The Italians have, for centuries, had an on going love affair with wine. Thus, its no wonder that one can find a multitude of bottles that deliver great quality but are also available for $20 or less. Here are a handful our tasting panel has discovered recently:

Peter Zemmer 2017 Pinot Grigio

Grape(s): Pinot Grigio

Region: Italy

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of honeydews, green apples, wet stone, and white blossoms rises up from a glass. Lots of melon, apple, and pear come forth on the palate, alongside accents of minerals. Good body, welcoming fruit, and a fresh acidity make this a compelling wine. Try it if you’re looking to upgrade from sub $10 bottles.

Rating: 90

Tenuta di Nozzole 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva

Grape(s): Sangiovese

Region: Italy

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of black cherries and plums blend with elements of leather, earth, and tobacco on the nose. Elegant, yet dry, on the palate, dark cherry and red plum flavors flow into notes of earth, herbs, and tobacco leaf. Inviting fruit is in harmony with savory accents. It’s a winner for a variety of Italian dishes.

Rating: 90

Anselmi 2015 San Vincenzo

Grape(s): 80% Garganega, 10% Chardonnay, & 10% Sauvingnon Blanc

Region: Italy

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

Fragrances of Meyer lemons, peaches, white blossoms, and minerals rise up from a glass. Your taste buds are greeted by notes of peach, lemon, and melon, along with undertones of minerals and white flowers. A nice body and good depth of flavor, make this a compelling wine. Match it up with your favorite seafood.

Rating: 90

Villa Antinori 2015 Toscana

Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, & Sangiovese

Region: Tuscany, Italy

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

Dark plums and cherries meld among nuances of herbs, leather, and earth on the nose. A bright acidity carries flavors of red cherry and plum that flow into expressions of cedar, herbs, and earth. With supple tannins and a nice, dry character, fans of Italian wine ought to give this a try.

Rating: 90