Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative
GarliderAlto Adige€€€€€€€Still Red
Brilliant ruby red with violet reflections; intense nose reminiscent of forest berries; full-bodied and silky with soft tannins and lively freshness, dark currant and spice on the palate with persistent finish.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Fruity
Cantina BolzanoAlto Adige€€€€€€€Still Red
Intense ruby St. Magdalener blend from the Santa Maddalena slopes above Bolzano at 250 to 500 m: violet and rose aromatics over red cherry and raspberry, full and smooth with marzipan signature on the finish.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative
ManincorAlto Adige€€€€€€€€Still Red
Manincor's selection Pinot Nero from the Mazzon plateau at 400-450 metres, sourced from the oldest vines in the highest position of the family's four hectares of Mazon Pinot Nero. Demeter biodynamic-certified; described by Manincor as the 'Grand Cru of Grand Cru'.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Savoury
J. HofstaetterAlto Adige€€€€€€€€Still Red
Hofstaetter's Mazon-area Pinot Nero Riserva, sourced from the limestone-sandstone plateau that produces structurally consistent Italian Pinot Noir. Deep ruby-garnet colour, ripe sweet seductive fragrance, with multifaceted notes of forest floor, berries and Amarelle cherry.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Loacker SchwarhofAlto Adige€€€€€€€Still Red
Morit Santa Maddalena from Loacker Schwarhof's biodynamic Bolzano vineyards: red cherry, violet and almond aromatics in the traditional Schiava-Lagrein blend, smooth and fruity palate from a biodynamic-organic vineyard programme.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Savoury
Cantina St. Michael-EppanAlto Adige€€€€€€€€Still Red
Cantina St. Michael-Eppan's Sanct Valentin Pinot Nero Riserva from select Appiano microzones at altitude. Selection-tier Pinot Noir from the Sanct Valentin lineup that established the cooperative's international reputation.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Elegant · Rustic
Hans RottensteinerAlto Adige€€€€€€€Still Red
Single-vineyard Santa Maddalena Classico from the Premstallerhof site at 450-550 m near Bolzano: elegance and smoothness from Schiava complemented by Lagrein complexity, demonstrating Schiava's serious side.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Bold
Brunnenhof MazzonAlto Adige€€€€€€€€Still Red
Brunnenhof Mazzon's premium single-vineyard Pinot Noir from the Vigna ZIS parcel, made from highly ripened grapes and aged minimum one year in tonneaux. The producer describes Vigna ZIS as more concentrated, full-bodied and spicier than the Riserva.
Dry · Easygoing
Domaine du Manoir du CarraBeaujolais€€€€€€Still Red
Dry · Easygoing
Domaine Jean-Marc BurgaudBeaujolais€€€€€€Still Red
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Fruity
Chateau BauducBordeaux€€€€€€Still Red
Bauduc's entry-level claret; a straightforward Merlot-Cabernet blend offering reliable, juicy red-fruit character and soft tannins at an accessible price. Drink now or hold for up to seven years. The wine is consistently good for its level.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Fruity
Chateau Moulin Pey-LabrieBordeaux€€€€€€€Still Red
100% Merlot Fronsac from the 4.5-hectare Haut-Lariveau parcel acquired by the Hubau family in 1990. More approachable and fruit-forward than its Canon-Fronsac sibling, farmed with the same biodynamic discipline.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing
Château Chasse-SpleenBordeaux€€€€€€Still Red
The Haut-Médoc AOC second-level wine of Chasse-Spleen, made from satellite vineyard parcels. Easy-drinking, herb-inflected red fruit for everyday occasions.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Savoury · Elegant
Chateau La Mission Haut-BrionBordeaux€€€€€€€€€Still Red
The second wine of La Mission Haut-Brion, incorporating grapes from younger vines and since 2006 from the former La Tour Haut-Brion vineyard. Shares the Talence gravel terroir; accessible dark fruit with cedar and spice, drinkable earlier than the grand vin.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Savoury
Chateau Smith Haut LafitteBordeaux€€€€€€€€Still Red
The second red wine of Smith Haut Lafitte, sharing the estate's Martillac gravel terroir. A Cabernet-Sauvignon-led blend with cassis, fresh herbs, and pencil-shaving notes in an approachable medium-bodied style suitable for earlier drinking.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Chateau Troplong MondotBordeaux€€€€€€€Still Red
Second wine of Troplong Mondot, Merlot-dominant with emphasis on freshness and early drinkability. A juicy, earthy black cherry and spring flower profile with wet-stone limestone terroir character; approachable and unpretentious.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing
NiepoortDouro Valley€€€€€€Still Red
Niepoort's fresh, fruit-forward entry Douro red, juicy and easy with soft tannins, an everyday introduction to the house style.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing
Wine & SoulDouro Valley€€€€€€Still Red
An approachable Douro red from the Manoella estate, ripe and fresh with fine tannins, the everyday wine of Wine & Soul.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · High acidity · Refreshing · Festive
Abrami ElisabettaFranciacorta€€€€€€€Sparkling Traditional
