The Best Italian Wines Under $15
One of the most common myths about wine is that you have to spend a lot to get a very good bottle. But turns out it’s just that—a myth. There are plenty of excellent bottles in the under-$15 range—if you know what to look for. One place that produces consistently exceptional wines at affordable prices is Italy.
“Italy is the place to search for wines that over-deliver,” says Jeff Porter, a Wine Enthusiast writer-at-large who reviews wines from Italy. “Across regions and styles, producers are going back to their roots and focusing on the historic grapes of their region, a coming full-circle moment.”
While Italy’s celebrated Barolos and expressive Chiantis can command hundreds of dollars per bottle, a result of not just quality but name recognition, there also exist plenty of satisfying wines that cost less than those bottles’ sales taxes. Porter advises taking the road less traveled, which is emblematic of the selection our Tasting Department pulled together below.
“The best bet is, if you are not super familiar with the name of the grape, it’s gonna be good—and a great value,” he notes. Of course, not every unknown is a guaranteed bet, which is where our ratings come in.
Need help knowing where to start? The next time you’re looking to stock up on budget-priced Italian wines for weeknight dinners or big parties, consider the following wines. Find among them a red from the Veneto region with a “seductive” finish, a sparkling wine with aromas of green apple and a Verdicchio that calls for a pairing with calamari.
Domini del Leone NV Red (Veneto)
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Raboso and Corvina from multiple vintages, this wine wafts out of the glass with a depth that shows the passion and dedication of the Fidora family. Aromas and flavors of black cherries, plum, clove, ground ginger, and wild herbs. Elegant on the palate with fine tannins that form a foundation in which the dark fruit notes have a place to fully express themselves on the elegant and seductive finish. 93 points. Best Buy. — Jeff Porter
$13.99
The Cellar d’Or
Umani Ronchi 2022 Villa Bianchi Verdicchio (Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico)
The wine starts with a whisper of fragrant herbs, salted lemons and crushed seashells asking you to be patient and watch the wine evolve. Mouthwatering on the palate with medium body, loads of texture gives the wine weight but it is lifted by the crisp acidity and citrus flavors that bound across the palate. Finishing with fragrant orange blossoms and salty minerality. Calamari is calling this wine. Drink now–2035. 93 points. Best Buy. — J.P.
$12.98
B21
Paltrinieri 2022 LaRiserva Lambrusco di Sorbara (Lambrusco di Sorbara)
Teeming with a delightful array of aromas, this wine captivates with white cherry, candied orange peel, jasmine, white rose, and freshly chopped green herbs. On the palate, vibrant and tart red fruits, bitter orange, and peach are balanced by a touch of tannin, while crunchy acidity ensures a harmonious, refreshing finish. 93 points. Best Buy. — J.P.
$13.14
Decantalo
Anselmi 2022 San Vincenzo White (Veneto)
70% Garganega (the grape native to this region) plus a blend of 30% Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc creates a heady and enticing nose that is loaded with mixed citrus notes, nectarine, wild herbs and a flinty minerality. The palate plays both to richness with ripe stone fruits at the core, but with vibrant acidity hemming it in, while roasted almonds and dried flowers offer a counterweight to the fruit on the finish. 92 points. Best Buy.— J.P.
$14.95
Michael’s Wine Cellar
Criolin 2022 Barbera (Barbera d’Asti)
Fragrant sweet spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg mingle with high-toned mixed berries on the inviting nose. The palate is chewy and firm, dominated by dark-fruit flavors and a pronounced spicy character. Assertive tannins stake their claim on the palate, but they should calm down with time. This is a robust Barbera d’Asti that will benefit from cellaring or decanting. Drink from 2026. 91 points. Best Buy. — J.P.
$12.70
Because the Wine
Cleto Chiarli NV Centenario Lambrusco Grasparossa (Lambrusco di Modena)
This Lambrusco opens with forward plummy and black-cherry aromas, which take on a more macerated and jam-like quality as the wine develops in the glass. A touch of wild flowers and fresh herbs provide an added dimension to the bouquet, while the palate is delightfully sweet. Despite the sweetness, the wine maintains a good balance, making it a well-crafted example of the style—one that is lifted on the finish with a zippy pop of acidity. 90 points. Best Buy. — Jeff Porter
$12.98
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Published: September 9, 2024
