THE GUIDE
We have spent 38 years among vineyards and wineries, talking with growers and oenologists, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts. Over these years, we’ve shared their stories, dreams, and the emotions stirred by tasting the fruits of their labor— across our guide and the expanding media landscape that now includes our website, TV channel, monthly magazine, and various social media platforms. Condensing all of this into a few words isn’t easy. In these 38 years, we have tasted more than a million wines, and nearly 50,000 this year alone. Although the work is spread out among a team of more than 70 members, it represents an invaluable collection of notes, insights, and evaluations—perhaps unmatched anywhere else. Each wine is the product of a specific year, a terroir, and a producer’s efforts. When assembled together, what do they form? An edition of the guide, with over 25,000 reviews, is like a high-resolution photograph made up of thousands upon thousands of pixels, creating a faithful image: the world of Italian wine in the year 2025. It’s a world of fascinating complexity, one we explore and narrate each year, capturing its deep-rooted attachment to ancient traditions while staying open to innovation, experimentation, and constant evolution. We do this with passion, recounting stories and emotions, not passing judgment, but inviting readers and enthusiasts to do the same. Each wine reviewed here is like a dot in a post-impressionist painting—just a taste. But when you step back and see the whole picture, the landscape of Italy’s vineyards in 2025 magically appears.
At the end of this long journey through vineyards and wineries, from the Aosta Valley down to the island of Pantelleria, we found Italy’s wine scene—despite the complex international challenges affecting the industry—in a moment of great creative ferment. On the one hand, we see technical innovation and experimentation, with developments like resistant grape varietals, new rootstocks in vineyards, and the continued technological upgrading of wineries. On the other, there is a renewed focus on environmental sustainability and holistic growth that, with each passing year, shows a greater sensitivity to the importance of local policies. And all of this comes about in a way that is distinctive and distinctly Italian, drawing on the country’s traditional grape varieties—whether it’s the rediscovery of time-honored winemaking styles or the use of alternative containers, alongside more classic and well-established approaches. Like all of those around the globe who have made Italy the top exporter of wine, we seek harmony, balance, freshness, and an authentic reflection of the territory in the glass—an expression of the beauty and excellence that our country has to offer—regardless of whether it’s a simple, everyday wine or one hailing from a renowned appellation.You’ll find all of this encapsulated in our 498 Tre Bicchieri wines and the roughly 2,000 more that made it to our final tastings. It’s a list that sees international producers and cooperatives sit alongside small winemakers and artisans. And it’s to these last that a new, special section has been dedicated: our “Rare Wines”.These are the rare bottles, limited in production, that capture the curiosity of collectors and disappear as soon as they appear in online marketplaces. We have selected 50 (a challenging task) to give further visibi-
lity to these intriguing expressions, which are also wonderful to drink. It’s a veritable treasure trove of oenological gems, whether they are prestigious cuvées aged for 40 years on the lees, single-vineyard expressions, or meditation wines like Moscato di Saracena (one of which also received a special award). They compose our own, very personal and unconventional wine list, which we invite you to choose from for a worthy occasion or dinner. But the best way to fully understand our philosophy is to explore our special awards—those wines that moved us most during these months of travel, tastings, and retastings.
Sparkling Wine of the Year
OP Pinot Nero M. Cl. Pas Dosé Poggio dei Duca ’19 - Calatroni
An extraordinary Metodo Classico with finesse and gustatory tension that is only just now beginning to reveal the complexity that it will develop in the years to come. Waves of red fruit, balsamic notes, and a vibrant, flavorful character linger with a textbook persistence. A splendid example of what pinot nero can achieve in a prime terroir like Oltrepò, here sourced from a single plot at 550 meters elevation in Rocca de’ Giorgi.
White of the Year
Alto Adige Sauvignon Gran Lafóa Ris. ’21 - Colterenzio
For those who thought Colterenzio had reached its peak, this wine marks yet another step forward. The Gran Lafóa originates from the vineyard that sparked this winery’s quality revolution back in the 1980s. It is an extreme selection of the portion of the vineyard best suited to the variety, at 450 meters above sea level, offering a powerful, intensely elegant white wine.
