Italian Red Wine
Italy is one of the most important red wine producers in the world. And it’s little wonder, thanks to a diverse terroir, from mountainous regions to rocky coastlines and its Mediterranean climate. Italy grows a vast number of red grape varieties, in fact, it has one of the highest levels of indigenous grape varieties in the world!
Find Your Red
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Sommelier's Selection
15 retailers
Antinori Tignanello
Toscana
15 retailers
£116.74
11 retailers
Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto
Toscana
11 retailers
£36.67
10 retailers
Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia
Bolgheri Sassicaia
10 retailers
£242.40
£280.67
10 retailers
Solaia
Toscana
10 retailers
£274.00
8 retailers
Le Difese
Bolgheri
8 retailers
£24.99
8 retailers
Antinori Tenuta Tignanello Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico
8 retailers
£30.38
£35.08
8 retailers
Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve
Colli della Toscana Centrale
8 retailers
£91.90
7 retailers
Ornellaia Le Volte
Toscana
7 retailers
£19.08
The Taste Landscape
Every circle is an Italian red wine appellation, sized by how many wines are available. Hover to explore, tap to see wines.
Grapes Behind Italian Red Wine
Sangiovese
Violet
Liquorice
Forest berries
Black cherry
Sangiovese (san-jo-vay-zeh) is the undisputed king of red wines in central Italy. You will find it in almost every part of the country. It has many clones and a surprising range. It can make wines ...
Found in: Morellino di Scansano, Rosso di Montalcino, Rubicone, Chianti Classico
Cabernet Sauvignon
Blackcurrant
Green pepper
Tobacco
Blackberry
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape born in Bordeaux, and it reshaped modern Italian wine. Nearly 14,000 hectares grow across Italy. The plantings are concentrated in Tuscany, Veneto and Sicily. On t...
Found in: Matera, Grottino di Roccanova, Alto Adige/Südtirol, Sicilia
Merlot
Plum
Black cherry
Blackberry
Chocolate
Merlot is a red grape with a serious Italian footprint. Bolgheri DOC, Bolgheri Rosso, Cortona DOC, Suvereto DOCG, Rubicone IGT and Montello Rosso DOCG form its Italian map. It moves from supple coa...
Found in: Rubicone, Matera, Alto Adige/Südtirol, Sicilia
Chardonnay
Green Apple
Citrusy fruit
Pineapple
Honey
Chardonnay is a white grape with a clear Italian role. Franciacorta DOCG and Alta Langa DOCG include it in their classic method sparkling wines. Sicilia DOC gives it a warmer still-wine voice. In I...
Found in: Alto Adige/Südtirol, Sicilia, Langhe, Valdichiana Toscana
The Culinary Marriage
The Craft of Italian Red
Italian red wine is more than a beverage; it is a direct conversation with the land. Italy has over 300 indigenous grape varieties, which lend huge complexity and variety to their red wines. Diverse microclimates and terroir add to the wide range you can find.
Terroir plays an incredibly important part in wine production and can directly affect wine flavours. For example, grapes grown in volcanic soil (such as Etna wines from Sicily) will be smoky, while grapes grown in a coastal region may be fresh and crisp with lively acidity. Italians are famous for producing high-quality wines, often in small quantities - attention to detail and centuries of practice have made Italy one of the most iconic wine-making regions in the world.
Common Questions
A great Italian red wine for beginners is Barbera d'Alba or Chianti Classico. These two wines are emblematic of their famous wine regions and are very drinkable. They also pair wonderfully with many food types.
The most popular Italian red wine is Chianti. It is famous everywhere in the world! Made from Sangiovese, this wine has different classifications (Classico, Riserva, Superiore), is easily available and provides great value for money.
Barolo tends to be the most expensive Italian red but Amarone della Valpolicella gives it a run for its money. Barolo's particular ageing process and viticultural requirements, as well as a high demand for top bottles make it the most expensive across the board.
Italian Red wine is best served at 16–18°C. For structured reds like Barolo or Brunello, aim for 18°C. Lighter reds like Valpolicella are best enjoyed slightly cooler at 14–16°C.
Italian Red wine pairs well with red meats, aged cheeses, rich pasta dishes, and grilled vegetables. Barolo pairs beautifully with truffle dishes, while Chianti is a classic match for tomato-based pasta.
Explore More Wine Styles
White
Crisp and versatile, from alpine freshness to Mediterranean warmth
Rosé
Summer in a glass, bright, delicate, endlessly drinkable
Sparkling
From Prosecco to Franciacorta, bubbles for every occasion
Sweet
Liquid gold, Italy's dessert wines are among the world's finest
Orange
Ancient craft, modern obsession, skin-contact whites with soul