James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of 2024: An Exquisite Global Selection

The world of wine has a rich history, yet with today’s fast-paced trends and rising preferences for new varieties, sometimes it’s the classics that need a louder voice. These are wines that embody “time and place” in a way only long-standing traditions can.

As a reminder of this depth, JamesSuckling.com has selected the Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015 as Wine of the Year for 2024. This choice emphasizes wines that not only reflect centuries-old practices but also meet today’s standards for refinement, precision, and incredible drinkability.

Honoring Time-Tested Traditions

Produced on the Tenuta Novare estate in Italy’s Valpolicella Classico region, the Bertani Amarone represents the epitome of balance and elegance, despite its traditional, labor-intensive grape-drying process. This process, known as appassimento, produces an Amarone that has both structure and a velvety nature, echoing neoclassical wines that are modern in craftsmanship yet steeped in history. The choice of this Amarone celebrates the enduring greatness of wines rooted in place and time, wines that don’t chase trends but stay true to their origins.

A World of Top Wines: Defining Our List

This philosophy extends across JamesSuckling.com’s Top 100 World Wines of 2024 list, with wines from over 40,000 tastings by a global team of 12 tasters. Italian wines held the spotlight with over 9,100 ratings, followed closely by France and the United States, with a wide array of producers from Germany, Argentina, and even emerging markets like China rounding out the selection. The criteria focused on quality, price, and an intangible “wow factor,” valuing wines that offer both intensity and drinkability, with many on the list priced accessibly between USD 30 and USD 60.

Standouts from Around the World

The 2023 German vintage was notably praised, with the Künstler Riesling Rheingau Hölle GG 2023 taking No. 2. Austrian and Australian Rieslings also shone, with the F.X. Pichler Riesling Wachau Ried Kellerberg 2023 at No. 3 and Frankland Estate’s Riesling Frankland River Isolation Ridge 2022 in the top 30. Other highlights include Napa Valley’s 2021 cabernet sauvignons, 2020 Barolos, and classic Alsace wines, underscoring how a sense of place and dedication to craft can yield exceptional wines regardless of the region.

A Nod to Accessible Quality

As high-end Bordeaux and Burgundy become less affordable, classic regions like Germany and Alto Adige offer superb wines at lower price points. The Künstler Riesling Rheingau Hölle GG 2023, at approximately USD 65, is one example of a wine with remarkable character and accessible pricing. For those who seek quality and heritage without a luxury price tag, these wines offer an unmatched combination of depth, story, and value.

“Top 100 World Wines 2024” by JamesSuckling.com

The Future of Classic Wines

In a time when high prices and modern preferences are shifting the market, young wine drinkers show an enduring appreciation for wines with a story. From James Suckling’s experiences with consumers worldwide, a new generation is captivated by wines that reveal both their origins and the passion of their makers. Wines like the Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015 tell such a story, reminding us that the greatness of a wine isn’t always about innovation but rather a deep-rooted respect for heritage, tradition, and terroir.

For those who value the enduring appeal of classic wines, this year’s Top 100 World Wines list is a tribute to tradition, balance, and the art of winemaking, proving that the old ways still produce exceptional results. Whether you’re drawn to these selections or inspired by their stories, we hope this list serves as a celebration of timeless wines and the unique, irreplaceable places they come from.

Source: James Suckling