With so many labels and varieties, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why I’ve put together a list to guide you through the 10 best wines of Italy.
In this list, you’ll find the wines that are unanimously recognized as the most popular and widely consumed Italian wines, both in Italy and around the world!
As a bonus at the end of the article, I’ve included what I believe to be the best Italian wine!
10. Brunello di Montalcino: A Top Italian Red Wine with Unmatched Elegance
Brunello di Montalcino is undoubtedly one of the best Italian wines, celebrated worldwide for its elegance, complexity, and impressive aging potential.
This prestigious Italian red wine owes its fame to Clemente Santi, a pharmacist who first planted the selected Sangiovese Grosso vines, now locally known as Brunello, at the Il Greppo farm in Montalcino.
The resulting Brunello di Montalcino Biondi Santi gained international acclaim and remains one of the most famous Italian wine names globally.
Produced exclusively from 100% Sangiovese grapes in Montalcino, Siena, this wine must age for at least two years in oak barrels and cannot be sold before January 1 of the fifth year following the harvest.
This meticulous process ensures its superior quality, making it a standout in any Italian wines guide.
9. Prosecco: The Sparkling Star of Italian Wine Tours and Tastings
Prosecco is a delightful Italian wine, known for its refreshing and sparkling qualities. Primarily made from Glera grapes, Prosecco is produced using the Martinotti method, with at least 85% Glera complemented by other non-aromatic varieties.
The distinction between Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG and Asolo Prosecco DOCG, produced in the hills of Treviso, and the broader Prosecco DOC area, which spans Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto, is crucial. The DOCG wines are considered the pinnacle of this type, offering superior quality.
Visiting the Prosecco region, especially around Valdobbiadene, and tasting this Italian fine wine is a must for any wine enthusiast. It’s an integral part of any Wine Tasting In Italy experience, offering a chance to appreciate the heritage and craftsmanship behind one of Italy’s most beloved sparkling wines.
8. Barolo: An Italian Wine Guide to the King of Wines
Barolo is another gem in the world of Italian wines. Known for its complexity, elegance, and incredible aging potential, Barolo is produced exclusively from 100% Nebbiolo grapes in the picturesque Langhe region of Piedmont.
This Italian red wine must age at least 18 months in wood and can’t be sold until January 1st of the fourth year following the harvest. For a special treat, try the Barolo Riserva, aged for an additional two years.
The Barolo Chinato, an aromatized version with added spices and herbs, offers a unique tasting experience. When you visit, be sure to explore the charming communes like Barolo, La Morra, and Serralunga d’Alba. It’s no wonder Barolo is featured in every Italian wine list of the best Italian wines.
7. Amarone: A Must-Try from the Best Italian Wines Selection
Amarone della Valpolicella is one of the most prestigious Italian wines, celebrated internationally for its elegance, complexity, and exceptional aging potential.
This Italian fine wine is a dry red made using a unique process of drying the grapes to concentrate flavors and aromas, producing a wine with a distinctive character.
Produced exclusively in the Valpolicella region of Verona, Amarone uses a blend of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes, among others.
The wine must be aged for at least three years before release, though many producers extend this to enhance quality.
Visiting Valpolicella and sampling this wine is a must for any wine lover’s Italian wine tour. It truly represents the pinnacle of Italian wine knowledge.
6. Chianti Classico: A Classic Experience in Italian Wine Tasting in Italy
Chianti Classico, often marked by the iconic black rooster emblem, stands out among top Italian wines. This renowned Italian red wine hails from Tuscany, produced in the heart of the Chianti region, spanning the provinces of Florence and Siena.
With 7,200 hectares of vineyards, Chianti Classico is crafted primarily from Sangiovese grapes, often blended with traditional varieties like Canaiolo and Colorino, or international ones such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The wine comes in three quality levels: the base Chianti Classico, the aged Chianti Classico Riserva, and the prestigious Gran Selezione, aged for at least 30 months.
This Italian wine is a must-try, perfectly embodying the rich flavors and history of the region. Visit the picturesque vineyards and taste this exceptional wine for an unforgettable Wine Tasting In Italy experience.
