Barbera can be a bit of a chameleon, so let's set the record straight immediately; this wine falls into the pure-fruited, punchy, lighter bodied, good-times category. Pure, black cherry, raspberry, nettle and anise aromas and flavours - perfumed and engaging - it has both sweet and savoury notes and more than enough structure to keep the palate fresh. It also showcases the finesse that is so typical of Massolino's wines. Matured in stainless steel and concrete tanks, this wine hails from a 2.2-hectare limestone-rich vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba where the vines are between 10 and 35 years of age.

Made in the typical 'amabile' (semi-sweet) style with a pleasant touch of spritz on the palate. Ballini Lambrusco is a great match for hearty Italian foods including cold meats and cheese. Terrific value for money.

Concentrated aromas and flavours of prunes, dried raisins, herbs and soil with a juicy palate, supple tannins and balanced acidy, this is a benchmark for the style.Regarded as one of the top producers in the Veneto, Tomaso Bussallo continually produces Amarone that ranks at the top by Italys fine wine guide, Gamberro Rosso.

Orlando Abrigo Mervisano Barbera dAlba Superiore This Mervisano Barbera is the result of the selection of the best batches of the parcels of old vines in the locality of Roreto, in the municipality of Trezzo Tinella and in the municipality of Neviglie.

We searched the region of Abruzzo for a savoury quaffer that's perfect for Tuesday night Italian, and this is it. Bright red fruit with length and depth, rustic (but squeaky clean) with genuine Italian savoury notes and that chalky tannin edge on the finish.

What the Hunter Valley and David Hook does so very well - meduim bodied reds that have good savoury length and nice integrated tannins.