Translation missing: en.Top Italian Reds of 2025: Top Italian Reds of 2025
Italian Reds
The Wines that Excited us in 2025
Welcome to 2026! This is the final instalment in our series of wines that excited us the most in 2025. We are finishing off January with the Italian red wines that caught our attention. We will return next week with new releases in 2026!
Cantina Orsogna Lunaria Coste di Moro Riserva Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2017
Founded in 1964, Cantina Orsogna is a co-operative winery located in the Majella hills of Abruzzo, just 15 km from the Adriatic Sea. They are the largest producer of biodynamic wines in southern Italy and have been farming biodynamically since 2005. These wines have been a hit with lots of our customers since we had a tasting of them last year and we are always requested to re-stock them as soon as they run out - this textural white will show you why!
A bold ruby red, fermented with native yeasts, then aged in both oak and steel. The nose brims with black cherry jam, red berries, cocoa and a hint of toast. Rich and warming on the palate, with supple tannins and a classic finish. - Pete L
Valdibella Kerasos Nero d'Avola 2023
Valdibella are a cooperative based in Sicily that are part of a community that helps disadvantaged young people integrate into society through work. Their aim is restore dignity to farmers, promoting concrete actions against commercial and labor exploitation and fielding organic agricultural methods that focus on biodiversity and native crops. This wine is so fresh and lively for a Nero d'Avola and great value for money.
A pure, unadorned expression of Nero d’Avola – fresh, precise and true to place. Perfect with grilled meats, slow-cooked vegetables, or enjoyed on its own with good company. - Chris L
La Magia Il Vispo Toscana Rosso 2023
Fattoria La Magia is an ancient property situated on an old paved Roman road dating back to the Etruscan era in Tuscany. The terrain is mostly stony but with sufficient lime and clay to retain water in the subsoil, guaranteeing nutrients even during prolonged periods of drought. Their Bio/Organic certification is the result of forty years of commitment and professional expertise, always showing respect for the integrity of the terroir. The 'Il Vispo" is a great little Sangiovese that can pair with so many dishes from pizza to pasta and red meats.
Wow this was good. 100% Sangiovese but in a much lighter and fresher still that is more in tune with what people seem to be drinking these days. It still has enough fruit weight to stand up to a variety of foods, including the heartier ragus or braises you might associate with the region. - Pete L
L'Arco Rosso del Veronese 2021
The Estate takes its name from a stone arch, called “Arco di Giove”, well in sight on the road to Negrar (one of the seven historic Valpolicella counties) and near the farmhouse where the Fedrigo family resided until a few years ago. This estate specialises in all of the indigenous grapes of the region and this Rosso del Veronese is perfect for those that love an Amarone but don't necessarily always want to chew through an 18% ABV syrup. This shows the classic notes and concentration of that style but much more paired back with an underlying elegance. Perfect for hearty, rich dishes.
This wine is made from Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, Sangiovese and a small percentage of Teroldego grapes. There is a lovely concentrated core of fruit reminiscent of the Ripasso style from Valpolicella and accompanied sweet spices and a fine finish. A versatile wine with food which has great drinkability. Ruby red coloured tends to garnet, with a intense bouquet and good structure. 14% alc. - Chris L
Rovellotti Ghemme Chioso dei Pomi Rosso 2019 (Preservative Free)
Rovellotti are a hidden gem of Italian wine, producing sincere and detailed wines from the overlooked Ghemme region of Alto Piemonte. The Rovellotti family have winemaking history dating as far back as 600 years and have established themselves in the region since 1972. The Rovellotti family have been working with the agricultural faculty of the University of Milan since the 1980s to achieve a level of no chemical use in the vineyard whatsoever. This particular wine punches so far above its weight that I'd probably drink it over anything from Barolo or Barbaresco that sells for twice the price!
Rovellotti Ghemme "Chioso dei Pomi" Rosso shows Nebbiolo’s perfume and precision with a touch of Vespolina’s spice, offering aromas of red cherry, raspberry, violet and dried rose layered with hints of cedar and tobacco. The palate is finely structured yet supple, with juicy red fruit, savoury herb detail and a vibrant mineral edge carried by polished tannins. Long, elegant and refined, it balances immediate charm with the depth and tension to age beautifully. - Chris L