale golden color and releases captivating aromas of fresh peaches, orange blossoms, and honey. On the palate, it is light-bodied and effervescent, with flavors of ripe stone fruits, citrus, and a delicate sweetness.

The wine is balanced by a crisp acidity that brings a refreshing quality to each sip. La Spinetta Bricco Quaglia Moscato d’Asti is a delightful wine to enjoy on its own or as a pairing with fruit-based desserts, light pastries, or soft cheeses. It is a perfect choice for those seeking a vibrant and aromatic wine experience.

5. Tuscan Syrah

Tuscan Syrah, originates from the picturesque region of Tuscany in Italy. It showcases the perfect harmony of the Syrah grape and the unique terroir of the area.

Best Bottle: “Le Macchiole Scrio” (2017)

This bottle is a standout Tuscan Syrah crafted from grapes harvested in 2017. It showcases the unique characteristics of the vintage and the winery’s commitment to producing exceptional wines.

This full-bodied red wine exudes complexity, offering layers of blackberry, black cherry, and plum, intertwined with hints of spices, tobacco, and dark chocolate. The palate is rich and velvety, with well-integrated tannins and a long, satisfying finish. Le Macchiole Scrio pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like roasted meats, game, and aged cheeses.

6. Soave

Soave Classico is a renowned white wine from the Veneto region of Italy. It is primarily made from the Garganega grape variety.

Best Bottle: “Pieropan Soave Classico ‘La Rocca'” (2018)

This 2018 vintage reflects elegance and complexity. It showcases a beautiful straw yellow color with golden reflections, indicating its maturity.

Amongst all these Italian wines, Soave has a special corner reserved in my heart. Allow me to show you why…

The nose is greeted with enticing aromas of ripe yellow fruits such as peaches, apricots, and citrus, along with floral notes of acacia and chamomile. There is a subtle minerality that adds depth and character. On the palate, it is full-bodied and creamy, with a refreshing acidity that balances the richness.

Flavors of ripe tropical fruits, honey, and almonds intertwine harmoniously, and create a luscious and satisfying taste experience. The wine culminates in a long and persistent finish, while leaving a lingering impression. Try out seafood, light pasta dishes, and fresh salads as you sip this vintage slowly. It can be enjoyed now or stored in the cellar for further maturation and aging.

Which wine captivates your heart the most? Let us know in the comments!

7. Valpolicella

Valpolicella is produced in an esteemed red wine region in Veneto, Italy, known for its romantic scenery as well as producing elegant and powerful wines.

Best Bottle: “Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella” (2016)

This 2016 vintage is a prime example of the region’s excellence. This wine is crafted using the appassimento method, where the grapes are dried before fermentation, intensifying their flavors and concentration. It showcases a deep ruby color and releases captivating aromas of black cherries, dried fruits, spices, and hints of cocoa. The palate is full-bodied and velvety, with well-integrated tannins and a rich texture.

Flavors of ripe dark berries, raisins, chocolate, and a touch of vanilla create a harmonious and complex taste experience. The wine culminates in a long and satisfying finish, leaving a lasting impression. Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella pairs beautifully with roasted meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses, making it a delightful choice for special occasions and celebrations.

8. Cortese

Cortese is a white grape variety primarily grown in the Gavi region of Piedmont, Italy.

Best Bottle: “Gavi dei Gavi La Scolca” (2020)

Gavi dei Gavi La Scolca from the 2020 vintage is a standout example of the varietal’s elegance and freshness. It displays a pale straw color and releases delicate aromas of white flowers, green apples, citrus, and a hint of almonds. The palate is crisp and vibrant, with a lively acidity and a medium body.

Flavors of zesty lemon, pear, and a touch of minerality unfold on the palate, leading to a refreshing finish. Gavi dei Gavi La Scolca is a versatile white wine that pairs well with seafood, light pasta dishes, and fresh salads. Its vibrant character and balanced acidity make it an excellent choice for warm-weather gatherings and outdoor dining.

9. Nero d’Avola

Nero d’Avola is a red grape variety native to Sicily, Italy.