Pinot Nero-led Rosé Franciacorta from organic Abrami Elisabetta. The cellar's Pinot Nero focus shows clearly in its rosé.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · High acidity · Refreshing · Festive
Al RocolFranciacorta€€€€€€€Sparkling Traditional
Pinot Nero-led Rosé Franciacorta from family Al Rocol at Ome.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · High acidity · Refreshing · Festive
Bersi SerliniFranciacorta€€€€€€€Sparkling Traditional
Pinot Nero-led Rosé Franciacorta from organic Bersi Serlini at Provaglio d'Iseo.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative
Ca' del BoscoFranciacorta€€€€€€€€Still Red
100 percent Pinot Nero from Ca' del Bosco's Erbusco still-wine vineyards, oak-matured for 12 to 14 months. Sour cherry and raspberry aromatics with violet, forest floor and a fine-tannin finish.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · High acidity · Refreshing · Festive
CamossiFranciacorta€€€€€€€Sparkling Traditional
Pinot Nero-led Rosé Franciacorta from organic Camossi at Erbusco. Red-berried traditional-method sparkling.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · High acidity · Refreshing · Festive
Castel FagliaFranciacorta€€€€€€€Sparkling Traditional
Pinot Nero-led Rosé Franciacorta from Castel Faglia at Cazzago San Martino.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · High acidity · Refreshing · Festive
Faccoli LorenzoFranciacorta€€€€€€€Sparkling Traditional
Pinot Nero-led Rosé Franciacorta from family Faccoli at Coccaglio.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · High acidity · Refreshing · Festive
MajoliniFranciacorta€€€€€€€Sparkling Traditional
Pinot Nero-led Rosé Franciacorta from organic Majolini at Ome.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · High acidity · Refreshing · Festive
Marchesi Antinori Tenuta MontenisaFranciacorta€€€€€€€Sparkling Traditional
Pinot Nero-led Rosé Franciacorta from Marchesi Antinori Tenuta Montenisa at Calino.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · High acidity · Refreshing · Festive
MirabellaFranciacorta€€€€€€€Sparkling Traditional
Pinot Nero-led Rosé Franciacorta from organic Mirabella at Passirano.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · High acidity · Refreshing · Festive
QuadraFranciacorta€€€€€€€Sparkling Traditional
Pinot Nero-led Rosé Franciacorta from Quadra at Cologne.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · High acidity · Refreshing · Festive
San CristoforoFranciacorta€€€€€€€Sparkling Traditional
Pinot Nero-led Rosé Franciacorta from organic San Cristoforo at Villa Pedergnano.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Bressan Mastri VinaiFriuli-Venezia Giulia€€€€€€€€Still Red
Native Friulian Schioppettino from Bressan. The signature black-pepper bite of the variety is amplified by the cellar's long Slavonian-oak elevage.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Racy acidity · Rustic · Savoury
CastelvecchioFriuli-Venezia Giulia€€€€€€Still Red
Native Carso Terrano from Castelvecchio. The cellar's red on the iron-rich karst soils.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Savoury
Damijan PodversicFriuli-Venezia Giulia€€€€€€€€Orange
Damijan Podversic's extended-maceration Ribolla from the Gorizia hillside, two months on the skins with no added yeast. Dried apricot and honey over a tea-tannin finish.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
FoffaniFriuli-Venezia Giulia€€€€€€Still Red
Native Friulian Refosco from Foffani at Clauiano in the Friuli Aquileia DOC. Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso is named for its red stem; the wine shows the variety's signature violet-and-pepper profile.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Savoury · Bold
La TunellaFriuli-Venezia Giulia€€€€€€€Still Red
Indigenous Schioppettino with the variety's signature white-and-black-pepper aromatics. La Tunella's Schioppettino is one of the modern references for the revived Friulian indigenous red.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Savoury · Funky
RadikonFriuli-Venezia Giulia€€€€€€€€Still Red
Indigenous-style Merlot from the Oslavia ponca slopes, vinified the Radikon way with no added yeast and three years in Slavonian botti. Dried red cherry and leather over a dusty, saline-edged finish.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Savoury
Ronchi di CiallaFriuli-Venezia Giulia€€€€€€€€Still Red
The Rapuzzi family's flagship Schioppettino di Cialla. The Rapuzzi rescued Schioppettino from near-extinction in the 1970s, planting the first new Schioppettino vineyards at Cialla (Prepotto) since the variety nearly died out. Their work led to the Schioppettino di Prepotto sub-denomination.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Ronchi di ManzanoFriuli-Venezia Giulia€€€€€€€Still Red
Native Friulian Schioppettino from Ronchi di Manzano. Schioppettino was nearly extinct in the 1970s before the village of Prepotto saved it; the wine's signature is its black-pepper bite.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Racy acidity · Rustic · Savoury
SkerkFriuli-Venezia Giulia€€€€€€€Still Red
Native Carso Terrano from Skerk. The cellar's red on the iron-rich karst soils.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Tenuta di BlasigFriuli-Venezia Giulia€€€€€€Still Red
Native Friulian Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso from Tenuta di Blasig. The cellar's red anchor.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Racy acidity · Rustic · Savoury
