The Best Italian Wines Under $20
While it’s easy to find an excellent wine on an unlimited budget, it gets a little trickier when you’re trying to find an exciting bottle without getting sticker shock.
This is where Wine Enthusiast’s expert tasters come in. Each of them tries thousands of bottles a year, all across the price point spectrum. And right now, they’ve been particularly excited about affordable Italian wines.
“Italian wine has never been better,” says Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast’s writer-at-large who reviews wines from the country.
Producers throughout the peninsula are making high-quality wines in all styles that won’t break the bank. With that in mind, we rounded up 15 bottles that are all under $20 each. They include a Barbera from Piedmont with violet and savory-herb aromas, an “electric” Lambrusco from Central Italy with red fruit flavors and a Chianti from Tuscany with sage, fennel and bitter orange notes.
“This selection shows just how deep the bench is for Italian wine, especially regarding value,” Porter adds. “We continue to be astonished by how the growers and producers of Italy can make compelling, site-specific wines that are not only delicious but transport you directly to that place. If you cannot get to Italy just right now, here is a great way to explore, for a lot less money.”
Read on for the selection.
Marchese Luca Spinola 2023 Carlo Cortese
Delicately pretty, this Gavi enchants with aromas of apple orchard, freshly cut apple, and hints of cider notes that evoke an ethereal presence. On the palate, orchard fruits dance with salty almond and mineral undertones, akin to apples, nuts, and salt. It’s an experience that beckons exploration—a journey worth savoring until the final drop. 93 points. Best Buy. — J.P.
$15.19
Fine Wine & Good Spirits
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. — J.P.
$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
Anselmi 2022 Capitel Foscarino White (Veneto)
An icon of wine, this blend of 90% Garganega and 10% Chardonnay showcases the beauty of this slice of the Veneto. Aromas of ripe stone fruits, lemon oil, jasmine and sweet spice lead you into the glass. Rounded, but with an electric core, the palate shows tart apricot, dried yellow flowers, roasted nuts and a distinct and complex mineral structure that captivates the senses. Drink Now–2035. 93 points. Best Buy. — J.P.
$16.99
Zachy’s
Castello di Albola 2021 Red (Chianti)
The nose starts with the warm earthiness of sage, fennel and bitter orange, then turns sanguine with aromas of graphite, damp soil, black cherry and plum skin. The palate is more fruit-forward, and luxuriously so, but the mouthfeel is generous rather than excessive. Acid flows silently through walls of steep, impenetrable tannins. 92 points. Best Buy. — Danielle Callegari
$12.99
Plum Market
Barberani 2022 Castagnolo White (Orvieto Classico Superiore)
Wafting aromas of white flowers, fresh herbs, and mixed citrus peel define the nose of this vibrant and fresh wine. The palate pops with pride that knows that its mouthwatering vibrancy will draw attention and make you beg for another glass. Flavors of green pear, orange, lemon and sea salt all swirl across the palate, making this a great wine for a large composed salad, sushi or just by itself. 92 points. Best Buy. — J.P.
$19.98
B21
Col d’Orcia 2021 Spezieri Red (Toscana)
The nose balances savory, slightly astringent aromas of coffee, soil, pepper and balsamic with sweeter notes of cherries and blackberries. That berry element glows on the palate, but an enduring peppery earthiness preserves the balance. Firm tannins usher the acid into a sophisticated, salty finish. 91 points. Best Buy. — D.C.
$19.99
Wine.com
Inama 2022 Vin Soave Garganega (Soave Classico)
A classic Soave, this wine always delivers and shows why more people should be looking to this region for great white wine. Opening with aromas of white peach, fresh wildflowers and almonds. The palate is bright and textural with some weight but fresh acidity. Flavors of stone fruit and orchard fruit take center stage with a stony minerality on the finish. 91 points. Best Buy. — J.P
$14.95
The Woodland Hills Wine Co,
More Italian Wine Coverage
In the shop
Wine Enthusiast Somm Universal Handblown Wine Glass
In Stock | $34.99
Published: July 25, 2024
