Best Wine Appellation Types in the World
Brunello di Montalcino is a red Italian wine produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino in the Tuscany wine region. Though it was initially considered to be made from a separate grape variety named Brunello, it was later discovered that the grape used in the production of the wine is in fact Sangiovese.
Regarded as one of the most renowned Italian wines, Brunello di Montalcino was awarded the designation of origin (DOCG), and it is produced with 100% Sangiovese grapes. At first, it comes off as juicy and spicy, with notes of oregano and balsamic, and it may develop strong aromas of cherry and leather.
This full-bodied, red wine is made from Nebbiolo grapes in a small area in Piedmont with a unique soil and climate conditions. It has been produced since the 19th century, and soon after its invention, it became a favorite among the Italian and European nobility.
According to Italian DOCG regulations, Barolo needs to matured for at least 36 months, while those aged for five years carry the prestigious Riserva label. It is a robust, but elegant wine, which is very high in tannins that soften with aging.
THE BEST Barolo Wine Appellations
Vintage Port is a style made from the best grapes of a single year harvest. It is considered the most prestigious and the highest quality port style. Vintage is not produced every year, but only when port houses decide that the wine is of sufficient quality.
Vintages make only about 2% of all port production, and in the best years, all port houses will declare a Vintage. The decision to declare a Vintage can be made after Portugal’s Port Wine Institute had approved it. Vintages are barrel-aged for two to three years and are not filtered before they are bottled.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the largest and the most important appellation in the southern part of the Rhône Valley that comprises of five communes. Most Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are predominantly red blends, with a small percentage of whites.
Officially eighteen grape varieties are allowed, including different colors of the same grape variety. However, the most common are Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault grapes. These rich wines can greatly differ in style, but they are mainly characterized by the spicy and earthy aromas of red berries, black pepper, tar, and leather.
THE BEST Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Appellations
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Domaine de la Solitude
2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vin de la Solitude Red
James Suckling - 99 points 2024
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Vinsanto is a dessert wine hailing from Santorini. It is made with sun-dried Assyrtiko and Aidani grapes. Despite a surprisingly similar name, this Greek wine does not have much in common with the more famous Vin Santo from Tuscany. The grapes are sun-dried for approximately fourteen days and are then fermented and aged.
This wine has to be oak-aged for a minimum of two years, but most producers opt for longer maturation. The result is a sweet and dense wine packed with flavor and rich in aromas. Although both grape varieties are white-skinned, Vinsanto will attain a luscious golden color that tends to turn into darker amber hues as the wine ages.
Naousa is a Greek appellation located in the region of Macedonia. The wines produced under the designation are made exclusively from Xynomavro—an indigenous Greek grape that is often compared to Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo. Naousa wines display the perfect balance of tannins, sugar, and acidity, while the typical aromas and flavors include a complex combination of savory notes that are often reminiscent of dark and red fruit, tomatoes, plums, earth, tobacco, herbs, and spices.
Naousa ages exceptionally well and is rarely enjoyed young. Because of its complexity and finesse, it is often cited as one of the finest Greek wines. An ideal pairing for this tannic wine is game, lamb, tomato-based sauces, rich stews, sausages, mushrooms, and aged cheese.
Burgundy is a world-famous French wine region that produces some of the best and most expensive wines in the world. Located in the east-central part of France, the area is dominated by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Other red and white grapes such as Aligoté, Pinot Gris, or Gamay are also used, but on a much lower scale.
Burgundy has more than 100 approved wine-growing areas, all regulated by a complex quality system that divides the region into grand cru, premier cru, village wines, and regional appellations. The wines are greatly influenced by terroir and show great diversity in flavors and aromas.
THE BEST Burgundy Wine Appellations
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Ribera del Duero is a Spanish appellation located in several provinces of Castilla and Leon, in north-central Spain. The region is best known for big and bold varietals made with Tempranillo, also known as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais.
The blends have to include 75% Tempranillo, while other permitted varieties include Garnacha, white Albillo, and international varieties Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ribera del Duero wines are built to age. With time, they develop complexity and become more balanced.
Most of the wines are deeply colored, full-bodied, and well-structured with bright acidity and aromas of ripe fruit, vanilla, and spices. Aging requirements are similar to those in Rioja. Crianza is the youngest, aged for two years and 12 months in oak. Reserva labels are aged at least three years with at least 12 months in oak, and the Gran Reservas have to be aged for five years, including two years of oak aging.
