When people think of Italian wine, their minds often drift to the rolling hills of Tuscany or the elegant reds of Piemonte. If you were to ask us what’s really exciting customers in our shops right now, we’d point you further south to sun-drenched vineyards, coastal breezes and some of the best value bottles in the country from two regions we absolutely love: Puglia and Sicily.
The Sun-Soaked Powerhouse: Puglia
Tucked away in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is a land of olive groves, whitewashed towns and endless sunshine. For years, it quietly supplied blending wine to northern producers. But not anymore. Today, Puglia is confidently bottling its own wines and they’re packed with character. The warm Mediterranean climate means ripe grapes are the norm here. If you enjoy generous, fruit forward reds with plenty of body, this is your happy place.
What we love about wines from Puglia is their approachability. They’re generous without being fussy. Perfect for barbecues, pasta nights or when you simply want a comforting glass at the end of the day. Plus crucially, they consistently overdeliver for the price.
Grapes to Know
Primitivo
Big, bold and velvety. Think dark cherries, plums, chocolate and sweet spice. It’s the grape behind the famous wines of Primitivo di Manduria, and it’s a customer favourite for good reason. Plush, warming and wonderfully smooth – a proper crowd-pleaser.
Try: Lirica Primitivo di Manduria 2022
Negroamaro
Slightly more savoury in personality, often showing dark berries, dried herbs and a gently bitter twist on the finish (its name loosely translates as “black and bitter”). It makes fantastic food wines, particularly brilliant with tomato-based dishes and grilled meats.
Try: Produttori Di Manduria Acid Crab Negroamaro 2024
Fiano
Fiano brings freshness to the region’s sunshine, with notes of pear, citrus, almond and sometimes a subtle honeyed edge. It’s textured, characterful and a great choice if you want a white with a bit more depth.
Try: Produttori di Manduria Zin Fiano 2024
The Island with Attitude: Sicily
Head further south and you land in Sicily, an island that feels like a world of its own. With heat, mountain vineyards and cooling sea breezes, Sicily has undergone a remarkable wine revolution over the last couple of decades. At the heart of its story is Mount Etna, an active volcano. Vines grow on its slopes in mineral-rich volcanic soils, producing some of the most exciting wines in Italy.
Sicilian wines can be wonderfully contrasting with sun-ripened fruit balanced by freshness and energy. It’s their vibrancy that keeps people coming back for another bottle.
Grapes to Know
Nero d’Avola
Sicily’s flagship red and a staple in our shop. Expect ripe red and black fruit, a hint of spice and a softer, juicier style than you might imagine from such a warm island. Modern examples balance richness with freshness beautifully.
Try: Sensale Bio Nero d’Avola 2024
Frappato
If Nero d’Avola is the powerhouse, Frappato is the charmer. Light to medium-bodied, fragrant and full of bright red berry fruit, it’s the kind of red you can (and should) serve slightly chilled. Silky, aromatic and incredibly drinkable.
Grillo
Once known mainly for its role in fortified wines, Grillo has reinvented itself as one of Sicily’s most exciting whites. Crisp citrus, stone fruit and a refreshing saline note make it perfect for seafood and sunshine drinking. Zesty, lively and seriously versatile.
Try: Sibiliana Sensale Bio Grillo 2024
So… Puglia or Sicily?
Honestly? It depends on your mood. If you’re craving plush, warming reds with plenty of fruit and a smooth finish, Puglia rarely disappoints. If you’re looking for something with a bit more edge perhaps a volcanic twist, fresher acidity or a more savoury profile then Sicily is endlessly fascinating.
From our perspective as an independent wine merchant, these regions represent everything we love about modern Italian wine: authenticity, value and producers who are proud of their heritage but not stuck in the past.
If you haven’t explored the south of Italy in your glass yet, now is the time!