Rosé of the Year
RGC Valtènesi Chiaretto Antitesi ’23 - Avanzi
Seemingly delicate and subtle, Antitesi is part of the new wave of Italian oenology that has transformed the style and image of rosés in Italy. This revolution began in Valtènesi, where Avanzi crafts this delightful chiaretto from groppello: fresh, with fine fruity notes, sharp and mineral. It also has a remarkable capacity for aging.
Red of the Year
Chianti Colli Fiorentini Molino degli Innocenti Ris. ’19 - Torre a Cona
Choosing this wine was challenging due to the fierce competition, but we settled on it because it perfectly embodies the paradigm of a great red—classic and modern at the same time. It’s a wine with structure but not overpowering, born from a historic terroir and an indigenous grape variety, all built on depth, fine details, and elegance.
Meditation Wine of the Year
Moscato Passito al Governo di Saracena ’15 - Feudo dei Sanseverino
It’s not the first time Calabria, and Saracena in particular, has given us great thrills. The Bisconte brothers have created another small masterpiece: the 2015 Mosca-
to, a bottle of spectacular depth and complexity. It’s a true meditation wine to be savored slowly in all its nuances.
Solidarity Award
Lis Neris
The Pecorari family’s winery, known for its high-quality wines, runs the Francesca Pecorari ONLUS Foundation, which has been supporting projects for children in Myanmar, Andhra Pradesh in India, and Uganda for years. Thanks to their support, 14 schools have been built.
Up-and-Coming Winery
Maugeri
Etna continues to spawn new spectacular wines and wineries. In just three harvests, Renato Maugeri and his daughters Carla, Michela, and Paola have established themselves as major players in the appellation, with projects ranging from single-vineyard vinifications to comprehensive guest accomodations. They have ambitious plans for the future.
Best Value for Money
Lambrusco di Grasparossa di Castelvetro 7Bio - Settecani
This award goes not only to the delicious Grasparossa 7Bio but also to a cooperative that works in an exemplary way, producing authentic wines that tell the story of their terroir and are offered at an accessible price, thanks to the dedication of its members and management team.
Sustainable Viticulture
Resistenti Nicola Biasi
The introduction of new “resistant” varieties in viticulture has sparked a wideranging debate that is far from over. Nicola Biasi, an oenologist with a long track record, has turned words into action, crafting and helping to create some of the most interesting and innovative wines with these new varieties under the “Resistenti Nicola Biasi” banner—a well-deserved award.
Cooperative of the Year
Belisario
Amid challenging times for Le Marche’s cooperatives, we wanted to highlight the work of a solid and praiseworthy producer. Over its 50-plus years of history, Belisario has represented the territory of Matelica with carefully crafted, often unforgettable wines that stand the test of time.This is thanks to a passionate, competent team, rigorous management, and the collective commitment of all its members.
Grower of the Year
Mario Fontana
Heir to a long tradition of viticulturalists, Mario Fontana personally tends his family’s vineyards, where he grew up learning the trade from his grandfather. If you pass by the Villero vineyard in Castiglione Falletto, you’ll likely find him there, pruning shears in hand.
Winery of the Year
San Leonardo
For over 300 years, the Guerrieri Gonzaga family has stewarded this splendid estate, which, thanks to the passion and commitment of Carlo, an oenologist, and now his son Anselmo, has earned an international reputation for the quality of its wine. But San Leonardo is more than just a famous brand—it’s a place of peace and beauty that has inspired, and continues to inspire, producers throughout the region and beyond. Visit, and you’ll understand why...
We welcome Lorenzo Ruggeri to his new role as the Managing Director of our publishing house. He has been with us for over 15 years since his master’s in Food and Wine Journalism, and this promotion is a testament to his hard work and excellent results.