ZidarichFriuli-Venezia Giulia€€€€€€€Still Red
Native Carso Terrano from Zidarich. Terrano is the Carso's signature red and the wine retains the variety's iron-mineral signature from the karst's red soils.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Domaine Ollier-TailleferLanguedoc€€€€€€Still Red
Entry-level red of Ollier-Taillefer. Appealing, flavourful, schist-driven; the everyday Faugères of the estate.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Savoury · Bold
Domaine de la MarfeeLanguedoc€€€€€€€Still Red
Powerful, well-balanced Languedoc red from Domaine de la Marfee's Gres de Montpellier vineyards; biodynamic with structured fruit and mineral spine.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Bartolo MascarelloPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
A traditional, energetic Barbera from the same Barolo-village family known for understatement and balance rather than oak or extraction.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Bold · Savoury
BraidaPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
Giacomo Bologna's barrique-aged Barbera that reshaped the grape as a serious, age-worthy red, a rich, deep wine from old Rocchetta Tanaro vines.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Elegant
Ca' del BaioPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
A garnet Barbaresco with an intense bouquet of powerful fruit, dried flowers and underbrush, dry, smooth and rounded with a warm finish and balanced tannins.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing
Ca' del BaioPiedmont€€€€€€Still Red
An accessible Langhe Nebbiolo from the Treiso estate, offering the grape's perfume and red fruit in an early-drinking, fairly priced style.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Bold · Savoury
CoppoPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
Coppo's barrique-aged flagship Barbera from old Monferrato vines, a rich, structured and age-worthy red cellared in UNESCO-listed tufa caves.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
FontanafreddaPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
The classic village Barolo from the largest contiguous estate in the Langhe, blending organically farmed Serralunga fruit into a traditional, fairly priced Nebbiolo.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Refreshing
G.D. VajraPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
Albe is Vajra's bright, sun-named Barolo drawn from three high vineyards in Vergne, a fresh, fragrant and accessible expression of classic Nebbiolo.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing
G.D. VajraPiedmont€€€€€€€Still Red
Vajra's Langhe Nebbiolo is a fresh, fragrant and early-drinking introduction to the grape, drawn from younger vines around Vergne.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Savoury · Rustic
Giacomo ConternoPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
A serious, age-worthy Barbera from the same Cascina Francia vineyard in Serralunga, given long ageing in large old barrel in the traditionalist Conterno manner.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Fruity · Savoury
Marchesi di BaroloPiedmont€€€€€€Still Red
A deep ruby Barbera with purple hints, blackberry and red-fruit preserve aromas with vanilla and toasted hazelnut, full and enveloping with subtle acidity and integrated oak.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative
Marchesi di BaroloPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
From the legendary Cannubi hill, a ruby-garnet Barolo with intense rose, vanilla, spice and toasted oak over a full, elegant and austere palate with soft, enveloping tannins.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Contemplative
Marchesi di BaroloPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
From the Sarmassa cru in Barolo, an intense Barolo of wild rose, vanilla, licorice and spice with pine resin and tobacco, full and elegant with prominent tannin.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Marchesi di BaroloPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
The classic village Barolo of the house, blending fruit from across the Barolo commune for a structured, traditional and fairly priced Nebbiolo.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Savoury · Rustic
Matteo CorreggiaPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
A barrel-aged Barbera d'Alba Superiore from old vines, given long skin maceration and oak, a consistently high-scoring serious expression of the grape.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Savoury · Rustic
Michele ChiarloPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
From the La Court cru acquired in 1995, Chiarlo's flagship Barbera shows red fruit, mature cherry, raspberry and sweet tobacco over a full-bodied, balanced palate with a savoury, round finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Savoury · Rustic
Michele ChiarloPiedmont€€€€€€€Still Red
A Nizza DOCG Barbera from the La Court cru, bright ruby with red fruit, mature cherry, raspberry and sweet tobacco, full-bodied and balanced with a savoury round finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Poderi e Cantine OdderoPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
The classic estate Barolo, blending fruit from several of Oddero's cru holdings into a traditional, balanced and fairly priced Nebbiolo.
