The prestigious ranking

The world’s best wine (according to Wine Spectator) is a US Cabernet, but the top ten is dominated by Italian wines

The 2026 first prize went to the Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Italia secured second place with a Barbaresco and fourth place with a Brunello from Caparzo. Antinori’s Californian Cabernet came sixth.

by Giorgio dell'Orefice

13 November 2026

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3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

A US Cabernet takes the crown on the 50th anniversary of the ‘Judgement of Paris’
‘A new golden age is dawning for Napa Valley wines’
No. 2: Barbaresco Riserva from Cantina Produttori del Barbaresco
And in fourth place, Caparzo’s Brunello di Montalcino
Antinori’s Cabernet from Napa Valley ranks 6th

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Paolo Hobbs’s Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (Napa Valley) has been named the world’s best wine of 2026 by Wine Spectator . The top spot in the annual ranking was revealed at 11.00 US time (17.00 in Italia) by the American magazine itself.

A US Cabernet takes the crown on the 50th anniversary of the ‘Judgement of Paris’

And perhaps it could not have been otherwise, given that 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the ‘Judgement of Paris’ the famous (among wine lovers) blind tasting in which, for the first time on the international stage – and to the astonishment of many – American wines came out on top against the (until then) unrivalled French reds. A watershed moment that marked the end of one era and the beginning of another in the world of wine, placing New World wines – and in particular those from Napa Valley – on a par with those of traditional producers for the very first time.

‘A new golden age is dawning for Napa Valley wines’

‘Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon,’ reads Wine Spectator’s statement, ‘enjoyed meteoric success and rapid growth between the 1990s and the early 2000s, earning its rightful place amongst the elite of the wine world thanks to the quality of its wines. At the same time, producers’ reliance on a single, dominant style of powerful wines, combined with rapidly rising prices, has attracted critics. A love-hate relationship has developed between wine lovers and Napa Cabernet. Affordable bottles have become harder to find; some have questioned whether these wines are capable of ageing. In reality – US experts continue – Napa Valley Cabernet has undergone a constant evolution, before, during and after that heyday. By adopting a Burgundian approach centred on small-batch production from numerous individual vineyards, the valley’s Cabernet producers have laid the foundations for their next phase: a new ‘golden age’.

According to Wine Spectator, the world’s best wine costs $120 a bottle. That’s an average price by American standards.

Second place for the Barbaresco Riserva from Cantina Produttori del Barbaresco

But Italia certainly did not sit idly by, with at least “two and a half wines” in the Top Ten. Starting with the second place secured by the Barbaresco from the Cantina Produttori di Barbaresco (Cuneo). Specifically, this is the Rabajà Riserva 2021.

‘Founded in 1958, the Produttori del Barbaresco winery – as stated in the WS’s rationale – is one of the most successful cooperatives in the world of wine. Its wines are produced exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, ranging from the Langhe DOC to the nine reserve wines sourced from individual vineyards. Produttori del Barbaresco’s Barbaresco Rabajà Riserva is consistently among the finest produced by the estate and within the entire appellation. In the exceptional 2021 vintage, the estate produced the Barbaresco Rabajà with its highest ever score. A fine example of traditional style, this cru – aged in 2,500-, 3,000- and 5,000-litre barrels for 30 months – displays purity of fruit, latent power and density.”

And in fourth place, Caparzo’s Brunello di Montalcino

But the fourth place achieved by the Brunello di Montalcino from Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini’s Caparzo estate is also highly commendable. ‘Caparzo,’ according to the US magazine’s notes, ‘was founded in 1970. Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini purchased the estate, including the Montosoli plots known as La Casa, in 1998. In 2015, her daughter Alessandra joined the business. Over the last thirty years, considerable investment has been made, particularly in the replanting of the vineyards. The Brunello di Montalcino has earned a place in our Top 10 thanks to its combination of quality and value in the excellent 2021 vintage. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks was followed by two years’ ageing in Slavonian oak barrels ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 litres.”

Antinori’s Cabernet from Napa Valley comes sixth

And the wine that came in at number 6 in the Top Ten also has a strong ‘Italian’ influence: it is another Cabernet from Napa Valley, the Cabernet Sauvignon Stag’s Leap District Fay 2023. And it has an Italian connection because the Stag’s Leap estate is owned by the Antinori family. ‘The estate,’ as Wine Spectator notes, ‘distinguished itself at the “Judgement of Paris” competition and celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. The winery’s founder, Warren Winiarski, launched the ‘Fay’ label in 1990 after acquiring the Fay vineyard in 1986.”

In short, a ranking that perfectly celebrates the US victory in the Judgement of Paris 50 years ago and which now, at least in part, also features an Italian presence.

Giorgio dell’OreficeVicecaposervizio
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Luogo: Roma
Lingue parlate: italiano, inglese
Argomenti: agricoltura, agroalimentare, made in Italy, vitinicoltura, olio
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