Marco Sabellico, Gianni Fabrizio, Giuseppe Carrus
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We extend our gratitude to the Associazione +Freisa of Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Albugnano 549, the AproFormazione Institute of Alba, UniDOC of Corno di Rosazzo, the Wine Roads of Arezzo, the Marche Wine Protection Institute of Jesi (IMT) and VINEA of Offida, the Ente Vini Bresciani, the Valbormida Training Consortium of Carcare (SV), the Committee for the Great Cru of the Tuscan Coast, the Association of Winegrowers of Montespertoli, Umbria Top, Assovini Sicilia, the Municipality of Alcamo, the Girolamo Caruso Technical Economic and Technological Institute of Alcamo, and the following protection consortiums: Gavi, Roero, Barolo, Barbaresco, Alba, Langhe, and Dogliani, the Wines of Colli Tortonesi, the Nebbiolos of Upper Piedmont, the Hills of Monferrato Casalese, Barbera d’Asti and Wines of Monferrato, Caluso, Carema and Canavese, the Wines of Valtellina, Oltrepò Pavese, Franciacorta,Valcalepio,Valcamonica Wines, San Colombano, Lugana, Valtenesi, Conegliano Valdobbiadene, Bardolino, Valpolicella, Consorzio Colli Euganei, Consorzio Colli Berici, the Alto Adige Wine Consortium, the Trentini Wine Consortium, the TrentoDoc Institute, and the Lambrusco Protection Consortium, as well as the Romagna Wines Consortium, those of Bolgheri, Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Valdarno Superiore, Orcia, Suvereto and Val di Cornia, Cortona, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Terre di Pisa, Lucchesi Hills, Chianti Rufina, Morellino di Scansano, the Maremma Toscana Wines Consortium, Montecucco, Carmignano, the Tuscany Wine Consortium, Orvieto, Montefalco, Torgiano, the Piceno Wines Protection Consortium, the Abruzzo Wines Protection Consortium, and lastly the Sicilia DOC Wines Consortium and the Etna Wines Consortium. We further extend our thanks to the Regional Enoteca of Nizza Monferrato, the Cantina Comunale I Sörì of Diano d’Alba, the Bottega del Vino of Dogliani, Gattolardo restaurant in Desenzano del Garda, the Città del Gusto Academy, the Basilicata Regional Enoteca of Venosa, the Western Sicily Regional Enoteca of Alcamo, and Caneva in Mogliano Veneto. Lastly, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our entire team of collaborators, who passionately supported us in the creation of this guide, from tastings in the field to drafting the profiles and the publication of the volume. We also thank all those who have collaborated with us over the years, with a special acknowledgment to Danilo Zannella, who has directed all our tastings at our Rome headquarters.
HOW TO USE THE GUIDE
WINERY INFORMATION
CELLAR SALES
PRE-BOOK VISITS
ACCOMODATION
RESTAURANT SERVICE
ANNUAL PRODUCTION HECTARES UNDER VINE
SUSTAINABLE WINERY
VITICULTURE METHOD
- certified biodynamic
- certified organic
N.B. The figures related here are provided annually by the producers. The publisher is not responsible for eventual errors or inconsistencies.
SYMBOLS P WHITE WINE @ ROSÉ = RED WINE
RATINGS
N moderately good to good wines in their respective categories
NN very good to excellent wines in their respective categories
NN very good to excellent wines that went forward to the final tastings
NNN excellent wines in their respective categories
WINES RATED IN PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THE GUIDE ARE INDICATED BY WHITE GLASSES ( O , OO , OOO), PROVIDED THEY ARE STILL DRINKING AT THE LEVEL FOR WHICH THE ORIGINAL AWARD WAS MADE.
STAR b
indicates wineries that have won ten tre bicchieri awards for each star
PRICE RANGES
1 up to 5 euro
3 from € 10,01 to € 15,00
5 from € 20,01 to € 30,00
7 from € 40,01 to € 50,00
2 from € 5,01 to € 10,00
4 from € 15,01 to € 20,00
6 from € 30,01 to € 40,00
8 more than € 50,01
prices indicated refer to average prices in wine stores
L’ASTERISK *
indicates especially good value wines
ABBREVIATIONS
A. A. Alto Adige
C. Colli
Cl. Classico
C.S. Cantina Sociale (co-operative winery)
Cons. Consorzio
Coop.Agr. Cooperativa Agricola (farming co-operative)
C. B. Colli Bolognesi
C. P. Colli Piacentini
Et. Etichetta
FCO Friuli Colli Orientali
M. Metodo (Method)
M.to Monferrato
OP Oltrepò Pavese
P.R. Peduncolo Rosso (red bunchstem)
P. Prosecco
RDG Riviera del Garda
Ris. Riserva
Sel. Selezione
Sup. Superiore
V. Vigna (vineyard)
VdA Valle d’Aosta
Vign. Vigneto (vineyard)
V. T. Vendemmia Tardiva (late harvest)
V. V. Vecchia Vigna/Vecchie Vigne (old vine/old vines)
THE RARE WINES
COLLECTION
Few bottles plenty of character
The following is a selection of exceptional wines, produced in limited quantities. These are distinctive expressions that tell a unique story— whether it be a single vineyard wine, the result of long aging, or crafted through an unconventional approach. We’ve categorized the list by type so as to make it easy to explore at your leisure.
