6 Italian Wines to Buy Right Now That Will Warm You Up on Cold Winter Nights
Five bottles that capture the soul of Italy—perfect for gifting, pairing or pouring tonight.
San Leonardo Vigneti Delle Dolomiti 2020 ($115): The 2020 San Leonardo is a poised and deeply expressive Bordeaux-style blend that reflects the estate’s singular Alpine terroir. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère are vinified separately before a long élevage in French oak, resulting in a wine of remarkable finesse. The nose layers black cherry, plum and cassis with hints of alpine herbs, cedar, tobacco leaf and subtle spice. On the palate, it is elegant yet quietly powerful, with crisp natural acidity, fine-grained tannins and a velvety texture that unfolds slowly. The moderate 12.5% alcohol underscores its balance and purity. Long, harmonious and built to age.
San Leonardo, Terre, Vigneti Delle Dolomiti 2021 ($25): The 2021 Terre di San Leonardo offers an immediately inviting expression of the estate’s Bordeaux-inspired style. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Merlot sourced from younger vines, it opens with vibrant aromas of red currant, blackberry, crushed herbs and a touch of savory spice. The palate is fresh and lifted, driven by bright acidity and vivid fruit purity, yet grounded by subtle notes of graphite and soft earth. Medium-bodied and impeccably balanced, it delivers refined structure without heaviness, culminating in a clean, energetic finish. A graceful and accessible introduction to San Leonardo’s character, offering exceptional value.
Santi, Solane Valpllicella Ripaso Superiore 2021 ($25): The 2021 Solane Ripasso Superiore is a warm embrace for the cooler months, shaped by its traditional second fermentation on Amarone pomace in early winter. It opens with vivid aromas of fresh red berries, maraschino jam and subtle vanilla. On the palate, the wine is generous and layered, offering supple red fruit framed by elegant spice, toasted notes and refined structure. Balanced and expressive, it carries a comforting depth that makes it ideal for the heartier flavors of autumn.
Santi, Sortesele Pinot GrigioValdadige 2024 ($13): The 2024 Sortesele Pinot Grigio takes me back to bring, sunny spring days where water from snow melt trickles everywhere. It’s bright, clean and quietly awakening. Its pale straw color leads into aromas of pear, apricot and delicate white flowers, evoking the first blossoms of the season. Vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel and aged briefly in steel, the wine offers a soft, rounded texture on the palate, where ripe stone fruit meets a gentle savoriness. Elegant acidity keeps everything lifted and fresh, finishing long and refreshing.
Tenuta di Capezzana, Barco Reale di Carmignano 2022 ($19): A fresh and youthful expression of Carmignano, the 2022 Barco Reale offers immediate charm without sacrificing the depth that defines Capezzana’s historic estate. The blend is 75% Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon, Canaiolo and Cabernet Franc. It ferments in stainless steel before aging in large, used Slavonian oak, preserving purity while adding gentle structure.
The nose is bursting with red cherry, plum and pomegranate, accented by subtle notes of dried herbs, cedar and hints of violet. The wine is lively and medium-bodied, framed by bright acidity and fine, supple tannins. Juicy red fruit carries through to a clean, savory finish touched by spice and earth. It’s a beautifully crafted everyday Tuscan red.
Valle Dell’Acate, Il Frappato, Vittoria Frapato, DOC Sicilia 2023 ($29): A highly aromatic expression of Sicily’s beloved native variety. In the glass, it shows a luminous ruby color with a translucent edge. The nose is immediately fragrant, bursting with red cherry, pomegranate, raspberry and wild strawberry, layered with notes of rose petals, orange zest and a whisper of Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, the wine is light to medium-bodied, silky and wonderfully fresh. Juicy red fruit takes the lead, supported by lively acidity and ultra-fine tannins that give just enough structure without weighing the wine down. Subtle hints of spice and earth emerge toward the finish, adding complexity while preserving that signature Frappato lift.