Italian Red Wine: Chianti, Barolo & Bold Reds Made for Food

Popular Italian Red Wine Styles

Chianti is the heart of our range, made in Tuscany from the Sangiovese grape. Bright and savoury, with sour cherry, herbs and a touch of leather, it is the classic partner for pasta and pizza.

Tuscany also gives us the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino and bold Super Tuscans, where Sangiovese meets Cabernet and Merlot.

Barolo and Barbaresco, from Piedmont in the north, are made from Nebbiolo. Powerful yet perfumed, with rose, tar and red cherry, these are among Italy's most age worthy reds. Piedmont also pours juicy, everyday Barbera.

From the Veneto comes Amarone, a rich, velvety red made from dried grapes, along with easygoing Valpolicella. Further south, Primitivo from Puglia is ripe and generous, while Sicily's Nero d'Avola brings warm, spicy dark fruit.

Sicily's Etna reds, grown on the volcano's slopes from Nerello Mascalese, have become a cult favourite for their smoky elegance, and Abruzzo's Montepulciano delivers plush, everyday value.

How to Serve Italian Red Wine

Serve fuller Italian reds like Barolo, Amarone and Super Tuscans at cool room temperature, around 16 to 18 degrees, and give them time to breathe in a decanter.

Lighter, brighter styles like Chianti, Valpolicella and Barbera are lovely slightly cooler, around 15 degrees. A larger glass helps all that perfume unfold.

Food Pairing Ideas

Italian red is the ultimate food wine. Chianti and Sangiovese are magic with tomato pasta, pizza and grilled meats, their acidity cutting through richness.

Barolo loves truffles, braised beef and hard cheeses, while rich Amarone suits slow cooked stews, and Primitivo is a natural with barbecue and charcuterie.

Chianti vs Barolo: What Is the Difference?

These are Italy's two most famous reds, and they could hardly be more different. Chianti comes from Tuscany and is made from Sangiovese, giving a bright, savoury, food loving red at friendly prices.

Barolo comes from Piedmont in the north and is made from Nebbiolo. It is paler in colour but far more powerful and tannic, a serious wine built to age for a decade or more.

Put simply, Chianti is the everyday charmer and Barolo is the special occasion icon, often called the king of Italian wine. Both are essential Italian classics, and between them lies a whole world of regional reds to discover.

Why Buy Italian Red Wine at YourWines?

Every Italian red in our collection is handpicked by our team, from famous Tuscan and Piedmont names to characterful growers across the south, all chosen for quality and value. Whatever you are cooking, there is an Italian red here to match.

Explore our wider red wine range, dive into the Sangiovese that powers Chianti, or browse by style with our full bodied red and dry red wine collections.

In the mood for a different style? Discover Italian white wine, rosé and sparkling wine too, or step back to the full Italian wine range and explore every region.