10 Best Italian Wine Recommendations
Italy is home to some of the most delicious and unique wines in the world. From sparkling Prosecco to full-bodied Barolo, Italian wines offer something for every occasion. With so many different regions and styles available, it can be difficult to know which ones are worth trying. To make your life a little easier, we’ve compiled this list of 10 top Italian wine recommendations that you can enjoy with confidence. Whether you’re looking for an everyday drinking option or something special enough for a celebration, these bottles will not disappoint! So pour yourself a glass and get ready to explore some of Italy’s finest offerings!
1. Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva
Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva is a classic Italian red wine made from Sangiovese grapes grown in the Chianti region of Tuscany. This wine has been crafted by the famous Marchesi Antinori family since the late 1800s, and is renowned for its quality and complexity. The warm Mediterranean climate of this region allows the grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in a wine with deep color, firm tannins, and intense flavors of black cherry, tobacco, leather, and cocoa. It pairs well with roasted meats, aged cheeses, and hearty pastas.
The iconic “Gallo Nero” or black rooster label signifies that this wine meets the strict requirements of DOCG status. To achieve this certification, it must be produced from only Sangiovese grapes grown in specific areas within the Chianti Classico zone and not blended with any other variety. It must also go through rigorous testing for quality control before it can be certified as a Riserva bottling. Once approved, only certain winemakers are allowed to use this prestigious label.
In addition to these standards set by the government-backed agencies responsible for protecting Italian wines’ integrity and pedigree, Antinori also practices sustainable farming techniques and follows traditional winemaking methods such as long maceration on skins to ensure optimal flavor extraction during fermentation. The result is an elegant yet powerful expression of terroir that will continue to develop complexity over time if cellared properly. With each sip you’ll discover new layers of flavor that make it an ideal match for food or an enjoyable drink all on its own. No matter how you enjoy it – Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva will never disappoint!
2. Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a complex and full-bodied red wine produced by the Allegrini family in the Veneto region of Italy. This DOCG-certified wine is made from handpicked Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes that are naturally dried on racks for several months before fermentation to concentrate their flavor. The result is a deep ruby colored wine with aromas of ripe dark fruit, spice, leather, tobacco, and hints of figs or raisins. On the palate it has firm tannins and flavors of blackberry jam, cassis, prunes, cocoa powder and licorice with a smooth finish.
This classic Italian red pairs perfectly with robust dishes like lasagna, osso buco, and grilled meats. It also stands up well to aged cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano. Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a great choice for special occasions or simply a night of indulgence – it will certainly not disappoint!
3. Jermann Vintage Tunina
Jermann Vintage Tunina is an innovative white blend created by winemaker Silvio Jermann in Friuli Venezia Giulia, northeast Italy. This DOC Colli Orientali del Friuli wine is made from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Ribolla Gialla, and Malvasia Istriana grapes that are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks before being blended together. The result is a fragrant and layered white with aromas of lemon zest, apricot, honeycomb, and herbs on the nose. On the palate it has a bright acidity and flavors of peach, melon, almond paste, and minerals that lead to a lingering finish.
This wine pairs well with fish dishes such as sole or sea bass but it can also stand up to richer fare like grilled pork chops or roasted vegetables. Its complexity and structure make it an ideal choice for pairing with food – or just enjoying on its own! No matter how you decide to enjoy it – Jermann Vintage Tunina will not disappoint.
4. Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia
Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is an iconic Italian wine from the coastal Bolgheri region of Tuscany, created by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta in the 1940s. It is a DOC blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes aged for 18 months in oak barrels before being bottled. This full-bodied red has aromas of blackberry, cassis, tobacco, leather, and hints of violets on the nose. On the palate it has intense dark fruit flavors complemented by well-integrated tannins and subtle notes of chocolate, espresso beans, and dried herbs that linger on the finish.
This classic Italian red pairs perfectly with dishes such as steak, roasted lamb, game meats, and aged cheeses. It is also excellent when enjoyed on its own – simply pour a glass and enjoy! Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is an iconic expression of Italian winemaking excellence that will not disappoint.
5. Tasca d’Almerita Rosso del Conte
Tasca d’Almerita Rosso del Conte is a classic blend of indigenous Sicilian grapes created by Count Paolo Tasca d’Almerita in 1836. This DOC wine is composed of Nero d’Avola and Perricone that are fermented separately before being blended together for aging. The resulting red has a deep garnet hue with aromas of dark fruit, leather, tobacco, and dried herbs on the nose. On the palate it is full-bodied with flavors of plums, cherries, licorice, and spice that lead to a long finish.
