Welcome, wine lovers, to another enchanting episode of Wonderland, your ultimate podcast destination for wine education and exploration. Directed by Giuseppe Paternoster, a Silver Pin Sommelier, this episode dives deep into the world of Italian wines. Prepare your glass and settle in as we embark on a journey across Italy, uncovering the top 15 best Italian wines of 2024.
Starting at the 15th place, we explore the Sassicaia 2020 from Tuscany's San Guido estate. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc offers a sensory delight with aromas of cherry, myrtle, eucalyptus, and green pepper, balanced by velvety tannins and pressing acidity.
In 14th place, we have the Ranniai and Old Vineyard 2019, also from Tuscany. This 100% Sangiovese wine presents fresh notes of pomegranate and red orange, with a balanced palate of phenolic concentration, acidity, and alcohol.
Coming in 13th is the Great Cerzito 2018 from Campania, a 100% Aglianico wine. It features notes of red and orange myrtles, violet, eucalyptus, and cocoa powder, with a harmonious balance of phenolic components, acidity, and alcohol.
At 12th place, the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2021 by Emilio Pepe is a masterpiece, revealing notes of dark beets, violet, resin, and dried figs. This wine is dense and sumptuous with well-defined tannins and a long acidic line.
The 11th place goes to Arlequin 2016 by Zimè from Veneto. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah boasts a complex bouquet of musk, carob, and menthol, with a persistent and harmonious finish.
In 10th place, Aton 2019 by Elena Walsh from Trentino Alto Adige, a 100% Pinot Nero, offers wild raspberry, caramel, and cherry notes, with well-defined tannins and a notable acidity.
Ranking 9th is the Pinot Nero Riserva Vignia Gangher 2019 from Corniano, Trentino Alto Adige. This wine features complex notes of red currant, cinnamon, violets, and medicinal herbs, with voluminous tannins and a fresh, vertical acidity.
At 8th place, the Brunello di Montalcino 2019 by Le Potazzine presents ripe cherry and bergamot scents, followed by medicinal herbs. The palate reveals remarkable concentration with a balanced, mineral finish.
Seventh place goes to Pergole Torte 2020 from Montevertine in Tuscany, a 100% Sangiovese. It offers aromas of amarena, violets, and orange peel, with compact tannins and great acidity.
In 6th place, the S 2021 by Gianfranco Fino from Puglia, a 100% Primitivo, opens with a psychedelic world of red flowers, prunes, figs, and chocolate, delivering a voluminous and enveloping palate.
The 5th place is awarded to Barolo Riserva Monfortino 2015 by Giacomo Conterno in Piemonte, a 100% Nebbiolo. This wine is a kaleidoscope of floral tones, small red fruits, and austere spices, with compact tannins and a persistent finish.
Fourth place goes to Brunello di Montalcino Soldera 2015 from Tuscany, a 100% Sangiovese. It features fragrant red fruit, leather, and medicinal herbs, with velvety tannins and a dry, persistent ending.
In 3rd place, the Barolo 2019 by Bartolo Mascarello from Piemonte, a 100% Nebbiolo, presents mature red fruit, dried flowers, tobacco, and wild wood notes, with powerful tannins and a nervous acidity.
Second place is claimed by Brunello di Montalcino di Madonna delle Grazie 2019 by Il Marroneto in Tuscany, a 100% Sangiovese Grosso. This wine showcases fragrant violet, wild thyme, and cider notes, with impeccably structured tannins and a sharp acidity.
Finally, the 1st place crown goes to Barolo Bussia 2019 by Giuseppe Rinaldi in Piemonte, a 100% Nebbiolo. It is rich with forest strawberry, dried flowers, and balsamic scents, offering a harmonious palate with enveloping tannins.
Join us in this magical moment as we toast to these magnificent wines. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences on this platform. Thank you for being part of this exciting adventure, and until next time, cheers!