The nine best Italian wines to buy right now

1. Castellore Organic Prosecco Rosé 2022, Veneto 11.5%

Well priced, pale-pink prosecco that’s a cut above many on the high street. There’s a light, strawberry yogurt flavour and delicate little bubbles. Refreshing party pop, sorted. £7.99, available from Aldi

2. Piersanti Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2022, Marche 13.5%

Crisp lemon and lime sing out in this bright white from central-eastern Marche, and there’s a subtle herbal hint. One for seafood and leafy salads. £7.25, available from The Co-op, in-store only

3. Fior d’Italia Bardolino Chiaretto Rosé 2023, Veneto 12%

Elegant Italian rosato, made from local grape varieties in the northeast. It’s subtle and dry, with wisps of redcurrants and raspberries trailing through it. £8, available from Marks & Spencer (in-store) and online via Ocado

4. Fortnum & Mason Franciacorta Cuvée Brut NV, Lombardy 12.5%

Franciacorta is Italy’s answer to champagne – sparkling wines under this name are made using the same bottle-fermented method and, as seen in this fine example, emerge with creamy depths, almond and lemon mousse hints and crisp bubbles. A special sparkler. £26.50, available from Fortnum & Mason

5. M&S Expressions Vermentino 2022, Sardinia 12%

From sunny Sardinia, a lime- streaked vermentino that has half a twist of white pepper in the tail. Its slightly rounded quality will go well with creamy pasta sauces or vegetarian/ prawn risottos. £8, available from Marks & Spencer (in-store) and available online via Ocado

6. Taste the Difference Marzemino 2022, Trentino 12.5%

A fresh, juicy red from the northeast, easy-drinking with plenty of black cherry and red plum. It could take a light chill to emphasise its tangy character. £9.75, down to £8 from 28 Aug to 17 Sep, available from Sainsbury’s

7. Finest Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2021 13.5%
A keenly priced go-to red for classic Italian dishes like lasagne or bolognese, this even pairs up well with pizzas. It’s medium-bodied, with mixed red berry compote flavours – especially juicy cherries. £8, available from Tesco

8. Villa Cafaggio Organic Chianti Classico 2021, Tuscany 13.5%

Premium Tuscan chianti, rich with strawberries and red cherries, plus notes of fresh tobacco leaf and wood spice from barrel ageing. Perfect with a steak and – when autumn arrives – game birds, especially roast pheasant. £14.99, available from Waitrose

9. Varvaglione Margrande Fiano Salento 2023, Puglia 13%
A zesty white made from the fiano grape in the southern part of Italy’s ‘heel’. It has moreish flavours of green apple and peach with a whistle-clean mineral finish. Chill for white fish such as sole or plaice (or see p49). £18.85 (£16.97 each for 12), available from Great Wine

Discover the rest of our drinks recommendations, from the best English and Welsh wines to our top bottles for recovering from a wine rut.