Rías Baixas is a Spanish appellation located along the Atlantic coast in Galicia. The entire region is divided into five subregions: Salnes Valley, O Rosal, Soutomaior, Ribeira do Ulla, and Condado do Tea. There are several permitted grape varieties, but Albariño prospers and dominates in the entire region.
Other permitted grapes that are sometimes used include Treixadura, Loureiro, Caiño Blanco, Torrontes, and Godello. The styles slightly differ depending on the subregion and the production, but most of the wines hail from the region are pale golden, fresh, and aromatic.
Amarone della Valpolicella (DOCG) is a rich, dry Italian red wine made from dried grapes of the varieties Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara. It is considered to be the most prestigious wine of the Veneto region and one of the most important Italian big reds, which is usually highly priced.
The wine ages exceptionally well and though the minimum required period for the prestigious Amarone Riserva is four years, great producers tend to age it much longer. Amarone is an incredibly flavorful, concentrated wine, with aromas of fruit jams, cinnamon, chocolate, and spices.
THE BEST Amarone della Valpolicella Wine Appellations
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Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine
Famiglia Pasqua Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2016
USA Wine Ratings - Gold 2021
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Best Wine Appellation Producers in the World
AWARDS
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2019
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2021, 2018, 2017
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International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2021 - Daniel Thibault Trophy
2021
BEST Piper-Heidsieck Wines
AWARDS
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James Suckling - 98 points
2024
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Falstaff - 100
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Falstaff - 99
BEST Tenuta San Guido Wines
Champagne Taittinger is a distinguished family-owned Champagne house headquartered in Reims, France. Its origins date back to 1734 when it was founded by Jacques Fourneaux. The Taittinger family became associated with the house in 1932 when Pierre Taittinger acquired the estate, including the historic Château de la Marquetterie.
The Taittinger estate encompasses approximately 288 hectares of vineyards, making it one of the largest in the Champagne region. Notably, the house is renowned for its high proportion of Chardonnay in its blends, contributing to the signature elegance and finesse of its Champagnes.
AWARDS
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James Suckling - 99 points
2024
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2024, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017
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International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2020 - Daniel Thibault Trophy
2020
BEST Taittinger Wines
Rare Champagne is a premium, high-quality champagne produced by the renowned house of Jacques Selosse. Anselme Selosse, the visionary winemaker behind this brand, revolutionized Champagne production by focusing on small-scale, terroir-driven practices and a philosophy that emphasized the quality of the vineyard's fruit over mass production.
His influence has reshaped the Champagne industry, bringing attention to the significance of low yields, natural viticulture, and the expression of unique terroirs.
AWARDS
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2023, 2022
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2024
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International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2023 - Daniel Thibault Trophy
2023
BEST Rare Champagne Wines
Château d'Yquem is one of the most renowned wineries in the world, located in the Sauternes region of Bordeaux, France. It is famous for producing some of the finest sweet wines, particularly those made from the Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties.
The estate's wines are primarily known for their exceptional quality, complexity, and aging potential.
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a renowned winery located in the prestigious Pauillac appellation within the Bordeaux wine region in France. Established in the 19th century, it is celebrated for producing exceptional Bordeaux wines, especially its acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blends.
The estate is distinguished by its elegant château and meticulous winemaking process, which combines tradition with innovation to achieve wines of remarkable depth, structure, and aging potential. Known for its balanced and refined wines, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a respected name in Bordeaux and a favorite among wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Poderi Aldo Conterno is a prestigious winery located in the heart of the Barolo region, specifically in Bussia Soprana, Monforte d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy. Established in 1969 by Aldo Conterno, the estate is now managed by his sons: Franco, Stefano, and Giacomo, who continue the family tradition.
The winery spans 25 hectares of vineyards situated at elevations between 350 to 400 meters above sea level. The soil is rich in clayey marl and limestone with layers of sand, contributing to the unique character of their wines.
AWARDS
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James Suckling - 98 points
2024
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Falstaff - 100
BEST Poderi Aldo Conterno Wines
E. Guigal, established in 1946 by Étienne Guigal in Ampuis, France, is a renowned winery in the Rhône Valley. The estate is particularly celebrated for its Côte-Rôtie wines, notably the single-vineyard "La La's": La Mouline, La Landonne, and La Turque.
