The world’s best wine (according to Wine Spectator) is a US Cabernet, but the top ten is dominated by Italian wines

‘Founded in 1958, the Produttori del Barbaresco winery – as stated in the WS’s rationale – is one of the most successful cooperatives in the world of wine. Its wines are produced exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, ranging from the Langhe DOC to the nine reserve wines sourced from individual vineyards. Produttori del Barbaresco’s Barbaresco Rabajà Riserva is consistently among the finest produced by the estate and within the entire appellation. In the exceptional 2021 vintage, the estate produced the Barbaresco di Rabajà with its highest ever score. A fine example of traditional style, this cru—aged in 2,500-, 3,000- and 5,000-litre barrels for 30 months—displays purity of fruit, latent power and density.”

And in fourth place, Caparzo’s Brunello di Montalcino

But the fourth place achieved by the Brunello di Montalcino from Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini’s Caparzo estate is also highly commendable. ‘Caparzo,’ according to the US magazine’s notes, ‘was founded in 1970. Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini purchased the estate, including the Montosoli plots known as La Casa, in 1998. In 2015, her daughter Alessandra joined the business. Over the last thirty years, considerable investment has been made, particularly in the replanting of the vineyards. The Brunello di Montalcino has earned a place in our Top 10 thanks to its combination of quality and value in the excellent 2021 vintage. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks was followed by two years’ ageing in Slavonian oak barrels ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 litres.”

Antinori’s Cabernet from Napa Valley comes sixth

And the wine that came in at number 6 in the Top Ten also has a strong ‘Italian’ influence: it is another Cabernet from Napa Valley, the Stag’s Leap District Fay 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon. And it has an Italian connection because Stag’s Leap is owned by the Antinori family. ‘The estate,’ as Wine Spectator notes, ‘distinguished itself at the “Judgement of Paris” competition and celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. The winery’s founder, Warren Winiarski, launched the ‘Fay’ label in 1990 after acquiring the Fay vineyard in 1986.”

In short, a ranking that perfectly celebrates the US victory in the Judgement of Paris 50 years ago and which now, at least in part, also features an Italian presence.