In October 2025, in London, wine professionals and enthusiasts gathered for a tasting event to celebrate the The Essential Guide to Italian Wine 2026. The event was led by Daniele Cernilli, better known as Doctor Wine, one of Italy’s foremost wine experts.
A celebrated journalist, author and educator, Cernilli is also the co-founder of Gambero Rosso and was editor of its renowned annual wine guide for many years. In 2011, he launched the Doctor Wine online magazine, through which he continues to share his deep and comprehensive knowledge of Italian wine.
The tasting coincided with the launch of the 2026 edition of The Essential Guide to Italian Wine, a definitive publication curated by Cernilli and his expert team. The guide showcases what they consider the finest wines of the year. For the 2026 edition, the team reviewed 3,400 wines selected from a staggering 20,000 tasted, representing 1,300 top-tier wineries from across Italy.
This London event offered a unique opportunity to sample some of the finest examples of Italian winemaking, with some producers showcasing wines that are not yet distributed in the UK market.
Among the participating producers were some of Italy’s most respected wineries, each with a clear expression of their regional identity. These included Vietti, San Leonardo, Villa Sandi, Umani Ronchi, Giodo, Lamole di Lamole, Tua Rita, Tenuta Casadei, Masciarelli, Terre de la Custodia, Olianas, Konjanc Alessio, Monviert, Tenuta Borgo Conventi, Peter Zemmer, Cantina Kellerei Merano and Perla del Garda.
Several wines stood out particularly for me. I list in Euro prices where UK pricing is not available.
Vigneti delle Dolomiti Vette 2024 £19
This Sauvignon Blanc from San Leonardo in Trentino has been aged on lees for five months, giving it a subtle roundness beneath its vivid freshness. It delivers extreme aromas and flavours of lemon, sage and mint, with a distinct kiwi note that adds an extra layer of brightness. The wine’s fresh acidity brings balance and energy, making it a particularly striking example from the region. It received a score of 94 from Doctor Wine and is imported into the UK by Berkmann Wine Cellars.
Pinot Grigio Riserva Giatl 2022 £30
Produced by Peter Zemmer in Alto Adige / Südtirol, this Pinot Grigio Riserva is quite different from the more commercial examples typically imported into the UK, showing a much greater sense of character. The wine has a pale lemon colour and an aromatic profile that includes pear, delicate almond and a touch of oak. On the palate, apricot and oak notes dominate, all wrapped within a dry and fresh structure. No malolactic fermentation has been used, keeping the wine light and clean. It received 92 points and a Silver medal from Decanter and is imported by Winefantastic.
Toscana Rosso Giusto di Notri 2020 £73
This bold red from Tua Rita in Tuscany is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, matured for 18 months in French oak barrels. It opens with deep aromas of raspberry and smoky red fruit. When tasted, the wine is full of red fruit and warm spice, with a subtle nutty quality adding complexity. It shows excellent depth and length, earning a 95-point rating from Doctor Wine. It is imported by Woodwinters Agencies.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto di Campolungo 2020 £44
From Lamole di Lamole in Greve in Chianti, Tuscany, this Gran Selezione has a medium ruby colour and an intense aroma profile. Scents of black cherry and almond mingle with violet, dried herbs and gentle spice. The wine is dry and medium-bodied, with lively cherry fruit supported by savoury herbs and subtle spice on the finish. It was awarded 94 points by Doctor Wine and won a Silver medal at the 2025 London Wine Competition. The wine is imported by Alivini.
Nerello Mascalese Alberelli di Giodo 2022 £78
Made in Sicily from a blend of Nerello Mascalese and Carricante, this red from Giodo offers explosive aromas of intense violet and fresh red fruits. The taste follows through with a medium body and a long finish, featuring clear red fruit flavours and a gentle touch of spice. This wine received 94 points from Doctor Wine and is imported by Lea & Sandeman.
