Affordable Italian wines to try this season

Prosecco is Italy’s delightful answer to bubbles, and it’s not reserved for special occasions. This version from Ruffino is approachable and vibrant, brimming with aromas of lemon, white strawberry, white raspberry, crisp apple and cream. The vibrant palate sets the mood for an aperitivo hour.

If you haven’t explored the red sparkling wines of Emilia-Romagna, let this be your invitation to try Lambrusco, a specialty of the region. Slightly off-dry with delicate bubbles, this red boasts aromas and flavours of rhubarb, cherry, cream and a hint of cherry Kool-Aid. 

This is a delightful blend of red grapes that captures the freshness of its mountain climate. It’s a light-coloured, spirited wine with delicate floral notes, as well as wild strawberry, blackcurrant and a subtle minerality. This bottle shines when paired with roasted dishes and pasta with fish.

This distinctive blend is made up of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Sauvignon blanc. It undergoes three months of aging in Allier oak, which results in a compelling juice filled with orchard fruits, citrus and green herbal notes that highlights the best qualities of each grape.

When you think of budget-friendly Italian wines, one grape always comes to mind: Pinot Grigio. But few make an impression like this one. With notes of wildflowers, white peach and watercress and a touch of minerality, it delivers a sunny and bright palate.

While Sicily’s volcanic soil often conjures images of robust reds, the region also produces some fabulous mineral-driven white wines. This standout boasts a fresh bouquet of white peach, wildflowers and a hint of sapidity, finishing with a crisp edge. It’s a great match for classic Italian bruschetta.

To truly experience the essence of Sicilian wines, a glass of Nero d’Avola is essential. This wine undergoes aging in both steel and wood, creating rich aromatic and flavour profiles. Expect notes of earth, purple flowers, cherry, pomegranate and blackcurrant.

This bottle is a superb representation of southern Italy. It offers aromas of black cherry, wild blackberry and bold, meaty spices, culminating in a powerful and encompassing finish. It’s ever more enticing when paired with Neapolitan-style Diavola pizza.

Hailing from Sicily, Marsala is a fortified wine with a rich history and a quality that deserves much respect. This wine’s sweet profile perfectly complements after-dinner moments. With its amber hue, it can be served over ice to highlight its rich flavours of raisin, caramel and nuttiness.