Best Bottle: “Planeta Santa Cecilia Nero d’Avola” (2017)

This specific vintage from the year 2017 is a remarkable expression of this grape. It displays a deep ruby color and entices the senses with its aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, spices, and a touch of herbs.

On the palate, it offers a full-bodied and velvety texture, with flavors of black fruits, dark chocolate, and a hint of tobacco. The wine is well-structured with balanced tannins and a persistent finish. Planeta Santa Cecilia Nero d’Avola pairs well with grilled meats, hearty pasta dishes, and aged cheeses. It is a wine that embodies the richness and character of Sicilian winemaking.

10. Barolo

Barolo is often referred to as the “King of Wines” due to its prestigious status and unique characteristics.

Best Bottle: “Massolino Vigna Rionda Barolo” (2016)

This 2016 vintage exemplifies the elegance and complexity for which Barolo is renowned. It presents a deep ruby color and offers intense aromas of ripe red fruits, floral notes, spices, and hints of earth and truffle.

On the palate, it is powerful and well-structured, with firm tannins and a harmonious balance of fruit, acidity, and oak. The flavors of cherries, plums, licorice, and tar unfold gracefully, leading to a long and persistent finish. This Barolo will continue to evolve and improve with further aging, revealing even greater depth and complexity. It pairs exceptionally well with rich meat dishes, hearty stews, and aged cheeses.

11. Primitivo

Primitivo, also known as Zinfandel, is a red grape variety primarily grown in Puglia, Italy.

Best Bottle: “Racemi Primitivo di Manduria” (2018)

Racemi Primitivo di Manduria from the 2018 vintage showcases the varietal’s bold and robust character. It displays a deep ruby color and releases enticing aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, spices, and a hint of chocolate.

The palate is full-bodied and velvety, with rich flavors of dark fruits, black pepper, and a touch of vanilla. The tannins are well-integrated, providing structure and balance. The wine culminates in a long and satisfying finish. You must definitely pair this beauty with wonderfully grilled meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now or aged for further complexity.

12. Barbaresco

Barbaresco is a renowned Italian red wine produced in the Piedmont region, from the Nebbiolo grape variety.

Best Bottle: “Gaja Barbaresco” (2017)

This 2017 vintage bottle is a masterpiece in the truest sense. It reflects the winery’s commitment to quality and tradition. It displays a beautiful garnet color and entices with captivating aromas of red berries, violets, spices, and hints of tobacco. The palate is sophisticated and well-balanced, offering a combination of ripe fruit flavors, refined tannins, and a vibrant acidity.

Notes of cherries, raspberries, licorice, and earthy undertones intertwine harmoniously, leading to a long and elegant finish. This is a wine that rewards patience, as it will continue to mature in the cellar, revealing further complexity and nuances. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, game, and aged cheeses, making it a true delight for wine enthusiasts.

13. Dolcetto

Dolcetto is a vibrant red grape variety native to the Piedmont region of Italy.

Best Bottle: “Poderi Aldo Conterno Dolcetto d’Alba” (1999)

This 1999 vintage exemplifies the varietal’s charm and approachability, while showcasing evolution with age. It features a deep purple color that may have developed a slight brickish hue over time, indicating the wine’s maturation.

The aromas will likely display complex and evolved notes of blackberries, dried herbs, violets, and a touch of almonds, indicating the development of tertiary characteristics in the wine. On the palate, the medium-bodied wine is expected to have soft, well-integrated tannins and a refreshing acidity that has mellowed over the years.

The flavors will have evolved into a harmonious blend of mature dark berries, dried plums, and subtle hints of licorice, thus offering us a nuanced and satisfying drinking experience. Being a versatile wine, it pairs well with a variety of Italian cuisine, from pasta dishes to cured meats and cheeses. Its aged profile enhances its ability to complement more complex flavors. It is meant to be enjoyed now, allowing wine enthusiasts like you to appreciate the wine’s evolution and the subtle nuances that come with aging.

An Italian Toast dedicated to the Italian Wine Industry!