The best wines in the world according to Decanter: here are the 6 Italian labels in the ranking

by Carlotta Sanviti

Italy claims its bronze medal, coming just after France and Spain, with six wines—one less than last year, three less than in 2022—among the “Best in Show,” the list of the top 50 wines in the world by Decanter, which organizes one of the most important wine competitions in the industry. The regional champion is Piedmont, but Lazio also stands out with one position. The ranking highlights a classic Italy, tied to the most renowned and prestigious territories, even though many regions have been emerging strongly in recent years. The number of wines in the list decreases for the second consecutive year: two years ago, nine labels were featured in the top 50 positions.

As mentioned, Piedmont is the most awarded Italian region, having earned 20 medals in the main categories of the competition. Among these are two Barolos in the “Best in Show” category, along with four platinum medals and 14 gold medals, one of which was awarded for the first time ever to a single-variety wine, Le Nocche Grignolino 2022 by Vinchio Vaglio. Veneto and Tuscany are also noteworthy, with a total of 17 and 15 medals respectively. The austere style of Amarone della Valpolicella and Brunello di Montalcino proudly appear in the Top 50 selection. In the north, wines from Trentino-Alto Adige impressed with a total of 18 labels. One medal went to Cantina Andriano with Juvelo Passito Gewürztraminer 2022, the first sweet wine from the region to place in the Top 50. Sicily also stood out, with two platinum and five gold medals. Finally, Sardinia, Apulia, and Campania each earned a well-deserved gold medal.

Among the best in the world, a wine from Lazio

A great victory for Lazio, which, for the first time with Anthium Bellone 2023 from Casale del Giglio, includes one of its wines among the best in the world, marking the region's debut in the competition’s Best in Show selection. The judges praised it, describing it as a "refined, solid, and generous wine with flavors. None of us expected this wine: a total surprise from the native Bellone grape."

The dominance of France

France claims first place, with 12 “Best in Show” medals and 28 platinum medals, more than any other country. The regional champions this year were Burgundy and Champagne, each securing nine medals in the top two categories. Champagne earned two Best in Show medals out of 50 awarded globally, while Burgundy claimed three, consolidating its status as the top regional winner of the entire competition. Beaujolais also performed notably, with its best-ever performance in the Top 50 Best in Show selection, with two cru wines awarded, both from Domaine De Colonat. The judges noted: “We’ve only presented a cru Beaujolais in our Best in Show selection once before, so this year's double appearance marks a step forward for this increasingly significant wine region.” Right after, Spain secured seven spots in the competition's Top 50 and 89 gold medals, earning second place in the overall DWWA 2024 results and confirming the revolution of quality wine in the country.

New trends and innovations worldwide

Rosé wines emerged as the major winners of DWWA 2024, with two Best in Show medals, three platinum medals, and 20 gold medals, demonstrating a remarkable shift in the global rosé landscape (though they still struggle to gain market traction in Italy). The best wines came from Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Moldova, Romania, Spain, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The trend of orange wines also continues—as previously noted by The Guardian—and this year’s ranking saw four category winners, including a platinum for an Italian wine, two golds for Georgian wines, and one gold for Slovenia.

The best Italian wines in the world according to Decanter

Best in show

• Broccardo – Bricco San Pietro 2020
• Azienda Agricola Monchiero – Montanello 2020
• Cesari – Bosan 2015
• Carpineto – Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2018
• Cantina Andriano – Juvelo Passito 2022
• Casale Del Giglio – Anthium Bellone 2023

Platinum

• Nals Margreid, Sirmian Pinot Bianco 2022
• Gini Sandro e Claudio, Soave Classico La Froscà 2021
• Muzic, Collio Valeris Friulano 2022
• Carpineto, Brunello di Montalcino 2019
• Castello di Spessa, Collio Santarosa 2022
• Monte Rossa, Franciacorta Cabochon Brut 2016
• Tenuta di Capezzana, Carmignano Vin Santo Riserva 2016
• Florio, Marsala Vergine Riserva VR1898 1998
• Ca’ Lojera, Lugana Superiore 2020
• Cantina Terlano, Alto Adige Terlano Terlaner Primo Grande Cuvée 2021
• Tenuta Meraviglia, Bolgheri Superiore Maestro di Cava 2019
• Fontanafredda, Barolo Vigna La Delizia Lazzarito 2020
• Tiberi David, Vino Cotto Stravecchio Occhio Di Gallo 2013
• Castello Di Neive, Barbaresco Santo Stefano Albesani 2021
• Icario, Rosso di Montepulciano 2021
• Azienda Agricola Emanuele Gambino, Barbera d’Asti Superiore 2020
• Donnafugata, Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryè 2022