19 Must-Try Mediterranean Wines Handpicked by a Master Sommelier

Discover the Best Mediterranean Wines for Every Palate

The word “Mediterranean” instantly evokes images of sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the rich aromas of fresh seafood and local cuisine. But let’s not forget the wine—Mediterranean wines are the perfect companion as we transition from summer to fall. Known for their mid-weight, fresh, and clean profiles, these wines strike a balance between fruitiness and restraint. Unlike their more austere Northern European counterparts, they’re rarely overly oaky or tart, making them a perennial favorite.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating the holidays, or simply unwinding after a long day, these handpicked Mediterranean wines are sure to impress. Below, we’ve curated a list of the 19 best Mediterranean wines, selected by Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis, to elevate your fall and holiday gatherings.

Best Mediterranean Sparkling Wines

2017 Sella & Mosca Torbato Spumante Brut (Alghero, Sardinia – Italy) – 90 points, $21.99
A refreshing, dry sparkling wine with fine, lasting bubbles. Notes of lemon zest, sea salt, and oyster shell make it a crisp and invigorating choice.

Best Mediterranean White Wines

2017 Acroterra Santorini (Cyclades Islands – Greece) – 94 points, $47.99
A serious, age-worthy Assyrtiko blend that’s silky, fresh, and full-bodied. Expect flavors of white peach, lemongrass, daisy stem, honey, rock dust, and a hint of petrol.
2017 Anatolikos Vineyards Wild Ferment Malagousia (Thrace – Greece) – 92 points, $44.99
This organic, unfiltered Malagousia is intensely aromatic with a lightly chalky texture. Notes of honeydew, peach, passion fruit, white rose, and lilac make it a standout.
2018 Gentilini Wild Paths Robola of Cephalonia (Ionian Islands – Greece) – 91 points, $24.99
Light and fresh with a bitter pithiness. Flavors include lemon, pear, chalk, hay bale, and wildflowers, offering a unique and refreshing experience.
2017 Markou Vineyards Savatiano (Attiki – Greece) – 91 points, $15.99
A light, brisk, and dry wine with notes of grapefruit pith, lemon zest, oyster shell, and sea spray. Perfect for those who love a zesty, mineral-driven white.
2018 Mercouri Estate Foloi (Peleponnese – Greece) – 91 points, $17.99
A crisp, dry, and tart Roditis/Viognier blend with notes of peach, lily, fennel seed, mint leaf, and petrol. A great value for its complexity.
2018 Olianas Vermentino di Sardegna (Italy) – 90 points, $14.99
Fresh, crisp, and juicy with flavors of lemon, peach, wildflowers, and hay. An affordable and versatile white wine.
2017 Domaine Papagiannakos Savatiano (Markopoulo – Athens, Greece) – 91 points, $17
Light, dry, fresh, and creamy with notes of mandarin, marzipan, chamomile, and sea salt. A delightful and approachable option.
2018 Semeli Moschofilero (Mantinia, Peleponnese – Greece) – 92 points, $19.99
Light, crisp, and energetic with notes of lemon, peach, dried pineapple, yellow and pink rose, and violet. A floral and fruity delight.
2018 Theopetra Estate Malagousia Assyrtiko (Meteora, Thessaly – Greece) – 91 points, $27.99
Light, crisp, and flavorful with a very dry finish. Notes of lemon, peach, thyme, and rosemary add depth and complexity.

Best Mediterranean Rosé Wines

2018 Oenops Winery Apla Dry Rosé (Prosotsani Drama – Macedonia, Greece) – 92 points, $19.99
Subtle yet complex, this rosé is crisp and dry with notes of raspberry, just-ripe cherry, white mushroom, chalk, and sea spray. A sophisticated choice for rosé lovers.

Best Mediterranean Red Wines

2022 Donnafugata Sul Volcano Etna Rosso (Sicily – Italy) – 91 points, $35
Lean, muscular, and zesty with notes of strawberry, cherry, brown mushroom, black olive, and grilled sausage. A bold and expressive red.
2017 Mandrarossa Costa Dune Frappato (Terre Siciliane – Italy) – 90 points, $17.99
Subtle, fresh, light, and dry with notes of lemon, cherry, fennel, and porcini mushroom. A great everyday red.
2022 Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria (Sicily – Italy) – 92 points, $23.99
Mid-weight and beautifully balanced with notes of orange zest, cherry, red licorice, carob, leather, and white mushroom. A crowd-pleaser.
2014 Sella & Mosca Tanca Farra (Alghero – Sardinia, Italy) – 91 points, $26.99
A fresh, mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon/Cannonau blend with notes of bing cherry, black licorice, cedar, clove, mushroom, sage, and prosciutto. Rich and layered.
2013 Sella & Mosca Marchese di Villamarina (Alghero – Sardinia, Italy) – 92 points, $59.99
A Mediterranean Cabernet Sauvignon that’s fresh, dry, and tart with notes of mulberry, plum, coriander seed, oregano, fennel seed, mushroom, and cinnamon. A premium choice.
2016 Terra Petra Rapsani (Thessaly – Macedonia, Greece) – 93 points, $43.99
Mid-weight, fresh, dry, and chewy with notes of cherry, brown mushroom, cumin, bay leaf, and oregano. A complex and rewarding red.
2015 Thymiopoulos Naoussa (Macedonia – Greece) – 92 points, $29.99
Mellow yet tart, lean, and chewy with notes of cranberry, orange zest, sun-dried tomato, sage, porcini, and cedar. A wine with character.

Sweet Wine

2012 Tsiakkas Commanderia (Cyprus) – 95 points, 500 ml, $65
Rich, sweet, and silky, this world-class dessert wine is fully evolved with notes of white chocolate, toffee, agave nectar, honeycomb, mushroom, and almond sliver. Delicate yet intense, it’s exquisitely balanced.

Why Mediterranean Wines Are a Smart Choice

With the recent tariffs on European wines, Italian wines are a great option to stock up on at current prices. Meanwhile, Greek wines remain tariff-free, making them an excellent value for wine enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual drinker, these Mediterranean wines offer something for everyone.

For more expert insights, check out Planet Grape Wine Review, where Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis shares her expertise and recommendations.

About the Author

Catherine Fallis, known as the 5th woman in the world to earn the title of Master Sommelier, is a nationally recognized wine expert, author, and speaker. Through her firm, Planet Grape® LLC, she brings wine down to earth with her warm and engaging approach. As the only person to hold both the Master Sommelier and Advanced Certified Wine Professional credentials, she’s a true authority in the wine world. Catherine is also a professional Champagne sabreuse, known for opening Champagne with flair using her sword.

Her work has earned her a place in Les Dames d’Escoffier International, and she serves as a Board Member of The American Institute of Wine & Food. As the in-house Master Sommelier for Global Gourmet Catering and a wine buyer for Universal Wine Alliance, she continues to shape the wine industry with her expertise.