Choosing Italian wine can feel intimidating if you’re used to buying bottles by familiar categories such as Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Rioja or Pinot Grigio. Italian labels focus on regions and grape names that many UK drinkers haven’t encountered, and this can make it difficult to know where to begin. The good news is that Italian wine is incredibly diverse, meaning there is always an Italian equivalent to the styles you already enjoy. Whether you prefer crisp whites, bold reds or elegant, aromatic wines, this palate decoder shows you exactly which Italian bottles will match your personal taste. Instead of guessing based on labels or price tags, you can now choose with confidence based on flavours you already know and love.
If You Like Sauvignon Blanc — Try These Italian Whites
Sauvignon Blanc drinkers tend to enjoy wines that are fresh, zesty, aromatic and mouth-watering. Italy has several perfect matches.
Vermentino
Bright, citrus-driven and coastal, Vermentino delivers the same freshness and vibrancy as Sauvignon Blanc. Expect flavours of lemon peel, green apple, sea breeze and soft herbs. It works brilliantly with seafood, salads and lighter dishes.
Grillo
A Sicilian white with crisp acidity and refreshing citrus-melon flavours. Grillo feels modern, clean and energetic, making it an easy transition for Sauvignon Blanc fans.
Pecorino
More textured but still crisp, Pecorino offers zesty acidity, pear, citrus and a mineral finish. It appeals to those who enjoy slightly fuller styles of Sauvignon Blanc.
If You Like Chardonnay — Try These Italian Whites
Chardonnay drinkers often enjoy medium-bodied whites with texture, subtle fruit and elegance. Italy offers outstanding alternatives that maintain richness without heaviness.
Soave Classico (Garganega)
Elegant and mineral with flavours of white peach, almond and gentle florals. Soave is a refined, food-friendly alternative to unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay.
Lugana (Turbiana)
Creamy, smooth and delicately fruity with a soft citrus profile. Lugana offers a polished texture reminiscent of premium cool-climate Chardonnay.
Fiano
Rich, aromatic and slightly nutty, Fiano brings complexity without weight. Fans of Burgundian Chardonnay often love its depth and structure.
If You Like Pinot Grigio — Try These Italian Whites
Pinot Grigio drinkers enjoy clean, refreshing wines that are light, easy and uncomplicated. Italy offers familiar yet more characterful versions.
Gavi (Cortese)
Fresh, crisp and pure with gentle orchard fruit and mineral lift. Gavi is a premium upgrade for Pinot Grigio lovers seeking more refinement.
Verdicchio
Still refreshing but fuller and more expressive. Expect citrus, soft almond notes and a long, clean finish.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Light, smooth and delicately fruity — perfect for anyone who enjoys soft, fresh whites without sharp acidity.
If You Like Rosé / Provence Rosé — Try These Italian Rosati
Italian rosé is beautifully dry, elegant and perfect for UK drinkers who enjoy Provençal styles.
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo
Slightly deeper in colour, yet still dry and refined. Expect wild strawberry, herbs and a savoury edge.
Chiaretto
From Lake Garda — pale, crisp and delicate, with soft berry fruit and refreshing acidity.
Sicilian Rosato
Light, fruity and perfect for summer drinking, especially with grilled vegetables or salads.
If You Like Pinot Noir — Try These Italian Reds
Pinot Noir lovers enjoy light-bodied reds with freshness, aroma and finesse. Italy excels in this category.
Nerello Mascalese
Often compared directly to Pinot Noir, Nerello Mascalese offers red berries, smoke, herbs and volcanic minerality. Elegant, lifted and expressive.
Frappato
Bright, juicy and aromatic with soft tannins and floral notes. Ideal when served slightly chilled.
Chianti (Sangiovese)
While slightly firmer than Pinot Noir, good Chianti offers red cherry, herbs and refinement that Pinot drinkers often gravitate towards.
If You Like Merlot — Try These Italian Reds
Merlot fans enjoy smooth, soft-fruited reds with gentle tannins.
Negroamaro
Silky, earthy and rich in dark fruit, Negroamaro is approachable and comforting — an excellent match for Merlot lovers.
Dolcetto
Light tannins, dark fruit and soft texture. One of Italy’s smoothest reds.
Nero d’Avola
Richer than Merlot but still velvety, with plum, cocoa and spice.
If You Like Malbec — Try These Italian Reds
Malbec drinkers often want bold fruit, smooth texture and depth.
Aglianico
Italy’s answer to bold, structured wines. Full-bodied, complex and long-finishing, yet often smoother than young Malbec when well made.
Primitivo
Rich, warm and fruit-forward — blackberries, plum and spice. Very satisfying for Malbec drinkers.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (Richer Styles)
Juicy, dark-fruited and generous, especially from warmer zones. Smooth but full of character.
If You Like Rioja — Try These Italian Reds
Rioja drinkers like medium-bodied reds with balance, savouriness and sometimes a touch of oak.
Chianti Classico (Sangiovese)
A natural comparison: savoury, balanced, bright and food-friendly. Perfect for UK Rioja fans.
Montepulciano
Smoother, fruitier and very approachable — a great everyday alternative.
Nero d’Avola (lighter styles)
When made in a fresher style, Nero d’Avola mirrors Rioja’s mix of fruit, spice and earthiness.
If You Like Australian Shiraz — Try These Italian Reds
Shiraz lovers want richness, spice and bold flavour.
Primitivo
A natural match: ripe fruit, warm spice and a plush, inviting texture.
Nero d’Avola
Rich and powerful, but more savoury and structured than Shiraz — ideal for fans of spice-driven reds.
Aglianico del Vulture
For those who enjoy Shiraz’s intensity but want more elegance and minerality.
If You Like Zinfandel — Try These Italian Reds
Zinfandel drinkers love generous fruit and a warm, crowd-pleasing style.
Primitivo
Genetically identical to Zinfandel, with the same ripe fruit and plush texture.
Negroamaro
Smooth, dark and subtly sweet in style — extremely enjoyable for Zin fans.
If You Like Fuller Reds with Chocolatey Notes — Try These Italian Reds
For fans of rich, smooth reds:
Nero d’Avola
Naturally cocoa-toned and velvety.
Appassimento Reds
Made from dried grapes, offering richness, warmth and depth similar to modern fuller-bodied wines.
If You Like Crisp, Mineral Whites — Try These Italian Whites
When drinkers enjoy Chablis, Muscadet or mineral-driven whites:
Soave Classico
Mineral, structured and elegant.
Etna Bianco (Carricante)
Volcanic, saline and incredibly refined.
Fiano
Textured, layered and beautifully balanced.
If You Like Creamy Whites — Try These Italian Whites
Fans of fuller whites such as oaked Chardonnay will enjoy:
Lugana
Smooth, creamy, gently fruity.
Falanghina
Soft orchard fruit with subtle floral notes and rounded texture.
If You Like Sparkling Wines — Try These Italian Options
Whether you enjoy Prosecco, Champagne or Cava:
Franciacorta
Italy’s answer to Champagne: elegant, toasty and refined.
Trento DOC
High-altitude sparkling wine made in the traditional method, crisp and elegant.
Prosecco (Brut)
Fresh, citrusy and extremely versatile.
Final Thoughts
Choosing Italian wine doesn’t need to be confusing. By matching your existing preferences to Italy’s enormous range of grape varieties and styles, you can discover new wines that feel instantly familiar. Whether you enjoy bright and zesty whites, smooth reds, bold fruit-forward bottles or elegant, aromatic wines, there is always an Italian equivalent ready to meet your palate. With this decoder, UK drinkers can explore Italy with confidence, curiosity and excitement, unlocking new favourites along the way.
