A Taurasi makes its debut among the best wines at the Decanter World Wine Awards

With 138 medals across “Best in Show”, Platinum and Gold categories, Italy reaffirms itself in 2025 as one of the world’s great wine powers, shining at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London, organised by the esteemed British magazine. The 22nd edition of the competition – one of the most prestigious in the world – saw the participation of 18,000 wines from 57 countries, judged by a high-profile international jury: 248 experts, including 22 Master Sommeliers and 72 Masters of Wine – the highest number in the competition’s history.

Italy on the rise, second only to France

While France tops the leaderboard with 14 “Best in Show” medals, Italy is close behind, strengthening its position compared to 2024. The most prestigious medals rose from 107 to 138: a clear signal of the across-the-board quality of Italian wines, capable of excelling in both traditional and innovative styles.

A first for Taurasi: Donnachiara

The six “Best in Show” medals awarded in 2025 were given to just 0.30% of the wines tasted. Among the standouts were: Bolgheri Superiore Maestro di Cava 2020 from Tenuta Meraviglia (Bolgheri, Tuscany) Lunare Gewürztraminer 2023 from Cantina di Terlano (Alto Adige). Two Piedmont gems: Barolo del Comune di Verduno 2021 by Diego Morra and Barolo Cannubi Riserva 2019 by Fratelli Serio & Battista Borgogno. Taurasi 2021 by Donnachiara (a “Tre Bicchieri” wine from the Vini d’Italia 2025 guide, Campania) – the first-ever appearance for the Taurasi DOCG. The timeless Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé 2023 by Donnafugata (Sicily)

Tuscany leads in total medals

Tuscany confirmed its status as the queen of Italian wine with a total of 421 medals, including 1 “Best in Show”, 8 Platinum and 20 Golds. The Tuscan showing ranged from big names like Mastrojanni and Castello di Meleto to other standout producers such as Terre del Marchesato, Capanna, Castello del Trebbio, Tenuta Valdipiatta and Torre a Cona.

Right behind was Piedmont, with 417 awards, including two “Best in Show”, five Platinum and 19 Gold medals. Notable mentions go to Monchiero, Broccardo, Palladino, Casa E. Di Mirafiore (Fontanafredda group), Scarpa and Tenuta Il Cascinone. One interesting detail: alongside the classic reds, two native white varietals also emerged – Timorasso and Erbaluce – the latter awarded a Gold medal in its sweet version for the first time.

Other regions: confirmations and surprises

Alto Adige earned a “Best in Show” with its 2023 Gewürztraminer – for the second consecutive year – plus 3 Platinum and 22 Gold medals, thanks to producers like Kurtatsch, Terlano, Pfannenstielhof, Valle Isarco and Andriano.

Lombardy achieved its best result ever: 115 medals, including two Platinum and seven Golds, many of which were linked to the Franciacorta denomination, represented by Berlucchi and Freccianera.

Sardinia made gains with 4 Platinum medals (notably three for Siddùra) and 3 Golds, while Sicily shone with Donnafugata and Feudo Arancio. Veneto brought home 373 medals, including 3 Platinum and 16 Golds, with standout producers such as Ruggeri, La Collina dei Ciliegi and Cantina Sabatini. Abruzzo returned to Platinum thanks to the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva 2020 by Zaccagnini – the first in three years.

Notable established producers also made their mark, including Banfi (Tuscany), Frescobaldi, Carpineto, Dievole, Les Crêtes (Valle d’Aosta), Tramin and Kettmeir.

An Italian wine scene that continues to surprise

Italy’s medal haul at the DWWA 2025 further confirms the country’s global standing in wine, bolstered by an unparalleled diversity of terroirs. The growing quality, the interplay between tradition and innovation, and the emergence of new regions – such as Campania with its Taurasi – reveal a dynamic, healthy viticulture increasingly ready to win over international palates.

With record numbers in the UK – €851 million in exports in 2024 and €168.2 million in the first three months of 2025 – and recognition from one of the world’s most qualified judging panels, Italy faces the future with its glass half full. Or rather: brimming.