This Italian red pairs well with robust dishes such as grilled meats or pasta Bolognese but it can also stand up to heartier fare like game or aged cheeses. It is an excellent choice for entertaining or simply savoring a glass on its own – Tasca d’Almerita Rosso del Conte will not disappoint!
Also see: Best Books on Italian Wines
6. Planeta La Segreta Rosso
Planeta La Segreta Rosso is a Sicilian DOC blend of native grape varieties created by the renowned Planeta family. This blend of Nero d’Avola, Syrah, and Merlot grapes is fermented separately in stainless steel tanks before being blended together for aging. The resulting red has an intense ruby hue with aromas of ripe cherries, dried herbs, licorice, and subtle oak on the nose. On the palate it has firm tannins and flavors of blackberry jam, cassis, prunes, cocoa powder and licorice that lead to a smooth finish.
This Italian red pairs perfectly with robust dishes such as lasagna or osso buco but can also stand up to grilled meats or aged cheeses. It is also excellent when enjoyed on its own – simply pour a glass and enjoy! Planeta La Segreta Rosso is an exquisite expression of Sicilian winemaking excellence that will not disappoint.
7. Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore
Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore is a DOC blend from the Veneto region of Italy, created using Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes. The wine is made by “re-passing” the wine over the pomace of Amarone to extract color and flavor compounds before being aged for 12 months in oak barrels. This full-bodied red has aromas of dark cherries, dried herbs, and spice on the nose. On the palate it has flavors of blackberry, licorice, tobacco, and hints of vanilla that linger on the finish.
This classic Italian red pairs perfectly with hearty dishes such as beef stew or roasted game meats but can also stand up to heartier fare like aged cheeses for charcuterie. It is also excellent when enjoyed on its own – simply pour a glass and enjoy! Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore is an exceptional expression of Venetian winemaking excellence that will not disappoint.
8. Barolo DOCG
Barolo is a DOCG red from the Piedmont region of Italy created using 100% Nebbiolo grapes. The wine is aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels before being released, resulting in a full-bodied red with intense aromas and flavors. On the nose it has notes of dark cherry, dried herbs, tobacco, leather and baking spices. On the palate it has firm tannins and flavors of blackberries, licorice, nutmeg and oak that linger on the finish.
This Italian red pairs perfectly with dishes such as braised short ribs or roasted mushrooms but can also stand up to heartier fare like game meats or aged cheeses. It is an excellent choice for entertaining or simply savoring a glass on its own – Barolo DOCG is an iconic expression of Piedmontese winemaking excellence that will not disappoint.
9. Primitivo di Manduria DOC
Primitivo di Manduria is a DOC red from the Puglia region of Italy, created using 100% Primitivo grapes. The wine is aged for 12 months in oak barrels before being released, resulting in a full-bodied red with intense aromas and flavors. On the nose it has notes of dark fruit, spices, leather and chocolate. On the palate it has firm tannins and flavors of ripe plums, cherries, licorice, black pepper and smoky tobacco that linger on the finish.
This Italian red pairs perfectly with dishes such as lasagna or osso buco but can also stand up to grilled meats or aged cheeses. It is also excellent when enjoyed on its own – simply pour a glass and enjoy! Primitivo di Manduria DOC is an exquisite expression of Puglian winemaking excellence that will not disappoint.
10. Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG
Chianti Classico Riserva is a DOCG red from the Tuscany region of Italy, created using a blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo grapes. The wine is aged for 24 months in oak barrels before being released, resulting in an intensely ruby red with aromas of ripe cherries and dried herbs on the nose. On the palate it has firm tannins and flavors of black currants, licorice, baking spices and subtle oak that linger on the finish.
This Italian red pairs perfectly with dishes such as tagliatelle al ragù or grilled steak but can also stand up to heartier fare like game meats or aged cheeses. It is a perfect choice for entertaining or simply savoring a glass on its own – Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG is an iconic expression of Tuscan wine making excellence that will not disappoint.
Related article: Italian Wine Regions
Conclusion
It’s clear that Italian red wines have a lot to offer in terms of flavor, complexity and depth. Whether you’re looking for something light and fruity or full-bodied with intense aromas and flavors, there is an Italian red wine out there that will satisfy your palate. From Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore to Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, each of these classic varieties has its own unique character based on the region it comes from and the grapes used in production. With so many delicious options available, why not explore them all? Enjoy discovering new favorites as you savor Italy’s rich winemaking tradition!
