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The Best Wines in Italy: Gambero Rosso's Tre Bicchieri

Hi Guys!


Chef Dani here, here we go again, yes, our summer tour season is about to start and this year we are delighted to announce that we will visit and taste a slew of freshly awarded wineries during the course of the summer and into the fall 2026.


But let's go through and understand what receiving a 3 Bicchieri award means.



The “Tre Bicchieri” (3 Glasses) award is the highest recognition given to Italian wines by Gambero Rosso in its annual wine guide, Vini d'Italia.


What “Tre Bicchieri” Means

“Tre Bicchieri” literally translates to “Three Glasses.” The guide uses a rating system based on glasses:

  • 1 Bicchiere = good quality wine

  • 2 Bicchieri = very good wine

  • 3 Bicchieri (Tre Bicchieri) = exceptional wine, considered among the best in Italy for that vintage


Only a small percentage of wines reviewed each year receive the top distinction, making it one of the most respected and influential awards in Italian wine culture.


Why It Matters

Receiving the Tre Bicchieri award often means:

  • Increased prestige for the winery

  • Greater international recognition

  • Higher demand from collectors, restaurants, and importers

  • Validation of a winery’s consistency, terroir expression, and craftsmanship

For many Italian producers, especially smaller family estates, winning Tre Bicchieri can significantly elevate their reputation worldwide.


How Wines Are Evaluated

The tasting panels from Gambero Rosso conduct thousands of blind tastings every year across all Italian wine regions. Wines are judged on:

  • Balance and structure

  • Aromatic complexity

  • Typicity of the region and grape variety

  • Aging potential

  • Overall excellence


Importance in Italian Wine Culture

Tre Bicchieri is often compared to:

  • Michelin Stars for restaurants

  • 100-point ratings from critics like Robert Parker

  • Top scores from Wine Spectator


However, Tre Bicchieri is uniquely Italian because it strongly emphasizes:

  • Regional identity

  • Indigenous grape varieties

  • Traditional and modern winemaking excellence

  • Connection to terroir and food culture


Examples of Wines Commonly Receiving Tre Bicchieri

Top-performing regions often include:

  • Tuscany — Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Super Tuscans (Join us in May 2028 exploring the Bolgheri area famous for its Super Tuscans)

  • Piedmont — Barolo and Barbaresco

  • Veneto — Amarone della Valpolicella

  • Sicily — Etna Rosso and Nero d’Avola

  • Friuli Venezia Giulia — elite white wines (Join us with Two Vintner's winemaker Morgan Lee in April 2027 in Friuli)


A Simple Description You Could Use

“The Tre Bicchieri award is Italy’s most prestigious wine recognition, granted annually by Gambero Rosso to wines that represent the highest level of quality, regional expression, and winemaking excellence.”


Now that we have a better understanding lets see what we picked for you and what we are going to taste this Summer and into the fall. 



Just few of the best Tuscany have to offer, so I’m looking forward to share these experiences with all of you who are joining already and if you are still thinking to join it’s not too late, give us a call and we’ll make sure to assist you during the upcoming wines and food extravaganza.


Ciao, Chef Dani.



 
 
 

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