The Best Italian White Wines for Every Budget

With Italy’s rich history of winemaking, it should come as no surprise that there exists a positively staggering selection of Italian wines. Although the country is arguably better known for its reds, Italy’s white wines are equally notable—and equally diverse. While this does ensure there’s something for everyone, it can also make shopping for Italian white wines more than a little overwhelming.

With that in mind, we’ve collected a few of the best Italian white wines at every major price point. Whatever your budget, preferences, and tastes, you’re bound to find something to like in this incredible selection of Italian wines. 

Best Italian White Wine for $15 or Less

Some wine snobs might turn up their nose at the idea of such cheap wine. We’d like to counter that attitude by saying that you don’t always get what you pay for. Low-cost wine can be every bit as incredible as the luxury stuff—if you know what to look for. 

Here are a few of our recommendations: 

• 2021 Santa Francesca Pinot Grigio  ($13). Exceptionally light with notes of ripe pear, apple, and citrus with an almond finish. A surprisingly versatile wine that goes with just about any meal.

• 2021 Villa Jolanda Moscato d’Asti ($12). Although this is a fairly recent vintage, this delicately sweet sparkling white is the perfect compliment for a light meal, while also delicious enough to sip on its own. 

Best Italian White Wine for $20-$50

Moving up to the mid-range, here’s where things can start to get a bit confusing. There’s a veritable mountain of different Italian whites available at this price point. And though it goes without saying that they aren’t all created equal, most are still at least worth a taste. 

With that said, we recommend trying out any or all of the following:

• • 2021 Jermann Pinot Grigio ($25) “This classic Pinot Grigio has vibrant and delectable aromas of lime zest, white flowers, and peaches. The sprightly acidity and freshness of the palate focus on the ripe apple, melon and minerality of this very tasty wine. (Jeff Porter)”

• 2019 Prá Monte Grande Soave Classico ($40). This delightful wine features a mingled aroma of honeyed pear, white cherry, and berries, with an intense fruity flavor and a long finish. It’s well worth the price. 

• 2020 Vie di Romans Chardonnay($40). Elegant and rich, this Chardonnay combines citrus, vanilla, and apple flavors into a rich, layered, and full-bodied wine. Bound to grow even more delicious with some time in the cellar. 

Best Italian White Wine for $50-100

We’re starting to move towards the higher-end whites now. With that said, if you’ve tried any of the more affordable wines, you might be surprised at how some of them compare. For people who aren’t lifelong aficionados, it can be difficult to tell the difference below a certain price point.

That aside, here are some of the best mid- to high-range Italian white wines:

• 2017 Pio Cesare Piodilei Chardonnay Langhe DOC ($52). This is a particularly complex Chardonnay, with a rich flavor that contains hints of apple, lemon, and tropical fruit along with just a touch of oak and spice. 

• 2017 Livio Felluga Terre Alte Friuli Venezia Giulia ($78).  Don’t let the petrol scent fool you. This savory white has an excellent finish, with a flavor profile that contains hints of citrus and stone fruit. 

• 2018 Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia Bolgheri Toscana ($80). With Sauvignon Blanc as its primary variety, this white wine combines citrus and stone fruit with an excellent structure and acidity.  

Best Italian White Wine for Over $100

Whether money is no object or you’re simply looking to splurge on your wine purchase for a special occasion, these wines are some of the most luxuriously priced you’ll find. They’re also something of a rarity, given that red wine frequently tends to be much pricier.  Still, they exist—and if you can afford them, they may be well worth the cost. 

We’re not going to get too intense here, though. This time, we’ve only a single recommendation: 

• 2017 Querciabella Batàr Toscana IGT ($120). A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, this iconic white is worth trying at least once on reputation alone, with a complex palate and savory finish.