The finest Italian wines of 2025: a taste of ‘dolce vita’

10 Best Italian wines to savor: from Barolo to Brunello

Italy is one of the world’s top wine-producing countries, accounting for roughly 19% of total global wine production in 2022. There are countless Italian wine regions and grape varieties, native and foreign, that are bottled either as single varietals or blends. 

In the table above, you can explore our curated selection of the best Italian wines from 10 of the country’s wine regions, along with their tasting notes and expert ratings.

From Tuscany to Trentino: Italian wine regions and vineyards

Italy is home to over 20 wine regions, each with its own unique climate conditions and grape varieties. Dotted all over the Italian wine country are vineyards that tell stories of centuries of winemaking culture and artistry. Historic wine houses, family-run estates and boutique producers work side-by-side to craft beautiful expressions from both native and international grapes. 

Here is a look at the major Italian wine regions and notable vineyards that offer scenic landscapes and a taste of the good life!

• Piedmont: nestled at the foot of the Alps mountains, this region holds the highest number of DOC and DOCG wines. Notable vineyard: Marchesi di Barolo  
• Tuscany: located in central Italy, home to the noble grapes and the origin of Super Tuscan wines. 
  Notable vineyard: Antinori nel Chianti Classico 
• Veneto: best known for its Valpolicella region, where the great red blends of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara are made. 
  Notable vineyard: Allegrini
• Trentino-Alto Adige: a mix of two main areas, with the crisp whites of Trentino and the aromatic wines of Alto Adige.
  Notable vineyard: Cantina Martinelli 
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia: located by the Adriatic Sea, a cool region renowned for its white grape varieties.
  Notable vineyard: Castello di Spessa
• Abruzzo: home to the red Montepulciano grapes, it boasts a mountainous terroir and Mediterranean climate.
  Notable vineyard: Emidio Pepe 
• Lombardy: famed for its metodo classico – champagne style sparkling wines like Franciacorta.
  Notable vineyard: Ca’del Bosco
• Sicily: the island has a warm climate and indigenous grape varieties such as the Nero d’Avola. 
  Notable vineyard: Oro d’Etna
• Campania: volcanic soils and oceanic climates contribute to a unique character of its wines. 
  Notable vineyard: Tenuta San Francesco
• Sardinia: mineral, saline wines due to hot and dry weather conditions and its seaside location. 
  Notable vineyard: Cantina Ligios

Key Italian wine grape varieties

Italy is host to a remarkable variety of wine styles and grapes, including hundreds of native ones like Sangiovese, Trebbiano and Nebbiolo, and international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Below is an overview of some major Italian wine grape varieties, their characteristics and their most notable wines.

Italian red grape varieties

• Sangiovese – produces medium to full-bodied wines with high acidity (Tuscany).
  Notable Wine: Chianti
  
• Nebbiolo – complex flavors, firm tannins, vibrant acidity (Piedmont).
  Notable Wine: Barolo
  
• Corvina – combined with Rondinella and other grape varieties to produce bold, rich wines (Veneto).
  Notable Wine: Amarone della Valpolicella  
   
• Merlot – herbal notes, smooth on the palate, low-acidity (Friuli-Venezia Giulia).
  Notable Wine: Merlot 
   
• Nero d’Avola – moderate acidity, fine tannins, full-bodied (Sicily).
  Notable Wine: Nero d’Avola  
   
• Montepulciano – bold, bright acidity, rich fruity flavors (Abruzzo).
  Notable Wine: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
   
• Cabernet Sauvignon – powerful tannins, full-bodied, rich (Lombardy)
• Notable Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon

Italian white grape varieties

• Pinot Grigio – Italian Pinot Grigio can be light and zesty or full-bodied and complex (Trentino-Alto Adige).
  Notable Wine: Pinot Grigio 
• Aglianico – Full-bodied and vibrant acidity, benefits from extended aging (Campania).
  Notable Wine: Taurasi 
• Vermentino – Dry, mineral, lively fruit aromas (Sardinia).
  Notable Wine: Vermentino
• Trebbiano – produces light, crisp wines (Tuscany).
  Notable Wine: Trebbiano Toscano 
• Chardonnay – a French wine grape varietal, popularly used to produce full-bodied sparkling wines.
  Notable Wine: Chardonnay