SPARKLERS
Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero Annamaria Clementi R.S. Ris. 1980
Ca’ del Bosco - LOMBARDY
98/100
ANNUAL PRODUCTION 4,000 bottles
PRICE € 700.00
André Dubois (then cellar master) and Maurizio Zanella set aside a few thousand bottles from the excellent 1980 vintage, just now disgorged after 42 years. This wine reveals extreme elegance and equally extreme complexity and depth: hazelnut, candied citrus, and oyster hints on both the nose and palate, supported by a bead of unparalleled finesse and persistence.
Alta Langa Pas Dosè 140 Mesi Zero 2011
Enrico Serafino - PIEDMONT
95/100
ANNUAL PRODUCTION 3,000 bottles
PRICE € 135.00
A truly refined sparkling wine, both deep and sapid. It’s incredible how, thirteen years after the harvest, this wine still shows such vitality and energy. The nose is a kaleidoscope of aromas: it starts with dried fruit and nuts, followed by spicy tones, pastry, peach, and wildflowers. The palate is pervasive, with creamy bubbles and acidity supporting a long finish.
Franciacorta Brut Nature Orfano Terre Rosse Ris. 2016
Corte Fusia - LOMBARDY
95/100
ANNUAL PRODUCTION 1,200 bottles
PRICE € 80.00
This Blanc de Noirs from Franciacorta is made with select grapes cultivated on the slopes of Monte Orfano. Only a few bottles are produced, but they convey their origins well. It opens with aromas of toasted bread and hazelnut, followed by anise and almond. The palate is creamy and pervasive, with an intriguing attack marked by mineral notes. Alluringly drinkable.
PIEDMONT
As this guide is about to go to press, in early September 2024, the current state of Piedmont wine production resembles a flat, windy stage of the Tour de France. No one is out of the race completely, though some participants find themselves several hundred meters from the leaders.This pretty much sums up regional winemaking, with one key distinction: here, merit isn’t the only factor—luck plays a significant role, too. The luck of being born and running your winery in certain parts of the region. Take, for example, the producers of Barolo and Barbaresco. In truth, we should include all wines made from nebbiolo grapes—they have the wind at their backs. But there’s another distinction to be made: if you have a long-established history or a sharp marketing team supporting you, perhaps one that can ignite social media buzz, you can sell Barolo year after year, even on allocation, and at sky-high prices. If not, you’ll still sell your Barolo, but you’ll have to settle for market prices. In the world of red wines, it seems fair to say that Grignolino is enjoying a bit of a renaissance, especially among younger enthusiasts.
However, the overall trend in wine consumption seems to be shifting towards whites. Timorasso, in particular, is having its moment in the sun. Its growth has been rapid, even somewhat chaotic, despite the consortium’s efforts to keep a close eye on things. Fortunately, this surge of interest hasn’t undermined its prestige or the price of its grapes. Arneis, too, is in a positive phase, with slower but steady growth.This trend will likely play out over a longer period, as it involves a larger number of producers.
