Why We Love Italian Wines: A Guide to Our Favourites

The Whites:

Pinot Grigio… But Better

Ignore the forgettable, flabby Pinot Grigios you find in the supermarket. Italy produces some seriously impressive versions and Majestic has some fantastic examples, like the Alteno Organic Pinot Grigio and the beautifully balanced Breganze Pinot Grigio Rosé. The best ones have delicate floral aromas, a burst of citrus, a subtle almond-like finish and, importantly, crisp acidity – perfect with seafood or just as a well chilled glass on a warm evening.

Discover Soave & Gavi

Soave and Gavi remain some of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Definition by Majestic Soave Classico is made from Garganega grapes grown on volcanic soils, giving it a mineral-driven elegance that pairs beautifully with grilled fish or creamy risottos. Meanwhile, Definition by Majestic Gavi di Gavi DOCG, made from the Cortese grape, is all about crisp apple, white peach and fresh citrus. A dream with antipasti.

The Mediterranean Trio: Vermentino, Fiano & Pecorino

If you love bright, sun-soaked wines, try Banfi Vermentino – a lively, aromatic white from Tuscany with a mouthwatering hint of salinity. Pietraia Pecorino DOC delivers a punch of tropical fruits and herbal freshness, while the Pietrariccia Fiano is all about ripe pear, lemon zest and a touch of honeyed richness.

Something Different: Vespaiolo & Sicilian Grillo

Looking for a wildcard? Breganze Vespaiolo is a rare Venetian grape that’s crisp, citrusy and slightly floral, making it a delicious choice for soft cheeses and salads. Or try the Vito Mameli Grillo – a lively Sicilian white with tropical fruit and a whisper of spice.

The Reds: 

Veneto’s Finest: Amarone & Valpolicella

There’s nothing quite like Amarone. Made from dried grapes, it’s rich, velvety and full of deep cherry, chocolate and spice notes. Antica Vigna Amarone is a perfect example – decadent, powerful and built for hearty meals.

If Amarone is a little too full-throttle, Borghetti Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore is a great alternative. It uses the ripasso method of winemaking, where Valpolicella wine is re-fermented on Amarone grape skins,  giving it extra depth and a velvety texture.

Take a deeper dive into these two iconic Venetian wines in our dedicated blog,

Chianti Classico & Brunello’s Little Brother

Sangiovese is Tuscany’s heartbeat, and San Leonino Chianti Classico DOCG is a great introduction to its bright cherry and spice character. For something a little more refined, Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG  has layers of dark fruits, cedar and dried herbs.

For an underrated alternative, Tenuta Casenuove Chianti DOCG offers fantastic value, while Memoro Montepulciano d'Abruzzo delivers juicy black fruits and a smooth finish.

Southern Italy’s Power Pair: Primitivo & Nero d’Avola

Southern Italy does big, bold reds brilliantly. Polvanera Organic Primitivo is a deep, velvety red packed with ripe plum, fig and spice, while Pasqua ‘DLZ Founder’s Selection’ Primitivo di Puglia brings even more richness with a chocolatey finish. For a Sicilian twist, Vito Mameli Nero d’Avola is all about dark cherries, liquorice and soft tannins – ideal for anything grilled or roasted.

Appassimento: The Italian Method for Rich Reds

Appassimento is the winemaking method behind Amarone, where grapes are dried to concentrate their flavours. If you love that style but want to try something at a more ‘everyday’ price, try our bestselling Nero Oro Appassimento – it’s full-bodied, smooth and packed with dark fruits and spice, offering a taste of the unique style without denting the wallet.

The Sparkling: 

The Classic Crowd-Pleaser: Prosecco

Prosecco is a no-brainer for celebrations, and Maschio Prosecco DOC is a great all-rounder – light, crisp and effortlessly drinkable. If you want something extra special, Bottega Gold will certainly bring a touch of glamour, while Bottega Rosé Gold adds a splash of fresh, fruity elegance.

Italy’s Best-Kept Sparkling Secret: Franciacorta

If you love Champagne, you need to try Castel Faglia Franciacorta. Made using the same traditional winemaking method as the much celebrated French fizz, it has a refined mousse, brioche notes and a crisp, elegant finish. Perfect for toasting or pairing with seafood.

And Last But Not Least: Italian Rosé

Rosé isn’t just a seasonal drink in Italy. The bottle that’s trending in store and in our tasting room right now is Pasqua ‘11 Minutes’ Rosé. Delicate, fresh and packed with wild strawberry and peach notes, it’s a brilliant apéritif but also works with light pasta dishes and roast chicken.