Italy makes some of the greatest red wines in the world, from powerful, age-worthy classics to juicy, easy-drinking bottles perfect for a weeknight pizza. With hundreds of native grapes, choosing can feel overwhelming. This guide covers the best Italian red wines to know, what they taste like and what to pair them with.
The Best Italian Red Wines at a Glance
| Wine | Region | Grape | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barolo | Piedmont | Nebbiolo | Powerful, tannic, long-lived |
| Barbaresco | Piedmont | Nebbiolo | Elegant, perfumed |
| Brunello di Montalcino | Tuscany | Sangiovese | Structured, age-worthy |
| Chianti Classico | Tuscany | Sangiovese | Fresh, savoury, food-friendly |
| Amarone della Valpolicella | Veneto | Corvina blend | Rich, velvety, made from dried grapes |
| Valpolicella Ripasso | Veneto | Corvina blend | Round, "baby Amarone" |
| Bolgheri / Super Tuscans | Tuscany | Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese | Modern, full-bodied |
| Primitivo di Manduria | Puglia | Primitivo | Ripe, generous, great value |
| Taurasi | Campania | Aglianico | Dark, volcanic, tannic |
| Etna Rosso | Sicily | Nerello Mascalese | Elegant, mineral |
| Nero d'Avola | Sicily | Nero d'Avola | Juicy, dark-fruited |
| Montepulciano d'Abruzzo | Abruzzo | Montepulciano | Soft, everyday value |
| Lambrusco | Emilia-Romagna | Lambrusco | Sparkling red, fresh |
The Great Classics
Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino are Italy's most celebrated reds: built to age for decades and highly sought after by collectors. Amarone offers a completely different experience, rich and velvety thanks to grapes dried for months before pressing. Read more in our guides to Barolo, Brunello and Amarone.
Best Value Italian Reds
For great quality at a friendly price, look south: Primitivo from Puglia, Nero d'Avola from Sicily, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Aglianico from Campania and Basilicata.
Food Pairing Guide
- Pizza and tomato pasta: Chianti Classico, Barbera, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Lambrusco.
- Steak and roasts: Barolo, Brunello, Bolgheri, Taurasi.
- Braised meats and game: Amarone, Barolo.
- Barbecue: Primitivo, Nero d'Avola.
- Charcuterie: Lambrusco, Valpolicella.
Collecting Italian Red Wine
Top Italian reds can gain value as they age. On Winoo you can create a private cellar profile, add your bottles, get them evaluated and connect with collectors and buyers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous Italian red wine?
Chianti is the best known worldwide; Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino are the most prestigious.
What is a good Italian red wine for beginners?
Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Ripasso or Primitivo: fruity, approachable and food-friendly.
Which Italian red wines age best?
Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello di Montalcino, Amarone and Taurasi can age for 20 years or more.