Brunello di Montalcino 2020 £115
This Brunello by Giodo, made entirely from Sangiovese grapes grown in Montalcino, Tuscany, is considered something of a cult wine. It has a medium garnet colour and an aromatic profile filled with cherry, dried rose petals, red plums, strawberries, cedar, tobacco and spice. The wine is dry and concentrated, with firm tannins and savoury complexity enhancing the intense cherry fruit. Rated 95 by Doctor Wine, it is imported by Lea & Sandeman.
Cannonau di Sardegna Le Anfore di Elena Casadei 2023 £39
Produced from Grenache grapes (known locally as Cannonau) grown in Sardinia, this wine by Elena Casadei is made in amphorae, a traditional clay vessel. It is dry and highly aromatic, showing clear notes of cherry, white pepper and a hint of smokiness. The tannins are concentrated yet smooth, contributing to a texture and style that is delicately reminiscent of great Pinot Noir. It received a rating of 95 from Doctor Wine and is imported by Ellis Wines of Richmond.
Chianti Rufina Riserva 2020 £49.95
This wine from Castello del Trebbio in Chianti Rufina, Tuscany, is made from a blend of 90% Sangiovese with 10% Merlot and Syrah. It has a medium ruby colour and opens with aromas of sour cherry, dried herbs, spice and caramel oak. On the palate, bright cherry flavours are accompanied by savoury herbs and a subtle layer of spice and oak. The wine is dry and medium-bodied. It was awarded 90 points and a Silver medal by Decanter and is imported by Ellis Wines of Richmond.
Casadei Toscana Rosso Filare 18 2020 £49
From Casadei in Tuscany, this wine is made entirely from Cabernet Franc grapes. It has an aromatic intensity led by red fruit, with prominent oak and spice, underpinned by a distinctive minerality. The tannins are velvety, giving the wine a plush yet structured mouthfeel. This has been a standout at several past SITT and Ellis tastings and continues to impress. It is imported by Ellis Wines of Richmond.
Casadei Sogno Mediterraneo 2023 £26
This wine from Casadei in Suvereto, Livorno, Tuscany is a more accessible counterpart to the Filare 18. It is made from organically farmed Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. The nose reveals intense blackberry, dark chocolate and tobacco, while the flavour profile includes mature blackcurrant, clove and a gentle touch of smoke. Polished tannins lend structure to this bold yet well-integrated wine. It is imported by Ellis Wines of Richmond.
Collio Pinot Nero Dedica 2020 €28
This Pinot Nero from Alessio Komjanc e Figli in Collio, Friuli Venezia Giulia is not yet been represented in the UK. The wine displays slight browning at the rim, with intense red fruit aromas and a savoury character. Low tannins and fresh acidity carry the fruit through to the finish, making it an elegant and subtle red.
Pinot Noir Riserva Vigna Kofl 2022 £39
From Peter Zemmer in Alto Adige / Südtirol, this Pinot Noir offers an unusual and compelling style. The nose is driven by extreme savoury fruit, which continues through the flavour profile. Red fruit forms the core, accompanied by slight tannins and a long, satisfying finish. This distinctive, different (for Italy), wine is imported by Winefantastic.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva Marina Cvetic 2021 £28
Made from 100% Montepulciano by Masciarelli in Abruzzo, this wine has a deep ruby colour and a rich aromatic profile of blackberry, black cherry and spice. The palate is generous, having dark fruit supported by moderate tannins and fresh acidity. It is dry and full-bodied, offering a bold yet balanced expression. Doctor Wine awarded it 95 points. Imported by Les Caves de Pyrene.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva Villa Gemma 2020 £47
This is the flagship red from Masciarelli in Abruzzo, made from 100% Montepulciano grapes and aged for 24 months in new barriques. It presents a very dark colour and a powerful aroma of blackberry, black cherry, spice, liquorice and tobacco. The palate is intense, offering rich dark fruit, moderate tannins and a finish with hints of chocolate. The wine is dry, full-bodied and velvety in texture. It was rated 95 by Doctor Wine and received 93 points and a Silver medal from the Decanter World Wine Awards. Imported by Les Caves de Pyrene.
The Essential Guide to Italian Wine is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative and insightful publications on Italian wine. We were fortunate to receive the substantial 640-page 2026 edition at the event, which I have reviewed separately.