Dry · Full-bodied · Low tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Fruity
PeccheninoPiedmont€€€€€€€Still Red
An intense ruby Dogliani with violet nuances, blackberry, blueberry and red cherry over mineral notes, full-bodied with soft tannins and good balance, showing Dolcetto's serious side.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Savoury
Poderi Aldo ConternoPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
The estate's classic Bussia Barolo, drawing on the wider Bussia holdings for a structured yet approachable traditional Nebbiolo.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Produttori del BarbarescoPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
The flagship village Barbaresco of the grower cooperative, blending member fruit from across the appellation into a classic, fairly priced 100% Nebbiolo.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing
Produttori del BarbarescoPiedmont€€€€€€€Still Red
An accessible, earlier-drinking Langhe Nebbiolo from the cooperative's member vineyards, declassified from Barbaresco fruit.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
ViettiPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
From the Scarrone vineyard in Castiglione Falletto, a ruby, full-bodied Barbera with ripe red and black cherry, vanilla and spice, good acidity and a complex, persistent finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
ViettiPiedmont€€€€€€€€Still Red
From old vines planted in 1932, La Crena is a serious, age-worthy Barbera with ruby depth, ripe blackberry and cherry and spicy notes over Barbera's signature racy acidity.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing
ViettiPiedmont€€€€€€€Still Red
Vietti's Langhe Nebbiolo from declassified Barolo fruit: raspberry, currant, mint and spice with round, elegant tannins and a refined finish that drinks well young.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Fruity
Álvaro PalaciosPriorat€€€€€€€Still Red
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Fruity
Vinícola del PrioratPriorat€€€€€€Still Red
A fruit-forward blend from Vinícola del Priorat combining Garnacha, Cariñena, and Merlot. Approachable and round with a soft texture.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Chateau CalissanneProvence€€€€€€€Still Red
Calissanne's Prestige red is the everyday Coteaux d'Aix offering, blending Syrah, Grenache and Cabernet from organic-certified vineyards above the Etang de Berre.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Domaine des BeatesProvence€€€€€€€Still Red
Esprit des Beates is the estate's everyday Coteaux d'Aix red, drawn from across the 40-hectare biodynamic vineyard at Lambesc.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Domaine du DeffendsProvence€€€€€€Still Red
Everyday Coteaux Varois red blending Syrah and Grenache from organic vines at Saint-Maximin. Approachable, herb-driven.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Mas de GourgonnierProvence€€€€€€Still Red
Everyday Les Baux red from one of the founding organic producers of the Alpilles. Grenache-Carignan-Syrah-Cabernet blend; herb-driven, easy and structured.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Savoury · Rustic
Mas de la DameProvence€€€€€€€Still Red
Cabernet-Grenache-Syrah blend named for the standing stone on the estate. Structured, herb-driven Les Baux red.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Domaine BrussetRhone Valley€€€€€€Still Red
Reliable CDR Villages from Brusset; a step up from the basic CDR with more concentration and earthy depth from the estate's Cairanne-area fruit.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Low tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Fruity
Famille PerrinRhone Valley€€€€€€Still Red
La Vieille Ferme is the ultimate everyday Southern Rhone; light, fresh, herb-scented, and designed for uncomplicated drinking. One of the best-selling French wines globally.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Hacienda SolanoRibera del Duero€€€€€€€Still Red
Well-rounded Crianza from the high chalk plateau east of Aranda de Duero, with cherry, blackberry and vanilla from 14 months in mixed oak and approachable soft tannins.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Fruity
Gavalas WinerySantorini€€€€€€€€Still Red
Voudomato is a rare Aegean-island red. Gavalas's single-varietal bottling shows a lifted, herbal, red-fruit profile.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Savoury
Santo WinesSantorini€€€€€€€€Still Red
Cooperative Mavrotragano. Firm-tannin Aegean red with black-fruit core and smoky herb.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Funky
Abele AjelloSicily€€€€€€Still Red
Ajello's Osa red blend of Nero d'Avola and Grillo is an unusual pairing of a red and white variety in a co-fermented red: warm, herbal and distinct from straightforward varietal Nero d'Avola.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Alta Mora by Cusumano (Etna)Sicily€€€€€€€Still Red
Alta Mora's entry Etna Rosso from the Verzella contrada: one of the most accessible and well-priced Etna Rosso expressions from the north slope, showcasing the Cusumano winemaking clarity.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Baglio del Cristo di CampobelloSicily€€€€€€Still Red
Baglio del Cristo's entry-level Adenzia Rosso blends Nero d'Avola's dark fruit warmth with Syrah's peppery spice from the chalky Agrigento limestone estate, producing a food-friendly everyday Sicilian red.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
COSSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
Sicily's most celebrated DOCG in its defining expression: Nero d'Avola structure lifted by Frappato's sour-cherry acidity, earthy-mineral finish from Vittoria clay-limestone soils.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Bold · Rustic
COSSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
COS's varietal Nero d'Avola reveals the grape at its richest: dark fruit, licorice and tobacco with supple biodynamic-farmed tannins and a persistent warm finish.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Funky
COS PithosSicily€€€€€€€Orange
Grecanico fermented on skins in amphora: a paradigmatic skin-contact white of honeyed stone-fruit richness, firm phenolic texture and saline-mineral finish.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Funky
Azienda Vinicola CalabrettaSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
Calabretta's classic Etna Rosso: the blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio from century-old ungrafted vines, biodynamically farmed and made without additions, produces a wine of honest rustic charm and deep mineral character.
