Top Italian red wines

With nearly 5 billion litres of wine produced in 2022, Italy is the world’s largest wine producer. “In my opinion, Italians produce wines that are among the best dry red wines in the world!” (Terry Pomerantz)

The main regions for Italian red wines

Every Italian, with their mother as a witness, will tell you that the wine produced in their village is the best. This shows just how proud Italians are of the wines produced in Italy.

The Italian wines most sought-after by enthusiasts generally come from four primary regions: Tuscany, Veneto, Piedmont, and Sicily.

Best Italian Red Wines to Discover

Piedmont

• The Barolo Fratelli Bussia 2019 is made from 100% Nebbiolo. This red wine is cultivated and aged in the Piedmont region.
• The Josetta Saffiro Barolo Castellette Persiera 2020 is a silky Nebbiolo with aromas of dark fruit.
• The Produttori del Barbaresco Pora Riserva 2019 is an elegant Nebbiolo from Piedmont.

Tuscany

• The Antinori Pianelle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2017 is a Sangiovese cultivated and aged in Tuscany.
• The Brancaia Blu is a Tuscan red made from 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Sangiovese.
• Sassicaia is an incredible Tuscan wine that costs a fortune! For example, a bottle of Tenuta San Guido 2017 can easily reach $350. This Sassicaia harmoniously blends Cabernet-Sauvignong (85%) and Cabernet Franc (15%).

Sicily

• The Gulfi Nero Sanloré 2018 is a complex and well-structured organic Nero d’Avola.
• The Frank Cornelissen Munjebel Rosso 2022 is a full-bodied 100% Nerello Mascalese with earthy undertones and flavours of cherries and dark berries.

Veneto

• The Marion Amarone Della Valpolicella 2020 is a blend of Corvinone (45%), Corvina (25%), Rondinella (20%), and Croatina. It is a powerful red (16% alcohol) made and aged in Veneto.
• The Masi Costasera Amarone Classico 2018 brings together the grapes Corvina (70%), Rondinella (15%), Oseleta (10%), and Molinara (5%), giving this wine a beautiful symphony of aromas and flavours.

And why not an Italian sparkling wine?

Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine, is produced almost exclusively in Veneto using the Glera grape. Other Italian sparkling wines are made from Chardonnay or native varieties, such as Perera, Verdiso, and Pinot Grigio. Here are some Italian sparkling wines that will cheerfully enliven your celebrations:

• The Bottega Gold Prosecco is composed of 100% Glera.
• The Ferghettina Milledi Brut is a sparkling Chardonnay from the Gatti house of Lombardy.
• The Ca’del Bosco Satèn is composed of Chardonnay (85%) and Pinot Bianco (15%). This sparkling wine yields aromas of orange blossoms, peaches and apricots.

If you would like excellent advice on the most appropriate Italian wine for a meal, do not hesitate to speak with an SAQ consultant, where you will find a wide selection of Italian wines for all budgets!

The Pomerantz Foundation

Terry Pomerantz and his family invite you to support the Pomerantz Foundation, which assists children with special needs as well as their families.