Italy is world-famous for its rich winemaking tradition and a dazzling variety of wines that suit every palate. In this guide, we explore the top 50 Italian wine styles you should try—grouped into reds, whites, and sparklers. For each one, you’ll see the grape(s), key tasting notes, and smart food pairings to enjoy at the table.
Red Wines 🍷
Barolo
Barolo ranks among Italy’s most prestigious reds and comes from Piedmont. Producers use 100% Nebbiolo and craft complex wines with scents of rose, licorice, cherry, and a hint of tar. Pair it with red meats, game, and aged cheeses.
Brunello di Montalcino
From Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino relies exclusively on Sangiovese Grosso. This full-bodied red shows ripe cherry, tobacco, and spice, along with firm tannins and outstanding aging potential. Enjoy it with bistecca alla fiorentina or slow-cooked ragù.
Also read Montalcino Tuscany: Best Things to Do, Wine, and Travel Tips
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone hails from Veneto and blends Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. The style tastes rich and full-bodied, with notes of dried fruit, chocolate, and spice. Serve it with roasts, game dishes, and aged cheeses.
Chianti Classico
From Tuscany, Chianti Classico centers on Sangiovese, sometimes with small amounts of Canaiolo or Colorino. Expect red-fruit aromas, violet, and a subtle earthy touch. It pairs beautifully with tomato-sauced pasta, pizza, and grilled meats.
Also read: Greve in Chianti in Toscana: Things to Do
Barbaresco
Also from Piedmont, Barbaresco uses Nebbiolo and shows elegance with refined tannins. Look for rose, red fruit, and spice. Pair it with risotto, white meats, and mild cheeses.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
This Tuscan classic leans on Sangiovese (locally Prugnolo Gentile) with small additions of local grapes. Flavors include red berries, herbs, and a touch of tobacco. It shines with grilled or roasted meats.
Primitivo di Manduria
From Puglia, Primitivo di Manduria uses the Primitivo grape (Zinfandel in the U.S.). Expect a robust profile with dark fruit, spice, and chocolate. It loves grilled meats, spicy plates, and bold cheeses.
Montefalco Sagrantino
Umbria’s Montefalco Sagrantino uses 100% Sagrantino. This full-bodied wine delivers high tannins with black fruit, licorice, and spice. Serve it with roasts, lamb, and aged cheeses.
Aglianico del Vulture
From Basilicata, Aglianico del Vulture relies on Aglianico grapes. The deep, structured red brings dark fruit, earthy tones, and a mineral edge. It pairs well with roasts, game, and meat-sauced pasta.
Cannonau di Sardegna
Sardinia’s Cannonau (Grenache) offers red fruit, spice, and Mediterranean herbs. Match it with meat dishes, especially lamb or wild boar.
Dolcetto d’Alba
This Piedmont red uses Dolcetto and drinks on the lighter side, with red fruit, almond, and gentle spice. It suits pasta, white meats, and mild cheeses.
Valpolicella
From Veneto, Valpolicella blends Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. The light red shows cherry, herbs, and a faint almond note. Pair it with pasta, white meats, and pizza.
Morellino di Scansano
In Tuscany, Morellino di Scansano highlights Sangiovese. You’ll taste red berries, spice, and a herbal touch. It pairs nicely with meat dishes, especially grilled or roasted cuts.
Nero d’Avola
Sicily’s signature red, Nero d’Avola, brings dark fruit, spice, and a hint of cocoa. Enjoy it with roasts, lamb, and aged cheeses.
Sangiovese di Romagna
From Emilia-Romagna, this Sangiovese shows cherry, herbs, and a subtle earthy note. It pairs perfectly with pasta, white meats, and vegetable dishes.
Lagrein
Trentino–Alto Adige’s Lagrein tastes full-bodied, with dark fruit, spice, and a cocoa hint. Serve it alongside roasts, game, and aged cheeses.
Teroldego Rotaliano
Also from Trentino–Alto Adige, Teroldego Rotaliano offers red fruit, spice, and a mineral edge. It works well with grilled meats, veggie plates, and aged cheeses.
Refosco
Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso produces a structured red with dark fruit, herbs, and spice. Pair it with grilled meats and roasts.
Cesanese del Piglio
From Lazio, Cesanese del Piglio brings red fruit, spice, and herbal notes. It complements lamb and pork beautifully.
Bardolino
Veneto’s light Bardolino blends Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. Expect cherry, herbs, and a whisper of almond. Enjoy it with pasta, white meats, and pizza.
White Wines
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi
From Marche, Verdicchio brings freshness with citrus, almond, and white-flower notes. It pairs perfectly with seafood, grilled fish, and light pasta. Notably, Bucci Il Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2019 earned the #2 spot in Wine Enthusiast’s “Top 100 Most Exciting Wines 2021.”
Soave
From Veneto, Soave leans on Garganega. The light, refreshing profile shows green apple, peach, and almond. Serve it with seafood, salads, and fish dishes.
Gavi
Piedmont’s Gavi uses Cortese and delivers vibrant acidity with lemon, green apple, and white flowers. Therefore, it pairs well with seafood, fish crudo, and veggie dishes.
Fiano di Avellino
From Campania, Fiano di Avellino offers a fuller-bodied white with tropical fruit, nuts, and honey. Match it with seafood plates and risotto; it also sings with goat cheese.
Greco di Tufo
Also in Campania, Greco di Tufo delivers freshness and minerality with citrus, apple, and herbs. It excels with seafood, especially oysters and shellfish.