5. Supertuscan: Discovering the Finest Italian Wine Brands
Supertuscan wines are red wines produced in Tuscany that utilize grape varieties from different regions, making them unique among Italian wines.
One of the most famous is Sassicaia from Tenuta San Guido, a pioneer in this category since its first historic vintage in 1968. Located in Bolgheri, this winery symbolizes the renaissance of Tuscan winemaking.
Other notable Supertuscans include Tignanello by Marchesi Antinori and Ornellaia. These best Italian red wines are celebrated for their modern style and international appeal.
A visit to these wineries offers a unique Wine Tasting In Italy experience, where you can explore the rich history and enjoy these exceptional Italian red wines.
4. Franciacorta: The Italian Wine Label of Sparkling Luxury
Franciacorta is undoubtedly one of the best Italian wines when it comes to sparkling options. This Italian fine wine from Lombardy has gained international acclaim for its quality and elegance.
The modern success of Franciacorta can be traced back to Franco Ziliani and the Guido Berlucchi winery, which bottled the first modern Franciacorta in 1961. Made using the traditional method, Franciacorta is primarily produced from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, with complementary varieties like Pinot Blanc and the local Erbamat.
With a minimum aging period of 18 months, this wine develops a rich and complex flavor profile. For a luxurious experience, try the Satèn version, known for its silky and enveloping effervescence.
A visit to the Franciacorta region offers a perfect Italian wine tour, where you can enjoy this exquisite wine among beautiful vineyards and learn more about Italian wine knowledge.
3. Etna: A Unique Experience of Italian Natural Wines
Among the best Italian wines, the elegant volcanic wines of Etna stand out. These wines originate from vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna in the province of Catania, Sicily.
The volcanic soils, old vines, and significant temperature variations between day and night give these wines unique, refined aromas and extraordinary flavor. Etna wines come in three main types: Etna Rosso, Etna Bianco, and Etna Rosato.
Etna Rosso is made primarily from Nerello Mascalese, while Etna Bianco features Carricante grapes. Exploring this region offers a deep dive into Italian wine knowledge, making it a perfect destination for any Italian wine tour.
2. Barbaresco: An Exploration of Renowned Italian Wine Names
Barbaresco is among the best Italian wines, known worldwide for its character and exceptional aging potential. This Italian red wine from Piemonte is produced in the Langhe region, covering around 700 hectares in the communes of Barbaresco, Neive, and Treiso.
Made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, Barbaresco must age for at least three years, with a minimum of nine months in wooden barrels. The Riserva version extends the aging period to 50 months.
This wine boasts a garnet red color with orange hues, an ethereal and intense aroma, and a dry, full, and velvety taste. Visiting the picturesque vineyards and tasting this elegant wine provides a deep dive into Italian wine knowledge, making it a highlight of any Italian wine tour.
1. Lambrusco: From Iconic Italian Wine Bottles to Your Table
Lambrusco is one of the most famous yet divisive Italian wines. Loved by many and criticized by some, this sparkling red wine is Italy’s most exported, with over 200 million bottles shipped annually, particularly to the USA, Mexico, Germany, and China.
Lambrusco is produced in pressurized steel tanks called autoclaves, which capture the carbon dioxide from fermentation, giving the wine its characteristic fizz. One notable variety is Lambrusco di Sorbara, unique for its naturally rosé color and aromas of red berries and violets.
Visiting the Emilia-Romagna region and sampling this Italian wine is a delightful experience, perfect for understanding the depth and variety of Italian wine names.
(BONUS) Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: An Essential Choice in Italian Red Wines
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a quintessential Italian red wine known for its fruity, spicy, and intense flavors. Made primarily from Montepulciano grapes (at least 85%), this wine is a staple of central Italy’s winemaking tradition, alongside the famous Sangiovese.
The Montepulciano grape has a long history and produces some of the best Italian red wines. A special mention goes to the “riserva” type, which is aged for a minimum of two years, including at least nine months in wooden barrels.
Exploring the Abruzzo region and tasting this Italian wine provides a deep appreciation of the top Italian wines and their rich heritage. The vineyards of Spinelli in Abruzzo offer an authentic experience of Italian winemaking at its finest.
