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    The Best Italian Wines

    Italian wine can be confusing, but this is what happens when wine has been made in a place for hundreds and hundreds of years! Just don't let the confusion stop you from exploring the many fascinating regions and wines of Italy, it is one of our very favorite spots for great value wines (as well as a few of our favorites over $20, or "Saturday Splurges" as we like to call them).

    The Best Italian Wine - The Reverse Wine Snob Picks!

    Sangiovese is one of the major grapes in Italy, being the backbone of such renowned Italian wines as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino as well as many Super Tuscans. With its distinctive cherry and often rustic flavors, this medium-bodied, savory variety takes to oak aging very well. And just as you would expect it's fantastic with all kinds of Italian foods including pizza and pretty much anything in tomato-based sauces. (See our Guide To The Best Pizza Wines for more on this.)

    Chianti is also a great example of just how confusing Italian wine can be. With 8 different sub-zones, varying rules on production, a classification called Superiore that can be used in 7 of the 8 zones, and a number of wines that could be labeled either as Chianti or things like Brunello di Montalcino or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, it's no wonder consumers are confused. I guess this is what happens where your wine region has been around since the early 1700s -- 300 years later there are a lot of rules! (For more on this see our dedicated Guide To Chianti Wines.)

    A few of the often-overlooked areas in Italy; however, may give the best value.

    Click here to get a printable shopping list of the best wines from Italy!

    Alto Adige in the northern part of the country offers fascinating and affordable red and white wines.

    Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea likewise offers tremendous value in varieties like Nero d'Avola that you generally don’t find anywhere else.

    Puglia, which extends onto the heel of the boot of Italy is renowned for their Primitivo and Salice Salento wines made from Negroamaro.

    On the other side of Italy's boot (the shin) is Campania, home to one of our very favorite varieties - Aglianico.

    Of course, we'll also offer some tried and true favorites from places like Tuscany and beyond and even the occasional Amarone and Barolo splurge. And if you really want to keep it cheap you can check our dedicated list of $8 Italian Reds - all delicious and $8 or less.

    Read on for our list of The Best Italian Wine, Mostly Under $20!

    Zenato Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio - A Lip-Smacker

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: September 22, 2023 Last Updated: September 22, 2023

    Zenato Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio - A Lip-Smacker

    Classic and widely available Pinot Grigio at a great price, we review the Zenato Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio. 100% Pinot Grigio from the Delle Venezie DOC in northeastern Italy. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and has 5 g/L of residual sugar. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Italy, Pinot Grigio

    Kirkland Signature Toscana - Still Sensational?

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: September 18, 2023 Last Updated: September 18, 2023

    Kirkland Signature Toscana - Still Sensational?

    We check out the latest vintage of the Kirkland Signature Toscana from Costco. The 2020 vintage does not specify the blend but I imagine it is similar to the 2018 which was 75% Sangiovese, 22% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is from Tuscany, Italy. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Bulk Buy, Costco, Italy, Kirkland Signature, Pizza Wine, Sangiovese, Thanksgiving

    Kirkland Signature Moscato d'Asti - Lovely Stuff

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: September 2, 2023 Last Updated: September 5, 2023

    Kirkland Signature Moscato d'Asti - Lovely Stuff

    A deliciously sweet and bubbly Bulk Buy, we review the new Kirkland Signature Moscato d'Asti. New Kirkland Signature wine alert! And this one is for the sweet wine lovers. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Bulk Buy, Costco, Italy, Kirkland Signature, Moscato, Sparkling Wine, Wedding Wine

    Lini 910 Labrusca Rosso - Get your Lambrusco On

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: August 28, 2023 Last Updated: September 13, 2023

    Lini 910 Labrusca Rosso - Get your Lambrusco On

    Produced since 1910, we review a classic, dry example of the sparkling red wine Lambrusco, the Lini 910 Labrusca Rosso. 85% Salamino and 15% Ancellotta red sparkling wine from Emilia-Romagna, Italy. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Italy, Pizza Wine, Sparkling Wine, Thanksgiving

    Attems Ramato Friuli Pinot Grigio - Unique and Delicious

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: August 17, 2023 Last Updated: August 29, 2023

    Attems Ramato Friuli Pinot Grigio - Unique and Delicious

    Find it and try it. We review the Attems Ramato Friuli Pinot Grigio, a unique and delicious expression of Pinot Grigio made like a rosé. 100% Pinot Grigio from the Friuli DOC in Italy. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Highly Recommended, Italy, Pinot Grigio

    Kirkland Signature Friuli Grave Pinot Grigio - Cheap and Good

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: August 15, 2023 Last Updated: August 15, 2023

    Kirkland Signature Friuli Grave Pinot Grigio - Cheap and Good

    The Kirkland Signature Friuli Grave Pinot Grigio from Costco, still only $4.99 and packed with flavor. This might be the best vintage yet. Pinot Grigio from Friuli Grave, Italy. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Bulk Buy, Costco, Italy, Kirkland Signature, Pinot Grigio, Pizza Wine, Wedding Wine

