At the recent Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2025, Italian white wines achieved remarkable success, garnering significant international attention. The awards showcased the increasing diversity and quality of white wines produced across various Italian regions, from the mountainous terrain of Trentino-Alto Adige to the coastal vineyards of Sardinia. This year's results underscore a pivotal moment for Italian white wines, demonstrating their capability to stand alongside the country's renowned reds on the global stage. The rigorous judging process, involving esteemed experts, reinforces the credibility and benchmark status of these accolades for both producers and enthusiasts.
Italian White Wines Triumph at Decanter World Wine Awards 2025
During the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2025, Italian white wines emerged as prominent winners, securing numerous top distinctions. Notably, the northern Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige / Südtirol, renowned for its picturesque vineyards, once again proved its excellence. Cantina Terlano's 'Lunare' Gewürztraminer 2023 was among the elite few to receive a coveted Best in Show medal, a testament to its harmonious blend of soft acidity and delicate orchard fruit notes, reminiscent of crisp mountain air. Judges praised its 'commanding but harmonious aromas' and 'midweight' texture.
Further reinforcing Italy's white wine prowess, five Platinum medals were awarded to dry white wines. Cantina Terlano also secured a Platinum for its Nova Domus Terlaner Riserva 2022, a sophisticated blend of Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and a hint of Sauvignon Blanc, alongside four Gold medals. Another standout was Cantina Kurtatsch, which earned Platinum for its Freienfeld Chardonnay, Alto Adige / Südtirol Riserva 2022, lauded for its 'poise and charisma' and rich, honeyed character.
From the north-east, Muzic winery in Friuli-Venezia Giulia received Platinum for its Valeris Friulano 2023, cultivated from ancient vines in Collio. This marks the second consecutive Platinum for this wine, celebrated for its 'magnificent layers of smoky-toned golden fruit and delicate floral hints.' Sardinia's Siddùra claimed Platinum for its Maìa, Vermentino di Gallura Superiore DOCG 2023, admired for its rich texture and 'salivating beam of acidity.' Meanwhile, in Le Marche, Cantine Belisario's Cambrugiano, Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG 2021, was hailed as 'very long and accomplished.'
Michael Garner, a distinguished Italian wine expert and DWWA Regional Chair, highlighted the substantial growth in Italy's white wine sector. He emphasized that the evolution extends far beyond a few celebrated names, with a widespread surge in quality across all regions. The DWWA 2025 saw a total of 36 Gold medals for Italian dry white wines, offering a vast landscape for discovery. Garner particularly praised the success of lesser-known varieties like Sylvaner from Valle Isarco, which secured two Gold medals for Abbazia di Novacella and Cantina Valle Isarco. Gold medals were also awarded to wines from Lombardy, Veneto, Piedmont, Tuscany, and Sicily, including Vignaioli Contra’ Soarda’s Vignasilan 2017 from Veneto, Tornatore’s Pietrarizzo 2022 from Sicily, Cantine Volpi’s Derthona La Zerba Timorasso 2023 from Piedmont, and Frescobaldi’s Benefizio, Pomino Bianco Riserva DOC 2023 from Tuscany.
The remarkable achievements of Italian white wines at DWWA 2025 serve as a powerful affirmation of their increasing quality and diversity. This recognition not only elevates the profile of Italian winemaking but also inspires deeper exploration into the country's rich viticultural heritage. For consumers and industry professionals alike, these awards provide an invaluable guide, revealing exceptional wines that truly capture the unique essence of Italy's diverse terroirs. The consistent success across various regions and grape varietals signifies a vibrant future for Italian white wines on the global stage, encouraging us all to discover these hidden gems and celebrate the artistry of their producers.