Dry · Light-bodied · Low tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Funky
Azienda Vinicola CalabrettaSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
Gaio Gaio is Calabretta's most accessible wine: a light-bodied, vibrant Nerello Mascalese with the biodynamic estate's characteristic freshness and minimal-intervention purity.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Cantine MilazzoSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
One of the few expressions of the rare Mamertino DOC: a Nero d'Avola and Nocera blend from the Milazzo hills near the Tyrrhenian, with the dense dark-fruit character of Nero d'Avola lifted by Nocera's bitter herb notes.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Cantine MilazzoSicily€€€€€€Still Red
Cantine Milazzo's Sicilia DOC Nero d'Avola from Tyrrhenian-influenced north-east Sicily: accessible, dark-fruited and an everyday ambassador for this native grape at a coastal terroir.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
CottaneraSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
The Cottanera Etna Rosso is the estate's primary north-slope red: approachable and fruit-forward, with Nerello's cherry character and Etna's herbaceous mineral finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Bold · Rustic
CusumanoSicily€€€€€€Still Red
Cusumano's Nero d'Avola and Syrah blend from Sicilian estate vineyards: the pepper-spice of Syrah amplifies Nero d'Avola's dark fruit and the barrique treatment adds structure and warmth.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
DonnafugataSicily€€€€€€Still Red
Donnafugata's entry-level Nero d'Avola offers the grape's warm, plum-cherry character with the smooth, approachable style the estate is known for at this price point.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Feudi del PisciottoSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
Feudi del Pisciotto's DOCG expression from the restored manor estate in the Val di Noto shows the Cerasuolo di Vittoria character cleanly: cherry, mineral and herbaceous with the appellation's characteristic clay-soil earthiness.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Bold
Feudi del PisciottoSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
The Versace-labelled Nero d'Avola from Feudi del Pisciotto is part of the estate's designer fashion-house label series; the wine is a full, smooth and polished Nero d'Avola of immediate approachability.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Bold
Feudo MontoniSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
The more approachable Feudo Montoni Nero d'Avola; less austere than Vrucara, with a cherry-herb character and the estate's distinctive high-altitude mineral warmth.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
FirriatoSicily€€€€€€Still Red
Firriato's entry-level Nero d'Avola under the Chiaramonte label is an accessible, fruit-forward expression of the variety: warm, rounded and designed for everyday enjoyment.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Funky · Easygoing
Frank CornelissenSicily€€€€€€€€Still Red
MunJebel Rosso is the accessible entry into the Cornelissen range: zero-sulphur Nerello Mascalese from multiple contrade, vibrant and mineral, embodying the Etna natural-wine philosophy in an everyday format.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Girolamo RussoSicily€€€€€€€€Still Red
San Lorenzo is the most immediately accessible of the Russo single-contrada range: fragrant, iron-streaked, with vibrant sour cherry and a saline volcanic freshness that makes it the most drinkable Russo Etna Rosso in its youth.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
GraciSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
The entry Graci Etna Rosso offers immediate pleasure: Nerello Mascalese at its most approachable - fragrant, herb-scented, with the estate's characteristic saline mineral finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Bold · Savoury
GulfiSicily€€€€€€€€Still Red
The Baronj contrada produces a more herbal-mineral Nero d'Avola than Bufaleffj, with a finer-grained tannic structure and exceptional length.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · Medium acidity · Bold · Rustic
GulfiSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
Gulfi's entry-level single-contrada Nero d'Avola from the Ibleo plateau: concentrated dark fruit, carob and licorice with firm tannin and a warm volcanic-clay mineral finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Settesoli MandrarossaSicily€€€€€€Still Red
Mandrarossa's varietal Nero d'Avola shows the cooperative's Menfi terroir at its most accessible: cherry-plum, herbal and warm, a reliable everyday Sicilian red with the typical coastal-influence freshness of Menfi.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
MorganteSicily€€€€€€Still Red
Morgante's estate Nero d'Avola from the Agrigento interior shows the full-bodied, warm-fruited character of the grape from hot-climate inland soils, with approachable tannin and immediate appeal.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
MurgoSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
Murgo's estate Etna Rosso from the eastern slope of Etna: approachable and herb-scented, with the saline freshness characteristic of the Santa Venerina area.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Palmento CostanzoSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
Mofete Rosso is Palmento Costanzo's estate red: organically farmed Nerello Mascalese from the Santo Spirito contrada producing a fragrant, mineral-driven Etna Rosso with appealing freshness.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Passopisciaro (Vini Franchetti)Sicily€€€€€€€€Still Red
The entry-level Passopisciaro: blended from multiple north-slope plots, fragrant and approachable, offering a compelling introduction to the estate's Nerello Mascalese philosophy.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
PietradolceSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
Pietradolce's entry Etna Rosso: approachable, herb-scented Nerello Mascalese with cherry brightness and Etna's characteristic saline mineral finish.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Planeta Dorilli (Vittoria)Sicily€€€€€€€Still Red
Planeta's DOCG expression from the Dorilli contrada in Vittoria: classic cherry-sour-herb character of the appellation with the polish and consistency Planeta's winemaking team delivers across all estates.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
PlanetaSicily€€€€€€Still Red
La Segreta Rosso is Planeta's multi-varietal entry red: Nero d'Avola blended with Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc for a smooth, approachable and consistent everyday Sicilian red with broad food versatility.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Bold · Rustic
Planeta Buonivini (Noto)Sicily€€€€€€€Still Red
Planeta's Noto DOC Nero d'Avola from the Buonivini contrada captures the south-east of Sicily at its most sun-soaked: rich carob and dark cherry with the warm mineral finish typical of the Noto appellation's limestone soils.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Planeta Sciaranuova (Etna)Sicily€€€€€€€Still Red
