A little discovery.
A very good meal.
A fresh white with seafood. A savoury red alongside tomato pasta. A glass of Prosecco while the table is being set. Italian wine has a way of making the meal feel complete.
You don't need to learn every region to find a bottle you'll love. Start with the flavours you enjoy, then let this guide lead you somewhere new.
Find your Italian wine style
Think of these as starting points, not fixed rules. Producer, region and winemaking all shape the bottle, so use the individual tasting notes to make your choice.
Fresh, lively whites
Enjoy Pinot Grigio? Explore Soave, Verdicchio or Vermentino next. Look for citrus, freshness and texture in the tasting notes to find your preferred balance.
Try with: simply prepared fish, seafood or lighter vegetable dishes.
Fresh, savoury reds
Chianti and Barbera are useful places to begin when you want fruit and freshness at the dinner table. Sangiovese, the grape at the heart of Chianti, often brings cherry and savoury notes.
Try with: tomato pasta, pizza or roasted vegetables.
Richer, fuller reds
Prefer generous fruit and more body? Explore Primitivo, Nero d'Avola or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Amarone offers another direction if you're looking for concentration.
Try with: grilled meats or richer dishes, adjusting for the sauce and seasoning.
Something sparkling
Prosecco is an inviting starting point for an aperitif or a toast. If you enjoy a sweeter, gently sparkling style, Moscato d'Asti offers a different expression.
Choosing tip: check the bottle's sweetness description rather than assuming every sparkling wine tastes alike.
Explore Italian wines and compare tasting notes
A quick journey through Italy's wine regions
Piedmont: perfume, freshness and structure
In the north-west, Barolo and Barbaresco showcase Nebbiolo, a grape known for floral aromas and firm tannins. Barbera offers a fresh, fruit-led route into the region, while Moscato d'Asti introduces its sweeter side.
Veneto: plenty of ways to explore
From Soave whites and Valpolicella reds to concentrated Amarone, Veneto rewards curiosity. It is also an important part of Prosecco country, alongside neighbouring Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Tuscany: bring it to the table
Sangiovese is central to Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Its freshness and savoury character make Tuscany a rewarding starting point for people who enjoy choosing wine around a meal.
Central Italy: look beyond familiar names
Abruzzo offers generous Montepulciano d'Abruzzo reds; neighbouring Marche is a place to discover Verdicchio whites. One useful distinction: Montepulciano the grape is not the same as the Tuscan town of that name.
The south and islands: new favourites await
Explore Puglia for Primitivo and Negroamaro, Campania for Fiano, Greco and Aglianico, and Sicily for Nero d'Avola and the wines of Etna. Sardinia is another place to discover Vermentino.
Let dinner guide the choice
Start with the weight of the food, then consider the sauce. Tomato pasta suggests a fresh Sangiovese-based red; simply prepared seafood might lead you towards Verdicchio or Vermentino.
Mushroom dishes can be a chance to explore a savoury red such as Nebbiolo. For grilled meats, compare Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Primitivo and Nero d'Avola.
These are suggestions, not instructions. The best place to begin is a style you enjoy.
A few questions before you choose
What should I try after Pinot Grigio?
Soave, Verdicchio and Vermentino are useful next steps for fresh whites. Fiano, Greco and Pecorino offer other aromas and textures to explore. Read the bottle's notes to find the direction that appeals.
Do I need to keep Italian reds for years?
No. Many are made for enjoying young, while some structured wines can develop with time. Follow guidance for the particular bottle, or ask us, rather than relying on the region alone.
Ordering for a particular date? Check our UK wine delivery information for current charges, estimated timings and arrangements.
Your next favourite could be a grape you haven't tried (or even heard of before!)
Browse the Italian collection, or tell us a wine you already enjoy, your budget and what you're cooking. We'll help you find a familiar style or a new discovery.
Call 01293 734 664 or email service@greatwinesdirect.co.uk.