The 10 Best Italian Wines 

Each region in Italy has its own significant and diverse wine production. That’s why it is quite a challenge to narrow down the top 10 best Italian wines in the world. Every wine-producing area has its standouts, and discovering them is one of the most captivating parts of exploring Italy’s wine landscape.

However, without diminishing the excellence of any Italian wine regions, it’s fair to admit that some are more globally renowned than others. It’s important to note that our ranking prioritizes fame over the intrinsic quality of each wine, which isn’t up for debate.

So, without further ado, here’s our rundown of the top 10 most famous Italian wines.

1. Lambrusco

Few wines embody Italian culture like Lambrusco. It’s a light, sparkling wine that pairs perfectly with Emilian cuisine, among the most sought-after worldwide. Lambrusco exports exceed 200 million bottles annually, with key markets being the USA, Germany, and China. It rightfully earns its place at the top, thanks to its easy drinkability and low alcohol content, making it a quintessential “everyday” wine. Despite any qualms about its quality or affordability, Lambrusco remains a gastronomic gem of Italy.

2. Brunello di Montalcino

The Brunello di Montalcino could arguably claim the top spot for prestige due to its international fame for elegance, complexity, and aging potential. It originated from Clemente Santi’s vision in the mid-19th century to cultivate Sangiovese Grosso vines in Montalcino. Today, it’s produced in about 2000 hectares of vineyards within Montalcino, using only Sangiovese grapes. The wine is aged for at least two years in oak containers and isn’t released for sale until January 1st of the fifth year after the harvest.

3. Prosecco 

Prosecco is a sparkling wine made using the Charmat method from at least 85% Glera grapes, along with other non-aromatic varieties. Originally limited to historic designations like Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG and Asolo Prosecco DOCG, Prosecco has become a global market leader, with over 500 million bottles sold worldwide each year, mostly under the newer Prosecco DOC designation.

4. Barolo

Talking about Barolo means going back to the early 1800s in Italian winemaking history. Giulietta Falletti, the Marchioness of Barolo, tasked French winemaker Louis Oudart with creating a new wine from the native Nebbiolo grape. This transformation impressed Count Camillo Benso of Cavour, leading to the wine’s legendary status. This way, Barolo became one of the best Italian wines, known internationally for its complexity, elegance, and exceptional aging potential. Barolo is released for sale from January 1st of the fourth year after harvest, with a minimum of 18 months of wood aging, or from January 1st of the sixth year for the Riserva type (with at least 18 months in wood).

5. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is made mainly from Montepulciano grapes (minimum 85%), with the option to blend in other non-aromatic black grape varieties. It’s the most widely grown native grape in central Italy and, along with Sangiovese, forms the base for many top red wines from the region. The riserva type is aged for at least two years, including nine months in wooden containers. Fruity, spicy, and intense, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo ranks among the best Italian wines.

6. Barbaresco

Made from the same grape as Barolo, Barbaresco is produced in nearby areas. Barbaresco DOCG covers around 700 hectares in the Langhe region, using 100% Nebbiolo grapes. It’s released for sale after 3 years, with at least 9 months in wood. The riserva version ages for a minimum of 50 months. Like Barolo, Barbaresco is famous for its character, structure, and remarkable aging potential.

7. Franciacorta

Franciacorta DOCG Metodo Classico sparkling wine challenged French Champagne’s dominance. Enologist Franco Ziliani introduced the first bottle in 1961 at Guido Berlucchi winery. DOCG status came in 1995, covering about 2900 hectares along Lake Iseo’s shores. It mainly uses Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, with Pinot Blanc and Erbamat as complements. Minimum aging on lees is 18 months, extending to 30 months for vintage and 60 months for riserva. Additionally, Franciacorta comes in rosé and Satén styles, exclusively brut, offering a silkier effervescence.

8. Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG is a dry red wine made from dried grapes in an area north of Verona. The drying process intensifies colors, aromas, and structure, resulting in uniquely complex wines with exceptional elegance and aging potential. It’s crafted primarily from Corvina (45-95%) and/or Corvinone (45-95%), Rondinella (5-30%), and other approved non-aromatic red grapes like Molinara and Oseleta. Grapes can be vinified starting December 1st after harvest. The wine can be released for sale from January 1st of the third year after harvest.

9. Chianti

Chianti is globally renowned and deeply connected to Italian food culture. It’s available in two DOCG designations: Chianti DOCG covers a larger area, while Chianti Classico DOCG has the iconic Black Rooster logo. Mainly made from Sangiovese grapes, it often includes traditional varieties like Canaiolo and international grapes like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The original recipe by Baron Bettino Ricasoli called for seventy percent Sangiovese and twenty percent Canaiolo, with Malvasia del Chianti and later Tuscan Trebbiano added.

10. Supertuscans

In this ranking, we can’t overlook the wines that reshaped Italian winemaking worldwide, known as “Supertuscans.” The most famous, Sassicaia, is the only wine in Italy (and possibly the world) with its own designated origin, the Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC. Enologist Giacomo Tachis pioneered this new genre, using international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and techniques like malolactic fermentation and barrique aging. Other renowned Supertuscans include Solaia and Tignanello.