2023 proved to be an amazing year for Italian wines. The aristocratic 2019 Barolos were released and were a throwback to the days of yore, showcasing austere, classic wines with serious aging potential while the delicious 2020 Barbarescos showed great fruit and almost immediate appeal. My anteprima tasting of the fantastic 2019 Brunellos, to be released in early 2020, offered up many extraordinary wines that show class and energy.
I also tried many other exemplary wines from across the boot and the islands, including stunning whites from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Alto Adige, Sicily, Sardinia and Orvieto in Umbria as well excellent reds from up and down the Peninsula, with a shout out to two wonderful 2020 offerings from Bolgheri. Sparkling wines are also thriving in Italy, especially Metodo Classicos in Alta Langa, Franciacorta and Sicily as well as an unrivaled Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. One lovely Etna Rosato also made the cut as did two delicious dessert wines.
With so many amazing wines it was incredibly hard to choose only 100, but here are the best of the best.
Enjoy!
Kerin O’Keefe December 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com
Last modified: January 8, 2024
