Wine Spectator’s Tuscan focus: All the Italian labels featured in the Top 100

Italy has once again proven to be highly appreciated in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 ranking. A total of 20 labels from across the country were selected—four fewer than last year, when Argiano’s Brunello 2018 claimed first place. Nevertheless, Italy remains one of the most represented countries in this prestigious list, second only to the United States.

Two Italian Wines in the Top 10

This year marks the prominence of Cabernet Sauvignon for the U.S. publication. The top five spots feature wines based on this international grape variety. Leading the pack is the Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Vineyard ’21 from Viña Don Melchor in Chile—a wine that secured the country’s top spot for only the second time in the list’s history. This is followed by three Napa Valley Cabernets, interspersed with Tignanello ’21 in third place. This Super Tuscan blend features Cabernet alongside Sangiovese.

Tuscany (with 14 wines) and California dominate the ranking. As Wine Spectator notes, “With the superb 2021 vintage, California accounts for more than a quarter of the list thanks to its excellent Cabernets; similarly, Italy represents 20% of the entries, with a strong focus on Tuscan wines.”

And Piedmont? This year, only two Piedmontese labels made the cut: G.D. Vajra’s Barolo Albe 2020 in ninth place and Giovanni Viberti’s Barbera d’Alba La Gemella ’22 at No. 42.

Italy in the U.S. rankings

Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Bolgheri Superiore are the standout denominations outside the Top 10. At No. 13 is the Chianti Classico Berardenga Riserva ’21 by Fattoria di Felsìna, followed by the Brunello di Montalcino ’19 by Caprili at No. 15. Michele Satta’s Bolgheri Superiore Piastraia ’21 and La Fiorita’s Brunello di Montalcino ’19 take the 18th and 19th spots, respectively.

Three more Brunellos and a Chianti Classico appear within the Top 30. Siro Pacenti’s Brunello di Montalcino Pelagrilli ’19 is at No. 22, San Felice’s Chianti Classico Il Grigio Riserva ’21 at No. 24, and Castello Romitorio’s Brunello ’19 at No. 28.

An interlude from northern Italy appears at No. 33 with Elena Walch’s Alto Adige Pinot Grigio ’23. Tuscany returns at No. 35 with Castellare di Castellina’s I Sodi di San Niccolò ’20 and Vallepicciola’s Chianti Classico ’21.

From north to south, we find the Barbera d’Alba La Gemella ’22 by Giovanni Viberti at No. 42, followed by the Sicilia Nero d’Avola Lagnusa ’22 by Feudo Montoni at No. 44. Tuscany takes the lead again with Fattoria Le Pupille’s Toscana Saffredi ’21 at No. 46, Santa Cristina’s Toscana Cabernet Sauvignon ’22 at No. 49, and Barone Ricasoli’s Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole Colledilà ’21 at No. 50.

After a leap of ten places, Umani Ronchi’s Verdicchio Castello di Jesi Classico Superiore Casal di Serra ’22 from the Marche region appears at No. 60, followed by Veneto’s Soave Classico Otto ’22 by Prà at No. 70. Closing the list of Italian labels is a Tuscan white, Montenidoli’s Vernaccia di San Gimignano Tradizionale ’22, at No. 85.