James Button

Social Links Navigation

Regional Editor - Italy

James Button is Decanter’s regional editor for Italy, responsible for all of Decanter's Italian content in print and online.

Like many others, he started his wine career at Majestic Wine, giving him a strong grounding in the subject before successfully completing the WSET Level 4 Diploma in 2010. From 2014 to 2016 he managed the fine wine department of a startup wine company in London, before joining Decanter as digital sub-editor.

Outside of wine, James enjoys cooking, skiing, playing guitar and cycling.

Summer fine wine reds from The Wine Society's ‘Italy Spotlight’

Our Italy editor picks out some delicious summertime reds from the UK retailer's latest fine wine focus.

Alto Piemonte is home to Piedmont's ‘other Nebbiolo’, and deserves more attention

You’ve heard of Barolo, and you’ve almost certainly heard of Barbaresco. There’s a chance you’ve already crossed paths with Roero – but have you ever heard of Alto Piemonte?

By James Button Published 22 May 26
Discover Lidl's must-have wines for May: Limited releases you can't miss

The best of Lidl's latest wine releases...

By James Button Last updated 30 April 26
Rooted in Italy: Native varieties at the pinnacle of DWWA scoring

Ten Platinum-awarded (97 points and above) wines from last year’s DWWA were selected by the Master of Wine.

By James Button Published 24 April 26
Sassicaia and Ornellaia launched their new vintages last week – here’s our expert opinion

Are the 2023s buyable? Absolutely!

By James Button Last updated 16 February 26
What’s hot on Sicily? Our editor’s 2025 guide

All the latest from Sicily...

By James Button Last updated 27 January 26
Wines of the Year 2025: Italy

Regional Editor for Italy, James Button, goes through the year's top Italian wines, starting in Piedmont and working his way south.

By James Button Last updated 27 January 26

Barolo vs Barbaresco vs Brunello: What’s the difference?

Understanding Italy's ‘three Bs’...

By James Button Last updated 12 December 25
What’s the difference between Muscat, Moscatel and Moscato?

Untangling the wine world's biggest family of grapes...

By James Button Last updated 12 December 25
Italian wine labels explained: Understanding DOCG, DOC & IGT

Ever wondered what the letters on Italian wine labels mean?

By James Button Last updated 12 December 25
How to let a wine breathe, and when

Does it make a difference...?

By James Button Last updated 12 December 25
Another Campania: The varying shades of a volcanic terroir

Turbulent, volcanic magnificence...

By James Button Last updated 26 November 25
Four decades of Guado al Tasso: A Decanter Fine Wine Encounter masterclass

Hype for Cabernet Franc...

By James Button Published 19 November 25

Wine news from Italy: A round-up

Including the first DOCG for Calabria...

By James Button Published 15 October 25
Tuscany’s top tier: New vintage releases

From the Maremma coast to Montalcino...

By James Button Last updated 14 October 25
Bolgheri report 2025: Miraculous results

All the latest releases from Bolgheri...

By James Button Last updated 14 October 25
Sicily Report 2024: Etna’s golden opportunity

Etna is on the cusp of its breakout...

By James Button Last updated 14 October 25
Our Italy editor meets Bibi Graetz, tries his latest vintages, and learns how one wine got its naughty name

An eclectic collection of Tuscan wines...

By James Button Last updated 14 October 25
Our Italy editor tastes 20 vintages of a Super Tuscan that’s ‘never been better’

A 20-vintage tasting proved that quality runs deep in this wine's DNA...

By James Button Last updated 13 October 25

Here are five recommended Laithwaites wines to buy

James Button's top picks...

By James Button Last updated 8 October 25
Red wine for Christmas under £15/$20

You don't need to break the bank this Christmas...

By James Button Last updated 3 October 25
What is a SuperTuscan wine?

You may have heard of a SuperTuscan wine, but do you know what it means?

By James Button Last updated 29 September 25
Celebrate National Chianti Day with Decanter’s top picks

We recommend 14 top picks...

By James Button Last updated 5 September 25
Expert’s Choice: Frappato

A darling of Sicily...

By James Button Published 20 July 25
Decanter Presents… Avignonesi: A Tale of Two Terroirs

A double vertical tasting...

By James Button Last updated 27 May 25

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Archives