Planeta's Etna Nerello Mascalese from the Sciaranuova estate in Solicchiata: the Planeta house style - expressive and accessible - applied to the volcanic north slope.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Tasca d'AlmeritaSicily€€€€€€Still Red
Regaleali Rosso has been Tasca's everyday red since 1968: a multi-varietal native blend of Nero d'Avola, Perricone and Nerello Mascalese showing the breadth of the Regaleali plateau's terroir.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Tenuta Tascante (Tasca d'Almerita on Etna)Sicily€€€€€€€Still Red
Ghiaia Nera (black gravel) is the benchmark cuvee of Tasca's Etna estate, taking its name from the black volcanic gravel of the Rampante contrada: mineral-driven, fragrant Nerello Mascalese from the north slope.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Tenuta delle Terre NereSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
The estate Etna Rosso represents the breadth of Terre Nere's north-slope holdings: an approachable, everyday expression of Nerello Mascalese with cherry freshness and volcanic minerality.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Tenuta delle Terre NereSicily€€€€€€€€Still Red
San Lorenzo's lower-altitude vines yield a more accessible Terre Nere red: fragrant, iron-streaked, with vibrant sour-cherry acidity and a mineral iron finish.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Tenute NicosiaSicily€€€€€€€€Still Red
Fondo Filara is the premium Nicosia Etna Rosso from organically farmed Nerello Mascalese on the south-east slope: approachable and mineral, reflecting the Trecastagni terroir.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
TornatoreSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
Tornatore's estate Etna Rosso from what the family claims is the largest single-vineyard in the Etna DOC: approachable Nerello Mascalese with typical volcanic mineral character and fresh herb notes.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Valle dell'AcateSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
Valle dell'Acate's classic DOCG blend from six generations of Jacono family organic farming: bright cherry and dried-herb aromatics with firm Vittoria-terroir acidity and mineral persistence.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Bold · Rustic
Valle dell'AcateSicily€€€€€€€Still Red
Valle dell'Acate's varietal Nero d'Avola shows the grape's fuller, warmer side: ripe dark fruit with vanilla-spice from French oak, round tannins and a warming Sicilian sun-drenched finish.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Bold · Rustic
Zisola (Mazzei)Sicily€€€€€€€Still Red
The estate red blends Nero d'Avola's dark fruit with Syrah's peppery spice, delivering a richer, more internationally styled Sicilian red with smooth tannin and warmth.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Savoury
AvignonesiTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Avignonesi's annata Vino Nobile, 100 percent Prugnolo Gentile from Demeter-biodynamic Montepulciano vineyards.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Easygoing
Biondi-SantiTuscany€€€€€€€€Still Red
The Greppo estate's younger-vine Rosso, the traditional style in a more accessible register.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Elegant
Poderi BoscarelliTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Annata Vino Nobile from Boscarelli, Prugnolo Gentile with traditional supporting grapes.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Barone Ricasoli Castello di BrolioTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
A traditionalist Chianti Classico honouring the 1872 Ricasoli formula: Sangiovese plus the rare Abrusco (Colorino-family) for colour and herbal lift, aged in large casks rather than barrique.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Castello di QuercetoTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Riserva from Castello di Querceto, mid-weight Sangiovese with Canaiolo and Mammolo for aromatic perfume.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Castello di VolpaiaTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Annata Chianti Classico from the 600-metre Volpaia hamlet, translucent and herbal with the high-altitude Radda signature.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Frescobaldi Tenuta di CastiglioniTuscany€€€€€€Still Red
Frescobaldi's accessible Chianti DOCG from the Castiglioni estate, the family daily wine.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Azienda Agricola CesaniTuscany€€€€€€Still Red
Cesani's everyday Chianti from the Colli Senesi sub-zone south-west of San Gimignano. Field-blend Sangiovese with bright red-cherry, tomato-leaf and rosemary lift.
Dry · Full-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Azienda Agricola CesaniTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
The Cesani family's Toscana IGT red. Sangiovese-led with Merlot weight, organic Pancole fruit, tonneaux ageing for soft tannin and savoury depth.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
FelsinaTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
The Felsina entry-level annata, pure Sangiovese in a translucent old-school register: sour cherry, violets, fennel.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
FontodiTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Fontodi's annata, pure Sangiovese from organic vineyards at Panzano, with the house signature of violet and graphite.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
GrattamaccoTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Grattamacco's annata Bolgheri DOC, accessible Bordeaux-Sangiovese blend from CCPB-organic vineyards.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Tenuta Guado al TassoTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Guado al Tasso's second wine, accessible Bolgheri DOC Cabernet-Merlot-Syrah blend.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Il PoggioneTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Younger-vine Rosso from Il Poggione, the village's daily Brunello-style red.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Isole e OlenaTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Isole e Olena's annata Chianti Classico, a translucent Sangiovese-led blend with the house cherry-and-violet aromatics.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Tenuta San GuidoTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Tenuta San Guido's third wine, a Cabernet-Sangiovese Toscana IGT for everyday drinking.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Fattoria Le FontiTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Vicky Schmitt-Vitali's ICEA-organic Chianti Classico Riserva, traditionally styled and small-batch.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Le MacchioleTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Le Macchiole's annata Bolgheri DOC, an accessible blend showcasing the estate's three varietal flagships.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Fattoria Le PupilleTuscany€€€€€€Still Red
