My wine exploration tends to happen in phases and my newest target is Italy.

I eat Italian food frequently but find myself woefully under-educated about the wines of this region. Since this forum has been a great source of learning for me, I thought I would query the masses:

What are your favorite Italian wines?

I think it would be helpful to segment the market a bit -- how about under $25, under $60 and no-holds barred special occasion wines.

Thanks in advance for your rants, raves and musings.

Off the top of my head,

Le Macchiole Scrio and Paleo Rosso
Sassicaia
Solengo
Ciacci Fabius, Ateo, Rosso, and Brunello
Costanti Brunello
Altesino Brunello Montesoli and Palazzo D'Altesi
Solaia
Ca'Marcanda Promis
Mazzei Siepi
Querciabella Batar
Dal Forno Valpolicella and Amarone
Quintarelli
Gaja
Siro Pacenti Brunello
Le Volte de Ornellaia
Ornellaaia
Masseto
Montevetrano
Caprai Montefalco
Lamborghini
Jermann Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, and Vintage
Tua Rita
Sandrone
Elio Altare
Grimaldi
Fontalloro
Lisini
Castelgioconda
Flaccianello
Le Pergole Torte
Aldo Conterno
Rivetti
Chiarlo

jones...all that right off the top of your head. i hope we never have dig real deep

I am currently forgetting the best producer of Barbaresco on the planet - it is more than a little annoying.

Giacosa?

Yes, thank you. His 78s and especially the 82 Santo Stefano Riserva remain particularly "memorable".

So other less well known but good producers (also cheaper than the many classics that Jones mentioned, although not quite in the same league but worth trying.)
Wines worth finding-
D'Angelo Canneto Basilicata Rosso IGT
Felline Primitivo Manduria DOC
Feudi di San Gregoria Taurasi DOCG
Mastroberardino Radici taurasi DOCG (I've put a tn in the Itlaina section.)
San Leonardo Vallagarina IGT ( i think this is from Trentino- can't remember but very good wine)
Santadi Terre Brune Carignano del Sulcis Superiore DOC, Sardinian wine of excellent quality.

These are well worth trying and should sit between the $15 USd and $50 USd price mark.

Jones, thanks. This is a print and keep.

I'll second Jeremy's suggestion for Felline Primitivo, too.

Also, I think I posted a topic over in Food Pairing about what to match with tomato-based sauces. Take a look over there and you'll find a number of good recommendations.

Jones, Jeremy, TJ - Thanks!

1998 Luciana Cordioli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Vigne Nuove

No Asti Spumante?

Winetex,
LOL!

No but I can recommend a Contratto De Miranda Metodo Classico Asti DOCG. Its a Asti I would definately recommend- slightly drier than most, but made with with Pinot Nero and chardonnay so it is definately more in the lines of Champagne. I think it costs around $30 USd if you can find it.

since this thread has been revived & i didn't reply before, i'll list one of my favorites that wasn't mentioned: feudi di san gregorio irpina serpico. the '99 is especially good, but i am trying to keep my hands off the few i have remaining .

planeta - santa cecilia

Masi Campolongo di Torbe Amarone. If you can still find 1997, buy at once!
Terrific wine and one of the best amarone, to my knoledge!

Frescobaldi Merlot Lamaoine!!! - the 95,97 and 98 are very good.

DBW

I LOVE the '97 Lamborghini Campoleone. I tasted a bottled and bought five cases with four cases left. It is great. Have tried vintages after '97 which were good but I don't think they compare in potential to the '97.