The Top 10 Wines in the World (Red Wine, Champagne, & More)
What are the top 10 wines? From bubbly sparkling wines to complex reds and crisp whites, there are many great wines on the market. Choosing the right one can be overwhelming and knowing the best of the best can help you narrow down your choices on your quest for quality wines. Whether you are writing a wine menu for your restaurant or bar or looking to round out your personal wine collection, the top-ranking wines on our lists will delight wine enthusiasts everywhere.
Enjoying a truly excellent wine does not always have to break the bank. Our lists include wines at every price point so that you can enjoy a sophisticated wine on any budget. Uncorking one of these bottles is sure to impress, so read on to learn about the top 10 best wines in the world for the most popular wine categories. Plus, we break down the tasting notes for every wine on our list.
Top 10 Red Wines
Made from dark-colored grape varieties, red wine can vary in color from violet to red to even brown, and the color comes from the grape skins. Red wines age longer than white wines. You can feel good about drinking red wine because, in moderate amounts, it may offer health benefits.
Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta, Rioja Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, 2010
· Orange peel, forest floor, vanilla, black tea, and dried cherry
Aubert, Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast UV Vineyard, 2018
· Red fruit and savory spice
San Filippo, Brunello di Montalcino Le Lucére 2015
· Black currant, blueberry, violet, and iron
Mayacamas, Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder, 2016
· Wild Sage, sassafras, herb, bitter cherry fruit, red currant, and damson plum
Domaine de la Vieille Julienne, Châteauneuf-du-Paper Les Trois Sources, 2016
· Bay leaf, warm tar, worn leather, blueberry, plum, and açai berry
Massolino, Barolo, 2016
· Cherry, wild herb, tobacco, and mineral
Bodega Piedra Negra, Chacayes Los Chacayes, 2015
· Kirsch, tart cherry, and dark cherry
Beaux Frères, Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge The Beaux Frères Vineyard, 2018
· Brown baking spice, rose petal, and raspberry
Castello di Volpaia, Chianti Classico Riserva, 2016
· Black currant, violet, black cherry, spice, iron, and wet earth
Bodegas y Viñedos Valderiz, Ribera del Duero, 2016
· Espresso, mineral, licorice, spice, blackberry, and currant
Top 10 White Wines
White wine has been around for at least 4,000 years. It ranges in color from straw-yellow to yellow-green to yellow-gold. Dry white wine is most common, though sweet wines are popular, too. People like the refreshing quality of this type of wine.
Kistler, Chardonnay Russian River Valley Vine Hill Vineyard, 2017
· McIntosh apple, dried savory herb, and citrus
Hall, Sauvignon Blanc Knights Valley, 2018
· Palo santo, lemon curd, orange sherbet, dried apricot, and green tea
Joel Gott, Sauvignon Blanc California, 2019
· Lemon blossom, candied orange peel, lime sherbet, Asian pear, and lemon verbena
Allan Scott, Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, 2020
· Ruby grapefruit, Key lime, passion fruit, grated ginger, and green tea
Quivira, Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley Fig Tree Vineyard, 2018
· Matcha green tea, beeswax, verbena, lemon curd, lanolin, and quince
Forge, Riesling Seneca Lake Dry Classique, 2018
· Jasmine, mustard flower, quince, mustard flower, and quinine
Foradori, Manzoni Bianco Vigneti delle Dolomiti Fontanasanta, 2018
· Chamomile, macerated peach, and white raspberry
Glenelly, Chardonnay Stellenbosch Estate Reserve, 2018
· Apple, butter, heather, and mint
Trimbach, Riesling Alsace, 2017
· White peach, pine, passion fruit coulis, and preserved lemon
Hartford Court, Chardonnay Russian River Valley, 2018
· White fruit, spice, and honey
Top 10 Champagne and Sparkling Wines
No celebration is complete without a glass of sparkling wine, a drink we associate with royalty. Technically, wine is only champagne if it is produced in the Champagne wine region of France, where the rules of appellation govern its production. Regardless of where it’s from, sparkling wine is a bubbly and tasty addition to a meal or celebration.
Bollinger, Brut Champagne La Grande Année
· Ground coffee, candied grapefruit peel, toasted almond, and crushed black currant
Gloria Ferrer, Brut Carneros Royal Cuvée Late Disgorged, 2013
· Spiced nut, Asian pear, and fresh yeast roll
Ployez-Jacquemart, Brut Champagne Extra Quality, NV
· Honeysuckle, white cherry, anise, Mirabelle plum, grated ginger, and spice
El Cep, Brut Cava Gelida Gran Reserva, 2015
· Candied ginger, pastry cream, and toasted almond
Rare, Brut, 2006
· Fresh apple, yeast, and chalky lemon
Taillet, Sur le Grand Marais Brut Nature, NV
· Orchard fruits, marzipan, honeycomb, apple, and woodland greens
Boizel, Brut Réserve, NV
· Plum, red apple, and brioche
Deutz, Amour de Deutz Brut, 2010
· Citrus, praline, scream, brioche, and woodsmoke
Devaux, D Millésimé Brut, 2008
· Vanilla toast, lemon butter, herbal red berry, vanilla, and pastry
Louis de Chatet, Privilège Brut, NV
· Strawberry, Mirabelle plum, young vine fruit, and herbs
Taste your way through our lists as you enjoy world-class wines from the most successful vintages, regions, and wineries. Whether you are new to wine or have a refined palette that can detect even the faintest tasting note, these bucket-list wines will delight your taste buds.
