Looking for the best Italian red wine for a special occasion? According to The Independent, Fratelli Pardi “Sacrantino” Montefalco Sagrantino is the one.
The Independent recently released its rundown of “the best Italian red wines, from Barolo to Cabernet Sauvignon” – and we’re delighted that a wine from our portfolio has made the list. Wine writer John Clarke highlighted the bold, powerful and complex 2016 vintage as the best option for a special occasion.
The best Italian red wines, tasted at their finest moment
To decide which are the very best Italian red wines, The Independent’s tasting panel pair each bottle with the food that belongs best with it – whether that’s sharp cheese, a hearty casserole or nothing at all. Some wines are uncorked and left to breathe for several hours to really come into its own. As each wine was tasted at its very best, it’s a true privilege to see one from our collection score so highly.
Fratelli Pardi “Sacrantino” – The Independent’s verdict
John Clarke says that this wine is “not your everyday tipple but one that should make a special occasion more memorable.” He also notes the wine’s providence – that it’s made at a family-run Italian winery that’s over a century old, and crafted from hand-picked grapes grown in a single vineyard. But how does it taste? He says “the end result is a bold and complex wine with flavours of blackberry, damson and dark fruit complemented by woody notes and hints of herb and spice.” High praise indeed!
A massive award-winner
As well as being praised by John Clarke, Fratelli Pardi “Sacrantino” Montefalco Sagrantino has also won a number of prestigious awards. The 2016 vintage earned 94 points in a Decanter Tasting by Susan Hulme MW, and took home a Bronze medal in the Decanter World Wine Awards 2022. The acclaimed Italian wine bible, Gambero Rosso, awarded it Two Glasses in 2021, while Robert Parker awarded it 91 points. We also think it’s rather lovely – particularly for its unique notes of sandalwood and hibiscus.
Selected by experts
The digital version of The Independent is read by 25 million people every month, making it the largest quality newspaper in the UK. As we have the grandest selection of award-winning Italian wines in Britain, we feel like this is a match made in heaven! It’s not the first time our wines have been highlighted by the newspaper’s wine writers, either. Most recently, Ca’ di Rajo Valdobbiadene was named its best luxury Prosecco, and Ca’ di Rajo Rosé Brut was named as the best pink Prosecco.
Discover critically acclaimed Italian wines
Our carefully curated range of Italian wines includes unique bottles sourced from small wineries. We visit each winery in person to select the very best wines – many of which are Decanter medal winners. So, whether you need an excellent Italian red wine for a special occasion or a romantic pink fizz, you can find wines beloved by experts at Independent Wine.