    INSIDER DEAL! XX% Off 92-Point Piedmont Barbera

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: August 14, 2023 Last Updated: August 16, 2023

    INSIDER DEAL! 46% Off 92-Point Piedmont Barbera

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. Take pizza night to the next level! Don't miss the Pomaro Monferrato Rosso Piemonte Barbera from La Bollina. We love a good … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Barbera, Deals, Highly Recommended, Insider Deals, Italy, Pizza Wine

    Kirkland Signature Barolo - Big Name Little Price

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: July 25, 2023 Last Updated: July 25, 2023

    Kirkland Signature Barolo - Big Name Little Price

    Costco's take on an iconic wine rarely found under $20, we review the latest vintage of the Kirkland Signature Barolo DOCG. Plus we once again track down the true producer behind the label. Nebbiolo from Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy. While we don't know the exact … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Barolo, Costco, Italy, Kirkland Signature, Nebbiolo, Pizza Wine, Thanksgiving

    Ruggero di Bardo Anniversario Apulia Rosso Review

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: July 22, 2023 Last Updated: September 13, 2023

    Ruggero di Bardo Anniversario Apulia Rosso Review

    A $10 Southern Italian red blend from Trader Joe's, we review the Ruggero di Bardo Anniversario Apulia Rosso. An undisclosed blend from Puglia, Italy. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Italy, Pizza Wine, Red Blends, Trader Joe's

    Caldora Montepulciano d'Abruzzo - Respectable

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: July 18, 2023 Last Updated: September 13, 2023

    Caldora Montepulciano d'Abruzzo - Respectable

    A very easy to drink example of the variety, we review the Caldora Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. 100% Montepulciano from vineyards in Chieti in the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC of Italy. The wine spends a minimum of 9 months in oak barrels before being bottled and is vegan … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Italy, Montepulciano, Pizza Wine, Vegan

    Villanella Pinot Grigio - Fresh and Satisfying

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: July 1, 2023 Last Updated: July 18, 2023

    Villanella Pinot Grigio - Fresh and Satisfying

    Revisiting a highly quaffable find from Aldi, the Villanella Pinot Grigio. Pinot Grigio from Valdadige, Italy which covers the Trentino-Alto Adige area as well as into Veneto. It's a great spot for Pinot Grigio. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Aldi, Italy, Pinot Grigio, Pizza Wine, Wedding Wine

    Ruggero di Bardo Susumaniello - A Rare Treat

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: June 6, 2023 Last Updated: June 6, 2023

    Ruggero di Bardo Susumaniello - A Rare Treat

    Kudos to Trader Joe's for offering an extremely rare variety from Puglia and at $10 no less! We check out the latest vintage of the Ruggero di Bardo Susumaniello. Susumaniello (yes, that's a grape variety) from Puglia, Italy. It is pronounced sue-sue-man-yell-oh. The wine … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Italy, Pizza Wine, Trader Joe's

    Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco - $7 of Fun

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: April 12, 2023 Last Updated: June 24, 2023

    Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco - $7 of Fun

    A deliciously affordable bubbly bottle from Costco, the Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG. Prosecco sparkling wine made with the Glera grape from Asolo, Veneto, Italy. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Bulk Buy, Costco, Featured, Glera, Italy, Kirkland Signature, Pizza Wine, Prosecco, Sparkling Wine, Thanksgiving, Wedding Wine

    Giretto Pinot Grigio - A Sweet Tart

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: April 8, 2023 Last Updated: June 24, 2023

    Giretto Pinot Grigio - A Sweet Tart

    A tart and tasty $5.99 porch pounder from Aldi, we check out the latest vintage of the Giretto Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC. Pinot Grigio from Delle Venezie DOC, Italy. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Aldi, Highly Recommended, Italy, Pinot Grigio, Pizza Wine, Wedding Wine

    Elettra Red Blend from Aldi - Smooth and Sweet

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: March 15, 2023 Last Updated: May 11, 2023

    Elettra Red Blend from Aldi - Smooth and Sweet

    Another sweet and tasty Italian red blend from Aldi, we review the Elettra Red Blend. A blend of Primitivo and Negroamaro from Puglia, Italy. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Aldi, Italy, Pizza Wine, Red Blends

    Grifone Bianco from Trader Joe's - Light and Easy

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: March 10, 2023 Last Updated: June 24, 2023

    Grifone Bianco from Trader Joe's - Light and Easy

    Tasty enough for just $4.99, we review the Grifone Bianco from Trader Joe's. An unidentified white blend from Italy. The wine is made from organic grapes and is vegan friendly. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Italy, Organic, Trader Joe's, Vegan, Wedding Wine, White Blends

    Mazzei Tenuta Belguardo - Captivating

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: February 25, 2023 Last Updated: August 8, 2023

