Best Italian wines: the complete guide

Take a tour around Italy with the best Italian wines. We break down the highlights from each region and the top bottles you need to try.

Food Editor

Emily Lambe

With its rolling vineyards, fields of fresh produce, and sun-soaked coast, it's easy to see why our team of winemakers are inspired by the flavours and colours of Italy. The country is home to an expansive wine industry, with many local producers making the most of the rich landscape. Explore this impressive country and discover the top regions for winemaking and the best Italian wines to try.

Browse our wines

Top wine regions of Italy

Italy’s natural resources and geography make it the perfect place for crafting high-quality wines. “The really special thing about Italy is the diversity and sheer number of grape varieties that are local and specific to their region,” says senior buyer Dror Nativ. “It’s got such a range of climates from north to south, which then lends itself to the different varieties and styles.” Here's a look at some of our favourite regions to explore.

Veneto- situated in northeastern Italy, this region produces more wine than anywhere else in the country. The Glera grape produces light and sparkling Prosecco, and Corvina grapes make a rich, red Valpolicella.
Tuscany- the sunny countryside and rolling hills of Tuscany make for a prime vineyard location. Luscious Sangiovese grapes are the star of the show and make a velvety smooth Chianti.
Piedmont- tucked in the stunning foothills of the Alps, Piedmont is home to the acclaimed Nebbiolo grape, which makes a full-bodied and complex Barolo.
Lombardy- unwind with a view of Lake Como in one of the largest wine regions in the country. Lombardy is known for its sparkling wines, like Lambrusco.
Sicily- the southernmost region of Italy, this warm island gets plenty of sunshine and consistent rainfall from the temperate Mediterranean water. Be sure to try one of its most famous wines, Nero d’Avola.

Best Italian red wines

You’re spoiled for choice when deciding on an Italian red wine. You can’t go wrong with a well-loved Chianti, like our Collection Chianti – a fruit-forward wine with notes of Morello cherries, violets, and chocolate. For something more unique, M&S wine specialist technical manager, Sue Daniels, recommends our M&S Found Refosco. “It’s a really light, fruity, juicy red which is extremely popular,” says Sue. For a classic option, go for our Collection Barolo. “I think Nebbiolo is such an aromatic red grape variety. With notes of cherry fruit, it also has a floral aroma of roses,” explains Dror. We also recommend the M&S Found Marzemino – a lighter red with notes of red cherry, redcurrants and Italian herbs. “It’s a favourite. It’s got real character and is still light and refreshing,” says Dror.

See more red wine

Best Italian white wines

Nothing hits the spot like a cool, crisp glass of white wine. Not sure where to start? “Something very classic would be the Collection Gavi del Comune di Gavi,” recommends Sue. This unoaked white is bursting with citrus and stone fruit flavours. For a fan favourite, this unoaked M&S Classics Pinot Grigio contains lively notes of green apple, pear, and herbs. Made in the Venezie region, cool summers and Adriatic breezes allow the grapes to ripen slowly for a crisp and herbal result. Looking for something new? Our M&S Found Lucido will do the trick. Made in Sicily, this invigorating white is bursting with citrus and floral notes.

Browse more white wines

Best Italian rosé

It isn’t summer without a glass of refreshing rosé on the go. Hailing from northern Italy's Bardolino region, this La Fioritura Bardolino Chiaretto Rosé is made with red grapes using white winemaking techniques. It’s fresh and delicate with fruity flavours of nectarine and raspberry. Or celebrate Veneto’s winemaking with this Conti Priuli Pinot Grigio Blush, full of zesty citrus, succulent strawberry and delicate floral notes. For something drier, our M&S Found Susumaniello Rosé comes from Puglia and has a tangy, mineral finish.

More rosé this way

Best Italian sparkling wine

When it comes to celebrations, there’s nothing better than popping a bottle of sparkling wine. Our Conte Priuli Prosecco has luscious aromas of ripe peach and honeysuckle. Or kick off the party with a blush option like this Bellante Prosecco Rosé from the Italian vineyards of Treviso and Venice. It boasts notes of juicy strawberries, redcurrants, and a hint of jasmine thanks to the Glera and Pinot Noir grapes. But Prosecco isn’t your only option when it comes to the best Italian sparkling wine. Our Asti Spumante is crafted with Moscato Bianco grapes and tastes of crushed grapes, wildflowers, and zesty citrus.

More sparkling wine to explore

How to serve Italian wine

Thankfully, nothing pairs better with Italian wine than Italian food. Italy has a long history of food and wine, with plenty of top-quality meat, cheese, and produce stemming from the region. When thinking about what to serve with your Italian wine, think about where it originates from. “Local dishes go well with local wines,” says Dror. When in doubt, white wine is best served chilled and paired with lighter dishes like seafood. Red is best at room temperature, served with hearty dishes like beef and stews. A selection of cured meats and Italian cheese never disappoints.

Browse the Foodhall

Get help choosing your wine with M&S

Still unsure how to choose the best wine for you? We’ve turned this daunting task into a breeze with our new Wine Finder. Explore which flavours you enjoy best with our simple quiz. Our AI-fuelled Wine Finder will help you find your new favourite bottle, based on your tastes and preferences. So the next time you’re shopping for wine, you’ll be armed with a tailored list of recommendations, just for you.

Find your perfect bottle

Published 2.26.2025