Under the leadership of Marcel Guigal since 1961, and now his son Philippe, the family has expanded their holdings to include prestigious vineyards across the Rhône, including Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Crozes-Hermitage. Their commitment to quality and traditional winemaking techniques has solidified E.
AWARDS
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James Suckling - 99 points
2024
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Falstaff - 100
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Falstaff - 99
BEST E. Guigal Wines
AWARDS
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Wine Spectator - 99
2021
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Falstaff - 100
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Falstaff - 99
BEST Champagne Krug Wines
Champagne Bollinger is a renowned French champagne house established in 1829, located in the Aÿ region of Champagne. Known for its rich, full-bodied style, Bollinger specializes in producing high-quality, complex champagnes primarily using Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.
The house is famous for its commitment to traditional winemaking methods, including fermentation in oak barrels and extended aging, which give its champagnes distinctive depth, elegance, and complexity. Bollinger is highly regarded for its prestigious cuvées, such as the Grande Année and La Grande Année Rosé, and is a favorite among champagne connoisseurs worldwide.
Best Wine Appellations in the World
An ode to freshness and maturity, this award-winning Premier Cru Brut Blanc Champagne will transport you to the lushness of the French countryside after rain. With crisp apples, juicy plums, and an earthy, vegetal edge, the nose pays homage to a variety of garden flavours.
All while subtle notes of cinnamon and exotic fruits linger further afield, unfolding at the perfect moment and staying for a prime length.
AWARDS
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Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022, 2021
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Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2021, 2020
AWARDS
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2018, 2016
The 2019 Sassicaia Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC is a remarkable vintage from Tenuta San Guido, one of Italy’s most prestigious wineries. A true expression of the Bolgheri terroir, this wine is a blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, with a small portion of Cabernet Franc, crafted from the estate’s vineyards near the Mediterranean coast of Tuscany.
Known for its exceptional quality and aging potential, Sassicaia has long been regarded as a benchmark for Super Tuscan wines.
AWARDS
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Falstaff - 100
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Falstaff - 99
AWARDS
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Falstaff - 99
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Vivino - 4.7
A smooth, velvety red with flavours of dark cherry, liquorice, vanilla and spice. Perfect with roast lamb. Rioja, Spain's most famous red wine region, is situated in the north, along River Ebro valley and protected by the Sierra Cantabria mountain range.
Winemaker Cesar Fernández sources the finest Tempranillo grapes from the 3 subregions, Alta, Baja and Alavesa to make this ageworthy Reserva.
AWARDS
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International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion Red 2020
2020
The phenomenal expression of a radiant vintage. The 2014 vintage compromises 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, 87% of which are sourced from Grand Crus and Premier Crus vineyards. Aged for 5+ years on the lees, this elegant vintage is radiant and intense.
The nose delivers notes of orange blossom, apricot and brioche with a lovely toasted almond finish and the palate is vibrant and fresh with flavours of orange and spice.
AWARDS
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International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2021 - Daniel Thibault Trophy
2021
AWARDS
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Wine Spectator - 98
2021
AWARDS
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Wine Spectator - 99
2021
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015 from Bertani Winery is a premium red wine crafted in the Valpolicella Classica region at the Tenuta Novare estate. This wine is a harmonious blend of 80% Corvina Veronese and 20% Rondinella, grown on limestone and volcanic soils.
With an alcohol content of 15.5%, this wine boasts a rich and intense flavor profile, featuring aromas of ripe red and black cherries, hints of maraschino cherry, and spiced notes of pepper and cinnamon, complemented by subtle undertones of cigars and forest floor.
AWARDS
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James Suckling - 100 points
2024
Château d'Yquem Sauternes 2021 is a premium dessert wine from the Sauternes region in Bordeaux, France. This wine is renowned for its exceptional balance between sweetness and acidity, with aromas of ripe tropical fruits, honey, and subtle hints of spices.
On the palate, it is rich and complex, with a long and elegant finish. Château d'Yquem holds the unique distinction of being the only vineyard classified as Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 wine classification, making it one of the most prestigious dessert wines in the world.
AWARDS
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James Suckling - 100 points
2024
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TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Wine Appellations in the World” list until February 19, 2025, 4,648 ratings were recorded, of which 3,419 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.