    Mazzei Tenuta Belguardo - Captivating

    A splurge-worthy find, we review the Mazzei Tenuta Belguardo Maremma Toscana. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc from Tuscany, Italy. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Italy, Saturday Splurge, Wedding Wine

    Grifone Sangiovese From Trader Joe's - A Cheap Fix

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: February 10, 2023 Last Updated: February 23, 2023

    Grifone Sangiovese From Trader Joe's - A Cheap Fix

    Surprisingly good Sangiovese for just $4.99, we review the Grifone Sangiovese from Trader Joe's. 100% Sangiovese from Puglia, Italy. The wine is fermented in stainless steel. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Highly Recommended, Italy, Pizza Wine, Sangiovese, Trader Joe's, Vegan

    Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva - Super With Salami

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: January 25, 2023 Last Updated: September 2, 2023

    Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva - Super With Salami

    An excellent Costco find that goes excellently with Volpi Foods Wine Salame, the Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva. 100% Sangiovese from vineyards located in Cafaggio, Conca d'Oro, Panzano in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy. The wine is aged for 18 months in 65 hl Slavonian oak … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Chianti, Costco, Italy, Organic, Pizza Wine, Sangiovese, Vegan

    Basilica Cafaggio Single Estate Chianti Classico - The Best $10 Chianti Classico?

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: January 23, 2023 Last Updated: January 23, 2023

    Basilica Cafaggio Single Estate Chianti Classico - The Best $10 Chianti Classico?

    Revisiting a favorite Costco find! The Basilica Cafaggio Single Estate Chianti Classico. 100% Sangiovese from vineyards in Panzano within the Chianti Classico zone in Tuscany, Italy. The wine is aged in Slavonian oak for 12 months. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Chianti, Costco, Highly Recommended, Italy, Pizza Wine, Sangiovese, Thanksgiving

    Maraia Barbera del Monferrato - Easy Elegance

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: January 19, 2023 Last Updated: January 20, 2023

    Maraia Barbera del Monferrato - Easy Elegance

    Have a juicy, fruity good time with this beauty of a Barbera from Marchesi di Barolo, the Maraia Barbera del Monferrato. Available at Costco. 100% Barbera from Maranzana, Piedmont, Italy. The wine is aged for one year in Slavonian oak barrels and has 2.1 g/L of residual … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Barbera, Costco, Highly Recommended, Italy, Pizza Wine

    Zenato Alanera Rosso Veronese - Smooth, Lush and Tasty

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: January 19, 2023 Last Updated: January 19, 2023

    Zenato Alanera Rosso Veronese - Smooth, Lush and Tasty

    Made from partially dried grapes, we review the latest vintage of the Zenato Alanera Rosso Veronese. 55% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 10% Corvinone, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot from the Costalunga Estate in Veneto, Italy. 50% of the grapes used to produce the wine are … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Highly Recommended, Italy, Pizza Wine, Red Blends

    Patroferno Appassimento Puglia Primitivo - A Sweet One

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: January 17, 2023 Last Updated: January 17, 2023

    Patroferno Appassimento Puglia Primitivo - A Sweet One

    We review the silky smooth and sweet Patroferno Appassimento Puglia Primitivo from Trader Joe's. Primitivo from Puglia, Italy. It is made in the appassimento method using dried grapes. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Italy, Primitivo, Trader Joe's

    Campi Rudi Appassimento Rosso Puglia - Sweet and Tasty

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: December 30, 2022 Last Updated: February 23, 2023

    Campi Rudi Appassimento Rosso Puglia - Sweet and Tasty

    Another nice find at Trader Joe's for just $6.99, the Campi Rudi Appassimento Rosso Puglia IGT Passito. A blend of Negroamaro, Primitivo, Nero di Troya and Sangiovese. It is made in the appassimento method using dried grapes, in this case through a secondary fermentation … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Bulk Buy, Italy, Pizza Wine, Red Blends, Trader Joe's

    Tenuta Luce Lucente - Silky Smooth

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: December 18, 2022 Last Updated: September 2, 2023

    Tenuta Luce Lucente - Silky Smooth

    Take pasta night to the next level with this super delicious Super Tuscan, the Tenuta Luce Lucente Toscana IGT. 50% Merlot and 50% Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy. The wine spends 12 months in a oak barriques, 85% of which are new and it has 4 g/L of residual … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Costco, Italy, Merlot, Pizza Wine, Red Blends, Sangiovese, Thanksgiving

    Tenute Rubino Oltreme Susumaniello Review

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: October 26, 2022 Last Updated: October 27, 2022

    Tenute Rubino Oltreme Susumaniello Review

    A silky smooth wine made from a little-known Italian grape, we review the Tenute Rubino Oltreme Susumaniello DOC Brindisi Rosso. The wine is made from the rare Susumaniello grape grown in vineyards in Jaddico and Brindisi, Puglia, Italy. It spends 10 months in steel tanks. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Italy

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