Le Pupille's annata Morellino, the village daily wine from the warm coastal Maremma.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Savoury
Fattoria Le PupilleTuscany€€€€€€€€Still Red
Single-vineyard Morellino di Scansano Riserva from Le Pupille, pure Sangiovese from the warm coastal Maremma.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Rocca di FrassinelloTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Rocca di Frassinello's accessible Sangiovese-Bordeaux Maremma DOC, the estate's second wine.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Tenuta dell'OrnellaiaTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Ornellaia's accessible Sangiovese-Bordeaux Toscana IGT, the estate's everyday-drinking bottle.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Savoury
Marchesi AntinoriTuscany€€€€€€€€Still Red
Classic Chianti Classico Riserva from the Tignanello estate's vineyards, sour-cherry-and-tobacco profile with the structure of the Marchese cuvee.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Savoury
Michele SattaTuscany€€€€€€€€Still Red
Michele Satta's 100 percent Sangiovese Toscana IGT, a rarity on Bolgheri's Bordeaux-dominated coast.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Savoury
Michele SattaTuscany€€€€€€€€Still Red
Michele Satta's flagship four-way Bolgheri blend, equal parts Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Contemplative · Rustic
MontevertineTuscany€€€€€€€€Still Red
The Montevertine field blend, Sangiovese-led with Canaiolo and Colorino, aged in Slavonian botti. Traditional Tuscan Sangiovese transparency: red cherry, tobacco and iron over a long acid spine.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Elegant
Castello di NipozzanoTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Frescobaldi's flagship Rufina Riserva, in continuous production since 1864.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative
Castello di NipozzanoTuscany€€€€€€€€Still Red
Single-vineyard pure Sangiovese from the high-elevation Montesodi parcel at Nipozzano, the Rufina region's elegant calling card.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
PanizziTuscany€€€€€€Still Red
Panizzi's Chianti Colli Senesi, the San Gimignano red counterpoint to its Vernaccias.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
MontevertineTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
The everyday Montevertine. Same field blend, shorter cask, brighter cherry and softer tannin: built for a Tuesday table.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Poggio AnticoTuscany€€€€€€€€Still Red
Pure Sangiovese Toscana IGT from Poggio Antico, an early Brunello-style IGT outside the DOCG.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Fruity
Marchesi Mazzei Castello di FonterutoliTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
An everyday Mazzei: Sangiovese-led with Merlot softness, brief American-oak round, made for a Tuesday-night table.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Rustic
Poggio di SottoTuscany€€€€€€€€Still Red
A Rosso di Montalcino in Brunello clothing: same southeastern fruit and Slavonian-cask discipline, shorter wood, brighter cherry and earlier accessibility.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
PolizianoTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Poliziano's annata Vino Nobile, accessible Prugnolo Gentile from the Carletti family estate.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
QuerciabellaTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Pure Sangiovese annata from biodynamic Greve in Chianti vineyards, mid-weight and herbal.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
RiecineTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Pure Sangiovese annata from Riecine's tiny 13-hectare estate at Gaiole, vegan-vinified.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
RiecineTuscany€€€€€€€€Still Red
Pure Sangiovese Riserva from Riecine's Gaiole vineyards, the structure of La Gioia with shorter ageing.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
SalchetoTuscany€€€€€€Still Red
Salcheto's daily-drinker Rosso, pure Prugnolo Gentile from the off-grid CCPB-organic cellar.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Savoury
SalchetoTuscany€€€€€€€€Still Red
Riserva from CCPB-organic Salcheto's off-grid solar cellar, pure Prugnolo Gentile from old vines.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
SalchetoTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Salcheto's annata Vino Nobile, pure Prugnolo Gentile from CCPB-organic vineyards.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Elegant · Contemplative
Fattoria SelvapianaTuscany€€€€€€€€Still Red
Single-vineyard pure Sangiovese Chianti Rufina Riserva from Selvapiana's Bucerchiale parcel, library-aged.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Fattoria SelvapianaTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Selvapiana's annata Rufina, ICEA-organic Sangiovese in the cool high-altitude Rufina style.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Frescobaldi Tenuta di CastiglioniTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Sangiovese-led Bordeaux-supported Toscana IGT from Frescobaldi's Castiglioni estate, the daily-drinking Super Tuscan.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Tua RitaTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Tua Rita's pure Sangiovese Suvereto DOCG, a coastal Maremma counterpoint to the Bordeaux-grape range.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Marchesi AntinoriTuscany€€€€€€€Still Red
Sangiovese-led Chianti Classico Riserva in a juicier, more accessible Antinori register, with cherry and tobacco at the core.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Elegant
AllegriniVeneto€€€€€€€€€Still Red
A 100% Corvina IGT aged in French barriques rather than dried: La Poja demonstrates the varietal's structure and ageing potential when treated outside the appassimento framework, producing a powerful, savoury red that rivals Amarone in complexity.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
AllegriniVeneto€€€€€€€Still Red
A Veronese IGT using partial ripasso over Amarone pomace adding richness to the Corvina-Rondinella blend, while a small Sangiovese component adds acidity. Approachable but complex mid-tier red from Allegrini.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
AllegriniVeneto€€€€€€Still Red
Allegrini's estate Classico Superiore reflects the house's high Corvinone proportion (45%) adding floral lift and softer tannin alongside Corvina's cherry-herb character; a bright, food-friendly everyday Valpolicella.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
BertaniVeneto€€€€€€€Still Red
Bertani's Ripasso benefits from the estate's traditional Corvina-Rondinella blend and refermentation over dried Amarone skins, producing a mid-weight red with the freshness typical of the traditional house style.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Refreshing
Ca' La BiondaVeneto€€€€€€€Still Red
Ca' La Bionda's Classico Superiore reflects the upper Marano valley's mineral character in a lighter-bodied, tart cherry register; crisp, food-friendly and genuinely typical of the traditional Valpolicella style.