3 Age-worthy Italian red wines worth collecting

Italy’s collectible wines represent some of the most prestigious offerings in the global fine wine market. Piedmont and Tuscany lead the charge with the iconic appellations of Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino and Super Tuscans, each known for their ability to age for decades.

What makes these wines highly desirable is that beyond their exceptional quality and limited production, but their proven track record of appreciating in value over time, making them a smart addition to any wine investment portfolio. Collectible Italian reds are not just to be enjoyed with Wagyu ribeye steak  or aged cheese, they’re assets to be collected, cellared, admired and savored on special occasions.

Below, discover our curated selection of the top collectible Italian red wines of 2025, including tasting notes and food pairing suggestions to elevate the experience.

1. 1. Masseto 2021 - Masseto

   

   ABV: 15,5%

   Wine/grape: Merlot

   Origin country: Tuscany

   Tasting notes: Harmonious wine with floral aromatics, salinity and spice

   From: $2499.97

   Best for: Herb-crusted lamb, Wagyu rib eye, hand rolled Pappardelle

2. 2. Costa Russi 2017 - Gaja

   

   ABV: 14%

   Wine/grape: Nebbiolo

   Origin country: Piedmont

   Tasting notes: Vibrant acidity, fruity and spicy nose, sweet

   From: $2199.97

   Best for: White truffle risotto, Alpine cheese fondue, roast beef, arugula salad with toasted nuts & cheese

3. 3. Flaccianello della Pieve 2021 - Fontodi

   

   ABV: 15%

   Wine/grape: Sangiovese

   Origin country: Tuscany

   Tasting notes: Intense aromas of black fruit, citrusy, and hints of chocolate

   From: $999.97

   Best for: Beef stew, cured meets, hearty casseroles, rich potato gratin with truffle cream

3 Great Italian white wines for collectors

Just like their red counterparts, Italy’s most collectible white wines boast vibrant acidity and refined fruit profiles, making them exquisite companions for seafood and light meat dishes like poached chicken breast. These wines aren’t just refreshing: the best examples show remarkable aging potential, driven by mineral tension, structured acidity and winemaking precision. Varieties like Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Vermentino are increasingly recognized on the fine wine market for their elegance and cellaring ability.

Here are three Italian white wines worth discovering and collecting this sumer:

1. 1. Bianco 2022 - Ornellaia

   

   ABV: 13,5%

   Wine/grape: Sauvignon blanc

   Origin country: Tuscany

   Tasting notes: Medium-bodied, with notes of dried apples and fresh seaweed

   From: $289.99

   Best for: Saffron seafood paella, lobster salad, al sale seabass

2. 2. Pietra Marina Etna Bianco Superiore 2019 - Benanti

   

   ABV: 12.5%

   Wine/grape: Carricante

   Origin country: Sicily

   Tasting notes: Intensely aromatic, saline, with smoky and fruity flavors

   From: $179.99

   Best for: Octopus carpaccio, ricotta stuffed zucchini flowers, fresh oysters

3. 3. Collio Chardonnay 2022

   

   ABV: 13.9%

   Wine/grape: Chardonnay

   Origin country: Friuli-Venezia Giulia

   Tasting notes: Vibrant, mineral notes complemented by hints of flowers and white fruit

   From: $109.98

   Best for: Poached chicken breast with lemon butter, seared scallops, prawn bisque linguini

Best affordable Italian red wines for cozy Netflix nights

Italy may be famous for its prestigious vintages, but you don’t need a collector’s cellar to enjoy a great bottle. Italian winemakers offer amongst the most delicious and reasonably priced wines in the world, allowing you to savor the taste of the best Italian red wines at affordable prices. 

