Top wine magazine, Wine Spectator, compiles an annual list of the top 100 most exciting wines from around the world. Though the list is very interesting in itself, I asked myself how many Italian wines made it onto this prestigious list in 2008?
Well, I’m pleased to say that quite a number made it, including one which hit the number 6 spot. Can you guess which one? Two other Italian wines also managed to make the top 20. If you are a wine buff, then you might like to try guessing which Italian wines got onto Wine Spectator’s top 10o list, before you click on.
In this post, I’ve broken down the Wine Spectator into the top 10 Italian wines, what their Wine Spectator ranking is, and there is also an estimated price in dollars.

You may be pleased to know that some the prices of the some of the top Italian wines listed are quite mouth watering. The prices of the others though, put them into the ‘special occasion’ category for all but the most ardent of wine connoisseurs.
Should you wish to sample some of the fine Italian wines listed, then I have a couple of suggestions for you too. I’m sure you can find a few places on the internet where you can buy Italian wine online, which is something you may wish to do after reading this list of fine wines. You could always think about joining a wine club which is a great way to discover new wine.
The Top Ten Italian Wines in 2008
According to Wine Spectator, these were the most exciting Italian wines of 2008:
1. $62 Pio Cesare Barolo 2004 – Position in Wine Spectator world ranking: 6
2. $65 Aldo & Riccardo Seghesio Barolo Vigneto La Villa 2004 – Position in Wine Spectator world ranking: 14
3. $110 Sette Ponti Toscana Oreno 2006 – Position in Wine Spectator world ranking: 15
4. $63 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Grandi Annate Riserva 2004 – Position in Wine Spectator world ranking: 22
5. $28 La Massa Toscana 2006 – Position in Wine Spectator world ranking: 31

Stop reading, start speaking
Stop translating in your head and start speaking Italian for real with the only audio course that prompt you to speak.
6. $28 Firriato Nero d’Avola-Syrah Sicilia Santagostino Baglio Soria 2006 – Position in Wine Spectator world ranking: 50
7. $17 Fattoria di Felsina Chianti Classico Berardenga 2006 – Position in Wine Spectator world ranking: 51
8. $19 Attems Pinot Grigio Collio 2007 – Position in Wine Spectator world ranking: 70
9. $19 Suavia Soave Classico 2007 – Position in Wine Spectator world ranking: 75
10. $25 Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Chianti Rufina Castello di Nipozzano Riserva 2005 – Position in Wine Spectator world ranking: 76
Wines 7, 8, and 9 seem reasonably priced too. For the full Top 100 list, head on over to Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2008 article.
Please note that Blog from Italy receives commission on sales from the Saratoga Wine Exchange. If you do make a purchase, you will be helping Blog from Italy grow – so thanks!
Which Wines Do Italians Prefer?
Have you ever wondered which wines Italians themselves prefer? If you have, then you might like to try guessing, before going to see this Blog from Italy by clicking here: Wines Italians Buy
Cheers! Or, as they say around these parts: Salute!
With this handy little application – which can go on an iPhone, you can check which wine goes with which food, see ratings, and impress your friends with you excellent choice of wine! (I really rather like it, very clever – Alex Roe)
After Using HelloVino – to Choose wine…
If you are a US wine lover, then why not head on over to Saratoga wines, which has an extensive selection of Italian wines and other wines on offer and the Saratoga wine website also includes wines rated by Robert Parker and Wine Spectator The you can order Italian wine online, from the comfort of your armchair, office desk, Rolls Royce/Bentley or whatever.