This is worth savoring: 2025’s standout wines defy expectations, blending tradition with bold innovation. Brenntal Merlot, a single-vineyard gem from Alto Adige, redefines Merlot’s reputation. Its 15% alcohol, fresh yet full-bodied profile, stems from a unique terroir—steep loamy clay soils and cooling breezes. A 30-year-old vintages tasting revealed its longevity, with the 2009 still delivering ripe blackberry and blackcurrant notes. Italy’s Tuscany offers more surprises: Caiarossa’s 2021, a biodynamic blend of Syrah and Cabernet Franc, showcases bold cassis and tobacco flavors. The region’s volcanic soils and iron-rich earth create a distinct identity, while Tenute Argentiera’s Ventaglio 2020—a 100% Cabernet Franc—proves the variety’s versatility. Dense, complex, and age-worthy, it’s a rare find priced north of £250.
Closer to home, Hampshire’s Vineyards of Hampshire (VOH) reimagined English fizz. Hambledon’s Premiere Cuvee, a saignee-style cuvée with 88% Pinot Meunier, is a revelation. Its layered blackcurrant, eucalyptus, and tobacco profile defies the stereotype of English sparkling wine. Meanwhile, sweet wines are staging a comeback. Domaine Fontanel’s Riversaltes Ambré 2017, made from 60-year-old Grenache Gris and Blanc vines, offers dried fig and date richness in an oxidative style rarely seen today.
Europe’s volcanic terroirs are producing bold, expressive wines. Santorini’s Gaia Ammonite Assyrtiko, from a 100-year-old vineyard, balances freshness with volcanic intensity. Lanzarote’s Malvasia Volcanica Seco 2024, a crowd-pleaser, highlights the island’s unique microclimate. Meanwhile, Armenian heritage wines like Zorah’s Sireni Heritage 2020—crafted from nearly extinct Sireni grapes—offer a glimpse into the region’s storied past.
Key points: The 2025 list underscores the rise of biodynamic and heritage-driven wines, with Italy’s Tuscany and Lanzarote leading the charge. English fizz is breaking boundaries with complex, high-quality expressions, while volcanic terroirs are producing bold, age-worthy vintages.
What’s your favorite discovery from this year’s list—or a region you’d love to explore.
What’s your favorite discovery from this year’s list—or a region you’d love to explore? Share your picks below.
Questions & Answers
What are the top European wines of 2025?
The top European wines of 2025 include Château Margaux, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, and Sine Qua Non. These are noted for their complexity and aging potential.
Who rated the best European wines of 2025?
Justin Keay – The Buyer rated the best European wines of 2025. His review highlights value, quality, and regional excellence in the 2025 vintage.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