Here are some stand out budget-friendly wines worth trying out:

• Elena Walch Ludwig Pinot Noir 2020 – complex and elegant, with fresh red fruit notes
• Domenico Clerico Barolo 2018 – aromatic, lingering finish, hints of rose petals and spice
• Mauro Molino Barolo 2020 – elegant and floral, with aromas of red fruits and spice
• Cantina Damiano Ciolli Cesanese di Olevano Romano Riserva 2020 – silky, notes of orange, strawberry and juniper 
• Foradori Teroldego 2023 – light and juicy, fine tannins with notes of blackberries and plums.

Elegant Italian sparkling wines: the allure of metodo classico

‘Spumante’  is the word for sparkling wine in Italian, and there are 5 major types. They include the aromatic Prosecco, elegant Franciacorta, dry Lambrusco, metodo classico and Asti Spumante, made from Muscat grapes.

The vibrant flavors and crisp acidity of Italian sparkling wines are meant to be enjoyed young and fresh with anything from light appetizers to richer entrees. 

For instance, the bubbly complexity of Prosecco makes it the perfect pairing for the savory and salty flavors of cured meats and cheese in a charcuterie board. It can also be added as a spritzer to cocktails or in marinades.

Here are 2 great expressions of sparkling whites that truly standout:

2 Irresistible Italian sweet wines that outshine dessert

Fragrant and absolutely delicious, sweet Italian wine is one of the country’s most delightful hidden gems.
 
Often referred to as dessert wines, sweet wines from Italy are perfect for wrapping up a meal with friends or family. Italy offers a wide variety—from sparkling to still—including favorites like Moscato d’Asti, Marsala, Brachetto and Vin Santo.

Fun fact: Italy is the biggest Moscato exporter in the world!

We’ve handpicked two standout bottles among Italy sweet wines that will steal the show at your next dinner!

Italian sweet red wines: a symphony of regional flavors

Italian sweet red wines reflect the country’s diverse regional heritage. Grapes like Brachetto, Lambrusco and those used in Recioto della Valpolicella create sweet red wines that span a wide spectrum, from lightly sparkling and fruit-forward to deeply rich with raisin-like intensity.

Each region adds its own signature touch: Piedmont brings floral finesse, Emilia-Romagna delivers juicy vibrancy and Veneto offers bold, dried-fruit complexity. Here’s a curated selection of sweet red wine from Italy recommendations worth discovering:

Region	Grape	Top Producers	Wine Style
Piedmont	Brachetto	Marenco, Fizz 56, Banfi, Roscato	Lightly sparkling, aromatic, low alcohol, sweet
Emilia Romagna	Lambrusco	Cleto Chiarli, Venturini, Alfredo Bertolani	Lightly sparkling to frizzante, fruity, refreshing, often sweet
Lombardy	Nebbiolo, Barbera	Viva Diva, Ca’ Montanari, Bellavista	From lightly sparkling to rich and fruity, balanced acidity, moderate tannins
VenetoVeneto	Corvina, Molinara (Recioto della Valpolicella)	Caposaldo, Allegrini, Masi	Rich, sweet, spicy notes, often full-bodied and aged
Tuscany	Aleatico, Trebbiano, Malvasia	Avignonesi, Antinori Chianti Classico, Tenuta Torciano	Fruity and spicy flavors, aromatic and often sweet
Sicily	Marsala	Florio, Pellgrino, De Bartoli	Sweet and fruity, with notes of vanilla, brown sugar, and leather

DOC and DOCG: Italian wine appellations explained

The Italian wine appellations are a system to describe the origin of wines, their dedicated areas of production, and the rules winemakers must follow to ensure the quality of the wine produced. From the most controlled to the most generic wines, the Italian wine appellations are:

• Denominazione di Origine Controllata Garantita (D0CG): a guaranteed superior quality of wine, awarded to vinos that meet stringent production rules and criteria.  
• Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC): represents a good quality wine with a controlled designation of origin; sold with a seal or a numbered label, and it has more specific rules than the IGT. 
• Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT): an important element of IGT wines is the designation of the geographical area of the major grape used. At least 85% of the wine must come from the specified wine area and meet the criteria required for production. 
• Vino da Tavola (VDT): ordinary wines with no specific designation of origin. Simply referred to as ‘Vino Rosso’ or ‘Vino Bianco’ for red and white wine, respectively.

