A good bottle of wine, for those who love this drink, is always a welcome gift, and during the Christmas holidays it could be the ideal time to enjoy it. But which one to choose if you are not a connoisseur and do not have a large budget available? Gambero Rosso comes to our aid which, with its authoritative Berebene 2026 guide, suggests the 10 best red wines under 20 euros to bring to the table during the holidays.
The selection ranges from Northern to Southern Italy and has in common not only an exceptional quality-price ratio, but also the origin from native vines that tell the story and territory of the different regions.
These are labels capable of satisfying both experts and simple enthusiasts, perfect for tasting immediately during Christmas lunches and dinners or, in some cases, for keeping in the cellar.
The 10 best red wines under 20 euros
Here are the best red wines to look for in wine shops or online shops, according to the Gambero Rosso selection.
1. PIEDMONT – Barbera d’Asti Sup. Bisavolo ’23 – Roberto Ferraris
Barbera d’Asti Superiore Bisavolo ’23 represents accessible Piedmontese excellence. After a year of maturation in tonneau, this wine expresses hints of cherry and wet earth with spicy nuances on the nose, while on the palate it stands out for its great body, concentration and long velvety finish. The Roberto Ferraris company, founded in 1923 and today led by the third and fourth generation of the family, focuses on Barbera grown in the silty-limestone soils of Agliano Terme, with a modern but respectful approach to the territory.
2. LOMBARDY – RGC Groppello ’24 – Cantrina
Cantrina’s Groppello ’24 is a perfect example of how simplicity and character can coexist without falling into banality. This juicy and fresh red wine, with crunchy and vibrant fruit, offers clear hints of currant and raspberry with an uncommon drinkability. The family-run company of Cristina Inganni and Diego Lavo, founded in 1999 on the Brescia side of Lake Garda, produces on eight hectares of hilly vineyards following a rigorous ethical approach that goes beyond organic certification.
3. SOUTH TYROL – AA Lago di Caldaro Cl. Sup. V. Bischofsleiten ’23 – Castel Sallegg
For those who love refined and complex wines, Lago di Caldaro Cl. Sup. V. Bischofsleiten ’23 is the ideal choice. This red matures in steel and partially in oak, giving aromas of wild fruit and undergrowth which are found in a savory and highly drinkable sip. The Von Kuenburg family company has recently renewed its structure, and under the technical guidance of Matthias Hauser it reinterprets the historical varieties with particular attention to elegance and tension. A wine capable of evolving over the years.
4. VENETO – Valpolicella Cl. Sup. Figari ’22 – Villa Spinosa
Villa Spinosa’s Figari ’22 is a Valpolicella that focuses on elegance and finesse rather than power. Offered at a truly interesting price for the quality expressed, it offers intense aromas of fruit and spices, while flavor, tension and character combine perfectly on the palate. The strength of the company led by Enrico Cascella lies in its viticultural heritage, with perfectly managed vineyards on some of the most beautiful exposures of the Veronese denomination.
5. ROMAGNA – Romagna Sangiovese Marzeno Poggio Vicchio ’23 – Fattoria Zerbina
Fattoria Zerbina, symbol of the Romagna rebirth, offers with Poggio Vicchio ’23 a Sangiovese from the Marzeno sub-area with intense aromas of plum, black fruits and dried flowers. When tasted it is long, tasty, elegant and deep, energetic thanks to the vigorous acidity that supports it. Founded in 1966 and revolutionized in 1987 under the leadership of Cristina Geminiani, the company introduced advanced winemaking practices and a constant pursuit of quality.
6. TUSCANY – Rosso di Montalcino ’23 – Fattoi
Finding a Rosso di Montalcino of this level for less than 20 euros is a real rarity. The wine by Lamberto and Leonardo Fattoi, among the best in the category, is slender and deep on the nose with fresh tones of red fruit, balsamic herbs and hints of red citrus. Well structured and long lasting on the palate, it shows a perfect harmony between fruit and acidity. The company, founded in 1965 when Ofelio Fattoi purchased land near the parish church of Santa Restituta, produces wines that reflect the characteristics of the territory, appearing vigorous but elegant.
7. LAZIO – Capolemole Rosso ’22 – Marco Carpineti
Capolemole Rosso ’22 is an original blend of Montepulciano, Cesanese and Nero Buono, traditional Lazio vines. The refinement in barrique gives depth and fullness, enriching a nose that combines spiciness, very ripe red fruit and notes that veer towards truffles. Enveloping and full, with firm tannins and good freshness to support the imposing structure. Marco Carpineti, pioneer of quality viticulture in the Cori area, manages a biodynamic company which is a true hotbed of experimentation.
8. PUGLIA – Primitivo ’24 – Polvanera
Polvanera’s Primitivo ’24 represents accessible Apulian excellence. With an agile and bold taste dynamic, it offers hints of blackberry and black cherry, with notes of violet and wild mint, for a velvety and full-bodied sip. The Cassano family company extends over 20 hectares between 300 and 450 meters above sea level, where Filippo Cassano carries out an ambitious project to enhance the native vines, with vineyards cultivated with spurred cordon and sapling for the old 60-year-old vines.
9. CALABRIA – Cirò Rosso Cl. Sup. Etefe ’21 – Brigante Vigneti & Cantina
Cirò Etefe is a pure gaglioppo from a vineyard over thirty years old, grown organically at over 350 meters above sea level. On the nose it presents beautiful notes of blackberry fruits, dried flowers, bay leaves and a light spiciness, while on the palate it is savory, enveloping and with a beautiful balsamic finish. Enzo Sestito and Stefania Carè, both with three generations of winemakers behind them, founded their winery on their ancestors’ lands starting from firm principles: organic farming and zero chemicals.
10. SICILY – Sicily Nero d’Avola 16 Rows ’23 – Case Alte
The 16 Filari ’23 by Case Alte is a Nero d’Avola with an artisanal cut that ages for a few months in tonneau to reveal sensations of ripe black fruits inlaid with sweet spicy notes. The mouth has a good structure, with fine tannins that do not overwhelm the juiciness. The Camporeale winery, in the hinterland of Palermo, is a point of reference for those who love “tailored” wines, in the name of precision, sustainable and quality viticulture, with particular attention to biodiversity.
