The Italian wines we get today are much more than a bottle of Chianti – although this wine, made from the increasingly popular sangiovese grape, is still an excellent partner for Italian food and dishes with tomato-based sauces. Generally, wines made from sangiovese are medium bodied, brightly flavoured with red berry fruits, have light but firm tannins and show a savoury or gently spicy complexity. Try the Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico 2009 (from $25) for a savoury, earthy style.

Pinot grigio is the Italian cousin of pinot gris, but usually shows a drier, more citrus and spice driven flavour. It’s great with seafood. The Tramin Alto Adige Pinot Grigio 2010 ($25) is a great introduction to the variety, with bright, clean fruit flavours and a refreshing, gently spicy feel. For something more exotic, try the Radikon Pinot Grigio 2009 ($75) for a rich, complex and intriguing wine.

Prosecco production in Australia is on the rise, but the national sparkling wine of Italy has yet to capture broad attention. Canella Prosecco di Conegliano NV ($27) is a very good example – fresh and frisky.

Arguably the most ‘serious’ wines of Italy are made in the region of Piedmont from the grape nebbiolo. For a great yardstick of the elegance the variety can show, try the excellent Corino Langhe Nebbiolo 2010 ($41).

For more of our top wine picks be sure to check out our favourite red and white wines from around the world.