High on the slopes of Mount Etna, Mediterranean sunshine, mountain elevation, ancient vines and successive layers of volcanic lava converge to produce some of Italy’s most distinctive wines. Exploring Etna during Sicilia en Primeur, I discovered the remarkable diversity of Nerello Mascalese and Carricante, the increasingly precise expression of individual contrade, and an appellation whose quality now extends far beyond a handful of celebrated producers. Etna’s wines may be born from fire, but they are defined by freshness, elegance and an extraordinary sense of place.
Sommelier Matt Steeves’ Top Rated Wines of 2025
Each year, a small handful of wines rise unmistakably above the rest—bottles that don’t simply impress, but define what greatness looks like in their place of origin. The top-rated wines I tasted this year from Canada, Champagne, and across Italy represent the absolute pinnacle of craftsmanship, terroir expression, and ambition. These are wines made without compromise, where precision meets emotion, and regional identity is expressed with clarity and confidence. From cool-climate Canadian vineyards delivering finesse and mineral tension, to the timeless brilliance of Champagne, and the profound depth and heritage found throughout Italy’s greatest appellations, these selections stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s finest. Together, they tell a compelling story of what is possible when vision, site, and skill align—wines that proudly showcase the extraordinary heights their regions can achieve on the global stage.
