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 Alboreto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano DOCG
The 2019 Talosa Alboreto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG is a 94-point Tuscan masterpiece, showcasing the elegance and power of Sangiovese. Sourced from the prestigious Pietrose cru at 350–400 meters altitude, this wine benefits from ancient Pliocene soils, producing a complex and structured expression.
2019 Bruna Grimaldi Barolo Badarina Serralunga d’Alba
2019 Bruna Grimaldi Barolo Badarina – 94-Point Single-Vineyard Barolo.From the revered Badarina Cru in Serralunga d’Alba, this 94-point Barolo is the boldest and most structured wine in Bruna Grimaldi’s portfolio. Crafted by a female winemaker dedicated to sustainable viticulture, this Nebbiolo thrives near the legendary Francia Vineyard, home to Monfortino ($1,300+ bottle).
2019 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.
2019 Talosa Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG
Vino Nobile has a wonderful history supplying wines to the Vatican. Unfortunately, it sits 30 minutes away from Montalcino and in its significant shadow. I'll probably by singing this song from stunning hilltop town of Montepulciano until I die. But, if you know and love Brunello, you must try the top Sangiovese from this nearby town. Talosa is one of the top producers in the region and this reserva would easily cost >$100 if it had a Brunello label on it.
2019 Bibbiani Montereggi Rosso Toscano Cabernet Sauvignon
People who know and love Cabernet from Tuscany (think Sassicaia) already know that Tuscan Cab can be divine. Here's an example at a quarter of the price of that famous Bolgheri.This is the most elegant Italian Cabernet I've ever had. This winery is owned by an American businessman and he has dramatically improved the quality and upgraded the property over the last decade.
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.
2021 La Ca Nova Montestefano Barbaresco DOCG
This is my favorite Nebbiolo in the store at present and it's not Barolo. If it's available at the time you read this, buy it. I can't speak highly enough about this producer and unfortunately, the secret is out thanks for Antonio Galloni. He calls this the most underrated producer in Piedmont and gave this wine 98pts. La Ca Nova used to sell their grapes to Gaja who in turn sold his wine for $300+. This wine should be >$100.
2020 Pasetti Tenutarossa Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Riserva
Pasetti is our #1 family producer in Abruzzo and this is their top Montepulciano. The wine sees some oak and when you taste it, you'll be surprised it's almost 5 years old.Don't miss these wines.
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.
2020 Generazione Alessandro Croceferro Etna Rosso
From the northeastern slopes of Mt. Etna, this 100% Nerello Mascalese is a striking expression of Sicily’s most exciting terroir. Grown at 640 meters (2,000 ft) altitude, in volcanic sands rich with red pumice stone, this wine captures the essence of Etna’s dramatic landscape. Aged 12 months in French oak tonneaux, it offers bright red berries, rose hips, and subtle herbal spice, framed by vibrant freshness, silky tannins, and a long, salty finish. James Suckling calls Etna Rosso a must-have, and Falstaff awards it 92 points for its balance and complexity.
2021 Tenuta Ulisse 'Amaranta' Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Amaranta Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a cru wine obtained from Abruzzo’ s most important red grape, the Montepulciano. This wine represents this Tenuta’s commitment to producing outstanding, real wines, that can truly represent the terroir of Abruzzo.
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