Top Italian wines for the Holiday Season!

The Alois Lageder Terra Alpina Pinot Grigio is a standout among the best Italian wines, capturing the vibrant essence of Alto Adige. This top Italian wine delights with lively flavors of crisp green apple, ripe pear, and zesty citrus, perfectly balanced by a clean, mineral finish. The nose reveals bright aromas of lemon zest and green apple, accented with delicate floral notes. On the palate, its fresh acidity and smooth, mineral-driven finish leave a lasting impression, showcasing the unique terroir of the region.

Ratings:

WineAlign awarded the 2020 vintage an impressive 89/100, describing it as a “perfectly executed market entry Pinot Grigio.” On Vivino, it maintains a solid 3.9/5 user rating, praised for its crisp, well-balanced profile. 

Food Pairings:
This wine pairs effortlessly with light seafood, fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and simple pasta dishes like spaghetti aglio e olio. It's refreshing profile also makes it a fantastic choice for picnics or as a go-to aperitif. 

Antiche Terre Amarone Valpolicella is a bold, classic Amarone from the prestigious Valpolicella region in northern Italy. Made using the traditional appassimento method, where grapes are dried before fermentation, this wine concentrates its rich flavors for a complex, full-bodied experience.

This wine showcases a deep garnet hue, hinting at its richness and depth. On the nose, it opens with vibrant aromas of plum and cherry, accompanied by subtle hints of raspberry that add a touch of brightness. The palate is full-bodied and velvety, offering a soft texture with balanced flavors of ripe fruit. The finish lingers gracefully, leaving a slight aromatic aftertaste that enhances its complexity. Perfect for those who enjoy a bold yet smooth wine with layers of flavor.

Ratings:
James Suckling awarded the 2021 edition an impressive 92 points for its depth, balance, and full-bodied nature, praising its soft, lingering finish. Wine Spectator also recognized this vintage, giving it a solid 90 points for its structure and overall quality.

Food Pairings:
Excellent with red and grilled meats, game and aged hard texture cheeses.

The Chianti Classico Riserva stands out as one of the top Italian wines, boasting a striking ruby red hue with a hint of garnet that enhances its allure. Its elegant bouquet unfolds aromas of spice and fruit, creating a complex and inviting experience. On the palate, this wine exemplifies why it’s among the best Italian wines, offering a smooth, balanced structure with refined tannins that create harmony and depth.

Ratings:

The Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2017 received an impressive 94 points from James Suckling, who praised its ripe fruit notes, such as berries and cherries, complemented by fresh herb and lemon undertones. He described it as medium-to-full-bodied with bright fruit and fine tannins, crafted from organically grown grapes. This vintage also garnered high praise from other critics, including Wine Enthusiast (93 points) and Vinous (93 points), highlighting its depth, balance, and vibrant acidity

Food Pairings:

This wine is a perfect companion to roasted meats, grilled steaks, and rich pasta dishes like ragù. It also shines alongside aged cheeses such as Pecorino and Parmigiano-Reggiano, making it an excellent choice for gourmet occasions.