Great success for Italian wine in the annual ranking of Wine Enthusiast that rewards the best wines in the world under $20. Italy has won the second position, behind a Pinot Noir King Estate 2022 produced in the Willamette Valley, in Oregon, with the Lambrusco of Sorbara Piria by Paltrinieri which Jeff Porter raved about: “The nose of this extraordinary sparkling reveals a distinct interplay between fresh bay leaves, thyme and crushed cherries, delicately sprinkled with rose petals. The palate offers a mouth-watering mix of freshly crushed raspberries, green herbs and a hint of white pepper, accompanied by subtle notes of game. Versatile and delicious, it pairs wonderfully with a wide range of dishes, from pizza to sushi, promising to please all palates.”
All the wines made in Italy that have been classified among the hundred best wines in the world
Another Italian wine has firmly anchored itself in ninth position and is the red Renzo Masi 2020 Contrapasso Red produced in Tuscanyas described by Daniele Callegari: “The nose has a nuanced sweetness, slightly astringent, with aromas of strawberry leather, cherry, rose and hibiscus, and a stony undertone that provides balance. On the palate, oranges emphasize the strawberry notes, while the lingering stony flavor adds a light salinity. Powerful tannins and acid hold everything together”.
We continue in an honorable 13th position with the Cleto Chiarli 2022 Cialdini Vineyard Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro. Among the first fifty wines, Italian wine was placed in five other boxes: 17th position for Italian Art Brut Chardonnay by Rotari, 18th for the Moscato '23 by Saracco. Then they follow Little Derthona '22 of Terre di Sarizzola (32nd), the Red of Domini del Leonand (37th) and the Poggio Alto '21 by Piccini 1882 (38th).
Wine Enthusiast's ranking after an in-depth analysis of over 23.000 wines tasted blind
Continuing we find Pieropan 2023 Garganega Soave Classico, Veneto (44th), the Lambrusco Amabile '22 by Cantina di Puianello (48th), the Moscato '22 by Sobrero (49th). The Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Villa Bianchi '22 by Umani Ronchi in 51st position followed by the Pecorino '23 by Illuminati in 67th position. the Poggio Argentato '22 by Fattoria Le Pupille at no. 69. The list of the best wines in the world under 20 euros closes with the Chardonnay '22 by Peter Zemmer (no. 72), the Chianti Superiore '22 Banfi (80), the Otto Bucce '22 by Mezzani (88) and the Lugana '22 by Cà Maiol (96).
The ranking, as specified by the editorial staff of Wine Enthusiast, was drawn up after aan in-depth analysis of over 23.000 blind-tasted wines.
Fun fact: The magazine’s editors are keen to point out that “96 of these wines received scores of 90 or higher in our blind tastings; 32 wines are priced under $15; and you’ll even find traditionally expensive regions like Burgundy making an appearance (hello, Louis Latour’s 2020 Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay), rounding out the top 100.”
I American wines lead the list with 42 selections, (but it must be considered that the wine is made in the USA) reflecting the growing abundance of domestic options and producers’ efforts to keep prices affordable. Italy and France follow with 18 and 12 positions, respectively, while Argentina, Australia, Austria, Chile, Portugal and Spain each took 3 spots, presenting a veritable global atlas of fine and affordable selections. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and assorted red blends tied to the most iconic varietals, highlighting their broad appeal. “This list,” concludes Wine Enthusiast, “is also a study in the versatility of wallet-friendly wine.”