Bella Italia and La Dolce Vita! Welcome to the Greg Martellotto's pick for the Top 12 Italian red wines to buy today. Greg is one of only 400 Italian Wine Ambassadors in the world and certified by Vinitaly Academy. He has been traveling to Italy for more than three decades and knows where the best juice is coming from. In addition to his family heritage in Puglia, he has lived in Florence and typically spends 3-6 weeks per year in Oenotria. These wines all raised his eyebrows and they will certainly make an impression on you. Consider these wines among the best from each of their respective regions and certainly at the top of the quality and value chain.
Alla Salute!
2019 Talosa Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG
A remarkable expression of Tuscany’s most renowned terroir, showcasing the depth and complexity of Sangiovese. Sourced from the finest vineyards of Montepulciano, this Riserva offers a rich bouquet of ripe red fruit, black cherry, and hints of dried herbs, intertwined with layers of tobacco, leather, and a touch of spice. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied structure with velvety tannins and a vibrant acidity that supports its remarkable aging potential. The finish is long, elegant, and impeccably balanced, making this wine a true reflection of the tradition and craftsmanship of Montepulciano. A sophisticated, age-worthy choice for connoisseurs and collectors alike.
2021 Mauro Veglio Castelletto Barolo
A stunning expression of Monforte d’Alba’s famed terroir, offering both depth and finesse. Aromas of red cherry, rose, and spice lead to a layered palate of fruit, earth, and mineral notes wrapped in fine, structured tannins. Elegant yet powerful, this Barolo reflects Mauro Veglio’s precision and craftsmanship—beautiful to enjoy now with decanting, and even more rewarding with age.
2020 Colle Nero Tra Di Noi Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG
This wine is an exclusive partnership with Terre Nere. With vineyards located next to Poggio di Sotto ($300/btl),this wine looks like one of the best values in Montalcino. Again, don't just take my word for it. James Suckling 95pts.
2022 Guerrieri Montepulciano Blend 'Guerriero della Terra'
This blend of Montepulciano and other regional varietals offers a bold, full-bodied profile, with vibrant notes of dark cherry, blackberry, and hints of violet, backed by a subtle layer of earthy minerality. The wine’s tannins are firm yet refined, providing structure while allowing the fruit and spice to shine. The finish is long and smooth, with a touch of warmth and complexity. A true expression of the land, this wine reflects the depth and character of the terroir, making it an ideal companion to grilled meats, aged cheeses, or rustic Italian dishes. A modern classic that blends tradition with finesse.
2019 Fattoria Le Pupille 'Poggio Valente' Morellino di Scansano Riserva
The 2019 Fattoria Le Pupille 'Poggio Valente' Morellino di Scansano Riserva is a top-tier Tuscan red. Made from Sangiovese, it captures the essence of the Morellino di Scansano region with rich fruit flavors, smooth tannins, and a touch of earthiness. Fattoria Le Pupille is known for its high-quality wines, and this Riserva showcases their expertise, offering a perfect balance of tradition and modern craftsmanship. A great choice for anyone seeking a refined Italian wine.
2021 Luciano Arduini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
I wish we could import more of this wine. Sadly, there's just not enough to go around. We're lucky to import two pallets per year. Some Amarone can be too alcoholic or too sweet for me. This one consistently finds a balance and we love supporting small family producers like Arduini. Once you find this wine, it will be as cozy as your favorite blanket.
2020 Scrimaglio Barbaresco
The 2020 Scrimaglio Barbaresco is patiently aged in bottles, exceeding regulatory standards. This careful process ensures they reach the market in their fullest expression, a testament to Scrimaglio's meticulous attention to the essential ingredient of wine: Time.
2022 La Ca Nova Montestefano Barbaresco DOCG
For Barbaresco lovers seeking true expression of the Piedmont region, the 2022 La Ca Nova Montestefano is an absolute standout. From one of the top single-vineyard sites in Barbaresco, this wine showcases depth, complexity, and a stunning balance of power and elegance. The Montestefano vineyard’s soils impart a unique mineral freshness to the wine, while the Nebbiolo grape’s tightly wound tannins and layers of dark cherry, rose petal, and a hint of licorice evolve beautifully over time. The oak integration is subtle, allowing the terroir to shine through. With a finish that lingers long after the last sip, this is a Barbaresco that delivers both immediate pleasure and great aging potential. If you’re looking for a bottle to elevate your collection, this is one to grab while it’s still on the shelves.
2019 Notedincanto Brunello di Montalcino
Notedincanto is a standout producer in Montalcino, known for crafting expressive and elegant Brunellos. This 2019 vintage showcases the classic depth and structure of Sangiovese, with beautiful oak influence that’s well integrated. Despite its youth, the wine already reveals impressive complexity and balance. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this refined Brunello now or cellar it for years to come.
2020 Mazzarosa Vere Novo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC
Born from a bold vision during the global pandemic, Vere Novo is the highest-rated Montepulciano d’Abruzzo of 2020 and a testament to innovation. Crafted by renowned winemaker Riccardo Brighigna, twice named "Winemaker of the Year" in Abruzzo, this wine revives the ancient Whole Bunch technique—fermenting entire grape clusters to amplify aroma, structure, and finesse. The result? A Montepulciano unlike any other: softer, fruitier, yet deeply expressive of its Abruzzo roots. Awarded 97 points and a Platinum Medal by Decanter, placing it among the Top 150 wines in the world, and 93 points from James Suckling, Vere Novo is a revelation in elegance.
2021 Corte Medicea Eklektos Super Tuscan
A bold modern blend born from Tuscany’s ancient hills, the 2021 Eklektos embodies the spirit of innovation that defines the Super Tuscan movement. Combining the power of Cabernet Sauvignon with the elegance of Sangiovese, it opens with aromas of blackberry, plum, and violet, layered with notes of cedar, mocha, and warm spice. The palate is plush yet structured, offering ripe fruit depth balanced by fine-grained tannins and a long, polished finish. Crafted by Corte Medicea with precision and style, Eklektos is a captivating red that bridges tradition and modern flair—a wine made to impress today and reward with time.
2019 Piancornello Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany
FThis wine exudes elegance and depth, with aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry, and delicate notes of tobacco, leather, and dried herbs. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and powerful, with fine-grained tannins and a vibrant acidity that balances the rich fruit character. The finish is long and complex, revealing layers of spice and subtle earthiness. A true reflection of the land, Piancornello’s Brunello is a sophisticated, age-worthy wine that captures the essence of Montalcino, making it an outstanding choice for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
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We bundled 12 of these wines into a single case. Buy them in a 12-bottle case here.
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