Italy makes more wine than any country on earth, from more grapes than anyone can reasonably name, across twenty regions that agree on almost nothing. It is a beautiful, glorious mess, and that is exactly the point.

There is no single Italian wine, and trying to pin one down misses the fun. Better to travel the boot and let each region surprise you.

North to South, a Different Country Each Time

In the north, Piedmont makes regal Nebbiolo and the Veneto pours endless Prosecco and brooding Amarone. Central Italy is Sangiovese country, all Tuscan hills and savoury reds. Head south and the sun turns up the volume, from Campania's ancient whites to the volcanic reds of Sicily. Same flag, entirely different wines.

A Grape for Every Village

Italy grows hundreds of native grape varieties, most of which never leave home. That can look daunting on a wine list, but it is really an invitation: the unfamiliar name is usually where the excitement (and the value) is hiding. Order the one you cannot pronounce.

The Golden Rule: Drink It With Food

Whatever region you land in, Italian wine shares one instinct: it is built for the table. That mouth-watering acidity and savoury edge can seem austere on its own, then springs to life the moment food arrives. Never drink Italian wine alone. It gets lonely, and so will you.