Dry · Light-bodied · Low tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Cantine CampagnolaVeneto€€€€€€Still Red
Campagnola's Valpolicella Classico from the estate's hillside vineyards in the historic Classico zone. A traditional expression of the DOC: light in colour and body but with the characteristic Corvina sour cherry and almond character of the Classico hills.
Dry · Full-bodied · Firm tannin · High acidity · Bold · Contemplative
Dal Forno RomanoVeneto€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Dal Forno's entry into the Valpolicella range already shows the estate's signature intensity: deeply coloured, barrique-aged and concentrated beyond what the DOC classification implies.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Savoury
Giuseppe QuintarelliVeneto€€€€€€€€€Still Red
Quintarelli's entry-level Valpolicella is already a lesson in traditional winemaking: high-acid, savoury cherry fruit with dried-herb complexity and three years in large oak adding gentle structure.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
GorgoVeneto€€€€€€Still Red
Gorgo's Garda DOC Merlot provides a red wine counterpart to the estate's primary Bianco di Custoza focus. Lake Garda's moderating effect on the climate produces a well-rounded Merlot with soft tannins and ripe fruit.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Italo CesconVeneto€€€€€€Still Red
The Piave plain Merlot DOC from Italo Cescon is a classic Trevisan everyday red. Merlot on the alluvial Piave soils produces a plum-forward, medium-bodied wine with soft tannins suited to simple food pairings.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Lorenzo BegaliVeneto€€€€€€€Still Red
Begali's Valpolicella Classico Superiore from Ca' Bianca old vines shows the same mineral-iron freshness as the estate's Amarone in a lighter register; a food-friendly expression of traditional San Pietro in Cariano Corvina.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · Medium acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Masi AgricolaVeneto€€€€€€€Still Red
Campofiorin pioneered the ripasso technique in 1964, passing fresh Valpolicella wine over dried Amarone grape skins to extract colour, richness and complexity. A seminal wine that created an entire style category.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Nicolis Angelo e FigliVeneto€€€€€€Still Red
The Nicolis estate Classico Superiore offers an honest, traditional Valpolicella from the Villa Girardi hillside; cherry-tobacco character with the freshness typical of a classic-zone Corvina aged gently in large casks.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Santa SofiaVeneto€€€€€€Still Red
Santa Sofia's Classico Superiore is a reliable, food-friendly, accessible Valpolicella from the historic Pedemonte estate with cherry-tobacco character and good acidity.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Easygoing · Rustic
Serafini and VidottoVeneto€€€€€€€Still Red
Phigaia is the accessible second wine from Serafini and Vidotto, allowing the estate to express the Montello terroir at a lower price point. The Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend is lighter, fresher and more immediately enjoyable than Il Rosso dell'Abazia.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Speri ViticoltoriVeneto€€€€€€€Still Red
Speri's La Roverina Classico Superiore with partial ripasso technique; fresh cherry and tobacco character from the traditional large-cask approach, with added concentration from the ripasso step and the estate's characteristic acidity.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Tedeschi ViniVeneto€€€€€€€Still Red
The Capitel dei Nicalo is Tedeschi's Valpolicella Superiore partially ripassoed over dried skins, offering accessible Corvina cherry fruit with tobacco structure and good food-pairing versatility.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Tenuta Sant'AntonioVeneto€€€€€€€Still Red
Tenuta Sant'Antonio's Ripasso shows the Mezzane valley's characteristic earthiness alongside cherry-tobacco fruit; the small Oseleta addition adds a distinguishing spice note that sets it apart from Classico-zone examples.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
Tommasi ViticoltoriVeneto€€€€€€€Still Red
Tommasi's Ripasso offers the hallmark refermentation complexity over dried Amarone skins in a well-structured, cherry-tobacco dominated medium red that is one of the zone's best-value offerings in the Ripasso DOC.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Funky
Valentina CubiVeneto€€€€€€€Still Red
Valentina Cubi's organic Valpolicella Superiore shows the freshness of high-altitude Fumane fruit with earthy mineral character from organic farming; a genuinely characterful everyday Valpolicella with better-than-average expressiveness.
Dry · Light-bodied · High acidity · Refreshing · Elegant
Villa SandiVeneto€€€€€€€Sparkling Tank
Opere Trevigiane is Villa Sandi's premium DOCG Brut, positioned between Il Fresco DOC and the Cartizze grand cru. It uses Glera from selected hillside parcels within the Valdobbiadene DOCG zone for a more structured brut expression.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Refreshing
VivianiVeneto€€€€€€€Still Red
Viviani's Classico Superiore from the high Mazzano ridge shows the altitude freshness that characterises all the estate's wines: iron mineral, tart cherry and mountain herbs in a lean, food-loving medium-red.
Dry · Medium-bodied · Medium tannin · High acidity · Rustic · Easygoing
ZenatoVeneto€€€€€€€Still Red
Zenato's Ripassa shows the Oseleta grape's peppery-spice influence even at the mid-tier level: good concentration from refermentation over dried skins with a distinguishing warmth from the native Oseleta component.