If you’ve ever stared at a wine list and felt a little unsure of where to start, you’re not alone. Wine menus can look fancy, but the truth is, they’re just a mix of personalities in a bottle. Italian wines especially have a lot of character. Some are bold and deep, others are light and easy-going, but all of them tell a story.

At Buzo, the wine list isn’t about showing off. It’s about pairing good wine with good food. And once you know what you’re looking at, it becomes way easier to enjoy. Let’s break down a few of the Italian wines you’ll actually want to try and what makes them stand out.

Chianti

Chianti is the wine you go for when you want something that feels balanced and sure of itself. It’s made mostly from Sangiovese grapes, which means it has this mix of bright cherry, herbs, and a little spice.

It goes perfectly with tomato-based dishes. So if you’re ordering Fettuccine al Ragù Bolognese or Lasagna, a glass of Mazzei Fonterutoli Chianti Classico is the right move. It’s smooth, a little dry, and has that clean finish that makes you nod after every sip.

Think of Chianti as that confident friend who always seems to know what to order.

Barolo

Barolo is for people who enjoy taking their time. It’s rich, layered, and known as the “king of Italian wines.” It’s made from the Nebbiolo grape, which gives it a deep red color and a mix of dark fruit, tobacco, and earthy notes.

If you’re planning a heavier meal like Bistecca alla Fiorentina or Stinco d’Agnello, Barolo is your match. The boldness of the wine stands up to the richness of the meat.

This is the kind of wine you sip slowly. It lingers, like a good conversation you don’t want to end.

Nero d’Avola

Nero d’Avola comes from Sicily, and it’s known for being full-bodied but soft. You get a mix of dark berry flavours, with a little bit of warmth and spice.

The Farnatella Nero di Nubi on Buzo’s menu captures that balance perfectly. It’s smooth enough to drink on its own but pairs nicely with dishes like Polpettine Liguri al Sugo Piccante or Cotoletta di Pollo.

If you like red wine but don’t want anything too heavy, this one hits the sweet spot. It’s easy to enjoy, easy to love, and feels welcoming even if you’re not a “wine person.”

Montepulciano

Montepulciano wines are crowd-pleasers. They’re approachable, fruity, and versatile, which means they work with almost anything on the menu.

The Avignonesi Nobile di Montepulciano has a soft texture with notes of cherry and plum. It pairs beautifully with pastas like Torcelli Salsiccia e Porcini or pizzas like Quattro Stagioni.

If you’re dining with friends and want a red that everyone can agree on, Montepulciano is that reliable choice. It’s not trying to prove anything. It just gets along with everyone at the table.

Prosecco

You can’t talk about Italian wine without mentioning Prosecco. It’s light, bubbly, and has that refreshing sweetness that puts people in a good mood.

At Buzo, it’s great to start the evening with a glass of Prosecco before your Antipasti. It pairs well with seafood dishes like Fritto Misto di Mare or Tartar di Tonno, and honestly, it’s also just perfect on its own.

Prosecco is that friend who brings life to the table. The one who laughs loudly, tells good stories, and somehow makes every night feel like a celebration.

The Point Isn’t to Be an Expert

You don’t need to memorize names or act like a sommelier to enjoy good wine. The fun part is exploring. Try a red with dinner, go white with seafood, or start the night with bubbles.

The staff at Buzo can always help you pick something that fits your mood or meal. And once you start trying a few, you’ll figure out what kind of wine person you are without ever needing to overthink it.

Wine doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to make sense with what’s in front of you: good food, good company, and a little time to enjoy both.

So next time you’re at Buzo, skip the guesswork. Try one of these Italian wines, sip slowly, and let the experience speak for itself.