Vermentino di Sardegna
Sardinia’s Vermentino brings citrus, Mediterranean herbs, and a savory, saline touch. Pair it with seafood, especially grilled fish.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo offers a light, refreshing white with citrus, floral notes, and a hint of almond. It suits fish dishes, salads, and fresh cheeses.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio stands among Italy’s most popular whites and thrives in Veneto and Trentino–Alto Adige. Expect a light profile with green apple, pear, and lemon. Pair it with salads, seafood, and light pasta.
Etna Bianco
From Sicily, Etna Bianco relies mainly on Carricante. The wine shows mineral drive with apple, lemon, and herbs. It matches fish, seafood, and fresh cheeses.
30. Frascati
Lazio’s light Frascati blends Malvasia and Trebbiano. Fresh citrus and white-flower notes lead the way. Serve it with salads, seafood, and other light fare.
Lugana
From Lake Garda, Lugana uses Trebbiano di Lugana (Turbiana). It brings citrus, white flowers, and a mineral streak. Pair it with fish, seafood, and salads.
Orvieto
Umbria’s Orvieto blends Grechetto and Trebbiano. This light white shows citrus, apple, and floral notes. It suits salads, fish, and fresh cheeses.
Bianco di Custoza
Veneto’s Bianco di Custoza mixes grapes like Garganega, Trebbiano, and Friulano. Expect citrus, flowers, and a gentle herbal touch. It pairs perfectly with fish, seafood, and salads.
Moscato d’Asti
Piedmont’s Moscato d’Asti is lightly sweet and gently sparkling, with tropical fruit, honey, and floral notes. Enjoy it with desserts and fresh fruit.
Arneis
Piedmont’s Arneis delivers a fresh, aromatic white with tropical fruit, flowers, and almond. It works well with fish, seafood, and salads.
Erbaluce di Caluso
Also from Piedmont, Erbaluce di Caluso brings freshness and minerality with citrus and white flowers. Pair it with fish, seafood, and salads.
Falerno del Massico Bianco
From Campania, Falerno del Massico Bianco blends Falanghina and Biancolella. Expect an aromatic profile with tropical fruit, flowers, and a mineral note. It pairs with seafood and grilled fish.
Pecorino
From Marche and Abruzzo, Pecorino delivers freshness and lift with citrus, herbs, and floral hints. Enjoy it with fish, seafood, and salads.
Grechetto
Umbria’s Grechetto offers citrus, apple, and almond notes in a bright, aromatic white. It fits salads, fish, and fresh cheeses.
Verduzzo
Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s Verduzzo can be dry or sweet, showing tropical fruit, honey, and floral notes. It pairs nicely with desserts and fresh fruit.
Sparkling Wines
Franciacorta
Franciacorta stands as Italy’s top traditional-method sparkler from Lombardy. Producers use Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc to craft complex flavors of apple, pear, brioche, and almond. Pair it with refined dishes like seafood, caviar, and fine cheeses.
Prosecco
From Veneto, Prosecco relies on Glera. The style tastes light and fresh with green apple, peach, and white flowers. It suits aperitifs, seafood, and light plates.
Asti Spumante
Piedmont’s Asti Spumante uses Moscato and delivers a sweet, aromatic sparkle with tropical fruit, honey, and flowers. Enjoy it with desserts and fresh fruit.
Lambrusco
Emilia-Romagna’s sparkling red ranges from dry to sweet and uses Lambrusco grapes. Expect red fruit and floral tones. It pairs well with charcuterie, pizza, and cured meats.
Trento DOC
Trento DOC, from Trentino–Alto Adige, follows the traditional method with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The elegant profile shows apple, brioche, and almond. It complements seafood, poultry, and aged cheeses.
Alta Langa
Piedmont’s Alta Langa also uses the traditional method with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Expect elegance with apple, peach, and brioche. Pair it with seafood, poultry, and aged cheeses.
Metodo Classico Oltrepò Pavese
From Lombardy, Metodo Classico Oltrepò Pavese blends Pinot Noir and Chardonnay via the traditional method. You’ll find apple, pear, and brioche notes. It suits seafood, poultry, and fine cheeses.
Durello
Veneto’s Durello relies on Durella and brings a fresh, mineral style with citrus and floral notes. It pairs perfectly with seafood, especially oysters and shellfish.
Prosecco Superiore di Valdobbiadene
This high-quality Prosecco comes from Valdobbiadene’s hills in Veneto and uses Glera. Expect a light, crisp profile with apple, pear, and white flowers. Serve it with aperitifs, seafood, and light fare.
Lambrusco di Sorbara
One of the most refined Lambrusco styles from Emilia-Romagna, Lambrusco di Sorbara tastes light and fresh with red fruit and floral notes. Pair it with charcuterie, pizza, and cured meats.
Our Final Thoughts 🍇
Italy offers an incredible spectrum of wines that reflect the richness of its regions. Whether you love structured reds, refreshing whites, or elegant bubbles, you’ll always find a standout Italian bottle to explore. Use this guide to discover the best of Italian wine and to match each style with dishes that highlight its unique character.
If you’re a wine lover, also read:
Tuscany Wine Tasting Guide: 20 Top Wineries You Should Visit
Best Wineries in Puglia: 20 Vineyards You Must Visit in Southern Italy
Piedmont Wine Travel: 20 Top Wineries for Tours & Tastings
If you want more tips like this, follow us on Instagram @beradatravel.
Did you know that when you book through the links on our blog, we earn a small commission, and you support us without paying anything extra? You get discounts and still help Berada Travel keep creating quality content about amazing destinations! Support us so we can keep inspiring travel lovers! ✈️ ❤️