For a better understanding of the DOC and DOCG classification systems, here is a side-by-side comparison of the qualification criteria for both.

Criteria	DOC	DOCG
Quality Guarantee	Controlled origin, but no additional guarantee	Controlled and guaranteed origin
Certification Process	Must be grown according to the rules of appellation	Must pass a wine quality tasting panel
Wine Seal	The seal is not always required	There is a numbered government seal around the bottle’s neck
Production Requirements	Grape varieties, yield limits, winemaking techniques, and aging periods	All those requirements, in addition to bottling the wine in its production area
Prestige	Good quality Italian wines	The pinnacle of Italian wine quality

Italian wines and their perfect food pairings

Pairing Italian wines with food is a culinary adventure, with each region offering its unique blend of flavors and aromas that complement one another beautifully. From bold reds to fizzy sweet wines, here are some top-rated Italian wines and food pairing recommendations:

Wine Type	Region	Ideal Food Pairing
Chianti Classico	Tuscany	Roast beef in Madeira sauce, Bolognese, Ribollita
Brunello di Montalcino	Tuscany	Pappardelle with wild boar ragú, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Pecorino Toscano
Amarone della Valpolicella	Veneto	Beef filet en croûte, Gorgonzola, chocolate souffle
Nero d’Avola	Sicily	Pasta alla Norma, Parmigiana, Prosciutto
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo	Abruzzo	Risotto al funghi porcini, Asiago, roasted vegetables
Taurasi	Campania	Grilled Chateaubriand steak, Lamb stew, Aged parmesan
Vermentino	Sardinia	Oysters in mignonette sauce, Seared scallop, Feta
Moscato d’Asti	Piedmont	Panettone, Charcuterie boards, Fruit tarts
Prosecco	Friuli-Venezia Giulia	Bruschetta, Salami, Mini quiches and Frittatas

Decoding Italian wine labels: some terms you should know

Planning your next trip to Italy, but you’re unsure how to order wines at a restaurant? This section will help you understand Italian wine labels and some well-known glossary terms you may come across, so you can find and enjoy more great offerings. 

An Italian wine label usually contains information on the type of wine, its region, classification, name, and producer name. 
Find some common Italian wine label terms below, and their definitions.

• Annata: the vintage or year of harvesting 
• Amaro: bitter wine
• Bricco/Bric: hill (particularly in Piedmont)
• Borgo: village
• Cantina: a cellar or winery
• Cascina: a farmhouse or wine estate
• Classico: wine from a classic wine-growing area in a particular region
• Col Fondo: sparkling wine, typically from Veneto and Friuli, with unfiltered sediment
• Colli: hills, often used in regional names (e.g., Colli Euganei)
• Frizzante/Frizzantino: slightly sparkling wine
• Imbottigliato all’origine: refers to wine that was bottled at the same winery where its grapes were grown
• Passito: wine produced from partially dried grapes
• Poggio: hill or elevated place, often seen in Tuscan wine names
• Recioto: a type of sweet wine made from dried grapes, often from Veneto
• Riserva: wines that have been aged for longer than the normal wines of the same denomination
• Rosso/Bianco/Rosato: Red/white/rosé wine 
• Secco: dry wine
• Spumante: fully sparkling wine from any of the production methods
• Superiore: high-quality wine designation made from premium grapes
• Tenuta: farm holding, property, or wine estate
• Vendemmia: harvest/vintage
• Vigna/Vigneto: vineyard
• Vitigno: grape variety