In Roero, there’s a general sense of progress, aimed at including as many players as possible. Gavi, on the other hand, is making quiet strides forward, with much less fanfare and publicity, yet still showing positive signs. Finally, we must once again sing the praises of Alta Langa. In just a short time, it has gone from near obscurity to experiencing a rapid rise in both fame and sales. In any case, let’s not forget that Piedmont remains above all a land of great winemakers, as underscored by this year’s special Grower of the Year Award, which we’ve given to Mario Fontana of Cascina Fontana in Perno di Monforte.This year, 75 wines, representing terroirs from across the region, received Tre Bicchieri. Additionally, seven new wines have been added to our prestigious Rare Wines list.
bbAbbona
b.go San Luigi, 40 12063 Dogliani [CN]
+39 0173721317
www.abbona.com
CELLAR SALES
PRE-BOOKED VISITS
ACCOMMODATION
ANNUAL PRODUCTION 350,000 bottles
HECTARES UNDER VINE 50.00
VITICULTURE METHOD Certified Organic
Celso Abbona has always prioritized Dogliani, developing and promoting Dolcetto. Today, the producer is supported by Marziano and his two daughters, Mara and Chiara. For over 20 years, their vineyards have been organically farmed, and the Abbona family’s commitment to the environment is a true way of life. Indeed, theirs is a philosophy that permeates production, with an emphasis on maximizing sustainability. The Dogliani Papà Celso offers incredible drinkability, with aromas of blackberry and bitter almond. In the mouth, vibrant acidity invites you to take another sip, complemented by a well-balanced structure and an exceptionally long finish. The Barolo Pressenda ’20 proves vibrant, with notes of tobacco and licorice, adorned by raspberry and pomegranate. The palate is remarkable for its close-knit and delicate tannins, which, along with its fleshiness and a sapid finish, bring great harmony. The Barbera is also excellent—more mature, with a beautiful, opulent palate and a fresh, lengthy finish.
= Dogliani Papà Celso ’23 NNN 4*
= Barolo Pressenda ’20 NN 8
= Barolo Ravera ’20 NN 7
= Barbera d’Alba Rinaldi ’22 NN 4
= Barolo Cerviano-Merli ’20 NN 8
= Dogliani San Luigi ’23 NN 3
= Barolo Cerviano ’10
= Barolo Cerviano-Merli ’17
= Barolo Pressenda ’16
= Dogliani Papà Celso ’22
= Dogliani Papà Celso ’21
= Dogliani Papà Celso ’18
= Dogliani Papà Celso ’17
= Dogliani Papà Celso ’16
Anna Maria Abbona
fraz. Moncucco, 21 12060 Farigliano [CN] +39 0173797228
annamariabbona.it
7
8
7
4*
4*
4*
4*
4*
= Dogliani Papà Celso ’15 OOO 4*
= Dogliani Papà Celso ’13
CELLAR SALES
PRE-BOOKED VISITS
ANNUAL PRODUCTION 130,000 bottles
HECTARES UNDER VINE 22.00
4*
Since 1995, Anna Maria Abbona and Franco Schellino, today joined by their sons Federico and Lorenzo, have successfully managed the winery inherited from Anna Maria’s father, Giuseppe. Their approach has always been artisanal, inspired by classical tradition. The family directly oversees work both in the vineyard and the cellar, aiming to create balanced, enjoyable wines. Deep in color, the Dogliani San Bernardo opens on the nose with bold, still-fresh fruit; in the mouth, it has good flesh and a long finish that will soften with time. The Bricco San Pietro ’20 also impressed, standing out for its intensity and fullness. Unmistakable whiffs of sweet and spicy oak are nicely balanced by notes of fresh red fruit. The palate is dense and rich, with a razor-sharp balance between fruit and oak. A finish with modest acidity lends freshness.
= Barolo Bricco San Pietro ’20
= Dogliani Superiore San Bernardo ’20 NN 5
= Barolo Bricco San Pietro Ris. ’16 NN 8
= Dogliani Sorí dij But ’23 NN 3
= Langhe Nebbiolo ’21 N 4
P Langhe Riesling L’Alman ’22 N 4
= Dogliani Sorì Dij But ’19 OOO 3*
= Dogliani Sup. Maioli ’19
= Dogliani Sup. San Bernardo ’19
= Dogliani Sup. San Bernardo ’18
3*
= Dogliani Sup. San Bernardo ’12 OOO 4*
= Dogliani Sup. San Bernardo ’11
4*
= Barolo Bricco San Pietro ’19 OO 7
= Barolo del Comune di Castiglione Falletto ’19 OO 6
= Dogliani Sorì Dij But ’21 OO 3*
